How do I get around Amazon FBA restock limits?
Restock limits are set at the account level based on your inventory performance and sales velocity. The three levers that actually raise them: sell through existing stock, improve IPI score, and use AWD or Multi-Channel Fulfillment to prove downstream velocity. Requesting exceptions via case is rarely productive.
What actually raises the limit
Sell-through: move existing units. Amazon updates limits based on 30 to 90 day trailing velocity. IPI: keep score above 500 to unlock more capacity. AWD adoption: units in AWD sometimes do not count against the same limit.
What does not work
Filing a case asking nicely. Splitting shipments to sneak past caps (Amazon reconciles at the account level). Removing then re-inbounding just to reset counters.
Frequently asked questions
Are restock limits by SKU or by account?
Both. There are account-level caps and often per-SKU caps derived from velocity.
Do restock limits change during Q4?
They typically loosen for hero SKUs and tighten for slow movers in the same period.
Does IPI still matter?
Yes, though Amazon has been moving toward a simpler capacity dashboard that displays limits directly.
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AWD vs FBA: when should I use each?
AWD (Amazon Warehousing & Distribution) is upstream bulk storage that transfers to FBA on demand. Use FBA for the 4 to 8 weeks of forward cover you actually need. Use AWD for the bulk pallet buffer behind it. AWD storage is meaningfully cheaper per cubic foot than FBA.
Should I split Amazon inventory across multiple 3PLs?
For most sellers, one AWD or 3PL upstream of FBA is enough. Multi-3PL adds complexity and freight cost that rarely pays back unless you have coast-to-coast direct-ship volume outside FBA, or a specific compliance need like a bonded warehouse for imports.
How do I plan Amazon FBA inventory for Q4?
Place your Q4 hero SKU POs by early July, second wave by late August, and a small third wave for post-Cyber Monday replenishment by mid-October. Amazon FC intake slows in November and early December, so units that miss check-in windows sit outside FBA during the peak.
What is the reorder point formula for Amazon FBA?
Reorder point = (average daily sales x lead time in days) + safety stock. Lead time includes production plus transit plus FBA check-in. Safety stock covers demand and lead-time variability. If any of those numbers is wrong, you either stock out or bury cash in overstock.