Introduction
Stickerless, commingled inventory is a type of inventory that is stored in Amazon’s fulfillment centers without being labeled with a specific seller’s identifier. This means that when an order is placed for a product that is part of the stickerless, commingled inventory, Amazon will ship the order from the fulfillment center that is closest to the customer, regardless of which seller’s inventory was used to fulfill the order.
Requirements for Stickerless, Commingled Inventory
In order to use stickerless, commingled inventory, sellers must meet the following requirements:
- The products must be non-media products. This means that books, software, CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. cannot be included in stickerless, commingled inventory.
- The products must be in new condition.
- The products must have a UPC or EAN barcode.
- The products must be easily identifiable. This means that the packaging must include a label with the product’s title, color, and model number, in addition to the UPC or EAN barcode.
- The UPC or EAN must have a single ASIN. If the UPC or EAN applies to more than one ASIN, the product cannot be included in stickerless, commingled inventory.
How Stickerless, Commingled Inventory Works
When products are part of the stickerless, commingled inventory, they are stored in Amazon’s fulfillment centers without being labeled with a specific seller’s identifier. This means that when an order is placed for a product that is part of the stickerless, commingled inventory, Amazon will ship the order from the fulfillment center that is closest to the customer, regardless of which seller’s inventory was used to fulfill the order.
Here is an example of how stickerless, commingled inventory can work
- A customer orders a toy from Amazon. Amazon looks at its inventory and sees that it has the product in stock at fulfillment centers in three different locations. The fulfillment center that is closest to the customer has the most inventory in stock, so Amazon ships the toy from that location.
- A customer orders a pair of shoes from Amazon. Amazon looks at its inventory and sees that it has the shoes in stock at fulfillment centers in two different locations. The fulfillment center that is closest to the customer has the only size that the customer needs, so Amazon ships the shoes from that location.
Pros of Stickerless, Commingled Inventory
There are several benefits to using stickerless, commingled inventory. These benefits include:
- Faster delivery times: When products are part of the stickerless, commingled inventory, they can be shipped from the fulfillment center that is closest to the customer. This can lead to faster delivery times for customers.
- Reduced labor costs: Sellers who use stickerless, commingled inventory do not have to label their products with their own identifier. This can save sellers time and money on labor costs.
- Reduced risk of errors: When products are not labeled with a specific seller’s identifier, there is less risk of errors occurring when orders are fulfilled. This can help to improve customer satisfaction.
Cons of Stickerless, Commingled Inventory
Commingling can be a beneficial option for sellers who want to improve delivery times and reduce labor costs. However, it also introduces some risks, including:
- Counterfeit products: When products are commingled, there is a risk that counterfeit products could be mixed in with genuine products. This can lead to negative reviews and product returns, which can damage a seller’s reputation.
- Poor quality products: Another risk of commingling is that poor quality products could be mixed in with good quality products. This can also lead to negative reviews and product returns.
- Customer confusion: Customers may be confused if they receive a product that is different from the one they expected. This can lead to negative reviews and lost sales.
If you are considering using commingling, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. If you decide to use commingling, it is important to take steps to mitigate the risks, such as:
Only sell products from reputable suppliers: Make sure that the suppliers you use are reputable and that they sell genuine products.
Here are some additional tips for sellers who are considering using commingling
- Make sure your products are properly labeled: When you ship your products to Amazon, make sure they are properly labeled with your brand name and UPC code. This will help to prevent counterfeit products from being mixed in with your inventory.
- Monitor your reviews: Keep an eye on your product reviews and look for any complaints about counterfeit or poor-quality products. If you see any complaints, investigate immediately and take steps to resolve the issue.
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for problems to happen. Be proactive and take steps to prevent counterfeit and poor-quality products from being mixed in with your inventory. By taking these steps, you can help to protect your business and your customers.
How to Avoid Commingled Inventory on Amazon?
- Change your product listing to “Amazon barcode.” This will tell Amazon that you want your inventory to be kept separate from the inventory of other sellers.
- Label your products with the FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) before you send them to the fulfillment center. You can either label the products yourself or have Amazon label them for you (with a fee).
- To print item labels with FNSKU manually, go to Manage FBA Inventory and find the product you want to label. On the right-hand side, find the edit button, click the down arrow next to it, and choose “Print item labels.”
Conclusion
Overall, stickerless, commingled inventory can be a beneficial option for sellers who are looking to improve delivery times, reduce labor costs, and reduce the risk of errors. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether or not to use this option.
If you are a wholesaler who wants to sell fast, then stickerless, commingled inventory is a good option for you. You can also choose this option if you have items that are not selling well and you would like to get rid of them fast. However, if you are a seller who wants to maintain control over the customer experience, then you may want to avoid using stickerless, commingled inventory.
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