Why Hasn‘t My Amazon Order Shipped Yet?

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

Seeing an order status of "Not Yet Shipped" can be confusing and concerning for Amazon customers awaiting their deliveries. But what exactly does it mean when your Amazon order has yet to leave the warehouse? Here‘s an in-depth look at the main reasons behind the "Not Yet Shipped" status.

Overview of Amazon‘s Vast Shipping Operation

To understand order delays, it helps to comprehend the massive scale of Amazon‘s fulfillment network. They ship out over 5 billion packages globally per year – more than any other e-commerce retailer.

Amazon has more than 175 warehouses in its fulfillment center network, totaling over 150 million square feet of space. But even with dozens of warehouses stocking millions of products, inventory still runs out causing shipping delays.

According to Amazon CFO Brian Olsavsky, approximately 5% of their orders experience some level of delay or inventory shortage issue. They are actively working to reduce this through expanding warehouse capacity and inventory.

Why You Might See "Not Yet Shipped" as Your Order Status

There are a few main reasons why your Amazon order may not have left the warehouse yet:

Out of Stock

The most common issue is the item goes out of stock before your order can be fulfilled. Amazon‘s high-demand products often sell out quickly.

Even items showing as "In Stock" on the product page can sell out within the 1-2 days it takes for your order to reach the warehouse.

Out of stocks accounted for 43% of Amazon‘s delays in Q4 2021, according to Olsavsky.

Collecting Multiple Items

Amazon will split up orders with multiple items, having each fulfillment center ship only the items it has in stock.

The separate packages have to be consolidated before the full order can ship out. This collection process can take an extra day or two.

Incorrect Address

Sometimes address errors will prevent an order from shipping until corrected. If there are inconsistencies between shipping and payment addresses, Amazon will halt the order.

Issues like missing apartment numbers also have to be fixed before the fulfillment center can process the order.

Seller Fulfillment Delays

Third-party sellers manage their own order fulfillment. They may take longer than Amazon‘s 1-2 day Prime shipping turnaround due to warehouse location, volume, or staffing.

A "Not Yet Shipped" status for seller items usually means the seller has not yet provided a tracking number.

Technical Issues

While rarer, problems with inventory databases, robot failures in warehouses, or trucking delays can also prevent orders from shipping on time.

Difficulties scanning and tracking inventory levels can lead to false out of stock situations.

Shipping Delays Have Worsened Since COVID

The pandemic strained Amazon‘s supply chain with surging demand and labor shortages. This led to longer Prime delivery times and more instances of orders not shipping promptly.

According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), in December 2021, on-time delivery rate for Amazon orders was 64%, compared to 86% before the pandemic.

Third-party sellers also dealt with more stockouts, causing their items to show as "Not Yet Shipped" until re-stocked.

Tips for Avoiding Delayed Shipments

Here are some recommendations for reducing chances of your Amazon order getting stuck at the "Not Yet Shipped" phase:

  • Check item page for real-time inventory count before ordering
  • Opt for fastest 1-day or Same Day delivery speed
  • Place large orders 3-4 days in advance of when needed
  • Select items sold and shipped by Amazon over 3rd party sellers when possible
  • Verify shipping address is 100% accurate during checkout
  • Contact customer service quickly at first sign of delay past estimated delivery date

When to Contact Amazon About Delayed Order Status

Amazon suggests contacting their customer service team if your order has not shipped out after 36 hours from when placed.

Reach out via email, phone, or chat support on Amazon‘s Contact Us page. Provide your order details and inquire about the reason for the delay.

Amazon can look into the specific situation, confirm latest inventory status, and provide an estimate for when the order should ship out.

The Bottom Line

Seeing "Not Yet Shipped" as your Amazon order status is generally nothing to worry about. It simply indicates your order is delayed for reasons like awaiting more stock, address corrections, seller fulfillment lag, or technical issues.

Be proactive in contacting support if your order has not left the warehouse after 2 days. Opting for faster shipping and ordering in advance can also minimize chances of getting stuck in "Not Yet Shipped" limbo.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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