Amazon 2026: Navigating the New Era of Selling (and Staying Ahead of the Game!)

Author name

Is your Amazon strategy ready for 2026? The days of treating Amazon as a "casual side hustle" are officially over. What was once a playground for hobbyists has evolved into a highly competitive arena demanding operational excellence, strategic sourcing, and a deep understanding of Amazon's ever-changing rules.

As we move into 2026, Amazon sellers face a new landscape of fee adjustments, sourcing challenges, and increased competition. But don't panic! With the right knowledge and strategies, you can not only survive but thrive in this new era. Let's dive into what you need to know to dominate Amazon in 2026.


The Shifting Sands: Key Changes Impacting Amazon Sellers in 2026

1. FBA Fee Adjustments: Buckle Up for Minor Bumps

Starting January 2026, most U.S. FBA fees will see an average increase of $0.08 per unit. While this might seem small, it adds up, especially for high-volume sellers. Here's a closer look:

  • Standard-size items ($10–$50): Expect fee increases of approximately $0.25 for small items and $0.05 for large items.
  • **Low-Price FBA (under $10):** The good news? While fees increase by $0.12 per unit, you'll also see an increased discount of $0.86 per unit on average. This could be a win for sellers in this price range, but careful analysis is crucial.

2. The End of Amazon FBA Prep Services: Get Ready to DIY

As of January 1, 2026, Amazon will no longer offer prep or labeling services for U.S. FBA shipments. This means every unit must arrive fully labeled and prepped according to Amazon's strict guidelines. Non-compliant shipments risk rejection or return at your expense.

  • What this means for you: Invest in proper labeling equipment, train your staff, or outsource to a reliable third-party prep service to avoid costly mistakes.

3. Inventory Efficiency Fees: Fine-Tuning Your Stock Levels

Amazon is getting serious about inventory management, and these fees reflect that:

  • Low-Inventory-Level Fees: These are now applied at the FNSKU level (specific variation) rather than the parent-ASIN level. This means you need to be even more precise with your inventory forecasting to avoid penalties.
  • Aged Inventory: Holding onto slow-moving items? Monthly surcharges for items aged 12–15 months will increase to $0.30 per unit. Time to get those older products moving with strategic promotions or liquidation strategies.

4. Increased Sourcing Costs: Navigating the Tariff Maze

New tariffs on Chinese imports and the removal of the 'de minimis' rule (eliminating tax exemptions for low-value shipments) will significantly raise costs for sellers sourcing from China.

  • Strategic Response: Explore diversifying your sourcing options, negotiating better rates with suppliers, or adjusting your pricing to reflect these increased costs.

5. The Rise of the Brands: Professionalization of the Competition

Major brands like Bath & Body Works are entering the Amazon arena to combat gray market sales. This means increased competition and a higher bar for brand presentation.

  • Key to Survival: Brand defense is paramount. Invest in high-quality creative assets like video and A+ Content to stand out from the crowd and protect your brand reputation.

6. Return Flexibility: A Silver Lining for Some

Amazon is introducing a "partial refund" option for some FBA items. This allows you to resolve customer issues without requiring the physical return of the item, potentially saving on return shipping costs.

  • How to Leverage This: Use this option strategically to improve customer satisfaction and reduce return-related expenses.

Success in 2026: The New Requirements for Amazon Domination

1. Higher Capital Entry: Time to Invest

The recommended starting capital for new sellers is now between $3,000 and $5,000. This covers at least two batches of inventory and initial PPC costs.

  • Why this matters: Amazon is no longer a "shoestring budget" platform. You need capital to compete effectively.

2. Focus on Profit Buffers: Margin is King

Aim for products with at least a 20% gross margin before advertising. This will help you withstand incremental fee hikes and rising ad costs.

  • Pro Tip: Scrutinize your product costs, optimize your supply chain, and price strategically to maintain healthy margins.

3. Inventory Management: Become a Master of Stock Control

Use the new Profit Analytics dashboard in Seller Central to track unit economics and manage storage limits, which are expected to remain tight.

  • Action Item: Implement a robust inventory management system to avoid stockouts, overstocking, and costly storage fees.

