In the world of Amazon FBA, timely check-ins and accurate inventory updates are crucial for maintaining smooth operations. However, sellers sometimes face the frustrating situation where products are shipped and confirmed as delivered, but the inventory remains unchanged. This issue can disrupt sales, lead to customer complaints, and impact overall business performance. In this article, we will explore the common reasons behind missing inventory updates after shipment check-ins and provide practical solutions to help sellers ensure their products are accurately accounted for in Amazon's fulfillment centers.

Why is Your Inventory Missing After Shipment Check-In?

Our forwarders have delivered the products and Amazon has signed POD. Weeks later, some products are checked in and inventory is added, while others are not. So what happened? Let's get to know how to confirm Amazon Receipt of Products. 

This workflow is expected to work smoothly: In-Transit, Delivered, Checked-in, and Receiving. It's the forwarders' responsibility to get POD (Proof of Delivery), and normally, that's no problem. The key point is the final steps - Checked-in and Receiving. When you check within three business days, Amazon asks you to include some relevant information. Until now, all seemed perfect. Here are two cases to review:

Case 1: Delayed Check-In Due to Internal Issues

We had one shipment to Amazon FBA in 2021. Logistics tracking showed the parcels had been delivered, but the seller waited for two months with no inventory added. Amazon showed CLOSED STATUS when they became more than 90 days old. Sellers reconciled with Amazon, providing trucker's BOL, Amazon's POD, ISA No., but Amazon's warehouse still claimed they had not received the shipments. During this period, the seller doubted our forwarder, suspecting we didn't deliver their products and faked all files. They lodged claims against us. Eventually, Amazon showed RECEIVING status after negotiations, and the last product added inventory in March. This shipment remained in CLOSED status for sale after five months.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Amazon fulfillment centers faced labor shortages and space constraints, affecting the Amazon FBA process.

Case 2: Documentation Discrepancies

In early 2021, we delivered a shipment to FBA, but Amazon showed no CHECKED-IN status. Amazon informed the seller to provide a signed POD on paper. The fulfillment center didn't sign POD on paper, leading the seller to doubt its authenticity and file a claim against our forwarder. Fortunately, Amazon showed RECEIVING status, resolving the crisis.

Amazon's fulfillment centers had announced in 2020 that some centers do not stamp or sign PODs, including:

• POD no stamp no signed FBA: ONT8, LGB8, LAX9, SMF3, SCK1, SAT1, CLT2, BF13, CMH2, FTWI, etc.
• POD no stamp only signed FBA: SBD3, GYR3, etc.

So, it's puzzling when Amazon asks sellers to provide a signed POD on paper. In such situations, sellers should explain to Amazon and request the CSR to check with these FBAs.

How to Resolve and Prevent Missing Inventory Issues

1. Understand Amazon's Workflow: Familiarize yourself with Amazon's check-in process and the common issues that can arise. Knowing the steps helps in identifying where things might go wrong.
   
2. Provide Necessary Documentation: Always keep all relevant documents, such as BOL and POD, readily available. These documents are crucial when reconciling with Amazon in case of missing inventory.

3. Communicate Effectively: Maintain open lines of communication with both your forwarders and Amazon's customer service. Effective communication can often resolve issues more quickly.

4. Use Reliable Forwarders: Choose forwarders with a proven track record in handling Amazon FBA shipments, especially for routes like Amazon FBA from China to Europe, where logistical complexities can arise.

5. Track Shipments Diligently: Keep a close eye on your shipments. Use tracking tools and set alerts for any anomalies during transit and delivery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the issue of missing inventory updates in the Amazon FBA check-in process requires a calm and systematic approach. By understanding Amazon's workflow, providing necessary documentation, and effectively communicating with customer service, sellers can minimize the occurrence of such problems. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Keeping track of shipments and maintaining good communication with logistics providers are key to ensuring smooth product check-ins. If you encounter these issues, refer to the suggestions in this article and take prompt action to keep your business running smoothly.