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As an ecommerce seller, you must contemplate and research before making crucial business decisions. Whether choosing a supplier or an online marketplace to set up your products, you need to know all your options and their pros and cons. Doing this will help you minimize your losses and achieve your business goals faster.

This process is especially essential if you are still deciding between selling on Amazon or Walmart. Despite being two of the biggest online marketplaces globally, they have distinct features, services, and policies that can affect your decision—especially return policies.

This article contains the essential elements of Walmart and Amazon return policies and their pros and cons. Read on to know which return policy best suits your needs as a seller!

Walmart’s Return Policy

Since the 1960s, Walmart has been a household name in the US because of its multiple branches, low prices, and trustworthy services. If you want to start selling your products through the Walmart Marketplace, here are some notable return policies you need to know.

Return/Refund Durations

• Customers can view the latest eligible date for returns and replacements on their order or purchase history. However, for online and in-store purchases sold and shipped by Walmart, they can typically have their purchased items returned or replaced within 90 days of receipt. 
• Depending on their category, some items must be returned within 14, 30, or 60 days. They also require the receipt or Walmart.com order number to secure a refund or exchange.
• Walmart’s holiday return policy in 2022 allowed returns until January 31, 2023 for items purchased between October 1 and December 31, 2022. Orders purchased before October 1 followed the regular return policy.

Other Policies Regarding Returns and Refunds

• Walmart has set up minimum return standards for specific products for third-party sellers to follow. This way, they can provide a consistent shopping experience in Walmart. Sellers must set at least 14 days for customers to return electronics and luxury items and at least 30 days for others.
• Customers who want to return items can ship or return them to the nearest Walmart store. But hazardous materials sold by third-party sellers are not eligible for an in-store return. 
• Appliances like refrigerators and washing machines must be in mint condition and original packaging before being returned. Similar to other items, the return window for these items spans 30 days after the order is delivered and accepted. 
• Pieces of furniture that need assembly must be completely dismantled and repackaged with a return shipping label before being returned to a Walmart store or a FedEx location.
• Some items are only available for exchange for an exact or similar item. These include unlocked wireless phones, opened or used airbeds, crutches, and walkers.
• If the customer wants to return items sold by Walmart, the company reserves the right to limit or decline the request.
• However, some items are not eligible for returns, refunds, or replacements whether or not the customer presents the official receipt. This category includes prescription drugs, certain medical equipment, firearms, and home testing kits, among others.
• Walmart reserves the right to close marketplace accounts or refuse orders or returns if they detect violations, abuse, or fraudulent activities related to these.

Guarantees

• The Walmart Marketplace Promise provides peace of mind for shoppers purchasing from third-party sellers. Under this guarantee, sellers must provide a resolution within 48 hours. Otherwise, Walmart will decide on a course of action, which will be final.

Amazon’s Return Policy

As Amazon fulfills its vision to be the most customer-centric company in the world, they ensure that its customers get the best services by creating comprehensive and reasonable marketplace policies. Below are the returns policies that you must take note of as an Amazon seller.

Return/Refund Durations

• Customers can return items within 30 days of shipment, whether they buy from Amazon or third-party sellers. However, it does not apply to some items, such as prepaid game cards, customized or personalized orders, and grocery products. Computer laptops, desktops, and Kindles will not be accepted if they are returned more than 30 days after delivery.
• During the 2022 holiday season, orders shipped between October 11 and December 31, 2022 were eligible for free returns until January 31, 2023, for both Amazon Prime and non-Prime shoppers. 

Other Policies Regarding Returns and Refunds

• If the product is eligible for the Amazon Prime return policy, it will have the same return policy as other Amazon-fulfilled items.
• Third-party sellers can modify their refund policies to fit their operations and costs. So, customers must follow their policies because Amazon will not meddle with the return requests of sellers with customized policies.
• Returns for merchant-fulfilled orders will be directly sent to the seller. Therefore, you must provide a return US address or a prepaid return label. If not, the customer can file an A-to-Z claim, which can be time-consuming and harmful to your seller account health.

Guarantees

• Amazon uses the A-to-Z Guarantee to protect buyers when they purchase merchant-fulfilled items. This way, customers can still have a satisfying shopping experience on Amazon, even without ordering from an FBA seller.
• For merchant-fulfilled orders, sellers must respond to a return request within 24 hours and issue a cash refund within two business days of receiving the returned items. Otherwise, Amazon will automatically refund the customers on their behalf and charge it directly on the seller account.
• Amazon sellers can offer returnless refunds to avoid spending additional costs on product returns. However, you can choose which items are eligible to avoid scammers from taking advantage of you.
• Amazon's Prime Wardrobe lets shoppers try out up to 6 fashion items at home for a week and decide which items to keep or return. Through the Amazon Fashion returns policy, Amazon has the right to reject return requests if they are not in sellable condition.

Because several return policies are not included in this section, it would be best for you to consult an Amazon expert if you still have questions about refunds, returns, or reimbursements.

The Pros and Cons of Each Policy

It is evident in the points given above that Walmart and Amazon have distinct return policies, which reflect their identities and objectives as businesses. However, as a seller, you must accept that there's no perfect set of policies that favors everyone. Therefore, at some point, you have to compromise to keep your business going.

