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    Selling On Amazon
    When signing up for an account there are two options. If you're just starting out, get the Individual Plan, you can upgrade the account whenever you want.

    Individual Selling PlanProfessional Selling Plan
    $0.99 fee for each item sold. If you sell 40+ items/month, you will need the Professional plan.  Flat fee of $39.99/month and more powerful and flexible tools to manage inventory, reports, feeds and access to web services.

    Amazon is an amazing platform that offers great opportunities for starting a business and making money. However when starting out, take it slow.
    There is much to learn and get used to. Before investing all your savings on a product you hope will quickly turn a profit take the time to familiarize yourself with the system.
    Perhaps start out with a smaller investment just to get your feet wet. Go through the basic guidelines offered by Amazon here.

    Below are tips, clarifications and insights from members of this forum. Feel free to pitch in or ask you questions.

    Some factors to consider before investing in a product to sell:

    1) Price: How much did the item cost you? Have you taken into account shipping costs (both to you and to the customer)? Will you have to pay taxes? Amazon keeps a percentage of every sale (including shipping fees). It’s 15% for most product categories besides a few like electronics that are 8%. You can see the full schedule of fees here. There are several online tools to help you price your products including an FBA Revenue Calculator here and an Amazon built iOS app. A quick way to figure out how much you’d need to charge just to break even after amazon fees is to take the total product cost and then multiply it by 1.1766 (for 15% fees) or 1.087 (for 8% fees).

    2) Velocity:  How fast will the item sell? It's nice to find a product for $10 that you can flip for $100.  But if you’ll only sell 1 a year, it won’t be a very good investment. The best way to determine the velocity of an item is to check the sales rank. Sales rank indicates the popularity of a product compared to other products in its category. The lower the ranking the more popular it is. The iOS app has sales rank baked in too. To get a proper feel for the turnaround time of an item, you'll need to dip your toes in slowly. Note: An item may have a great sales rank due to a recent sale, make sure to check price history on camelcamelcamel.com or keepa.com to get a better picture of the real price and rank of an item.

    3) Return Rate: Even after you sold a few laptops and tablets profitably, you'll have to take into account that a buyer may want to return the item. Certain items have higher rates of return, so make sure to take that into account when deciding whether it's profitable/worth your effort to sell the item.


    Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA):
    The seller sends the items to Amazon warehouse. Amazon takes care of fulfilling the order, and customer service related to the order.

    Pro's Of FBA
    Con's Of FBA
    • Easier to get in the Buy Box
    • You're able to offer Prime shipping
    • For anything above $300, Amazon only charges the standard referral fee. This actually makes FBA cheaper when you take the discounted shipping to Amazon into account.
    • If you have a large or heavy item, shipping the item to the customer can be expensive especially if it is going to a residential address. If you send that item to amazon FBA charges will be much lower than your shipping would have cost. (Including shipping it to FBA)

    • Returns (See this post for a more detailed explanation)
      • Returns are accepted without any restocking fee.
      • Items that are Damaged/missing parts are taken back.
      • Since Amazons is super lax on returns, your return rate will be significantly higher.
      • Refunds may harm your cash flow. When a buyer selects "Return" on his order history, often Amazon will immediately issue him a refund, and debit your account.
    • If the item is not a fast selling item, it will sit in their warehouse. Amazon charges a fee for every 30 Days an item remains their warehouse, it is usually a tiny fee, but it adds up.


    Q: How can I move inventory from one ASIN to another ASIN without having them returned on FBA listings?
    A:
    Before I Teach you guys the method you must keep 2 things in mind:
    1) This Method isn't guaranteed! As we all know how seller support is operating, Since this processes involves them its only about %95 accurate but its still a YMMV!
    2) This is kind of grey whether its in violation of Amazon's policy so i do not take responsibility if you get hit!
    Its a 4 step process make sure to follow them properly! Follow this link

    Q: If I have 3 items to send into FBA and they are splitting me to 3 different locations. Can I ship all 3 items to one location?
    A:
    Yes, you can choose "Inventory Placement Service" in FBA settings to send all your inventory to one nearby warehouse. Amazon charges an additional fee ($.30, CMIIW) per item.
    Note: That even once your inventory reaches Amazon, if Amazon is moving it to a different warehouse, the item will be "back-ordered"

    Q: I'm having a hard time finding a box for a large product, can I just ship with the box the way it came from the store?
    A:
    There might not be a clear cut answer for every scenario. But, some have sold many large printers through FBA, by just putting the shipping label directly on the box and not having an issue.

