Valid Tracking Rate (VTR)

The Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) is an important performance metric on Amazon that measures how often sellers use valid tracking numbers on their orders. Valid tracking numbers are crucial for providing customers with accurate information about the status and location of their orders. Here are some key points about the Valid Tracking Rate:

**Requirements for Valid Tracking Rate:**

To maintain a good VTR, sellers are required to provide certain information during the shipment confirmation process. This information includes:

- The name of the carrier used for all seller-fulfilled orders.

- The tracking ID for seller-fulfilled orders shipped with a tracked ship method or shipping service.

It's essential to enter this information as soon as you hand over your package to the delivery service provider. Providing tracking numbers after delivery will be counted as a VTR defect.

**VTR Threshold:** Sellers are generally required to achieve a VTR of 95% or more over a rolling 30-day period. However, there are specific requirements for different types of shipments:

- For domestic shipments within Germany, the VTR requirement applies to seller-fulfilled shipments on a category level, excluding shipments under €20 (excluding VAT but including shipping charges).

- Shipments from China to customers directly in Germany must use a shipping service provider integrated with Amazon. Different tracking requirements apply based on the value of the packages.

**Impact of Low VTR:** Failure to maintain a good VTR can result in the suspension of seller-fulfilled offers in specific categories if the 95% threshold is not met. This suspension will not affect other seller-fulfilled offers or FBA offers.

**Calculation of VTR:** To calculate the VTR, Amazon takes the number of packages with valid tracking numbers and divides it by the total number of packages shipped and confirmed. VTR is expressed as a percentage. For example, if a seller confirmed shipment for 200 packages, and 190 of those packages had a valid tracking number, the Valid Tracking Rate would be 95% (190 ÷ 200 = 0.95 or 95%).

**Exclusions from VTR Calculation:** Not all shipments are included in the VTR calculation. Some exclusions include shipments without valid tracking numbers, digital products like audiobooks, cross-border shipments in the EU, and international shipments from outside Germany or China.

**Monitoring and Reporting:** Sellers can monitor their VTR in their Seller Central account. Amazon provides a VTR metric that reflects the performance in this area. Sellers can also download a VTR defect report to review specific order details.

**Editing Tracking Information:** Sellers have the option to edit order tracking information before the delivery date. This allows for corrections or updates to tracking information if needed.

**Best Practices:** Sellers are encouraged to follow best practices for providing tracking information, including verifying tracking numbers, selecting the correct carrier name, and confirming shipments before the delivery date.

**Benefits of Providing Tracking Information:** Providing valid tracking numbers offers several benefits, including reducing buyer contacts, decreasing order defects, protection from A-to-z Guarantee claims, improved seller feedback ratings, and reduced lost shipment costs.

It's crucial for sellers to understand and meet the Valid Tracking Rate requirements to maintain a positive performance record on Amazon and provide customers with a reliable shopping experience.