The Smart Technique Sellers Used to Fix FBA Shipments Stuck in “Receiving” for Weeks

For Amazon FBA sellers, maintaining a seamless supply chain is critical—especially during high-demand periods. However, many sellers have faced a frustrating common issue: shipments marked as “Receiving” that remain stuck in Amazon warehouses for weeks, with no progress or updates. These delays can stall sales, reduce restock limits, and even harm listing performance. But a clever workaround has recently gained attention for effectively pushing these shipments through the system faster.

TLDR

Sellers discovered a strategic method to unstick FBA shipments that are delayed in the “Receiving” status. By creating a removal order and then canceling it, sellers triggered an internal process that prompted warehouse staff to finalize receiving the inventory. This workaround proved successful in many cases, helping maintain sales velocity and prevent inventory setbacks. While not guaranteed, it’s a safer alternative than waiting passively for Amazon to act.

The Growing Problem of Stuck FBA Shipments

Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program has transformed e-commerce logistics, allowing sellers to leverage Amazon’s vast network of distribution centers. However, during promotional seasons or peak inventory cycles, sellers have increasingly encountered prolonged delays in the receiving process.

Once a shipment reaches an Amazon fulfillment center, it goes through various stages: In Transit, Delivered, Checked-In, and finally Receiving. It’s at this last stage where an alarming number of shipments get “stuck,” showing no progress for days or even weeks. This delay can lead to inventory stockouts and a loss of buy box eligibility, both of which can severely impact a seller’s revenue.

The Clever Fix: The Removal Order Technique

A savvy workaround began circulating among experienced Amazon sellers: a simple, strategic use of a removal order.

How It Works:

  1. The seller initiates a removal order for the units in the stuck shipment.
  2. After a few hours or the next day, they cancel the removal order before Amazon begins processing it.
  3. This triggers Amazon’s system to “touch” the inventory again, prompting internal operations to finally scan and complete the receiving process.

This technique doesn’t manipulate the system but rather encourages Amazon to reprocess inventory that might have been misplaced, unscanned, or deprioritized. Many sellers reported seeing movement on their shipments within 24–72 hours after using this method.

Why This Technique Works

Amazon’s fulfillment process involves both human and automated touchpoints. When a removal order is issued, it queues the inventory for outbound processing—essentially forcing a reevaluation of the inventory status. Even after the removal order is canceled, that initial queue helps bring neglected inventory back into focus.

Here are some possible reasons why the method proves effective:

  • Inventory Spot Checks: Removal orders may trigger audits or spot checks at the warehouse, revealing misplaced items.
  • Automation Loophole: Some items could be tagged in the wrong status, and the removal request triggers recalculations by Amazon’s backend systems.
  • Resource Prioritization: A removal action might move stocked units higher on the processing priority list in busy fulfillment centers.

Risks and Considerations

While anecdotal evidence supports the efficacy of this technique, it’s not officially endorsed by Amazon and should be used with discretion.

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Timing Sensitivity: If not canceled in time, the removal order might proceed, resulting in units being sent back and causing further delay or cost.
  • No Guarantees: The method doesn’t work 100% of the time, especially in cases involving damaged or mislabeled inventory.
  • Policy Risks: Overuse of strategic removals might raise questions with Seller Performance teams if done frequently or at scale.

To reduce any risk, sellers are encouraged to try this only after a shipment has been stuck in “Receiving” for at least 5 to 7 business days with no updates. It’s also wise to create a reminder to cancel the removal order promptly once initiated.

Success Stories from the Seller Community

This workaround first gained popularity in seller forums and private groups in early 2023. Reports began to surface of sellers saving thousands in lost sales by getting the inventory unlocked within a couple of days:

  • Private Label Seller – Apparel Category: Reported a 10-day stuck inventory being fully received 48 hours after canceling a strategic removal order.
  • Wholesale Seller – Home Goods: Used the technique successfully across three inbound shipments; two of the three showed progress within 24 hours.
  • FBA Aggregator: Implemented this method across multiple brands during Q4, reducing their average “Receiving” delay time by 60%.

Best Practices for Using the Technique

To maximize the chances of success and avoid disruptions, sellers should follow these steps:

  1. Wait at Least 7 Days: Do not attempt this technique for recently delivered shipments—it’s meant for those clearly delayed with no status updates.
  2. Initiate the Removal Order Before Weekends: This allows the system some time to react before typical low-activity periods at fulfillment centers.
  3. Cancel Promptly: Set an alert to cancel the removal as soon as the shipment shows movement or within 24 hours of initiating the order.
  4. Document Everything: Screenshots, timestamps, and notes are helpful in case you need to open a support case or dispute removals.

Alternative Measures and Preventative Tips

Besides the removal order technique, sellers can also consider these strategies if their shipments are delayed:

  • Open a Case With Seller Support: While often slow, support agents can trigger investigations that sometimes resolve delays.
  • Use Smaller Shipment Plans: Large pallets or oversized shipments seem more prone to delays—smaller boxes can be processed faster.
  • Track Warehouse Trends: Some fulfillment centers have better throughput. Review historical shipment times and use preferred centers if possible (via inventory placement service).

Conclusion

The removal order technique is a shining example of how sellers can leverage their understanding of Amazon’s systems to solve frustrating supply chain challenges. Though unofficial and not foolproof, it has helped many recover critical inventory quickly when traditional methods failed. As the FBA landscape continues to grow more dynamic and competitive, solutions like these reinforce the importance of staying connected to the seller community and continuously testing smarter strategies.

FAQ

  • Q: How long should a shipment be stuck before trying this technique?
    A: It’s recommended to only try this after your shipment has been in the “Receiving” state with no updates for at least 5–7 business days.
  • Q: Is there a risk that the removal order will go through?
    A: Yes. If you forget to cancel the removal order promptly, the items may physically leave Amazon’s warehouse, incurring costs and further delays.
  • Q: Does Amazon approve of this practice?
    A: While not officially approved or documented by Amazon, it’s not forbidden either, as long as the strategy is used responsibly and in moderation.
  • Q: Can this technique be used for all shipment types?
    A: It works best for standard-size FBA shipments. Large pallets, hazmat, or restricted items may follow different workflows and may not react the same way.
  • Q: What if the shipment still doesn’t move after trying this?
    A: In that case, follow up with Seller Support, and provide your order ID, timestamps, and any documentation. Escalation through Amazon’s internal support tiers may also be necessary.