Selling on Amazon in 5 Easy Steps
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If you are looking to sell your product online via a platform that is used and trusted by millions of buyers every year, then Amazon is a fair option. We are going to take an in-depth look at how to sell on Amazon in this article.

According to speculation Amazon is set to reach $100 billion in annual sales within the next two years. What’s interesting for us is that more than 40 percent of merchandise sales are attributed to third-party sellers. That means people like you will be taking home almost half of a 100 billion US Dollars in sales through Amazon alone, by 2019.

First, though, let’s look at why you would consider Amazon as your online market place.

Why are we selling on Amazon?

They offer all kinds of benefits and security to their sellers which you won’t otherwise have as a new online business. Probably the most important of these is that when you sell through Amazon you are borrowing their reputation.

Buyers know that when they buy through Amazon they will receive their purchase in the timeframe promised to them. They know that the product is of a good quality and that the super-power that is Amazon will ensure there are no disappointments. For you as a seller this means that buyers who may be apprehensive to try a new brand or online store because they don’t know it – are willing to take the risk if it is backed up by Amazon.

The Amazon market helps you reach new customers. Another huge advantage for you as the seller is that Amazon is where the buyers are. Just like the farmers of old had to take their eggs to market, you have to get your product visible in the digital market place, in a space where it may be stumbled upon by shoppers who are already looking for your category of product.

Selling on Amazon also provides a secure payment solution that is safe for both yourself and your buyer.

Amazon handle customer service so that you don’t have to. This includes little details like gift wrapping, packaging and shipping.

Amazon also allow you to control what locations your products are available in.

Finally, they offer you analytics and reporting to help you track your sales KPIs.

Getting Set Up for Amazon sales

Selling your product through Amazon is easier than you think. Before you get started, though, you need to take out a pen and paper and write down a basic business plan {link to business plan article}. This doesn’t have to be a formal document, but you need to have solid plan for yourself.

Before you can sell on Amazon you should be able to answer these two questions:

What am I selling?

How much am I going to sell / what’s my sales plan?

These details are essential because you will need to categorise your product. Then choose an Amazon sales plan that fits with your business: there are two different ways to sell on Amazon.  One is selling on amazon as an FBA (fulfilled by Amazon) seller and the other is to be a MF (merchant fulfilled) seller.  Take a look at their guidelines to figure out which suits you.

How to Sell on Amazon

Here are five easy steps to get you started in getting your products registered on the Amazon website.

Register as a Seller

You must open a regular Amazon account first (if you don’t already have one). Then click the Icon that says “Sell” .

Next click the mouse over text which reads “Sign up and become a new seller”. Follow the registration instructions. Fill in your details as accurately as possible. Remember you are as responsible for this income as you are for any other sales you may make. It’s important to be transparent if you want to avoid tax evasion.

List your Products

If you are starting with a smaller account you will have to add individual products to your Amazon marketplace catalog one by one. However if you have signed up for a professional selling subscription you will be given the option to upload large batches of products at time using Amazon’s bulk tools.

If you are selling a product which is already listed on Amazon you don’t have to upload it. You can simply find the product on their website and indicate how many you have to sell and what condition they are in. You will also be asked to indicate what shipping options you can offer.

Sell your Products

how-to-sell-on-amazon

Two essential things you must provide if you want your product to sell, are: High quality product images; and a detailed product description.

Product photos should have a plain background, have good lighting, and be in a high resolution. Your product photos should display your product from various angles – it’s okay to have more than one photo per product. Remember that this is the only opportunity potential buyers have to preview your product before making a purchase decision.

Your product description should answer all of the questions the buyer may have about your product.

Ship Your Product

Keep an eye on your notifications from Amazon. They will let you know when a customer has placed an order. You have to decide if you are going to use FBA (fulfillment by Amazon) or handle shipping yourself.

If you choose FBA you will ship your product to Amazon who will keep in storage for you in their cataloged, “ready to ship” facility. When customers place an order for your product Amazon then handles packing, shipping and customer support on your behalf.

If you choose to handle shipping yourself the functions listed above will be your responsibility. Just ensure that you keep an eye on your orders and never miss a deadline. It’s no good having someone place an order and you not filling it.

Enjoy Getting Paid

Amazon accounts are completely safe and secure for you and your buyers. Many users have their payment options saved on their accounts so payment is handled quickly and easily. You have the benefit of gaining customers who may have gone elsewhere because they are apprehensive to enter their credit card details online. Thankfully, because they already know and trust Amazon payments you get to make the sale.

sell-on-amazon

Amazon has no hidden costs for you, the seller. You pay a low, volume -based fee which is clearly laid out for you

Amazon will deposit your payments directly into your bank account at regular intervals, notifying you of each payment when it is made.

All you have to do is enter your preferred banking options and your details when you sign up, and let Amazon take care of the rest.

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