Topic Wiki

    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 975569 times)

    Offline yakov116

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1240 on: September 07, 2014, 11:43:21 PM »
    my bad, when selling an item without fba, does amazon always credit the shipping fees back to the seller? if so, whats the pro of the reduced shipping rates to amazon with fba, if this always gets credited back?
    Ok just keep in mind were not on twitter and you are not limited to the number of characters. Please use periods and capitalization when needed.
    /rant   

    Money talks...mine says goodbye!

    Offline EP123

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1241 on: September 08, 2014, 12:59:16 PM »
    so what are shipping credits?
    Shipping credits is something you only see in the free accounts, it means how much they collected for shipping, a free seller cannot set shipping rates, amazon sets it for you and gives you that "credit". Meaning if you sell an item for $30, it will show up for lets says $30+$6.49 shipping. Amazon will then give u ur money for the sale after their fees, plus they will give you a "$6.49 shipping credit"


    Offline yossi1

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1242 on: September 08, 2014, 01:21:32 PM »
    +1

    It does not pay to mess around (if you want to keep your selling account active)

    if you always send in the same cases count  to problem  if you keep up change-it   then you will got a call
    i did
     

    Offline lifetimedeals

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1243 on: September 09, 2014, 10:27:39 PM »
    can a seller have more then one selling account on amazon? like if someone wants to have different name for different product lines?

    Offline DealRaider

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1244 on: September 09, 2014, 11:15:26 PM »
    Yes but you need to ask for permission first. If you dont then youll most likely get both accounts suspended

    Offline lifetimedeals

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1245 on: September 09, 2014, 11:42:17 PM »
    Yes but you need to ask for permission first. If you dont then youll most likely get both accounts suspended
    how do you ask for permission and what is it called?

    Offline Yeki89

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1246 on: September 10, 2014, 12:01:07 AM »
    I have only seen one company with 2 accounts. They know 2 account you can vget 2x buy box.

    I will not divulge the company online as it is a yid that will lose parnossa if amazon searches this....

    Offline Tzadik Nistar

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1247 on: September 10, 2014, 12:11:46 AM »
    Alot of big companies on Amazon have 2 accounts as Amazon constantly closes accounts

    Offline DealRaider

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1248 on: September 10, 2014, 10:10:43 AM »
    how do you ask for permission and what is it called?

    Ive never done it but I remember reading that if you want a second Account (the "right way") according to Amazon rules you need to email Seller Support and ask. I also understand that you would not be allowed to sell the same products even if you were given permission for a second account. You would probably have to email Seller Support and tell them that you currently sell products x,y,z/ this category type of product  and you would like to start selling a different category and you feel blah blah blah something about customer brand loyalty etc etc and ask for permission maybe say how youve been a long time seller and have a good record and would like to continue your offerings blahbity blah blah etc. Thank you for your help and support. Sincerely, blah.

    Feel free to copy and paste that lol  ;D

    Edit: I forgot to add that if you really needed it and were denied the request there have been other ways of getting a second account listed here in this thread. But I dont think Amazon would approve

    Offline Menachemfrombp

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1249 on: September 10, 2014, 01:40:01 PM »
    Hi,
     im new to the amazon thing and i wanna open a amazon sellers account is it a problem if someone already had a amazon sellers account from this computer and he closed it without any problems he was just not into it and now i wanna try it through that same computer,

    1. so can i use that computer to open the new seller account?
    2. and after can i sign in from a different places like office or cellphone etc to that account or only from the computer i used to open it?

    tia

    Offline dave

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1250 on: September 10, 2014, 01:51:43 PM »
    Hi,
     im new to the amazon thing and i wanna open a amazon sellers account is it a problem if someone already had a amazon sellers account from this computer and he closed it without any problems he was just not into it and now i wanna try it through that same computer,

    1. so can i use that computer to open the new seller account?
    2. and after can i sign in from a different places like office or cellphone etc to that account or only from the computer i used to open it?

    tia
    It shouldn't be I did on my computer
    To be on the safe side contact seller support and have them confirm on email that it isn't

    Offline EP123

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1251 on: September 10, 2014, 02:42:23 PM »
    I have only seen one company with 2 accounts. They know 2 account you can vget 2x buy box.

