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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 975355 times)

    Offline beeweegee

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1280 on: September 18, 2014, 09:21:27 PM »
    Refund him, but let him know you aren't a company and only had the one item which must have been misshipped to you. That way he probably won't leave a negative feedback. People feel bad for the little guy.
    To be honest, because the fact that I'm not a company, the negative feedback doesn't bother me at all. Refunding him, however, does. I sent him a brand new product...I wonder if he's lying - but why would he?

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1281 on: September 18, 2014, 09:31:31 PM »
    To be honest, because the fact that I'm not a company, the negative feedback doesn't bother me at all. Refunding him, however, does. I sent him a brand new product...I wonder if he's lying - but why would he?

    I would explain that you got it directly from the manufacturer, and only have the one, so there is virtually no chance it was in the condition he states (do it subtly, without accusing him). Then offer him a refund, but make him return it. If he is lying, there is a good chance he will balk at paying for the return, and forget the whole thing. If he is not lying, he will get mad and want you to pay for the return, which you should. After that, you can see for yourself if it was damaged, and get reimbursed yourself, or sell it as used. etc.

    A negative feedback could affect you more than a big company with you barely having any sales. (unless you aren't planning on selling on Amazon anymore).

    That's my .02

    Offline DealRaider

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1282 on: September 19, 2014, 09:05:46 AM »
    I would explain that you got it directly from the manufacturer, and only have the one, so there is virtually no chance it was in the condition he states (do it subtly, without accusing him). Then offer him a refund, but make him return it. If he is lying, there is a good chance he will balk at paying for the return, and forget the whole thing. If he is not lying, he will get mad and want you to pay for the return, which you should. After that, you can see for yourself if it was damaged, and get reimbursed yourself, or sell it as used. etc.

    A negative feedback could affect you more than a big company with you barely having any sales. (unless you aren't planning on selling on Amazon anymore).

    That's my .02

    I dont understand why the general consensus is that he should give the customer the money back. Customers scam on Amazon all day left and right. Thats been my experience with Electronics and I am sure people abuse the system with other products as well. However, even though I think you should definitely not run to give a refund as you are not a Amazon seller for business, you might have made a mistake and received a refurbished printer thinking it was new. Maybe. Did you take a picture of the printer?

    I agree to the first half this post but I would add that even if he is lying he might still get mad and want you to pay for the return. So I wouldnt take it as an indication that hes telling the truth

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1283 on: September 19, 2014, 09:15:49 AM »
    I dont understand why the general consensus is that he should give the customer the money back. Customers scam on Amazon all day left and right. Thats been my experience with Electronics and I am sure people abuse the system with other products as well. However, even though I think you should definitely not run to give a refund as you are not a Amazon seller for business, you might have made a mistake and received a refurbished printer thinking it was new. Maybe. Did you take a picture of the printer?

    I agree to the first half this post but I would add that even if he is lying he might still get mad and want you to pay for the return. So I wouldnt take it as an indication that hes telling the truth

    We're not saying he should give the money back without getting the printer back. When you sell on Amazon, you are essentially agreeing to accept returns pretty no matter what.

    As a general point not to do with this case: IME, it's less of customers intentionally scamming and more just being ignorant. When answering a customer, I always think of the customer experience I expect from Amazon, and remember that the customer is expecting that from me too.








    Offline Newcc

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1284 on: September 19, 2014, 12:26:54 PM »
    Question for experienced sellers, what is needed to get approved to sell on a new closed category? 

    I currently sell in another which they closed once I was already selling so thankfully I did not have to apply, I want to start in a new category but needs approval, my questions is what does Amazon really want to see, do they want to see they I am established and trustworthy and therefor sending them my info on the my current category would suffice or do I need to prove that I am established in this new category in which case I need to create an image that I already exists even though I don't.

    Please share your thoughts. thanks.

    Offline yuneeq

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1285 on: September 19, 2014, 02:13:28 PM »
    Question for experienced sellers, what is needed to get approved to sell on a new closed category? 

    I currently sell in another which they closed once I was already selling so thankfully I did not have to apply, I want to start in a new category but needs approval, my questions is what does Amazon really want to see, do they want to see they I am established and trustworthy and therefor sending them my info on the my current category would suffice or do I need to prove that I am established in this new category in which case I need to create an image that I already exists even though I don't.

    Please share your thoughts. thanks.

    Depends on the category.
    For example, I was approved to sell watches even without having ever sold a watch or having to prove where I get my inventory from. I am also a new seller so it must mean Amazon is lax in that category.

    Other categories are much harder to get approved to sell in.
    Visibly Jewish

    Offline DealRaider

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1286 on: September 19, 2014, 03:32:25 PM »
    We're not saying he should give the money back without getting the printer back. When you sell on Amazon, you are essentially agreeing to accept returns pretty no matter what.

