Amazon Glossary

Last Updated: May 2026

This glossary covers 420+ Amazon acronyms, ecommerce terms, 3PL terminology, warehouse lingo, and shipping abbreviations in plain English. Whether you sell on Amazon, Shopify, or Walmart, or you work inside a fulfillment center, this is your A-to-Z reference for every term you will encounter in DTC fulfillment, logistics, and online retail.

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1P (First-Party): A manufacturer or vendor that sells products directly to Amazon in a wholesale relationship. Amazon then resells the product to customers under its own retail arm.
3P (Third-Party): A manufacturer, merchant, or reseller that sells products directly to customers through Amazon's third-party Marketplace. The seller controls pricing, branding, and fulfillment method.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics): A company that handles warehousing, fulfillment, and shipping on behalf of other businesses. Brands outsource these operations instead of managing them in-house. Compare top 3PL companies.

A

A+ Content: Enhanced product descriptions on Amazon with custom images, comparison charts, and branded layouts. Available to sellers enrolled in Brand Registry. Replaced the older Enhanced Brand Content (EBC) format.
AAP (Amazon Advertising Platform): The former name for Amazon DSP. Used by advertisers to buy display and video ads across Amazon and partner sites.
Accessorial Charges: Extra fees from carriers for services beyond standard shipping. Examples include liftgate delivery, residential surcharges, and inside delivery.
ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sale): The percentage of ad spend relative to ad revenue. Formula: (Ad Spend / Ad Revenue) x 100%. Lower ACoS means more efficient advertising.
ACS (Amazon Creative Services): Amazon's in-house creative team that produces advertising assets for brands running campaigns on the platform.
Ad Impressions: The number of times an ad is displayed to a user on Amazon. Impressions count views, not clicks.
Ad Orders: Orders placed by shoppers who clicked on a sponsored ad within 14 days of clicking.
Ad Sales: Total product sales generated within 14 days of a click on a sponsored ad.
Ad Spend: Total click charges for an Amazon-sponsored campaign during a selected time period.
Ad Status: The current state of an ad group. Can be running, paused, ended, archived, scheduled, incomplete, out of budget, or payment failure.
Ad Valorem Tax: A tax based on the declared value of imported goods. Common in international shipments where the tax percentage scales with product value.
Advertising Console: Amazon's pay-per-click advertising platform. Used to create Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display campaigns. Formerly called Amazon Marketing Services (AMS).
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle): A self-driving vehicle that follows fixed paths in a warehouse to transport pallets, totes, or carts. Uses magnetic strips, wires, or laser guidance. Being replaced by AMRs in many modern facilities.
AFE (Amazon Fulfillment Engine): The automated packing area inside an Amazon fulfillment center. After items are picked, they move through the AFE line where they are placed into shipping boxes.
Affiliates: People or businesses that earn commissions by driving traffic and sales to Amazon through referral links. Affiliates promote products on blogs, YouTube, social media, and other channels.
Air Freight: Transporting goods by aircraft. Typically used for expedited shipping or long-distance international shipments where speed outweighs cost.
Air Waybill (AWB): A document issued by an airline that serves as a receipt for shipped goods. It includes destination, consignee details, and shipment information.
AIS (Automatic Identification System): A tracking system used on ships to exchange position, speed, and course data with other vessels and coastal stations.
Amazon Advertising: The parent company for all of Amazon's advertising products. Formerly called Amazon Media Group (AMG). Includes Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, DSP, and streaming TV ads.
Amazon Attribution: A measurement tool that shows how non-Amazon marketing channels (Google, Facebook, email) drive traffic and sales on Amazon. Provides click and conversion data for off-Amazon campaigns.
Amazon Insurance Accelerator: A program connecting sellers with vetted insurance providers to obtain product liability coverage required by Amazon. Sellers exceeding $10,000 in monthly sales must carry at least $1M in commercial general liability insurance.
Amazon Live: A livestream shopping feature where brands and influencers demonstrate products in real time. Viewers can purchase featured items directly during the broadcast.
Amazon Marketplace: The online platform where third-party sellers list and sell products to Amazon customers alongside Amazon's own retail offerings.
Amazon Posts: A free social-media-style feature for Brand Registry sellers. Posts appear on product pages and in category feeds, showing lifestyle images with a shoppable product tag.
Amazon Robotics (AR): The division that builds and operates the Kiva robots inside Amazon fulfillment centers. These robots carry shelving units to human workers for picking, reducing walk time.
Amazon Vine: An invitation-only review program where trusted reviewers receive free products in exchange for honest reviews. Sellers pay a fee to enroll products. Reviews carry a "Vine Customer Review" badge.
Ambassador: An experienced Amazon warehouse associate who trains new hires during their first few weeks. Ambassadors wear a distinctive vest and serve as the go-to resource on the FC floor.
AMC (Amazon Marketing Cloud): A privacy-safe, cloud-based analytics environment where advertisers run custom queries across Amazon Ads data. Used to measure cross-channel campaign impact and build advanced audience segments.
Amnesty: A fulfillment center role focused on recovering items stuck in robotic drive units, jammed on conveyors, or fallen from storage bins.
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot): A warehouse robot that navigates freely using sensors and AI instead of following fixed paths like AGVs. Used to assist with picking, sorting, and moving inventory in modern fulfillment centers.
AMS (Amazon Marketing Services): The former name for Amazon's Advertising Console. Rebranded to Amazon Advertising.
AMZ: Common abbreviation for Amazon. Also Amazon's stock ticker symbol on NASDAQ.
AMZL (Amazon Logistics): Amazon's in-house last-mile delivery network. Uses Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) and Amazon Flex drivers. AMZL tracking numbers start with "TBA" and are tracked through the Amazon app.
Andon / Andon Cord: A process where an Amazon support agent can immediately pull a product from buyable status when a safety or quality issue is found. Named after the production-stop cords at Toyota factories in Japan.
A-to-Z Guarantee: Amazon's buyer protection policy covering purchases from third-party sellers. Customers can file an A-to-Z claim if an item arrives damaged, late, or not as described. Claims affect seller metrics.
AOV (Average Order Value): The average amount a customer spends per order. Calculated by dividing total revenue by total number of orders. A key DTC and ecommerce metric.
API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules that lets different software systems communicate. Used to connect ecommerce platforms with 3PLs, carriers, and marketplaces.
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level): A quality control standard that defines the maximum acceptable number of defects in a batch of products before shipment is approved.
ARA (Amazon Retail Analytics): A set of reports for Amazon vendors covering sales and inventory data. Sometimes called ARA Basic. Available to all vendors.
ARAP (Amazon Retail Analytics Premium): A paid add-on with more detailed reports on vendor traffic, customer behavior, and product performance beyond what ARA Basic provides.
Arrival Notice: A notification sent to the recipient when a shipment is about to arrive at its destination.
AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System): A computer-controlled system that automatically places and retrieves items from defined storage locations. Used in high-volume warehouses to maximize vertical space and pick speed.
ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number): A unique 10-character alphanumeric code assigned to every product on Amazon. Products can have parent ASINs (the main item) and child ASINs (variations like size or color).
ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice): A document or electronic message from a supplier providing details about an upcoming shipment, including contents, quantities, and expected arrival.
ASP (Average Selling Price): Calculated by dividing net sales by the number of products sold. Tracks whether pricing trends move up or down over time.
Associates: The former name for Amazon's referral program, now called Amazon Affiliates.
ATA (Actual Time of Arrival): The exact time when a shipment arrives at its destination.
ATA Carnet: An international customs document that allows temporary importation of goods without paying duties or taxes. Used for trade shows, samples, and professional equipment.
ATD (Actual Time of Departure): The precise time when a shipment leaves its origin location.
Auction Freight: A shipping method where items are transported to the highest bidder in a freight auction.
AVN (Amazon Vendor Negotiations): The annual negotiation process between Amazon and its vendors covering pricing, payment terms, marketing contributions, and other commercial terms.

