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 975940 times)

    Offline Solomon

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #440 on: December 16, 2013, 10:15:36 AM »
    This is against Amazon's policy, and they can shut your account for that. I would try to stay legal.
    +1 Against Amazon's policy, i wouldn't take the risk

    Offline Dave321

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #441 on: December 16, 2013, 10:21:47 AM »
    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?

    SCAM SCAM SCAM.

    There is NO reason you should EVER do this.

    There is a reason why Amazon has this policy.

    Offline ya

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #442 on: December 16, 2013, 01:54:48 PM »
    I got this email from amazon / customer:

    "I bought the I-phone of your publication but I can't use it in my country Venezuela. I got confused because it said no-contract phone and I didn't know that phone company Virgin exist. Is there anything you can do for me? I'll really appreciate it."

    Do I need to let him return it? He purchased it on November 12th.
    The item was listed under: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VK7R8I  where it clearly says "Virgin Mobile"
    You have to except returns. No matter the reason they want to return it within 30days

    Offline ilherman

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #443 on: December 16, 2013, 02:18:07 PM »
    SCAM SCAM SCAM.

    There is NO reason you should EVER do this.

    There is a reason why Amazon has this policy.
    Hmmmm I don't think this is the reason for Amazon's policy.......

    They don't care much about YOUR money, rather their money.
    You can say what you think when you think what you say.

    Offline Super Speed

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #444 on: December 16, 2013, 02:26:40 PM »

    You have to except returns. No matter the reason they want to return it within 30days
    Well now its past 30 days. Also do the 30 days start from when the customer orders or from when they receive it?

    Offline ya

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #445 on: December 16, 2013, 03:00:56 PM »
    Well now its past 30 days. Also do the 30 days start from when the customer orders or from when they receive it?
    When the order is placed.

    Offline Super Speed

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #446 on: December 16, 2013, 03:24:53 PM »

    When the order is placed.
    with FBA is that the same policy?

    Offline Name Changed

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #447 on: December 16, 2013, 03:53:11 PM »
    The Amazon return policy for the Holiday Season is - that the on all purchases are eligible for a return until Jan-31

    Offline WAM

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #448 on: December 16, 2013, 03:57:24 PM »
    SCAM SCAM SCAM.

    There is NO reason you should EVER do this.

    There is a reason why Amazon has this policy.
    So the buyer has a way to pay me through PayPal, and later retract the payment??

    ETA: I'm not selling it to this guy, I'm just wondering I can lose the money he already paid to me. Btw, he replied that he wants 2 items, and he'll pay $150 for me to FedEx it overnight. Sounds so shady.

    Offline ilherman

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #449 on: December 16, 2013, 04:34:18 PM »
    It sounds that when I sell something FBA under $35 and the buyer is not prime and is paying for shipping, I am getting the shipping, is this correct?
    You can say what you think when you think what you say.

    Offline ya

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #450 on: December 16, 2013, 05:16:26 PM »
    with FBA is that the same policy?
    FBA has the same return policy as Amazon

    Offline Super Speed

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #451 on: December 16, 2013, 06:16:52 PM »
    Someone filed an A-Z claim over a week ago. I was told by Amazon to take care of it and speak to them about returning the item to me. So I contacted them right away and I haven't heard back from them. What do I do now as that money is being held hostage by Amazon.
    BUMP


    Offline Dave321

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #452 on: December 16, 2013, 09:04:47 PM »
    So the buyer has a way to pay me through PayPal, and later retract the payment??

    ETA: I'm not selling it to this guy, I'm just wondering I can lose the money he already paid to me. Btw, he replied that he wants 2 items, and he'll pay $150 for me to FedEx it overnight. Sounds so shady.

    heres how the scam 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.

    I have had this scam tried on me multiple times. Amazon, ebay, and craigslist (especially) has these issues.

    I reported it to paypal each time. beware! always check your paypal account if the money came.

    Offline Name Changed

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #453 on: December 16, 2013, 09:09:02 PM »
    Yup.

    I have had this scam attempted on me countless time.

    When I had time to play along, I would drive the guy nuts, and get him really aggravated at me. They would send me fake FBI emails that I was stealing their money ect.


    Offline lfas25

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #454 on: December 17, 2013, 11:14:42 AM »
    I sold an iPhone on Amazon, it was purchased and shipped on 11/12/13.

    I got a message from the customer on Friday saying:

    "I bought the I-phone of your publication but I can't use it in my country Venezuela. I got confused because it said no-contract phone and I didn't know that phone company Virgin exist. Is there anything you can do for me? I'll really appreciate it.

    Waiting for your prompt response."

    The item was listed under: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VK7R8I Where it clearly says that its for Virgin Mobile.

    Do I need to take it back or could I say sorry I can't accept it back?

    Thanks for your advice
    I only paid 15% by switching to dansdeals

    Offline ya

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #455 on: December 17, 2013, 11:19:10 AM »
    I sold an iPhone on Amazon, it was purchased and shipped on 11/12/13.

    I got a message from the customer on Friday saying:

    "I bought the I-phone of your publication but I can't use it in my country Venezuela. I got confused because it said no-contract phone and I didn't know that phone company Virgin exist. Is there anything you can do for me? I'll really appreciate it.

    Waiting for your prompt response."

    The item was listed under: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VK7R8I Where it clearly says that its for Virgin Mobile.

    Do I need to take it back or could I say sorry I can't accept it back?

    Thanks for your advice
    Its past 30 days so there is no need

    Offline M

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #456 on: December 18, 2013, 12:15:39 PM »
    How long is the process when you ship something to amazon to getting it into the FBA system and seeing it on amazon.com?

    Also does FBA get you in the box possibly?

    Offline Name Changed

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #457 on: December 18, 2013, 12:27:24 PM »
    How long is the process when you ship something to amazon to getting it into the FBA system and seeing it on amazon.com?

    Also does FBA get you in the box possibly?
    Could take a few hours to a few days.

    Now Holiday season it is taking a few days.

    Items that are FBA have a great chance of getting into the buy box.

    Offline M

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #458 on: December 18, 2013, 12:34:59 PM »
    Could take a few hours to a few days.

    Now Holiday season it is taking a few days.

    Items that are FBA have a great chance of getting into the buy box.

    Thank you.

    Is there a way to figure out my estimated cost for shipping to amazon and fees for the FBA? I saw the FBA calculator but honestly was not sure how to use!

    Offline Name Changed

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #459 on: December 18, 2013, 12:54:19 PM »
    Thank you.

    Is there a way to figure out my estimated cost for shipping to amazon and fees for the FBA? I saw the FBA calculator but honestly was not sure how to use!
    https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/fba/revenue-calculator/index.html/ref=ag_xx_cont_xx?ie=UTF8&lang=en_US

    Amazon offers low shipping if you print a label thru them