Are My KDP Books Not Being Indexed? Book Series Invisible Unless You Search My Brand
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping someone here with more experience in Amazon search or indexing can shed some light. I’ve published a 12-book series of word search puzzle books under the brand Professor Rocko’s Word Search Puzzle Books.
All books have been live for about two months. They’re properly categorized, optimized for keywords, and connected through the official KDP series manager. Each title is professionally formatted with clean metadata and detailed descriptions.
Here’s the issue: none of my books appear in search results unless I type my brand name exactly (“Professor Rocko”). Even very specific queries like “music word search” or “food and drink word search” don’t return my titles — not even many pages deep.
I’ve contacted Amazon support, but the only answer I received was a generic link to their FAQ on “how search works.” No confirmation that my titles are properly indexed.
So, my questions for those of you who manage books or products at scale:
- How can I confirm whether my KDP titles are actually being indexed for their backend and front-end keywords?
- Have you ever had to deal with indexing delays or bugs on new KDP books?
- Are there effective ways (other than PPC) to “nudge” Amazon’s system to recognize new listings?
- And realistically — is running Amazon Ads the only way now to get traction for new books in a crowded niche?
This is my first publishing venture, and I’m trying to understand what’s normal vs what’s a technical issue. I’ve spent a lot of time researching, reading subreddits, and testing metadata adjustments, but I’m still at a loss for why the books seem completely invisible.
Any insights, diagnostic tips, or personal experiences would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
submitted by /u/double_dumpling
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Relisting a bunch of items past their return date
So, I’m helping clean out my brother’s house, and he had a bit of an Amazon hoarding habit… He has somewhere north of 50 unopened items from Amazon that are all past their return date. Most are unopened.
The items range in price from $20 to $700, including many electronics and computer parts. The whole lot is worth probably $10,000. There are a few heavy items like computer cases. There are also various used electronics which are probably worth another $6,000.
Since almost all of this stuff has a matching Amazon listing, it seems like the logical choice to resell it on there. And, the fees are so much less than selling it on eBay.
Ideally, I’d like to get all of it into Amazon’s FBA warehouse in one batch, as handling the sales and shipping of all of this would practically be a full time job.
So, what I’m wondering: – Are there any services which can take a large amount of assorted Amazon items, and handle the process of getting them sent in to FBA? – Are there any services which would just buy it all, at a discount from what the items retail for? – Are there any general recommendations for how I could DIY the process of getting all of this assorted stuff sent in to FBA myself?*
(*I’ve looked around a fair amount, and most of the advice only covers the case of people who are trying to start a business, or sell large numbers of identical items.)
Any help here would be greatly appreciated!
submitted by /u/unfortunate_jargon
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Are My KDP Books Not Being Indexed? Book Series Invisible Unless You Search My Brand
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping someone here with more experience in Amazon search or indexing can shed some light. I’ve published a 12-book series of word search puzzle books under the brand Professor Rocko’s Word Search Puzzle Books.
All books have been live for about two months. They’re properly categorized, optimized for keywords, and connected through the official KDP series manager. Each title is professionally formatted with clean metadata and detailed descriptions.
Here’s the issue: none of my books appear in search results unless I type my brand name exactly (“Professor Rocko”). Even very specific queries like “music word search” or “food and drink word search” don’t return my titles — not even many pages deep.
I’ve contacted Amazon support, but the only answer I received was a generic link to their FAQ on “how search works.” No confirmation that my titles are properly indexed.
So, my questions for those of you who manage books or products at scale:
- How can I confirm whether my KDP titles are actually being indexed for their backend and front-end keywords?
- Have you ever had to deal with indexing delays or bugs on new KDP books?
- Are there effective ways (other than PPC) to “nudge” Amazon’s system to recognize new listings?
- And realistically — is running Amazon Ads the only way now to get traction for new books in a crowded niche?
This is my first publishing venture, and I’m trying to understand what’s normal vs what’s a technical issue. I’ve spent a lot of time researching, reading subreddits, and testing metadata adjustments, but I’m still at a loss for why the books seem completely invisible.
Any insights, diagnostic tips, or personal experiences would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
submitted by /u/double_dumpling
[link] [comments]
Amazon FBM Refund Policy
I’ve recently started selling products through FBM and have seen an increase in customer complaints claiming they never received their order.
In every instance, we provided proper shipping through a carrier and uploaded the tracking ID for the customer. Furthermore, the tracking number shows the item was delivered and includes photo evidence.
