How Amazon Sellers Turn Lead Time, Demand Forecasting, and Inventory Allocation into a Controlled System
Many Amazon sellers are profitable on paper and exhausted in reality.
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Many Amazon sellers are profitable on paper and exhausted in reality.
For Amazon and e-commerce sellers, the calendar is marked by several high pressure events: Prime Day, Black Friday, and the Q4 rush. However, there is one event that is arguably more disruptive because it represents a total stop in the global supply chain: Chinese New Year (CNY).
The landscape of e-commerce has shifted fundamentally as we enter 2026. If 2024 was the year of experimentation for TikTok Shop and 2025 was the year of rapid adoption, 2026 is the year where operational infrastructure defines who survives. At Proboxx, we have seen this evolution firsthand from the warehouse floor.
As we move into the first quarter of 2026, the e-commerce landscape is facing a familiar but intensifying challenge. Following a record-breaking holiday season in 2025, Amazon sellers are now dealing with a significant surge in product returns. While high sales numbers are the goal, the "return hangover" in January and February can quickly erode profit margins if not managed with surgical precision.
TikTok Shop is quickly becoming one of the most powerful sales channels in e-commerce. Products can go viral overnight, demand can spike instantly, and sellers can scale faster than on almost any other platform.
For many Amazon sellers, margin compression has quietly become one of the biggest threats to long-term growth.
As Amazon sellers grow, logistics quickly becomes one of the biggest constraints on scale. Storage limits, inbound restrictions, rising fees, and platform lock-in all force sellers to make a decision:
The Chinese New Year (CNY), often referred to as the Spring Festival, remains the most significant annual disruption in the global supply chain. For Amazon sellers and e-commerce business owners, this period is more than just a holiday. It is a critical window where production stops completely, labor availability shifts, and shipping capacity reaches its limit.
For many e-commerce sellers, Q4 and Golden Week represent the most important trading window of the year. Demand is high, marketing spend is committed, and inventory planning is locked in months in advance.
The global shipping industry is currently navigating a period of significant volatility. For Amazon sellers, who operate on tight margins and strict timelines, understanding these market shifts is the difference between a profitable quarter and a financial loss.
The landscape of e-commerce logistics in the United States is shifting. For years, Amazon sellers relied almost exclusively on FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). However, as Amazon introduces more complex fee structures and storage constraints, the need for a diversified warehousing strategy has become a top priority for serious brands.
The Lunar New Year, specifically the Chinese New Year (CNY), is not just a holiday. For anyone involved in global manufacturing and e-commerce, it is the single most disruptive event in the annual supply chain cycle. In 2025, the Year of the Snake begins officially on January 29, but the logistical impact spans from early January through late March.
Amazon has just announced another round of major corporate layoffs, cutting around 14,000 jobs, or roughly 4% of its white-collar workforce. This is part of a broader restructuring that could ultimately reduce up to 30,000 corporate roles across HR, cloud services, and management teams.
When Amazon first introduced AWD (Amazon Warehousing and Distribution), it seemed like the perfect solution: affordable long-term storage, easy integration with FBA, and smooth distribution across Amazon’s fulfilment network. Many sellers joined the program quickly — and for good reason. But just as many predicted, the honeymoon period is ending. Starting January 15, 2026, Amazon will raise AWD storage and transportation fees by up to 22%. For many sellers, this marks a turning point — one that raises important questions about cost control, flexibility, and long-term strategy.
After months of tension and uncertainty, the latest U.S.–China trade negotiations have resulted in a temporary truce. The good news: tariffs on some Chinese consumer goods have been reduced. The bad news: most duties remain historically high — and new increases may return as early as January 2026 if the current agreement isn’t renewed.
Black Friday used to be a single day. Then it became a weekend. Now, for some platforms, it’s a full season. In 2025, Temu announced a record-breaking 51-day Black Friday campaign — starting with a preheating phase on October 9 and continuing until November 29. For sellers, this marks a new era of extended discount cycles and logistics challenges that no longer fit traditional Q4 timelines.