B

B2B (Business to Business): Commerce between two businesses rather than between a business and a consumer.
B2C (Business to Consumer): Commerce between a business and an end consumer. Most Amazon and Shopify transactions are B2C.
Backhaul: The return trip of a truck or vessel after delivering a load. Carriers fill backhaul trips with freight to reduce empty-mile costs.
Backorder: An order for a product that is temporarily out of stock. The item ships once inventory is replenished. Full backorder guide.
BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor): An additional charge applied to shipping rates to account for fuel price fluctuations. Common in ocean freight.
Batch Picking: A warehouse picking method where a worker picks items for multiple orders simultaneously. Reduces travel time by grouping items from the same storage locations.
Best Deal: A time-limited promotional offer type for Amazon vendors. Appears on the Amazon Deals page for a set period.
Bid+: A feature in manually targeted Amazon ad campaigns that raises bids up to 50% above the default when ads are eligible to appear at the top of search results.
Bill of Lading (BOL): A legal document that acts as a receipt for goods, a shipping contract, and a title of ownership. Used in ocean and ground freight.
BOGO (Buy One Get One): A promotional deal type where customers receive a free or discounted item when purchasing another. Common for Amazon sellers running promotions.
Bonded Warehouse: A secure storage facility where imported goods are stored without paying customs duties until they are released for distribution or re-export.
Bounce Rate: The percentage of website visitors who leave after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate may signal poor content, slow load times, or mismatched search intent.
Brand Analytics: A suite of data tools available to brands enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry. Includes search term reports, demographics, and market basket analysis.
Brand Referral Bonus: An Amazon program that gives sellers a bonus (averaging 10% of sales) when they drive traffic from external channels to their Amazon listings using Amazon Attribution tags.
Brand Registry: Amazon's program that lets brand owners verify ownership and gain access to tools for protecting listings, reporting violations, and accessing A+ Content.
Brand Store (Amazon Storefront): A free, customizable multi-page storefront on Amazon for Brand Registry sellers. Showcases the full product catalog with branded imagery and video. Gets its own Amazon URL.
Brand Tailored Promotions: An Amazon tool that lets Brand Registry sellers create exclusive discounts for specific customer segments. Target groups include repeat buyers, cart abandoners, and high-spending customers.
Bridge: The management office area overlooking an Amazon fulfillment center floor. Operations managers monitor workflows, staffing, and throughput from the bridge.
Broad Keyword: An Amazon PPC match type where the ad shows for the keyword plus any other words in any order. Example: "Superman T-Shirt" matches "Superman T-Shirt for Men."
Brokerage Fee: A fee charged by a customs broker for handling customs clearance paperwork and compliance.
BSR (Best Seller Rank): Amazon's internal ranking of products within a category based on recent and historical sales. Updated hourly. Lower BSR means higher sales velocity.
BSR Sales Estimator: A tool that converts Amazon's Best Seller Rank into estimated monthly sales volume. Useful for product research and competitive analysis. Try the free BSR estimator.
Buy Box (BB): The "Add to Cart" and "Buy Now" buttons on an Amazon product page. When multiple sellers offer the same product, Amazon awards the Buy Box to one seller based on price, fulfillment method, and performance. Buy Box eligibility guide.
Buy Button: A Shopify feature that lets merchants embed product purchase options on external websites, blogs, or landing pages outside their main Shopify store.

C

CA: Abbreviation for the Canadian Amazon marketplace (Amazon.ca).
CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost): The total cost to acquire one new customer. Includes ad spend, marketing expenses, and promotions. A core DTC metric alongside LTV.
Cartonization: A WMS feature that automatically selects the optimal box size for each order based on item dimensions. Reduces DIM weight charges and packing material waste.
Cart Abandonment: When a shopper adds items to their online cart but leaves without completing the purchase. The average cart abandonment rate across ecommerce is around 70%.
CBM (Cubic Meter): A unit of volume measurement for shipments. Used to price LCL ocean freight. Calculated by multiplying length x width x height in meters. CBM calculator.
Child ASIN: A buyable variant of a parent ASIN on Amazon. Customers select options like size or color to purchase a specific child ASIN. All variants appear on one product page.
Churn Rate: The percentage of customers who stop purchasing from a brand within a given period. Tracking churn helps DTC brands measure retention and subscription health.
CGL (Commercial General Liability): An insurance policy covering third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Amazon requires sellers exceeding $10,000 in monthly sales to carry at least $1M in CGL coverage.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): An Incoterm where the seller covers product cost, insurance, and freight to the buyer's destination port. The buyer handles import clearance and inland delivery.
COGs (Cost of Goods Sold): The direct costs of producing or purchasing the goods a business sells during a period. Includes materials, manufacturing, and inbound shipping. Does not include marketing or overhead.
Conquesting: Bidding on a competitor's brand name, product name, or trademarked terms in Amazon PPC to appear ahead of them in search results.
Consignee: The person or business entity receiving a shipment at its destination.
Containerization: Packing goods into standardized shipping containers (20ft or 40ft) for ocean, rail, or truck transport. The global standard for international freight.
Conversion Rate: The percentage of website visitors who complete a desired action, usually a purchase. Calculated by dividing total orders by total sessions.
CPM (Cost Per Mille): The cost per 1,000 ad impressions. Used in Amazon DSP and display advertising. Advertisers pay for views rather than clicks. Also see VCPM.
CPC (Cost Per Click): The price paid each time a customer clicks on a sponsored ad. Calculated by dividing total ad spend by total clicks.
CPS (Costs Per Shipment): The average cost Amazon or a 3PL incurs to fulfill a single customer shipment.
CPT (Critical Pull Time): The daily cutoff time by which all orders must be packed and shipped from an Amazon fulfillment center. Missing CPT means the order ships a day late. CPT times vary by facility, typically between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM.
CRAP (Can't Realize a Profit): Amazon's internal designation for products that cannot be sold profitably due to shipping costs, excess inventory, or pricing issues.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Software that tracks all customer interactions, sales pipeline, and communication history. Common CRMs include HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zoho. Often integrated with ecommerce platforms and 3PL systems.
Cross-Docking: A logistics practice where incoming products transfer directly from inbound to outbound trucks without being stored in a warehouse. Reduces handling time and storage costs. Amazon cross-dock guide.
CTR (Click-Through Rate): The percentage of users who see an ad and click on it. Calculated by dividing total clicks by total impressions.
Cubiscan: An automated system that measures package dimensions to determine shipping costs and optimize storage space.
Customs Broker: A licensed professional who helps importers and exporters navigate customs regulations, documentation, and duties.
Customs Clearance: The process of getting imported goods through a country's customs authority, including paperwork, inspections, and duty payment.
CWGR (Compound Weekly Growth Rate): A metric showing the average weekly growth rate over a specific period. Used internally at Amazon for performance tracking.
CX (Customer Experience): The overall perception a customer has of a brand based on every interaction, from browsing to delivery to returns.
Cycle Count: A partial inventory audit where a small subset of stock is counted on a rotating schedule. Avoids the need to shut down operations for a full warehouse count.