But regardless of this sad reality and the differences between the two online marketplace giants, sellers like you must still weigh their pros and cons before deciding. This way, you can have a clearer picture of what you can expect from the company and how you can work around its policies.

The table below shows the pros and cons of Walmart and Amazon return policies for sellers like you.

	Pros	Cons
Walmart	They have the right to deny return requests that seem fraudulent.Some items can only be exchanged, which prevents buyers from abusing the return policies.	Complete information and guidelines about returns are not provided on their website. You still need to consult the customer service desk if you need clarification, which is inconvenient.It has limited options for returned products.
Amazon	It has more specific return guidelines for all categories.Its Amazon FBA Grade and Resell program allows sellers to resell their returned items labeled as used.	It allows returnless refunds, encouraging others to take advantage of the system.Amazon's Prime Wardrobe can be a hassle for sellers offering products eligible for this program.

Which One Should You Choose?

Based on the information above, the return policy of Amazon is more comprehensive, with customer satisfaction as its priority. On the other hand, Walmart is more flexible by allowing third-party sellers to modify their return policies as long as they follow the minimum requirements.

Furthermore, Amazon sellers can offer returnless refunds on selected items, which is not available at Walmart. Of course, having this feature means you might encounter pretentious customers, but it could also be your way to gain customer loyalty.

Lastly, Amazon has several seller programs that can give you options for handling your returns, which Walmart does not offer. These include Amazon FBA Grade and Resell and Amazon Renewed. 

Regardless of your choice, returns and refunds are a huge part of any business model, and they can make or break it. But because product returns are inevitable in ecommerce, you must be prepared to accept returns and handle possible losses or find ways to reduce or prevent them from occurring in the first place. 

As always, weigh the benefits and the risks through the help of marketplace experts.

Bottom Line

Both Walmart and Amazon became trustworthy online marketplaces for people worldwide because of their reliable services and reasonable return policies. Additionally, because returns are essential to customer satisfaction, they continue to improve their policies and introduce new ones.

However, some sellers might have difficulty catching up with the continuous revisions on these marketplaces' return policies. So, look for a credible account management agency, like Seller Interactive, to guide you on Amazon or Walmart policies—whether they are related to returns or not. 

In addition, we have experienced sellers and consultants on board to help you with returns or account management.
Is this something you'd want to know for your business? Contact us today to get started on your journey to growth and success!

Dealing with refunds can be a headache for Amazon sellers like yourself. A common question arising is, “How long do Amazon refunds take?” Customers seek clarity on how long they should wait, while sellers can benefit from understanding how to process refunds timely and avoid negative feedback or disputes in the future.

We have all the answers you need in this article. Let's explore the ins and outs of Amazon refunds and answer FAQs to help you master the process, assist your customers, and run your Amazon business better.  

Understanding the Basics of the Amazon Refund Process

Understanding the fundamentals of the Amazon refund process is crucial for both sellers and buyers. While it’s impossible to control every aspect of the procedure, sellers can still play a role in setting expectations, ensuring promptness, and minimizing errors to streamline the process.

So let’s go over everything you should know about Amazon refunds, from the basics to some frequently asked questions. 

Why Do Refunds Occur?

Some of the most common reasons why customers request a refund are the following:

• They do not want the product.
• The item purchased is defective.
• The purchase was unauthorized.
• The item received was not as described on the Amazon website.
• A wrong product was delivered.
• Customers no longer need the product.

What Are the Different Types of Amazon Refunds?

Amazon offers various refunds to fit the policies and the customers' needs. The following are the most common types of Amazon refunds, and you can use them under specific circumstances:

• A full refund is given when customers return an item in new condition, with all the original packaging and accessories, within 30 days of delivery.
• A partial refund is given when they return an item that is not in new condition or has missing parts or accessories.
• A promotional refund is granted when a customer receives a promotional credit or coupon on their purchase and requests a refund. The refund amount may be adjusted to reflect the promotional value.
• A returnless refund is granted to customers without requiring them to return the item (typically for small and low-value purchases).
• A gift card refund is given when customers return an item not eligible for a traditional refund but can be exchanged for an Amazon Gift Card balance credit. This refund is typically provided for items that are difficult to ship, such as digital music or books.

What are the Factors Affecting the Amount of a Refund on Amazon?

The total amount of an Amazon refund relies on various factors, which we enumerate below:

• The condition of the item. As mentioned, an item in perfect and original condition will likely receive full refunds., while defective items could only be eligible for a partial refund.
• The reason for the return. Buyers are more likely to receive a full refund when returning a faulty product than returning it due to a change of mind. 
• Seller’s Return Policy. Some sellers have more lenient return policies than others, so checking the seller's policy before purchasing is essential. Amazon will consider the seller's return policy who sold the item.
• The shipping costs. If your customer is returning a product purchased with free shipping, they may be responsible for the return shipping costs.
• The time frame. When buyers return an item outside the return window, they may not be eligible for a refund. So it's essential to check the return policy before making a purchase.

How Long Do Amazon Refunds Take, and What Affects It?

