If you’re an FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) seller on Amazon, you know that managing shipping times can feel like a juggling act. Enter Automated Handling Time (AHT), a feature that lets Amazon automatically set your handling times based on your past shipping performance. It’s a game-changer for many sellers, but like any tool, it has its pros and cons. In this guide, we’ll break down what AHT is, how to enable it, and whether it’s the right fit for your business. If you’re looking for expert support, FND eCommerce is a UK Amazon agency ready to help you optimise your Amazon strategy.
What Is Amazon Automated Handling Time (AHT)?
Amazon Automated Handling Time (AHT) is a Seller Central feature that automatically sets handling times for FBM listings based on historical shipping performance. Enabling AHT can improve Buy Box eligibility and delivery accuracy, potentially increasing conversion rates by 5–15%.
Why It Matters: Handling time is a key factor in winning the Buy Box and keeping customers happy. AHT can help you stay competitive without the hassle of manually updating handling times for every SKU.
How to Enable Amazon Automated Handling Time in Seller Central?
To enable Amazon Automated Handling Time, sellers must activate the setting within Shipping Settings in Seller Central. Once enabled, Amazon dynamically adjusts handling times using performance data, helping improve competitiveness and reduce manual workload.
- Log in to Seller Central:
- Visit Amazon Seller Central and sign in.
- Navigate to Shipping Settings:
- From the dashboard, go to Settings > Shipping Settings.
- Find Handling Time Settings:
- Scroll to General Shipping Settings and locate the Handling Time section.
- Enable AHT:
- Click Edit next to “Automated Handling Time.”
- Check the box to Enable Automated Handling Time.
- Optionally, set a maximum number of daily dispatch orders.
- Save Your Changes:
- Click Save or Confirm to activate AHT.
Pro Tip: Make sure your shipping performance is consistent before enabling AHT. Amazon will base your handling times on your recent fulfillment history.
What Steps Are Involved in Setting Up and Managing Automated Handling Time?
Setting up Automated Handling Time requires enabling the feature, reviewing shipping metrics, aligning fulfilment processes, and monitoring performance regularly. A structured approach ensures improved competitiveness without increasing late shipment risks.
Follow this structured workflow to implement AHT safely and effectively:
- Log in to Seller Central.
- Navigate to Settings → Shipping Settings.
- Locate the Handling Time section.
- Enable Automated Handling Time.
- Set optional daily dispatch limits if needed.
- Review recent shipping performance metrics.
- Exclude SKUs with unpredictable preparation times.
- Monitor Late Shipment Rate and Order Defect Rate weekly.
- Audit AHT settings during peak seasons.
When Should FBM Sellers Use Automated Handling Time?
FBM sellers should use Automated Handling Time when they have consistent dispatch performance and predictable preparation processes. Proper implementation can improve Buy Box visibility and customer satisfaction while reducing manual SKU management.
- Use AHT For:
- FBM listings where you have a consistent shipping routine.
- Products with predictable preparation times.
- Sellers who want to improve their Buy Box chances without manual updates.
- Avoid AHT For:
- Custom or made-to-order products that take longer to prepare.
- SKUs with variable shipping times (e.g., seasonal items).
- Listings where you need full control over handling times.
Example: If you sell standard electronics with a steady two-day shipping process, AHT can work wonders. But for a handmade jewellery business with varying prep times, manual control might be better.
What Are the Advantages of Automated Handling Time?
Automated Handling Time improves delivery accuracy, enhances Buy Box competitiveness, and reduces administrative effort. Sellers with strong fulfilment consistency may see measurable improvements in conversion rates and reduced late shipment risks.
- Improved Buy Box Competitiveness: Shorter, data-driven handling times can help you win the Buy Box more often.
- Accurate Delivery Estimates: Amazon sets realistic promise dates based on your actual performance, keeping customers happy.
- Time-Saving Automation: No need to manually update handling times for each SKU; Amazon handles it for you.
- Performance-Based Adjustments: If your shipping speeds improve, AHT will reflect that, potentially shortening your handling times.
Example: A seller who consistently ships within one day might see Amazon set a one-day handling time, making their listings more attractive to buyers.
What Are the Disadvantages of Automated Handling Time?
The disadvantages of Automated Handling Time include reduced control over dispatch promises and risk of unrealistic handling times during peak periods. Poor historical performance data may lead to shorter deadlines that increase late shipment rates.
- Loss of Control: Amazon might set handling times shorter than your team can handle, especially during busy periods.
- Data Dependency: If your past shipping performance is inconsistent, AHT could set unrealistic times.
- Not Suitable for All Products: Custom or slow-moving items might suffer from automated times that don’t match their needs.
Example: During the holiday rush, a seller might struggle to meet a one-day handling time set by AHT, leading to late shipments and unhappy customers.
Automated Handling Time vs Manual Handling Time
| Feature | Automated Handling Time (AHT) | Manual Handling Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | Amazon sets dynamically | Seller sets manually | Use AHT for consistent SKUs |
| Accuracy | Based on performance data | Based on seller estimate | AHT improves accuracy over time |
| Buy Box Impact | Can improve competitiveness | Depends on manual setup | AHT may improve eligibility |
| Risk | May shorten times during peak periods | Seller controls peak adjustments | Manual better for seasonal spikes |
| Admin Work | Low | High | AHT saves time |
What Are the Best Practices for Managing Automated Handling Time?
Best practices for Automated Handling Time include monitoring fulfilment metrics, excluding complex SKUs, auditing performance regularly, and aligning warehouse operations with Amazon’s dispatch expectations to maintain account health and customer satisfaction.
- Monitor Shipping Performance: Regularly check your metrics in Seller Central to ensure consistency.
- Exclude Certain SKUs: If you have products that take longer to prepare, keep them on manual handling times.
- Align Your Team: Make sure your warehouse or fulfilment team knows the handling time expectations to avoid delays.
- Audit AHT Regularly: Periodically review the handling times Amazon sets to ensure they match your capabilities.
Pro Tip: Use AHT for your best-performing products and manually manage the rest for maximum control.
When to Consider Professional Help
Managing AHT and your entire Amazon strategy can be complex. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to explore Why Do I Need an Amazon Agency?. An agency can help you fine-tune your handling times, optimise your listings, and keep your business running smoothly.
Take Control of Your Amazon Shipping Strategy
Automated Handling Time can be a powerful ally for FBM sellers, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding when to use it, how to enable it, and how to manage it effectively, you’ll keep your customers happy and your business competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Automated Handling Time
What is Automated Handling Time on Amazon?
Automated Handling Time is a Seller Central feature that automatically adjusts handling times based on past shipping performance to improve delivery estimates and competitiveness.
Does Automated Handling Time help win the Buy Box?
Yes, accurate and shorter handling times can improve Buy Box eligibility, potentially increasing conversions by 5–15%.
Is Automated Handling Time mandatory for FBM sellers?
No, AHT is optional. Sellers can choose manual handling times if they prefer full control.
Can I exclude certain products from AHT?
Yes, sellers can keep specific SKUs on manual handling times if they require longer preparation periods.
What happens if I miss AHT deadlines?
Missing AHT-set handling times may increase your Late Shipment Rate, potentially impacting account health and Buy Box eligibility.
Should handmade sellers use Automated Handling Time?
Handmade or custom sellers with variable preparation times may prefer manual handling control.
How often should I review my AHT settings?
Sellers should review performance weekly and reassess settings during peak sales seasons.
Does AHT adjust during holidays automatically?
AHT uses historical performance data, but sellers should manually review settings before peak periods to avoid unrealistic dispatch promises.
