Account health, ads, inventory and fulfilment · The cost of time in the warehouse
Aged inventory surcharge
Storage gets more expensive as inventory ages. The tiers, the four exits, and why removal timing matters.
Key facts
| Start | The surcharge commonly begins after 181 days in the fulfilment network |
|---|---|
| Tiers | The rate rises in age bands, with the highest band after 365 days |
| Drivers | Unit size, weight and the current fee schedule |
| Exits | Sell through, discount, bundle, remove, dispose or liquidate |
| Timing | The age at the time of the charge matters; acting before a tier boundary saves money |
| Official source | FBA aged inventory surcharge help page and fee schedule |
Age is measured in days, not demand
A slow SKU can look healthy because it still sells a few units a month, while the remaining units cross the 181-day line and start costing more. The surcharge is charged on the units that sit, not on the units that sell.
Review the inventory age report monthly. The report groups units by age band, so the action is visible before the fee appears: discount the 150-day units, bundle the 170-day units, and remove what will not clear.
The four ways out
Discount, bundle, remove or liquidate. A discount preserves the listing and the reviews; removal preserves the unit but costs freight; liquidation clears the lot at a discount; disposal is the last resort. The right choice depends on the unit's resale value and the cash it releases.
Do the arithmetic with the next tier, not the current one. If the fee rises at the next boundary, the relevant comparison is the total cost of holding versus the net recovery now. A small loss today can be cheaper than a larger fee next month.
Frequently asked questions
When is the surcharge charged?
It is assessed on units that have been in the network beyond the published age threshold, with rates that rise by age band.
How can I reduce it?
Sell through, discount, bundle, remove or liquidate before the next tier. The inventory age report shows which units are approaching a boundary.
Does removal avoid the surcharge?
Creating a removal order takes the units out of the sellable pool. Check the timing and the removal fee against the surcharge you would otherwise pay.
Is the surcharge the same for all sizes?
No. Size and weight affect the rate, and the schedule can change. Use the current fee schedule for the calculation.
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