D

DA (Delivery Associate): Drivers who deliver Amazon packages on the final leg of the journey. Most DAs work for Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) rather than directly for Amazon.
Daily Budget: The maximum amount an advertiser is willing to spend on an Amazon PPC campaign in a single day.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): An Incoterm where the seller covers all costs, duties, and taxes to deliver goods to the buyer's door. The buyer pays nothing extra at delivery.
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): The seller delivers goods to the buyer's destination, but the buyer pays import duties and taxes upon arrival. DDU guide.
De Minimis: The value threshold below which imported goods are exempt from customs duties. In the US, shipments valued under $800 currently qualify.
Dead Stock: Inventory that has not sold for an extended period and is unlikely to sell without heavy discounting or liquidation.
DEA (Dynamic eCommerce Ads): A component of Amazon DSP. These display ads include ecommerce features like retail price, review ratings, and "Add to Cart" buttons built into the ad unit.
DEA (Delivery Estimate Accuracy): An internal Amazon FC metric measuring how accurately delivery promises match actual delivery times.
Demurrage: Charges for keeping a shipping container at a port or terminal beyond the allowed free days.
Detention: Charges applied when shipping containers are held by the shipper or consignee beyond the allowed time for loading or unloading.
DIM Weight (Dimensional Weight): A carrier pricing method that charges based on package volume instead of actual weight, whichever is higher. Prevents shippers from paying low rates for large, light packages. DIM weight calculator.
DMG (Damaged): Abbreviation used in Amazon fulfillment centers to flag items that arrived damaged or were damaged during handling.
DNR (Delivered Not Received): An FC status indicating that a shipment was marked as delivered by the carrier but has not been confirmed as received at the warehouse.
Dock: The loading and unloading area at a fulfillment center where inbound and outbound trucks are processed.
Door-to-Door: A shipping service covering the entire journey from sender's location to recipient's location.
Door-to-Port: A shipping service from the sender's location to the destination port. The recipient arranges inland transportation from the port.
DOTD (Deal of the Day): A deeply discounted single item or small set of items featured on Amazon's Deals page for 24 hours only.
DP (Detail Page): A product listing page on Amazon displaying price, title, bullet points, images, description, and customer reviews.
DPV (Detail Page Views): The number of times a specific Amazon product page has been viewed.
DPVR (Detail Page View Rate): A metric showing how often ad impressions result in a customer viewing the product detail page.
Drayage: Short-distance transport of shipping containers between a port, rail yard, and warehouse. One of the first steps after a container arrives at port.
Dropshipping: A fulfillment model where the retailer never holds inventory. When a customer orders, the retailer purchases from a third party that ships directly to the customer. FBA vs dropshipping comparison.
DSP (Demand Side Platform): Amazon's programmatic display advertising program. Lets advertisers buy display and video ads across Amazon sites and the broader web.
DSP (Delivery Service Partner): Independent businesses that contract with Amazon to handle last-mile delivery. DSP owners hire and manage their own teams of delivery associates.
DTC (Direct-to-Consumer): Selling products directly to end customers through your own website or channels, bypassing retailers and marketplaces. Common platforms include Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. DTC fulfillment services.
Dunnage: Packing materials used inside shipping boxes to protect products during transit. Includes bubble wrap, air pillows, kraft paper, and foam inserts.

E

EAN (European Article Number): A 13-digit barcode system for identifying retail products in Europe. The European equivalent of a UPC.
Early Reviewer Program: A discontinued Amazon program that incentivized customers to leave reviews on newly launched products in exchange for small gift cards.
EBC (Enhanced Brand Content): The former name for enhanced product descriptions available to Amazon sellers. Replaced by A+ Content in 2020.
ECR (Executive Customer Relations): Amazon's escalation team that handles high-priority customer complaints and executive-level issues.
EDD (Estimated Delivery Date): The date Amazon or a carrier estimates the package will arrive at the customer's address.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange): The electronic exchange of standardized business documents (purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices) between companies. Common in retail and logistics supply chains.
EFN (European Fulfillment Network): An Amazon service that lets sellers list products across EU marketplaces while fulfilling from a single country's inventory.
EOD (End of Day): Refers to the close of a business day, often used as a deadline for order processing or task completion.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): Software that integrates core business processes into one system. Covers accounting, inventory, purchasing, and order management. Common ERPs include NetSuite, SAP, and QuickBooks. Brands connect ERPs to their 3PL and marketplace accounts via API or EDI.
Existing Customers: Audiences who have previously purchased or re-purchased a brand's products on Amazon. Used in advertising targeting.
EXSD (Expected Ship Date): The date by which an order is expected to ship from the seller or fulfillment center.
EXW (Ex Works): An Incoterm where the buyer takes ownership at the seller's facility and is responsible for all shipping, insurance, and import costs from that point forward.

F

FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): Amazon stores, picks, packs, ships, and handles customer service for a seller's products. Sellers send inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers, and Amazon handles the rest. FBA prep services.
FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant): The seller ships products directly to customers instead of using Amazon's fulfillment network. Also called MF (Merchant Fulfilled). FBM guide.
FC (Fulfillment Center): Amazon's term for its warehouses where products are stored, picked, packed, and shipped. Amazon operates multiple FC types: sortable (small items), non-sortable (large items), and specialty (apparel, hazmat, fresh). Over 110 FCs operate in the US alone. All FC locations.
FC Associate: A general term for anyone working in an Amazon fulfillment center. Includes pickers, stowers, packers, problem solvers, and water spiders.
FCL (Full Container Load): A shipment that fills an entire 20ft or 40ft shipping container. More cost-effective per unit than LCL for large shipments.
FFP (Frustration-Free Packaging): An Amazon sustainability program that eliminates excessive packaging. Products ship in their own packaging without an additional Amazon overbox.
Flash Sale: A short-duration promotion with steep discounts, typically lasting a few hours to one day. Creates urgency and drives spikes in order volume.
Floor Price: The lowest price at which a product can be purchased in a marketplace. Used in repricer strategies as a minimum price threshold.
Fluid Load: Loading a truck without pallets. Items are stacked directly floor-to-ceiling inside the trailer to maximize cargo space. Common for outbound Amazon FC shipments.
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods): Products sold quickly at low cost. Includes packaged food, beverages, toiletries, cosmetics, and over-the-counter medications.
FMOT (Forever Moments of Truth): Recurring purchase decisions, like choosing to resubscribe or reorder a product. Important for Subscribe and Save strategies.
FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit): A 10-character code Amazon uses to identify products specific to a seller in FBA warehouses. Required on all items shipped to Amazon FCs. FNSKU guide.
FOB (Free on Board): An Incoterm defining when ownership transfers from seller to buyer. FOB Origin means the buyer owns goods once they leave the seller's dock. FOB Destination means ownership transfers at delivery.
Free Shipping: A promotional offer where the seller absorbs the shipping cost. Often conditional on minimum order values. A proven conversion booster in both Amazon and DTC.
Freight Class: A classification system (50-500) used to categorize LTL shipments based on density, handling difficulty, stowability, and liability. Lower class number means lower shipping rates.
Freight Forwarder: A company that arranges transportation of goods on behalf of shippers. Handles carrier booking, customs documentation, and logistics coordination. Top freight forwarders.
FTL (Full Truckload): A shipment large enough to fill an entire truck trailer. Typically 10,000+ lbs or 24+ pallets. Faster and often cheaper per unit than LTL.