Generally, customers can receive a refund on the same day or up to 30 days. The duration depends on factors such as:

Physical vs digital items

The nature of the item being returned can affect the refund duration.

📦 For physical items, Amazon handles the return and offers a refund as soon as they receive the returned item. This takes time because the process may involve shipping, inspection, and restocking before the refund is issued. 

💻 In contrast, refunds for digital products, such as Kindle books or other digital downloads, can typically be processed more quickly. Amazon will refund once they confirm that customers haven't downloaded or accessed the item. 

Payment method

According to Amazon's refund policy, these are the estimated time frames necessary to process a refund depending on the customer’s payment method:

Source

💡 Before a refund is issued, returned items usually undergo a return inspection, which can take up to 45 days. If a return package doesn't arrive at Amazon's return center, the company waits 14 days before processing the refund. Always consult Amazon's latest policies for the most accurate information.

Type of refund

Some refund types are processed faster than the others, such as instant, gift cards, and returnless. Other types involving a specific situation, payment method, or financial institution's policy may take more time.

Customers will receive an email from Amazon customer service confirming their refund has been processed. They can  contact Amazon customer service for a follow-up if they don't receive the notice within a week of initiating the refund. Later sections will provide tips for streamlining the process and minimizing future occurrences.

A Step-by-Step Guide on Issuing a Refund

The Amazon refund process commences when a buyer submits a return request. Sellers can approve or dispute the claim based on the validity of the return reason. After receiving and inspecting the return, Amazon automatically deducts the refunded amount from the seller's bank account. 

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how a seller issues a refund:

1. Click Burger Button on the upper left side of the Seller Central page. Choose Orders > Manage Orders.

2. Search for the order ID that you need for processing the refund.

3. Click on the "Refund Order" button to initiate the refund process.

4. Select the reason for the refund.

5. Select the tick box > full refund (if needed) > optional notes for yourself or the buyer.

6. If partial refund, provide the required amount that you need to process. Then, click on the "Submit" button to complete the procedure.

💡 The refund process may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the refund request. For example, if the customer has already returned the item, the seller may need to wait for the item to be received and inspected by Amazon before issuing the refund.

Frequently Asked Questions About Processing Amazon Refunds

Now that we have discussed the fundamentals, let’s quickly go over a few frequently asked questions that can help you become well-versed in processing Amazon refunds.

How Can You Speed Up the Amazon Refund Process if It's Taking Too Long? 

Understandably, customers might feel impatient when waiting for an update about their refund request. But there are several things you can do on your end to speed up the Amazon refund process.

• Check your seller account regularly to stay on top of any refund requests or notifications from Amazon. 
• Promptly respond to customer concerns and questions regarding refunds to resolve issues faster.
• Provide clear instructions on how customers should initiate a return and what steps to follow. For example, they should include the reason/s they'd want a refund. It will also help to provide transaction proofs if the item is defective or its listing misled them. 
• Review and streamline your internal processes for handling refunds. Ensure your team efficiently processes and approves refunds to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Consider using Amazon’s automated refund system whenever possible. 
• Monitor performance metrics to identify any areas where improvements are necessary to enhance the efficiency of your refund process.
• Escalate issues to Seller Support or contact customer service when necessary (e.g., a refund is significantly delayed or you encounter problems that can’t be solved independently).

Are There Situations Where Customers Won't Be Able to Receive an Amazon Refund?

Yes, there are. Here’s a quick rundown of sample scenarios included in some of Amazon’s policies:

• Amazon’s Return Policy: Certain items, such as digital goods or gift cards, may not be eligible for refunds under certain circumstances. 
• Amazon’s Cancellation Policy: If the buyer has ordered an item already fulfilled or shipped but decided to cancel your order, they may not be eligible for a refund. 
• Amazon’s Free Shipping Policy: If a buyer received free shipping on their order and returned all or part of the items included in the shipment, they may need to pay for the original shipping rates before a refund can be issued.

How Can Sellers Dispute a Refund Request?

Amazon sellers like you may occasionally have to deal with refunds and returns. While some refunds are straightforward, others may require investigation. Some buyers take advantage of Amazon's return policy, requesting a refund without returning the item.

When this happens, you can dispute the refund by following these steps:

1. Reach out to the customer and try to resolve the issue directly. A misunderstanding is often the root of the problem and can be quickly cleared up with a quick conversation.
2. If the previous tip doesn't work or you cannot reach the customer, gather evidence to support your case. This could include screenshots of messages between you and the customer, copies of emails or chat logs, and videos (if applicable).
3. Once you have collected all your evidence, reach out to Amazon and explain your side of the story.

Are Amazon Refunds Different from Reimbursements?

Yes, they are. A refund request begins when a customer returns an item, and the seller is charged for its value. Meanwhile, reimbursements happen when Amazon owes you money for various reasons, such as incorrect refunds, lost or damaged inventory, or overcharged fees. 

What’s similar about the two is that the seller must issue a request and go through specific steps to complete the process.

5 Tips for Reducing Amazon Returns and Refunds

Reducing Amazon returns and refunds can significantly impact your profit margins, so take note of these tips to keep your customers happy. 