    I will not divulge the company online as it is a yid that will lose parnossa if amazon searches this....
    Only one? Peyos = 2 accounts

    Offline Menachemfrombp

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1252 on: September 10, 2014, 04:03:34 PM »
    It shouldn't be I did on my computer
    To be on the safe side contact seller support and have them confirm on email that it isn't
    thnx and what abt #2 is that ok

    Offline dave

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1253 on: September 10, 2014, 07:49:22 PM »
    thnx and what abt #2 is that ok
    Why not? Do u work by a amazon seller? If yes then don't sign in

    Offline DealRaider

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1254 on: September 12, 2014, 10:36:59 AM »
    Story with Iphone 6?

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1255 on: September 12, 2014, 12:30:09 PM »
    Issues are:

    Returns are accepted without any restocking fee. Although per Amazon policy item has to be in 'new' condition, I have received returns that were damaged by recipient, used for 30 days.
    Returns will be accepted for items missing original box, and even missing components (making resale of returned item harder)

    Additionally, there are a lot of abusive buyers that use Amazons return policy to steal items, and components.
    Buyers may swap the item with a dummy items, and the return will be accepted, and Buyers may deliberate take components (opened computers missing essential components). - for these 2 issues, Amazon should reimburse you, but you will have to be on top of it, and open a case, and follow thru with information needed by Amazon.

    If I got a return which Amazon classifies as "customer damaged", can/will I get a refund from Amazon?
    Also, where can I view all the pending/completed FBA returns?
    Visibly Jewish

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1256 on: September 12, 2014, 12:57:29 PM »
    If I got a return which Amazon classifies as "customer damaged", can/will I get a refund from Amazon?
    Also, where can I view all the pending/completed FBA returns?
    Customer Damage means the item is not sellable as new anymore.

    In the event that there is missing contents then you could get a reimbursement from Amazon.

    Items broken even intentionally by the buyers do not qualify for reimbursement.

    Go to Reports Tab, select fulfillment.

    On the left hand side you will see

    Customer Concessions
    Returns

    There you will see the items that were returned.

    If you requested a removal order, and want to see details of that it will be by:

    Removals
    Recommended Removal
    Removal Order Detail
    Removal Shipment Detail


    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1257 on: September 12, 2014, 01:08:38 PM »
    Customer Damage means the item is not sellable as new anymore.

    In the event that there is missing contents then you could get a reimbursement from Amazon.

    Items broken even intentionally by the buyers do not qualify for reimbursement.

    Go to Reports Tab, select fulfillment.

    On the left hand side you will see

    Customer Concessions
    Returns

    There you will see the items that were returned.

    If you requested a removal order, and want to see details of that it will be by:

    Removals
    Recommended Removal
    Removal Order Detail
    Removal Shipment Detail

    Thanks, that was a big help.
    You say "In the event that there is missing contents then you could get a reimbursement from Amazon."

    Is it possible to know if a return is missing contents without first creating a removal order and inspecting the item?
    « Last Edit: September 12, 2014, 01:13:02 PM by yuneeq »
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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1258 on: September 12, 2014, 01:30:58 PM »
    Thanks, that was a big help.
    You say "In the event that there is missing contents then you could get a reimbursement from Amazon."

    Is it possible to know if a return is missing contents without first creating a removal order and inspecting the item?
    You could send a message to Amazon for them to request the fulfillment center to inspect the item, sometimes they have inspected, sometimes they responded that I should request a removal order, and then report back to Amazon.

    Offline Newcc

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #1259 on: September 15, 2014, 06:16:22 PM »
    Anyone here sell on sears.com?