Key takeaways
- Review unfulfillable and aged stock regularly.
- Compare removal, disposal and liquidation economics.
- Start removals early; processing takes time.
- Use return data to fix product and packaging issues.
Why you might remove inventory
Common reasons include stock that is unfulfillable, aged and unlikely to sell, listing changes that make items ineligible, product recalls or wanting to move stock to another channel. Each has different urgency and cost implications.
Removal orders
A removal order asks Amazon to return inventory to you or to another address, or to dispose of it. You select the items, quantities and destination, and Amazon charges fees according to its current schedule. Processing can take time, particularly during peak periods, so start early.
Disposal versus return
Disposal destroys items and may be appropriate where inventory has no value or recovery cost exceeds value. Returning stock to you lets you inspect and resell, liquidate or donate. Compare removal fees, shipping cost and the realistic value of recovered stock.
- Estimate resale or liquidation value
- Compare removal and shipping cost
- Check expiry or regulatory constraints
- Decide dispose, return or liquidate
Customer returns
Returned items may be restocked as sellable, or classified as unfulfillable if damaged or defective. Review customer return reports to see how many items fall into each category and why. High unfulfillable rates point to quality or packaging problems.
Unfulfillable inventory
Unfulfillable inventory still incurs storage costs unless acted on. Review it regularly and decide on removal or disposal. Where damage was caused by Amazon, check whether a reimbursement claim is possible.
Liquidation options
Liquidation programs and third-party liquidators can recover some value from excess stock. Terms vary, so compare offers carefully and consider brand protection before selling discounted stock to unknown buyers.
A worked example
A seller reviews aged inventory and finds units unlikely to sell at current prices. They compare the cost of storage and removal with the expected proceeds from a discounted promotion. For one product they run a limited promotion; for another they remove the stock and sell it through another channel.
Common mistakes
Typical mistakes include ignoring unfulfillable stock for months, requesting removals without checking fees and leaving removals until peak season. Make removal review a monthly task.
A monthly removal review routine
Set aside time each month to review aged, unfulfillable and slow-moving inventory. List each product with the quantity involved, current storage cost, expected sales and a recommended action, such as promote, remove, dispose or hold. Get approval for write-offs from whoever owns the budget.
Keeping this routine regular prevents surprise storage costs and makes year-end stock valuation less painful. It also provides evidence for accounting decisions about impairment.
Your next three steps
Keep unsellable stock from piling up.
- Review unfulfillable and aged inventory each month.
- Compare removal, disposal and resale for each batch.
- Request removals well before peak periods.
Key terms
A few terms used above, in plain language.
- Removal order: a request to return or dispose of stock.
- Unfulfillable: stock that cannot be sold.
- Liquidation: selling excess stock in bulk at a discount.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my inventory back?
Yes, through removal orders, subject to fees and processing times.
Is disposal reversible?
No. Confirm quantities carefully before requesting it.
This guide is general information. Amazon's fees, policies and program rules change and vary by marketplace, so confirm current details in Seller Central and, for tax or legal questions, with a qualified adviser.