Amazon has announced a new payout policy that will change how and when sellers receive funds from their sales. Starting March 12, 2026, Amazon will release funds for FBA orders seven days after the delivery date, not when the order ships and not when delivery is confirmed. This change affects all sellers and can impact their cash flow, inventory management, and business planning, especially during high-volume periods.
Why this matters for sellers
Cash flow impact: This new reserve period can temporarily slow the availability of your funds, affecting your ability to restock inventory or pay for other business expenses.
Planning is critical: Sellers with longer shipping times or untracked packages may experience bigger delays in receiving funds.
Mitigate risk: Reviewing your cash reserves and planning for the delay can prevent disruption during the transition.
Account health and operations: Understanding this change ensures you can continue to manage orders, inventory, and promotions efficiently during the payout delay.
Practical strategies for sellers
Plan your cash flow: Review your operating budget and set aside extra reserves to cover the seven-day delay. Plan for seasonal spikes, Q4, or promotions where cash flow is critical.
Optimize inventory management: Pre-stock fast-moving and high-demand items to avoid running out while waiting for funds. Coordinate shipments across multiple FBA centers to reduce delays.
Monitor untracked shipments carefully: Limit or carefully manage low-value, untracked packages that may create payout uncertainty. For categories like trading cards or small collectibles, consider using tracked shipping to ensure timely payouts.
Use reporting tools: Track delivery and payout timelines using Seller Central reports to anticipate cash flow and spot potential delays.
Plan promotions and ad spend accordingly: Avoid heavy cash promotions under DD+7 since payouts are delayed. Focus on Amazon SEO optimization and ads for funded, in-stock products to sustain visibility without straining your budget.
The DD+7 payout policy means sellers need to anticipate slower fund availability, plan inventory and cash flow, and maintain strong operational oversight. With proper preparation, you can minimize disruption and continue to grow your business confidently.
Need guidance on navigating Amazon payout changes and optimizing cash flow? Our full-service Amazon marketplace experts can help you plan for DD+7, manage funds efficiently, and ensure smooth operations across your FBA business.
