How to Fix Stranded Inventory on Amazon Seller Central

Managing inventory effectively is one of the most critical aspects of running a successful Amazon business. While Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) takes a huge weight off sellers’ shoulders, there are still occasional hiccups that require manual attention—one of the most common being stranded inventory.

If you’ve logged into your Amazon Seller Central account and noticed inventory listed under “Stranded,” you’re not alone. It’s a common challenge many sellers face, and fortunately, it’s fixable. In this article, we’ll break down what stranded inventory is & What is more important is to fix this problem right away and we will walk you through it.

What is Stranded Inventory?

Stranded inventory refers to products stored in Amazon’s fulfillment centers that are not available for sale on the marketplace due to a listing issue. These items are essentially stuck in limbo—costing you storage fees—until the problem is identified and corrected.

When inventory becomes stranded, it won’t appear on the Amazon storefront. This means potential customers can’t buy it, and you can't profit from it. If not addressed quickly, it can lead to unnecessary storage costs, lower IPI (Inventory Performance Index) scores, and even removal fees down the line.

Common Causes of Stranded Inventory

Stranded inventory can be triggered by various issues. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Listing errors (e.g., deleted or suppressed listings)
• Pricing errors (e.g., item listed below Amazon’s minimum price threshold)
• SKU or ASIN mismatches
• FBA listing not active
• Out of stock errors despite units being available in the warehouse
• Account issues or policy violations
• Incomplete or inaccurate product information
• Restricted or gated categories
• Understanding the root cause is key to applying the right fix.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix Stranded Inventory

Follow these steps to identify and resolve stranded inventory within your Amazon Seller Central account.

Step 1: Log in to Amazon Seller Central

Start by logging into your Amazon Seller Central account.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Manage Inventory” Page

From the Seller Central dashboard, hover over the Inventory tab in the top navigation menu and click Manage Inventory.

Step 3: Access the “Fix Stranded Inventory” Page

Near the top of the Manage Inventory page, you’ll see several blue action tabs. Click on “Fix Stranded Inventory.”

Here, you’ll find a list of all items currently marked as stranded. Amazon provides the status for each item—this shows the reason why the item is stranded—and offers suggested actions on the right side of the screen.

Step 4: Review the Error Status and Suggested Fix

Each stranded item will display an error status, such as:

• “Listing Closed”
• “ASIN Missing”
• “Out of Stock”
• “Inactive Listing”
• “Pricing Error”
• “Blocked Listing”

Next to each error, Amazon will usually recommend a specific action. You’ll typically have one or more of the following options:

• Re-list the item
• Convert to FBA
• Edit listing
• Create removal order
• Delete listing

Choose the most appropriate fix based on the issue.

Step 5: Take Action to Resolve the Issue

Let’s say you have an item with the error message “Out of Stock,” even though Amazon shows three units available. In this case, the listing may have been closed or inactive due to a glitch or incorrect inventory settings.

To fix it:

• Click “Re-list” next to the affected item.
• You’ll be taken to a page similar to the product creation form.
• Review all details, including SKU, ASIN, pricing, and fulfillment settings.
• Make any necessary changes, then click “Save and Finish.”

If no warnings or additional errors appear, your product will be re-listed and available for sale within a few hours.

Step 6: Repeat for Other Stranded Listings

After you fix one stranded inventory item, return to the “Fix Stranded Inventory” page and repeat the process for any other listings. It’s important to address each one individually, especially if they’re showing different error types.

Pro Tips for Avoiding Stranded Inventory

While stranded inventory can’t always be prevented, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize the chances of it happening again:

1. Monitor Inventory Daily

Regularly check the “Manage Inventory” and “Fix Stranded Inventory” tabs to spot issues early and act quickly.

2. Maintain Listing Accuracy

Ensure that all listings have complete and accurate product information, including SKU, ASIN, price, condition, and fulfillment method.

3. Stay Compliant with Amazon Policies

Avoid policy violations that can cause Amazon to suppress or deactivate listings.

4. Use Inventory Management Tools

Automate inventory tracking and alerts using Amazon’s own tools or third-party platforms to stay ahead of potential problems.

5. Don’t Let Inactive Listings Sit

If you no longer intend to sell an item, consider creating a removal order instead of letting it accumulate storage fees.

When to Contact Amazon Support

If you’ve followed all the suggested steps and still can’t resolve the stranded inventory, it’s time to contact Amazon Seller Support. Provide them with the ASIN, SKU, and details of the error. In some cases, especially with system bugs or FBA receiving errors, support intervention may be required.

Final Thoughts

Stranded inventory may seem like a small issue, but left unresolved, it can negatively affect your bottom line, tie up working capital, and reduce your overall inventory performance.

The good news? It’s usually an easy fix—especially when you know what to look for and how to take action. By routinely monitoring your inventory, addressing errors quickly, and maintaining clean listings, you can keep your Amazon store running smoothly and efficiently.