How to Start Selling on Amazon as a Beginner in 2024

Selling on Amazon presents a promising business opportunity for newcomers looking to generate additional income or embark on a full-time venture. With a staggering 300 million active users and a multitude of products available for sale, Amazon stands as one of the world’s largest online marketplaces. Nevertheless, navigating this platform may seem overwhelming for beginners unfamiliar with its workings.

To effectively sell on Amazon, beginners must first grasp the fundamentals, including setting up an Amazon seller account, creating product listings, and optimizing those listings for search engine results.

Additionally, they should acquaint themselves with inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service handling. Those new to e-commerce may also need to become familiar with shipping procedures, tax considerations, and other legal obligations that come with online selling.

This article will provide a step-by-step guide to selling on Amazon tailored specifically for beginners. We will cover everything from establishing an Amazon seller account to optimizing product listings and managing orders.

Beginners can confidently initiate their Amazon business and enhance their prospects for success on this platform by following these steps

Understanding Amazon’s Marketplace

Amazon’s marketplace serves as a platform where sellers can list their products for sale to a global customer base. It is a robust e-commerce platform offering sellers the ability to reach a broad audience, manage their inventory efficiently, and facilitate seamless payment processing.

Sellers on Amazon can choose to operate as third-party sellers or first-party sellers. Third-party sellers are independent merchants who utilize Amazon’s platform to market their products, while first-party sellers are manufacturers or distributors who directly supply their products to Amazon.

Amazon’s marketplace offers numerous advantages to sellers, including access to an extensive customer base, hassle-free payment processing, and fulfillment services via Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). FBA allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, with Amazon handling shipping, customer service, and returns.

One of the principal benefits of selling on Amazon is the capacity to leverage the platform’s renowned brand and reputation. Amazon ranks among the most trusted e-commerce platforms worldwide, fostering a sense of confidence among customers who are more inclined to buy products listed on Amazon.

Nevertheless, there are challenges inherent to selling on Amazon, including competition from other sellers, the necessity to comply with Amazon’s policies and guidelines, and fees associated with utilizing the platform. In summary, comprehending Amazon’s marketplace is paramount for anyone looking to venture into selling on this platform. Sellers can make informed decisions on how best to utilize Amazon for business growth by actively considering both the advantages and challenges.

How to Sell on Amazon: a Step-by-step Guide

Creating Your Amazon Seller Account

Selling products on Amazon offers an exceptional opportunity to tap into a vast customer base and expand your business. However, you must establish an Amazon seller account before you can sell. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Selecting Your Account Type

Amazon offers two types of seller accounts: Individual and Professional. The Individual account suits those planning to sell fewer than 40 items per month, while the Professional account is tailored for those aiming to sell more than 40 items per month.

The Individual account entails no monthly subscription fee but a per-item fee for each sale. In contrast, the Professional account requires a monthly subscription fee of $39.99 but exempts sellers from per-item charges.

Providing Essential Information

To create your Amazon seller account, you must furnish basic information such as your name, email address, and phone number. You must also provide your business name and tax identification number if applicable.

Once the requisite information is submitted, you should set up your preferred payment method and shipping options. Amazon offers several payment methods, including direct deposit, Amazon gift cards, and checks. Additionally, you will need to make choices regarding shipping options, such as whether to utilize Amazon’s Fulfillment service or handle product shipments independently.

Upon completing these steps, you will be ready to commence selling on Amazon. It is essential to bear in mind that adherence to Amazon’s policies and guidelines is crucial, and sellers are responsible for managing aspects such as inventory, pricing, and customer service. With the right approach, selling on Amazon is a profitable and fulfilling venture.

Listing Your Products

Listing your products on Amazon necessitates following a series of steps, including product research, crafting compelling product descriptions, and establishing competitive prices.

Product Research

Conducting thorough product research is vital to listing products on Amazon. It helps identify profitable products and assesses the demand for these items. Amazon’s Best Seller Rank (BSR) can be employed to gauge a product’s popularity, with lower BSR indicating higher demand. Additional tools like Jungle Scout, Helium 10, or AMZScout can assist in conducting product research.

Product Description

Creating an engaging and detailed product description plays a pivotal role in attracting potential buyers. The description should effectively highlight a product’s features and benefits while being optimized for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords that prospective buyers are likely to use in their searches. Employing bullet points, bold text, and other formatting tools can enhance the readability and comprehensibility of the product description.

