If you sell products on Amazon, you may have encountered the dreaded issue of stranded inventory. This error can be frustrating and impact your business. In this article, we will discuss what stranded inventory is, the common causes behind it, how to identify it in your Amazon account, and most importantly, the steps to fix and prevent stranded inventory issues. We will also cover how to deal with persistent stranded inventory issues and when it might be necessary to seek professional help.
Understanding Stranded Inventory on Amazon
Before we delve into fixing stranded inventory, let’s first understand what it actually means. Stranded inventory refers to products in your Amazon Seller Central account that are no longer available for purchase by customers. These products are essentially “stranded” and cannot be sold due to various reasons.
Before we begin: Every Amazon Seller needs a suite of tools for Keyword Research, Product Development, and Listing Optimization. Our top pick is Helium 10 and readers of this post can get 20% off their first 6 months by clicking the image below.
When it comes to selling products on Amazon, ensuring that your inventory is accessible to potential buyers is crucial. However, sometimes situations arise where your inventory becomes stranded, leaving you unable to make sales. This can be frustrating and detrimental to your business, but understanding the causes and how to fix them is key to resolving this issue.
What is Stranded Inventory?
Stranded inventory occurs when a product listing becomes inactive, meaning it cannot be purchased by customers. This can happen due to changes in product details, incorrect pricing, or other listing errors. Essentially, the product is still in your inventory but is not accessible to potential buyers.
Imagine having a product that you know is in demand, but for some reason, it is not visible to customers on Amazon. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as an incorrect product description or a missing image. When your inventory becomes stranded, it not only affects your sales but also your overall visibility on the platform.
Common Causes of Stranded Inventory
There are several common causes of stranded inventory on Amazon. Some of the most frequent culprits include:
- Changes in product details without updating the listing
- Incorrect or missing UPC/EAN/ISBN information
- Pricing errors, such as extreme pricing or inconsistent pricing across variations
- Inactive or suppressed listings due to policy violations
Understanding these causes is crucial for effectively fixing and preventing stranded inventory issues.
One common cause of stranded inventory is making changes to product details without updating the listing. For example, if you decide to change the color or size options of a product, but fail to update the listing accordingly, it can lead to the inventory becoming stranded. Customers may not be able to find the product they are looking for, resulting in lost sales.
Another cause of stranded inventory is incorrect or missing UPC/EAN/ISBN information. These unique identifiers help Amazon match your product with the correct listing. If the information is incorrect or missing, your inventory may become stranded as it cannot be properly associated with the correct product listing.
Pricing errors can also lead to stranded inventory. Extreme pricing, such as setting the price too high or too low, can make your product unattractive to customers. Inconsistent pricing across variations of a product can also cause issues, as customers may become confused or hesitant to make a purchase.
Inactive or suppressed listings due to policy violations can also result in stranded inventory. If your listing violates Amazon’s policies, it may be suppressed or deactivated, making your inventory inaccessible to customers. This can happen if your product does not meet certain safety standards or if you are selling prohibited items.
By understanding these common causes of stranded inventory, you can take proactive steps to prevent them and ensure that your products remain visible and available to potential buyers on Amazon.
Identifying Stranded Inventory in Your Amazon Account
Now that we know what stranded inventory is and its common causes, let’s focus on how to identify it in your Amazon Seller Central account.
Stranded inventory can be a headache for any Amazon seller. It refers to products that are listed in your inventory but are not available for purchase by customers. This can happen due to various reasons such as listing errors, incorrect product information, or technical glitches. To prevent any potential loss of sales and to maintain a healthy inventory, it is crucial to identify and address stranded inventory promptly.
Using Amazon Seller Central to Locate Stranded Inventory
Amazon Seller Central provides various tools to help you locate stranded inventory. One useful tool is the “Fix Stranded Inventory” page, which allows you to filter and view products that are currently stranded. This page provides insights into the specific reasons behind the stranded status, helping you prioritize which listings to address first.
When you access the “Fix Stranded Inventory” page, you’ll see a comprehensive list of all your stranded products. The page provides detailed information about each listing, including the ASIN, SKU, and the reason why it is stranded. This information is invaluable in understanding the root cause of the issue and taking appropriate action.
Furthermore, Seller Central also offers a search functionality that allows you to filter the stranded inventory based on specific criteria such as product category, brand, or listing status. This feature enables you to narrow down your focus and address the most critical issues first.
