Inventory management is a critical aspect of running a successful business on Amazon

Inventory management is a critical aspect of running a successful business on Amazon. Not only does it impact your ability to meet customer demand, but it also affects your profitability and brand reputation. Here are some additional dos and don’ts to consider for managing your inventory on Amazon Seller Central or directly from Shopify.

Dos:

1. Do consider the lead times for your products: One aspect of inventory management that’s often overlooked is the lead time – the time it takes from placing an order with your supplier to receiving the stock. Factor in these lead times to ensure you’re not caught short, especially during busy sales periods like holidays or prime sales events.
2. Do have a contingency plan* for inventory issues: Problems can arise that may affect your inventory levels, such as delays from suppliers or sudden spikes in demand. Having a contingency plan in place can help you respond quickly and effectively to these situations.
3. Do use automated restocking tools: Automation can significantly improve the efficiency of your inventory management. Amazon provides tools that can help automate restocking based on your sales velocity and lead times, which can help to reduce the manual workload.
4. Do take advantage of Amazon’s analytics: Beyond the basic inventory performance metrics, Amazon offers deeper analytics that can help you understand your business better. Delve into these analytics to gain insights on which products are performing well and which aren’t, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
5. Do keep an eye on your competitors: Your inventory strategy shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. Be aware of what your competitors are doing, especially those who are successful. How much stock do they keep? What are their delivery times like? Use this information to benchmark your own performance.
6. Don’ts:
7. Don’t overlook the importance of inventory quality: It’s not just about quantity. Ensure that your inventory is in good condition and that product listings accurately reflect the item’s quality. This can help prevent returns and negative reviews, which can harm your seller rating.
8. Don’t underestimate the impact of returns: Returns are a part of doing business on Amazon, and they can affect your inventory levels. Have a process in place to handle returns efficiently and to restock returned products when appropriate.
9. Don’t let your inventory sit too long: Long-term storage fees can quickly erode your profits. Keep an eye on items that haven’t sold within a certain period and consider sales, discounts, or other promotional activities to move this stock.
10. Don’t ignore seasonal trends: Many products have seasonal demand cycles. Adjust your inventory levels in anticipation of these trends to maximize sales during peak periods and reduce carrying costs during slower periods.
11. Don’t forget to remove unfulfillable inventory: Inventory that can’t be fulfilled due to damage or other issues can accrue storage fees and affect your IPI score. Regularly remove or address unfulfillable inventory to keep your metrics healthy.
12. Don’t set and forget your inventory strategy: The marketplace is always changing, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Regularly review and adjust your inventory strategy based on current market conditions, trends, and performance data.
    

By adhering to these additional dos and don’ts, you can further refine your approach to inventory management on Amazon Seller Central. A proactive, data-driven inventory strategy can help you reduce costs, increase sales, and build a stronger, more resilient business.

*What is a contingency plan: 

Creating contingency plans for inventory issues is a critical component of robust inventory management. Here are some examples of contingency plans you can implement to prepare for potential inventory issues:

1. Diversified Supplier Network: Instead of relying on a single supplier, source your products from multiple suppliers to mitigate the risk of stock shortages due to unforeseen issues with one of them.
2. Safety Stock: Maintain a buffer of safety stock for best-selling items to protect against demand spikes or supply chain disruptions.
3. Flexible Inventory Financing: Arrange for flexible inventory financing options or have a line of credit in place to quickly purchase additional stock if needed.
4. On-Demand Production Capability: For manufacturers or those who have close relationships with manufacturers, having the ability to switch to on-demand production can help address sudden increases in demand.
5. Pre-Negotiated Rush Shipping: Have agreements in place with logistics providers for rush shipping options in case you need to expedite the restocking process.
6. Dropshipping Arrangements: In some cases, establishing dropshipping agreements with suppliers can serve as a backup if your primary inventory runs out.
7. Alternative Fulfillment Options: If you’re using FBA, also have a plan to fulfill orders in-house or through a third-party logistics provider if there are issues with Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
8. Inventory Distribution: Spread your inventory across multiple fulfillment centers or warehouses to minimize the impact of regional disruptions.
9. Regular Inventory Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure inventory data is accurate, which can help prevent issues before they become critical.
10. Product Substitution Plans: Identify alternative products that can be offered to customers if their first choice is out of stock, ensuring you can still make a sale.
11. Demand Forecasting Models: Implement advanced demand forecasting models that can help predict inventory needs more accurately and adjust to market changes swiftly.
12. Insurance: Have insurance policies that cover inventory loss due to natural disasters, theft, or other unforeseen events.
13. Communication Plans: Have clear communication plans for customers and stakeholders in the event of inventory issues. Transparency can often mitigate negative feedback.
14. Cross-Training Staff: Ensure that multiple team members are trained in inventory management tasks so that they can cover for each other in case of personal emergencies or high workload periods.
15. Scalable Customer Service: Plan for scalable customer service solutions, such as additional temporary staff or outsourced support, to handle increased inquiries during inventory shortages.
16. Legal and Compliance Advice: Maintain access to legal and compliance advice to navigate any contractual obligations or regulatory issues that may arise from inventory problems.
17. Disaster Recovery Plans: Have a disaster recovery plan for your physical inventory assets, including how to recover or replace damaged stock.

Effective inventory management is an ongoing process that can always be improved upon. Keep learning, stay flexible, and be prepared to adapt to new challenges and opportunities as they arise by choosing the right software Tools. With the right approach, you can turn inventory management from a daunting task into a competitive advantage for your Amazon business.