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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 975998 times)

    Offline mendyt

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4000 on: March 28, 2019, 12:35:58 PM »

    most of them have random names, and its extremely hard these days as amazon became on expert on which reviews are real and which are not and their scrubbing them in the tens of thousands... there is a site called https://www.fakespot.com/ that u add the URL and they tell you all about the reviews

    I wouldn't rely on this,
    Just checked our own product which has over 700 reviews and we never ever did any shtick, but it still only gave us a B

    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4001 on: March 28, 2019, 01:22:39 PM »
    Anyone have a good alternative to Keepa they started charging for using their software >:(
    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 #4002 on: March 28, 2019, 01:50:56 PM »
    He's talking about a listing where he's already at the top, he should be getting significant sales without resorting to tricks. In regards to new listings, I'm not saying I don't understand why sellers do it, it's very obvious why - they want to take a shortcut to success. I'm simply saying that a) it's dishonest and b) these types of shortcuts don't usually lead to long term success and c) if they do have success, they also have much more risk if/when Amazon decides to crack down on them. Even if they decide to stop doing it at a certain point.
    Correct if you have the top page etc.. no need for any potential headaches, and amazon really went after the sellers that had 100's of fake reviews from companies that sold fake reviews (similar to buying likes or followers on insta) someone that just gets a few fake ones its not what they are after.
    you all got a good point and you are all right
    i am not getting 100's of paid reviews i just got 2-3 of them and not planing to do more of this, i did it because i saw my competitors more down the page with more reviews got some more sales then me so i just wanted some kind of a boost, but over all you are right and it doesn't pay the risk to get full of fake reviews.
    I’m in shape, round is a shape…

    Offline Crunchy

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4003 on: March 28, 2019, 02:37:47 PM »
    what is the best way to report a seller who sells counterfeit items on a listing i'm also selling ?

    Offline ~King Lake~

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4004 on: March 28, 2019, 03:02:24 PM »
    what is the best way to report a seller who sells counterfeit items on a listing i'm also selling ?
    open a case
    I’m in shape, round is a shape…

    Offline Sammyonetwo

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4005 on: March 30, 2019, 11:15:15 PM »
    what is the best way to report a seller who sells counterfeit items on a listing i'm also selling ?


    It’s a machlokes but nowadays you do a test buy first and prove to amamzon it’s a countfet

    Offline Z56

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4006 on: March 30, 2019, 11:43:19 PM »
    what is the best way to report a seller who sells counterfeit items on a listing i'm also selling ?

    Buy one and report under counterfeit with your order ID
    I’m assuming your BR
    “I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

    Offline mrprez27

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4007 on: March 31, 2019, 05:33:54 PM »
    Urgent box for 'help' is missing - is it because I use to much?

    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4008 on: March 31, 2019, 05:46:43 PM »
    Urgent box for 'help' is missing - is it because I use to much?
    Do u actually see a difference in resolving the prob? For me i just get "were working on it" reply faster
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    Offline ~King Lake~

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4009 on: March 31, 2019, 06:31:48 PM »
    Do u actually see a difference in resolving the prob? For me i just get "were working on it" reply faster
    I got a problem solved after a few hours like this
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    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4010 on: April 01, 2019, 12:29:26 PM »
    Urgent box for 'help' is missing - is it because I use to much?
    Maybe ;)


    The "Urgent Help Needed" Option
    The Contact Seller Support form has an Urgent Help Needed option that enables you to identify business critical issues that have a significant impact on buyers or your business.

    Cases that are marked "Urgent Help Needed" will be prioritized ahead of regular non-urgent cases.

    Here are some examples of when to use this option:


    You have pricing errors and are unable to correct them yourself.
    Your pricing updates are not taking effect 24 hours after updating them.
    Your account has been compromised.
    Your uploaded feeds or product listings are not reflected 24 hours after uploading them.
    You have an issue related to receiving disbursements.
    You have an issue with your brand registered ASIN.
    Please exercise discretion and only mark cases as "Urgent Help Needed" when expedited resolution is critical to buyers or your business.
    Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

    Offline Pad18

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4011 on: April 08, 2019, 03:52:48 PM »
    correct, ok will report back

    yes, they are sold as is as well, will do that. thanks very much!

    other question, how do i know if i need to add an asin on each box, or the original IBAN/EAN etc is fine ?

    Little update, the pallette were rejected from Amazon due to the high (higher than 1m80. Yes it was send to EU)
    So took me 2 weeks to fight with the wearhouse, because it was their mistake, so now it will go back for a second round.

    But in he meantime Amazon split my shipments to 2 different wearhouse .. so now everyone is loosing :(

    I only hope that they will accept and it will go smoothly.. iyh

    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4012 on: April 08, 2019, 03:54:36 PM »
    Little update, the pallette were rejected from Amazon due to the high (higher than 1m80. Yes it was send to EU)
    So took me 2 weeks to fight with the wearhouse, because it was their mistake, so now it will go back for a second round.

    But in he meantime Amazon split my shipments to 2 different wearhouse .. so now everyone is loosing :(

    I only hope that they will accept and it will go smoothly.. iyh
    y don't u use the old shipment?
    Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

    Offline Pad18

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4013 on: April 08, 2019, 03:58:51 PM »
    y don't u use the old shipment?

    I canceled them .. #newbie mistake (that ends up costing me $$$

    Offline Naftuli19

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4014 on: April 08, 2019, 04:13:37 PM »
    I canceled them .. #newbie mistake (that ends up costing me $$$
    we have all been there, just a FYI deleting to many shipments isn't good for u.
    Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

    Offline Pad18

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4015 on: April 08, 2019, 04:47:02 PM »
    we have all been there, just a FYI deleting to many shipments isn't good for u.

    didnt know that, will be more careful .. Thanks

    Offline lunatic

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4016 on: April 08, 2019, 07:50:25 PM »
    we have all been there, just a FYI deleting to many shipments isn't good for u.

    Explain please

    Offline bambi

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4017 on: April 09, 2019, 12:33:59 AM »
    Looking to purchase an amazon acct. please pm any leads.

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4018 on: April 09, 2019, 07:53:22 AM »
    we have all been there, just a FYI deleting to many shipments isn't good for u.

    Not true.
    Deleting a shipment isn’t a problem in itself.
    It’s only a problem if you are manipulating things.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline Pad18

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4019 on: April 09, 2019, 09:11:41 AM »
    Not true.
    Deleting a shipment isn’t a problem in itself.
    It’s only a problem if you are manipulating things.

    What do you mean by ''manipulating things'' ?