1. Write clear and detailed product descriptions with technical specifications, dimensions, and high-quality, genuine images from multiple angles. Misleading or vague descriptions can lead to customer dissatisfaction and, ultimately, returns. 
2. Consider quality control. Delivering a top-quality product improves customer satisfaction and reduces the chances of returns due to faults or defects. 
3. Ensure robust packaging. Sturdy packaging protects goods during transit and helps reduce returns due to damages.
4. Offer exceptional customer service. Prompt responses to customer queries and resolution of issues can dissuade customers from resorting to returns. 
5. Manage customer expectations. Be transparent about delivery times. Overselling capabilities or providing unrealistic delivery timelines can lead to increased returns and refunds. 

Refund and Reimbursement Assistance from Seller Interactive

In conclusion, understanding the ins and outs of Amazon refunds is essential for sellers seeking to thrive in the marketplace. This article provided valuable insights into various aspects of the refund process, such as refund types, factors influencing refund amounts, refund timelines, and tips to minimize returns. 

By familiarizing yourself with these details, you can effectively set expectations for your customers and improve your internal operations. Achieve a smooth Amazon refund process for you and your customers today! If you’re looking for expert assistance, Seller Interactive is here. Our team of Amazon experts can help you handle refunds and reimbursements minus the hassle and learning curves! We'd love to discuss our offers with you! Call us now.

If you sell electronics or home appliances online, you know how frustrating it is to receive returned products for various reasons. But there’s still hope for an Amazon seller—you can still sell these items through the Amazon Renewed program if they meet the criteria. Here’s a handy guide on how to sell refurbished products on Amazon Renewed and maximize its features.

Part 1: Amazon Renewed Program Explained

There is no doubt that Amazon customers want the best value for their buck. And the best way to do that is to buy brand-new items. They trust that these products still work at their best because they are new, which makes them more reliable in the long run.

Because of this, most shoppers ignore pre-owned items. After all, not many people have the guts and luxury to gamble their money away on something that can be potentially defective. As a result, sellers find it difficult to sell such goods.

However, Amazon is trying to change customers’ preconceived notions about pre-owned and refurbished products through the Amazon Renewed program. 

What Products Can You Sell on Amazon Renewed?

The program only allows sellers to sell pre-owned and refurbished products if they meet the criteria. In addition, not every product category is qualified. Check if your products belong to the following qualified categories before enrolling your business in Amazon Renewed:

• Smartphones
• Cameras
• Headphones
• Televisions
• Video game consoles and relevant accessories
• Kitchen appliances
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Computers
• Musical instruments 
• Outdoor and sports equipment
• Home and industrial power tools
• Analog or digital watches
• Office equipment
• Automotive parts

The Pros and Cons of Selling Refurbished Items on Amazon Renewed

You already know that selling refurbished and pre-owned products can be challenging with the average consumer’s bias towards brand-new items. But selling on Amazon and maximizing the Amazon Renewed program can be an effective business model if you play your cards right.

Before we dive into the business of this program, let’s first discover some of its advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

1. Less Competition

Amazon currently has almost 2 million existing sellers on its platform, which makes the competition tighter among sellers with similar product selections. But joining Amazon Renewed makes you become a part of an exclusive program.

Because only sellers who meet Amazon’s strict criteria can enter this program, this means less competition for you.

2. Access to Amazon's Benefits

Because you are still within the Amazon marketplace, you also get to enjoy all the benefits that come with it, such as a huge customer base and flexible shipping options. With Amazon’s monthly visitors of over 2 billion, you can turn this venture into a working business model to scale your online business.

3. Trusted Products

Before Amazon Renewed was launched, only brand-new products were sold on the Amazon marketplace to ensure that customers would receive nothing but high-quality products. Unfortunately, this prompted customers to purchase refurbished items on other platforms for less, which can be risky.

Now, Amazon ensures their customers that refurbished products on Amazon Renewed program undergo a full diagnostic test and a product and packaging review, encouraging customers to confidently purchase like-new devices.

Plus, the Amazon Renewed guarantee makes you a more trustworthy and reliable seller on the platform.

4. Sell Returned Products

As an Amazon seller, you know that receiving returned products is inevitable in your eCommerce business. Some customers sometimes return almost brand-new items that you can still sell afterward.

So, joining the Amazon Renewed program is a great way to resell refurbished and pre-owned products without losing money and contributing to worsening environmental problems. 

Cons

1. High Return Rate

Because of the nature of pre-owned products, sellers who opt to join Amazon Renewed must be aware of the risks associated with joining. One is the high possibility of returns, especially since Amazon offers a full refund or replacement under its 90-day guarantee and 1-year limited warranty.

So if the customers are not satisfied with the item, they can ask for a refund or replacement immediately, which can be challenging for third-party sellers.

2. Less Control Over Pricing

Another disadvantage of selling through Amazon Renewed is that you have less control over the prices of the products. In compliance with Amazon Marketplace Fair Pricing Policy, sellers offering Renewed products must set a 5% or more discount than their brand-new counterparts.

While this seems reasonable, it can still affect your possible revenue from the program.

3. Competition

As mentioned above, you will have less competition among sellers of Amazon-certified refurbished products. But you cannot stay away from your biggest competitors—the sellers of your products’ brand-new counterparts. You might also have to deal with other sellers outside the Amazon marketplace.