As the seller in these “delivered but not received” cases, is it our responsibility per Amazon’s policy to handle the issue, and issue a refund or can we direct the customer to Amazon or the shipping carrier for resolution?
submitted by /u/Huge_Pin_4295
[link] [comments]
Amazon FBM Refund Policy
I’ve recently started selling products through FBM and have seen an increase in customer complaints claiming they never received their order.
In every instance, we provided proper shipping through a carrier and uploaded the tracking ID for the customer. Furthermore, the tracking number shows the item was delivered and includes photo evidence.
As the seller in these “delivered but not received” cases, is it our responsibility per Amazon’s policy to handle the issue, and issue a refund or can we direct the customer to Amazon or the shipping carrier for resolution?
submitted by /u/Huge_Pin_4295
[link] [comments]
UPS Ground Saver: What Changed — and How It Affects Your Shipping Costs
Key Takeaways
- UPS rebranded SurePost to Ground Saver on April 2, 2025 as part of its new ground portfolio.
- Declared value protection dropped from $100 to $20, meaning added cost for higher-value shipments.
- No more USPS handoff — UPS now handles the entire delivery process.
- Restrictions apply: no PO Boxes, military addresses, or shipments outside the 48 contiguous U.S. states.
- New surcharges and rate tables effective June 2, 2025 increased costs for many shippers — particularly for non-standard or longer-distance packages.
- Early reports from shippers show rates may have increased around 8–10%, depending on weight, zone, and contract terms.
From “SurePost” to “Ground Saver” — What Sellers Need to Know
In early 2025, UPS rebranded SurePost® as UPS Ground Saver®, marking a major update to its domestic economy service. While the rebrand may look cosmetic at first glance, it introduced meaningful changes to pricing, coverage, and service structure.
UPS Ground Saver now keeps deliveries entirely within the UPS network, ending the long-standing USPS “final-mile” handoff. That simplifies logistics for UPS — but also limits where you can ship:
No PO Boxes or military addresses
Service limited to the 48 contiguous U.S. states
Stricter size and weight thresholds
The goal was simplification. The side effect? Higher costs and less flexibility for some sellers.
What Changed — and Why You May Be Paying More
1. Updated Rates and Surcharges
UPS released new rate tables effective June 2, 2025, which include added fees for:
- Non-standard package dimensions
- Delivery-area and remote-zone surcharges
- Extra-length and oversized packages
While UPS hasn’t published an average increase percentage, several logistics platforms report that base rates for some Ground Saver shipments have risen between 8–10% depending on zone and weight. In certain scenarios, these surcharges can make UPS Ground comparable — or even cheaper — than Ground Saver for heavier or long-distance parcels.
2. Lower Declared Value Protection
Declared value protection was reduced from $100 to $20, meaning sellers now need to purchase additional coverage for higher-value items. This change alone can increase your overall cost per package if your typical order value exceeds $20.
3. Discount & Contract Variability
Third-party platforms (like ShipStation or Stamps.com) still promote Ground Saver as a low-cost, no-fuel-surcharge service — but that can depend heavily on your contract, negotiated rates, or marketplace program.
If your discounts or volume tiers were adjusted during the rebrand, your Ground Saver pricing may have shifted unexpectedly.
What Sellers Should Do Now
- Run a side-by-side rate comparison
Compare UPS Ground vs Ground Saver using your actual dimensions, weights, and zones. - Review your most common SKUs
Dimensional surcharges are now more aggressive — make sure your boxes still qualify for Ground Saver pricing. - Audit your insurance coverage
If your shipments regularly exceed $20 in value, you’ll need to add coverage or use UPS Ground instead. - Talk to your UPS representative
Ask whether your discount tiers or rate structures changed as part of the April 2025 rebrand. - Stay updated on surcharges
UPS periodically adjusts fuel and seasonal peak fees — these can differ between Ground Saver and standard Ground.
The Bottom Line
UPS didn’t make a mistake — this is a strategic repositioning of its low-cost ground service. UPS Ground Saver now fits a narrower profile: lightweight, short-distance, low-value shipments.
If your packages are heavier, travel longer distances, or carry higher values, you may now find UPS Ground more cost-effective.
Smart shippers track, test, and adapt. Review your rate tables regularly, monitor surcharges, and compare services to keep your margins healthy. A few dollars per shipment adds up fast — and understanding these 2025 UPS changes helps you stay one step ahead.
