Trump on Truth Social, threatening tariffs again…
Some very strange things are happening in China! They are becoming very hostile, and sending letters to Countries throughout the World, that they want to impose Export Controls on each and every element of production having to do with Rare Earths, and virtually anything else they can think of, even if it’s not manufactured in China. Nobody has ever seen anything like this but, essentially, it would “clog” the Markets, and make life difficult for virtually every Country in the World, especially for China. We have been contacted by other Countries who are extremely angry at this great Trade hostility, which came out of nowhere. Our relationship with China over the past six months has been a very good one, thereby making this move on Trade an even more surprising one. I have always felt that they’ve been lying in wait, and now, as usual, I have been proven right! There is no way that China should be allowed to hold the World “captive,” but that seems to have been their plan for quite some time, starting with the “Magnets” and, other Elements that they have quietly amassed into somewhat of a Monopoly position, a rather sinister and hostile move, to say the least. But the U.S. has Monopoly positions also, much stronger and more far reaching than China’s. I have just not chosen to use them, there was never a reason for me to do so — UNTIL NOW! The letter they sent is many pages long, and details, with great specificity, each and every Element that they want to withhold from other Nations. Things that were routine are no longer routine at all. I have not spoken to President Xi because there was no reason to do so. This was a real surprise, not only to me, but to all the Leaders of the Free World. I was to meet President Xi in two weeks, at APEC, in South Korea, but now there seems to be no reason to do so. The Chinese letters were especially inappropriate in that this was the Day that, after three thousand years of bedlam and fighting, there is PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. I wonder if that timing was coincidental? Dependent on what China says about the hostile “order” that they have just put out, I will be forced, as President of the United States of America, to financially counter their move. For every Element that they have been able to monopolize, we have two. I never thought it would come to this but perhaps, as with all things, the time has come. Ultimately, though potentially painful, it will be a very good thing, in the end, for the U.S.A. One of the Policies that we are calculating at this moment is a massive increase of Tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States of America. There are many other countermeasures that are, likewise, under serious consideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
submitted by /u/mfslice
[link] [comments]
Trump on Truth Social, threatening tariffs again…
Some very strange things are happening in China! They are becoming very hostile, and sending letters to Countries throughout the World, that they want to impose Export Controls on each and every element of production having to do with Rare Earths, and virtually anything else they can think of, even if it’s not manufactured in China. Nobody has ever seen anything like this but, essentially, it would “clog” the Markets, and make life difficult for virtually every Country in the World, especially for China. We have been contacted by other Countries who are extremely angry at this great Trade hostility, which came out of nowhere. Our relationship with China over the past six months has been a very good one, thereby making this move on Trade an even more surprising one. I have always felt that they’ve been lying in wait, and now, as usual, I have been proven right! There is no way that China should be allowed to hold the World “captive,” but that seems to have been their plan for quite some time, starting with the “Magnets” and, other Elements that they have quietly amassed into somewhat of a Monopoly position, a rather sinister and hostile move, to say the least. But the U.S. has Monopoly positions also, much stronger and more far reaching than China’s. I have just not chosen to use them, there was never a reason for me to do so — UNTIL NOW! The letter they sent is many pages long, and details, with great specificity, each and every Element that they want to withhold from other Nations. Things that were routine are no longer routine at all. I have not spoken to President Xi because there was no reason to do so. This was a real surprise, not only to me, but to all the Leaders of the Free World. I was to meet President Xi in two weeks, at APEC, in South Korea, but now there seems to be no reason to do so. The Chinese letters were especially inappropriate in that this was the Day that, after three thousand years of bedlam and fighting, there is PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. I wonder if that timing was coincidental? Dependent on what China says about the hostile “order” that they have just put out, I will be forced, as President of the United States of America, to financially counter their move. For every Element that they have been able to monopolize, we have two. I never thought it would come to this but perhaps, as with all things, the time has come. Ultimately, though potentially painful, it will be a very good thing, in the end, for the U.S.A. One of the Policies that we are calculating at this moment is a massive increase of Tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States of America. There are many other countermeasures that are, likewise, under serious consideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
submitted by /u/mfslice
[link] [comments]
Amazon FBA vs FBM in 2025: Fees, Pros & Cons, and Inventory Tips for Sellers
As an Amazon seller, choosing the right fulfillment method can make or break your business. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) offers a powerful solution that simplifies logistics, but it can be overwhelming for new sellers.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Amazon FBA in 2025, including how it compares to Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM), an in-depth breakdown of FBA fees, and strategies for managing your inventory effectively.