G

Gated Category: An Amazon product category that requires prior approval before a seller can list products in it. Common gated categories include Grocery, Jewelry, and Watches.
Glance Views: Similar to Detail Page Views (DPV). Counts how many times a product page has been viewed by shoppers.
GL String: Amazon's internal coding system for allocating costs to the correct profit and loss statement.
GLN (Global Location Number): A unique identification code for a physical business location, used in supply chain communications.
Global SKU: A SKU that belongs to a shared inventory pool and can be sold and shipped across multiple Amazon marketplaces.
GMV (Gross Merchandise Value): Total value of merchandise sold through a platform over a given period. Used by marketplaces and 3PLs to measure volume. AMZ Prep powers $3B+ in GMV for 5,000+ brands.
Goldbox / Today's Deals: Amazon's deals landing page featuring Deals of the Day, Lightning Deals, and curated promotions across all categories.
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number): A globally unique 14-digit identifier for products, services, and trade items. UPCs and EANs are types of GTINs.

H

Handling Time: The time between when a customer places an order and when the seller ships it. Shorter handling time improves seller metrics and Buy Box eligibility.
Headless Commerce: An ecommerce architecture where the front-end (website design) is separated from the back-end (commerce engine). Gives brands more flexibility to customize the shopping experience.
Headline Search Ads: The former name for Sponsored Brands. Ads that appear above search results on Amazon, featuring a brand logo, headline, and multiple products.
Hero Image: The main product image shown in search results and as the default image on a product detail page. Must meet Amazon's image requirements (white background, high resolution).
Hijacking: When a seller attaches to a brand's listing to sell a counterfeit or unauthorized product, often at a lower price. This causes the legitimate brand to lose the Buy Box.
HS Code (Harmonized System Code): A standardized international code used to classify traded products for customs purposes. The first 6 digits are universal. Countries add extra digits for more specific classification.

I

IB (Inbound): Refers to incoming inventory shipments arriving at a fulfillment center.
ICQA (Inventory Control Quality Assurance): The department inside an Amazon FC responsible for inventory accuracy. ICQA associates perform cycle counts, investigate discrepancies, and correct bin locations. Considered an indirect role with more flexible movement within the facility.
IDQ (Item Data Quality): A measure of how complete and accurate a product's listing information is on Amazon. Includes bullet points, images, and descriptions.
Impressions: The number of times a page or ad is displayed to users. A fundamental metric for measuring advertising reach.
Incoterms: A set of 11 international trade rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce. They define buyer and seller responsibilities for shipping, insurance, customs, and delivery.
Indirect Role: An Amazon FC position that supports operations without directly processing units. Includes water spiders, amnesty workers, problem solvers, and learning ambassadors. Tracked separately from direct path roles.
iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service): Cloud middleware that connects multiple software systems without custom code. Used in ecommerce to sync data between ERPs, WMS platforms, marketplaces, and 3PLs. Examples include Celigo and Workato.
Influencer Marketing: A marketing strategy where brands partner with popular content creators to promote products. Common on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Amazon Live.
Insertion Order: A commitment to spend a set amount on a specific advertising campaign. Typically used for Amazon Managed display campaigns with a $35K minimum.
IP Accelerator: An Amazon program connecting sellers with vetted IP law firms to obtain trademarks faster. Sellers can access Brand Registry protections while the trademark application is still pending.
Intermodal: Using two or more transport modes (ship, rail, truck) in a single shipment journey without handling the freight itself when changing modes.
International Shipping: Shipping products from one country to another, involving customs procedures, duties, and documentation.
Inventory: The complete list of goods a business has available for sale or in storage. Also called stock. Inventory management guide.
ISBN (International Standard Book Number): A 13-digit identification number assigned to individual books. Used alongside SKU and ASIN for book listings on Amazon.

J

Jackpot: Amazon FC slang for when a customer returns a large number of items in a single shipment. Creates extra processing work for the returns team.

K

Keyword Frequency: The absolute or relative search volume for a given keyword on Amazon or search engines.
Keyword Stuffing: Cramming as many keywords as possible into a product listing or web page. An outdated tactic that now hurts rankings and readability.
Kitting: Combining two or more separate products into a single sellable unit. Commonly used for gift sets, bundles, and subscription boxes. Kitting services.
KNET: Amazon's online training portal for fulfillment center employees. New hires complete KNET modules during their first days on the job.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator): A measurable value that shows how well a business is meeting its objectives. Examples: ACoS, conversion rate, order defect rate, and on-time delivery rate.

L

Landed Cost: The total cost of a product delivered to its final destination. Includes product cost, shipping, duties, taxes, insurance, and handling fees. Duty calculator.
Last Mile Delivery: The final leg of the shipping journey from a local distribution center or delivery station to the customer's door. The most expensive part of the shipping process per unit.
LBB (Lost Buy Box): When a product loses its default Buy Box seller status to a competing third-party seller.
LCL (Less than Container Load): A shipment that doesn't fill a full shipping container. Consolidated with other shippers' goods in a shared container. Charged by CBM.
Lead Time: The time between placing a purchase order with a supplier and receiving the goods at the warehouse. Critical for reorder planning.
Learning Curve: The ramp-up period for new Amazon FC associates. Amazon allows 4-6 weeks before holding workers to full productivity rate expectations.
Lightning Deal (LD): A time-limited promotion on Amazon's Deals page. Runs for up to 10 hours with limited inventory. One per customer.
Liquid: Shopify's template language used to build and customize store themes. Developers use Liquid to display dynamic content like product prices, collections, and customer data.
LMS (Labor Management System): Software that tracks warehouse worker productivity, labor costs, and task completion rates. Measures metrics like UPH, TOT, and adherence to engineered labor standards.
Listing Optimization: Improving an Amazon product page for better visibility and conversion. Covers titles, bullet points, images, backend keywords, and A+ Content.
Long-Term Storage Fee: Amazon's monthly surcharge on FBA inventory stored in fulfillment centers for more than 365 days. Encourages sellers to manage aged inventory.
Losing the Buy Box: When a product's default first-party seller status shifts to a third-party vendor, usually due to pricing, stock issues, or seller metrics.
LTL (Less Than Truckload): A freight shipment too large for parcel but too small to fill a full truck. Combined with other shippers' freight and priced by weight and freight class.
LTV / CLV (Customer Lifetime Value): The total revenue a business expects from a single customer over the entire relationship. A core DTC metric. Healthy brands aim for an LTV-to-CAC ratio of at least 3:1.

