Amazon Launches New Resources to Help Sellers Improve Valid Tracking Rate
Amazon launched a new seller‑fulfilled resource bundle in March 2024, adding an 8‑minute video tutorial, a diagnostic troubleshooting checklist, and a revised FAQ that detail carrier formats and the 95 % VTR minimum. Using these tools can lift VTR from 88 % to 97 % and automatically refute A‑to‑Z “order not received” claims.
Overview
Amazon has introduced a bundle of educational tools aimed at seller‑fulfilled merchants who need to boost their Valid Tracking Rate (VTR). Launched this month, the package includes a step‑by‑step video, a diagnostic troubleshooting guide, and an updated FAQ that clarify tracking requirements. Sellers who rely on their own shipping processes should pay close attention because VTR directly influences account health, listing visibility, and protection against buyer claims.
Key Points
- New video tutorial — Demonstrates optimal practices for uploading tracking numbers, with a walkthrough that shows how a shipment from a U.S. warehouse should be recorded in Seller Central.
- Dedicated troubleshooting page — Provides a checklist that helps identify common errors such as using unsupported carriers or submitting tracking after the promised ship date.
- Revised FAQ and policy page — Lists the exact carrier formats Amazon accepts and the minimum VTR thresholds (e.g., 95 % for most categories).
- Impact on A‑to‑Z claims — Sellers with valid tracking can automatically refute “order not received” disputes, reducing the likelihood of forced refunds.
- Integration with Buy Shipping — Orders shipped through Amazon’s Buy Shipping service are flagged as having valid tracking, simplifying compliance for high‑volume sellers.
How the New Resources Work
- Review the updated FAQ — Start by reading the refreshed policy page, which outlines accepted carriers (e.g., UPS, FedEx, USPS) and required tracking formats; a seller using a regional carrier can see a sample of a valid number versus an invalid one.
- Watch the video tutorial — Follow the 8‑minute walkthrough that shows how to set up shipping settings, generate a tracking ID, and verify that the ID appears as “delivered” in the order timeline; the video uses a real‑world example of a 2‑day Prime shipment.
- Run the troubleshooting checklist — If VTR drops below the target, use the step‑by‑step guide to pinpoint the cause—whether it’s a mismatched carrier selection, a late upload, or an unsupported tracking format; the guide includes screenshots of the “Upload Tracking” screen with highlighted error messages.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
Maintaining a VTR of 95 % or higher protects account health, keeps listings visible, and lets sellers automatically contest A‑to‑Z “order not received” claims, avoiding forced refunds. Sellers who applied the new resources saw VTR rise from 88 % to 97 % within weeks, eliminating warnings.
Key Takeaways
- 8‑minute video tutorial demonstrates step‑by‑step tracking upload and shows a 2‑day Prime shipment marked as “delivered” in Seller Central.
- Revised FAQ lists accepted carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS) and sets a 95 % VTR threshold for most categories.
- Buy Shipping integration automatically flags shipments as having valid tracking, helping high‑volume sellers meet VTR targets.
Recommended Actions
- →In Seller Central, navigate to Help > Policies > Shipping > Valid Tracking Rate FAQ and review the accepted carrier formats.
- →Watch the new 8‑minute video under Seller Central > Resources > Shipping Best Practices, then run the troubleshooting checklist to audit recent shi...
- →Enable API auto‑upload of tracking numbers or activate Buy Shipping via Seller Central > Shipping Settings to ensure immediate valid tracking.
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