SAFE-T Claims: Challenges and Tips from the Amazon Seller Forums
Sellers on the Amazon Seller Forums are raising concerns about inconsistencies in the SAFE-T claims process. One common issue is denied claims for merchant-fulfilled listings due to unclear return policy guidelines, leading to delays and lost reimbursements.
What’s the Impact?
These challenges create frustration, wasted time, and missed opportunities to recover costs. Sellers also face account warnings if they reopen claims without adding new evidence.
How to Navigate It:
- Submit appeals through the “Manage SAFE-T Claims” page with clear, detailed proof.
- Avoid reopening claims unless you have new information.
- Stay proactive by aligning your processes with Amazon’s return policy guidelines.
The takeaway? Staying organized and acting quickly can help reduce headaches and improve outcomes.
2025 Updates to US Referral and FBA Fees
Amazon is focusing on simplifying operations and reducing costs for sellers in 2025. While inflation and labor investments have driven up expenses, Amazon has committed to keeping US referral and FBA fees unchanged and introducing a few key fee reductions and benefits to support growth.
Key Changes for 2025:
- Fee Reductions for Bulky Items: Inbound placement service fees for large, bulky-size products will decrease by an average of $0.58 per unit, starting January 15, 2025.
- Fee Waivers for New ASINs: For shipments created between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, new parent ASINs eligible under the FBA New Selection Program will be exempt from inbound placement service fees (up to the first 100 units).
- Incentives for New Selection: Enhanced discounts will be offered under the New Seller Incentives and FBA New Selection programs. Discounts will target essential products, high-demand categories, and globally sought brands.
Impact on Sellers: These updates aim to reduce operational complexity, support new product launches, and drive growth without introducing new fee types or increasing rates.
How to Navigate: Leverage Amazon’s enhanced tools, such as improved fee calculators and cost-effective inbounding recommendations, to optimize your business for 2025.
For full details, visit the Amazon Fee Changes page.
Amazon Sellers Express Frustration Over Fees and Business Viability
The Amazon Seller Forums have highlighted widespread dissatisfaction among sellers regarding the platform’s fee structure and policies. Many sellers feel that rising fees, the reliance on paid advertising, and operational challenges have made it increasingly difficult to sustain profitability.
Seller Concerns:
- High Costs: Sellers report that fees now consume a significant portion of their revenue—up to 50% in some cases—making it hard to turn a profit.
- Advertising Reliance: Organic visibility has declined, pushing sellers toward expensive ads to maintain sales.
- Returns and Refunds: Policies requiring sellers to refund shipping and wholesale costs for returns, even on damaged items, are a significant financial burden.
- Operational Complexity: Issues like reserve funds, unclear fees, and poor support add to the frustrations.
Impact on Sellers:
Many long-term sellers are reconsidering their future on the platform, with some scaling back or leaving altogether. This not only affects sellers but also service providers who support them.
Our Take:
These challenges underscore the need for diversification. Sellers should explore other eCommerce platforms and marketplaces to reduce reliance on Amazon and protect their businesses against these pressures. Staying flexible and innovative is essential in this evolving retail landscape.
Limited-Time Coupon Fee Reimbursement for New FBA Products
Amazon is offering a $0.60-per-redemption coupon fee reimbursement for newly launched FBA products. This promotion applies to items that became buyable after November 2, 2024, and runs through January 31, 2025. Reimbursements will be automatically credited to Seller Central accounts by February 28, 2025.
Why This Matters:
Coupons are a proven strategy for boosting the discoverability and sales of new products. With this reimbursement, sellers can leverage coupons to drive early momentum without incurring additional fees.
Key Benefits:
- Early-stage products are eligible, even without sales history.
- Fee reimbursements make it easier to experiment with coupons as a growth tool.
This is a great opportunity to optimize new product launches while reducing costs. For details on creating coupons, visit the Create a Coupon page on Seller Central.
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