Split shipments can be a frustrating hurdle for Amazon sellers. Amazon often requires us to pack items in different boxes to ship them to various warehouses nationwide, adding complexity to the process. However, as a community of Amazon booksellers, we’ve discovered several strategies to minimize the stress of dealing with splits.
Understanding Placement Fees
Amazon provides three options for split shipments, each with varying fees and flexibility:
- Amazon-Optimized Shipment Splits: No placement fees but often results in more splits.
- Partial Shipment Splits: Moderate splits with fees ranging from $0.15 to $0.30 per unit.
- Minimal Shipment Splits: Zero splits but with fees around $0.30 to $0.70 per unit.
Understanding these options is crucial for optimizing your shipments and choosing a strategy that aligns with your time, effort, and cost considerations.
200 SKU Hack
One of the most effective solutions shared by our community is the 200 SKU hack. When listing 200 SKUs in a single batch using Go2Lister with Amazon-optimized splits enabled, items typically get sent to the same fulfillment center, avoiding inventory placement fees.
Some users report success with as few as 190 SKUs, but the key is reaching critical mass for consolidation. Once your shipment is sent to a single location, you can use Amazon’s “box content flow” to further simplify the process and avoid box content fees.
Lazy Man’s “One Box Method”
For those looking for a more streamlined approach, the One Box Method is an excellent option:
- List enough books to fit into one box.
- Submit the shipment.
- If no splits are required, accept the shipment and close the batch.
This method saves time by eliminating the need to enter box contents. It’s a favorite among sellers who value simplicity.
Alternatively, sellers who prefer minimal hassle can enable Minimal Shipment Splits in their settings. This option eliminates splits entirely but incurs a small inventory placement fee of $0.30 to $0.70 per unit.
Conclusion
Dealing with split shipments doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By implementing these strategies—whether using the 200 SKU hack, the One Box Method, or enabling minimal splits—you can save time and reduce the headaches of shipping to multiple warehouses.
If splits do occur, don’t panic. Many booksellers in our community have streamlined the process using tools like Go2Lister, which simplifies workflows and helps you manage splits more effectively.
Ready to simplify your split shipments?
Sign up for Go2Lister here and make dealing with splits a breeze! Go2Lister helps you manage the complexities of Amazon shipments effortlessly, saving you time and money while optimizing your bookselling business.
