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 975277 times)

    Offline yudamaan

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3100 on: November 19, 2016, 09:55:22 PM »
    Hi, so last week I started my first advertising campaign I am currently running a automatic targeting campaign does anyone here have experience whether you get better results using manual or automatic? Also I just ran a report what is impressions from what I understand the higher the number the better correct?! what is considered a high number? And how come under keywords I only see this *? Thank you

    Offline RavChik

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3101 on: November 28, 2016, 11:35:44 PM »
    A guy I do business with, has recently asked me to drop ship some stuff for him using my prime account (he's selling it from his amazon sellers account)

    Am I risking my prime account by doing so? Only 2 orders so far, gift receipts obviously...

    It is risky. I used my prime to ship to other addresses and my account was suspended in May 2015. Until now, they do not let me create a prime. I sent over 100 such orders in total over the 6-8 months.
    What you may look for is that Amazon send you the warning from pai@amazon.com before they shut down your account

    Offline Yehuda25

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3102 on: November 29, 2016, 12:13:45 AM »
    It is risky. I used my prime to ship to other addresses and my account was suspended in May 2015. Until now, they do not let me create a prime. I sent over 100 such orders in total over the 6-8 months.
    What you may look for is that Amazon send you the warning from pai@amazon.com before they shut down your account
    wow, thats a large volume. thanks for the data point. Im done with it.
    “To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”


    ― Aristotle

    Offline Hjay

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3103 on: November 29, 2016, 12:41:34 AM »
    Looking for leads in getting approved in the grocery category. Please pm thx

    Offline tec

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3104 on: November 30, 2016, 09:03:01 PM »
    Back in March I posted a question if there is a reverse FBA calculator http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=10448.msg1433980#msg1433980 and I was not able to find something cheap and good, so I developed a chrome extension that has that and some other features. Here is the link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/online-shoppers-helper/bakmmnojojndlbilahnbgnecdjkanmej?utm_source=chrome-app-launcher-info-dialog.

    I would really appreciate feedback to know if it is helpful and suggestions for how it can be made better and also any bugs that are found.

    Also if can leave a nice review, I would appreciate that very much!

    One more thing:

    It seems like the automated FBA calculator chrome extensions don't really work anymore. This works and even works from the used & new sellers page.

    Offline Hjay

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3105 on: December 01, 2016, 12:32:32 AM »
    Looking for leads in getting approved in the grocery category. Please pm thx
    Bump willing to pay

    Offline Zevwolf

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3106 on: December 03, 2016, 10:16:47 PM »
    Any idea why Amazon gets the buy box
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WGV3C8

    Offline Alexsei

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3107 on: December 04, 2016, 03:20:39 PM »
    Friend got this message on amazon (via contact seller)
    Quote
    Seller,

    Your business is displaying, promoting, and offering for sale various HP Print and Supplies products, yet we do not have a record of you as being an authorized reseller as part of our Qualified Print and Supplies Partner Program.  An unauthorized reseller cannot display HP Print and Supplies content, HP trademark or HP images in such a way as to create the impression with consumers that you are an authorized reseller.
    HP requests you remove all HP Print and Supplies product listings immediately. HP specifically reserves all of its rights and remedies at law and equity against the unauthorized use of HP copyrighted materials.

    Regards,
    HP Inc. U.S. Channel Compliance

    What action should/should not be taken?
    Jews ≠ Zionists
    Palestinians ≠ Hamas
    Satmar ≠ SatmarHQ

    Offline shulemw

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3108 on: December 04, 2016, 11:25:16 PM »
    did he specify a email address where he can be reached with the Hp domain? like John@Hp.com if not it can just be a scam of a other seller

    Offline shulem92

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3109 on: December 04, 2016, 11:43:37 PM »
    did he specify a email address where he can be reached with the Hp domain? like John@Hp.com if not it can just be a scam of a other seller
    Its a catch22. I don't think they allow email addresses through on contact seller messages

    Offline Aussie88

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3110 on: December 04, 2016, 11:55:24 PM »
    did he specify a email address where he can be reached with the Hp domain? like John@Hp.com if not it can just be a scam of a other seller
    Even if it's a legit email, they have no legal grounds to stop him from selling. What they can do is they can ask Amazon to restrict the products, or do test orders and claim counterfeit etc. However, legally they can't do anything to stop him from selling. But then again, he may not want to poke the bear...

