Table of Contents

How to Stow at Amazon: A Pro’s Guide to Mastering the Art of Inventory

So, you want to learn how to stow at Amazon? It’s more than just chucking items into bins. It’s a critical process within Amazon’s vast fulfillment network that ensures products are available when customers want them. Mastering stowing efficiently and accurately directly impacts Amazon’s operational speed and, ultimately, customer satisfaction. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

The core of stowing involves receiving items from the receiving department, scanning them, and placing them into designated storage locations (bins) within the fulfillment center. Let’s break down each step:

Initial Training: Before you even touch a package, you’ll undergo extensive training. Amazon invests heavily in teaching new associates the correct procedures, safety protocols, and the use of handheld scanning devices (scanners or devices called “zebra” or similar). Pay close attention. This initial training lays the foundation for everything else.
Receiving and Sorting: You’ll typically be assigned to a specific area and receive products that have already been sorted by type or size. This pre-sorting helps streamline the stowing process.
Scanning: This is where accuracy is paramount. Using your scanner, you will scan the barcode of the item you’re about to stow. The scanner connects to Amazon’s internal system and verifies the item’s details. Next, scan the barcode of the designated bin. The system confirms that the item is compatible with that bin. If there’s a mismatch (wrong item, incorrect bin size, weight issue), the scanner will alert you. Do not ignore these alerts; they prevent errors that can cause significant problems down the line.
Stowing: This is the physical act of placing the item in the bin. Maximize space efficiency without damaging the product. Heavier items go towards the bottom of the bin to prevent lighter items from being crushed. If a bin is full, the scanner will tell you to try a different bin.
Auditing and Quality Control: Periodically, your work will be audited to ensure you’re following procedures correctly and maintaining high accuracy. This is not a “gotcha” exercise. It’s designed to identify any areas where you might need additional training or support. Think of it as a chance to fine-tune your technique.
Meeting Metrics: Amazon uses metrics to measure stowing performance. These metrics typically include units stowed per hour and accuracy rate. Focus on working efficiently and accurately, prioritizing the latter. Speed will come with experience.

Mastering the Stowing Process: Insider Tips

Prioritize Safety: Always be aware of your surroundings and follow safety protocols. Wear appropriate safety gear and use proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries.
Be Meticulous: Double-check every scan. A single error can snowball into a larger problem, delaying orders and causing customer dissatisfaction.
Understand the Scanner: Learn the nuances of the scanner’s interface. Familiarize yourself with common error messages and how to resolve them.
Communicate: If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask a supervisor or experienced associate for help. It’s better to ask than to make a mistake.
Stay Organized: Keep your work area clean and organized. This will help you work more efficiently and reduce the risk of errors.
Learn from Others: Observe experienced stowers and learn from their techniques. They often have tips and tricks that can significantly improve your performance.
Adapt to Change: Amazon’s processes are constantly evolving. Be open to learning new procedures and adapting to changing requirements.
Think Strategically: Consider how your stowing impacts the pickers (the associates who retrieve items for orders). Organize bins in a way that makes items easy to find and retrieve.
Utilize the “Tact Time”: Understand and track the ‘tact time’ assigned to each item. It is the designated time that each item can be stowed based on size and complexity to meet the desired metrics.

FAQs: Your Amazon Stowing Questions Answered

What exactly is ‘stowing’ in the Amazon context?

Stowing is the process of taking inventory that has arrived at an Amazon fulfillment center and placing it into designated storage locations (bins) to await customer orders. It’s a crucial step in ensuring items are readily available for picking, packing, and shipping.

What kind of equipment will I use as a stower?

You’ll primarily use a handheld scanner (often a Zebra device or similar) to scan barcodes, a cart to transport items, and potentially a ladder or step stool to reach higher bins. You’ll also be equipped with safety gear such as gloves and safety shoes.

What happens if I scan an item and the scanner gives me an error message?

The error message indicates a problem – perhaps the item doesn’t belong in that bin, the bin is full, or there’s a discrepancy in the system. Immediately investigate the error. Double-check the item’s barcode and the bin’s barcode. If you still can’t resolve the issue, seek assistance from a supervisor or experienced associate. Never override the scanner’s warnings without proper authorization.

How is my performance measured as a stower?

Your performance is typically measured by units stowed per hour and accuracy rate. Amazon uses sophisticated tracking systems to monitor these metrics and provide feedback to help you improve.

What’s the biggest challenge new stowers face?

Many new stowers find it challenging to balance speed and accuracy. It’s tempting to rush to meet the unit-per-hour target, but accuracy should always be the priority. Inaccurate stowing can lead to significant problems down the line, negating any gains in speed.

How can I improve my stowing speed without sacrificing accuracy?

Focus on efficient movements, organization, and familiarity with the scanner. Minimize wasted motion, keep your work area tidy, and learn the scanner’s shortcuts and features. As you gain experience, your speed will naturally increase. Be sure to actively track your “tact time” to stay on track.

What are some common mistakes stowers make?

Common mistakes include incorrectly scanning items or bins, overfilling bins, placing heavy items on top of lighter items, and ignoring scanner error messages. Paying attention to detail and following procedures diligently can prevent these errors.

What if a bin is already full?

The scanner will typically alert you if a bin is full. In that case, the scanner will provide options for alternate bins to stow the item in.

How important is physical fitness for a stowing role?

Stowing can be physically demanding, as it involves standing for long periods, lifting items, and walking around the fulfillment center. However, the physical demands vary depending on the specific role and the size/weight of the items you’re handling. Maintain an active lifestyle outside of work to improve your stamina and strength.

Is there room for advancement in the stowing department?

Yes, Amazon offers various opportunities for advancement. With experience and a strong performance record, you can potentially move into roles such as lead stower, process assistant, or other positions within the fulfillment center.

What is the best way to communicate with supervisors on the floor?

Communicate clearly and respectfully. If you have a question or concern, approach your supervisor in a timely manner and explain the issue concisely. Use the designated communication channels (e.g., radios, scanners) as instructed.

Are all Amazon Fulfillment Centers the same?

No, fulfillment centers vary in size, layout, and the types of products they handle. Some centers specialize in specific categories, such as apparel, electronics, or groceries. This means the stowing process can vary slightly from one center to another. Be prepared to adapt to the specific requirements of your assigned facility.

Mastering the art of stowing at Amazon takes dedication, attention to detail, and a commitment to following procedures. By understanding the process, prioritizing accuracy, and continuously striving to improve, you can become a valuable asset to Amazon’s fulfillment network. Good luck!