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 975984 times)

    Offline ya

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2560 on: March 09, 2016, 01:08:13 PM »
    Maybe learn how to do it yourself, checkout http://rocketrefunds.com
    I do it myself. But with 1000s of orders and 10s of thousands of units being shipped to amazon per month you miss some. I use them as a back up as they don't open a case for 45 days. Software always catching something a human missed.

    Offline Emkay

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    Offline Emkay

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2562 on: March 10, 2016, 02:21:41 PM »
    Amazon.com is down now?

    Offline rivkao

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2563 on: March 10, 2016, 02:22:07 PM »

    Offline Centro

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2564 on: March 10, 2016, 02:26:08 PM »
    Amazon.com is down now?
    @KolHaolam: SEATTLE: Online retail giant Amazon seems to be down for many people.

    Offline tec

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2565 on: March 14, 2016, 10:21:36 AM »
    Is there a reverse FBA calculator (meaning, I can put in the lowest amount I need to make and it will tell me how much I would need to sell it for to make that amount)?

    Offline afro

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2566 on: March 15, 2016, 08:05:49 AM »
    Is there a reverse FBA calculator (meaning, I can put in the lowest amount I need to make and it will tell me how much I would need to sell it for to make that amount)?

    Seller central all tells you what your net proceeds are from an item, that's the lowest you can go. See pic I attached, the lowest you can go on that item is $4.08
    I will not respond to PM about the UPS method.

    I will not respond to PM about the BBLD method.

    Offline sam123

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2567 on: March 15, 2016, 08:20:24 AM »
    That's still not a reverse calculator, (for eBay/PayPal there's available such a calculator from a third party).

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2568 on: March 15, 2016, 09:41:43 AM »
    Is there a reverse FBA calculator (meaning, I can put in the lowest amount I need to make and it will tell me how much I would need to sell it for to make that amount)?


    Send me a pm
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    Offline sam123

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    Two New Programs Any Amazon FBA seller MUST sign up today!
    « Reply #2569 on: March 15, 2016, 11:26:56 AM »
    Amazon owes you ALLOT of money for lost/damaged/refunded inventory! These 2 new programs will get yo back all 'your' money, the first gives you the numbers they owe you (You'll be shocked, i promise!) and the second will open the cases with amazon for you, Just follow the simple steps below:

    1) First Go to https://www.amzrefund.com open an account and follow a few simple steps, they'll quickly show you the total money Amazon owes you from the beginning of your selling on amazon!

    They offer an option to buy the detailed report and open the cases yourself with Amazon for an %8 fee of the total amazon owes you, But you don't have to do it yourself, rather...

    2) Go to http://www.amzsuite.com enter you email address, Follow the instructions in the email you'll receive, ones its all setup they'll start to open cases with amazon on your behalf for the lost/damaged/refunded inventory of last 365 days, (that's why you should do it today! Amazon don't reimburse for old inventory, Thieves! right?) and charge you only $1.50 for successful reimbursements!

    Good Luck!

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Two New Programs Any Amazon FBA seller MUST sign up today!
    « Reply #2570 on: March 15, 2016, 12:11:57 PM »
    Amazon owes you ALLOT of money for lost/damaged/refunded inventory! These 2 new programs will get yo back all 'your' money, the first gives you the numbers they owe you (You'll be shocked, i promise!) and the second will open the cases with amazon for you, Just follow the simple steps below:

    1) First Go to https://www.amzrefund.com open an account and follow a few simple steps, they'll quickly show you the total money Amazon owes you from the beginning of your selling on amazon!

    They offer an option to buy the detailed report and open the cases yourself with Amazon for an %8 fee of the total amazon owes you, But you don't have to do it yourself, rather...

    2) Go to http://www.amzsuite.com enter you email address, Follow the instructions in the email you'll receive, ones its all setup they'll start to open cases with amazon on your behalf for the lost/damaged/refunded inventory of last 365 days, (that's why you should do it today! Amazon don't reimburse for old inventory, Thieves! right?) and charge you only $1.50 for successful reimbursements!