FBA vs. FBM: Which Fulfillment Method is Right for You?
When deciding how to fulfill your orders on Amazon, you’ll need to choose between two main methods: Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM). Both options have distinct pros and cons, so let’s dive into each to help you determine the best fit for your business.
Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)
Pros:
- Prime Eligibility: FBA products automatically qualify for Amazon Prime, unlocking access to millions of Prime shoppers and boosting conversion rates.
- Amazon Handles Logistics: Amazon takes care of storage, packing, shipping, and even customer service, freeing up your time to focus on product development and marketing.
- Scalability: FBA allows you to scale efficiently without worrying about warehouse space or fulfillment logistics as order volume grows.
Cons:
- FBA Fees: Storage and fulfillment fees can add up, especially for oversized or slow-moving products.
- Less Control: You can’t control how products are stored or shipped once they’re in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
- Storage Costs for Slow Movers: Amazon charges long-term storage fees for inventory that sits for over a year.
Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)
Pros:
- Lower Fees: FBM sellers handle their own fulfillment, avoiding FBA’s storage and shipping costs.
- More Control: You manage how products are stored, packaged, and shipped—ideal for custom or fragile items.
- Better for Niche Products: Sellers with specialized products often prefer FBM to ensure proper handling and customer experience.
Cons:
- No Prime Eligibility: FBM listings don’t automatically qualify for Prime, which can reduce sales potential.
- More Work: You’ll handle storage, shipping, and customer service yourself.
- Limited Amazon Support: FBM sellers must manage buyer inquiries and returns independently.
Which Method is Best for You?
The choice between FBA and FBM ultimately depends on your business goals and the type of products you sell. If you’re looking to scale quickly, want to leverage Amazon Prime’s benefits, and don’t mind paying for convenience, FBA is the way to go. However, if you’re a smaller seller or offer niche products that require more control, FBM might be more cost-effective.
How FBA Fees Work: A Detailed Breakdown
Understanding FBA fees is crucial for accurately pricing your products and calculating your profits. Here’s a breakdown of the various FBA fees you should expect:
1. Fulfillment Fees
FBA charges a fulfillment fee for picking, packing, and shipping your products. These fees depend on the size and weight of your products.
- Standard-size items typically incur lower fulfillment fees.
- Oversized items will face higher fulfillment fees due to the extra handling involved.
2. Storage Fees
Amazon charges monthly storage fees to store your products in their fulfillment centers. These fees are based on the volume of your products (measured in cubic feet). Storage fees are higher during peak months (October to December), so plan accordingly.
- Standard storage fees apply for products stored in Amazon’s warehouses during the rest of the year.
- Long-term storage fees are assessed for items that have been in the fulfillment center for more than 365 days.
3. Removal Fees
If you need to remove unsold inventory from Amazon’s warehouses, you can request to have it returned or disposed of. However, there are fees associated with these actions.
4. Labeling and Prep Fees
Certain products require additional preparation or labeling before they can be sold through FBA. If your products need special labeling or other pre-shipment preparations, you may incur additional fees.
Inventory Management Tips: How to Avoid Stockouts and Overstocking
Effective inventory management ensures you never miss a sale—or waste money on excess storage.
Here’s how to stay on top of your FBA performance in 2025:
1. Forecast Your Sales
Accurately predicting your sales is the foundation of effective inventory management. Use historical data, seasonal trends, and market conditions to forecast your future sales. This will help you determine how much inventory to order and when.
2. Monitor Your Stock Levels Regularly
Always keep an eye on your inventory. If a product is running low, restock it before it sells out. Tools like Seller Labs’ Restock App make this process even smarter by predicting reorder points and helping sellers avoid both stockouts and overstocking.
3. Plan Ahead for Seasonal Demand
Certain times of the year, such as holidays or Amazon Prime Day, can cause spikes in demand. Be sure to plan your inventory well in advance of these seasonal peaks so that you don’t miss out on sales.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Inventory Performance Index (IPI)
Amazon uses the Inventory Performance Index (IPI) to measure how efficiently you manage your inventory. A high IPI score is essential for avoiding storage restrictions and ensuring smooth operations. Keep your inventory moving by addressing slow-moving products.