Part 2: How to Sell Refurbished Products on Amazon Renewed

Now that you know its pros and cons, are you ready to start selling refurbished products on Amazon Renewed? If you’re dedicated to selling through this program, here are some steps to get you started:

1. Create an Amazon Seller Account

Before selling certified refurbished and pre-owned items through the Amazon Renewed program, you must be a registered seller on Amazon first. 

Go to Amazon’s Seller Central website and create a selling account to start your journey on Amazon.

2. Meet the Requirements for Qualifying Refurbished Purchases

Only qualified Amazon Renewed sellers can sell refurbished products on the platform. To be eligible for the program, your products must pass Amazon's quality criteria. Here are some of the program's requirements: 

• Provide invoices. You need to provide invoices for your refurbished purchases. Depending on your products’ category, this may require a minimum total value of $50,000 within the last 90-190 days. If you’re selling refurbished products from the Apple brand, you must supply invoices with a total value of at least $2.5 million.

• Include the Amazon Renewed Guarantee on all refurbished products. You must be willing and ready to back all your items with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, agreeing to all the terms listed.

• Submit photos of the sample refurbished product. Do you want to sell factory-refurbished products with no manufacturer warranty? Provide at least eight photos of a sample unit for review. Show photos of the product from all four sides as well as all packaging and padding materials used. 

• Maintain a low order defect rate (ODR). For existing Amazon sellers who want to try the Amazon Renewed program, you must maintain an ODR of 0.8% or less for 90 days. 

3. Source High-Demand Products

To be eligible for Amazon Renewed, you must prove to the platform that you have enough inventory. You can do this by planning the products that you want to sell. 

Before purchasing, ensure that you have the right products. You can tell if the product is right if it has high demand and low competition, is not sold by Amazon, and can be priced competitively. Using a product research tool can also help you find the right products. 

Once you know which products match those essential factors, you can start sourcing those products through the following ways: 

• Liquidation companies. Manufacturers often sell their excess stocks to liquidation companies, which the latter refurbishes and resells to other third-party sellers like you.
• Manufacturers. Manufacturers also sell their surplus directly to third-party sellers and retailers who offer them as refurbished items.

4. Apply for the Amazon Renewed Program

After determining the products to sell and finding the appropriate sourcing methods, proceed to the Amazon Renewed page to submit your application. Once you’ve completed the application process, expect a response from Amazon within ten business days.

Tips to Succeed With Amazon Renewed

The Amazon Renewed program might be a little challenging if you’re not familiar with the ins and outs of the platform. To help you drive sales through the program, here are a few tips for you:

1. Set Lower Prices

In terms of pricing, set the prices of the refurbished products at least 20% lower than their original price when they’re brand new.

2. Make Products Eligible for Deals

Implement a “Best Deals” promotion for your refurbished and pre-owned products. You can be eligible for Amazon’s Best Deals offer if you meet the platform’s product quality criteria.

3. Use Amazon’s Sponsored Products Advertising Program

Utilize Amazon’s Sponsored Products advertising program to drive increased traffic to your newly refurbished listings. For best results, it’s advisable to use both manual and automatic campaigns and implement a trial-and-error method.

Key Takeaways

Amazon Renewed has made selling Amazon refurbished products easier and more reliable. Through this program, sellers can now offer refurbished and pre-owned items to Amazon customers who want to receive high-quality products for lower prices.

But like any other program, it has its share of pros and cons. If you want to succeed in growing your business through Amazon Renewed, we can provide full account management services for you. 

We have excellent and experienced account managers who can help you sell your renewed products and make your business thrive in the ecommerce platform. Contact us today.

The convenience of selling pet supplies on Amazon, particularly in countries like Canada, has seen immense growth. Brick-and-mortar establishments offer a diverse range of pet supplies all in one place, catering to shoppers who prefer in-person browsing and purchases.

Along with the advancement of technology and the widespread internet connectivity among Canadians, sellers now have the chance to expand their operations by using online platforms like Amazon. This transition to online selling has been embraced by both new and existing customers, indicating a promising market for sellers in the pet industry.

If you want to enter the pet supply market, this article is for you! We’ll show you why pet supply stores are predicted to be profitable and why you should seriously consider this lucrative opportunity.

Fun Fact: Canada Is a Pet-Loving Nation

Did you know 73% of Canadians have at least one furry friend? Pet Keen says an estimated 38% are cat owners, while 35% are dog owners. So right off the bat, this information tells us that Canadians love pets. 

From premium pet food and treats to pet toys and accessories, Canadians spare no expense for their household pets. They are conscious of their well-being and are willing to invest in high-quality products to ensure their health, happiness, and overall quality of life.

Given the dedication and commitment of pet owners, it is no surprise that the market for pet products and supplies in Canada is thriving, making it an attractive industry for aspiring sellers. The growing demand for ecommerce platforms like Amazon has also opened up new possibilities for them to cater to the discerning needs of pet owners in Canada.

Let’s find out in the next section why Amazon is the ideal platform for selling pet supplies in Canada.