M

Manifest: A detailed list of all cargo in a shipment, including item descriptions, quantities, weights, and consignee information.
MAP (Minimum Advertised Price): A policy set by manufacturers that prevents retailers from advertising a product below a specified price. Enforced in the US but not legal in the EU.
Marketplace: The locale or domain where a seller lists products. Can refer to a specific country (US, UK, DE) or to the third-party seller ecosystem as a whole.
Marketplace Aggregator: A company that acquires and operates multiple Amazon or ecommerce brands under one umbrella. Also called Amazon aggregators. Examples include Thrasio and Perch.
MCF (Multi-Channel Fulfillment): An Amazon service that lets FBA sellers fulfill orders from non-Amazon channels (Shopify, eBay, their own website) using their Amazon warehouse inventory. MCF fees breakdown.
MET (Mandatory Extra Time): Required overtime shifts at Amazon fulfillment centers during peak periods like Prime Day and Q4 holiday season.
Middleware: Software that sits between two systems and translates data between them. In ecommerce, middleware connects storefronts, ERPs, WMS platforms, and marketplaces so orders and inventory sync automatically.
MF (Merchant Fulfilled): Same as FBM. The seller ships products directly to customers rather than using Amazon's fulfillment network.
MNR (Manifested Not Received): An FC status for shipments that appear on the delivery manifest but have not been physically received at the warehouse.
Mobile Commerce: Shopping and purchasing through mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Over 60% of Amazon traffic comes from mobile.
MOM (Month Over Month): Comparing a metric from one month to the previous month. Used to track growth trends.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): The smallest quantity a supplier or Amazon will accept per purchase order.
MRP (Material Requirements Planning): A production planning system that calculates raw material needs based on demand forecasts, bill of materials, and current inventory levels. A core module inside most ERP systems.
MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price): The price a manufacturer recommends retailers charge for a product. Retailers can price above or below MSRP based on market conditions.
MTD (Month To Date): The cumulative total of a metric from the first day of the current month to today.
Multi-Carrier Shipping: Using multiple carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, regional carriers) within a single fulfillment operation. A WMS or TMS rate-shops each order to select the cheapest or fastest option.
Multi-Channel Selling: Listing and selling products across multiple platforms simultaneously, such as Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, and eBay.

N

NAFN (North American Fulfillment Network): Amazon's fulfillment system spanning the US, Canada, and Mexico. Vendors may have products shipped to any of these countries through Amazon's network.
NASC (North America Sort Center): An Amazon facility that sorts packages by destination zip code before routing them to delivery stations for last-mile delivery.
Native Review: A product review left directly on a retailer's own website, as opposed to a review on a third-party platform.
NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement): A legal contract preventing parties from sharing confidential business information.
Negative Keyword: A keyword that prevents an ad from showing when that term is searched. Used in PPC campaigns to filter out irrelevant traffic and reduce wasted spend.
NIS (New Item Setup): The process of creating a new product listing on Amazon, from accepting terms to creating the ASIN and filling out product details.
NP (New Product): A newly listed item on Amazon that has not yet accumulated sales history or reviews.
NR (Non-Replenishable): An Amazon designation for items that are no longer available for reorder or replenishment.
NTB (New to Brand): An Amazon advertising metric showing whether a purchase came from a first-time buyer of that brand within the past year. Helps measure customer acquisition from advertising.

O

OA (Online Arbitrage): Buying products at lower prices from online retailers and reselling them on Amazon for a profit. Online arbitrage prep services.
OB (Obsolete): An inventory status indicating stock that is no longer sellable or relevant.
OB (Outbound): Refers to inventory or shipments leaving a fulfillment center, headed to customers or another facility.
Oberlo: A former Shopify app for dropshipping product sourcing. Discontinued in June 2022 and replaced by DSers.
ODR (Order Defect Rate): The percentage of orders with defects (negative feedback, A-to-Z claims, or chargebacks). Amazon requires ODR below 1% to maintain selling privileges.
OLR (Organization and Leadership Review): Amazon's internal review process conducted during Q1 and Q3 to evaluate organizational performance and leadership.
OM (Operations Manager): A management position in an Amazon fulfillment center overseeing daily operations and team performance.
Omnichannel: A retail strategy that integrates multiple shopping channels (online, mobile, in-store, voice) into one unified customer experience.
OMS (Order Management System): Software that tracks orders from placement through delivery across all sales channels. Centralizes order routing, inventory allocation, and fulfillment workflows.
One-Click Buy: An Amazon feature letting customers purchase with a single click using saved payment and shipping information.
OOS (Out of Stock): When a product has zero available inventory for purchase. OOS status hurts search rankings and sales velocity.
OP (Order Picker): A warehouse role responsible for retrieving items from storage locations to fulfill customer orders.
Ops (Operations): Shorthand for operations. Used across Amazon and 3PL contexts to refer to warehouse, fulfillment, and logistics functions.
Optimization: The process of improving Amazon ad campaigns for better CTR, conversion rates, and ROAS through bid adjustments, keyword refinement, and creative testing.
ORDT (On Road Dynamic Transfer): An Amazon logistics process for dynamically rerouting packages between delivery vehicles while in transit.
Organic Search Results: Non-sponsored product listings that appear on Amazon based on the search algorithm. Not influenced by paid advertising.
Organic Traffic: Website visitors or page views that come from unpaid search results, not from paid ads.
OTT (Over-the-Top) Advertising: Video ads displayed to viewers of streaming content on Amazon Prime Video and other OTT platforms.
Outsource: Hiring third-party providers to handle specific business functions. In ecommerce, brands commonly outsource fulfillment, customer service, and marketing.

P

P&L (Profit and Loss): A financial statement showing revenue, costs, and expenses over a period. The bottom line shows whether a business is profitable.
PA (Process Assistant): An Amazon FC supervisory role. PAs work under Area Managers and help coordinate daily warehouse operations on the floor.
Pack: The fulfillment step where picked items are placed into shipping-ready boxes or envelopes. Packers select the right box size, add dunnage, and apply the shipping label.
Pallet: A flat wooden or plastic platform used to stack, store, and transport goods. Standard pallet size in North America is 48" x 40".
Parent ASIN: A non-buyable ASIN that groups product variations on one detail page. Each parent can have multiple child ASINs for different sizes, colors, or configurations.
Parcel: A small package typically under 150 lbs, shipped through carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, or Canada Post.
PCOGS (Product Cost of Goods Sold): Calculated as shipped units multiplied by cost price. An Amazon vendor metric for tracking product-level profitability.
PDA (Product Display Ads): An Amazon advertising format where product ads appear on category and product pages. Allows targeting by ASIN instead of keyword. Vendor-only through AMS.
PED (Prime Exclusive Discount): A deal type available only to FBA sellers for Prime-eligible items. Can be an amount or percentage off, visible only to Prime members.
Performance Metrics: Data used to measure advertising effectiveness. Key metrics include CTR, conversion rate, ROAS, ACoS, and total sales.
Phrase Match Keyword: An Amazon PPC match type where the ad shows when the keyword appears in exact order, with additional words allowed before or after. "Superman T-Shirt" matches "Buy Superman T-Shirt" but not "Superman Red T-Shirt."
Pick: The fulfillment step where items are retrieved from warehouse storage after a customer order. Pickers follow a scan-guided path through the facility.
Pick-to-Light: A warehouse system where LED lights on shelving guide workers to the correct bin and display the quantity to pick. Reduces errors and speeds up order fulfillment.
Pick and Pack: The core fulfillment process of selecting items from storage (pick) and packaging them for shipment (pack). The standard workflow in any 3PL or FC.
PIT (Powered Industrial Truck): Forklifts, reach trucks, and similar powered equipment used in non-sortable Amazon fulfillment centers to move heavy or oversized items.
PMV (Process Map Visuals): Internal Amazon documentation that maps warehouse processes and workflows visually.
PNOV (Preliminary Notice of Violation): An Amazon notice alerting a seller or vendor to a potential policy or compliance violation before formal enforcement action.
POD (Proof of Delivery): Documentation confirming that a shipment was delivered to the intended recipient. Required when Amazon disputes that a vendor shipment arrived.
POPS (Proactive Outbound Problem Solve): An Amazon FC process where teams identify and resolve potential shipping or quality issues before packages reach customers.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Safety gear required in certain Amazon FC roles. Includes steel-toed boots, safety vests, and ear protection.
PIM (Product Information Management): Software that centralizes product data (titles, descriptions, images, specs) in one system and syndicates it to Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, and other channels. Keeps listings consistent across marketplaces.
PPC (Pay Per Click): An advertising model where the advertiser pays each time a user clicks their ad. Amazon's Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display all use PPC. PPC optimization guide.
Prime Shipping: Free two-day or one-day shipping available to Amazon Prime members on eligible products. A major driver of conversion for FBA sellers.
Private Label: Creating and selling your own branded product, typically sourced directly from manufacturers. Private label guide.
Problem Solve: An Amazon FC role that resolves exceptions. Includes handling damaged items, mislabeled products, and inventory discrepancies that the normal workflow cannot process.
Product Liability Insurance: Coverage protecting sellers against claims from customers who are injured by or suffer damage from a product. Amazon requires this for sellers exceeding $10,000 per month in sales.
Product Targeting: An Amazon advertising feature that lets advertisers target specific products or categories by ASIN rather than keyword.
Programmatic Advertising: Automated ad buying using data and algorithms. Amazon DSP is a programmatic platform that places ads across Amazon and third-party sites.
Project Zero: An Amazon program for Brand Registry members to fight counterfeits through self-service reporting, product serialization, and automated protections.
Promotional Pricing: Temporary price reductions or coupons used to attract customers and boost sales velocity. Can appear on Amazon's deals pages.
Put-to-Light: A warehouse sorting system where LED indicators guide workers to place items into the correct order bin or shipping container. The reverse of pick-to-light, used during batch order sorting.
Put-Away: Moving received inventory from the dock to its assigned storage location in the warehouse. The step between receiving and stowing.