Ready to Stay Ahead of Amazon’s Shipping Changes?
Turn complex fulfillment changes into clear, data-backed insights with Seller Labs.
Analyze SKU-level costs, monitor profit trends, and optimize your product strategies — all in one place.
For a limited time, get 30% off your first month — after your 30-day free trial.
Related Blogs
- Low Inventory Level Fees: Do You Know How Much Amazon Is Charging You?
Discover how Amazon’s new low-inventory fees can quietly erode your profit margins. - Master Amazon Inventory Like a Pro in 2025 with Seller Labs
Learn how to improve inventory management using Seller Labs’ data-driven tools. - Amazon 2025 Fee Changes: How They Affect Sellers
Understand how Amazon’s updated fee structure will influence your 2025 profit strategy. - Amazon Buyer-Seller Messaging Suspension: How to Address & Prevent It
Avoid costly account issues by staying compliant with Amazon’s communication policies. - Amazon SEO: How to Optimize Your Product Listings for Higher Rankings & Sales
Boost visibility and conversions with updated SEO strategies that work in 2025. - How to Maximize Your Amazon Ad ROI with Data-Driven Strategies
Use analytics to identify ad waste and reallocate your budget for higher ROI.
The post UPS Ground Saver: What Changed — and How It Affects Your Shipping Costs appeared first on Seller Labs: Amazon Seller Software and Platform.
Amazon Strategy Essentials
The key to increasing eCommerce sales is having an effective Amazon strategy.
You may hear that successful sellers can earn up to $25,000 a month when selling on Amazon. But on the lower scale, other sellers may only earn $1,000 a month.
If you’re new to Amazon, you may be wondering what makes a seller successful and high-earning. Many share the same secret: they have a powerful Amazon strategy.
An Amazon selling strategy provides the insights and tactics to help your store and products stand out from competitors. Plus, customers in your niche will have more trust in your brand, leading to repeat sales.
But how do you create an effective Amazon strategy and not fail while doing so?
Amazon Strategy Best Practices
Your Amazon strategy should consist of many components that all work together to optimize your store. Here are the main best practices to remember:
Operations
One of the most important aspects of your Amazon strategy is your operations. This involves sourcing, storing, fulfilling, and shipping your products and orders.
For new sellers, fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is one of the top picks. With FBA, sellers send their inventory to Amazon warehouses, where staff will pick, pack, and ship orders. Sellers must still plan for other aspects of their supply chain, such as where they will source or purchase inventory.
If you realize FBA isn’t the best solution for you, you can always choose fulfillment by merchant (FBM) and handle your own storage and fulfillment.
If you’re working on an Amazon growth strategy, sellers may also expand their business to sell white label products to Amazon as a vendor.
Many vendors also continue selling to end customers using a hybrid business model, but there are others you can use. These include:
- 3PL fulfillment
- Print on demand
- Dropshipping
- In-house fulfillment
- Private label
- Wholesale
It’s best to look into each fulfillment and selling type to see what’s best for your business.
Inventory Management
Inventory management is another vital aspect of your operations and your entire Amazon seller strategy. You must learn to strike a balance between having enough product on hand and not storing too much, which will drive costs.
Amazon Seller Central offers a metric called sell-through rate, which tells you how well you balance your inventory. Amazon also provides additional insights, such as restock limits and Inventory Age.
Competitor Analysis
There are more than 55,000 sellers on Amazon. Because of this, staying ahead of the competition is the true secret to being a successful seller.
Identify your top competitors and analyze their key strategies, including marketing/advertising, pricing, and rankings. Note when your competitors make any changes and try to adjust your strategy to meet them.
Most sellers can regularly visit competing stores or monitor Amazon SERPs. Sellers can also try competitor tracking tools or seek help from an Amazon consultant.
Pricing Strategy
An excellent pricing strategy is the key to profitability. Sellers must ensure they earn back the cost to make the product while not setting prices too high.
Focus on setting affordable prices to attract customers and maximize revenue. You can also gauge what competitors are charging and see if you can decrease prices slightly to increase sales while maintaining your ROI.
Product Listing Optimization
If your product listings aren’t effective, customers won’t find them in Amazon SERPs.
Use SEO and keyword optimization to improve your visibility and increase organic rankings. Invest in well-written product descriptions that are engaging and offer all essential features and information.
Upload high-res product images that showcase the product from various angles, highlight its key features, and display the item in real-world settings.