5 Reasons Amazon is the One-Stop Shop for Pet Supplies

What drives Canadian pet owners and enthusiasts to buy pet products from Amazon? Besides hassle-free buying from physical stores, customers can get many exclusive perks and advantages by buying on this platform. 

These perks are listed below.

1. Strong Customer Base

You don’t need to worry about finding pet owners anymore. Given its customer-centric approach, Amazon has already built a reputation as a trusted and reliable online retail platform. Customers already intend to buy when they visit your Amazon brand store.

Since Canadians are turning to Amazon to purchase pet supplies online, it’s your chance to try Amazon wholesale. It will benefit you from the platform’s robust infrastructure, including efficient order fulfillment, reliable shipping, and customer service. You can focus on sourcing quality pet supplies and managing inventory while Amazon handles the logistics.

2. Fast and Free Shipping of Pet Supplies to Amazon Prime Members

Fast and free shipping is only one of the primary reasons why more and more Canadians avail themselves of Amazon Prime. With this subscription service, customers can receive all millions of pet supplies products the same day, the next day, or in two days for no price.

Who wouldn’t want their products to be delivered as soon as possible? That's why it's an absolute steal from a customer's perspective. Not only can they save on shipping in the long run, but they also have the pet supplies they need immediately. Returning items is also made a lot easier with FBA-labeled products.

3. Prime Day Discounts on Many Pet Products

Prime Day, a highly anticipated two-day event on Amazon, offers customers access to epic deals and big discounts across the marketplace. They can even enjoy cashback rewards on their purchases during this event.

Selling pet products on Prime Day presents a prime opportunity to witness a substantial boost in overall pet supply sales. You can maximize your success by strategically launching your pet supplies. It can be through:

• Offering competitive deals.
• Optimizing your product listings.
• Using Amazon features like sponsored brand ads and lightning deals.

You can also get an Amazon product launch service to increase the chances of turning window shoppers into loyal customers. 

4. Customers Can Benefit From Pets Subscribe & Save

Amazon sellers must not forget the Amazon Subscribe & Save program. This program offers a cost-saving solution for customers by automatically delivering pet supplies, such as cat or dog food, at regular intervals ranging from every two weeks to six months.

Amazon Subscribe & Save provides numerous benefits for sellers and customers. For sellers, they can establish long-term relationships with customers who consistently need pet products on Amazon. Customers can set up their preferred delivery frequency and quantities. They can also save 15% for at least five products in one delivery per address.

5. It Has a Wide Range of Products in Its Marketplace

Amazon is an online retail giant. Millions of products are being sold in its marketplace as we speak. Compared to pet shops, Amazon does not only sell products to one, two, or three types of animals. 

Customers can shop for products of virtually all common pets out there, which is one of the strongest pros that Amazon has among the others. Consider it a one-stop shop for pet supplies and needs, all in the comfort of the customers’ homes.

Inside Amazon’s Pet Supplies Category

As you can see, Amazon is an exciting and convenient place for thriving pet supplies sellers. You must not hesitate to jump into this business and take full advantage of its opportunities.

And as mentioned above, Amazon has its inclusive approach in the form of Pet Supplies Category. They don’t only sell pet supplies to customers who have dogs and cats. True to its name, it shelters supplies for all common pets.

Here is the list of animal subsections under the supplies category on Amazon.

• Birds: Includes essentials such as bird cages, feeders, perches, bird food, health supplies, toys, and grooming supplies specifically tailored to the needs of different bird species.

• Cats: Cat owners can explore and choose from various cat toys, cat trees, litter boxes, beds, and grooming tools.

• Dog: A comprehensive hub for all things related to canine companions. It features an extensive selection of dog toys, treats, collars, leashes, beds, crates, training aids, and more. 

• Fish & Aquatic Pets: Includes aquarium supplies like filters, pumps, heaters, fish food, water treatments, aquarium decor, and accessories to create a vibrant and healthy aquatic environment.

• Horses: From saddles and bridles to hoof care and grooming supplies, horse owners can find everything they need within this specialized subcategory.

• Reptiles & Amphibians: Includes terrariums, heating and lighting equipment, substrate, food, supplements, decor, and habitat supplies for reptiles and amphibians.

• Small Animals: Features a variety of cages, bedding, food, treats, toys, grooming products, and accessories to ensure the well-being and comfort of these furry companions.

These sections provide a convenient and organized platform for pet owners to find the right Amazon pet supplies. Understanding the unique demands of each subcategory can help you effectively target and serve their specific needs.

Customer Experiences in Buying Pet Supplies on Amazon

Customers' experiences when buying pet supplies on Amazon are generally positive. They appreciate the platform's reliability, convenience, and ease of navigating. These experiences are vital in ensuring customer satisfaction and retention.

What specific aspects contribute to these customer experiences?

Lower Prices in Amazon Compared to Other Pet Supplies Shops

Unfortunately, being a pet owner comes with financial responsibilities. The costs associated with providing proper care for pets can add up, from pet houses and grooming to veterinary care and supplies.

Amazon solves this problem by keeping its product prices competitive. With a wide range of pet supplies at affordable rates, it can reassure pet owners that they can manage their expenses without the well-being of their furry friends. 

