E-Commerce Strategies
Sep 1, 2025
Want to reduce storage fees and improve your cash flow on Amazon? The Inventory Age Report is your go-to tool for managing stock effectively. It tracks how long your products sit in Amazon's warehouses, breaking them into age groups like 0–90 days, 91–180 days, and beyond. Here's why it matters:
Avoid extra fees: Products stored over 365 days incur costly long-term fees.
Spot trends: Identify fast-sellers and slow-movers to optimize future orders.
Boost profits: Free up cash tied in aging inventory by running promotions or liquidating.
Accessing the report is simple: log in to Seller Central, navigate to "FBA Inventory", and download the report in CSV or TXT format. Once downloaded, focus on key metrics like sell-through rate, storage costs, and product age breakdowns. Use these insights to adjust pricing, run campaigns, or refine your restocking strategy.
Bottom line: Regularly reviewing this report helps you minimize costs, maintain a healthy Inventory Performance Index (IPI), and make smarter decisions about what to stock and when.
How to Review Amazon FBA Inventory Aging and IPI Score
What is the Inventory Age Report
The Inventory Age Report is a tool provided by Amazon that helps sellers understand how long their products have been stored in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. It categorizes your inventory by age, making it easier to see which items are selling quickly and which are sitting on the shelves.
Products are divided into specific age groups: 0–90 days, 91–180 days, 181–270 days, 271–365 days, and over 365 days. These categories offer insights that can guide your decisions on promotions, liquidations, and restocking. While the report primarily focuses on the age and quantity of items in each group, it serves as a valuable resource for managing inventory efficiently.
Next, let’s dive into how Amazon tracks these timeframes to ensure accurate and actionable data.
How Amazon Tracks Inventory Age
Amazon starts tracking the age of your products as soon as they arrive at a fulfillment center. Each unit is monitored individually, with the system counting every day the item remains in storage.
For example, if you send 100 units of a product to Amazon on January 1, they begin aging immediately. If 50 units sell within the first 30 days, the remaining 50 continue to accumulate storage days. By March 1, those unsold units will have reached 60 days in storage and will fall into the appropriate age bracket. These brackets provide a clear picture of your inventory’s health - from newer products in the 0–90 day range to older items that may need more attention.
Amazon updates this data every few days, giving you a near real-time look at your inventory status.
Understanding this tracking process is crucial for recognizing the financial impact of aging inventory.
Why Old Inventory Costs You Money
The longer your inventory sits in Amazon’s warehouses, the more expensive it becomes to store. Monthly storage fees, for example, increase significantly during the fourth quarter (October through December). During this period, standard-size storage costs can rise sharply.
If products remain unsold for more than 365 days, they incur long-term storage fees, which can make holding onto older inventory far less profitable. Beyond fees, aging inventory can hurt your Inventory Performance Index (IPI) score. This score reflects how efficiently you manage your stock, and a low score can lead to storage limits, preventing you from sending in faster-selling items during peak sales periods.
There’s also the matter of opportunity cost. Money tied up in slow-moving inventory could be reinvested in products that sell quickly and generate higher profits. And if you decide to remove aging stock, you’ll face removal fees - approximately $0.50 per unit for standard-size items and $0.60 per unit for oversized products - which further cuts into your margins.
These costs highlight the importance of making timely adjustments to your inventory strategy.
How to Find and Download the Inventory Age Report
Your Inventory Age Report is a treasure trove of insights, and accessing it through Seller Central is straightforward once you know the steps. Amazon provides this report to help sellers make informed decisions, so let’s walk through how to locate and download it efficiently.
Finding the Report in Seller Central
To access your Inventory Age Report, you’ll need an active Amazon Seller Central account and a desktop browser - preferably an updated one for smooth navigation.
Log in to Seller Central: Once you’re on the main dashboard, locate the main menu icon in the upper left corner. Click it to reveal navigation options.
Navigate to Inventory: From the menu, select "Inventory". This will open up a submenu with various tools and reports.
Go to FBA Inventory: Click on "FBA Inventory", and you’ll be directed to your Fulfillment by Amazon inventory dashboard.
Find the Download Button: On the FBA Inventory page, you’ll see an overview of your stock levels and performance. Look for the "Download report" button - usually located near the top of the page or in the toolbar. This is your gateway to accessing detailed inventory reports.
