Q3

 Q3 represents a transition period for Amazon - shifting from the intense mid-year sales event (Prime Day) toward the upcoming holiday and Q4 peak season.
It’s a time when Amazon and vendors evaluate Prime Day performance, rebalance inventory, and prepare marketing and supply chain operations for the largest retail months ahead.

Key Activities in Q3:

• Prime Day Review:
  • Analyse sales results, profitability (PPM, PPPU), and ad efficiency (ACoS, ROAS).
  • Identify winning ASINs and replenish inventory for continued sales momentum.
• Post-Prime Inventory Rebalancing:
  • Clear excess stock through Warehouse Deals or promotions.
  • Optimise inbound shipments for Q4 readiness.
• Seasonal Campaign Planning:
  • Prepare for Back-to-School and Early Holiday marketing campaigns.
  • Set up Prime Exclusive Deals (PED) or Coupons for fall events.
• Operational Efficiency:
  • Monitor PIB / PIBDR (Perfect Inbound metrics) and PPOOS (Out-of-Stock rates).
  • Update VLT / PLT (Vendor & Procurement Lead Times) to ensure on-time deliveries for Q4.
• Financial Health Checks:
  • Review vendor profitability and promotional funding (VIR, PPA).
  • Plan trade term adjustments for year-end business reviews.

Benefits for Amazon:

• Post-event stability: Normalises operations after Prime Day peaks.
• Preparation window: Builds a strong logistics foundation for Q4 surge.
• Category insights: Refines pricing and assortment strategies before the holidays.

Benefits for Vendors:

• Performance optimisation: Learn from Prime Day to refine Q4 advertising and inventory.
• Stock management: Balance overstocks and prepare new seasonal SKUs.
• Strategic positioning: Secure Q4 promotional slots and funding early.

Why It Matters:
Q3 is the bridge between mid-year execution and Q4 peak. Vendors that manage post-Prime inventory and early holiday readiness effectively are more likely to outperform competitors during the critical final quarter.

Example:
In Q3 2025 (Jul–Sep), an electronics brand analyses Prime Day ad ROI, liquidates slow-moving SKUs through Outlet Deals, and ships holiday gift bundles early to meet Q4 inbound cut-off dates.

In short:
Q3 (Third Quarter) covers July through September, focusing on post-Prime Day performance analysis, inventory optimisation, and early preparation for Q4’s holiday peak.