How West Coast Amazon Delays Are Straining Sellers During Q4 of 2024
In recent months, Amazon sellers have been dealing with unprecedented challenges, particularly around shipping and receiving inventory through Amazon’s FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) service.
The delays at Amazon's West Coast facilities have been a growing concern, with many sellers reporting extended wait times for inventory to be checked in and made available for sale.
As peak season approaches, these bottlenecks are creating serious issues for sellers who rely on Amazon to handle fulfillment quickly and efficiently.
Let’s dive deeper into the current situation, why it’s affecting so many sellers, and how solutions like Proboxx’s 3PL services and FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) options can help businesses stay in control, avoid delays, and maintain customer satisfaction during the busiest time of the year.
The Growing Issue: West Coast Delays with Amazon FBA
Amazon recently acknowledged that “high demand has led to longer receiving times for shipments” at their West Coast inbound locations. Sellers who rely on these fulfillment centers to manage their inventory are now facing significant obstacles, with some shipments taking weeks or even months to check in. This delay can severely disrupt a business’s cash flow, sales targets, and customer satisfaction.
The delays are particularly troubling because, for many sellers, Q4 (October through December) is the peak season when a large portion of their yearly sales are made. Every day that products remain “in transit” or “awaiting check-in” represents missed opportunities and potential revenue loss, which is especially devastating during such a crucial period.
Real-Life Impact on Sellers:
One seller reported a staggering five-month delay for their inventory, meaning they were unable to restock in time or meet customer demand. Others are scrambling to find ways to maintain stock levels, prevent lost sales, and avoid the risk of Amazon penalties for low inventory levels.
Amazon's Response: Rerouting Shipments
To address the issue, Amazon has started rerouting shipments to different regions to increase capacity. However, this solution hasn’t been smooth. Sellers are finding that rerouting only adds to transit times, further compounding delays. While Amazon has assured sellers that it’s “working hard to ensure your inventory is placed before your deals start,” many are skeptical that these adjustments will make a meaningful difference before the end of the year.Additionally, sellers are feeling the pressure to plan their inventory meticulously. With Amazon’s inability to guarantee timely check-in times, sellers are forced to find alternative ways to store and manage their products without jeopardizing the quality of their customer service.
Rising Costs and Confusion with UPS Shipping Rates
Alongside delays, sellers are reporting a sudden spike in UPS shipping rates for inventory sent to Amazon. In some cases, the cost of shipping has tripled overnight. Sellers are speculating about the reasons behind this increase—some believe it’s a temporary glitch, while others think it could be a strategy by Amazon to control inbound shipments during the busy season.
One seller noted, “Last night I was working on a shipment, and the estimated UPS cost was $9. This morning, it was $27.” The uncertainty around these rising costs has added another layer of stress, especially as sellers try to budget for the peak season. This unexpected increase further erodes their profit margins and leaves many wondering if they can sustain these costs if the trend continues.
Some sellers are even choosing to opt out of auto-return labels to avoid potential losses on returned items, highlighting just how much these price hikes are impacting their ability to operate smoothly.
Low Inventory Fees and Storage Charges: A Double-Edged Sword
Amazon penalizes sellers with “low inventory fees” if they fail to keep enough stock, even if the delays at Amazon’s warehouses are out of their control. This places sellers in an impossible situation: they’re penalized for low inventory but have little power to control when their stock will actually become available.
Additionally, Amazon’s Q4 storage fees have doubled, adding another financial burden. For many sellers, it’s a Catch-22—either keep sending inventory to Amazon and pay the inflated storage costs or risk running out of stock and losing sales. This challenging situation is pushing more sellers to seek alternative fulfillment options to maintain a steady flow of stock without excessive costs.
The Solution: Proboxx 3PL and FBM for Faster and More Reliable Fulfillment
Given these challenges, sellers are now looking for ways to bypass Amazon’s fulfillment constraints. Proboxx’s 3PL services offer a smart, efficient alternative for those looking to take control of their inventory, avoid delays, and maintain flexibility.
Here’s how Proboxx can help:
1. Total Control Over Inventory and Delivery
With Proboxx, sellers can manage their inventory directly, ensuring products are stored, packed, and shipped according to their needs—not Amazon’s timeline. By switching to Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) and using Proboxx’s East and West Coast 3PL facilities, sellers have full control over when products reach customers, avoiding the lengthy delays seen with FBA.
2. Special Combined Freight and Storage Rates
Proboxx offers competitive combined rates for freight and storage, helping sellers to better manage costs. Unlike Amazon’s fluctuating fees, Proboxx provides a more predictable and cost-effective solution, allowing sellers to budget more accurately and protect their profit margins.
3. Responsive Customer Service
At Proboxx, we understand the frustrations that come with inventory delays and miscommunication. Our dedicated team is here to help sellers troubleshoot issues, optimize storage, and streamline delivery, providing a level of customer service that Amazon’s automated systems simply cannot match.
4. Efficient Returns Processing
Proboxx’s 3PL services also include returns processing and refurbishing options. This helps sellers manage returns more efficiently, saving time and hassle while maintaining high-quality standards for products that may go back into stock.
5. Reduced Risk of Penalties and Lost Revenue
By switching to FBM through Proboxx, sellers can avoid the penalties associated with Amazon’s low inventory fees. This ensures that they have the inventory available to meet customer demand without being penalized for Amazon’s processing delays.
Take Back Control This Q4 – Book a Call with Proboxx
Whether you’re looking to switch to FBM or simply need a more dependable storage and fulfillment partner, Proboxx is here to help you navigate these challenges and achieve your sales goals.
Book a call with us HERE or Email us HERE.
The holiday season is a critical time for Amazon sellers, but this year, delays at West Coast facilities and unexpected cost increases are testing the limits of even the most prepared businesses.
Proboxx’s 3PL services offer a reliable alternative, giving sellers the flexibility and control they need to thrive during Q4 and beyond.
Don’t let Amazon’s fulfillment issues jeopardize your success—reach out to Proboxx and discover how our 3PL solutions can keep your business moving forward.