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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 975889 times)

    Offline joe1234

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2880 on: July 24, 2016, 09:17:51 AM »
    Shochad cannot "practically" blind if it's muttar, but I get your point that you think it's dishonest.
    I disagree that it's dishonest, because as long as it's done with a disclaimer, there's no dishonesty and it's a legally accepted practice.]

    you agree that's if it's illegel even according to US law then it blinds?? I find it hard to believe that because it's illegal that's why it blinds. I see it the other way, that it blinds and that's why they made it illegal. So just because it's legal on Amazon doesn't make it that it doesn't blind.
    P.S. I beleive that even though it blinds you can definitely get the free item on Amazon with a disclaimer. After all it is legal. So enjoy!

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2881 on: July 24, 2016, 01:33:10 PM »
    you agree that's if it's illegel even according to US law then it blinds?? I find it hard to believe that because it's illegal that's why it blinds. I see it the other way, that it blinds and that's why they made it illegal. So just because it's legal on Amazon doesn't make it that it doesn't blind.
    P.S. I beleive that even though it blinds you can definitely get the free item on Amazon with a disclaimer. After all it is legal. So enjoy!

    Can't really comprehend what you wrote, but it seems that you have no idea what the FTC's rules are:

    According to the FTC, it is legal to review free or discounted products if you post a disclaimer.
    Amazon follows the same guidelines (duh) with some extra restrictions.

    Visibly Jewish

    Offline sruly101

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2882 on: July 24, 2016, 02:28:59 PM »
    Anybody have experience getting ungated in grocery?
    +1 I have the same question

    Offline joe1234

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2883 on: July 24, 2016, 03:36:44 PM »
    you agree that's if it's illegel even according to US law then it blinds?? I find it hard to believe that because it's illegal that's why it blinds. I see it the other way, that it blinds and that's why they made it illegal. So just because it's legal on Amazon doesn't make it that it doesn't blind.
    P.S. I beleive that even though it blinds you can definitely get the free item on Amazon with a disclaimer. After all it is legal. So enjoy!
    [/quote]
    Can't really comprehend what you wrote, but it seems that you have no idea what the FTC's rules are:

    According to the FTC, it is legal to review free or discounted products if you post a disclaimer.
    Amazon follows the same guidelines (duh) with some extra restrictions.

    i said that indeed it is legal but it still blinds

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2884 on: July 24, 2016, 03:53:21 PM »
    you agree that's if it's illegel even according to US law then it blinds?? I find it hard to believe that because it's illegal that's why it blinds. I see it the other way, that it blinds and that's why they made it illegal. So just because it's legal on Amazon doesn't make it that it doesn't blind.
    P.S. I beleive that even though it blinds you can definitely get the free item on Amazon with a disclaimer. After all it is legal. So enjoy!

    i said that indeed it is legal but it still blinds

    Who is it blinding and why do you care?
    Please think a moment before answering.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline joe1234

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2885 on: July 24, 2016, 04:13:19 PM »
    Who is it blinding and why do you care?
    Please think a moment before answering.

    it only blinds the one writing the reveiw, and as i explained i couldnt care less

    P.S. I beleive that even though it blinds you can definitely get the free item on Amazon with a disclaimer. After all it is legal. So enjoy!
    i said that indeed it is legal but it still blinds

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2886 on: July 24, 2016, 08:30:43 PM »
    it only blinds the one writing the reveiw, and as i explained i couldnt care less

    So as long as you're fine with it, the US gov is fine with it, and Amazon is fine with it then there's not much to discuss.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline theblakdavid

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2887 on: July 24, 2016, 10:04:26 PM »
    So as long as you're fine with it, the US gov is fine with it, and Amazon is fine with it then there's not much to discuss.
    You're being a massive bubblehead. We are having a discussion whether taking a free gift affects ones judgement on giving a review. Whether it's legal, not against policy, etc, is wholly irrelevant. That's not the point of discussion. Even if it is legal, and it's not against policy, we can still pontificate and debate it. So stop saying the same thing again and again

    Offline sddd

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2888 on: July 24, 2016, 10:29:57 PM »
    We are having a discussion whether taking a free gift affects ones judgement on giving a review. Whether it's legal, not against policy, etc, is wholly irrelevant. That's not the point of discussion. Even if it is legal, and it's not against policy, we can still pontificate and debate it.
    +1

    Offline joe1234

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2889 on: July 24, 2016, 10:31:39 PM »
    You're being a massive bubblehead. We are having a discussion whether taking a free gift affects ones judgement on giving a review. Whether it's legal, not against policy, etc, is wholly irrelevant. That's not the point of discussion. Even if it is legal, and it's not against policy, we can still pontificate and debate it. So stop saying the same thing again and again
    +1 BTW no offense but it seems clear to me that your discussion proves that even under legal and halachic standards you can still get blinded.  the reason you dont admit it is because you are a seller on amazon.

