Inventory Strategy
Why should you avoid sending all inventory into FBA?
The decision is not whether FBA is good or bad, but how much inventory belongs in FBA and how much should remain adjustable in Japan.
Place enough stock in FBA for near-term demand and retain reserve inventory in Japan. Compare the complete cost and operating risk, not transport cost alone.
Separate operating roles
FBA inventory supports near-term sales and delivery. Japan buffer inventory absorbs lead time, demand swings and exceptions. The two locations serve different roles.
- Sellable stock: set against average daily sales and target days of cover
- Buffer stock: cover replenishment lead time, demand swings and peak periods
- Exception stock: returns, pending checks or goods not yet ready for FBA
Compare the complete cost
Amazon Japan explains that FBA charges include fulfillment and storage components, with additional rules for aged inventory. Compare the full operating cost rather than one transport fee.
- FBA storage, removal and return-related costs
- Japan warehouse storage, handling and forwarding costs
- Stockout risk, slow-moving stock and operating time
Connect the workflow
Goods can enter the Japan warehouse by SKU and inbound batch, then move to FBA against actual demand. JCDEN currently offers 30 free storage days per new inbound batch; from day 31, remaining volume is charged at RMB 3/m³/day, subject to the confirmed storage policy.
- Confirm SKU, carton data, quantities and barcodes before inbound
- Set a target number of sellable days for the first FBA shipment
- Review sales, in-transit stock and remaining batches each week
- Act on slow-moving or exception inventory before it becomes expensive
Prepare these five inputs first.
- 01Average daily sales for the last 30 days
- 02FBA available and inbound quantities
- 03Japan warehouse cartons and volume
- 04Total lead time from warehouse to FBA
- 05Promotion, peak-season and stockout risk
SOURCES
Official references and related information
This article is general business-preparation information, not legal, tax, banking, immigration, product-compliance or marketplace-approval advice. Rules and fees can change; verify current official information before acting. JCDEN scope and pricing remain subject to the final confirmed proposal and policies.