Filling Stock Gaps and Protecting Rankings with both FBM & FBA

Maximizing Sales and Protecting Rankings: The Benefits of Using Both Merchant Fulfilled (MF or FBM) & Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) Simultaneously

Many Amazon sellers, particularly those new to the platform, often overlook the significant advantages of leveraging both FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) and FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) simultaneously. A compelling testament to the power of this strategy in action comes from GoNorth, a brand aggregator whose integration with SKUPREME has not only streamlined their operations but also delivered tangible savings, such as a $9,000 monthly reduction in shipping costs for just one of their SKUs. The savings were realized by strategically positioning a high-performing SKU from on of their brands in fulfillment centers on both coasts of the continental US. Leveraging our fulfillment network and activating FBM listings allowed the brand to efficiently mitigate stockouts and maintain sales momentum. This innovative dual-fulfillment approach, which combines operational flexibility and optimized inventory management, highlights the often underrated potential for maximizing success on Amazon by diversifying fulfillment methods.

Amazon's Fulfillment Network is Great, but not Enough

As Amazon continues to experience intake and transfer delays, especially during high-volume holiday season, stock gaps are increasingly impacting sellers’ revenue and product rankings. These challenges, often exacerbated by inventory stuck in transit or held at third-party logistics centers (3PLs), can lead to costly stockouts and lost sales opportunities. By enabling both Merchant Fulfilled (MF) and Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) simultaneously on your listings, sellers can leverage SKUPREME's MF automation feature to bridge these gaps. This dual-fulfillment strategy ensures uninterrupted stock availability, preserves sales velocity, and safeguards product rankings.

Amazon sellers, particularly those just starting out, may overlook the significant impact an optimized fulfillment network can have on both sales and seller rankings. Balancing the ability to meet demand surges while avoiding costly overstock issues is crucial, yet for many sellers, the complexity of refining their fulfillment processes can seem overwhelming and not worth the investment of time or resources. That’s where SKUPREME steps in, providing an efficient, automated solution that simplifies fulfillment optimization.

What is BSR (Best Seller's Rank) on Amazon?

As this blog post from Amazon explains, BSR isn't calculated by page views or customer reviews. BSR is calculated by using sales volume data; both recent and all-time sales, however recent data is weighed more. As any experienced seller knows, the best way to sell more is not to miss out on sales opportunities due to inventory shortages. SKUPREME's order fulfillment features allow sellers to configure rules that route order based on the most optimal fulfillment options.

Leveraging FBA along with non-Amazon Storage Providers:

Relying exclusively on Amazon's fulfillment network, while convenient, can expose sellers to significant risks, particularly during peak seasons or when unforeseen logistical challenges arise. Integrating non-Amazon storage providers into your operations, such as third-party logistics providers (3PLs), provides a crucial buffer. These providers not only help mitigate delays but also enable sellers to maintain consistent inventory levels across fulfillment channels.

How SKUPREME Helps Avoid Overstock and Understock Situations:

With SKUPREME, sellers can seamlessly manage inventory across multiple storage locations, ensuring that when FBA experiences delays or stock shortages, orders can automatically route to merchant-fulfilled solutions. This approach not only prevents lost sales but also keeps customers happy by avoiding lengthy shipping delays. Moreover, it reduces the chances of over-reliance on Amazon’s fulfillment network, which could become a bottleneck during critical sales periods. This can be done by automating fulfillment logic under marketplace settings. 

Conclusion

Incorporating both FBA and FBM into your Amazon strategy is a game-changer for maintaining sales momentum and protecting your rankings. With tools like SKUPREME, you can seamlessly automate fulfillment, avoid costly stockouts, and stay ahead in a competitive marketplace. Embrace this dual approach to future-proof your business and deliver exceptional customer experiences.