Q

Q1 / Q2 / Q3 / Q4: Fiscal quarters. Q1 is Jan-Mar, Q2 is Apr-Jun, Q3 is Jul-Sep, Q4 is Oct-Dec. Q4 is the biggest revenue quarter due to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday shopping.
QA (Quality Assurance): The process of inspecting products to confirm they meet quality standards before shipping to customers or Amazon FCs.
QBR (Quarterly Business Review): A quarterly meeting between Amazon and vendors (or brands and their 3PLs) to review performance, identify issues, and plan ahead.
Query: A keyword or phrase entered by a customer in Amazon's search bar. Advertisers bid on queries through keyword targeting in PPC campaigns.

R

RA (Retail Arbitrage): Buying discounted products from physical retail stores and reselling them on Amazon at a higher price for profit.
Rate: The speed at which an Amazon FC associate processes units per hour. Each department (pick, pack, stow) has specific target rates that associates are measured against.
Rate Shopping: Automatically comparing shipping rates across multiple carriers for each order to select the best option by cost, speed, or service level. A core feature of TMS and multi-carrier shipping platforms.
Receiving: The process of accepting incoming shipments at a warehouse. Includes inspecting items, checking quantities, and logging inventory into the WMS.
Recommended Bids: Amazon's suggested bid amounts for PPC campaigns based on competitive data and campaign objectives.
Refundless Return: A refund issued to the customer without requiring them to return the product. Used for low-value items where return shipping costs outweigh the product value.
Remarketing: Showing ads to people who previously viewed a product or visited a website but did not purchase. Types include pixel-based, product, brand halo, and similar product remarketing.
Reorder Point: The inventory level at which a new purchase order should be placed with a supplier. Calculated using lead time, average daily sales, and safety stock.
Retargeting: Re-engaging shoppers who previously interacted with a product or brand through targeted ads. Amazon DSP supports retargeting across Amazon and the broader web.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): A wireless technology using radio waves to track inventory via small tags on products or pallets. Enables real-time inventory counts without manual scanning. Faster than barcode-based systems.
Return Rate: The percentage of orders returned by customers. Varies by category. Apparel typically has the highest return rates at 20-30%.
Revenue Share: A commission model where affiliates earn a percentage of sales generated through their referral links.
RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization): The process Amazon uses to manage product returns. Includes issuing refunds, generating return labels, and handling return logistics.
ROAS (Return on Ad Spend): A measure of advertising effectiveness. Formula: (Ad Revenue / Ad Spend) x 100%. Higher ROAS means more efficient advertising spend.
ROI (Return on Investment): A performance metric comparing the gain from an investment relative to its cost. Used broadly across business decisions.
Rollover Budget: An Amazon PPC option where unspent daily budget carries over to the next day. Helps maintain consistent ad exposure.
RRP (Recommended Retail Price): The price a manufacturer recommends a product be sold at retail. Similar to MSRP.
RSR (Reserve Stow Racks): Storage racks in Amazon FCs used for reserve inventory that overflows from primary pick locations.
RWOA (Received Without Appointment): When a delivery arrives at an Amazon fulfillment center without a scheduled dock appointment. RWOA shipments get deprioritized and face extended processing delays. Always book through Carrier Central to avoid this.