    Q: What is considered case pack when sending in items to Amazon FBA?
    A:
    Case pack is when all the items in the box are from the same ASIN.

    Q: I'm doing FBA shipping for the first time. and it says "prep required". What does that mean?
    A:
    Prep Required means there is some preparation for the products that will need to be done before it could be added the the Amazon inventory. Typically, it is either labeling the items, taping the boxes shut, or poly bagging. If you do not prepare the items yourself, Amazon can/will do it for a charge.
    Q: What is the buy box? How do I win the buy box?
    A:
    The Buy Box is the box on a product detail page where customers can begin the purchasing process by adding items to their shopping carts.
    To give customers the best possible shopping experience, Sellers must meet performance-based requirements to be eligible to compete for Buy Box placement. All Buy Box eligible offers are then further evaluated to determine the Buy Box winning offer. One "New" and one "Used" condition offer, as applicable, will receive Buy Box placement.

    Q: What is an A-Z claim?
    A:
    When you buy from third-party sellers on Amazon.com, the condition of the item and its timely delivery are guaranteed under the A-to-z Guarantee.
    Therefore, a buyer may open a claim if the above is not met to his expectations.

    Q: I have an item that is handmade how do I go about selling it on?
    A:
    Create your own listing and buy a UPC code.

    Q: Any advice on packaging and shipping?
    Check the Shipping Master Thread

    Q: Why are some items on Amazon missing the Amazon sales rank number?
    A:
    Go to add a product > sell yours  it should be in the top right corner. If it's not there usually it means no one bought yet.

    Q: How do you compare Ebay/paypal fees to Amazon fees?
    A:
    Depends on the category. For a lot of categories,Please Update Categories it may be cheaper, as with Amazon there is just one fee, but for eBay sales there also is a Paypal fee.

    Does the Amazon sales rank mean a lot when researching a product to sell?
    A:
    Yes





    Q: How do I get customers to leave feedback (I tried emails)? I sold multiple items
    recently and no feedback yet
    Please Update

    Q: I Got an email from a buyer where's my stuff? I have a Fedex/UPS delivery confirmation signature. How should I go about this?
    A:
    Firstly, tell the buyer that UPS/Fedex shows that it was signed for, and they should check if the item was delivered to a neighbor, from desk of building ect... Next open an investigation from your end with UPS/Fedex to have them do research and contact their driver of what may have happened to this item. It all depends on how co-operative the buyer is, on exactly how to precede. If they are trying to scam you, then there is not much as a seller you could do. They may open an A-Z claim (you would have to weigh your options if it is worth having a claim) Amazon may or may not grant it in your favor. I have never had this with Amazon. Such a claim is not typical.
    What is more common is if there was no signature, and tracking shows it was delivered, and the buyer is claiming they have not received it.
    For myself - Fedex has reimbursed me multiple times with such instances

    Scams
    Q: I posted an expensive item on Amazon. Somebody sent me a message, asking to clarify the condition of the item is (it was clearly stated in the description), along with a request to reply to his own email, and he'll pay through PayPal. Is there anything this buyer can so to screw me over, after I send him the item? Anything else I should know?