Price Setting

Determining the appropriate price for your products is integral to securing sales on Amazon. Your pricing should be competitive and reflective of your product’s value. Amazon offers pricing tools to assist sellers in setting their prices. It is noteworthy that Amazon’s Buy Box algorithm favors sellers with competitive prices, good ratings, and prompt shipping. Thus, competitive pricing is pivotal for success.

In conclusion, listing products on Amazon entails conducting product research, creating compelling product descriptions, and establishing competitive prices. Adhering to these guidelines can enhance your chances of making successful sales on Amazon and cultivating your business.

Order Fulfillment Options

When selling on Amazon, beginners encounter two primary order fulfillment options: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). Each option carries its own set of advantages and disadvantages, necessitating a thorough understanding before making a choice.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service that Amazon offers to sellers, allowing them to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. When a customer places an order, Amazon handles the picking, packing, and shipping of the product on behalf of the seller. FBA also takes care of customer service and returns, making it a convenient option for sellers who want to focus on growing their business rather than managing logistics.

One of the key benefits of using FBA is that it enables sellers to take advantage of Amazon Prime’s two-day shipping, which can boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction. FBA also provides access to Amazon’s global customer base, aiding sellers in expanding their reach.

However, it’s worth noting that FBA comes with fees, including storage, fulfillment, and long-term storage fees for products that have been in the fulfillment center for over 365 days. These fees can accumulate, especially for products that don’t sell as quickly as expected.

Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)

Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) is the alternative option, wherein sellers fulfill orders themselves. They are responsible for storing, packaging, shipping, and managing customer service and returns. FBM can be a suitable choice for sellers seeking more control over the fulfillment process and who possess the resources to handle logistics independently.

One of the primary advantages of using FBM is that it grants sellers greater control over the fulfillment process and allows them to save on fulfillment fees. FBM also enables sellers to have a more hands-on approach to the customer experience, which is valuable for building a brand and fostering customer loyalty.

However, FBM does require more time and resources than FBA and offers different access to Amazon’s customer base and the convenience of Amazon’s fulfillment services.

Quietplatforms offer a cost-effective alternative to Amazon FBA for large businesses aiming to streamline their operations. With lower storage costs and flexible shipping choices, they provide a competitive solution for e-commerce sellers.

Ultimately, the decision between FBA and FBM hinges on various factors, including the seller’s budget, resources, and objectives. It’s crucial to carefully weigh each option’s advantages and disadvantages before deciding.

Managing Customer Service

Selling on Amazon requires top-notch customer service to uphold a positive reputation and increase sales. Here are a few tips for managing customer service as a beginner Amazon seller:

• Respond Promptly: Timely responses to customer inquiries and concerns are essential for maintaining a positive reputation on Amazon. Amazon expects sellers to reply to customer inquiries within 24 hours. Quick answers can help resolve issues before they escalate and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Maintain Professionalism: When communicating with customers, it’s important to maintain a professional tone and avoid using slang or informal language. This helps establish credibility and build trust with customers.
• Offer Refunds and Returns: Amazon has a generous refund and return policy, and sellers are expected to comply with these policies. Offering refunds and returns can improve customer satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of negative feedback.
• Track Metrics: Amazon provides sellers with various metrics to monitor, including the order defect rate, pre-fulfillment cancel rate, and late shipment rate. Monitoring these metrics can help sellers identify areas for improvement and maintain a positive reputation on Amazon.
• Use Templates: Creating templates for frequently asked questions and common issues can save time and ensure consistency in customer service responses. Templates also help ensure that all necessary information is included in responses.

Marketing Strategies

When it comes to selling on Amazon, there are two primary marketing strategies that beginners should be aware of: Amazon SEO and Amazon PPC.

Amazon SEO

Amazon SEO involves optimizing your product listings to rank higher in Amazon’s search results. Here are a few tips to enhance your Amazon SEO:

• Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Use relevant keywords in your product title, bullet points, and product description.
• Complete Product Details: Fill out all product details, including product dimensions, weight, and materials.
• Encourage Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews, as this can improve your product’s visibility in search results.
• High-Quality Images: Use high-quality product images that showcase your product from various angles.
• Following these tips can improve your product’s visibility in Amazon’s search results and increase your chances of making a sale.

Amazon PPC

Amazon PPC (pay-per-click) is a form of advertising on Amazon where you pay for each click on your ad. Here are some tips to maximize the effectiveness of your Amazon PPC campaigns:

• Set a Budget: Establish a budget for your campaign and closely monitor your spending.
• Use Relevant Keywords: Utilize relevant keywords in your ad targeting to ensure your ads reach the right audience.
• Craft Compelling Ad Copy: Create compelling ad copy highlighting your product’s benefits.
• Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on your campaign’s performance and adjust your strategy as needed.

