Scenario

You have enrolled in the Amazon Seller Flex program, and would like to set it up in Linnworks.

Solution

Setting up Amazon Seller Flex in Linnworks requires completing the following steps:

1. Enabling the Amazon Seller Flex order download and inventory sync
2. Adding and configuring the Amazon Smart Connect shipping integration
3. Producing a shipping label through the new integration
4. Processing the order

A detailed step-by-step guide for each step is provided below.

1. Enabling the Amazon Seller Flex order download and inventory sync

Amazon Seller Flex orders are handled differently from MFN (Merchant Fulfilled Network) orders and follow a specific download flow. If FBA is enabled in your Amazon channel, Seller Flex orders will first download into the FBA location and then move to the designated Seller Flex location. If FBA is not enabled, Seller Flex orders will download together with MFN orders, while still receiving the required attributes from Amazon (such as ShipmentId) that are needed to generate shipping labels and process the orders.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Channel Integration and open the Amazon channel config (pencil icon).
• Scroll down to the SmartConnect section and click the Enable Multi-location button. Confirm your selection and save changes.
  • If Enable Multi-location button is not visible under SmartConnect, contact Linnworks Support to enable access.
• Open the Channel location mapping (warehouse icon).
• Create a new location for SmartConnect by clicking +Add New.
  
  • Change the Location Type from Delivery to SmartConnect
  • Enter the 4-character Seller Flex Warehouse ID into the Channel Location ID field (example: ABCD)
  • Enable the Linnworks locations you want to sync stock levels from to SellerFlex under Sync inventory from locations.
  • Select the Order download location that Seller Flex orders will move to.
  • Click OK to save.

• Re-open the Amazon config and tick the boxes next to Seller Flex Enabled and Inventory Sync Enabled:
• Save the changes.

When Amazon orders download into Linnworks, Seller Flex orders will automatically receive:

• An Amazon SmartConnect Order identifier: More details
• An order extended property called Seller Flex with value true

Allow 10-15 minutes for the Seller Flex download job to run. Once complete, Seller Flex orders will automatically:

• Receive an order extended property called ShipmentId
• Move into the location specified in the Channel location mapping in a Paid and not parked status
• Become Ready to Process

2. Adding and configuring the Amazon Smart Connect shipping integration

The Amazon Smart Connect integration connects Linnworks to the Amazon Seller Flex backend, allowing you to generate shipping labels.

    2a. Add the shipping integration.

1. Go to Shipping > Integrations > +Add integration > Amazon Smart Connect > Integrate
   • If Amazon Smart Connect is not listed, contact Linnworks Support to enable access.
2. Enter a friendly name in the Account Name field to identify the Seller Flex integration.
3. From the dropdown, select the Amazon channel integration, where Seller Flex order sync has been enabled.

        4. Click on the Seller Central sign-in link and authorise Linnworks Shipping.

        5. When you see a confirmation message, the account has been authorised successfully. Close the window.

6. Return to the Linnworks registration wizard and click Next. You should see a message confirming successful completion.

    2b. Configure the shipping service.

1. Open the Services list and add Amazon Auto Select.

        2. Optionally, rename the service to something more meaningful, e.g., Amazon Seller Flex.

        3. Click Finish.

    2c. Configure printing settings.

1. Open the Printer config

        2. Select the required Virtual Printer and label format.

Note: If you are a Multi-Box ASIN Seller, please select ZPL format.

        3. Save changes.

3. Producing a shipping label through the new integration

When a Seller Flex order is ready to ship (i.e., has the ShipmentId order property assigned, and is visible in the mapped location), allocate the newly created shipping service:

1. Right-click the order > Shipping > Change service > Amazon Smart Connect > select service.

Note: This allocation can be automated for future orders by following these steps.

        2. Ensure that the order has accurate weight and dimensions assigned, as these values will be sent to Amazon. 

Note: Heavy or bulky items should have a weight of at least 23 kg and/or the length of at least 175 cm.

        3. Assign split packaging to the order if it contains a Multi-Box ASIN (this must first be set up in Amazon).

The number of packages specified in Linnworks must match the number configured in Amazon, as this determines the number of labels Amazon returns.

Use composite items in Linnworks to ensure that split packaging can be properly assigned. 

       4. Print the shipping label as usual: use a hot button, the Despatch Console, or right-click > Print > Shipping label

4. Processing the order

Once the label has been printed:

• Process the order in Linnworks.
• Linnworks will send a despatch notification to Amazon and mark the order as Shipped.

5. Seller Flex ASIN linking to Linnworks Inventory

When your new Seller Flex ASINs are created on Amazon, you can use the following import to bulk-link your existing inventory items to the new channel SKUs: Import SKU Linking.

Additional information

• Integrating Amazon Smart Connect shipping integration.
• Automating the Amazon Seller Flex service allocation
• Interest form