When you click the download button, you’ll have two options: download an existing report or request a new one. If a recent report isn’t available, request a fresh one. Amazon typically generates new reports within a few minutes.
Once the report is ready, choose the format that best suits your needs and download it.
Download Options and File Types
Amazon offers two main file formats for the Inventory Age Report: CSV (Comma Separated Values) and TXT (tab delimited). Each has its advantages, depending on how you plan to use the data.
CSV Format: Ideal for most sellers, this format opens seamlessly in spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel. It’s user-friendly and allows you to easily sort, filter, and analyze your data without extra steps.
TXT Format: This option is better suited for advanced users who may need to import data into specialized inventory software or databases. While it requires a bit more setup in some programs, it’s highly compatible with a variety of tools.
Both formats include crucial details such as product age categories, quantities in each age bracket, and other key inventory metrics. Your choice will depend on your preferred tools and workflow.
Once you’ve selected the format, the download will start automatically. These files are typically small and download quickly, allowing you to open or save them for future use.
Keep in mind that Amazon updates inventory age data every few days, so downloading fresh reports regularly ensures you’re working with the most accurate information. This proactive approach can help you stay on top of your inventory management.
How to Read Your Inventory Age Report
Once you've downloaded your inventory age report, it's time to dive into the details that can help you evaluate product performance. This step is essential for managing inventory efficiently and cutting down on unnecessary storage costs.
The report shows how long your products have been sitting in Amazon's warehouses and what that means for your business. Each row represents a product, while the columns provide key performance metrics.
Important Data Points to Check
Here are the key columns to focus on:
ASIN and SKU: These identifiers help you pinpoint specific products, while the Product Name column makes it easier to recognize items without relying on codes.
Age Breakdown: This section highlights how long your products have been in storage. Fresh inventory in the shortest age bracket is generally a good sign, but older stock may require immediate attention.
Total Units: This column shows your current inventory levels. Comparing it to your Average Daily Sales can help you estimate how long your stock will last. For example, if you have 300 units and sell 2 daily, your stock will last 150 days.
Estimated Storage Cost: This column outlines the fees tied to extended storage. Keep in mind that items stored for over 365 days often incur long-term storage fees. Since these fees can change, it's a good idea to review Amazon's latest pricing structure for accurate calculations.
Sell-through Rate: This metric measures how quickly you're selling inventory compared to your stock levels. A low sell-through rate could indicate trouble.
Total Value: This data shows how much of your capital is tied up in each product. Pay close attention to high-value items stuck in older age brackets, as they could represent funds better spent on faster-moving inventory.
These metrics provide a solid foundation for identifying inventory issues.
How to Spot Problem Inventory
To identify problem inventory, you’ll need to consider multiple data points instead of just focusing on age. For instance, a combination of high unit counts in older age brackets and low sell-through rates is a red flag for potential storage fee issues.
Seasonal products also deserve special attention. If, after the season ends, you notice many seasonal items lingering in older categories, it might indicate you're holding too much stock for the next cycle.
Another warning sign is a drop in sell-through rates and Average Daily Sales, even as inventory levels stay high. Comparing current numbers with past data can help you catch declining trends early. Additionally, high-value products that aren’t selling quickly should be reviewed immediately, as they can tie up significant capital in slow-moving stock.
Finally, keep a close watch on items approaching the 365-day mark. Long-term storage fees can eat into your margins, so products with little or no recent sales activity need urgent attention. Monitoring these items can save you from the compounded costs of unsold inventory.
How to Fix Old Inventory Problems
Once you've analyzed your Inventory Age Report, it's time to take action to address slow-moving inventory. Over 55% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) deal with excess stock, which can lead to hefty storage fees on platforms like Amazon. Tackling this issue with clear strategies can protect your margins and reduce unnecessary costs.
Poor inventory management can significantly impact your bottom line. Annual carrying costs can climb as high as 75% of your inventory's value, although they should ideally fall between 15% and 25%. Long-term storage fees for items held beyond 365 days can make the situation even worse. The following strategies can help you cut down on storage fees and improve inventory management.
How to Order the Right Amount of Stock
Smart inventory ordering starts with understanding your actual demand patterns. Instead of relying on guesswork or seasonal trends, use the data from your Inventory Age Report. This report provides insights like sell-through rates and historical sales data, which are key to determining optimal stock levels.