    A: SCAM SCAM SCAM. There is NO reason you should EVER do this. There is a reason why Amazon has this policy. This is how the scams works.
    The guy sends a FAKE email from an email account such as paypal1@realpaypal.com. In reality no money was sent to your account and its bogus. The scammers are hoping that you will think that you got the money and will send the item.
    You should report it to paypal each time. beware! always check your paypal account if the money came.
    Another reason not do this-you will get kicked off amazon for good,sometimes competitors set this up.[/list]



    Commonly used resources

    A List of lots of links to resources commonly used in Amazon selling
    http://www.asgtg.com/amazon-services/


    « Last edited by mgarfin on January 02, 2018, 09:07:51 PM »

    Author Topic: Selling on Amazon Master Thread  (Read 975272 times)

    Offline Z56

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3680 on: April 24, 2018, 01:16:57 PM »
    How / where?


    https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/reports/infringement


    I would first send a warning email to the seller For example

    I am the manufacturer of the above mentioned ASIN, the seller abcd is selling an unauthorized reproduction, and as such the product being sold does not match the product detail page, and since I never sold to any wholesaler/distributor or private business any of my product [I currently sell only on amazon.com] that means that the above mentioned seller is selling merchandise under my trademark on products that I do not manufacturer, and I feel that my trademark is used inappropriately and illegally when the above mentioned seller is selling merchandise that I do not manufacture. A test order was made, Order ID# 000000000000, and the product that arrived was not the branded product, instead an off brand product packaged in a brown piece of box arrived, pictures can be provided upon request.
    Thanks,


    “I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

    Offline chevron

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3681 on: April 24, 2018, 01:28:50 PM »
    We are not talking about reproduction. Let's say you sell a item, you own the brand. And then sellers sell your item under new asin they crested. You want those asins deleted

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3682 on: April 25, 2018, 03:29:12 AM »
    We are not talking about reproduction. Let's say you sell a item, you own the brand. And then sellers sell your item under new asin they crested. You want those asins deleted

    Just merge the listing with yours
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline RavChik

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3683 on: April 25, 2018, 10:05:53 AM »
    Home/storage/laundry items in exchange for review. Many satisfied DDFers. PM me

    Thank you Rivky. It was a good transaction. B'hatzlacha in your business!

    Offline Mr. CC

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3684 on: April 25, 2018, 08:04:38 PM »
    Thank you Rivky. It was a good transaction. B'hatzlacha in your business!
    +1

    Offline N2

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3685 on: April 26, 2018, 12:16:30 PM »
    Asking for a friend.
    I need to make a new listing with many variations ie size and color. Willing to pay. Any recommendations?
    Tia

    Offline Z56

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3686 on: May 07, 2018, 04:39:33 PM »
    Hi,

    Need help getting approved for Sub category  “Dietry supplements”

    Pleaee PM with any leads

    Thanks
    “I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

    Offline sams

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3687 on: May 13, 2018, 10:18:14 PM »
    Trying to sell few Motorola power banks on amazon ,any recommendations what to send here? Says I need test report so not fire...

    Offline Mikeoracle

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3688 on: May 14, 2018, 08:54:51 AM »
    Hi,
    Any recommendations for a good program/software to manage forecasts and inventory at FBA (and in transit), and to monitor inventory levels in our warehouse so it can trigger alerts when we need to send inventory to FBA and when we need to order more inventory from the factory.
    Ideally it should be able to be customized with our lead times, MOQ's, seasonal spikes etc...

    I've seen some names mentioned, Forecast.ly  , Restock Pro, Teikametrics, Manage by Stats etc... I was hoping for a recommendation based on successful experiences. Thanks

    Offline churnbabychurn

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3689 on: May 14, 2018, 02:49:23 PM »
    Hi,
    Any recommendations for a good program/software to manage forecasts and inventory at FBA (and in transit), and to monitor inventory levels in our warehouse so it can trigger alerts when we need to send inventory to FBA and when we need to order more inventory from the factory.
    Ideally it should be able to be customized with our lead times, MOQ's, seasonal spikes etc...

    I've seen some names mentioned, Forecast.ly  , Restock Pro, Teikametrics, Manage by Stats etc... I was hoping for a recommendation based on successful experiences. Thanks
    Restockpro is okay

    Offline Rivky

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3690 on: May 15, 2018, 11:11:19 AM »
    Thank you Rivky. It was a good transaction. B'hatzlacha in your business!

    +1

    Thanks! Anyone else want home/kitchen items in exchange for review? PM me.

