Amazon’s Policy Update: No More Mandatory 2-Day Processing – Flexibility for Sellers

Introduction to the Policy Change

Amazon has just announced a major policy adjustment — on October 21st, the platform officially revoked its mandatory default 2-day order processing time policy. This marks a key change that will impact sellers’ operational rhythms.

Core of the Policy

Previously, sellers were required to adhere to a default 2-day order processing timeframe. Now, this requirement is lifted: sellers can customize order processing times in the backend based on their actual operational capabilities, with options including 1 day, 2 days, or even longer.

Amazon has clearly stated that when setting processing times, sellers must align them with their own inventory levels, production cycles, and delivery capabilities — and should not make arbitrary choices.

Reasons for the Policy Adjustment

The logic behind Amazon’s adjustment is straightforward. While the former mandatory 2-day timeframe pushed sellers to process orders quickly, it also created significant pressure for many. For example, temporary inventory shortages, production delays, or minor issues with delivery partners often led to failures in meeting the 2-day deadline, which in turn disrupted overall operations.

By removing the mandatory requirement, Amazon essentially aims to enhance flexibility in the logistics process and help sellers reduce troubles caused by tight timing pressures.

Underlying Signal from the Platform

This change also sends a deeper signal from the platform: e-commerce platforms are shifting away from “one-size-fits-all” standardized requirements toward personalized operational support that better accommodates sellers’ actual situations.

Previously, all sellers — whether small or large, selling ready-made goods or custom products — were held to the same timing standard. Now, with the ability to adjust based on their own circumstances, sellers can better balance “processing efficiency” and “fulfillment quality.” They no longer need to rush shipments reluctantly to meet the 2-day deadline, which ultimately improves the customer experience.

Advice for Sellers

However, Amazon has also reminded sellers that while custom permissions are granted, they “should set reasonable processing times based on actual operational conditions.”

It is not advisable to set excessively long processing times (as customers may grow impatient and harm the store’s reputation), nor to blindly pursue short timeframes (which would bring back past problems like fulfillment issues). The key is to “be realistic” — aligning processing times with one’s supply chain and inventory turnover capabilities to truly benefit from this policy.

Conclusion

In summary, Amazon’s latest policy adjustment is a deregulation measure for sellers and reflects that e-commerce platforms are becoming more attuned to sellers’ operational pain points.