Amazon Fitment Manager (AFM) is a tool that simplifies the process of submitting vehicle compatibility (fitment) data for automotive products on Amazon. It replaces the older AMTU system as of July 1, 2023, and is now mandatory for sellers in the Automotive & Powersports category. This guide explains how to set up AFM, why accurate fitment data matters, and how to manage it effectively.
Key Points:
- Purpose: AFM ensures products are matched to the right vehicles using ACES 3.2 XML format, improving search visibility and reducing returns.
- Requirements:
- A Professional Amazon Seller account with Automotive & Powersports category approval.
- Membership with the AutoCare Association to obtain a 4-digit Brand ID.
- Organized fitment data with standardized VCdb codes for vehicle details.
- Setup Process:
- Create and submit a small ACES 3.2 XML sample file for Amazon’s review.
- Receive approval and credentials to access Amazon’s Marketplace Web Service (MWS).
- Upload full fitment data via AFM in Seller Central.
- Maintenance:
- Regularly update fitment data for new models or product changes.
- Use tools like FlatFilePro for bulk edits, error detection, and managing fitment across multiple marketplaces.
Accurate and updated fitment data ensures your products appear in relevant searches and reduces customer frustration. Proper setup and ongoing maintenance are essential for success in the automotive category.
Amazon Fitment Manager Setup Process: 7-Step Implementation Guide
Prerequisites and Requirements
Before diving into the setup of Fitment Manager, it’s essential to ensure all account permissions, fitment data, and technical preparations are fully aligned.
Account and Membership Requirements
To access Fitment Manager, you need a Professional selling plan with approval to sell in the Automotive & Powersports category [4][5][6]. Without this category approval, the Fitment Manager option (found under Inventory → Manage Automotive Fitment Data) will remain inaccessible.
Additionally, you’ll need membership with the AutoCare Association to obtain a 4-digit Brand ID (also referred to as an AAIA brand code) [1][2]. This Brand ID is how Amazon links your ACES fitment data to your product listings. The process involves setting up an AutoCare account, submitting a brand registration application, and waiting for approval. Account activation usually takes up to 24 hours, with additional time required for the brand review [2]. Without this Brand ID, Amazon cannot connect your fitment data to the appropriate brand, effectively halting the setup process.
Preparing Your Fitment Data
To get started, gather the following key attributes: brand name, Brand ID, normalized part number, part type, and detailed vehicle information such as year, make, model, submodel, engine, drivetrain, body style, and position [1][3]. Organizing this data in a spreadsheet can help streamline the process of converting it into XML format and minimize mapping errors. For instance, a sample row might look like this: 2018 Ford F-150, 3.5L V6, 4WD, front brake pads.
Next, replace free-text vehicle descriptions with standardized VCdb numeric codes [1][3]. The Vehicle Configuration Database (VCdb) provides these codes for year/make/model/engine configurations, ensuring that your data complies with ACES 3.2 standards. For example, instead of "2019 Toyota Camry 2.5L", you’ll need to use the corresponding VCdb configuration ID. This step is crucial for Amazon’s system to accurately match your data and for the Confirmed Fit tool to function properly [3].
Once your data is well-organized, you’ll need to ensure it meets the technical requirements for file creation and validation.
Technical Setup Requirements
Creating and validating your ACES 3.2 XML files requires XML editing software [1]. Amazon specifically expects ACES 3.2 XML files that include the correct header, application, and mapping elements [1][3][4]. Start by preparing a sample ACES 3.2 XML file with a limited number of parts, following Amazon’s documentation [1][3]. This sample file will be reviewed by Amazon before granting you full access to Fitment Manager. It’s important to note that all fitment data submissions must now go through Fitment Manager exclusively [1][3][4].
Setting Up Amazon Fitment Manager
To get started with Amazon Fitment Manager, you’ll need to submit a sample file for review, wait for Amazon’s approval, and set up your access credentials.
Submitting Sample Fitment Data
Begin by creating a sample ACES 3.2 XML file with test entries. This file acts as a trial run to confirm that your data structure and formatting align with Amazon’s requirements before uploading your complete catalog. Make sure to use VCdb numerical codes and follow Amazon’s formatting guidelines to reduce errors.
Submit the sample file through your Seller Central fitment account. Amazon will review it to ensure your ACES compliance, as well as the accuracy of your data structure and formatting. If needed, make adjustments based on their feedback.
Approval Process and Credentials
Once Amazon has reviewed your sample file, they will notify you of their decision. Upon approval, they will send you ACES data provider credentials for Seller Central, which are essential for moving forward.
