VOC

 VOC gives Direct Fulfilment vendors greater control over their outbound logistics while still integrating with Amazon’s systems. Instead of Amazon arranging and paying for the carrier (Amazon Owned Carrier - AOC), the vendor selects, contracts, and manages the shipping provider that delivers products directly to customers.

How It Works:

• Vendor receives a Direct Fulfilment order from Amazon.
• Instead of routing through Amazon’s AOC network, the vendor ships the order using their pre-approved carrier.
• Shipping details, tracking, and delivery confirmation must be uploaded into Amazon’s systems.
• Customers see standard Amazon tracking updates, but the logistics are vendor-managed.

Benefits for Vendors:

• Flexibility: Vendors can choose carriers that suit their products (e.g., bulky, fragile, oversized items).
• Cost optimisation: Vendors may secure better rates with their own logistics partners.
• Service quality control: Ability to maintain consistent delivery standards with a preferred carrier.
• Continuity: Reduces dependency on Amazon’s carrier network capacity.

Benefits for Amazon:

• Expands the Direct Fulfilment network without adding pressure to Amazon’s own carrier agreements.
• Improves delivery performance in regions or categories where Amazon’s AOC network may be limited.
• Ensures Prime delivery standards can be met even with vendor-managed carriers.

Challenges:

• Vendor assumes full responsibility for carrier performance (on-time delivery, damages, customer satisfaction).
• Must meet Amazon’s stringent SLA requirements; poor performance may lead to suspension from VOC.
• Integration with Amazon’s tracking system must be seamless; errors can damage customer experience.

Why It Matters:
VOC is especially valuable for large vendors, oversized goods, or regional specialists, where Amazon’s carrier network might not be cost-effective or adequate. It balances vendor flexibility with Amazon’s delivery promise, ensuring customers still get Prime-level service.

Example:
A furniture vendor enrolled in Direct Fulfilment uses its own logistics partner to deliver sofas under the VOC programme. The vendor manages pickup, transit, and delivery but uploads all tracking information to Amazon, so customers see real-time updates as if shipped through Amazon.

In short:
VOC (Vendor Own Carrier) is a Direct Fulfilment option where vendors ship orders using their own carriers instead of Amazon’s AOC network, giving flexibility and control while still meeting Amazon’s service requirements.