In the wildly competitive world of Amazon FBA selling, staying ahead of the game is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity. As an Amazon FBA seller, your success hinges on your ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce. One crucial aspect of this navigation is understanding the Amazon FBA calendar and preparing for key dates that can make or break your business.
In this Amazon FBA holiday guide, we’ll delve into the essential dates every Amazon FBA seller must know in 2024 and how being well-prepared can significantly impact your success.
How timely strategies contribute to Amazon FBA Success
Aligning your business strategies with key Amazon dates is not just a best practice; it’s a necessity. Timely promotions, inventory assessments, and strategic planning can propel your business to new heights. Without tracking Amazon marketplace seasonal trends and proper FBA seasonal sales prep, sellers are doomed to run out of stock during seasonal rushes and rack up unnecessary storage fees due to being overstocked during slower segments of the calendar. In this section, we’ll explore how these timely strategies contribute to the success of Amazon FBA sellers.
Key Dates for Sellers in 2024 – A Monthly Breakdown
January 2024
3-2-1. Happy New Year! Whether 2023 was a resounding success or fell short of expectations, the arrival of a new year signifies a fresh start with plenty of opportunity for the year ahead. While markets like health and fitness boon as people take action on their New Year resolutions, consider this slate-wiping opportunity as a moment to regroup and focus on your goals in 2024 and how to achieve them.
As for events, the National Retail Federation (NRF) holds its Retail’s Big Show conference from January 14th through the 16th, where some of the biggest names in retail, such as Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff and Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner among countless others speak and offer expert analysis on retail trends and best practices. Although not known as a large sales event, Martin Luther King Jr. Day does include promotional sales and more importantly, a chance to honor Dr. King’s values and legacy. And lastly, even though there isn’t a specific day, January typically brings a wave of post-holiday returns, which is an important note for sellers as they examine their monthly bottom line.
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 14-16: The National Retail Federation (NRF) Retail’s Big Show in New York City
- January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Post-holiday returns processing
February
Despite being the shortest month on the calendar, February packs quite a punch with a bit of everything. It kicks off with the commencement of Black History Month, reminding sellers to celebrate diversity and tailor promotions accordingly. February 1st also marks the deadline to send W-2s to employees and the IRS. The Chinese New Year begins on February 10th, kicking off the Year of the Dragon. During this week, businesses typically shut down for at least a week, which could be a bottleneck for your FBA inventory planning if you’re one of many who source products from China.
Super Bowl Sunday presents a day spent with friends circled around the TV grubbing out while watching the last two teams battle for the title. Sports memorabilia, cooking supplies, and televisions are a sure bet to enjoy victories of their own. On February 14th, the love flows on Valentine’s Day, offering sellers an opportunity to showcase romantic and thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Presidents Day in the USA and Family Day in Canada offer most people a day off work and a bevy of sales to shop from. And don’t forget, this year’s a Leap Year, giving you an extra day to bring home profits.
- February 1: Beginning of Black History Month
- February 1: Deadline to send tax form W-2 to employees and the IRS
- February 10: Chinese New Year
- February 11: Super Bowl Sunday
- February 14: Valentine’s Day
- February 19: Presidents Day (USA) and Family Day (Canada)
- February 29: Leap Day
- Last-minute tax considerations for the previous year
March
March arrives with a burst of energy for Amazon FBA sellers as they strategically plan for the upcoming months. Inventory cleanup becomes a metaphorical spring cleaning, clearing the path for new opportunities. The Prosper Show, held in the vibrant city of Las Vegas from March 4th to 6th, becomes a hub of inspiration and knowledge for Amazon entrepreneurs, guiding them toward successful strategies. St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th prompts sellers to add a splash of green to their promotions, creating engaging and themed campaigns. As Easter Sunday approaches on March 31st, FBA sellers prep their stores for a hoppy sales season, capitalizing on the holiday spirit. Lastly, the end of March wraps up the year’s first quarter, providing a nice, clean cutoff to evaluate your business and prepare for the second quarter of 2024.
- Inventory cleanup
- March 4th-6th: The Prosper Show, the leading conference for Amazon sellers held in Las Vegas, Nevada
- March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
- March 20: First day of Spring
- March 31: Easter Sunday
- Planning for Q2 promotions
April
Be wary of pranksters on the first day of May, or feel free to join in on the fun when advertising outside of your Amazon product detail page. Soon after, Easter arrives, marking a tremendous opportunity for pastel-colored decorations, sweets that fit inside an Easter basket, and much more. National Pet Day marks an under-the-radar opportunity for sellers with pet-centric items to shower their furry friends with love. While tax filing deadlines may vary by state and situation, April 15th marks the deadline for most taxpayers to file their taxes without penalties and the stress of the tax man chasing them down. As the month winds down, Earth Day prompts a focus on eco-friendly products, providing a platform to introduce the Go Green program article and showcase products associated with the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly designation.
