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 975502 times)

    Online mgarfin

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #560 on: January 10, 2014, 10:09:35 AM »
    I Got an email from a buyer where's my stuff?

    I have a Fedex delivery confirmation signature

    How should I go about this?

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #561 on: January 10, 2014, 10:34:41 AM »
    I Got an email from a buyer where's my stuff?

    I have a Fedex delivery confirmation signature

    How should I go about this?

    Send them a friendly email with the tracking number with the signature proof. If they still say it didn't arrive, tell them to take it up with FedEx. If they file a A-Z claim with Amazon, you'll be fine because you have the signature. Without signature confirmation, even with tracking that says delivered, Amazon will side with the customer.

    Offline Yeki89

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #562 on: January 10, 2014, 11:07:37 AM »
    Send them a friendly email with the tracking number with the signature proof. If they still say it didn't arrive, tell them to take it up with FedEx. If they file a A-Z claim with Amazon, you'll be fine because you have the signature. Without signature confirmation, even with tracking that says delivered, Amazon will side with the customer.
    absolutism! . the thing with eBay on the other hand even if you have a confirmation., they will still side with the buyer :)

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #563 on: January 10, 2014, 11:11:21 AM »
    absolutism! . the thing with eBay on the other hand even if you have a confirmation., they will still side with the buyer :)

    +1

    Also worthwhile to note that Amazon will sometimes reimburse a customer without deducting it from your account.

    Online mgarfin

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #564 on: January 12, 2014, 05:14:31 PM »
    Ok here goes my next customer

    I sell a product that can be bought in single or three pack.

    I got an order for 2 singles shipped on time.

    Got an email from buyer that I cheated him as he order 2 3 paks and only got 2 single units.

    I answered him nicely to check his my order page to see exactly what he order.

    But  can he give bad review?


    Offline ilherman

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #565 on: January 12, 2014, 06:36:16 PM »
    Ok here goes my next customer

    I sell a product that can be bought in single or three pack.

    I got an order for 2 singles shipped on time.

    Got an email from buyer that I cheated him as he order 2 3 paks and only got 2 single units.

    I answered him nicely to check his my order page to see exactly what he order.

    But  can he give bad review?
    He can give, but you can fight it.
    You can say what you think when you think what you say.

    Online mgarfin

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #566 on: January 13, 2014, 12:33:01 PM »
    I replied in the nicest way explaining that thats what you ordered and this what he writes,


    When I placed the order it was for two, three pack of ..........  The order was changed to two, .................. I know you will never admit that but that is the truth. I was cheated, period.


    Should I ignore him or keep on answering?

    Offline ilherman

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #567 on: January 13, 2014, 12:44:37 PM »
    I replied in the nicest way explaining that thats what you ordered and this what he writes,


    When I placed the order it was for two, three pack of ..........  The order was changed to two, .................. I know you will never admit that but that is the truth. I was cheated, period.


    Should I ignore him or keep on answering?
    He can say whatever he want's you can see by manage orders what he ordered, there is no way for you to change his original order. Now if he will leave you a bad feedback lets say that he was not happy with the shipping etc.... Then you will stay with the negetive feedback (then depending on what the item was, I would alow him to return it in order not to have the bad negetive feedback) however if he will leave feedback that you didn't send him what he ordered, you can show Amazon that you ate 100% right and they will cross out the feedback.
    You can say what you think when you think what you say.

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #568 on: January 13, 2014, 12:48:09 PM »
    I replied in the nicest way explaining that thats what you ordered and this what he writes,


    When I placed the order it was for two, three pack of ..........  The order was changed to two, .................. I know you will never admit that but that is the truth. I was cheated, period.


    Should I ignore him or keep on answering?

    Definitely reply, but try avoid getting into an argument. Try show you are understanding and offer him to return them for a refund (don't pay for shipping). More often than not , if a customer feels listened to, they will be satisfied. Don't put the blame on them, put the blame on Amazon for making it confusing. So you are not at fault AND he is not an idiot.

    Don't worry too much about the feedback, because Amazon will almost certainly remove it if he is plain wrong, but always respond to messages within 24 hours - unless it gets out of hand.

    Offline metziah

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #569 on: January 13, 2014, 08:20:26 PM »
    Is there any reason not to do sticker less  commingled inventory?

    Offline Name Changed

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #570 on: January 13, 2014, 08:25:06 PM »
    Is there any reason not to do sticker less  commingled inventory?
    Yes, if you are selling any item with some significant value, you do not want your inventory getting mixed up with other sellers.