Customers can also compare prices from different Amazon sellers and choose the most cost-effective option. Price transparency empowers them to make informed purchasing decisions and find the best deals.

Product Pages Help Them Find the Best Product

Sometimes, shopping online is scary because customers know nothing about the product. For example, when they buy groceries and pet shops, they don’t have the time to read all the labels.

But with Amazon, they can take their time reading all the information through a well-structured product detail page. As a seller, you can make the most out of it by:

• Writing an Accurate Product Description: Include relevant information about ingredients, sizes, usage instructions, and any other important details that customers need to know.

• Using Lifestyle Images: Help customers visualize the product’s use and create a stronger connection.

• Managing Positive and Negative Reviews: Build trust and credibility while effectively managing negative reviews demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.

• Finding Relevant Keywords: Conduct keyword research to identify your products’ most relevant and commonly searched terms. 

• Optimizing Your Bullet Points: Use concise language, focus on the most critical details, and make it easy for customers to grasp your product’s value quickly.

• Creating and Uploading Product Catalog: Ensure your product catalog is complete and up-to-date. Regularly add new products and remove discontinued ones to maintain an accurate and comprehensive product offering.

With these strategies, many pet owners can fully understand the features and specifications of the pet supplies they are considering.

Incredibly Convenient With Delivery and Returns Policy

One of the major conveniences of selling pet supplies on Amazon is the delivery and returns policy. Pet owners, who are often busy taking care of their furry friends, find it highly appealing and comforting to know that Amazon will handle the delivery of their pet supplies.

Through Amazon FBA, sellers can store their inventory in Amazon's fulfillment centers. The platform takes charge of packaging, shipping, and customer service, alleviating sellers from logistical responsibilities and enabling them to focus on other business aspects.

Customers benefit from Amazon's efficient and dependable delivery services, receiving their pet supplies conveniently and promptly. This particularly helps pet owners needing regular supplies like food, litter, or medication.

Embrace the Pet Market Today!

Pet supplies will always be in demand, particularly in countries like Canada. Canadian’s deep love for its fur babies ensures a steady demand for high-quality pet products. We listed many advantages above that can contribute to your business profitability and expansion, so consider this area an excellent opportunity to start selling online.

If you’re thinking about venturing into the ecommerce pet industry, you must first know the basics of Amazon Seller Central account management, product optimization, and product launch.

That’s where Seller Interactive comes in. We offer professional services and expertise to help you navigate and optimize your Amazon business, ensuring your success in this thriving industry.
Don’t miss out on the chance to capitalize on the pet-loving culture of Canadians and the convenience of selling pet supplies on Amazon. Email us at [email protected], and we will guide you through the process.

Amazon Pay-per-Click (PPC) advertising is essential for businesses, agencies, and third-party Amazon sellers looking to boost their visibility on the vast online marketplace. As a seller, you can benefit from a good Amazon PPC strategy to target specific keywords for product advertisements. This approach can significantly improve your product's exposure and drive sales.

Understanding and implementing Amazon PPC strategies can be the key to standing out among other merchants on the platform, optimizing costs, and positioning your product for maximum success. You can maintain control over your ad campaigns by choosing the right campaign type and setting a daily maximum budget.

Let's dive deeper into the world of Amazon PPC advertising with the objective of creating efficient and profitable Amazon PPC strategies for your business.

Understanding Amazon PPC Ads Strategy

PPC is essential for Amazon sellers looking to grow their eCommerce business as it can help your listings rank on search results and have excellent ad placement. As a result, your products gain visibility and boost sales.

By implementing an effective Amazon PPC strategy, you can achieve a better return on investment (ROI) for your marketing spend. Additionally, Amazon PPC helps you test and optimize product listings and pricing.

As you build your Amazon PPC strategy, here are things you should keep in mind:

1. Keyword Research: Identify the high-performing and relevant keywords for your products from relevant keywords, long tail keywords, and other keyword types using tools like Amazon Keyword Research or Google Ads Keyword Planner. Analyzing your competitors' PPC campaigns can also provide insights into successful keywords.
2. Sponsored Ad Formats: Amazon offers various ad formats, including Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display Ads. Each has features that best fit in satisfying your campaign needs.
3. Monitoring and Optimization: Regularly track the campaign performance of the multiple ad groups in your campaigns using Amazon Advertising reports. You can easily access this data in your Amazon Seller Central account. Adjust your keyword selection, bids, and ad copy to improve your results. Invest in the ad group where you can have more gains.
4. Budget Management: Allocate a reasonable budget to your campaign. Allot a higher budget for an automatic targeting campaign and slowly reduce it when you've determined the keyword to invest in for your manual campaign.
5. Data Monitoring: Monitor the performance of the ad groups you launched to optimize your spending. Use Amazon's automatic targeting as a starting point and gradually transition to manual targeting for better control over your bids.

To ensure your Amazon PPC strategy is successful, you must also consider factors like seasonal demand, inventory management, and marketplace competition. By continuously refining your keyword selection, targeting, and budget allocation, you can make your Amazon PPC campaigns work effectively for your business.

