In January 2025, Amazon FBA listing changed the way that third-party sellers need to list products and consequently, how to use TurboLister. These changes may seem confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be back to listing like a pro in no time. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and how you can navigate it.
What’s Different About Listing Now?
Before, you could list a product (a book for example), print a label, and ship it out. Easy, right? But now, things are more complicated.
Now, when you “LIST” a book, its ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is sent to Amazon’s computers. Their systems then analyze it. Sometimes the process takes hours, and in the end, you’ll see one of two results: “active” or “error.” In the meantime it will say “pending”. Before you see these, the status will say “none”.
Step-By-Step: Using TurboLister
If you’re using TurboLister, here’s how to set it up for the new Amazon process. Note: TurboLister only works on Windows. If you have a Mac, you’ll need an emulator to run it.
Remove your old TurboLister program if it’s already on your PC.-
Right click on the Windows icon on the bottom left of your toolbar.
Choose “Run”
Type in “control panel”
Choose Programs and “uninstall a program”
Choose “ASellerTool Turbolister”
Right click and choose “uninstall”.
Download the most recent TurboLister program – Or, visit asellertool.com go to the Solutions section, find Amazon TurboLister, and download it.
Install TurboLister – Ignore any Windows warnings and proceed with the installation.
Open the Program – Launch TurboLister once it’s installed.
Set Up Your TurboLister
Go to “Menu” then “Account Settings” – Enter your Amazon seller name, TurboLister password, and your ship from address.
Turn on “Grade then List” – This ensures you list your items in the right condition.
Turn off “Barcode after Typing” – This prevents unnecessary barcode labels from printing with every item.
Turn on “Show Min/Max” – This will help you set the range of prices.
Turn off “Check Replenish” – This setting isn’t needed.
Set Your SKU Preferences – Include condition and year, along with any other details you need. Having condition in your SKU is especially useful if Amazon asks you to relist an item, for reasons known only to them, later on down the road. Then you can know what condition your item was in by looking at your SKU.
Printer Setup – TurboLister will let you choose your printer (like a Dymo or Brother), and you can select the appropriate label sizes. Click on the test buttons to be sure the labels look like they should. I use Dymo and Brother.
Listing Your Items for Amazon FBA
Now, it’s time to start listing your books (or other items). Here’s how to do it efficiently:
Set the Condition – Be sure to select the correct condition and add any notes before scanning your items. This will avoid listing mistakes.
Group Like-Condition Items Together – It’s easier to scan all the “Good” books in one pile, “Very Good” in another, and so on.
Set the Price – You can use the default price or you can choose from the listed prices in the drop down, or you can enter your own price. Once you have a price, you’re ready to list the item and move on to the next step.
Set the Max and Min Price – Click on “List” after each item to get the ball rolling over at Amazon.
The Waiting Game
After you list your item, it doesn’t go live immediately. It can take awhile for Amazon to process and approve your item. You’ll know it’s active once it changes from “pending” to “active.” If Amazon doesn’t like your item it will appear on the dashboard as “issues”. There will be “error” on the item which will reveal a reason (sometimes in indeciperable jargon). You can fix the error or remove the item to deal with at a later time. You can also tick the little box in the top left corner and move it to “the holding bin”.
Packing and Shipping Your Items
Boxing – Once you have enough items to fill a box (and make sure it doesn’t exceed 50 pounds), you’re ready to click “Box”. Be sure all the items say “active” and the dashboard does not say “issue” and none of the items say, “Pending” or “Error”). Start the shipping process. I use a Loew’s 12″ x 12″ x 16″ box to keep the weight manageable.
Note that even though all your items say “active”, after you press “Box”, Amazon will reject some of the items you thought were good to go. Why? For reasons known only to Amazon. You can remove them or put them in the “holding bin” to deal with later.
Labeling – You can print all the labels at once and match them to the items one at a time, or you can scan the items one by one to print the labels as you put the book into the box.(I do the latter.)
Weighing the Box – TurboLister gives an estimated completed box weight or you can weigh your box yourself.
Shipping Label – Now it’s time to print the shipping label and contents label. After waiting awhile, options will appear as to which Amazon fulfillment center to send your shipment along with its corresponding fee. Not ideal, but at least your books are on their way.
Conclusion
Amazon’s new 3rd party listing process might seem complex at first, but once you break it down step by step, it gets easier. With tools like TurboLister and a little patience, you’ll be able to list and ship your items with minimal hassle. Happy selling!