Recognizing the Signs of Stranded Inventory
In addition to using Seller Central, there are signs you can look out for to identify stranded inventory. These signs serve as early warnings, alerting you to potential issues that need your attention. By recognizing these signs, you can proactively address stranded inventory before it impacts your sales and performance metrics.
One of the most apparent signs of stranded inventory is zero or low sales despite having inventory available. If you notice that certain products are not generating any sales or are underperforming compared to others, it could be an indication of a listing issue that is preventing customers from purchasing them.
Another sign to watch out for is not receiving customer inquiries or orders for specific listings. If you typically receive a steady stream of inquiries or orders for a particular product, but suddenly there is a significant drop or complete absence of such activity, it could be a sign that the listing is not visible to customers or is experiencing technical difficulties.
Furthermore, keep an eye on your listing status. If a listing shows as inactive or suppressed, it means that it is not visible to customers and is effectively stranded. This can happen due to various reasons such as policy violations, missing product information, or incorrect categorization. Regularly monitoring the status of your listings can help you identify and resolve any stranded inventory issues promptly.
Lastly, pay attention to any notifications from Amazon regarding a potential issue with a product listing. Amazon may send you alerts if they detect any problems with your listings, such as missing product images, incomplete descriptions, or policy violations. These notifications serve as valuable indicators of potential stranded inventory and should not be ignored.
By leveraging the tools provided by Amazon Seller Central and staying vigilant for the signs mentioned above, you can effectively identify and address stranded inventory in your account. Taking proactive measures to resolve these issues will not only help you maintain a healthy inventory but also ensure a smooth shopping experience for your customers.
Steps to Fix Stranded Inventory Issues
Once you have identified that you have stranded inventory, it’s time to take action and fix the underlying issues. Here are the steps you can follow:
Updating Product Details
Review the product details for each stranded listing and make necessary updates. This includes ensuring accurate information regarding title, description, images, and variations. Pay close attention to any changes that might have led to the listing becoming inactive.
Repricing Stranded Items
Another potential cause of stranded inventory is incorrect pricing. Review the pricing for your stranded items and make adjustments if necessary. It’s essential to find a balance between competitive pricing and maintaining profitability.
Deleting Inactive Listings
If you have inactive listings that are unlikely to become active again, consider deleting them. This will help declutter your inventory and improve the overall visibility of your active listings.
Preventing Future Stranded Inventory Issues
While fixing stranded inventory is important, it’s equally crucial to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
Regular Inventory Checks
Perform regular inventory checks to identify any potential issues before they become stranded inventory. This includes verifying product details, pricing, and listing status.
Understanding Amazon’s Listing Policies
Familiarize yourself with Amazon’s listing policies to ensure compliance. Ignorance of these policies can lead to listing suppression and stranded inventory. Stay updated on any policy changes to avoid future issues.
Implementing Effective Inventory Management Strategies
Develop and implement sound inventory management strategies. This includes monitoring sales velocity, replenishing popular items, and forecasting demand accurately. By staying on top of your inventory, you can minimize the occurrence of stranded inventory.
Dealing with Persistent Stranded Inventory Issues
Despite your best efforts, you may still encounter persistent stranded inventory issues. In such cases, it’s important to take additional steps to resolve the problem.
Contacting Amazon Seller Support
If you are unable to fix the issues causing your stranded inventory, reach out to Amazon Seller Support for assistance. They can provide guidance and help troubleshoot the problem.
Seeking Professional Help for Stranded Inventory Issues
In some cases, it may be necessary to seek professional help. There are Amazon consulting services and experts available who specialize in resolving stranded inventory issues. They can provide tailored advice and strategies based on your specific situation.
By following these steps and implementing preventive measures, you can effectively fix stranded inventory in your Amazon listing error. Remember, regular monitoring and proactive actions are key to maintaining a healthy and successful Amazon selling business.
Streamline Your Amazon Business with AI
Don’t let stranded inventory derail your Amazon success. With Your eCom Agent’s AI tools, you can automate the tedious process of managing your listings and prevent common errors that lead to stranded inventory. Our AI suite is designed to help you develop better products, analyze customer feedback, and optimize your detail pages efficiently. Say goodbye to hours of manual work and hello to instant, AI-driven solutions. Subscribe to Your eCom Agent’s AI Tools today and take the first step towards a more profitable and hassle-free Amazon business.