
To avoid stranded inventory on Amazon India, especially due to listing errors, policy violations, changes in listing details, or unsold inventory occupying warehouse space, you can implement several best practices and proactive measures:
1. Regularly Monitor Inventory
- Check Stranded Inventory Report: Regularly review your stranded inventory report in Seller Central to quickly identify and address any issues.
- Automate Alerts: Set up alerts for stranded inventory to ensure you are immediately notified of any issues.
2. Maintain Accurate Listings
- Correct SKU Matching: Ensure that the SKUs in your inventory match the SKUs in your product listings exactly.
- Detailed Listings: Regularly update product titles, descriptions, prices, and other details to ensure they are accurate and complete.
- Error Prevention: Double-check for listing errors to prevent mismatches that could lead to stranded inventory.
3. Compliance with Amazon Policies
- Adhere to Guidelines: Make sure all products comply with Amazon’s listing policies and guidelines. Regularly review Amazon’s policies to stay updated on any changes.
- Immediate Action on Violations: Promptly address any policy violations to prevent listings from being deactivated.
4. Inventory Management
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of your inventory to ensure all products are correctly listed and active.
- Reconcile Discrepancies: Resolve any discrepancies between the inventory at Amazon’s fulfillment center and your listings.
- Inventory Turnover: Implement strategies to improve inventory turnover and avoid slow-moving items.
5. Fix Stranded Inventory
- Fix Stranded Inventory Tool: Use the “Fix Stranded Inventory” tool in Seller Central to identify and resolve issues causing inventory to be stranded.
- Relist Products: Address issues with deactivated or delisted products promptly and relist them as soon as possible.
- Create Removal Orders: For items that cannot be relisted, create removal orders to return them to you or dispose of them.
6. Improve Inventory Turnover
- Promotions and Discounts: Use promotions, discounts, and deals to move slow-selling inventory.
- Advertising: Increase visibility through Amazon Advertising to boost sales of slow-moving items.
- Bundling: Consider bundling slow-moving items with faster-selling products.
7. Use Amazon Support
- Seller Support: Contact Amazon Seller Support for help with any issues you cannot resolve on your own.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on changes to Amazon’s policies and guidelines that could affect your listings.
8. Utilize Third-party Tools
- Inventory Management Software: Use third-party inventory management tools to automate and streamline your inventory processes.
- Automated Repricing Tools: Use repricing tools to keep your prices competitive and ensure listings remain active.
9. Regularly Review and Optimize Listings
- SEO Optimization: Optimize your listings with relevant keywords to improve search visibility and sales.
- Customer Feedback: Use customer feedback to improve product descriptions and address common issues that might prevent sales.
By proactively managing your inventory and staying compliant with Amazon’s guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of having stranded inventory. Regular monitoring, accurate listings, and effective inventory turnover strategies are key to maintaining an efficient and profitable Amazon business.