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 975885 times)

    Offline thejerseyguy

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1660 on: February 19, 2015, 01:40:49 PM »
    -1

    I ship often to APO's (and FPO's) using standard "buy shipping" with first class or priority mail, no added forms etc.
    https://www.usps.com/international/customs-forms.htm
    Do I need a customs form for packages going to an APO/FPO/DPO?
    In most cases, you'll need a customs form when you send shipments to military bases and embassies.

    Offline yochenen

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1661 on: February 19, 2015, 01:47:45 PM »
    I have a battery that i got in bulk package . and i wanna send it in to fba can i put it in bags ? or i need something else for battereis

    ??

    thanks in advance

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1662 on: February 19, 2015, 04:28:41 PM »
    I have a battery that i got in bulk package . and i wanna send it in to fba can i put it in bags ? or i need something else for battereis

    ??

    thanks in advance

    You will need to bag it if you wanna sell it.
    It's not retail packaging so you won't be able to sell under the regular listing page.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline nocknock

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1663 on: February 23, 2015, 11:39:52 AM »
    Do add-on items have a different FBA fee?

    Offline Newcc

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1664 on: February 23, 2015, 09:01:38 PM »
    Anyone having FBA orders pending? I have a lot pending, from what I could gather the only reason may be the current storms, does anyone have experience with this?

    Offline Newcc

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1665 on: February 23, 2015, 09:09:14 PM »
    Anyone having FBA orders pending? I have a lot pending, from what I could gather the only reason may be the current storms, does anyone have experience with this?

    I think I got my answer: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=238159

    Offline nocknock

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1666 on: February 25, 2015, 11:50:18 PM »
    How do I make from an exciting listing a 2 pack?

    Offline nocknock

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1667 on: February 26, 2015, 01:48:03 PM »
    How do I make from an exciting listing a 2 pack?
    Bump

    Offline The Guy

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1668 on: February 26, 2015, 01:59:40 PM »

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1669 on: February 26, 2015, 03:06:03 PM »
    How do I make from an exciting listing a 2 pack?

    Need to to use the excel template and create a variation.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline bobbell

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1670 on: March 02, 2015, 10:30:29 PM »
    excel upca barcode
    Since 2000, Selling on Amazon has been helping individuals and businesses increase sales and reach new customers.
    excel barcode generator
    Today, more than 40% of Amazon's total unit sales come from third-party selection.

    Amazon is the world’s largest online retail selling site. When most people buy something on Amazon they think they are buying from Amazon, but third party sellers sell over 33% of all items sold on Amazon.

    I started my online selling career on eBay in 1999. In 2006 I became a seller on Amazon. Our Amazon business never really took off until 2010 when I joined the Amazon FBA program (I will explain this below). Now our Amazon business dwarfs our eBay business. We are selling approximately 6 to 7 items on Amazon for each one sold on eBay.
    « Last Edit: March 02, 2015, 10:34:14 PM by bobbell »

    Offline grodnoking

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1671 on: March 18, 2015, 09:28:57 PM »
    Who are you?!
    I'm not who you think I am.

    Offline grodnoking

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1672 on: March 18, 2015, 09:29:21 PM »
    excel upca barcode
    Since 2000, Selling on Amazon has been helping individuals and businesses increase sales and reach new customers.
    excel barcode generator
    Today, more than 40% of Amazon's total unit sales come from third-party selection.

    Amazon is the world’s largest online retail selling site. When most people buy something on Amazon they think they are buying from Amazon, but third party sellers sell over 33% of all items sold on Amazon.

    I started my online selling career on eBay in 1999. In 2006 I became a seller on Amazon. Our Amazon business never really took off until 2010 when I joined the Amazon FBA program (I will explain this below). Now our Amazon business dwarfs our eBay business. We are selling approximately 6 to 7 items on Amazon for each one sold on eBay.

    Whats this a sales.pitch for?

    I'm not who you think I am.

