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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 975412 times)

    Offline Hjay

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4380 on: March 23, 2020, 08:30:54 PM »
    Anyone have any luck opening up restricted essential/Household staples listings from sending FBA?

    Even if u get it open, you might still have 30 day ship times. Most of my items now say they will be delivered April 21 & I can still create new shipments…

    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4381 on: March 23, 2020, 08:59:57 PM »
    Even if u get it open, you might still have 30 day ship times. Most of my items now say they will be delivered April 21 & I can still create new shipments…
    Not by me
    Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

    Offline ~King Lake~

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4382 on: March 25, 2020, 10:30:07 AM »
    Good for keeping your kids entertained
    If anyone is interested in buying this and getting back full refund in exchange for a 5 review please PM me
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JZLFSTV/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_1Q2EEb6EDBYY3
    Only 1 first come first serve
    I’m in shape, round is a shape…

    Offline ~King Lake~

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4383 on: March 25, 2020, 02:39:21 PM »
    Good for keeping your kids entertained
    If anyone is interested in buying this and getting back full refund in exchange for a 5 review please PM me
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JZLFSTV/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_1Q2EEb6EDBYY3
    Only 1 first come first serve
    sold
    I’m in shape, round is a shape…

    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4384 on: March 30, 2020, 12:22:53 PM »
    Buying shipping thru amazon seems to be down
    Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

    Offline zale

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4385 on: April 03, 2020, 06:44:51 PM »
    Probably been asked many times before. What do most people do over a three day Yom Tov for FBA items? Set up an auto responder? Put the whole store in vacation mode?

    Offline nobiggy

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4386 on: April 05, 2020, 10:12:17 AM »
    Probably been asked many times before. What do most people do over a three day Yom Tov for FBA items? Set up an auto responder? Put the whole store in vacation mode?

    I put my gmail account on auto respond which responds to emails from buyers.

    As for sales I let it run, ask your LOR what he holds and you can't put FBA items on vacation mode.

    Offline zale

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4387 on: April 05, 2020, 10:14:24 AM »
    I put my gmail account on auto respond which responds to emails from buyers.

    As for sales I let it run, ask your LOR what he holds and you can't put FBA items on vacation mode.
    Thanks. Can you give me an idea of what the auto-reply message looks like?

    Do you say you are on vacation or just say “we will try to respond as soon as possible”?

    Offline nobiggy

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    Offline nobiggy

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4389 on: April 05, 2020, 10:15:44 AM »
    Thanks. Can you give me an idea of what the auto-reply message looks like?

    Do you say you are on vacation or just say “we will try to respond as soon as possible”?

    Out of the office from x - x and we will respond to all your questions when we get back.

    Offline plainbachur

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4390 on: April 05, 2020, 07:28:18 PM »
    if any one is buying shipping thru amazon or any service pm me i have a way to save you a  lot of money

    Offline lifetimedeals

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4391 on: April 07, 2020, 02:06:51 PM »
    Trying to ask a important question from buyer regarding a product he's returning but system doesn't allow me to send a message which is insane and can cause to lose money on this, should I call the phone number arrange other method to send label? Does seller central have a solution how to contact customer ?
    « Last Edit: April 07, 2020, 03:06:01 PM by lifetimedeals »

    Offline helpinghand

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4392 on: April 20, 2020, 12:15:40 AM »
    Sometimes they will not let you contact the buyer once the return is initiated. Was it an FBA sale? And just FYI the phone number may be a relay phone number, meaning the call goes to an Amazon system that would connect you to the customer (Used to protect the customers from spam) so Amazon may flag you for calling the customer if you were not supposed to be calling (as phone number are suppose to be used to arrange the shipment only)

    Offline helpinghand

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4393 on: April 20, 2020, 12:15:53 AM »
    I am new to reselling any help would be greatly appreciated.

    I currently am selling on amazon and I don’t yet have any business paperwork setup, although I plan to setup some kind of sole proprietorship in NJ sometime this year.

    As far as sales tax I’m currently being charged on goods purchased for resale, would I be able to get a refund on those taxes that were paid before my business formation? How long after paying the sales tax (I.e. buying the goods) can i claim the refund? And so I have to save all receipts to get the refund?

    Thanks

    Offline Yehudaa

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4394 on: April 21, 2020, 04:50:39 PM »
    In case this is relevant to anyone here:

    Good news for merchants:

    "Beginning next week, search results on the Google Shopping tab will consist primarily of free listings, helping merchants better connect with consumers, regardless of whether they advertise on Google."

    https://blog.google/products/shopping/its-now-free-to-sell-on-google/

    Offline Hjay

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4395 on: April 28, 2020, 07:48:58 AM »
    If a carton is both the product as well as the carton I put 2 labels on it? Amazon UPC & carton label?

    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4396 on: April 28, 2020, 01:18:18 PM »
    If a carton is both the product as well as the carton I put 2 labels on it? Amazon UPC & carton label?
    Yes
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    Offline Hjay

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4397 on: May 04, 2020, 12:14:27 AM »
    I just tried creating a shipment for gummies & I got a message they’re not fulfilling this item. This is the first time I’m seeing them enforce this. I’ve been selling for a few years & got the warning every year, this is the first time it’s being enforced on me. If anybody has any experience please pm me. TIA

    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4398 on: May 04, 2020, 12:23:24 PM »
    I just tried creating a shipment for gummies & I got a message they’re not fulfilling this item. This is the first time I’m seeing them enforce this. I’ve been selling for a few years & got the warning every year, this is the first time it’s being enforced on me. If anybody has any experience please pm me. TIA
    i have it every year
    Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4399 on: May 04, 2020, 12:24:23 PM »
    I just tried creating a shipment for gummies & I got a message they’re not fulfilling this item. This is the first time I’m seeing them enforce this. I’ve been selling for a few years & got the warning every year, this is the first time it’s being enforced on me. If anybody has any experience please pm me. TIA
    You can only create until may 1st and they let you sell until may 15th
    Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...