Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) FAQ

Ensuring Accurate Tracking During Shipment Confirmation

When confirming shipments for seller-fulfilled orders, it's essential to provide the following details:

1. Carrier name

2. Delivery service (optional but recommended)

3. Tracking ID or unique parcel ID for tracked delivery services

Here's how to confirm a shipment:

1. Go to "Manage Orders" and select "Confirm shipment" next to your order.

2. On the "Order details" page, locate the "Confirm dispatch" section.

If your carrier isn't available in the drop-down options, follow these steps:

1. Choose "Other" under "Carrier" and enter your carrier's name in the provided field.

2. Select "Other" under "Delivery Service" and enter your delivery service in the field.

3. Enter the tracking or parcel ID if available under "Tracking ID."

Remember to input this information immediately when handing your package to the carrier, as it may take up to 72 hours for the Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) to reflect changes. Failure to provide tracking or parcel IDs post-delivery will result in a VTR defect.

For more information, refer to the Tracking FAQ.

Valid Tracking IDs for Partially-Tracked Deliveries

Partially-tracked delivery methods are accepted for calculating the valid tracking rate as long as they receive at least one scan.

Dealing with Unscanned Packages

If your carrier fails to scan your packages, take these steps:

1. Contact your carrier to resolve the scanning issue.

2. Review your labels to ensure the correct delivery method and label printing.

3. Always provide accurate carrier names, delivery services, and tracking IDs. Unscanned tracking or parcel IDs will be validated by the integrated carrier before suspending your offers in the affected category. Delivery confirmation-only methods and untracked services are exempt from VTR calculation.

Consider Using Buy Shipping

Utilize Buy Shipping to purchase shipping labels through Seller Central, ensuring automatic carrier, delivery method, and tracking ID information. This guarantees all tracking IDs received through Buy Shipping are considered valid, improving your VTR.

Confirming Shipments Without Carrier and Delivery Service

You cannot confirm seller-fulfilled shipments without adding an acceptable carrier name. Refer to the Tracking FAQ for a list of acceptable carrier names and how to provide them during the shipment confirmation process.

Importance of Timely Shipment Confirmation

Delaying shipment confirmation can negatively impact your late dispatch rate (LDR) or late shipment rate (LSR), potentially leading to account suspension. Amazon will automatically cancel shipments if you haven't confirmed them within seven days of the expected dispatch availability date.

Cross-Border Shipment Policy

If you're a Germany-based seller delivering to EU customers, you may be exempt from providing tracking information unless you use a tracked delivery method. When selecting your carrier and delivery method, you'll be prompted to provide the tracking ID if it's tracked. Refer to the Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) page for a list of exempted shipments.

Different Price Thresholds in Germany, France, and Spain

Price thresholds for VTR calculation vary in Germany, France, and Spain based on local cost and tracked shipping methods. Shipments below €10 in France, €15 in Spain, and €20 in Germany (including shipping) are excluded from VTR calculation. There are no thresholds in the United Kingdom and Italy.

Including Untracked Shipments in Germany VTR Calculation

Domestic shipments above €20 in Germany using an untracked ship method are included in the VTR calculation if shipped with an integrated carrier. To reach the 95% VTR, consider using a tracked ship method for these shipments.

Confirming Shipments with Non-Integrated Carriers or Self-Delivery

If your preferred carrier is not available in the drop-down list, select "Other" and enter the carrier's name and delivery service. Provide tracking information if available. Shipments via non-integrated carriers are not considered in VTR calculation.

Troubleshooting Shipment Confirmation Issues

If you are unable to confirm a shipment even after entering a correct tracking ID:

1. Verify the tracking ID's correctness.

2. Ensure you've selected the correct delivery service.

3. If the issue persists, select "Other" as the delivery service and contact Selling Partner Support for assistance.

If you can't confirm shipment even after entering a carrier name:

1. In Seller Central, select the carrier name from the drop-down list under "Carrier."

2. For bulk feed, enter the correct "carrier-code."

3. If using integrators, configure them to provide the carrier name.

4. When using Buy Shipping, no action is required as tracking information is automatically collected.

Tracking Information Best Practices

To successfully upload tracking information, follow these best practices:

1. Verify the tracking number's accuracy and timeliness.

2. Select the correct carrier and delivery service when confirming shipment.

3. Avoid special characters in tracking information.

4. Confirm or update tracking information before the order's delivery date.

Benefits of Providing Tracking Information

Providing tracking information offers several benefits:

1. Reduces buyer inquiries about delivery status.

2. Decreases order defects.

3. Protects against A-to-z guarantee claims.

4. Improves seller feedback ratings.

5. Reduces lost order costs.

6. Increases conversion rates.

7. Reduces lost shipment costs.

Handling Carriers without Tracking IDs

If your carrier doesn't provide tracking IDs, consider:

1. Contacting your carrier to obtain tracking IDs for tracked delivery methods.

2. For untracked delivery methods, providing tracking IDs for better customer experience.

Valid Tracking Information Criteria

Tracking numbers are considered valid if:

1. Purchased labels through Buy Shipping where tracking numbers are provided.

2. Tracking numbers include at least one physical carrier scan.

3. VTR account health metrics.

Accessing VTR and Troubleshooting

To access your VTR and download VTR reports:

1. Go to "Performance" > "Account Health" > "Delivery Performance."

2. Click "Valid Tracking Rate" for details and download the report.

3. Allow 72 hours for updates to reflect in metrics.

Account Suspension and VTR

Your account won't be suspended if your VTR drops below 95% in one category, but offers for seller-fulfilled listings may be suspended. You can continue selling FBA products, and if listings are suspended, you can submit a plan of action for reinstatement.

Handling "InvalidId" in VTR Report

If "InvalidId" appears in your VTR report:

1. Ensure you've entered the tracking information correctly.

2. Check for special characters in the tracking information.

Canceled Shipments in VTR Report

Canceled shipments may appear in your report if you confirm them before the carrier receives the package. To cancel, provide a refund to the buyer and confirm shipment only after the carrier takes possession.

Specific Carrier Guidance

For specific carriers like Deutsche Post, Hermes, and Österreichische Post, additional guidance is provided to maintain a 95% VTR, including using fully tracked ship methods and resolving tracking ID issues.

For full tracking methods for CN-out shipments, consult the provided list.

For more information about tracking numbers and tracking IDs, refer to the Tracking FAQ.