For many car audio dealers, it’s what they had long hoped for (although not under the current circumstances). Amazon told suppliers on Tuesday that it has stopped accepting shipments of consumer electronics and other products including car audio at its warehouses.
Two car audio suppliers confirmed they received notice of the change in policy, which is effective through April 5. It only regards shipments to Amazon’s own warehouses, not direct to consumers.
Amazon is prioritizing instead sales of medical supplies and household items to meet demand due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
One large car audio supplier said, “Yes we were notified yesterday no new purchase orders would be issued. We also heard from a couple third party sellers that use FBA [Fulfillment by Amazon] [that they] could not submit any new orders to be shipped to FBA.”
Under the “Fulfillment by Amazon” program vendors can use Amazon’s warehouse, packing and shipping service.
Reports said Amazon informed sellers that it was prioritizing sales in the following categories: baby products; health and household (including personal-care appliances); beauty and personal care; grocery; industrial and scientific; and pet supplies.
As of today, consumers could still buy car audio products on the site.
The title is rather click-baity considering this isn’t a halt on sales of car audio products on amazon, but rather car audio products are part of a much larger halt of the FBA service in wake of the current pandemic situation…..
And this is a big story because?
Yeah, the average joe cannot afford 50% markup on equipment, and they DIY the labor. They will wait out the hold. Although the $1200 virus check may tempt some.
I am guessing that an 18 day halt in sales and shipping transactions with Amazon’s FBA is not going to do a lot to ease the threats felt by brick & mortar installing specialty retailers from Amazon. There are many ways for, and many advantages available to, brick & mortar installing specialty retailers to successfully compete with Amazon other and on-line resellers of 12 volt stuff.