To begin, calculate your inventory turnover ratio. For instance, divide the total units sold over the past 90 days by your average inventory during the same period. A healthy turnover ratio will vary depending on your product category, so compare it with historical data to gauge what works best for your business.
Next, use the Average Daily Sales metric from your report to predict future demand. For example, if a product sells 5 units per day and you want to maintain 60 days of stock, your order should be 5 × 60 (300 units). Don’t forget to adjust this number based on your current inventory and supplier lead times. If it takes 30 days for your supplier to deliver, order extra units to avoid running out of stock.
Keep an eye on products with declining sell-through rates. If a product's performance drops, reduce your order size for that item to prevent overstocking. For items that consistently fall into older age brackets, consider ordering smaller quantities more frequently. This approach lets you test market demand without tying up too much capital.
Finally, set up alerts to catch slow-moving stock before it becomes a problem.
Setting Up Alerts for Slow-Moving Products
Alerts can help you stay ahead of inventory issues, preventing them from escalating into costly long-term storage problems. Amazon's Inventory Age Report includes helpful indicators, such as the "no-sale-last-6-months" tag for items that haven’t sold in six months and are over 180 days old.
Schedule monthly reviews to identify products nearing the 180-day mark. This gives you time to take corrective actions before items hit the 365-day threshold, where storage fees spike. Use spreadsheets or automated email reminders to make these reviews more efficient.
Pay attention to products flagged by alerts and set sell-through thresholds to quickly address underperforming listings. For example, declining sales might call for pricing adjustments, improved listing content, or targeted promotional campaigns. You can also refine your product listings by optimizing keywords, improving images, or enhancing descriptions to boost visibility and sales.
Amazon’s "recommended-action" suggestions can also be a valuable resource. These prompts may suggest running outlet deals, creating promotions, or removing excess inventory. These recommendations provide a practical starting point for tackling inventory challenges.
Regular Inventory Check Schedule
Regular reviews are essential to staying aligned with market demand and avoiding overstock. Instead of relying solely on monthly or quarterly assessments, successful sellers often review their Inventory Age Reports more frequently, based on their business needs.
During these reviews, focus on key areas like identifying products moving into older age brackets, tracking changes in sell-through rates, and spotting early signs of slowing demand. If you sell seasonal products, schedule reviews ahead of demand shifts to avoid overstocking during off-peak periods.
Pay attention to the "estimated-cost-savings-of-recommended-actions" metric in your report. This figure can help you prioritize which products to address first, based on the potential savings from corrective actions.
Document your review findings and any changes you make. Over time, this data will help you refine your ordering decisions and spot trends before they become major issues.
If managing inventory becomes too complex or costly, consider seeking help from experienced Amazon consultants. Companies like eStore Factory (https://estorefactory.com) specialize in navigating fee structures and optimizing inventory strategies, offering valuable support for sellers looking to streamline their operations.
Using Age Data for Better Inventory Planning
Amazon's Inventory Age Report is more than just a snapshot of your stock - it’s a tool for shaping smarter, long-term inventory strategies. Savvy sellers use this data not only to address current challenges but also to develop predictive models that help avoid future inventory pitfalls.
Effective inventory planning goes beyond immediate concerns, like minimizing storage fees. Age data provides insights into customer behavior, seasonal trends, and product lifecycles. By understanding how quickly products sell, you can make better decisions about ordering and pricing. This kind of forward-thinking approach can lead to more accurate forecasting and strategic interventions when needed.
Using Data to Predict Future Sales
The insights from your inventory reports can help you anticipate future demand. Historical patterns in inventory age reveal trends that guide your planning. For example, fast-moving stock may indicate rising demand, while slower-moving items could signal market saturation.
Combining age data with market trends and promotional schedules can sharpen your forecasting. Let’s say your electronics accessories typically age from 0–90 days to 91–180 days during a 45-day back-to-school period. Recognizing this pattern allows you to plan next year’s inventory more effectively, ensuring you’re ready for the seasonal surge.
You can also cross-reference age data with ad spend and conversion rates. This helps pinpoint which products might benefit most from promotions. Older inventory might respond well to targeted campaigns, while fast-selling items may need higher stock levels to match aggressive marketing efforts.
The secret is to keep forecasts updated monthly using current age data. This approach helps you identify trends early - whether it’s a product gaining unexpected popularity or seasonal items that might require clearance pricing sooner than expected.
