Many Amazon sellers have expressed frustration with the complexity of the FBA inbound process, particularly during peak season preparations when cumbersome procedures can increase operational costs and impact sales performance. In response to widespread feedback, Amazon has decided to delay the full implementation of its new "Send to Amazon" workflow, granting sellers additional transition time.
Seller Concerns: New Process Creates Operational Challenges
Amazon initially announced the new inbound workflow in June, positioning it as an optimization for inventory management and operational efficiency. However, practical implementation revealed significant challenges for sellers:
- Pre-shipment box information requirements: The mandate to provide detailed box information before shipping created difficulties when supply chain disruptions prevented full inventory receipt.
- Unpredictable destination assignments: The inability to determine fulfillment center destinations before packing complicated logistics planning and increased labor costs.
- Split shipments inflate logistics expenses: The new process frequently divides shipments across multiple fulfillment centers, requiring separate deliveries even for consolidated LTL shipments.
- System transition confusion: The forced migration to the new system created operational errors and reduced shipping efficiency during the adjustment period.
One seller described the logistical challenges: "We ship from one warehouse using a single truck. The new workflow forces us to deliver to different Amazon fulfillment locations, even for LTL shipments. We can't reasonably send trucks to multiple states simultaneously."
Amazon's Response: Extended Transition Period
Following seller feedback, Amazon announced adjustments to the implementation timeline:
- The legacy workflow will remain available until October 16, 2022 (extended from September 1)
- Editing capability for shipments created through the old workflow extends through November 29, 2022
Amazon's official statement clarified: "You now have more time to transition to the Send to Amazon workflow. The old workflow will remain available until October 16, 2022. Shipments created using the old workflow can be edited until November 29, 2022. Note that shipments in the old workflow won't be deleted and will remain available."
Ongoing Concerns: Does Delay Address Core Issues?
While many sellers welcomed the extension, questions remain about whether the delay truly resolves fundamental problems with the new system. One seller questioned the cost distribution: "Sellers bear the expense of shipping directly to Amazon's preferred fulfillment centers rather than nearest locations, where Amazon could handle subsequent distribution."
An Amazon moderator responded: "To ensure seller inventory meets current customer demand signals and Prime commitments, we need visibility into box contents before shipment." This indicates Amazon's focus on inventory optimization to maintain service levels.
Small Sellers Face Disproportionate Impact
The new requirements create particular challenges for small-scale sellers. A secondhand bookseller noted the unreasonable cost burden when Amazon requires splitting minimal inventory across multiple fulfillment centers: "For a single $20 book (netting $12-14), requiring separate nationwide shipments costing $10 or more makes no economic sense."
Peak Season Preparations Continue
With the holiday selling season approaching, Amazon's delay provides sellers valuable time to focus on inventory preparation rather than process changes. However, sellers should utilize this period to familiarize themselves with the new workflow for future implementation.
The postponement demonstrates Amazon's responsiveness to seller concerns while maintaining its inventory optimization objectives. Effective adaptation to these changes remains critical for sellers navigating competitive marketplace dynamics.