5. Automate Where Possible
Automation tools can simplify tracking, forecasting, and profit analysis. Using Seller Labs tools like SKU Economics gives you visibility into true product profitability and data-driven insights for smarter inventory decisions.
Amazon FBA offers massive potential for sellers—but success depends on understanding your costs, fulfillment options, and inventory performance.
Whether you choose FBA or FBM, stay informed, monitor your IPI score, and use technology to automate and optimize wherever possible. With the right data and tools, you can minimize fees, maximize profits, and scale your Amazon business sustainably.
Ready to simplify your FBA strategy and boost profitability?
Turn your Amazon data into smarter inventory decisions with Seller Labs.
For a limited time, get 30% off your first month — after your 30-day free trial.
Related Blogs
- Amazon Restock Limits 2025: How to Stay in Stock and Boost FBA Profits
Learn how to plan inventory replenishment, maintain your IPI score, and avoid storage restrictions. - Amazon 2025 Fee Changes: How They Affect Sellers
Understand the latest fulfillment fee updates and how to adjust your pricing to stay profitable. - Master Amazon Inventory Like a Pro in 2025 with Seller Labs
Discover how to use Seller Labs tools for accurate demand forecasting and cost control. - Low Inventory Level Fees: Do You Know How Much Amazon Is Charging You?
Find out how Amazon’s new low-inventory fees work and what strategies can minimize costs. - Amazon IPI Score 2025: What It Is and How to Improve It
Get insights into Amazon’s IPI scoring system and practical ways to boost your performance metrics.
The post Amazon FBA vs FBM in 2025: Fees, Pros & Cons, and Inventory Tips for Sellers appeared first on Seller Labs: Amazon Seller Software and Platform.
#468 – Stop Competing on Price & Start Building a Brand That Belongs in Retail Stores
What if the key to transforming your e-commerce brand into a retail powerhouse lies in understanding the nuances of today’s retail landscape? Join us for an insightful conversation with Yohan Jacob from Retail Bound as we challenge common misconceptions Amazon sellers hold about retail. Discover how the post-COVID-19 era has created opportunities for online brands to thrive in physical spaces, with retailers integrating enhanced online experiences and buy online, pick up in-store models. We’ll uncover the strategies behind pricing consistency across platforms and how a strong online presence can serve as a stepping stone to retail success.
Ready to master the marathon that is retail success? We dive deep into the transition from crowdfunding to the big leagues of traditional retail, revealing the strategic planning needed for product packaging, pricing, and marketing in environments like Best Buy, Walmart, and Costco. Through Yohan’s expert lens, learn about the importance of understanding margins, price points, and product derivatives, and how these factors can be leveraged to thrive amidst fierce competition. Hear real-world examples of how brands have navigated these challenges, ensuring their place on the shelves of major retailers.
But the path to retail success isn’t just about getting onto the shelves; it’s about staying there. We tackle the financial intricacies of working with large retailers, from managing extended payment terms to financing purchase orders. Yohan shares valuable insights into the unique world of platforms like QVC and HSN, where product demonstrations are key. Plus, discover practical advice on breaking into the market through smaller channels, honing your craft before taking on the giants. Whether you’re an e-commerce seller ready to expand or an Amazon aficionado eager for new opportunities, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and expert advice to elevate your retail game.
In episode 468 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Yohan discuss:
- 00:00 – Navigating Retail for E-Commerce Sellers
- 04:37 – Changing Attitudes Towards Online Retailers
- 07:57 – Challenges of Crowdsourced Product Manufacturing
- 09:42 – Navigating Retail Margins and Strategies
- 13:45 – Retail Pricing Strategies and Brand Derivatives
- 18:01 – Preparing for Retail Success
- 24:05 – Understanding Retail Economics and Margins
- 27:46 – Consumer Electronics Profit Margins and Costs
- 30:23 – Retailers’ Margin and Product Strategy
- 37:50 – Handling Retail Transitions and Liquidation
- 42:03 – Exit Strategy for Seasonal Products
- 42:32 – Navigating Retail Payment Terms and Strategies
- 48:31 – Retail Financing and Distribution Strategies
- 54:51 – Exploring Trade Shows for Business Growth
- 58:11 – Utilizing Brand Exposure for Retail Expansion
- 1:02:09 – Retail Growth Strategies for E-Commerce
Enjoy this episode? Want to be able to ask questions to Kevin King live in a small group with other 7 and 8-figure Amazon sellers? Join the Helium 10 Elite Mastermind and get monthly workshops, training, and networking calls with Kevin at h10.me/elite
Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to our podcast!