Over the past few years, global trade tensions have significantly impacted how businesses buy, sell, and transport goods across borders. From the U.S.–China trade war to the recent expansion of tariff enforcement under the “reciprocal trade” framework, importers are facing new layers of uncertainty.
Every year, during the first week of October, China comes to a pause. Factories close, ports slow down, and millions of workers travel home to celebrate Golden Week, one of the country’s longest national holidays. For e-commerce sellers sourcing from China, this week (and the days around it) can disrupt even the best logistics plan. If your inventory isn’t collected before the holiday, it might sit idle for two to three weeks — long enough to miss Amazon’s inbound deadlines or key Q4 sales windows.
Peak season is here again. For Amazon and eCommerce sellers, the weeks leading to Black Friday and Christmas represent the busiest and most critical shipping window of the year. But with increasing network congestion, limited warehouse capacity, and stricter inbound deadlines, the margin for error is thinner than ever.
Import volumes into the United States are running high again in late summer 2025, which increases pressure on major gateways, especially Southern California.
What is Golden Week and Why It Matters Golden Week is China’s National Day holiday, celebrated from October 1st to October 7th, with closures often stretching longer depending on the year. In 2025, many factories, ports, and customs offices will remain closed from September 29 to October 9. For sellers, this may sound like good news—the increase is not higher than 2024. But it still means extra costs for nearly three months of the year. And with tight Q4 margins, every cent counts.
Amazon announced that its 2025 peak season fulfilment fees will match last year’s rates. From October 15, 2025, through January 14, 2026, sellers using FBA, Remote Fulfilment (Canada & Mexico), Multi-Channel Fulfilment, or Buy with Prime will pay elevated rates. For sellers, this may sound like good news—the increase is not higher than 2024. But it still means extra costs for nearly three months of the year. And with tight Q4 margins, every cent counts.
In 2025, bonded warehouses are being discussed everywhere again. Why? Tariff policies in the United States, driven by the Trump administration, have created a new level of uncertainty for importers.
For Amazon sellers, Q4 is not just another quarter. It is the most critical sales period of the year. With events like Fall Prime, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas shopping, demand skyrockets, FBA warehouses reach capacity, and carrier networks get stretched thin.
2025 has already been a year of dramatic changes in global trade. For Amazon and e-commerce sellers, one of the most disruptive developments is not tariffs, not shipping delays, but something hidden inside countless everyday products: magnets.
Amazon announced on 31 July 2025 that it will discontinue all FBA prep and labelling services on 1 January 2026. These services were introduced to protect products and standardise packaging for Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) shipments. According to Amazon, most sellers now package items correctly on their own, so the company can focus on core fulfilment operations.
Under the U.S. de minimis rule, commercial shipments valued at $800 or less could enter the United States without paying duty or going through a formal customs entry. Between 2015 and 2024, annual de minimis shipments ballooned from about 134 million to more than 1.36 billion parcels, driven largely by cross-border e-commerce.
The European Union’s new Battery Regulation introduces an extended producer responsibility (EPR) regime for batteries and products containing them. From 18 August 2025, Amazon sellers shipping such items into EU Member States must register as producers in each country and provide registration numbers to Amazonforestshipping.com. Sellers who fail to comply risk having their products delisted or facing compliance feesforestshipping.com.
Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, continues to evolve its processes to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline its operations. In line with this vision, Amazon introduced a new regulation on April 24, 2023, called the Delivery Window, as part of the Send to Amazon (STA) shipment creation process.
Venturing into international markets as an Amazon seller can be a transformative move for your business, opening up a world of new opportunities. However, the complexities of global shipping require a high level of expertise and precision. One crucial element that can significantly impact your product’s profitability is working with skilled customs brokers.
The global trade environment has dramatically shifted, and the latest tariff escalation announced by the Trump administration has introduced a new wave of complexity. Amazon and e-commerce sellers, particularly those sourcing internationally, now face unprecedented challenges. At Proboxx, we're committed to guiding sellers through these turbulent waters. This comprehensive guide breaks down recent tariff developments, outlines their impact on major sourcing countries, and provides practical strategies to safeguard your business.