- April 1: April Fools Day
- April 9: Easter Sunday
- April 11: National Pet Day
- April 15: Tax Day
- April 22: Earth Day
May
May for Amazon sellers dances between cultural celebrations and the summer sales kickoff. Chinese Labor Day offers a potential inventory dip, while Cinco de Mayo presents a quick fiesta for party supplies. Mother’s Day blossoms into a gifting bonanza to show love and appreciation to the hard-working moms out there. A few weeks later, Memorial Day offers a day of remembrance, honoring fallen military personnel. For Amazon sellers, this holiday also presents a popular sales day and serves as an unofficial start to summer, resulting in a barbecue and outdoor gear surge. All the while, savvy sellers prep for the summer heatwave, ensuring their beach towels and cooling gadgets are ready to ride the next sales wave.
- May 1: Chinese Labor Day
- May 3: Deadline for FBA sellers to create deals to participate in the Prime Day Sale
- May 5: Cinco de Mayo
- May 12: Mother’s Day
- May 27: Memorial Day
- Getting ready for summer sales
- Memorial day promotions
June
During LGBTQ Pride Month, sellers have the opportunity to engage in themed promotions, supporting diversity and inclusion, and showcasing products that align with the values of the community. Father’s Day invites sellers to curate thoughtful gifts for dads, tailoring their promotions to appeal to this demographic. June 21st officially kicks off summer, setting the scene for refreshing promotions tailored for the season, encompassing a wide range of summer-related products. Juneteenth on June 19th, increasingly recognized, might influence themed sales or promotions, offering sellers a chance to align with social and cultural movements. As June winds to a close, sellers should strategically plan promotions and inventory management for the rapidly approaching Prime Day.
- June 1: Beginning of LGBTQ Pride Month
- June 4th & 5th: Google Ads Summit: Prep for Prime Day – enjoy exclusive workshops, in-depth discussions, Q&A’s, and demos. Get insights into optimizing your Sponsored Products, keywords, bidding, and targeting to reach new customers and increase your ad spend return. Making data-driven decisions to grow your business. Establishing your brand with Stores, Sponsored Brands, Sponsored Display ads and much more.
- June 16: Father’s Day
- June 19: Juneteenth
- June 20: Deadline for Fulfillment centers to receive your FBA inventory for Prime day (It’s recommended to ship ahead of time in case of logistics, customs, or carrier issues)
- June 21: First day of Summer
- End of month: Prime day preparation & mid-year review to assess business performance through the first half of the year.
July
Truly a month filled with fireworks, July bursts into action with Independence Day celebrations on July 4th, prompting Amazon FBA sellers to launch promotions on patriotic items and summer products. The holiday signals mid-July’s Prime Day is right around the corner, giving you a last-minute chance to decide upon your Prime Day promotion tactics and becomes a focal point for sellers to strategize and fine-tune their fulfillment processes. The Summer Olympics in Paris, starting on July 26 and ending on August 11, offers a global platform for creative promotions, allowing sellers to tap into the excitement of this global event. The deeper into July you get, the closer you are to back-to-school season, the red-hot season for school supplies as parents cross off teacher checklists.
- July 4: Independence Day – Promotions and sales on patriotic items and summer products.
- July 16-17: Prime Day official date
- July 26: Summer Olympics in Paris (ends August 11)
- Late-July: Inventory check for back-to-school season
August
August for Amazon sellers simmers with a back-to-school frenzy and Prime Day whispers. While backpacks, notebooks, and school supplies take center stage, the first whiffs of a potential Prime Day Big Deals event anticipation. It’s a balancing act: capitalize on the educational rush, strategize for potential Prime Day glory, and plant the seeds for a triumphant Q4. August demands agility, focus, and a dash of holiday foresight – a recipe for a sizzling sales harvest.
- Back-to-school season begins
- Potential Prime Day Big Deals event preparation
- Early planning for Q4 and the holiday season
September
September ushers in the Labor Day weekend, creating a prime time for promotions and sales events. The first day of fall on September 23rd signals the transition to autumn, prompting sellers to review inventory for Halloween and early holiday promotions. As Amazon FBA sellers engage in last-minute preparations for Q4, the changing colors of fall offer a backdrop for strategic planning, including tailoring promotions for the upcoming festive season.
- September 2: Labor Day
- September 22: First day of Fall
- Last-minute prep for Q4
- Review inventory for Halloween and early holiday promotions
October
October for Amazon sellers juggles autumnal festivities with pre-holiday planning. The start of the month marks the beginning of Golden Week in China, which could cause delays if you rely on inventory from China. Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day offers potential for targeted promotions. Halloween costumes and decorations scream for last-minute sales before the ghoulish deadline on October 31st – the same day orders must be in to avoid disruptions before the Chinese New Year. Amidst the pumpkin spiced latte haze, sellers strategize for Black Friday and Cyber Monday dominance, laying the groundwork for a holiday sales avalanche. Lastly, take a deep breath, buckle up and double check to make sure your holiday season planning is on track as the hectic holiday season nears full swing.