    Offline Z56

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3691 on: May 15, 2018, 11:16:32 AM »
    Hi,
    Any recommendations for a good program/software to manage forecasts and inventory at FBA (and in transit), and to monitor inventory levels in our warehouse so it can trigger alerts when we need to send inventory to FBA and when we need to order more inventory from the factory.
    Ideally it should be able to be customized with our lead times, MOQ's, seasonal spikes etc...

    I've seen some names mentioned, Forecast.ly  , Restock Pro, Teikametrics, Manage by Stats etc... I was hoping for a recommendation based on successful experiences. Thanks

    seller cloud
    “I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

    Offline sam2015

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3692 on: May 15, 2018, 07:32:26 PM »
    Anyone else receive this email from Amazon?

    "Amazon has received a valid and binding legal demand from the New York State Department of Revenue (DOR) requiring that Amazon disclose the following information about your business:

    • Contact information (name, address, and federal tax ID number)
    • Total amount of your Amazon.com sales during the 2014 calendar year
    • Total amount of your Amazon sales made to New York customers during the 2014 calendar year

    To comply with our obligations under the law, we plan to provide this information to the DOR by June 1, 2018, for all Amazon.com sellers who have not elected to use our tax calculation services for sales to customers in New York. In many cases, sellers who register and file taxes in New York already provide information about their Amazon.com sales as part of their tax filings. Because each seller’s business and tax needs are unique, we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor to answer any questions you might have.

    You can also refer to the following resources in Seller Central: 

    • Solution Provider Network, a directory with information about several experienced tax advisors: https://services.amazon.com/solution-providers/#/search/US/tax?localeSelection=en_US 
    • Tax calculation services, optional services for calculating U.S. sales and use taxes: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/help/G200787660 

    Thank you for selling on Amazon. 

    Sincerely,
    Amazon Services"

    Offline yossi1

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3693 on: May 15, 2018, 09:35:02 PM »
    Yes got the same

    Offline Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3694 on: May 17, 2018, 12:29:28 AM »
    Hi,
    Any recommendations for a good program/software to manage forecasts and inventory at FBA (and in transit), and to monitor inventory levels in our warehouse so it can trigger alerts when we need to send inventory to FBA and when we need to order more inventory from the factory.
    Ideally it should be able to be customized with our lead times, MOQ's, seasonal spikes etc...

    I've seen some names mentioned, Forecast.ly  , Restock Pro, Teikametrics, Manage by Stats etc... I was hoping for a recommendation based on successful experiences. Thanks
    I've used ezcloud. It doesn't have all those features, but they are always adding features by request. So you can, in a sense, customize the program to your needs. Doesn't seem like it is robust enough for you, but if someone else is reading and wants a budget option....

    Offline Bukboy

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3695 on: May 24, 2018, 05:21:18 PM »
    My sales are pretty wobbly and inconsistent these days.
    Anyone else doing PL in categories like Home, Beauty, Office, Baby, having that issue?

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3696 on: May 24, 2018, 05:46:44 PM »
    My sales are pretty wobbly and inconsistent these days.
    Anyone else doing PL in categories like Home, Beauty, Office, Baby, having that issue?

    Your sales rank is wobbly or just your sales?
    If the former then you simply gotta keep improving.
    If the latter, then Gam Zeh Yaavor.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline sams

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3697 on: May 24, 2018, 07:15:50 PM »
     If you have a professional seller account not a individual account you’re less gated  on some products?

    Offline stv17

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3698 on: May 28, 2018, 11:46:14 AM »
    What's the best way of contacting buyers to give feedback?
    The last year whenever i send out feedback requests, almost 80% of my emails bounce back saying that seller has opted out of receiving messages from sellers. 

    Offline ual902

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3699 on: May 31, 2018, 12:36:43 AM »
    Question for sellers, what does "used" mean when buying on Amazon? Is it wear and tear?This is for a carry on bag for restricted flights such as spirit, wow and basic economy fares on AA or UA  etc.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B01HD5ZM4I/ref=olp_tab_all