Weaving it Together: Strategies for Amazon Success in 2026

So, how do you take all these changes and turn them into a winning strategy? Here are some key takeaways:

  • Embrace Professionalism: Treat your Amazon business like a real business. Invest in the right tools, training, and expertise.
  • Diversify Your Sourcing: Don't rely solely on one supplier or region. Explore multiple sourcing options to mitigate risk and control costs.
  • Build a Brand: Invest in high-quality product photography, compelling product descriptions, and A+ Content to create a strong brand presence on Amazon.
  • Master Amazon Advertising: PPC is more critical than ever. Learn how to optimize your campaigns, target the right keywords, and track your ROI.
  • Stay Informed: Amazon is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date on the latest policy changes, fee adjustments, and best practices.


The CMO Advantage: Your Partner in Amazon Success

Navigating the complexities of Amazon in 2026 requires a strategic partner with deep expertise and a commitment to your long-term success. That's where CMO comes in. We help brands like yours not just survive, but thrive on Amazon.

Unlike most agencies that sell you on their most knowledgeable team member and then hand you off to someone less experienced, we're structured more like your CPA or law firm. Your senior person stays engaged the entire time, meets with you regularly, and delivers measurable results. And all of this happens on a fractional basis, making expert support accessible and efficient.

The result? Your brand finally gains control over resellers and content, looks amazing on Amazon, and grows sales consistently. CMO becomes a true part of your team, helping you navigate the complexities of Amazon with confidence and clarity.


Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Conquer Amazon 2026?

The Amazon landscape is shifting, but the opportunities are still immense. By understanding the challenges, embracing the new requirements, and partnering with the right experts, you can position your brand for success in 2026 and beyond.



Amazon listing suppressed, then made available. People by phone, one using magnifying glass. Orange box with Amazon logo.

Amazon Listing SOS: Rescue Your Suppressed Listings and Boost Your 2026 Sales!