Want to absolutely start crushing it on eCommerce and make more money? Follow these steps for helpful resources to get started:
- Get the Ultimate Resource Guide from Kevin King for tools and services that he uses every day to dominate on Amazon!
- New to Selling on Amazon? Freedom Ticket offers the best tips, tricks, and strategies for beginners just starting out! Sign up for Freedom Ticket.
- Trying to Find a New Product? Get the most powerful Amazon product research tool in Black Box, available only at Helium 10! Start researching with Black Box.
- Want to Verify Your Product Idea? Use Xray in our Chrome extension to check how lucrative your next product idea is with over a dozen metrics of data! Download the Helium 10 Chrome Extension.
- The Ultimate Software Tool Suite for Amazon Sellers! Get more Helium 10 tools that can help you optimize your listings and increase sales for a low price! Sign up today!
- Does Amazon Owe YOU Money? Find Out for FREE! If you have been selling for over a year on Amazon, you may be owed money for lost or damaged inventory and not even know it. Get a FREE refund report to see how much you’re owed!
- Check out our other Amazon FBA podcasts including the Serious Sellers Podcast, as well as our Spanish version!
- You can also listen to the AM/PM Podcast on YouTube here!
The post #468 – Stop Competing on Price & Start Building a Brand That Belongs in Retail Stores appeared first on AM/PM Podcast.
Q4 peak fees — what should I add to CM so I don’t get blindsided?
FBA, small standard-size (Toys/Home), ASP ~$22, CM ~28%.
For Q4 I’m baking in: per-unit peak fulfillment surcharge, higher Oct–Dec storage (0.11 cu ft/unit, ~40 DOH), low-inventory-level fee risk, inbound placement, higher returns/removals, PPC CPC bump, and coupons/deals clip fees.
What else should I include? Do you raise price/ROI to offset, and is there a simple per-unit “Q4 pad” or template you recommend?
Stressed about peak this year, and appreciate any advice
submitted by /u/Cat_Lady1001
[link] [comments]
Q4 peak fees — what should I add to CM so I don’t get blindsided?
FBA, small standard-size (Toys/Home), ASP ~$22, CM ~28%.
For Q4 I’m baking in: per-unit peak fulfillment surcharge, higher Oct–Dec storage (0.11 cu ft/unit, ~40 DOH), low-inventory-level fee risk, inbound placement, higher returns/removals, PPC CPC bump, and coupons/deals clip fees.
What else should I include? Do you raise price/ROI to offset, and is there a simple per-unit “Q4 pad” or template you recommend?
Stressed about peak this year, and appreciate any advice
submitted by /u/Cat_Lady1001
[link] [comments]
Is Amazon DSP Worth It for 8-Figure Sellers?
Amazon DSP helps 8-figure sellers elevate their media mix for full-funnel impact with data-driven ads, and omnichannel growth.
8-figure brands have a high pressure to scale smarter while preserving profit margins on Amazon. But what’s the role of Amazon DSP in this goal? And more importantly, is it a worthy investment?
What Is Amazon DSP?
Amazon DSP (Demand-Side Platform) is a programmatic solution that enables sellers to purchase display, video, and audio ads across Amazon properties—Prime Video, Twitch, Fire TV, and the Amazon marketplace—as well as across premium third-party inventory.
DSP operates via real-time bidding, advanced targeting, and AI-driven optimization, enabling reach across the customer journey—not just within Amazon’s search funnel
Strategic Value for 8-Figure Sellers
Precise First-Party Targeting & Superior Reach
Amazon DSP taps into first-party data to target audiences based on browsing behavior, purchase history, and streaming habits. This is a key feature that traditional Sponsored Ads can’t match.
Its inventory spans owned platforms and 3P publishers, ensuring both scale and brand-safe environments.