    As a general point not to do with this case: IME, it's less of customers intentionally scamming and more just being ignorant. When answering a customer, I always think of the customer experience I expect from Amazon, and remember that the customer is expecting that from me too.

    But still he shouldnt have to accept to accept the return if the customer is just trying to pass on his old one and get a new one. If it truly is ignorance or whatever the circumstances were that the seller thinks he sent a new one and the buyer claims an old one and its true then accept the return. But theres no reason for him not to fight it until its cleared up.

    If he would be a seller on Amazon for a business then I 100% agree with everything thats been said. Its not worth the neg. feedback A to Z etc. But its a regular guy being "scammed" He shouldnt just lay over and play dead like a regular seller might do

    Offline ueaiouioei

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1287 on: September 20, 2014, 11:56:52 PM »
    Has anyone tried selling on Alibaba yet? I was playing around with it a little.
    Live life to the fullest

    Offline beeweegee

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1288 on: September 21, 2014, 12:04:23 AM »
    But still he shouldnt have to accept to accept the return if the customer is just trying to pass on his old one and get a new one. If it truly is ignorance or whatever the circumstances were that the seller thinks he sent a new one and the buyer claims an old one and its true then accept the return. But theres no reason for him not to fight it until its cleared up.

    If he would be a seller on Amazon for a business then I 100% agree with everything thats been said. Its not worth the neg. feedback A to Z etc. But its a regular guy being "scammed" He shouldnt just lay over and play dead like a regular seller might do
    So after emailing the buyer a few times back and forth, he accused me of being dishonest and opened an A-Z claim (which I was probably going to have to end up doing anyway). I offered to refund everything minus shipping, and I even offered him to refund $50 and let him keep it, but nothing doing. He insists it's used and damaged.
    How does Amazon resolve a case when the seller claims something was sent brand new, and the buyer claims that it arrived used and damaged, and neither side can prove anything?
    Anything else I should know before responding to the claim?
    Thanks!

    Offline yossi1

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1289 on: September 21, 2014, 01:25:32 AM »
    So after emailing the buyer a few times back and forth, he accused me of being dishonest and opened an A-Z claim (which I was probably going to have to end up doing anyway). I offered to refund everything minus shipping, and I even offered him to refund $50 and let him keep it, but nothing doing. He insists it's used and damaged.
    How does Amazon resolve a case when the seller claims something was sent brand new, and the buyer claims that it arrived used and damaged, and neither side can prove anything?
    Anything else I should know before responding to the claim?
    Thanks!



    you will   lose  the a- z claim  and the buyer will not have to send it back the item to you amazon will always keep the word of the buyer

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1290 on: September 21, 2014, 02:00:56 AM »
    Yeah, you're almost certain to lose the case. If you want the item, send a shipping label and ask him to return it (for a full refund.) Then, if you say you did that, Amazon may resolve the case in his favor, but not debit the money from your account.

    Offline beeweegee

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1291 on: September 21, 2014, 02:11:43 AM »
    Yeah, you're almost certain to lose the case. If you want the item, send a shipping label and ask him to return it (for a full refund.) Then, if you say you did that, Amazon may resolve the case in his favor, but not debit the money from your account.
    Okay, thanks for your help.

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1292 on: September 21, 2014, 02:13:29 AM »
    Remember, I said MAY, as in slight chance. Good luck.

    Offline beeweegee

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1293 on: September 21, 2014, 02:21:26 AM »
    Remember, I said MAY, as in slight chance. Good luck.
    So should I offer to refund him and have him ship it back, and fight the claim?
    Or just forget the claim...?

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1294 on: September 21, 2014, 02:25:07 AM »
    I would send the label, offer the refund, and see what he says. You have 7 days to see how it pans out. If he doesn't respond or return it, then certainly try win the case. Show where you got it from, show a receipt, etc and state your case. You have nothing to lose.

    Offline beeweegee

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1295 on: September 21, 2014, 02:29:11 AM »
    I would send the label, offer the refund, and see what he says. You have 7 days to see how it pans out. If he doesn't respond or return it, then certainly try win the case. Show where you got it from, show a receipt, etc and state your case. You have nothing to lose.
    And if he does return it?

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1296 on: September 21, 2014, 02:29:47 AM »
    Once you refund him, the case is closed automatically

    Offline beeweegee

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1297 on: September 21, 2014, 02:31:14 AM »
    Once you refund him, the case is closed automatically
    Oh, gotcha. Can I wait to refund him until I get it back?

    Online Yehuda57

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1298 on: September 21, 2014, 02:33:10 AM »
    Sure, you have seven days to respond, that's enough time for him to ship it back.

    Offline beeweegee

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    Re: Selling on Amazon Master Thread
    « Reply #1299 on: September 21, 2014, 02:34:53 AM »
    Sure, you have seven days to respond, that's enough time for him to ship it back.
    Okay, thanks!