    Offline mgarfin

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3111 on: December 05, 2016, 12:17:33 AM »
    Even if it's a legit email, they have no legal grounds to stop him from selling. What they can do is they can ask Amazon to restrict the products, or do test orders and claim counterfeit etc. However, legally they can't do anything to stop him from selling. But then again, he may not want to poke the bear...

    HP can open a RO complaint with Amazon Amazon takes these very serious and shutdown fast. Go to the sellers group tg by Ed Rosenberg, he has lots of knowledge in this field.

    Offline Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3112 on: December 05, 2016, 08:43:29 AM »
    Even if it's a legit email, they have no legal grounds to stop him from selling. What they can do is they can ask Amazon to restrict the products, or do test orders and claim counterfeit etc. However, legally they can't do anything to stop him from selling. But then again, he may not want to poke the bear...
    A company can make an order from you, claim it is counterfeit - even if it is not - and amazon will shut you down quicker than you can say buy box.

    Offline Aussie88

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3113 on: December 05, 2016, 09:33:27 AM »
    A company can make an order from you, claim it is counterfeit - even if it is not - and amazon will shut you down quicker than you can say buy box.
    That's what I said. Amazon can shut you down, but in the email it only mentions taking legal action, which they cannot actually do.

    Offline Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3114 on: December 05, 2016, 09:41:20 AM »
    That's what I said. Amazon can shut you down, but in the email it only mentions taking legal action, which they cannot actually do.
    I know. I'm adding emphasis, because I felt you were underplaying what their next steps are going to be.

    Offline ya

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3115 on: December 05, 2016, 11:22:40 AM »
    A company can make an order from you, claim it is counterfeit - even if it is not - and amazon will shut you down quicker than you can say buy box.
    HP wont do that.

    Offline AsherO

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3116 on: December 07, 2016, 02:02:17 PM »
    How do you get those pictures that show an item's size (see below)?

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    Offline Bukboy

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3117 on: December 09, 2016, 11:20:05 AM »
    Anybody using a reliable company to send emails to your customers asking for product reviews?

    Offline hocker

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3118 on: December 11, 2016, 09:42:49 AM »
    Anybody using a reliable company to send emails to your customers asking for product reviews?
    Sellerlabs

    Offline hocker

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #3119 on: December 11, 2016, 09:49:38 AM »
    I have a buyer who sys he didn't get his item but USPS shows item delivered.

    It seems the standard advice is:

    1. Tell buyer to look and ask around and to check with neighbors and local post master.
    2. Send buyer an email telling them that you;re on top of it.
    3. Make mention that you will be contacting USPS inspector and filing a theft report, that usually makes them 'find' it if they're scamming you.
    4. Make mention that you will refund if the package isn't found, in order to prove to Amazon you offereda refund.

    Now after contacting Amazon they are telling me that I don't have to be concerned at all and that even if buyer files A-z claim it won;t affect me or my ODR rate since I used Amazon Buy Shipping service. anyone can confirm?


    Quote from Amazon https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/help/200202220?referral=AXGB5IDMUO1XO_AMN9P2NHFBYX1&referral=A2T5GKPBVIKHBT_AMN9P2NHFBYX1
    Buy Shipping Services enables you to:

    Pay for shipping and related services conveniently through Seller Central.
    Purchase labels through the Buy Shipping tool on Seller Central or the Merchant Fulfillment API.
    Link your carrier accounts to your Amazon seller account. See Manage Your Carrier Accounts to view available carriers.
    Track packages and confirm delivery. Additionally, if an order was shipped with tracking via Buy Shipping Services, and a buyer files a claim stating they did not receive their order, Amazon will cover the A-to-z Guarantee claim. You won't receive a notification on your Manage returns page, and your Order Defect Rate will not be affected. To learn more, visit the A-to-z Guarantee: Order not received page.