Amazon 2021 Holiday Calendar: Most Important Dates for FBA Sellers

Updated: June 4, 2021

Sellers know that a big part of succeeding on Amazon is the ability to execute a well-planned strategy that ensures they stay in stock during peak shopping days. For many FBA sellers, a big question is, “When should I send in my inventory to ensure it’s received on time?” This can be difficult to predict—especially during a pandemic—but scheduling out your logistics calendar is something all Amazon sellers need to pay close attention to. Keeping track of key dates and events is also crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your 2021 marketing and advertising strategy.

To help you prepare, our logistics team created this FBA calendar that tells you the most important dates to know and when you should send your inventory to Amazon—ensuring you avoid stockouts and drive sales all year long:

A Few Things to Keep in Mind This Year:

• Prime Day 2021: Amazon Prime Day will be held on June 21-22, which is a tad earlier than the usual mid-July slot and a typically slower time for retail. Amazon officially announced Prime Day 2021 dates just three weeks before the big event this year, causing inventory issues for sellers. For a quick action plan to prepare and capitalize on increased platform traffic, read this Prime Day prep guide.
• Holiday Season Start Date: Speaking of top-selling seasons, due to Prime Day 2020 taking place mid October, many brands moved up their holiday promotions to begin in October vs. November last year. Though only time will tell, it’s important to keep in mind that brands and consumers might repeat this behavior in 2021 and shop as early as October once again. Pay close attention and plan your inventory send-in and promos accordingly. In addition to hitting the all-important inventory send-in dates, be sure to maximize Q4 2021 holiday sales by optimizing your Amazon marketing strategy and Storefront.
• COVID-19 & Amazon/Consumer Response: After last year, sellers are all too familiar with the impact and fluctuations with Amazon fulfillment and customer shopping habits that can happen due to COVID-19. Luckily we've seen transit times return to essentially their pre-Covid levels, but it’s worth noting that supply chains, stock outs, and typical consumer behavior can continue to be disrupted. Be sure to stay alert and flexible (and read this post).

Need Help With Amazon Inventory Management?

Whether you’re currently selling FBA or looking to make the switch from Vendor to Seller Central, SupplyKick can help you plan and develop an optimal inventory strategy—either as a trusted third-party seller or an agency consultant serving as an extension of your team. With 100s of partners and over $120M sold on Amazon to date, we know a thing or two about helping brands reach their full potential on Amazon and other marketplaces. Connect with us.