Getting Help from Amazon Experts
When data analysis becomes too complex, expert guidance can simplify your strategy. Amazon consultants specialize in fine-tuning inventory management, often by automating systems that merge age data with sales velocity and storage cost projections.
eStore Factory (https://estorefactory.com) offers tailored account management and inventory optimization services for Amazon sellers. Their team helps interpret age data alongside Amazon’s frequent algorithm updates, fee changes, and seasonal market shifts.
Experts can help implement advanced tracking tools that go beyond basic age reports. These systems combine age data with metrics like profit margins and sales velocity to create dashboards that give a complete view of your inventory’s health.
Consultants also provide insights into product portfolio management. They analyze your catalog’s age patterns to identify products worth continued investment and flag items that might need liquidation or discontinuation.
For sellers managing complex scenarios - like multi-channel inventory, international expansion, or navigating Amazon’s various fulfillment programs - expert help becomes even more valuable. These professionals can explain how age data applies across different marketplaces and fulfillment methods, ensuring your strategy aligns with Amazon’s requirements.
Staying ahead of Amazon’s policy updates is another benefit of working with experienced specialists. Agencies monitor changes to storage fees, long-term storage policies, and performance metrics, helping you adjust your plans before these updates impact your bottom line.
Conclusion: Better Inventory Means More Profit
Amazon's Inventory Age Report transforms inventory management by replacing guesswork with actionable insights. By keeping a close eye on how long items sit in Amazon's warehouses, you can take charge of one of your largest costs - storage fees.
The beauty of this report is its straightforwardness. The age brackets make it easy to spot inventory that's eating into your profits due to long-term storage fees. At the same time, it highlights fast-moving products that are driving your success. This information helps you make smarter purchasing decisions, avoid overstocking slow sellers, and take quick action when needed.
Regularly reviewing this data allows you to catch trends before they become costly problems. For instance, products shifting from the 0-90 day category into older brackets might need a new marketing push, a price adjustment, or even a clearance sale to move them out.
The benefits go beyond cutting storage fees. Managing inventory more effectively improves cash flow by reducing the capital tied up in stock that doesn’t sell quickly. That extra cash can be reinvested in launching new products, boosting marketing for your best sellers, or simply keeping your business more financially agile.
Using this data for forecasting takes your inventory management to the next level. Understanding the typical aging patterns of your products lets you predict demand with greater accuracy, plan restocks more efficiently, and make strategic decisions about your product lineup. These predictive practices work hand-in-hand with the strategies outlined above.
In short, the Inventory Age Report is a powerful tool for driving efficiency and profitability. Sellers who rely on it gain a clear edge over those who operate on instinct, setting themselves up for long-term success.
FAQs
How can I use the Inventory Age Report to avoid Amazon's long-term storage fees?
To keep yourself clear of Amazon's long-term storage fees, make it a habit to check the Inventory Age Report. This report helps you track how long your products have been sitting in storage. Once items hit the 365-day mark, they’re hit with hefty fees - either $6.90 per cubic foot or $0.15 per unit.
To avoid these extra costs, consider strategies like offering discounts, running special promotions, or even liquidating items that aren’t moving. The key is to act before your inventory reaches that 365-day threshold. Regularly reviewing this report can help you cut down on fees and keep your storage expenses in check, ultimately protecting your bottom line.
What should I do if my Inventory Age Report shows too many older products?
If your Inventory Age Report shows a high percentage of older products, it's time to act. Older inventory can lead to extra storage fees and tie up valuable space, so addressing it quickly is key. Start by analyzing the items in question and think about strategies to move them faster. You could offer discounts, run special promotions, or create product bundles to make these items more appealing to buyers.
To stay ahead of aging inventory issues, make it a habit to regularly monitor your stock using tools like the Inventory Age and Inventory Health reports. Being proactive not only helps you maintain the right stock levels but also keeps unnecessary costs in check.
How often should I review Amazon's Inventory Age Report to keep inventory levels on track?
To keep your inventory in check and sidestep extra storage fees, make it a habit to review Amazon's Inventory Age Report at least every quarter. These regular check-ins can help you spot slow-moving items, strategize promotions, and fine-tune your restocking process.
For items that are in high demand or tied to specific seasons, it’s smart to review this report more often. This way, you can stay ahead of trends and avoid holding onto surplus stock unnecessarily.