S

SaaS (Software as a Service): Cloud-based software accessed through a subscription. Common ecommerce SaaS tools include Shopify, ShipStation, and Skubana.
Safety Stock: Extra inventory kept on hand to prevent stockouts during demand spikes or supply chain delays. A buffer between your reorder point and zero stock.
Sales Rank: Amazon's internal ranking of products based on sales velocity within a category. Same as BSR (Best Seller Rank).
SB (Sponsored Brands): Amazon keyword-targeted ads that feature a brand logo, headline, and multiple products. Appear above search results. Cost-per-click pricing.
SBV (Sponsored Brands Video): A video ad format within Sponsored Brands that plays automatically in Amazon search results. Videos must be 6-45 seconds and loop on mute until a shopper clicks.
SBC (Sortable Build Container): A container used inside Amazon sortable fulfillment centers during the pick and pack process to hold items before packaging.
SD (Sponsored Display): An Amazon ad format that targets shoppers based on shopping behavior, interests, or specific product views. Ads appear on product pages, search results, and off-Amazon sites. Supports both CPC and VCPM bidding.
Search Term Isolation: A PPC strategy where top-performing search terms are moved into exact match campaigns for better bid control, then added as negatives in the original campaign.
Search Term Report: An Amazon advertising report showing which customer search terms triggered ad clicks. Essential for finding new keywords and adding negatives.
Seller Central: Amazon's platform for third-party sellers to manage listings, inventory, pricing, orders, and advertising campaigns.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): The process of improving visibility in unpaid search results on Google, Amazon, or other search engines.
Session: A group of interactions one user takes on Amazon within a defined time window. Used to calculate conversion rate (orders/sessions).
SFN (Shopify Fulfillment Network): Shopify's fulfillment service that stores, picks, packs, and ships orders for Shopify merchants. An alternative to running your own warehouse or using a 3PL.
SFP (Seller Fulfilled Prime): A program where sellers ship from their own warehouses while displaying the Prime badge. Must meet Amazon's Prime delivery SLA. SFP guide.
Ship From Address: The location where a seller ships products from, typically a warehouse, 3PL facility, or fulfillment center.
Shipping Carrier: The company that physically transports packages. Common carriers include UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, Canada Post, and Amazon Logistics.
Shipping Confirmation: A notification sent to the buyer when their order ships. Includes tracking number and estimated delivery date.
Shipping Insurance: Optional coverage protecting against loss or damage during transit. Often included in carrier rates for higher-value shipments.
Shipping Label: A label containing sender, recipient, and carrier routing information. Applied to packages before shipment.
Shipping Options: The delivery methods available to customers at checkout. Includes standard, expedited, overnight, and scheduled delivery.
Shipping Restrictions: Regulations limiting what products can be shipped or to which destinations. Common for hazmat, lithium batteries, and perishable goods.
Shipping Speed: The delivery timeframe selected at checkout. Options range from standard (3-5 days) to same-day delivery.
Shipping Weight: The weight of a product including all packaging materials. Used by carriers to calculate shipping costs alongside DIM weight.
Shop Pay: Shopify's accelerated checkout that saves customer payment and shipping information for faster purchases across all Shopify stores.
Shopify Collabs: Shopify's creator marketplace connecting brands with influencers and content creators for product promotion and affiliate partnerships.
Shopify Flow: An automation tool for Shopify Plus merchants. Automates repetitive tasks like order tagging, inventory alerts, fraud flagging, and customer segmentation.
Shopify Markets: A tool that helps Shopify merchants sell internationally with localized pricing, languages, currencies, and duties calculation.
Shopify POS (Point of Sale): Shopify's system for processing in-person retail sales. Syncs with the online store for unified inventory and customer data.
Shrink Wrap: Plastic film wrapped around products or pallets to hold them together and protect them during storage or transport.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A unique code assigned to each product for inventory tracking. Unlike ASINs, SKUs are defined by the seller and can vary between businesses.
SLA (Service Level Agreement): A contract defining the expected performance standards between a service provider and client. Common in 3PL relationships for turnaround times, accuracy rates, and support response.
SLAM (Shipping Label Auto Manifest): The final automated step before a package leaves an Amazon FC. The SLAM machine scans the package, weighs it, applies the shipping label, and sorts it to the correct outbound lane.
Slotting: Organizing products within a warehouse to optimize pick speed and minimize worker travel time. Fast-moving items go in the most accessible locations.
SmartPac: A lightweight Amazon package type for items that can ship in a polybag envelope instead of a box. Reduces shipping costs for small, non-fragile items.
SnS (Subscribe and Save): Amazon's subscription service letting customers auto-order products on a recurring schedule at a discount. Bundling more items increases the discount.
Social Commerce: Selling products directly through social media platforms like Instagram Shopping, TikTok Shop, and Facebook Shops.
SP (Sponsored Products): Amazon keyword-targeted ads promoting individual product listings. Cost-per-click pricing. The most common Amazon ad format.
SPN (Service Provider Network): Amazon's directory of approved third-party service providers offering services like photography, account management, and advertising to sellers.
Sponsored Ad: A pay-per-click ad on Amazon. Includes Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display formats.
Sponsored TV: Amazon's self-service streaming TV ad format. Runs on Freevee, Twitch, and Fire TV. No minimum spend required. Charged on a CPM basis with performance reporting in the Advertising Console.
SPR (Standard Pallet Rack): The most common shelving type in Amazon fulfillment centers. Used for storing standard-sized items on pallets.
Stow: Placing received inventory onto shelves or bins inside an Amazon FC. Each item is scanned and assigned a tracked storage location.
S&H (Shipping and Handling): The combined cost of shipping and packaging materials charged to the customer during checkout.
Subscription Box: A recurring delivery model where customers pay a fixed price for a curated selection of products shipped on a set schedule. Popular in beauty, food, and pet categories.
Subsidy: Financial incentives Amazon may offer advertisers to encourage higher ad spend on the platform.

T

TACoS (Total Advertising Cost of Sales): Measures ad spend as a percentage of total sales (both ad-driven and organic). Formula: Ad Spend / Total Sales x 100%. A more complete picture than ACoS alone.
Tariff: A tax imposed by a government on imported goods. Rates vary by product classification (HS code) and country of origin. Tariff calculator.
Text Ads: Simple text-based advertisements on Amazon that appear in search results and product pages.
Third-Party Seller (3P): A business that sells products to customers through Amazon Marketplace. The seller owns the inventory and controls pricing.
Tier 1 / Tier 3: Amazon FC job levels. Tier 1 is entry-level (pickers, packers, stowers). Tier 3 includes Process Assistants and similar supervisory roles.
TMS (Transportation Management System): Software that plans and optimizes the movement of goods between warehouses and customers. Manages carrier selection, routing, and freight costs.
Top of Search (TOS): The premium ad placement at the top of Amazon search results. Advertisers can set separate bid adjustments for TOS placement.
TOS (Terms of Service): The legal agreement governing how a platform can be used. Violating Amazon's TOS can result in account suspension.
TOT (Time Off Task): An Amazon FC metric tracking when an associate stops scanning for more than 5 consecutive minutes without a scheduled break. Excessive TOT can lead to coaching or corrective action.
Transparency Program: Amazon's anti-counterfeit program where every unit gets a unique scannable code. Amazon scans Transparency codes at fulfillment centers to verify product authenticity before shipping to customers.
Tracking Number: A unique identifier assigned to a package that lets customers monitor delivery progress in real time.
Transloading: Transferring goods from one transport mode to another at an intermediate facility. Common when moving ocean containers to domestic trucks at a warehouse near a port.
TTT (Tote Transition Time): An Amazon FC metric measuring how quickly totes (containers) move through processing stages.
Twister: Amazon's system for grouping product variations (color, size) onto a single detail page rather than creating separate listings for each option.

U

Unboxing Experience: The visual and tactile experience a customer has when opening a package. Branded tissue paper, inserts, and custom packaging can drive repeat purchases and social media sharing.
Unique Visitor: A metric counting each individual visitor to a page only once, regardless of how many times they return.
Unverified Review: A product review from someone who may not have purchased the item through Amazon.
UPC (Universal Product Code): A 12-digit barcode number used to identify retail products in North America. Required for many Amazon product listings.
UPH (Units Per Hour): The number of units an Amazon FC associate processes per hour. A core productivity metric. Target UPH varies by department (pick, pack, stow).
Upselling: Encouraging customers to purchase a higher-priced or premium version of a product. Common through A+ Content, bundles, and checkout suggestions.
UR (Universal Receive): The receiving process at an Amazon FC where all incoming inventory is scanned and checked in.
URP (Universal Receive Prep): A sub-process of Universal Receive where incoming items are prepped (labeled, polybagged, etc.) before being stowed in the FC.
USP (Unique Selling Proposition): The specific feature or benefit that differentiates a product from competitors. Every successful listing needs a clear USP.
UGC (User-Generated Content): Content created by customers, such as reviews, photos, and videos. UGC provides social proof and influences buying decisions on Amazon and DTC stores.
UX (User Experience): The overall experience a person has interacting with a website, app, or product. Good UX reduces bounce rates and increases conversions.