By William Fikhman • January 2, 2026
Are your Amazon listings mysteriously vanishing from search results? You're not alone! Suppressed listings are a common headache for sellers, and in 2026, staying on top of listing quality is more critical than ever. A suppressed listing is essentially "invisible" to potential customers, tanking your sales and costing you money. But don't despair! This blog post is your ultimate guide to diagnosing, fixing, and preventing suppressed listings on Amazon in 2026. We'll walk you through the steps to reclaim your lost visibility and get your products back in front of eager buyers. Let's dive in! The Silent Killer: Understanding Amazon Listing Suppression Before we jump into solutions, let's understand what causes listing suppression. Amazon's algorithm is constantly scanning listings for compliance with its policies and data requirements. Common triggers for suppression include: Missing Information: Key details like descriptions, bullet points, or required attributes are missing. Non-Compliant Images: Images that don't meet Amazon's strict guidelines (e.g., wrong background, watermarks). Policy Violations: Listings that violate Amazon's terms of service (e.g., prohibited products, inaccurate claims). Performance Issues: High return rates or negative customer feedback can also lead to suppression. The key takeaway? Staying proactive and maintaining high-quality listings is crucial to avoid suppression in the first place. Step-by-Step: Rescuing Your Suppressed Listings in 2026 1. Identify the Culprit: Hunting Down Suppressed Listings Amazon doesn't always send notifications when a listing is suppressed, so you need to be proactive and check manually: Navigate to Inventory: In Amazon Seller Central, go to the "Inventory" menu and select "Manage All Inventory." Filter for Suppression: Look for the "Search Suppressed" or "Inactive" filter in the horizontal menu. If you don't see these options, your listings are likely active (but it's still worth a quick check!). Review Reasons: Click on the listing to see the specific "Issue(s) to fix." This is where Amazon tells you why the listing is suppressed. Common culprits include missing descriptions, titles exceeding 200 characters, or the lack of a main image. 2. Resolve the Issue: Implementing the Fix Once you've identified the reason for suppression, it's time to take action. Here are a few methods to fix the listing: Quick Fix (Editable Grid): For simple issues like missing data, enter the values directly into the editable cells in the "Issue(s) to fix" column and click "Save." This is the fastest way to resolve minor problems. Detailed Edit: For more complex issues, click "Edit" to open the full product info page. Fields with errors will be highlighted in red (often under the "Offer" or "Images" tabs). Pay close attention to these highlighted areas and provide the necessary information. Image Compliance: Images are a common source of suppression. Ensure your main image has a pure white background, no text or watermarks, and features only the product. Delete any non-compliant images and upload new ones that meet Amazon's guidelines. Bulk Fixes: If you're dealing with a large number of suppressed listings, download the "Listing Quality and Suppressed Listing Report" from the "Reports" section. This report allows you to identify and fix errors in bulk via a flat file upload. This is a huge time-saver for sellers with extensive catalogs. 3. Addressing Performance and Policy Blocks: When It's More Than Just Missing Data Sometimes, a listing is "Blocked" or "Inactive" rather than just "Search Suppressed." This indicates a more serious issue related to performance or policy violations: Check "Voice of the Customer": Navigate to the "Performance" tab to see if negative feedback or high return rates triggered the deactivation. Amazon takes customer satisfaction seriously, so address any underlying issues that are causing negative feedback. Performance Notifications: Review the "Performance Notifications" page for emails regarding intellectual property (IP) claims or safety violations. These notifications will provide details about the specific violation and instructions on how to appeal. Appeal Decisions: If you believe a suppression is an error, use the "Dispute" or "Contact Us" option to provide documentation (like invoices or authorization letters) to Amazon Seller Support. Be polite, professional, and provide all the necessary information to support your case. Prevention is Key: Staying Ahead of Suppression in 2026 The best way to deal with suppressed listings is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some proactive strategies for 2026: Automated Alerts: Use third-party tools like Shopkeeper or Helium 10 to receive immediate alerts when a listing's status changes. This allows you to address issues quickly before they impact your sales. Regular Audits: Conduct monthly checks of your Listing Quality Dashboard to identify potential issues before they lead to suppression. This is a great way to catch minor errors before they become major problems. Stay Updated: Monitor the Amazon Seller Forums for updates on evolving character limits or image requirements. Amazon's policies are constantly changing, so staying informed is crucial. Level Up Your Listings: Best Practices for 2026 Beyond just avoiding suppression, optimizing your listings for maximum visibility and conversion is essential. Here are some best practices to follow: Keyword Research: Use keyword research tools to identify the terms customers are using to search for your products. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your titles, descriptions, and bullet points. Compelling Copy: Write clear, concise, and persuasive copy that highlights the benefits of your product. Focus on solving customer problems and addressing their needs. High-Quality Images: Invest in professional product photography that showcases your products in the best possible light. Use multiple images to highlight different features and angles. A+ Content: Take advantage of A+ Content (Enhanced Brand Content) to create visually appealing and informative product descriptions. This can significantly improve your conversion rates. The CMO Advantage: Your Partner in Amazon Success Dealing with suppressed listings and optimizing your Amazon presence can be time-consuming and complex. That's where CMO comes in. We help brands like yours not just fix problems, but achieve sustainable success on Amazon. Unlike most agencies that sell you on their most knowledgeable team member and then hand you off to someone less experienced, we're structured more like your CPA or law firm. Your senior person stays engaged the entire time, meets with you regularly, and delivers measurable results. And all of this happens on a fractional basis, making expert support accessible and efficient. The result? Your brand finally gains control over resellers and content, looks amazing on Amazon, and grows sales consistently. CMO becomes a true part of your team , helping you navigate the complexities of Amazon with confidence and clarity. Final Thoughts: Reclaim Your Amazon Visibility and Thrive in 2026! Suppressed listings can be a major obstacle to success on Amazon, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can overcome this challenge and reclaim your lost visibility. By following the steps outlined in this blog post and partnering with the right experts, you can ensure your listings are always optimized for maximum performance.