These credentials allow you to access your Amazon Marketplace Web Service (MWS) account. To register, select the "I want to access my own Amazon seller account with MWS" option and use the credentials provided by Amazon. After your MWS account is activated, you’ll receive your Access Key ID, Secret Key, and Amazon Merchant ID. Be sure to store these securely, as they are necessary for the final configuration steps. With your MWS credentials in hand, you can set up AMTU to begin uploading your full XML feed.
Setting Up Amazon Merchant Transfer Utility (AMTU)
To configure AMTU, log in to Seller Central using your ACES data provider credentials and download the AMTU software. Once installed, adjust the settings to match your account configuration.
Enter your MWS credentials – Access Key ID, Secret Key, and Amazon Merchant ID – to complete the setup. After verification, you can upload your full XML feed by placing the files (organized by brand) into the designated "outgoing" folder. AMTU will handle the uploads automatically based on the interval you set during the configuration process. Alternatively, the Automotive Fitment Manager now offers a more user-friendly, web-based interface that eliminates the need for software installation and folder management, streamlining the entire process.
Managing Fitment Data on Amazon
Uploading Full Fitment Feeds
Once your setup is complete, the next step is to upload your full ACES 3.2 XML feed. If you’re submitting data for multiple brands, it’s a good idea to create a separate XML file for each brand. This makes troubleshooting and organizing your data much easier. Be sure your feed aligns perfectly with the formatting of your previously approved sample file, including the correct VCdb numerical codes and structure.
Amazon’s tool for submitting fitment data is called AFM, and you can access it in Seller Central by navigating to Inventory → Automotive Fitment or Inventory → Manage Automotive Fitment Data. This web-based tool allows you to upload ACES data directly – no need to install extra software or deal with local file management.
During the upload process, double-check that your part numbers and brand names match the ASINs in your Seller Central account exactly. Amazon uses normalized part numbers and brand names to link ACES records to your listings. Any mismatch here can prevent your fitment data from showing up. Also, make sure all your products are listed under the Automotive primary category. If they aren’t, your fitment data won’t appear in Amazon’s Part Finder.
After uploading your feed, review the processing reports immediately to identify and address any errors.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Once you’ve submitted your ACES files through AFM, it’s critical to review the processing reports for any issues. Look out for problems like XML formatting errors, missing ACES elements, invalid VCdb codes, or incorrect vehicle details. Fix any errors in your source data and resubmit the files. Keep in mind that Amazon won’t add or correct fitment data for you – it’s entirely your responsibility (or your data provider’s) to supply and maintain accurate records.
After resolving any errors, make it a habit to monitor your data regularly to ensure its accuracy over time.
Updating and Maintaining Fitment Data
Managing fitment data is not a one-and-done task – it requires ongoing attention. Update your ACES files whenever you introduce new SKUs, expand vehicle coverage, or incorporate manufacturer revisions. To keep your data current, aim to republish your ACES feed on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Consistency is key when it comes to fitment data. Stick to the same identifiers across your catalog, ACES files, and Seller Central listings. This includes your AAIA brand code, Brand ID, manufacturer part number, and Amazon ASIN. Inconsistent identifiers are one of the main reasons for missing or incorrect fitment data, so keeping everything aligned is essential for smooth operations.
sbb-itb-ed4fa17
Using FlatFilePro for Fitment Data Management
Bulk Editing and Data Updates
Updating hundreds of automotive ASINs manually in Seller Central can feel like an endless chore. With FlatFilePro, you can make bulk updates through a spreadsheet-style interface, transforming what used to take hours into just minutes. Imagine updating fitment details – like vehicle years, makes, models, or trims – for 500 brake pad listings in one go. Simply export your listings, apply the changes, and push the updates back to Amazon in a single batch.
FlatFilePro also validates your data against Amazon’s requirements before submission. This step helps catch common errors, such as invalid vehicle configurations or mismatched brand and part number combinations, which could lead to fitment rejections. By ensuring that details like ASIN, brand, and part number align with ACES-standard vehicle configurations, the tool minimizes the risk of errors. Plus, it scans your catalog for listings missing fitment data and creates prioritized reports to help you tackle these gaps efficiently.
Error Detection and Reflection Engine
FlatFilePro doesn’t just simplify bulk edits – it also actively identifies and flags potential issues in your listings. The tool scans for problems that could affect fitment visibility, such as missing or incorrect brand names, invalid part numbers, mismatched parent-child variations, or incomplete vehicle compatibility fields. For example, if a brake rotor listing uses "Generic" as the brand instead of the registered brand tied to your ACES data, FlatFilePro will flag it as a potential fitment issue. Errors are grouped into categories like Product Identity, Details, and Safety, helping you prioritize and address the most critical problems first.