- October 1-7: Golden Week (China)
- October 8th & 9th: Prime Day Big Deals Returns.
- Prime members get early access to pre-holiday savings on seasonal products, home essentials, popular toys, and much more
- October 14: Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day
- October 31: Halloween
- October 31: Recommended deadline for ordering inventory before the start of the Chinese New Year
- Finalize Black Friday and Cyber Monday strategies
November
Getting those inventory orders in for November sets the stage for the pinnacle of holiday sales for Amazon FBA sellers. The deadline for shipping inventory to Amazon’s warehouse on November 1st marks the beginning of the holiday season rush, with sellers fine-tuning their logistics for efficient order fulfillment. Next, Election Day on November 5th in the U.S. prompts sellers to be mindful of the political climate and adjust marketing strategies accordingly. Veterans’ Day on November 11th becomes a moment to honor and recognize military personnel’s service, offering themed promotions opportunities. Thanksgiving on November 28th begins a wave of sales events with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday providing a whirlwind of sales and promotions, with FBA sellers fully immersed in the festive shopping spree. In full holiday spirit, Sellers prep for the peak of holiday sales, ensuring their inventory and promotions are ready for the surge in demand.
- November 1: Deadline for shipping inventory to Amazon’s warehouse for Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and the holiday season
- November 5: Election Day (U.S.)
- November 11: Veterans’ Day (U.S.)
- November 28: Thanksgiving
- November 29: Black Friday
- November 30: Small Business Saturday
- Prep for holiday sales
December
December kicks off with Cyber Monday on December 2nd, extending the holiday shopping frenzy into the final month. Super Saturday on December 17th becomes a pivotal moment for last-minute shoppers. As winter officially begins on December 21st, sellers continue to ride the wave of holiday sales. Christmas on December 25th marks a joyous celebration, followed by the festivities of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. The year concludes with New Year’s Eve on December 31st, offering a finish line for sales, along with moment of reflection and celebration for FBA sellers. Post-holiday inventory management and returns handling become essential for a smooth transition into the new year.
- December 2: Cyber Monday
- December 17: Super Saturday
- December 21: First day of Winter
- December 25: Christmas
- December 25 – January 2: Hanukkah
- December 26 – January 2: Kwanzaa
- December 31: New Year’s Eve
- Post-holiday inventory management and returns handling
Tips and Strategies for Staying Ahead
Staying ahead in the competitive realm of Amazon FBA requires a proactive approach and a keen eye on industry trends. Here are some invaluable tips and strategies to keep you at the forefront:
Leverage Data
Utilize data analytics tools to understand customer behavior, track sales performance, and identify patterns. This data-driven approach empowers you to make informed decisions, optimize your listings, and refine your marketing strategies based on real-time insights.
For instance, our Market Intelligence tool uses historical data and sales estimates to give you the best information to inform your promotional and Amazon inventory management strategies.
Don’t Overlook International Holidays
If you’re an American seller, it can be quite easy to forget about the impact of international holidays on your business. In 2023, 71% of Amazon sellers in the U.S. sourced their products from China.
Turn Awareness Into Action
Remember, these aren’t just dates to remember but Amazon FBA key dates. Each date should make you think about if will affect your business and how you can adjust to maximize your success. Whether considering Amazon Prime Day strategies, preparing for Amazon Cyber Monday, or making sure you meet Amazon FBA tax deadlines, it’s crucial to remember these days are for awareness and action.
Stay In The Loop
Change is the only constant in e-commerce. The past few years have underscored the importance of staying informed and being agile. From checking Seller Central News regularly to being active in seller groups to staying posted on our blog and social media, you can remain in the know about updates and changes affecting your business.
Maximize Your Success in 2024 with Preparation and Strategic Planning
Preparation is the cornerstone of success. With so many aspects of running an Amazon business, it’s remarkably easy to get caught up in the day-to-day happenings and overlook planning for these occasions. Marking your calendar and keeping up with it research, trends, and the upcoming roadmap helps you optimize your e-commerce holiday planning and puts you in prime position to make 2024 your best year yet!
Feel free to bookmark this page or use it to update your calendar or planner to stay on top of your Amazon seller event schedule. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” On the other hand, you can prepare for success by closely monitoring your 2024 Amazon sales calendar and taking the appropriate measures to make the most of these when applicable to your business.
By staying organized and always ready for the road ahead, you can take advantage of the calendar and make 2024 your best year yet!