How an Amazon Agency Helps You Rank Higher and Sell More

By William Fikhman • January 2, 2026
Selling on Amazon looks simple on the surface—list a product, run ads, and wait for sales. In reality, ranking higher and selling consistently requires deep platform knowledge, constant optimization, and data-driven decision-making. This is where an Amazon agency becomes a competitive advantage rather than an expense. An experienced Amazon agency helps brands rank higher and sell more by aligning SEO, advertising, conversion optimization, and inventory strategy into one cohesive system. Here’s how that works in practice. 1. Strategic Keyword Research That Drives Rankings Amazon ranking starts with keywords, but not all keywords are equal. An Amazon agency goes beyond basic search volume and identifies buyer-intent keywords that actually convert. They analyze: Search volume vs. competitiveness Organic vs. sponsored keyword overlap Long-tail keywords with high purchase intent Keyword indexing gaps competitors are exploiting Instead of stuffing listings with keywords, agencies build keyword hierarchies —primary, secondary, and backend terms—so Amazon’s algorithm clearly understands relevance. This structured approach improves indexing, ranking velocity, and long-term organic visibility. 2. Listing Optimization Built for Both SEO and Conversions Ranking alone doesn’t sell products. Traffic must convert. A professional Amazon agency optimizes listings to satisfy both the algorithm and human buyers. This includes: SEO-optimized titles that stay compliant and readable Bullet points focused on benefits, not just features Enhanced product descriptions with persuasive copy Backend search terms that follow Amazon’s indexing rules Agencies also optimize images, A+ Content, and Brand Stores to improve session duration, CTR, and conversion rate —metrics Amazon directly rewards with better rankings. 3. Smarter Amazon PPC That Feeds Organic Growth Amazon PPC doesn’t exist in isolation. A skilled agency uses ads strategically to support organic ranking , not just generate short-term sales. They: Launch auto and manual campaigns to mine converting keywords Scale exact-match campaigns for ranking-focused terms Control ACOS while maintaining keyword momentum Use placement modifiers to dominate top-of-search By aligning PPC with SEO, agencies help products rank faster and hold positions longer—even when ad spend decreases over time. 4. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) That Multiplies Traffic Value Amazon’s algorithm favors listings that convert. Agencies continuously test and improve elements that influence buyer decisions, such as: Image order and lifestyle visuals Infographics that answer objections A+ Content layouts and messaging Pricing and coupon strategies A small lift in conversion rate can significantly improve ranking and profitability. Agencies track these improvements closely and adjust strategies based on performance data. 5. Review and Rating Strategy That Builds Trust Social proof plays a massive role in Amazon success. While agencies stay compliant with Amazon’s policies, they implement systems to: Increase review velocity ethically Improve star ratings over time Monitor and respond to negative feedback Identify listing or product issues causing poor reviews Higher ratings improve conversion rates, which directly supports stronger rankings and higher sales velocity. 6. Inventory and Sales Velocity Alignment Running out of stock kills rankings. Overstocking kills cash flow. Amazon agencies monitor inventory health to protect momentum. They: Forecast demand based on sales trends Coordinate PPC scaling with inventory levels Prevent stockouts that reset ranking progress Optimize restock timing for FBA capacity limits Maintaining consistent sales velocity signals stability to Amazon’s algorithm and protects hard-earned organic positions. 7. Data-Driven Decisions, Not Guesswork Amazon changes constantly. Agencies rely on data, not assumptions. They track: Keyword rank movement Conversion rate changes PPC efficiency and profitability Competitor positioning and pricing This allows them to spot problems early, double down on what works, and adapt before performance drops. 8. Saving Time While Scaling Faster Managing Amazon effectively requires daily attention. An agency removes operational bottlenecks so brand owners can focus on product development, sourcing, and expansion. Instead of reacting to problems, agencies operate proactively—testing, optimizing, and scaling with a long-term growth mindset. Final Thoughts An Amazon agency helps you rank higher and sell more by turning Amazon into a system, not a guessing game. Through strategic SEO, conversion-focused listings, intelligent PPC, and ongoing optimization, agencies accelerate growth while protecting profitability. If you want sustainable rankings, predictable sales, and scalable performance, partnering with the right Amazon agency can be one of the highest-ROI decisions you make.