Managing In-Stock Head Start

[primetime]

I was not aware of this In-Stock Head Start until I received this email today. I just started the item in FBA last week. 74 units are in Reserved FC Processing status. Of course their innovative technology ignores those and tries to scare me into sending more immediately. Just as it often ignores inbound quantities.

I am trying to determine which products are active in the program and if I can opt out single FNSKUs.

The Available quantity on Manage Inventory reflects the number of units of a SKU that are in the Amazon fulfillment network and that can be picked, packed, and shipped.

The Available quantity reflects the number of units of a SKU in shipments that are on their way to the fulfillment center, including units that are available through In-Stock Head Start. If your inventory is eligible for In-Stock Head Start, the offer for your temporarily out-of-stock item will show as Active on the Manage FBA Inventory page.

Which is it? In their network, inbound, or both? As I recall, inbound is not included in Available.

To see the number of units that are available through In-Stock Head Start, go to Manage Inventory, click the down arrow next to a product’s Available quantity, and in the drop-down menu find the Future supply buyable quantity.

To see number of units that have been bought while inventory is on its way to the fulfillment center, go to Manage Inventory, click the down arrow next to a product’s Available quantity, and in the drop-down menu find the Reserved future supply quantity.

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You can also find information about In-Stock Head Start units in the Manage FBA Inventory report.

So, I can check FNSKU’s down arrows one-by-one, or download a report to see what is going on. A quick overview page would be nice.

I found the opt-out link but apparently it’s all or none, I don’t see a way to opt out individual FNSKU’s.

I knew they racked up orders against received inventory but this sounds like they are going beyond what is currently in their possession:

In-Stock Head Start uses innovative technology to predict which of your out-of-stock products are most likely to come back in stock soon. Our predictions are based on your shipment information and past replenishment behavior. We’ll then make these products available for customers to find and buy.

Is their innovative technology going to predict that I will be sending stock soon based on past behavior, before I have created a shipment? That could create real problems.

Recap:
Can I opt out individual FNSKU’s?
Is there a Seller Central page that shows the In-Stock program status of all FBA inventory without having to click each one or download a report?*
Are they going to predict that I might ship more product before I tell them I will?

*

So many reports, so little free memory-bandwidth to keep them all straight.

[Best_Handmade_Soaps]

This was a glitch. We got the same email even though that particular ASIN was out of stock for several days. The “orders” disappeared a day later and nothing is wrong now. I’m just ignoring it.

-Ana

[primetime]

I don’t think mine was a glitch. The email said: You have received customer orders through In-Stock Head Start, but don’t have enough inventory that’s on the way to fulfillment centers to complete these orders.

I downloaded the report and there are ‘head start’ orders waiting for units of the ASIN in the email.

And despite their claim that there’s not enough inbound to fill those 4 orders, they have 74 units already delivered, in FC processing.

It would be nice if they accounted for all inventory in all statuses before sending alarming ‘action is needed’ emails, the units are in their possession. Seems the bot checks inbound but doesn’t check delivered.

[Dogtamer]

@primetime

…
The email said: You have received customer orders through In-Stock Head Start, but don’t have enough inventory that’s on the way to fulfillment centers to complete these orders.
…

May I ask what was the actual Subject Line of said e-mail missive?

I’m inclined to agree with our friend @Best_Handmade_Soaps’ take on this matter being merely yet another Amaglitch, but as someone who was an early adopter of the In-Stock Head Start (link, Seller Central) Program when it was first launched some years back - and also someone who’s seen various foibles from said participation over the subsequent years - I’d like to keep an eye out for what you’ve experienced costing us time and treasure…

[Best_Handmade_Soaps]

Here is mine. Exactly the same yet there is no inbound inventory. Agree with @Dogtamer .

-Ana

[primetime]

“Your In-Stock Head Start orders require attention”

The ASIN in question is one I’ve just started in FBA. The quantity in FC processing is my first shipment of this particular item. I’ve been selling it FBM for a few years and it does well so I’m not surprised that FBA orders are queuing up.

[Best_Handmade_Soaps]

@Dogtamer

May I ask what was the actual Subject Line of said e-mail missive?

Subject:
Your In-Stock Head Start orders require attention

-Ana

[primetime]

Maybe the email is a new initiative, have you ever received one before?

[primetime]

This is the concept that really concerns me for one item in particular. It has historically always been well stocked in FBA but due to a massive unexpected spike I’m temporarily low on stock to send in.

@primetime

Our predictions are based on your shipment information and past replenishment behavior

Based on all past replenishment behavior the bot could assume I’ll be sending more soon.
I hope that was just a poorly worded phrase and the true measure will be created shipments.