    An example - this has happened to me (before I started doing stickered inventory) I shipped to Amazon a Factory Unlocked phone, my inventory got mixed with other sellers, who sent in a Carrier Branded Unlocked phone. A buyer bought from my listing, and then returned the phone, cuz it was carrier branded. I got the return of this phone, that is not the one I sent in.

    Offline ilherman

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #571 on: January 13, 2014, 08:32:26 PM »
    Yes, if you are selling any item with some significant value, you do not want your inventory getting mixed up with other sellers.

    An example - this has happened to me (before I started doing stickered inventory) I shipped to Amazon a Factory Unlocked phone, my inventory got mixed with other sellers, who sent in a Carrier Branded Unlocked phone. A buyer bought from my listing, and then returned the phone, cuz it was carrier branded. I got the return of this phone, that is not the one I sent in.
    +1. I had the same with Cameras I sent in. I though that items that are stickerless will not be kept separate, even if I sticker them, I though its just for someone that the UPC does not match.
    You can say what you think when you think what you say.

    Offline Name Changed

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #572 on: January 13, 2014, 08:40:41 PM »
    +1. I had the same with Cameras I sent in. I though that items that are stickerless will not be kept separate, even if I sticker them, I though its just for someone that the UPC does not match.
    lol, actually the same thing happened to me. I was printing stickers, but it wasn't for separate inventory. You have to change the settings in your account so that your inventory does not get mingled.

    Changing the setting on your account, will not apply to old listings. So any future inventory that you will send in, you will have to create a new listing.

    Offline Fish Tank

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #573 on: January 13, 2014, 10:22:46 PM »
    I'm in middle of opening an FBA account.

    In the tax part of the application, its asking me info about my business + for my social, and a bunch of other info.

    Is there a way around this? Can I skip this step since I don't have real business?

    Offline ilherman

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #574 on: January 13, 2014, 10:28:47 PM »
    I'm in middle of opening an FBA account.

    In the tax part of the application, its asking me info about my business + for my social, and a bunch of other info.

    Is there a way around this? Can I skip this step since I don't have real business?
    For now, yes. But once you open a pro account or after you sell a number of items, they will restrict your account until you provide this info.
    You can say what you think when you think what you say.

    Offline Saver2000

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #575 on: January 13, 2014, 10:37:59 PM »
    I'm listing an item on amazon that is currently being sold by amazon themselves (and others).

    So i'm using their listing as the template.
    The problem is, the picture they have up, is the wrong picture.

    How do I go about this?

    (I don't want a customer returning an item bec he based the item description off of the picture)

    (I'm also new to amazon)

    Offline ilherman

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #576 on: January 13, 2014, 10:42:12 PM »
    I'm listing an item on amazon that is currently being sold by amazon themselves (and others).

    So i'm using their listing as the template.
    The problem is, the picture they have up, is the wrong picture.

    How do I go about this?

    (I don't want a customer returning an item bec he based the item description off of the picture)

    (I'm also new to amazon)
    This really doesn't make sense, Amazon is usually careful with this things. Maybe it's not the same exact item? Did you search by the UPC?

    Otherwise, Amazon haves a Catalog department that you can call in and complain when something does not match etc....
    You can say what you think when you think what you say.

    Offline Saver2000

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #577 on: January 13, 2014, 10:43:17 PM »
    This really doesn't make sense, Amazon is usually careful with this things. Maybe it's not the same exact item? Did you search by the UPC?

    Otherwise, Amazon haves a Catalog department that you can call in and complain when something does not match etc....
    Yes. I'll pm you if you don't mind so you can double check.

    Offline Saver2000

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #578 on: January 13, 2014, 11:11:24 PM »
    For FBA, I'm choosing the "FBA label service" option since my item isnt eligible for "commingled/stickerless".

    What type of labels do I need to apply to my item?

    Also, is there any way to see how much it'll cost me to ship my item amazon before actually creating a listing?

    This is so different than ebay. I feel like I'm back in first grade again  :-[


    Offline ilherman

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    Re: selling on amazon
    « Reply #579 on: January 13, 2014, 11:17:56 PM »
    For FBA, I'm choosing the "FBA label service" option since my item isnt eligible for "commingled/stickerless".

    What type of labels do I need to apply to my item?

    Also, is there any way to see how much it'll cost me to ship my item amazon before actually creating a listing?

    This is so different than ebay. I feel like I'm back in first grade again  :-[
    Any label that covers the UPC. I use Avery 30 stickers per page.

    How much it will cost you to ship in your stuff to Amazon? I'm not sure what your second question was.
    You can say what you think when you think what you say.