The 90-day tariff reprieve between the U.S. and China was meant to offer some breathing room for importers—but it’s had a different effect on ocean freight. Instead of easing the pressure, transpacific shipping rates have continued to climb, and all signs point to more increases ahead.
The much-anticipated 90-day tariff pause from President Trump gave U.S. importers a temporary breather—but the clock is ticking. The broader tariff relief that began on April 9 is already halfway through, while the more targeted China tariff freeze, announced May 12, will expire on August 14.
In the latest twist of the U.S. trade saga, the “Liberation Day” tariffs—announced by former President Trump and ruled unlawful just days ago—have now been temporarily reinstated by a U.S. Appeals Court.
A federal court in New York has just shaken up the global trade world—ruling that former President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs were imposed unlawfully under emergency powers.
On May 12, 2025, the United States and China announced a 90-day tariff truce. As part of this deal: • Tariffs on Chinese goods entering the U.S. dropped from 145% to 30% • Tariffs on American goods entering China were reduced to 10% • The new rates apply to all goods arriving in the U.S. starting May 14
What happens if tariffs suddenly drop, as suggested in yesterday’s U.S.–China trade announcement? We're not heading back to business as usual. We're heading into a slingshot scenario.
April is shaping up to be a golden month for creative promotions and meaningful connections with your audience. With Easter falling between April 13–21 this year and Earth Day landing on April 22, there's plenty of opportunity to run timely campaigns that boost both visibility and sales.
Amazon has officially opened its virtual doors to Irish shoppers with the launch of its dedicated website, Amazon.ie. This exciting move offers customers across Ireland access to over 200 million products, now listed in Euro, with the added bonus of faster local delivery and hassle-free returns.
In today’s evolving trade environment, the cost of importing goods has become a major concern for global sellers—especially for those sourcing from China.
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive tariff policy, dubbed "Liberation Day," aimed at recalibrating the United States' trade relationships. This policy introduces a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports, with additional country-specific tariffs targeting nations with perceived unfair trade practices.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping has been a hot topic among importers, especially with the new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. Many sellers and businesses choose DDP as a hassle-free shipping method, believing that all costs, including duties and taxes, are covered upfront. However, the reality of how DDP works is far more complex.
Blog article written by Amit Rosenthal, CEO of Proboxx. New clients. Bigger deals. More growth. It’s what every business chases, right? But what if the best opportunities aren’t out there in the unknown—but right in front of you?
The global ocean freight industry is experiencing significant fluctuations in container shipping rates, particularly for standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers, in the wake of new tariffs introduced by the Trump administration. These policy changes have not only impacted current freight costs but are also influencing projections for the remainder of 2025.
Starting March 4, 2025, the U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on all imports from China, doubling the current tariff to 20%. This policy shift has significant implications for businesses sourcing products from China, particularly Amazon sellers and e-commerce brands.
The introduction of new tariffs under the Trump administration has caused significant concern among Amazon sellers importing goods from China to the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, with a 10% tariff specifically targeting Chinese imports, effective February 4, 2025. This policy aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign goods, but it has raised concerns among importers, Amazon sellers, and everyday consumers. How will these tariffs impact businesses and households? What adjustments should companies make? Could this be an opportunity to explore new markets?
Big news for Amazon sellers! Starting February 20, 2025, Amazon is rolling out a significant update to its FBA inbound shipment options for standard-size products.
Starting January 21, 2025, Amazon will implement significant changes to its product title policies. Designed to standardize listings and improve the shopping experience, these updates are aimed at ensuring product titles are clear, concise, and consistent.
Amazon has announced significant changes to its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) inventory reimbursement policy, set to take effect on March 10, 2025. This update shifts the reimbursement calculation to the "manufacturing cost" of lost or damaged products.
Amazon is stepping into the ultra-budget shopping market with its latest app, Haul, targeting competitors like Temu and Shein. This move signifies Amazon's intention to capture a slice of the booming low-cost e-commerce segment—a space dominated by platforms offering rock-bottom prices on a wide variety of goods. So, what’s Haul all about? Let’s dive in.