V

VAR (Virtual Andon Report): An internal Amazon reporting tool used on the FC floor to flag quality or process issues. The digital version of pulling a physical Andon cord.
Variation: A product option like size, color, or flavor that appears under a parent ASIN. Variants are child ASINs grouped on one detail page.
VCPM (Viewable Cost Per Mille): A bidding model where advertisers pay per 1,000 viewable impressions. Used in Sponsored Display campaigns optimized for reach and brand awareness rather than clicks.
VCR (Video Completion Rate): The percentage of video ad viewers who watch the entire video. A key performance metric for Sponsored Brands Video and Sponsored TV campaigns.
VAT (Value Added Tax): A consumption tax on goods and services applied in the UK, EU, and many other countries. Collected at each stage of the supply chain.
Vendor: A business that sells products wholesale to Amazon through Vendor Central. Amazon then resells the products to customers.
Vendor Central: Amazon's platform for first-party vendors to manage wholesale relationships, negotiate terms, process orders, and provide product information.
Verified Review: A review from a customer whose purchase was confirmed by Amazon. Carries more weight in Amazon's ranking algorithm.
VET (Voluntary Extra Time): Optional additional shifts offered to Amazon FC associates during high-volume periods. Associates can accept or decline VET offers through the A to Z app.
Viewability: A metric measuring whether an ad was actually visible to the user on screen. Amazon tracks viewability to evaluate ad placement effectiveness.
Virtual Bundles: An FBA feature for Brand Registry sellers that groups 2-5 existing ASINs into a single listing without physically bundling them. Amazon picks and ships each component separately but the customer buys as one unit.
VIR (Volume Incentive Rebate): A pricing structure where higher sales volume triggers a greater discount. Benefits both the seller and Amazon.
VIS (Video in Search): An Amazon ad format that places video content directly in mobile search results for higher engagement.
Voice Picking: A hands-free warehouse picking method where workers wear headsets and receive spoken instructions directing them to bin locations and item quantities. Improves accuracy and speed over paper-based picking.
Voice Search: Using voice-activated assistants like Alexa to search for products. Optimizing listings for conversational keywords helps capture voice traffic.
Voucher / Coupon: A promotional deal on Amazon offering a discount for a limited time. Appears as a clickable coupon on the product detail page and in search results.
VTO (Voluntary Time Off): An option for Amazon FC associates to leave early during low-volume periods without penalty. Offered through the A to Z app when labor exceeds demand.
VTR (View-Through Rate): The percentage of ad viewers who later took action (visited the page or purchased) without clicking the ad directly.

W

Walmart Connect: Walmart's advertising platform for sponsored product ads, display ads, and search ads on Walmart.com and in stores.
Walmart+: Walmart's membership program offering free delivery, fuel discounts, and early access to deals. Walmart's answer to Amazon Prime.
Walmart Restored: Walmart's marketplace program for selling inspected and certified refurbished products.
Warehouse Deals: Amazon's business unit that sells quality-inspected returned, refurbished, or open-box products at discounted prices. All items go through a 20-point inspection.
Water Spider: An Amazon FC role keeping workstations supplied with empty boxes, tape, dunnage, and other materials. Water spiders move constantly across the floor to prevent work stoppages.
Wave Picking: A warehouse method where orders are grouped into batches (waves) and picked simultaneously for efficiency.
Web Traffic: The volume of visitors to a website or product listing. Higher traffic combined with strong conversion rates drives sales growth.
Webstore: Amazon Webstore was a discontinued service that let businesses create branded ecommerce websites using Amazon's technology.
WFS (Walmart Fulfillment Services): Walmart's version of FBA. Sellers ship inventory to Walmart warehouses, and Walmart handles storage, pick, pack, ship, and returns. WFS fee calculator.
White Labeling: Selling a generic product under your own brand name. The manufacturer produces the item, and you apply your branding and packaging.
WHS (Warehouse Health and Safety): The safety compliance department in Amazon fulfillment centers. Also used as shorthand for "warehouse."
Winning the Buy Box: Becoming the default seller when a customer clicks "Add to Cart" on a product page with multiple sellers. Buy Box eligibility factors.
WCS (Warehouse Control System): Software that directs automated material handling equipment in a warehouse. Controls conveyors, sorters, AS/RS systems, and other mechanized equipment. Sits between the WMS and the physical machinery.
Webhook: An automated notification sent from one system to another when a specific event occurs. For example, a WMS fires a webhook to Shopify when an order ships, triggering the tracking email to the customer.
WES (Warehouse Execution System): Software combining WMS and WCS functions into one platform. Manages both labor tasks and automated equipment from a single system. Growing in adoption among 3PLs with mixed manual and automated operations.
WMS (Warehouse Management System): Software managing all warehouse operations including receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory tracking. Every serious 3PL runs a WMS.
WOW (Week Over Week): Comparing a metric from one week to the previous week. Used to spot short-term trends.
Write Up: A formal disciplinary action at Amazon for policy violations, excessive TOT, or failure to meet performance standards. Multiple write-ups can lead to termination.

X

—: No common Amazon or ecommerce terms start with X. Check back as we add to this glossary.

Y

Yield Management: A pricing strategy that adjusts prices dynamically based on demand, competition, and inventory levels to maximize revenue.
YMS (Yard Management System): Software that manages truck and trailer movements in a warehouse yard. Tracks dock door assignments, trailer locations, and appointment scheduling. Reduces detention charges and dock congestion.
YOY (Year Over Year): Comparing a metric from this year to the same period last year. The most meaningful way to track long-term growth.
Your Store: Amazon's feature letting sellers create a branded, customizable storefront to showcase products and tell their brand story.

Z

Z-Shelf: A vertical storage concept in Amazon warehouses that uses height to maximize storage density in limited floor space.
Zero Impressions: When an Amazon ad campaign receives no impressions. Common causes include low bids, narrow targeting, insufficient budget, or paused status.
Zone Skipping: A shipping strategy where a 3PL consolidates orders going to the same region and ships them in bulk, bypassing carrier zone surcharges. Reduces per-package cost for high-volume shippers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CPT mean at Amazon?

CPT stands for Critical Pull Time. It is the daily cutoff by which all customer orders must be packed and shipped from a fulfillment center. Missing CPT delays delivery by one day.

What does SLAM mean at Amazon?

SLAM stands for Shipping Label Auto Manifest. It is the automated system that scans, weighs, labels, and sorts packages before they leave the fulfillment center.

What does ICQA mean at Amazon?

ICQA stands for Inventory Control Quality Assurance. This department handles inventory accuracy through cycle counts and resolving discrepancies inside Amazon warehouses.

What does TOT mean at Amazon?

TOT stands for Time Off Task. It measures periods when an associate is not actively scanning or processing items during their shift. More than 5 minutes of inactivity registers as TOT.

What does RWOA mean?

RWOA stands for Received Without Appointment. It refers to deliveries arriving at an Amazon fulfillment center without a scheduled dock appointment, causing processing delays.

What does AMZL mean?

AMZL stands for Amazon Logistics. It is Amazon's in-house last-mile delivery network using Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) and Amazon Flex drivers.

What is an Amazon FC?

FC stands for Fulfillment Center. It is Amazon's term for warehouses where products are stored, picked, packed, and shipped to customers. Amazon operates 110+ FCs in the US.

What does VAR mean at Amazon?

VAR stands for Virtual Andon Report. It is an internal reporting tool used to flag quality or process issues on the fulfillment center floor.

What does 3PL mean?

3PL stands for Third-Party Logistics. A 3PL company handles warehousing, fulfillment, and shipping on behalf of ecommerce brands. Compare top 3PL companies.

What is DTC fulfillment?

DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) fulfillment is shipping orders from a warehouse directly to end customers through your own website or channels, bypassing Amazon and other retailers. DTC fulfillment services.

Written by: Arishekar N, VP of Marketing, AMZ Prep. Specializes in ecommerce fulfillment strategy, SEO, and growth for ecommerce businesses.

Reviewed by: Blair Forrest, Founder and CEO, AMZ Prep. Built AMZ Prep from zero to one of North America's largest independent 3PL networks since 2016, entirely without outside capital. AMZ Prep processes 10M+ units monthly and powers $3B+ in GMV for 5,000+ brands worldwide.