Staying Fresh: An Overview of Amazon’s Expiration Date Policy

As a dollar store grocer item seller, keeping abreast of product expiration dates will be key to the success of your business. You should become skilled at reviewing the expiration dates listed on products you plan to sell on Amazon and ensure they are within not only Amazon’s guidelines but also the ones you set for yourself. Let’s talk further about the importance of understanding expiration dates when planning your product sourcing and shipping strategy.

What is Amazon’s 90-day product expiration policy?

This policy states that any product with a shelf life (aka perishable) that is sent to the Amazon warehouse for fulfillment, must not expire within 90 days after the date the product was shipped. Products that fall under this policy are groceries, supplements, and anything else considered perishable.

Why is this policy in place?

Amazon customers expect a certain standard of product quality, which also includes product freshness. The policy is put in place to ensure products meet food safety regulations and to maintain a standard of quality. The policy also protects Amazon from legal action from buyers who have consumed a short shelf life or expired product and became ill.

Who does this policy apply to?

The policy applies to all sellers who plan to ship any products to Amazon warehouses for fulfillment that are considered perishable.

Does the policy apply to items I plan to ship myself?

You have a bit more leeway to fulfill the product yourself, but still use good judgement. Have a great product that is expiring in the next two months? You can sell it on Amazon, but since it does not comply with the 90-day expiration date policy, you must plan to ship it yourself.

What about products that are going to expire this month or next?

I would not recommend selling products expiring in less than two months. You increase the likelihood of receiving messages from buyers concerned they will not use the product before the expiration date and request a product replacement or refund. You also run the risk of the buyer leaving a negative review. Think of it like this; would you as a customer want to be sent a product with a short shelf life? I know I wouldn’t.

Following Amazon’s product expiration policy may be a bit of a hassle, but is an integral part of maintaining a healthy grocery-focused business. Keeping your customers in mind when considering any products that have expiration dates will ensure your business always stays fresh.