The Chinese New Year 2025 begins on Wednesday, January 29th, and ends with the Lantern Festival on Tuesday, February 11th. But for businesses reliant on Chinese manufacturing and logistics, the impact extends far beyond these dates. The shutdown often begins up to 10 days before the official holiday and can take weeks after for operations to return to normal.
In the ever-evolving freight industry, shippers and freight buyers are bracing for significant shifts that could impact logistics costs, capacity, and overall supply chain strategies in 2025. As we move past one of the longest freight recessions in history, the market is now experiencing a rebound, with indicators pointing toward tighter conditions and rising rates. To navigate this landscape, it’s crucial to understand the underlying factors driving these changes and plan ahead to mitigate potential disruptions.
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.
The U.S. port industry has been rocked by a wave of strikes in recent days, as 45,000 dockworkers from the East and Gulf coasts walked off the job. However, after a tense standoff, a temporary resolution has been reached, offering a window of relief until January 15.
How Amazon Sellers Can Prepare for the Disruption: As Amazon sellers, we know that timing and supply chain efficiency are crucial to our success. Any disruption in the flow of goods, particularly during peak sales periods, can result in significant delays, financial losses, and customer dissatisfaction.
The holiday season is the busiest time of the year for Amazon sellers, and proper planning is essential for success. From Amazon Prime Big Deal Days to the year-end shopping rush, here are the key dates to keep in mind for Q4 2024:
Effective August, 15, 2024, Amazon are updating their existing product bullet point requirements to simplify and enhance product detail pages for customers. Key changes include the following:
The notorious new inbound placement fees introduced by Amazon is having a significant impact on sellers, particularly when it comes to logistics costs.
Q4 is just around the corner – have you started planning how to make the most of the busiest sales season of the year? Fear not, as we have put our top 6 tips together for you to help you plan for some great sales in Q4.
Peak Season Surcharges. Double Digit Rate Increases. Container & Equipment Shortages. Global Port Congestion. It's all in the mix for August.
Starting October 23, Amazon is reducing the timeframe for filing certain reimbursement claims from 18 months to just 60 days. This significant change adds a layer of urgency to your operations, making it crucial to have all documentation in order.
Importing and selling on Amazon Canada can be a lucrative opportunity for sellers looking to expand their reach. This guide provides a detailed overview of the key points discussed in a recent webinar on the topic, highlighting the ease of importing into Canada
A New Era in Ecommerce? Amazon's recent announcement of a direct-from-China marketplace signals a major shift in ecommerce strategy. This move is a direct challenge to platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, which have captured the attention of price-sensitive consumers.
As an e-commerce seller, you might have heard about Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD) waiving fees for those who choose their services. The cost-saving benefits are indeed tempting. However, can AWD offer the same high level of customer service that third-party logistics providers (3PLs) do?
Effective inventory management is crucial for the success of any e-commerce business. From our experience in helping Amazon sellers optimize their brand inventory management, we’ve distilled key strategies that make a real difference.
At Proboxx, we recently encountered a concern from one of our clients that shed light on an important issue affecting supply chain costs.
Managing cash flow is a critical aspect of running a successful Amazon business. Here are six effective strategies to help you maintain a healthy cash flow and unlock your brand's full potential:
Are you an ecommerce seller struggling to keep your cash flow positive? You're not alone. Many of our clients at Proboxx face the same challenge.
Inventory planning is crucial for Amazon sellers to stay in stock and avoid unnecessary fees. Factoring in both air and sea freight can be a game-changer in managing your inventory effectively.
In March of 2024, Amazon implemented a new Inbound Placement Fee for Amazon FBA. This new fee claims to enhance the efficiency of its delivery network by strategically placing inventory closer to customers, promising faster delivery times and potentially lower shipping costs.
So it’s not all doom and gloom with challenging fee increases on e-commerce platforms and wobbly economies. E-commerce continues to transform the retail landscape, with an estimated 20.8% of retail purchases occurring online in 2023.
As an Amazon seller, staying updated with changes in Amazon's policies and fees is crucial for maintaining profitability.
Are you an Amazon FBA or e-commerce seller seeking to optimize your shipping and logistics expenses? As experts in logistics, we recognize how critical cost optimization is for Amazon FBA and e-commerce businesses.
