Marketplace Ozone has revised its approach to slow-moving inventory, steering away from mandatory destruction or aggressive offloading. The change reduces pressure on sellers who previously faced steep consequences for stagnant stock and may improve overall profitability for many merchants.
Earlier, the platform compelled merchants to attempt to boost sales of slow-moving products within a two week window after detection. The strategy included targeted discounts and promotional campaigns, with the explicit threat of discounting up to 95 percent or even mandating disposal if sellers could not meet the goals. This policy put significant strain on sellers who struggled to move certain items, often eroding profit margins and creating unsustainable inventory cycles.
The definition of slow-moving goods encompassed several scenarios. Fashion items that had not received orders for more than 90 days, or items in stock for over 180 days, were classified as slow movers. Everyday products with no orders for more than 60 days, or items out of stock for more than 135 days, also fell into this category. Additional products with an extended stock balance, exceeding 60 days or 180 days in some cases, qualified as slow movers under the threshold rules. Such classifications made it easy to identify items that tied up cash and space without delivering expected returns.
Under the latest adjustments, the maximum allowable price reduction on slow-moving goods has been lowered to a more moderate range, about 35 to 40 percent. The criteria for what counts as a slow-moving item have been refined to balance seller profitability with inventory discipline. Importantly, forced disposal of goods will only occur if a seller requests removal from the marketplace and fails to take timely action. This shift signals a move toward more collaborative inventory management rather than punitive enforcement, giving sellers greater control over how they clear slow stock.
Previous reports suggested that Marketplace Ozone might employ a substantial number of convicts by year end to support operations or distribution. While these notes circulated in industry chatter, they do not reflect the current policy framework or operational approach. Market observers expect the platform to focus on improving seller experiences and inventory turns rather than relying on extreme labor strategies. Hence, ongoing updates are likely to emphasize seller autonomy and clearer guidelines for handling slow-moving inventory.
There have also been discussions about how stores could manage costs, including proposals that certain categories of goods, such as perishable items, might receive more flexible handling or exemption from charges in specific circumstances. The evolving policy clarifications appear to aim at reducing unnecessary penalties while preserving the platform’s ability to manage inventory efficiently. Throughout this transition, the emphasis remains on aligning pricing signals with market demand, preserving cash flow for sellers, and maintaining a healthy marketplace dynamic for buyers.
In summary, Marketplace Ozone appears to be moving toward a more seller-friendly and transparent framework for slow-moving goods. The revised rules offer clearer thresholds, more reasonable discounting caps, and a disposal process that is contingent on seller action rather than automatic enforcement. For merchants, this could translate into safer, more predictable inventory outcomes and improved profitability without the fear of abrupt, punitive measures. Stakeholders will want to monitor forthcoming guidance from the platform for any further refinements, especially as market conditions continue to evolve and consumer demand shifts. Citations and prospective policy updates are expected to accompany ongoing changes in the marketplace landscape.