‍1. Keep updated on Amazon’s policy changes 

Amazon first updated their policies back in March when they announced restrictions on FBA inventory shipments for any non-essential items in their warehouses. They shifted their focus to in demand products that are considered essentials including household staples, medical supplies, grocery products, pet necessities, and most health and beauty products. This alarmed most Amazon sellers whose products do not fall into the ‘essential items’ categories. 

However, some sellers saw an increase in demand for items that consumers stuck at home would like to utilize – products like toys, craft and hobby supplies, and home office equipment are selling faster than expected, leaving sellers struggling to catch up with demand in lieu of the current FBA shipment restrictions. Amazon has also ceased sellers from posting any coronavirus-related products, so don’t think about listing any hand sanitizer or face masks any time soon. 

It is essential for all sellers to ensure their product listings are compliant with Amazon’s current policy changes. 

2. Adjust your ad spending 

With the surge of Amazon shoppers, be mindful of your ads. If your inventory levels cannot keep up with your customer demands, you should reevaluate how much you are spending on ad services. 

This was not something Amazon sellers could plan for, but now that we are amidst the COVID19 pandemic, refocus your ad spending on products that you have heavy inventory in to ensure fulfilment for customers. 

3. Look into alternative fulfillment channels

FBA inbound shipments are expanding daily, so within your Seller Central page, check your restock inventory tab to see if any new products have become eligible for shipments. You may find that some items have not yet been qualified, and for those items we recommend finding alternative fulfillment options. 

If your FBA inventory lists are running low, convert those to SFP (seller fulfilled prime) or FBM (fulfilled by merchant) if possible – just make sure you have the capacity to store and ship your orders on your own.  

4. Consider moving to different marketplaces 

If your company is only relying on Amazon for your sales channel and fulfillment partner, your company can be vulnerable during this unprecedented time. Having a strategy in place for other possible marketplaces could prove beneficial, since no one is quite sure where COVID19 will lead the e-commerce market. 

Many are adding platforms like eBay and Walmart for product fulfilment and product listings to try and avoid any unexpected situations that can be hindering using Amazon as their only company e-commerce channel. 

5. Focus on creating valuable listings applicable to today’s environment  

The majority of people these days are almost completely shopping online, which is why it’s vital your products are complementing spending habits. Spend this time to build your brand with your social media accounts, because what you post on Amazon can also be shared there. Get creative and show how your products are a necessity for those who are stuck at home and promote content around those demands.