
Amazon 2021 MCF Fees and Features
In response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and what was undoubtedly a challenging year for most, Amazon decided to lend its sellers a hand in December 2020 by postponing its annual fee adjustments. Additionally, Amazon absorbed certain costs to support sellers through a challenging winter and help them get back on their feet after a few tricky and uncertain quarters.
At long last, it seems like there is a glimmer of light at the end of the COVID tunnel. With what looks like a path to normality now set before us, Amazon has concluded that the time is right to announce its next US Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) fee adjustment, due to take place on June 1, 2021.
What are the Key Changes for 2021?
The 2021 US Multi-Channel Fulfillment fee changes include measured increases in fulfillment fees, in line with the industry average of about 3%, to reflect changing fulfillment, transportation, and storage costs.
Furthermore, Amazon has given sellers the option to block orders from being shipped by Amazon Logistics for a 5% surcharge. This change results from the fact that sales channels like eBay and Walmart prohibit Amazon Logistics, so sellers will be able to block this shipping method at the account level within the FBA settings or on individual orders.
Starting in June, most MCF product size tiers will be aligned to the Fulfillment by Amazon tiers, and there will be a new Small standard size for products weighing 2 oz or less. Also, Amazon plans to remove expedited and priority shipping speeds on large oversize and special oversize products.
Amazon to add Sellers’ Top-Requested MCF Features
Firstly, Amazon claims to have improved on-time shipping for customer orders, although shouldn’t they have already done that? The company says standard-speed orders for in-stock inventory are now shipped out within two business days of order creation and expedited. Priority-speed orders are shipped out within one business day, so hopefully, this will improve MCF shipping overall.
Secondly, sellers will have the ability to track through AfterShip, to ensure Amazon Logistics shipments are trackable on popular channels such as Etsy and Wish. Any MCF tracking number can be used to search on Swiship.com as well. These tracking numbers can be accessed via the Seller Central order details pages or Amazon’s tracking API. Moreover, sellers will have the choice to have the number sent to the customer automatically, so long as an email address is provided when the order is submitted.
Thirdly, Amazon will use sellers’ MCF volume when calculating their Inventory Performance Index (IPI) score, which may help qualify for unlimited storage. If you don’t know your current IPI score, then head over to the Inventory Performance dashboard.
The final significant update for sellers is the ability to sign up to be put on the waiting list for the beta test of the unbranded packaging and international shipping features.
Do you think these updates are beneficial to your selling abilities? You can always let Amazon know what you think by dropping them some feedback at [email protected], and if you need any further information about the 2021 MCF updates, check out the MCF help page.
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