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How to Delete an Amazon FBA Shipment (Step-by-Step Guide)

Written by
Vanessa Hung
January 25, 2024

If you're an Amazon seller who uses FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), you may need to delete a shipment from time to time. Perhaps you made a mistake when creating the shipment, or maybe you decided to cancel a particular order. Whatever the reason, deleting an FBA shipment is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. Let’s dive into the process and help you get started.

What are Amazon FBA Shipments?

If you are an Amazon seller who uses Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you will need to create and manage FBA shipments. FBA shipments are the process of sending your inventory to Amazon's fulfillment centers so that Amazon can store, pack, and ship your products to customers.

When you create an FBA shipment, you will need to provide information about the products you are sending, such as the quantity, SKU, and condition of each item. You will also need to specify the destination fulfillment center where you want your products to be stored.

Amazon provides a few different options for creating FBA shipments. You can create a new shipment from scratch, or you can add products to an existing shipment. You can also use Amazon's Inventory Placement Service to send all of your products to a single fulfillment center, or you can let Amazon distribute your products across multiple fulfillment centers.

Once you have created an FBA shipment, you can track its progress through the various stages of the shipment process. Amazon will provide you with information about when your products have been received at the fulfillment center, when they have been checked in, and when they are available for sale.

It's important to note that once you have created an FBA shipment, you cannot edit or modify it. If you need to make changes to the shipment, you will need to cancel it and create a new one. However, if your shipment has already been received by Amazon, you may not be able to cancel it. In that case, you will need to create a removal order to have your products returned to you.

Cancelling an FBA Shipment

If you need to cancel an FBA shipment, you can easily do so through your Seller Central account. Cancelling a shipment can be necessary for various reasons, such as if you made a mistake in the shipment plan, if the products are no longer available, or if the shipment is no longer required.

To cancel an FBA shipment, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Seller Central account and navigate to the Manage Orders page.
  2. Locate the order ID for the shipment you wish to cancel.
  3. Click on the order ID to open the Order Details page.
  4. Scroll down to the Shipment Details section and click on the Cancel Shipment button.
  5. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.

Once you have cancelled the shipment, the products will be returned to your inventory and the fees associated with the shipment will be refunded to your account. It is important to note that if the shipment has already been received by the fulfillment center, you will need to create a removal order to return the items to your inventory.

In some cases, you may not be able to cancel a shipment through Seller Central. If this is the case, you can contact Amazon Seller Support for assistance.

Managing Removal Orders

When you need to remove items from your FBA inventory, you can create a removal order in Seller Central. Removal orders can be used to dispose of or return inventory to you, depending on your needs. Here is how you can manage removal orders in Seller Central:

  1. Go to the Manage Orders page in Seller Central.
  2. Select the order you want to remove and click on the "Create Removal Order" button.
  3. Review the order details and select the items you want to remove.
  4. Choose whether you want to dispose of the items or have them returned to you.
  5. Enter the quantity of each item you want to remove and select the reason for removal.
  6. Review the removal order summary and confirm the removal.

You can track the status of your removal orders in Seller Central and receive notifications when the order is completed.

It is important to note that there are fees associated with removal orders, including a per-item removal fee and a disposal fee for items that are disposed of. These fees can vary depending on the size and weight of the items and the location of the fulfillment center. You can check the current fee structure in Seller Central.

In addition to creating removal orders, you can also manage your FBA inventory to prevent excess inventory and reduce the need for removal orders. Regularly reviewing your inventory levels and adjusting your pricing and promotions can help you sell more items and avoid excess inventory.

Avoid Costly Mistakes: Adjust your FBA Settings

Mistakes that lead to deleted shipments or removal orders can be avoided with proper management of your FBA shipments. When it comes to managing your Amazon FBA shipments, it's important to ensure that your settings are properly adjusted to meet your needs. Fortunately, Amazon provides a range of options that allow you to customize your FBA settings to suit your business.

To access your FBA settings, you'll need to log in to your Seller Central account and navigate to the "Settings" section. Here, you'll find a range of options that allow you to adjust your FBA settings to suit your needs.

One key setting to pay attention to is your "Fulfillment Center" setting. This setting allows you to choose the fulfillment center where your products will be stored and shipped from. By selecting the right fulfillment center, you can ensure that your products are shipped quickly and efficiently.

Another important setting to consider is your "Shipping Settings" option. Here, you can specify the shipping methods and carriers you prefer to use for your FBA shipments. Selecting the right shipping options can also ensure that your products are shipped quickly and efficiently, while keeping your shipping costs under control.

Finally, it's important to keep an eye on your "Inventory Settings" to ensure that you always have enough inventory on hand to meet demand. By setting up automatic inventory replenishment and monitoring your inventory levels, you can ensure that you never run out of stock and that your products are always available to customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the process of deleting Amazon FBA shipments is an essential skill for any Amazon seller navigating the dynamic world of e-commerce. Whether you need to remove obsolete inventory, correct errors, or streamline your operations, understanding the steps involved in this process empowers you to maintain control over your FBA inventory.

To dive deeper into effective FBA inventory management and discover more tips for optimizing your e-commerce business, be sure to explore our articles discussing various Amazon FBA processes. Embracing the best practices we discussnot only enhances your operational efficiency but also contributes to a smoother and more profitable selling experience on Amazon's vast marketplace. Start implementing these strategies today to take your e-commerce venture to the next level!

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