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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 975511 times)

    Offline hocker

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4520 on: February 28, 2022, 09:59:41 PM »
    I'm looking for assistance sending stuff to Amazon in Canada via parcel or freight services. I'd need help to make sure it clears customs. Preferably via a DDP method but that is only because Im not familiar with all the other options.

    Is there anybody local that deals with this?
    First Choice Shipping Pearl Ausch

    Offline MFE

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4521 on: March 10, 2022, 09:17:59 PM »
    which sales estimator do you find more accurate based on the products that you sell
    jungle scout extension (not the sales estimator page) or helium 10?


    Offline Aaroncar

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4522 on: March 13, 2022, 09:56:41 AM »
    What's the best plan i can get liability insurance (required by Amazon)?
    So far cheapest i saw was $300 a year for 100+200k sales

    Offline kargagaliciana

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4523 on: May 11, 2022, 10:06:58 AM »
    Anyone has a pass for the ASGTG Event today that i can borrow (maybe when you are finished or in middle of the day). Would like to be there for a little but not worth it for me to pay the $285

    Offline hocker

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4524 on: May 11, 2022, 01:01:23 PM »
    Anyone has a pass for the ASGTG Event today that i can borrow (maybe when you are finished or in middle of the day). Would like to be there for a little but not worth it for me to pay the $285
    Wouldn't that be stealing?

    Are you sure you're a Galiciana, not from Marmorosh?

    Offline kargagaliciana

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4525 on: May 11, 2022, 01:38:24 PM »
    Wouldn't that be stealing?

    Are you sure you're a Galiciana, not from Marmorosh?
    Actually No. I don't that would be stealing. Stealing would be 2 people using the pass at the same time. Using the pass when the other person isnt using it is not stealing.

    Offline VacationLover

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4526 on: May 11, 2022, 11:41:12 PM »
    Anyone has a pass for the ASGTG Event today that i can borrow (maybe when you are finished or in middle of the day). Would like to be there for a little but not worth it for me to pay the $285
    Email dena@asgtg.com she will help

    Offline Definitions

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4527 on: May 13, 2022, 03:12:20 PM »
    I'm not very familiar with Amazon.

    When doing a removal does Amazon give you an exact count of packages in the beginning that it will be shipped in or is it as they ship they update the shipments?

    If yes, do they provide a package Id with the contents that will be visible on the packing slip or shipping label when it actually ships (barcode)?
    My Tapatalk notifications don't always work.

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4528 on: May 13, 2022, 05:01:30 PM »
    I'm not very familiar with Amazon.

    When doing a removal does Amazon give you an exact count of packages in the beginning that it will be shipped in or is it as they ship they update the shipments?

    The latter
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    Offline Moe Pdk

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4529 on: June 20, 2022, 08:34:44 PM »
    I want invite the DDF amazon community to my amazon event next sunday at the loft. For $29 a ticket with the early bird special you get a free pair of airpods and a lunch at the Loft Steakhouse. You can purchase tickets on the eventbrite link.

    www.eventbrite.com/e/369182112637/?discount=MOE

    Offline WonderingYid

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4530 on: June 20, 2022, 10:54:35 PM »
    I want invite the DDF amazon community to my amazon event next sunday at the loft. For $29 a ticket with the early bird special you get a free pair of airpods and a lunch at the Loft Steakhouse. You can purchase tickets on the eventbrite link.

    www.eventbrite.com/e/369182112637/?discount=MOE
    $29 for airpods, wow!

    Offline WonderingYid

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4531 on: June 20, 2022, 10:56:47 PM »
    Anyone know how to set a minimum order quantity for a FBM listing?

    Offline Z56

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4532 on: June 21, 2022, 12:04:55 AM »
    Hi,

    If anyone has Products/Deals for Vendor central
    Can be any category
    Please PM me
    “I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4533 on: July 11, 2022, 06:57:48 PM »
    For fbm sellers. Is 2 days the maximum handling time allowed? Is the handling time the only factor in avoiding late shipments (i.e. does it have to have an update in the tracking info as well before the end of handling time)
    My Tapatalk notifications don't always work.

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4534 on: July 11, 2022, 10:01:04 PM »
    For fbm sellers. Is 2 days the maximum handling time allowed? Is the handling time the only factor in avoiding late shipments (i.e. does it have to have an update in the tracking info as well before the end of handling time)

    You can put more than 2 days handling. This is a good option if it always takes time to ship. But you can also use "restock date" which is a better option if you are temporarily unable to ship/OOS.
    « Last Edit: July 12, 2022, 12:53:38 AM by yuneeq »
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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4535 on: August 12, 2022, 01:56:55 PM »
    Does Amazon have customs brokers that can help clear shipments through customs going to a FBA fulfillment center in Canada?

    It's a few boxes going via FedEx. FedEx rep says Amazon has their own brokers. I find that hard to believe they'll offer that service.
    My Tapatalk notifications don't always work.

    Offline Ver hut gazugt

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4536 on: August 12, 2022, 02:55:52 PM »
    Does Amazon have customs brokers that can help clear shipments through customs going to a FBA fulfillment center in Canada?

    It's a few boxes going via FedEx. FedEx rep says Amazon has their own brokers. I find that hard to believe they'll offer that service.
    I made an account with Ups. It can take some time and it’s somewhat of a hassle.

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4537 on: August 12, 2022, 04:16:22 PM »
    I made an account with Ups. It can take some time and it’s somewhat of a hassle.
    Make an account and ask them to clear a shipment from a different carrier?
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    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4538 on: August 12, 2022, 04:55:07 PM »
    Does Amazon have customs brokers that can help clear shipments through customs going to a FBA fulfillment center in Canada?

    It's a few boxes going via FedEx. FedEx rep says Amazon has their own brokers. I find that hard to believe they'll offer that service.

    Amazon bought INLT a few years ago and they handle customs clearance (even if you want to use your own).
    Visibly Jewish

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #4539 on: September 01, 2022, 11:51:51 AM »
    From what I can tell there is an option to use your own 2d barcode to provide box content information. Which means you don't have to fill out the online form thing at all right?

    https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/help/external/G202049090?language=en_US

    It says that it takes them longer to process. Why is that?

    Also can you use Amazon's LTL when doing this?
    My Tapatalk notifications don't always work.