    Good Luck!

    Not sure why you need amzsuite once you know what items you deserve reimbursement for.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline sam123

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2571 on: March 15, 2016, 12:15:33 PM »
    AmzRefund.com charges %8 to for the detailed report, and you have to do the work, Vs AmzSuite charges 1.5 per reimbursement and they doing all the work.

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2572 on: March 15, 2016, 12:21:21 PM »
    AmzRefund.com charges %8 to for the detailed report, and you have to do the work, Vs AmzSuite charges 1.5 per reimbursement and they doing all the work.

    I'm not understanding.
    Are you using both options together or is it one or the other?
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline sam123

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2573 on: March 15, 2016, 12:28:35 PM »
    I'm not understanding.
    Are you using both options together or is it one or the other?

    You can use just the second, but it's good to use also the first (the free part first, just to see the total) to make sure all missing was found and reimbursed.

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2574 on: March 15, 2016, 12:36:01 PM »
    You can use just the second, but it's good to use also the first (the free part first, just to see the total) to make sure all missing was found and reimbursed.

    Okay so I originally misunderstood.
    Thought you meant to use the report from amzrefund to open cases with amzsuite.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline tylerfan

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2575 on: March 17, 2016, 01:27:28 PM »
    We will get you a line of credit, for your Amazon business. Very low interest rates and quick approvals. Pm for more info

    Offline lifetimedeals

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2576 on: March 18, 2016, 09:43:06 AM »
    Looking at our metrics I noticed there is a X at this Return Dissatisfaction Rate (Beta) also at Negative Return Feedback Rate so I was bit surprised I do know we do provide customers with return labels for damaged items and defective items in a timely manner and make sure to take care of all returns promptly, so I spoke with amazon customer support and he did look into the account reviewed some of the emails and does see that we do take care of it with on time returns and providing solid customer service, so he claims there is nothing to worry about,  however I’m concerned over these red fields with an X so he suggested I email seller performance team to  dispute the metrics to look into it as there might be a discrepancy and perhaps they can correct these incorrect metrics, the rep also added some annotation for the team to know what is happening.

    Now I wonder is it the right move to contact the seller performance team about this (maybe it’s not a good idea having them fully review the account who knows what they can find) or is it a bad idea?
    What do you think? Suggestions and advice would be appreciated.
    Thanks all.

    Offline yudamaan

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2577 on: March 18, 2016, 02:04:51 PM »
    How come as of recent all of my fba shipments are getting sent out to other fulfillment centers, why is Amazon not telling me to ship then directly to the one it will end up in?

    Offline ya

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2578 on: March 18, 2016, 02:09:12 PM »
    Looking at our metrics I noticed there is a X at this Return Dissatisfaction Rate (Beta) also at Negative Return Feedback Rate so I was bit surprised I do know we do provide customers with return labels for damaged items and defective items in a timely manner and make sure to take care of all returns promptly, so I spoke with amazon customer support and he did look into the account reviewed some of the emails and does see that we do take care of it with on time returns and providing solid customer service, so he claims there is nothing to worry about,  however I’m concerned over these red fields with an X so he suggested I email seller performance team to  dispute the metrics to look into it as there might be a discrepancy and perhaps they can correct these incorrect metrics, the rep also added some annotation for the team to know what is happening.

    Now I wonder is it the right move to contact the seller performance team about this (maybe it’s not a good idea having them fully review the account who knows what they can find) or is it a bad idea?
    What do you think? Suggestions and advice would be appreciated.
    Thanks all.

    Why not pull a report it will tell you exactly which order/s had issues.

    Offline dudi

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2579 on: March 18, 2016, 04:36:47 PM »
    How come as of recent all of my fba shipments are getting sent out to other fulfillment centers, why is Amazon not telling me to ship then directly to the one it will end up in?
    Many times amazon tell you to send your stuff to a sorting center (such as AVP1) which from there they will transfer your stuff to wherever they desire your stuff to be.