Do these new order confirmation requirements prohibit Lettermail shipping?!
Amazon just sent out an email notifying sellers of a two tiered update to the way we confirm orders, particularly involving tracking. The dates for these updates are April 15th, and May 3rd. In the FAQ section, it reads:
"2) What happens if I provide an incorrect tracking ID during shipment confirmation?
During the shipment confirmation process, you will receive a warning message, “Please enter a valid tracking ID to confirm shipment.” Once you enter a valid tracking ID, you will be able to confirm your shipment.
- Do I need to provide shipping service (or ship method) details during the shipment confirmation process?
Shipping service (or ship method) details are not required to confirm a shipment, but we strongly recommend that you provide these details. This helps Amazon provide accurate shipment tracking information to customers."
Am I reading that lettermail, or other untracked services are effectively prohibited as of May 3rd?! I really can’t imagine that’s the case, but what else are they referring to when they state that you need to provide a valid tracking number to confirm a shipment? Do they just mean that IF you enter a tracking number, that it has to be accurate?
This is not when we needed at the end of a holiday weekend at 2 am, one where we had a minor COVID scare! Thoughts?
Do these new order confirmation requirements prohibit Lettermail shipping?!
Amazon just sent out an email notifying sellers of a two tiered update to the way we confirm orders, particularly involving tracking. The dates for these updates are April 15th, and May 3rd. In the FAQ section, it reads:
"2) What happens if I provide an incorrect tracking ID during shipment confirmation?
During the shipment confirmation process, you will receive a warning message, “Please enter a valid tracking ID to confirm shipment.” Once you enter a valid tracking ID, you will be able to confirm your shipment.
- Do I need to provide shipping service (or ship method) details during the shipment confirmation process?
Shipping service (or ship method) details are not required to confirm a shipment, but we strongly recommend that you provide these details. This helps Amazon provide accurate shipment tracking information to customers."
Am I reading that lettermail, or other untracked services are effectively prohibited as of May 3rd?! I really can’t imagine that’s the case, but what else are they referring to when they state that you need to provide a valid tracking number to confirm a shipment? Do they just mean that IF you enter a tracking number, that it has to be accurate?
This is not when we needed at the end of a holiday weekend at 2 am, one where we had a minor COVID scare! Thoughts?
91 replies
Seller_sUI9msOKhtsz7
It sounds like oversize letter mail will no longer be allowed since it has no tracking. I can’t believe that will remain in place. Amazon has not thought this thru. They themselves use letter mail without tracking. In Canada only the parcel rate has tracking since it operates as an entirely different branch of Canada Post. However the shipping cost will jump from about $3 to $18 which just won’t work for a $10 small item.
Seller_9QtjQe4AwzETR
Due to the inventory limits on FBA, I have shipped most of my inventory using letter-mail. Now I can’t use letter-mail? This is just terrible
Seller_b3iqFABRjrlV0
Just wondering, why amazon has new rules every month or week.
Seller_vsyMBOhxCsyeM
99% of my items are sent via letter mail. My items are too low cost from Canada post expensive tracking options. Come May 1 I am done after all these years.
Seller_K9wqAobh11cp6
Why they don’t let us charge actual shipping cost?
Seller_dUV4Yd2boE02K
afternoon
Wonder if someone can advise.
We are based in the UK and sell on CA and also got this email this morning.
At the moment we send items under £70 untracked as tracking is a extra £6 in the UK.
We try to keep shipping as low as possible to gain more sales.
Does this mean even UK sellers have to now send everything tracked from the 3rd May?
I have tried to do the buy shipment option and link our Royal Mail account but it only has Fedex and UPS as a option.
Royal Mail is on the carrier code which we are using currently.
Seller_HXEaUBJimBjDX
Have been a merchant seller since 2003, Amazon was much more seller-friendly in those days.
As a Merchant Seller I can change my shipping rates BUT not economical for low-cost movies/video games.
Over 95% of my orders ship via Canada Post Standard Airmail (No tracking but fast delivery). If Amazon is indeed implementing measures that require tracking, they will put me basically out of business, only high-priced items will be sold.
It’s a shame for customers buying low-cost used movies, many sellers will close shop.
Seller_DDQ5V7u53Rlst
I am also a seller who uses 95% Lettermail shipping. I immediately came to check the forums for information regarding this change because I am worried it means I need to shut down my Amazon business. It makes sense in the US where USPS tracked shipping costs 4-5$ but it is completely ridiculous in Canada where the cheapest tracked shipping option is 14-16$. If this actually ends up being the case then I am probably going to have to shut down my Amazon store permanently.
Really confusing decision from Amazon.
Seller_vsyMBOhxCsyeM
If I list a bluray for $13.99 (Lowest price as the moment is $11.99 on the same item). Amazon gives me $12.39 (If sold). To ship a Bluray from Ont to Vancouver tracked $9.48 (CCE discounted rate). Leaving me $2.88. Yeah that ain’t gonna work. $19.99 Bluray. I get $17.47 - $9.48 Shipping. Leaves $7.99. Not even counting the cost of a bloody bubble mailer.
Seller_sUI9msOKhtsz7
I suggest everyone contact seller support and complain. Remember to speak slowly using grade 3 english.
