Change to Default Handling Time options for Amazon Sellers in the US

As an Amazon seller, providing excellent service and meeting customer expectations is key to success. Amazon continually strives to enhance the shopping experience for customers, and one important aspect of this is ensuring accurate delivery dates. In a recent announcement, Amazon has introduced changes to the Default Handling Time for sellers to improve the delivery promise to customers. In this blog post, we will break down this announcement and guide you on how to adapt to these changes effectively.

Understanding the Default Handling Time Update

Amazon has recognized that the majority of orders received by sellers are processed within 1 business day from the time the order is received. However, many sellers have their Default Handling Time configured to 2 days, which can result in less appealing delivery dates for customers and potentially lead to lost sales.

To address this issue, Amazon has decided to deprecate the 2-day Default Handling Time, effectively moving all seller accounts to a 1-day Default Handling Time. This change is designed to set more accurate delivery dates, aligning with the efficient handling of orders.

Key Dates for the Change

The transition to the new Default Handling Time will occur between November 2 and November 6. During this period, sellers with a 2-day Default Handling Time will see their Default Handling Time change to 1 day.

For sellers who have historically taken more than 1 day to handle orders and have not specified a SKU-specific Handling Time, Amazon will automatically assign a 2-day SKU-specific Handling Time. This SKU-specific Handling Time will override the Default Handling Time for those products.

How to Set a SKU-Specific Handling Time

If you need to set a longer Handling Time for specific products, Amazon provides options to do this individually or in bulk. Here’s how you can set a SKU-specific Handling Time:

1. Manage Inventory Page: You can set a SKU-specific Handling Time on the Manage Inventory page. This allows you to adjust Handling Time for each product individually. Simply locate the product in your inventory and adjust the Handling Time as needed.
2. Inventory Loader: If you need to make changes to Handling Time for multiple SKUs, the Inventory Loader tool is a convenient way to do so in bulk. This tool allows you to upload a file with the necessary updates, including SKU-specific Handling Time adjustments.
3. Price and Quantity File: Similar to the Inventory Loader, the Price and Quantity file allows you to modify Handling Time for multiple SKUs by uploading a file with the required changes.
4. Listing Loader: The Listing Loader tool offers another option for bulk changes to SKU-specific Handling Time. It allows you to upload a file with updates, ensuring that your products reflect the accurate handling time.

To gain a deeper understanding of how to implement these changes effectively, Amazon provides detailed resources and guidance. You can learn more about these tools and processes by visiting the relevant Amazon Seller Central pages.

As an Amazon seller, adapting to changes in the platform’s policies and procedures is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and satisfying customer expectations. The transition to a 1-day Default Handling Time is a step taken by Amazon to enhance the customer experience and ensure more accurate delivery promises.

We encourage sellers to review their Default Handling Time settings and make any necessary adjustments to SKU-specific Handling Times, particularly if your products historically require more than 1 day for handling. By proactively addressing these changes, you can continue to provide an exceptional shopping experience for your customers and maintain a successful presence on Amazon. Your flexibility and responsiveness to these updates will benefit your business and your customers in the long run.

Here you can view a screenshot of the full e-mail announcement from Amazon regarding the matter:

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