Full-Funnel Reach
While Sponsored Products focuses on intent-driven buyers, Amazon DSP allows brands to target users at awareness, consideration, and retention stages via audio, video, and display formats.
Optimization and AI-Backed Performance
DSP leverages AI-powered automation for bid management, creative optimization, and performance tracking—all accessible via the Amazon DSP dashboard.
Cost & Reach
Minimum Spend & Managed vs Self-Service
Amazon DSP does require a significant upfront spend—especially for managed-service accounts. Investments could be as high as USD 50,000 in initial ad budget, depending on your region.
Self-service accounts offer more control, while managed-service includes Amazon support.
Impression-Based CPM Pricing
DSP does not operate on a CPC model. Instead, it works under CPM (Cost Per Thousand Impressions). This makes Amazon DSP more suitable for awareness or retargeting campaigns rather than direct, performance-only ads.
Complexity and Learning Curve
Navigating Amazon DSP is a complex task, at first. It requires a deep understanding of programmatic media buying, data segmentation, and creative optimization. The dashboard itself is robust, but it can be overwhelming for teams without prior DSP experience.
Campaigns should be designed with the full funnel in mind—balancing brand awareness, retargeting, and customer loyalty efforts—while also managing creative formats like display, video, and audio ads.
Missteps in setup or targeting can quickly drain budgets without producing measurable returns. For mature sellers, mastering this complexity is less a barrier and more a necessary investment in long-term competitiveness.
Is Amazon DSP Worth It?
Amazon DSP isn’t just another ad channel—it’s a highly strategic asset if you’re looking to enter new markets, reinforce brand awareness, or reach audiences across streaming and display environments.
However, if curated targeting, disciplined optimization, and high-quality creatives are not part of your media workflow, DSP can consume budget quickly with limited ROI.
Many 8-figure sellers prefer to partner with an Amazon partner who specializes in optimizing omnichannel campaigns. Agencies like AMZ Advisers can integrate DSP to ensure your investment isn’t siloed, but properly executed as part of a broader growth flywheel.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the real crux: “Is Amazon DSP worth it for sellers ready to wield it strategically?” For well-resourced brands, yes!
Amazon DSP offers unique capabilities for 8-figure sellers. When properly deployed, DSP can help you drive reach, attribution, and cross-channel activation. By aligning DSP with your outreach strategy, you’ll unlock a revenue multiplier embedded in a high-performing growth engine.
Feel like you need some help? Our proven expertise across advanced Amazon Advertising strategies ensures DSP investments don’t sit in isolation. It becomes part of an adaptive media campaign designed to unlock your next level of growth.
With expert guidance, you can shorten the learning curve, avoid costly mistakes, and leverage advanced DSP strategies to drive scalable growth.
Author
Esteban Muñoz is a writer, editor and content manager with several years’ experience in ecommerce and digital marketing. Over the years, he’s been able to help his associates grow by optimizing and creating in-depth content marketing strategies.
The post Is Amazon DSP Worth It for 8-Figure Sellers? appeared first on AMZ Advisers.
UPC used in different marketplace with different Brand – 5461 Error
Hi,
I am selling various items from a brand that I purchased the items. The brand is “<brand name>”, manufacturer “<manufacturer name>”. Amazon has approved my account to sell this brand/manufacturer combination in the UK.
When I try to list a specific UPC, Amazon UK does not allow the listing to complete. Reason is that the same UPC has been created in the past in the US marketplace. The problem is that in the US, the manufacturer is not “<manufacturer name>” but slightly different wording that refers to the same place/manufacturer.
When I update my listing to the existing wording from the US marketplace, I receive the following error because technically I am approved for different manufacturer:
5461: You may not create new ASINs for this brand <brand name>.
If you believe that the product you want to sell is not already listed in the Amazon catalogue and should be listed as a new ASIN, submit an application by clicking here and completing the form.
I followed the link to submit an application but the case was automatically closed with the below message:
The brand <brand name> is not enrolled in the Match Only programme for Brand Registered brands. Only the brands enrolled in Brand Registry and in this programme will be ….. For more information about Amazon Brand Registry, please visit: https://brandservices.amazon.co.uk/brandregistry
However I cannot enrol <brand name> in brand registry as I am not the brand owner. I just sell resell the brand.
