How do I set and manage handling time on Amazon US?

Written by

Pascal Blake

As a Printify seller on Amazon US, it is essential to set and manage your handling time policies carefully. While Amazon does not set these policies, it requires merchants to establish their own and adhere to them strictly. By following these guidelines, you can maintain strong performance metrics, ensure customer satisfaction, and build a reliable reputation.

Tip

Handling time, also called lead time-to-ship, refers to the number of business days you have to dispatch an order after it is placed on Amazon. It does not include shipping time and specifically covers the time required to process, produce, and prepare the item for shipment.

Setting an accurate handling time is crucial for several reasons:

Accurate handling times help set proper expectations for your customers.
Orders must be shipped and confirmed by the expected ship date to avoid late shipments.
Missing deadlines can increase your Late Shipment Rate (LSR), which must stay below 4% to meet Amazon’s standards.
Repeatedly failing to meet handling time commitments can result in account warnings or suspension.

Types of handling time on Amazon

Amazon allows you to configure handling time in several ways:

Automated handling time (AHT) – Amazon automatically adjusts handling time per SKU based on your shipping history.
SKU-specific handling time – You set handling time individually for each product.
Default handling time – A standard handling time applied to all listings without SKU-specific settings.

If multiple handling time settings are used, automated handling time overrides SKU-specific and default handling times.

Automated handling time can help improve delivery estimates and protect your account from late shipment issues, but it may override your manually set values once enough shipping history is available.

What should I keep in mind when setting up handling time?

Since Printify products are made on-demand, production times can vary depending on the product type and Print Provider. Here are some key points to consider for managing handling time effectively.

Check Print Provider production times

Before listing a product, check the estimated production time provided by your chosen US-based provider. You can see the latest updates on production times on our network fulfillment status page.

Keep in mind that production times may increase during peak seasons, such as the holidays. Be sure to adjust your handling time accordingly to keep things running smoothly.

Set accurate handling time on Amazon

As a general guideline, Printify merchants selling products on Amazon US typically begin with a handling time of 5 business days from the date of order creation. However, handling time should be adjusted based on the type of products you are selling and the production times of your selected Print Providers.

If certain products have longer production times, make sure to set a longer handling time for those listings.

If you use Amazon’s automated handling time, keep in mind that it may update your handling times based on your actual shipping performance and override your manual settings.

Communicate with customers

Clearly specify the handling time and mention any potential delays in your product descriptions to set clear expectations for your customers.

How can I update my handling time on Amazon US?

In your Amazon Seller Central account, navigate to Inventory → Manage All Inventory.
Select the listing you want to update and click Edit listing.
In the "Offer" tab, find the "Handling Time" field and enter the accurate number of business days.
Click Save and finish to update the listing.

For more detailed instructions and additional ways to manage handling time (including default and automated handling time settings), refer to Amazon’s help article: Modify handling time

Additional tips for success

Stay updated and keep an eye on notifications from Printify about any changes in production times or potential delays.
Make sure to select products that are eligible for sale on Amazon US. For more information on how to find eligible products, please visit this article.
Choose US-based providers and locations closer to your primary customer base to reduce shipping times.
Plan for peak seasons by anticipating longer production and shipping times during holidays and adjusting your handling time settings accordingly.
If unforeseen circumstances cause a delay, inform your customers promptly. Use Amazon’s messaging system to notify the buyer of the delay and provide a new estimated shipping date.