How do I fix stranded Amazon inventory?
Stranded inventory is FBA units that cannot be sold because the listing is suppressed, inactive, or missing key attributes. Fix it in Seller Central under Manage Inventory > Fix Stranded Inventory. Most stranded ASINs resolve within 24 hours after relisting, updating a required attribute, or removing a policy block.
Why listings go stranded
Common causes: category ungating expired, a required product attribute was removed, a policy violation suppressed the listing, or the ASIN got merged into another catalogue entry.
The 15-minute fix
Open Seller Central > Inventory > Manage FBA Inventory > Stranded Inventory tab. Amazon lists the reason next to each ASIN. Most fixes are one-click: re-add the missing attribute, resolve the policy warning, or relist the ASIN.
When it is not a quick fix
Category gating requires a new application. Policy suppressions from IP complaints need a Plan of Action. In both cases, submit an FBA removal on the units to avoid storage fees while resolving.
Frequently asked questions
Does stranded inventory hurt IPI?
Yes. Stranded percentage is one of the four IPI inputs.
How fast do listings reactivate?
Attribute fixes: minutes. Policy resolutions: 24 to 72 hours. Gating applications: 1 to 4 weeks.
Should I remove stranded units?
Only if the underlying issue cannot be resolved in 2 weeks. Otherwise, fix and relist.
Does Nova flag stranded units?
Yes. Nova surfaces stranded units per SKU alongside days of cover so you catch them before storage fees accrue.
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Nova surfaces this metric per SKU in near real time so you can act before your next monthly close catches it.
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How is the Amazon IPI score calculated?
Amazon's Inventory Performance Index (IPI) is a rolling score from 0 to 1000 built from four inputs: excess inventory percentage, sell-through rate, stranded inventory percentage, and in-stock rate on FBA. Scores above 400 keep storage limits open; scores below 400 trigger restock limits and higher storage costs.
How do I fix a suppressed Amazon listing?
Suppressed listings do not appear in search. Fix them in Seller Central under Inventory > Manage Inventory > Suppressed. Amazon lists the reason next to each ASIN, usually a missing title character, missing main image, prohibited claim, or category compliance failure. Most fixes push live within 15 minutes.
How do I avoid FBA storage limits?
FBA storage limits are set by IPI score. Keep IPI above 400 by clearing stranded inventory weekly, running removals or liquidations on units aged 180+ days, and keeping your top 20 SKUs consistently in stock. Restock-limited accounts often gain 30% to 60% more capacity within 30 days after a targeted cleanup.
What triggers Amazon's aged inventory surcharge?
Amazon's aged inventory surcharge applies on top of monthly storage fees for units aged 271+ days in FBA. Rates start around $1.50 per cubic foot and climb sharply at 365 days. The fastest way to avoid it is a removal order or a targeted price cut before day 270.
How do I run an Amazon listing audit?
A full listing audit takes 20 minutes per SKU. Check title length and keyword front-loading, main image quality and gallery count, price versus SERP median, review count and star rating, A+ content presence, and Buy Box share. Score each on a 0 to 3 scale; anything under 2 is a fix priority.