What is the best course of action to be able to list the UPC/listing correctly?
Cheers
submitted by /u/Artistic_Basil_8595
[link] [comments]
UPC used in different marketplace with different Brand – 5461 Error
Hi,
I am selling various items from a brand that I purchased the items. The brand is “<brand name>”, manufacturer “<manufacturer name>”. Amazon has approved my account to sell this brand/manufacturer combination in the UK.
When I try to list a specific UPC, Amazon UK does not allow the listing to complete. Reason is that the same UPC has been created in the past in the US marketplace. The problem is that in the US, the manufacturer is not “<manufacturer name>” but slightly different wording that refers to the same place/manufacturer.
When I update my listing to the existing wording from the US marketplace, I receive the following error because technically I am approved for different manufacturer:
5461: You may not create new ASINs for this brand <brand name>.
If you believe that the product you want to sell is not already listed in the Amazon catalogue and should be listed as a new ASIN, submit an application by clicking here and completing the form.
I followed the link to submit an application but the case was automatically closed with the below message:
The brand <brand name> is not enrolled in the Match Only programme for Brand Registered brands. Only the brands enrolled in Brand Registry and in this programme will be ….. For more information about Amazon Brand Registry, please visit: https://brandservices.amazon.co.uk/brandregistry
However I cannot enrol <brand name> in brand registry as I am not the brand owner. I just sell resell the brand.
What is the best course of action to be able to list the UPC/listing correctly?
Cheers
submitted by /u/Artistic_Basil_8595
[link] [comments]
Amazon Q4 Inventory Management 2025: How to Prevent Stockouts, Cut FBA Fees, and Protect Profit Margins
Why Q4 Inventory Is Different (and Risky)
Every Amazon seller dreams of Q4 profits — but too many watch them vanish because of stockouts, storage fees, or January return chaos. It happens every year: sellers order heavily, only to run out of their bestsellers before Black Friday or drown in storage fees from unsold inventory.
The truth? Q4 accounts for 30–40% of annual Amazon sales, but it’s also the quarter where one bad decision can wipe out months of hard work. If you’ve ever:
- Sold out right before Cyber Monday and lost your Buy Box rank,
- Opened a January return report and saw 20% of sales come back unsellable, or
- Paid more in FBA storage than you earned on slow-moving SKUs…
…you know Q4 inventory isn’t about ordering “more.” It’s about ordering smarter, protecting profit, and anticipating Amazon’s hidden costs.
In this guide, you’ll get step-by-step, proven strategies to stop stockouts before Black Friday, cut costly overages, and keep cash flowing even when returns spike in January.
Quick Answer: To manage Amazon inventory in Q4 2025, calculate reorder points with safety stock, run an inventory age audit in September, forecast demand weekly instead of monthly, and bundle or liquidate slow SKUs before fees pile up. Use free tools like the ROP Redlight Template for smarter reordering, and Seller Labs Profit Genius for real-time alerts that prevent stockouts and protect margins.
Step 1: Calculate Your Reorder Points (Don’t Guess)
The #1 cause of stockouts? Waiting too long to reorder.
Use this formula: ROP = (Average Daily Sales × Lead Time) + Safety Stock
Example:
- Average daily sales = 30 units
- Lead time = 20 days
- Safety stock = 200 units
- ROP = 30×20 + 200 = 800 units
Once inventory dips below 800, it’s reorder time.
Plug & Play Tool: Try our free ROP Redlight Template and take the guesswork out of Q4 planning.
- Paste your SKU, lead time, daily sales.
- Get instant red/yellow/green reorder alerts
- Simulate “what if sales spike 20%?” or “what if lead times stretch by 7 days?”
Step 2: Protect Against Hidden Q4 Costs
Even if you stock correctly, hidden costs kill profit in Q4:
- Storage fees: Amazon charges more from October–December.
- Action: Run an inventory age report in September. Discount, bundle, or liquidate anything older than 180 days before the fees spike.
- Returns: Holiday returns can run 10–20%; plan for net sell-through, not gross sales.
- Action: Add expected return % into your order forecast. If you sell 5,000 units in December and expect 15% returns → order as if 4,250 units will be sellable.
- Shrinkage & miscounts: FBA errors happen.
- Action: File reimbursement claims quickly — don’t let errors roll over into Q1.