Leveraging Amazon PPC can boost your product’s visibility and drive more traffic to your listings. However, closely monitoring your spending is essential to ensure a positive return on investment.

Overall, employing both Amazon SEO and Amazon PPC, you can enhance your product’s visibility on Amazon and increase your chances of making a sale.

Understanding Amazon’s Fees

Selling on Amazon entails various fees that every seller should comprehend before getting started. Amazon imposes two types of fees: referral fees and fulfillment fees.

• Referral Fees: Referral fees are a percentage of the item’s sale price, excluding any taxes collected through Amazon. The referral fee percentage varies by category, with most categories having a referral fee ranging from 6% to 45% of the item’s sale price.
• For instance, if a seller sells a product for $100 and the referral fee for that category is 15%, Amazon will charge the seller $15.
• Fulfillment Fees: Fulfillment fees are applied when a seller utilizes Amazon’s fulfillment services. These fees cover the cost of picking, packing, and shipping the seller’s products to customers.

Fulfillment fees differ based on the size and weight of the product and the shipping destination. Amazon provides a Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fee calculator to assist sellers in estimating their fulfillment costs.

It’s important to note that Amazon also levies additional fees for oversized products, hazardous items, or those requiring special handling.

• Other Fees: In addition to referral and fulfillment fees, Amazon imposes other charges, such as a monthly subscription fee for Professional selling accounts and a per-item fee for Individual selling accounts. These fees vary depending on the seller’s account type and the products they sell.

Sellers should meticulously review Amazon’s fee schedule to comprehend all the fees associated with selling on the platform.

Understanding Amazon’s fees is crucial for sellers to accurately price their products and calculate their profits. Sellers can make informed decisions regarding their pricing strategy and fulfillment options by grasping the fees.

Maintaining Your Seller Performance

Once you have initiated your selling journey on Amazon, sustaining your seller performance is vital to ensure continued success. Amazon enforces specific performance metrics that sellers must meet, and failing to meet these metrics can lead to account suspension or removal.

One of the most critical metrics is your Order Defect Rate (ODR). This metric gauges the percentage of orders that receive negative feedback, an A-to-Z guarantee claim, or a chargeback. To uphold a favorable ODR, it’s essential to provide precise product descriptions, ship orders promptly, and promptly respond to customer inquiries and complaints.

Another crucial metric to consider is your Late Shipment Rate (LSR). This metric assesses the percentage of orders shipped after their expected ship date. To uphold a favorable LSR, it’s vital to accurately estimate shipping times and promptly communicate with customers in case of any shipping delays.

Apart from these metrics, Amazon also monitors your customer feedback, product reviews, return rates, and refund rates. Responding to customer feedback and reviews promptly and professionally, and efficiently handling returns and refunds are essential.

To assist sellers in maintaining their performance, Amazon provides a range of tools and resources. These encompass performance notifications, performance reports, and the option to appeal performance notifications or account suspensions.

Expanding Your Business

For those starting as Amazon sellers, it’s crucial to begin with a small focus and a limited range of products to gradually build your business. However, as you establish yourself and gain experience, it’s time to contemplate expanding your enterprise. Here are some strategies to consider:

Adding More Products

One strategy for business expansion involves augmenting your product inventory. This entails researching the demand for products and understanding your customers’ preferences. Additionally, consider adding complementary products that align with your existing offerings.

Maintaining consistent branding and ensuring alignment with your overall business strategy is imperative when diversifying your product range. Moreover, factor in the costs associated with adding new products, including sourcing, shipping, and storage expenses.

Entering New Marketplaces

Another avenue for business growth is venturing into new marketplaces. Amazon operates marketplaces in several countries, such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. Extending your reach to new marketplaces, you can tap into fresh customer bases and expand your sales.

Before venturing into a new marketplace, thorough research of the local market dynamics and awareness of cultural and legal differences is essential. Additionally, take into account the expenses tied to selling in a new marketplace, including fees, taxes, and shipping costs.

Expanding your business serves as an effective means to augment your sales and access new customer segments.

The Bottom Line

Selling on Amazon offers newcomers a gateway to tap into a massive customer base, but mastering the basics is crucial. This step-by-step guide covers everything from setting up an Amazon seller account to optimizing listings, managing orders, and understanding Amazon’s fees. With diligence and strategic growth, beginners can navigate this vast marketplace and boost their chances of success.