What is Valid Tracking Rate?
The Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) measures the percentage of seller-fulfilled orders that have a valid tracking number, calculated over a 30-day period. This metric is important because Amazon customers rely on tracking information to monitor the status of their orders and estimate delivery timelines.
Why is Valid Tracking Rate Important?
The goal of the VTR policy is to ensure Amazon customers receive reliable tracking information to support a positive purchase experience. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date tracking information is crucial for meeting Amazon's Valid Tracking Rate policy and providing a positive experience for your customers. Taking these steps can help you stay compliant and avoid any potential selling restrictions.
What is Amazon's policy regarding Valid Tracking Rate?
Amazon's policy is for sellers to maintain a VTR above 95%. If a seller's VTR falls below 95% in a particular product category, they may face restrictions on their ability to sell non-FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) items in that category.
Does the Valid Tracking Rate policy apply to all product categories?
There are some exemptions to the VTR requirement, including:
- Heavy or bulky items shipped by carriers not integrated with Amazon
- Small, low-value items ($10 or less) shipped via USPS standard or first-class mail
- Low-value ($5 or less) international shipments from China
- International shipments from outside the US and China
- Digital orders that cannot be physically shipped
How do I maintain a healthy Valid Tracking Rate?
- When providing tracking information for seller-fulfilled orders, be sure to select carrier options that are integrated with Amazon. These integrated carriers are able to provide real-time tracking status updates directly to Amazon.
- It's important to verify that the carrier name, shipping service, and tracking ID you enter all match and belong to the same integrated carrier. Entering incorrect or mismatched tracking information can negatively impact your Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) metric.
- If you make a mistake when entering the tracking details, be sure to update the correct tracking ID within 24 hours of the order being shipped. Updating tracking information after the package has already been delivered implies the customer was unable to track the shipment, which will hurt your VTR.
- To simplify the process, consider using Amazon's Buy Shipping services to purchase carrier labels. This helps ensure the tracking details are accurately populated and integrated with the Amazon platform.
Where can I learn more about Valid Tracking Rate?