If you’re eligible for A+ content, this tool can help you create richer product descriptions that include adding images, videos, and customized text placements. All this content offers more leverage to encourage prospective customers to make a purchase.
Advertising
Amazon offers multiple types of advertising. For instance, PPC tactics can advertise your product listings and keywords, and you only pay when a user clicks on your ad.
If you’re still stuck, consider partnering with a trusted marketing agency experienced in Amazon advertising.
Review Management
64% of shoppers are influenced to purchase products with the best reviews. This is why review management is another key part of an Amazon strategy; however, this is one of the few components that’s outside a seller’s control.
Sellers can’t force or bribe customers to leave a review, but you can request a review after a buyer receives their product. Amazon also has its Vine program, where sellers can access a pool of reviewers who will rate their products in exchange for free items.
When you start receiving regular reviews, it’s essential to monitor what buyers are saying. If you receive a negative review, respond to the customer and see if you can resolve the issue.
Pay Attention to Your Amazon Seller Account
As stated previously, Amazon offers selling metrics so sellers can pay attention to their account health. It’s vital to pay attention to these KPIs and ensure you’re in good standing with Amazon.
Amazon has metrics related to product listings, seller performance, shipping, and more. You can view all of these metrics on the Account Health dashboard.
All sellers must read Amazon’s terms of service and follow all rules, guidelines, and requirements. Breaking any of these rules can result in suspension or termination.
FAQs
What other types of organic marketing can I do?
In addition to optimizing your listings for SEO, responding to reviews and answering FAQs are all actions recognized by Amazon’s algorithms. You can also do organic marketing off Amazon, such as social media marketing.
I’m still not getting more sales on Amazon! What am I doing wrong?
First, getting a significant amount of Amazon sales takes time―especially if your store is new. Fortunately, all you need to do is follow the same advice for your Amazon sales strategy. Continue selling high-quality products and create listings with compelling descriptions and images.
If this doesn’t work, invest more in paid ads to quickly increase brand awareness. If you still have no luck, consider reading your reviews or contacting customers with feedback. If there are product issues, you should address them quickly to prevent further damage to your business.
How can I adjust my Amazon strategy?
Once your business grows, you can unlock more tools and features. If you qualify for premium tools, take advantage of these perks. If Amazon likes your products, they may invite you to become a vendor. And if you sell white label or private-label products, consider joining Amazon Brand Registry.
Do You Still Need Help?
While it’s possible to be a successful seller, you’ll need the right approach to attract more customers and increase sales.
An effective Amazon strategy encompasses several key components, including maintaining account health and planning operations. If you follow these best practices, your Amazon eCommerce strategy should be successful.
Another option is to work with an eCommerce agency like AMZ Advisers. We’ll match you with an expert team that has all the expertise required for a successful Amazon launch.
Author
Stephanie Jensen has been writing ecommerce content for seven years, and her copy has helped numerous stores rank on Amazon. Follow her on LinkedIn for more insight into freelance writing and creating high-quality content.
The post Amazon Strategy Essentials appeared first on AMZ Advisers.
FBA Inventory Screen: Data is temporarily unavailable now. Please try again later.
Anybody else running into this error? Been getting it all morning when trying to see my FBA inventory.
submitted by /u/metsmetsmetsmets
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Any FBM seller in Amazon EU states while being from a non-EU state here? Losing my mind with compliance!
This is in particular to the “Responsible Person” compliance.
So I am currently live on 7 different markets of Amazon (US, UK, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, India), Etsy, eBay and Walmart.
Decided to expend into Amazon Germany through Global Selling and got hit by “Responsible Person” compliance issue.
Read into it and as a non-EU seller I need to find a service provider.
I understand it’s with regards to GSPR.
Curious to know if FBM (I don’t do FBA due to the nature of the products I sell) sellers also have to go through this. If yes, did you get a service provider and pay them a yearly fee?
It’s weird because I don’t have to go through any of this when I sell through eBay and Etsy into Germany (or frankly any of the member EU states).
Any thoughts and suggestions around this would be greatly appreciated!
submitted by /u/Longjumping_Cookie68
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I want to sell a product in “beauty & personal care” do I need a coa?
I want to sell a magnesium salt on amazon, if you sell something along the lines of “bath soak” did you need a certificate of analysis? if so how do i obtain one? I plan to launch on US amazon (i already sell other products) but want to be fully knowledgeable to sell this product before i invest any money
submitted by /u/jeremysmells
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