    Offline grodnoking

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1673 on: March 18, 2015, 09:30:26 PM »
    [quote name="etech0" post=1094558 timestamp=1426723256]
    Interesting! I bought it from ebay cuz it was cheaper than amazon :)

    It came with a little slip that said that it's a gift from... me.
    [/quote]
    Maybe he did fulfil by amazon, then wrote a coupon code to lessen the price, and shipped to you thru ebay, and saved $ on shipping?<br/>
    Is this possible to do?
    I'm not who you think I am.

    Offline smart brit

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1674 on: March 20, 2015, 03:58:49 PM »
    Anyone here selling clothing on Amazon?
    Experience with listing a new line of products in that category on Amazon?
    Thanks

    Offline Tzadik Nistar

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1675 on: March 24, 2015, 05:05:24 PM »
    A amazon customer emailed me that he bought multiple units of my item FBA and would like to get a discount.

    I go in to the order and I see that he bought 3 units of one item, and amazon refunded him a partial refund of $5 on each unit.
    So I go ahead and emailed amazon whats the refund about.

    This was the answer
    Quote
    Why was the refund issued?
    -----------------------------
    Since this order was fulfilled by Amazon, the buyer contacted our Customer Support department regarding a refund for this order. We are unable to give the reason for the refund as we do not have the provision to look into the communication between an Amazon Customer and the Customer Service team, maintaining the buyers' confidentiality. However, a kind suggestion would be to contact the customer directly to know what might have gone wrong.

    What about the item in the order?
    -----------------------------------------
    As a standard 45-day return policy set in place, usually if sellers' customers ask for a refund from the Customer Service team, the customer has 45 days to return the product to our fulfillment centers. Once the unit is returned, it will be evaluated and put in the condition in which it was returned (fulfillable or unfulfillable). If the customer does not return the unit within this time-frame of 45 days, you will receive a reimbursement automatically. I kindly request you to wait for 45 days as per our policy, for an automatic reimbursement to your account after the refund has been issued, in case the product does not return.
    I contacted them again and told them that this can't be a return as it's coded as "Other concession" and it was a partial refund x 3 and not one full refund.
    And the answer.
    Quote
    Dear seller,

    Thank you for writing back to us.

    Please know that this appears to be an error from the customer service team side. Please also note that we have kept them informed of the same so that it does not occur again.

    We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with us in this regard.

    Thank you for selling with Amazon,

    Now my question is, I don't have the time to go over all my orders on a daily basis and check for these stuff. how do I know something like this dosen't happen again.
    Amazon is a big company and they shouldn't be allowed to just steel my money for no good reason.

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1676 on: March 24, 2015, 05:08:02 PM »
    A amazon customer emailed me that he bought multiple units of my item FBA and would like to get a discount.

    I go in to the order and I see that he bought 3 units of one item, and amazon refunded him a partial refund of $5 on each unit.
    So I go ahead and emailed amazon whats the refund about.

    This was the answerI contacted them again and told them that this can't be a return as it's coded as "Other concession" and it was a partial refund x 3 and not one full refund.
    And the answer.
    Now my question is, I don't have the time to go over all my orders on a daily basis and check for these stuff. how do I know something like this dosen't happen again.
    Amazon is a big company and they shouldn't be allowed to just steel my money for no good reason.

    IINM Amazon automatically reimburses for these type of concessions.
    At least in theory.

    If you're worried, you can always find out about such refunds when Amazon emails about giving a customer a refund.
    you don't need to check every single order.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline Ask5599

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1677 on: March 24, 2015, 07:52:46 PM »
    Can some one please help me. I would like to sell a item on Amazon but when I try to add the item to the seller account I can't put in the condition "new" it only allows me to put in used or refurbished. What's the reasoning and how can I get around it. 

    Offline Tzadik Nistar

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1678 on: March 24, 2015, 07:59:00 PM »
    Can some one please help me. I would like to sell a item on Amazon but when I try to add the item to the seller account I can't put in the condition "new" it only allows me to put in used or refurbished. What's the reasoning and how can I get around it.
    Certain brands are restricted from selling as new, unless you are authorized reseller and approved by Amazon

    Offline Ask5599

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1679 on: March 25, 2015, 01:28:53 PM »

    Certain brands are restricted from selling as new, unless you are authorized reseller and approved by Amazon
    is there any way I can sell the item if I am a new seller?