    Offline theblakdavid

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2890 on: July 24, 2016, 10:42:55 PM »


    +1 BTW no offense but it seems clear to me that your discussion proves that even under legal and halachic standards you can still get blinded.  the reason you dont admit it is because you are a seller on amazon.
    Haha that may be true. I am open to the option that it affects your judgement I just am stuck on the rahyah that one may pasken on his own animal whether it's treif or not. You're right that I'm a seller but I don't think it affects my judgement too much since I never give incentives for reviews nor do I ever give reviews. But I probably view things a bit different, I agree to that.

    Offline joe1234

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2891 on: July 24, 2016, 10:59:38 PM »
    Haha that may be true. I am open to the option that it affects your judgement I just am stuck on the rahyah that one may pasken on his own animal whether it's treif or not. You're right that I'm a seller but I don't think it affects my judgement too much since I never give incentives for reviews nor do I ever give reviews. But I probably view things a bit different, I agree to that.
    i was actually referring to yuneeq as it wouldnt even make sense that i would be reffering to you becuse you were saying that it does blind.
    and as for the rayah the chazon ish explains that becuase its so chamur that is why one is believed on his own animal
    « Last Edit: July 24, 2016, 11:03:53 PM by joe1234 »

    Offline Hjay

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2892 on: July 24, 2016, 11:05:09 PM »
    You're being a massive bubblehead. We are having a discussion whether taking a free gift affects ones judgement on giving a review. Whether it's legal, not against policy, etc, is wholly irrelevant. That's not the point of discussion. Even if it is legal, and it's not against policy, we can still pontificate and debate it. So stop saying the same thing again and again
    MASSIVE BUBBLEHEAD ;D ;D ;D

    Offline shulem92

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    Offline theblakdavid

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2894 on: July 24, 2016, 11:12:24 PM »


    i was actually referring to yuneeq as it wouldnt even make sense that i would be reffering to you becuse you were saying that it does blind.
    and as for the rayah the chazon ish explains that becuase its so chamur that is why one is believed on his own animal

    Gotchu that makes sense:). You quoted me so that threw me off a bit..

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2895 on: July 25, 2016, 12:06:49 PM »
    You're being a massive bubblehead. We are having a discussion whether taking a free gift affects ones judgement on giving a review. Whether it's legal, not against policy, etc, is wholly irrelevant. That's not the point of discussion. Even if it is legal, and it's not against policy, we can still pontificate and debate it. So stop saying the same thing again and again

    So what is your point?
    That someone who gets something for free will be likelier to give better reviews?
    Did you hear that water is wet?
    No kidding.

    What's it matter if if the reviewer is biased or not?
    All advertising is biased, as long as the consumer is aware then its fine.

    BTW I'm not sure if you do giveaways, but if you do, you'll find out pretty quickly that if your product is crap that many reviewers
    will give you low ratings.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2896 on: July 25, 2016, 12:11:16 PM »
    +1 BTW no offense but it seems clear to me that your discussion proves that even under legal and halachic standards you can still get blinded.  the reason you dont admit it is because you are a seller on amazon.

    Your missing the point.
    You're calling it blinded, when its just a regular business transaction.

    Blinded implies that something is wrong with it, when it's no different than any form of advertising, like where a company pays a newspaper to convince its readers to purchase their products. Would you call the newspaper "blinded" by advertising money?

    Visibly Jewish

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2897 on: July 25, 2016, 12:12:09 PM »
    MASSIVE BUBBLEHEAD ;D ;D ;D

    Thanks for your thoughtful response
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    Offline theblakdavid

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2898 on: July 25, 2016, 12:34:03 PM »


    So what is your point?
    That someone who gets something for free will be likelier to give better reviews?
    Did you hear that water is wet?
    No kidding.

    What's it matter if if the reviewer is biased or not?
    All advertising is biased, as long as the consumer is aware then its fine.

    BTW I'm not sure if you do giveaways, but if you do, you'll find out pretty quickly that if your product is crap that many reviewers
    will give you low ratings.

    Never mind. No difference. We all are missing the boats that we ourselves are launching.

    Offline theblakdavid

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #2899 on: July 25, 2016, 12:34:49 PM »
    Your missing the point.
    You're calling it blinded, when its just a regular business transaction.

    Blinded implies that something is wrong with it, when it's no different than any form of advertising, like where a company pays a newspaper to convince its readers to purchase their products. Would you call the newspaper "blinded" by advertising money?
    Ummm... Quick question... How can someone miss a point that he himself is trying to make? Chew on that for a while....