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, managing supply chain disruptions is more critical than ever for businesses to thrive. With geopolitical uncertainties and unforeseen challenges becoming commonplace, having effective strategies in place can make all the difference.
Dealing with unresponsive suppliers can be a significant challenge for businesses, especially those with operations reliant on global sourcing, particularly from factories in regions like China.
Product Testing Campaigns: Are you struggling to increase your Amazon ranking organically? As the competition continues to heat up each year, securing a spot on the first page for your product becomes more tricky.
As an entrepreneur, you navigate a terrain of challenges, victories, and, at times, self-imposed limitations. These limitations often stem from deeply ingrained beliefs about yourself and your capabilities, known as limiting beliefs. Left unaddressed, these beliefs can severely impede your business growth and hinder your journey to success.
One of the latest updates causing a stir among sellers is the introduction of a new fee structure, set to roll out on April 1, 2024. This change revolves around the concept of low inventory levels and carries the potential to significantly impact profit margins.
This tragic event claimed the lives of six construction workers and left the Port of Baltimore closed, with over 40 vessels stranded. The immediate aftermath saw rerouted shipments and uncertainty about when normal operations would resume.
Say you take a break from work and want to check out your social media channels. What would stop you from scrolling between a photo of a smartwatch, or a photo of your friend checking the smartwatch summary after going for a run, captioned with pure excitement?
Introducing SKUPREME – the best Automated Ecommerce & Supply Chain Management Tool available. With SKUPREME, reduce errors, streamline pricing, stock levels and identify the most efficient supply chain to help you sell more and dominate your market.
In a move aimed at enhancing the shopping experience for customers and boosting brand sales, Amazon has rolled out a groundbreaking feature.
In the wake of recent disruptions, the fragility of the global supply chain has once again been thrust into the spotlight.
In a significant move towards enhancing efficiency and reliability in its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, Amazon has recently announced a comprehensive update to its shipment policies.
A recent trend has raised eyebrows as AI-generated names and product descriptions flood the site. In this blog post, we'll delve into the surreal world of Amazon listings dominated by ChatGPT-generated content and explore the implications for both consumers and the e-commerce giant.
In recent times, the container shipping industry has been in uncharted waters, with spot rates reaching unprecedented levels far above pre-pandemic standards.
In a bold move, Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world's leading shipping giants, has announced its decision not to resume using the Suez Canal, despite ongoing international efforts to secure the region.
To be able to market to your customer effectively you must understand the 5 Stages of Awareness & move your customer through this journey, as outlined by Eugene Schwartz in his copywriting classic “Breakthrough Advertising”.
As Amazon sellers and agencies gear up for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2024, it's imperative to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of the online marketplace giant.
In this case-study, we'll share how our knowledge of compliance and duties can help determine your product's journey to success. Read the article and learn from this client's almost costly mistake.
In a surprising turn of events, major shipping giants Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd have decided to suspend their Red Sea routes due to escalating attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
In this case study, we share how we helped a customer save thousands of dollars with multiple shipments to help him stay in stock and protect his BSR.
In this case study #1, we'll share a story of how our customer-centric approach has made a real difference for e-commerce entrepreneurs just like you.
As we approach 2024, the e-commerce world gears up for its annual challenge – the Chinese holidays. To ensure a smooth ride through this period, it's crucial to plan your shipments and inventory effectively.
In an unprecedented move, Amazon and Meta have joined forces to revolutionize the online shopping experience by integrating Facebook and Instagram accounts with Amazon.
Question: I am considering developing a new product that contains batteries inside the product. Do I need to declare the batteries as hazardous goods?
This is important for beginners, intermediate or advanced sellers or anyone selling toy products in the US. Freight Forwarders are confronting increased examination ratio for toy products by CSPC and CBP.
In today's fast-paced and highly competitive business world, entrepreneurs are constantly seeking ways to maintain their edge and stay ahead of the game.
Understanding the economic pulse of the United States often requires a nuanced analysis of key maritime gateways. These crucial entry points, including the ports of Long Beach, Houston, Oakland, and the dynamic duo of New York and New Jersey, serve as vital indicators of the nation's trade dynamics.
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