- Stranded Inventory: Listings with errors, policy holds, or ASIN issues cause “invisible stock.”
- Action: Check your FBA → Stranded Inventory tab weekly. Fix errors or remove stock.
You won’t get blindsided by fees or returns because they’re already baked into your Q4 plan.
Step 3: Forecast Demand Weekly (Not Monthly)
In Q4, a 2-week delay in adjusting forecasts = thousands in lost sales.
Here’s how to simplify it:
- Start with the past 2 years of Q4 velocity per SKU.
- Adjust for growth rate (e.g. +20% YoY).
- Layer in promotional lift (deals, PPC increases) — amplify your forecast by 10–30% accordingly.
- Track actual sell-through every 7 days and shift orders if you see deviations.
- Always model for return rates: reduce forecasted units by your historical return % (e.g. 12%).
Seller Labs Profit Genius can help simplify this process by pulling sales velocity, ad spend, and returns into one view, along with alerts when stock is running low or margins may be at risk.
Step 4: Reduce Overages Without Losing Sales
Overages tie up your money just as CPCs spike in November. The trick is lean inventory, not light inventory:
- Double down on winners: Look at SKUs with highest margin + highest velocity. Stock those deeper.
- Trim risky SKUs: Go lighter on seasonal bets or unproven products.
- Bundle strategically: Pair slow movers with holiday bestsellers in gift bundles. Example: A $10 slow accessory bundled with a $25 bestseller can move inventory without margin loss.
- Create off-Amazon funnels: Use Shopify or social promos to liquidate slow SKUs before Q4 fees hit.
You’re not sitting on excess inventory while ad spend and storage fees climb.
Step 5: Add Q4-Only Adjustments
Here’s what smart sellers do specifically for Q4:
- Cycle counts in November: Don’t wait for a January audit. Run quick counts to catch discrepancies.
- Watch acceleration signals: If reviews or keyword ranks surge in early Q4, bump orders for those SKUs.
- Plan for January returns: Don’t reorder late-December inventory unless you’ve accounted for high return volume.
Seller Labs: How We Help
At Seller Labs, we know sellers can’t babysit spreadsheets in Q4. That’s why Profit Genius + Ad Genius go beyond reporting:
- Inventory alerts: Get notified when SKUs hit reorder thresholds (no manual checks).
- Profit alerts: Catch margin slippage from fees, ads, or returns before it spirals.
- Ad pacing alerts: Ensure you don’t overspend on ads if stock is running low.
Think of it like having a Q4 co-pilot that spots risks for you. Start with our free ROP template to learn your numbers — then let our tools carry the load when things get hectic.
Final Takeaway
Q4 inventory isn’t about ordering “more.” It’s about balancing stock, fees, and profit protection. Stockouts cost sales and ranking, overages tie up cash and increase storage fees, and hidden costs like returns and shrinkage quietly drain margins. Adaptive strategies combined with proactive alerts give you the Q4 advantage—helping you protect profit, prevent costly mistakes, and stay ahead of Amazon’s busiest season.
Action now: Download the ROP Redlight Template, plug in your SKUs, run scenario tests, and then layer in Seller Labs alerts so you never miss a Q4 red flag.
Ready to protect your profits this Q4 — and avoid costly stockouts?
Get proactive with Amazon Q4 inventory planning. From reorder points to real-time profit alerts, Seller Labs helps you stay in control this holiday season.
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?
Understand Amazon’s new low inventory fees and how they can impact your margins. - Master Amazon Inventory Like a Pro in 2025 (with Seller Labs)
Learn proven strategies and how Seller Labs tools support smarter inventory decisions. - Amazon 2025 Fee Changes: How They Affect Sellers
Get a breakdown of Amazon’s latest fee updates and how to adjust your strategy. - Amazon Buyer-Seller Messaging Suspension: How to Address & Prevent It
Protect your account by understanding what triggers suspensions and how to stay compliant. - Amazon SEO: How to Optimize Your Product Listings for Higher Rankings & Sales
Boost visibility and sales with SEO-driven product listing strategies.
The post Amazon Q4 Inventory Management 2025: How to Prevent Stockouts, Cut FBA Fees, and Protect Profit Margins appeared first on Seller Labs: Amazon Seller Software and Platform.
