Introduction
A new seller on Amazon tends to be baffled by all the codes and identities on Amazon and the differences between them. Every seller on Amazon needs to thoroughly understand the return process as a mandate to provide good customer service. In this article, we will understand the Amazon LPN number in detail.
What is Amazon LPN Number?
Amazon LPN number stands for “License Plate Number.” This unique identifier code, applied as a sticker, is used by Amazon’s systems to track items being returned and link them to the correct seller.
LPN number stickers are primarily used by sellers utilising Amazon FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon). These FBA sellers send their inventory to Amazon’s fulfilment centres, where Amazon handles the picking, packing, and shipping of orders to customers.
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What is the Need for Amazon LPN Number and Sticker?
In the absence of an LPN number, the items cannot be prudently identified and sorted for returns. In such a case, the return packages can get lost in the logistics process and mix with the brand-new items. This would lead to a bad end-customer experience, as they will be receiving damaged products or items with missing parts that were returned.
Furthermore, the LPN number can also be used for reverse searches, allowing you to identify which specific unit a return is associated with, even if you don’t have a prior record of it.
Moreover, by scanning the LPN numbers, Amazon can quickly pinpoint any issues during various stages of the fulfilment process. From receiving stock to picking and packing orders, the LPN number helps maintain accuracy and accountability at each step. This tight control over inventory management is part of why Amazon’s fulfilment services are efficient and highly trusted by sellers.
How Do I Locate the LPN Number in My Return Reports?
As a seller, it’s crucial to monitor your returns regularly—we recommend doing this weekly. Your Return Reports will display all LPN Numbers along with the reasons for return.
To download your Return Reports:
- Hover over Reports on the Seller Central toolbar, then click Return Reports.
- Select View FBA Reports.
- On the left, scroll down to FBA customer returns under Customer Concessions, then click View downloads.
- Request a .csv or .txt report for a specific Event Date.
- Once the report is ready, click Download under Report Status.
In the report, you’ll find details such as Return Date, Order ID, SKU, ASIN, FNSKU, Product Name, Quantity, Fulfilment Centre ID, LPN, and more.
Why Are Return Reports Important?
By carefully analysing customer returns and reviews, you can consistently improve product quality, leading to long-term success. With Amazon’s average return rate ranging between 5% and 15%, evaluating your performance through these reports can help you determine whether your return rate is within a healthy range or if you need to implement changes to reduce returns.
Return Reports offer key insights, including:
- Preventing damaged inventory from being sent to FBA fulfilment centres.
- Improving product quality.
- Identifying which fulfilment centres generate the most returns.
- Pinpointing which items are frequently returned due to misleading product listings.
- Understanding customer behaviour and opinions.
- Determining when to file claims with Amazon for damaged or lost items.
As a seller, tracking the reasons and frequency of returns can help you identify potential risks to your business. Maintaining a spreadsheet to track these trends enables you to take proactive actions based on your observations.
Common Issues Related to LPN Numbers and How to Avoid Them
Although LPN numbers are essential for tracking returns and managing inventory, sellers occasionally face challenges due to misplaced or damaged LPN stickers. A missing or unreadable LPN sticker can lead to delays in processing returns or even inventory losses, as the item cannot be accurately traced in the system. Sellers must ensure that all items sent to fulfilment centres have the correct and readable LPN stickers to avoid such problems.
Another common issue is receiving returned items with the incorrect LPN number, which can occur due to human error in applying stickers. Sellers can minimise this risk by reviewing their Return Reports regularly and cross-checking the items received. Consistent monitoring and communication with fulfilment centres can help prevent such discrepancies and ensure smooth operations.
Summary
In general, maintaining records of all business activities is a good habit. Analysing Return Reports allows you to focus on areas of improvement as a seller, reduce returns by enhancing product quality, and monitor how Amazon’s fulfilment centres handle your inventory. As this article has shown, understanding the role of the Amazon LPN number in Amazon’s returns process is crucial, even though you aren’t physically involved in the process.
