We explore why the updated reserve policy is really a cashflow planning issue…
Amazon is updating Seller account reserve settings to what it calls its standard DD+7 disbursement model, which means that funds will now be held for seven days after delivery before becoming available.
For many Sellers, this won’t feel new – but for others, particularly older accounts, it could mark a meaningful shift in terms of working capital that will need planning for.
What is DD+7?
DD+7 acts as a buffer between customer payment and Seller disbursement, with Amazon saying it helps to make sure that any refunds and customer experience issues can be resolved before funds are released.
And globally, it’s already the standard for most Seller accounts, so this change is more about alignment than something brand new.
Under DD+7, Amazon holds payment for:
- Seven days after confirmed delivery (for tracked shipments), or
- Seven days after estimated delivery (for untracked shipments).
Funds are only moved into the Seller’s available balance once that reserve window passes, which in practice can mean that disbursements might land 8-9+ days after shipment after you factor in handling time and carrier transit too.
Importantly, Amazon is also applying DD+7 to FBA orders, so the reserve clock will be starting after delivery even where Amazon controls fulfilment and logistics.
Why it matters
It might be described as a “one-off cash flow impact,” but for those accounts moving onto DD+7, it can actually create an ongoing shift in working capital that brands need to adjust for strategically.
The impact scales with revenue, so businesses with meaningful Amazon turnover are likely to find they have more capital tied up, less immediate liquidity at peak times – especially important in Q4, for example – and greater need for accurate forecasting.
- More capital tied up in reserve.
- Less immediate liquidity during peak trading.
- Increased cashflow pressures when scaling seasonally.
- Greater need for accurate forecasting
Where Sellers need to focus now
Amazon is being structured more and more around predictability and customer protection, and Sellers need to match that discipline on the financial side.
DD+7 doesn’t change how much you earn, it changes when you receive it – so adjusting is all about forward planning.
What do our experts suggest you do now? Sellers should:
- Model your cash flow under DD+7 at seasonal peaks.
- Stress-test how you’ll fund inventory through high-growth periods.
- Align your stock ordering and supplier terms with a longer payment cycle.
- Review your external funding or credit arrangements where needed.
- And build longer reserve delays into your financial forecasting.
And for FBA-heavy accounts in particular?
A strong understanding of how Amazon-controlled delivery timelines affect the timing of your disbursements will be key.
The Bottom Line
DD+7 is a structural change that makes working capital management as important as traffic, conversion and media efficiency, especially for growing brands.
We see the Sellers who continue to scale confidently through 2026 and beyond as those who plan their liquidity like they plan their growth.
And if you’d like expert support to model the commercial impact of Amazon policy shifts on your business? Our team is here to help – get in touch today.