The Reflection Engine takes this a step further by continuously monitoring your catalog. It compares your listings with live data every night, flagging discrepancies with a red X for immediate attention. For fitment data, this means catching changes or missing information caused by competitor edits, Amazon system updates, or accidental modifications. This real-time oversight ensures your fitment data remains accurate, protecting both your conversion rates and customer trust.
Managing Fitment Data Across Multiple Marketplaces
FlatFilePro also simplifies fitment data management across different Amazon marketplaces. With its international support, you can manage fitment data for Amazon US, UK, Germany, and other regions from a single dashboard. No more juggling separate spreadsheets or logging into multiple Seller Central accounts. For instance, if you sell a universal air filter that fits specific vehicles in both the US and UK, you can set up the fitment once in FlatFilePro, adjusting for regional differences, and push it to both marketplaces.
This centralized system not only reduces manual effort but also ensures consistency across regions. It makes updates or corrections seamless when product specs or vehicle compatibility change. The built-in Activity Log tracks every modification made to your fitment data, showing what was changed and when. This feature not only helps troubleshoot issues but also provides an audit trail for compliance. FlatFilePro’s streamlined approach supports Amazon Fitment Manager’s focus on precision and efficiency, making it easier to maintain accurate and consistent fitment data across all your markets.
Conclusion
This guide has walked you through the key steps to set up Amazon Fitment Manager properly. First, ensure you’re listed in the Automotive & Powersports category. Then, gather ACES-compliant fitment data, complete with valid VCdb vehicle configurations and AutoCare brand codes. Begin with a small, clean sample feed to test your data structure, and once validated, proceed to upload your full fitment feed for all applicable ASINs. Keep a close eye on the results to catch any errors or gaps in coverage.
One of the biggest challenges sellers face is mismatched brand codes or part numbers between ACES data and Amazon listings. This disconnect often leads to fitment errors, making it hard for Amazon to link ASINs to the correct fitment records. Addressing this issue can resolve a significant portion of compatibility problems.
Stay proactive by regularly updating your ACES XML files as new model years, trims, or engines become available. Whenever you expand or adjust your coverage, upload the updated feeds and review Amazon’s error reports along with buyer feedback for signs of missing or incorrect fitment. Keeping your brand names, part numbers, and AutoCare brand codes in sync ensures that Amazon continues to match your ASINs to the right vehicle compatibility records over time.
For sellers managing extensive catalogs or operating across multiple marketplaces, tools like FlatFilePro can simplify ongoing maintenance. Features like the Reflection Engine help identify mismatches or missing data before they affect your listings, while bulk editing tools make it easy to update details across hundreds of items quickly. The Activity Log provides a compliance trail, and support for international marketplaces ensures your fitment data stays consistent across regions – all from one dashboard. Using these tools alongside regular monitoring helps maintain a precise, reliable catalog that drives sales.
In short: ACES-standard data + Amazon Fitment Manager + consistent catalog updates = accurate vehicle compatibility, higher conversions, and fewer returns.
FAQs
What are the advantages of using Amazon Fitment Manager compared to the old AMTU system?
While there isn’t a direct comparison available between Amazon Fitment Manager and the old AMTU system, Amazon Fitment Manager aims to make managing automotive product listings easier. It’s built to offer a smoother, more intuitive experience for sellers, simplifying the entire process.
How can I make sure my fitment data meets Amazon’s standards and stays accurate?
To keep your fitment data accurate and aligned with Amazon’s standards, start by carefully reviewing Amazon’s Fitment Data Guidelines for automotive products. Make sure all vehicle compatibility details – such as year, make, model, and trim – are properly formatted and include every required attribute.
Tools like Amazon’s Fitment Manager can make things easier by allowing you to upload, validate, and update your fitment data with less hassle. Additionally, conducting regular audits of your listings for errors and ensuring they stay current can help maintain compliance while boosting customer confidence.
How can I efficiently manage fitment data for Amazon listings across multiple marketplaces?
FlatFilePro makes handling fitment data and product listings across various Amazon marketplaces – like the US, UK, and Germany – easier by letting you manage everything from one account.
Thanks to its international marketplace support, you can effortlessly edit listings, correct errors, and monitor updates in real time. This not only saves time but also helps maintain consistency across different regions. It’s a great solution for sellers looking to simplify their processes and concentrate on expanding their business.