Types of Amazon PPC Sponsored Ads

Amazon has three main ad types: Sponsored Product Ads, Sponsored Brand Ads, and Sponsored Display Ads. Each has its unique benefits and ideal uses.

Sponsored Product Ads

Sponsored Products are Amazon PPC ads that appear as product listings in Amazon search results and can help drive more traffic to your product detail pages. You can target specific keywords you want your product to rank for and set bids for each keyword in a Sponsored Products ad. 

You can also monitor your Advertising Cost of Sales (ACoS) and adjust as needed to optimize your Sponsored Product ads' performance.

Sponsored Brands

Sponsored Brands are meant to put your brand in the spotlight for customers to notice and remember. Because of their banner-like design, Sponsored Brands are also more eye-catching, establishing recall among potential customers. 

With Sponsored Brands, you can allow customers to visit your Amazon Store or a custom landing page. These ads increase product discovery with up to three allowable product listings and build brand awareness with logo and custom headline provisions.

When creating a Sponsored Brand Ad, you'll need to choose your target keywords and set your bids. Creating engaging headline search ads and selecting relevant products that represent your brand is essential. You may opt for a sponsored brand video ad for your PPC ad campaign to be catchier and to increase ad impressions and click-through rates.

Sponsored Display Ads

Finally, Sponsored Display Ads offer a unique way to target customers based on their interests, shopping behaviors, and product detail page views. They appear across the Amazon ecosystem, including product detail pages, search results, and third-party websites. 

You can also target audiences using Amazon's extensive customer data accessible on your Amazon Seller Central account. With this data, Sponsored Display Ads help you reach potential customers who have visited your listing, clicked through your ads, or added some products to cart but abandoned them.

To create a Sponsored Display Ad, you'll need to select your target audience, choose which products to advertise, and set your budget. Be sure to monitor your ad campaigns regularly and make optimizations as needed to improve performance.

By understanding and utilizing these three ad types in your Amazon PPC strategy, you can increase your brand visibility, drive more traffic to your product pages, and ultimately grow your sales on the platform.

Winning Strategies for Building a Successful Campaign

All Amazon sellers will pick one, two, or simultaneously all types of PPC ads on the platform, but strategy will set each seller apart. Here are some areas you can optimize for your ad campaigns to stand out:

Managing Bids and Budget

A well-structured bidding strategy ensures control over your Amazon PPC campaigns. You can decide on the daily maximum budget for your ad campaigns with several bidding options suitable for different goals and budgets.

Don’t be stuck with default bids too. Tweak them from time to time based on clicks, impressions, and conversions. High-performing keywords with strong relevance to your product listing are worth bidding more on. Sales data from organic ranking can guide your bidding decisions, so make sure to check them as well.

Consider using Amazon's dynamic bids. This bidding type adjusts bid amounts in real time based on the data acquired by the algorithm. They’ll bid higher on high-performing keywords and lower for mid and non-performing ones. Dynamic bids can help optimize your ad spend without much effort on your end, achieving better results.

Keyword Targeting and Match Types

Effectively targeting long-tail keywords and other related keywords is crucial to a successful Amazon PPC campaign. Amazon offers various keyword match types to help you reach your target audience:

• Exact Match Keywords: Exact match campaigns trigger your ad only when the search terms match the exact keyword you chose to rank for.
• Phrase Match Keywords: This shows your ad when the customer search terms include your keyword as part of a phrase.
• Broad Match Keywords: Broad match campaigns display your ad for a search term related to your keyword, including synonyms and variations.
• Long-Tail Keywords: Your ad strategy should focus on identifying and targeting these long-tail keywords with lower competition and Cost per Click(CPC).

You can incorporate these keywords in the product detail page and store backend. Effectively using these match types lets you optimize your keyword targeting and improve ad performance.

Manual and Automatic Targeting Ad Campaigns

Amazon offers both manual keyword targeting and automatic campaigns. A manual campaign gives you more control over selecting specific keywords, match types, and bids. This approach is an advanced Amazon PPC strategy that lets you tailor your PPC ads to your target audience, but it requires continuous optimization and management.

On the other hand, automatic targeting may save you time, as Amazon's algorithms handle most of the PPC advertisements. However, an auto campaign provides limited control and may not target your ideal audience as effectively because of the default bid system. Also, in an automatic campaign, you may bid for the same keywords and repeatedly use the same campaign with adjustments as needed.

Keyword Research and Harvesting

Keyword research involves finding relevant, high-converting keywords for your products using the most reliable keyword research tools. You can also combine Amazon’s manual and automatic campaigns to leverage their strengths.

By analyzing the search terms and ASINs from your automatic campaigns, you can gather high-performing keywords to include in your manual campaigns. Run manual and automatic campaigns for your products for a week or two. If you see the need for adjustment after a performance and competitor analysis, enact it right away.

Negative Keywords and Search Terms

Another crucial aspect of optimizing your Amazon PPC campaign is using negative keywords. One negative keyword won't hurt, but you want to exclude these irrelevant search terms from your ad campaigns when they start to pile up. They are irrelevant or not converting well.

Refining your negative keywords list can prevent your PPC ads from showing up for unrelated searches or unprofitable search terms. This practice can ultimately save your budget and improve your campaign's effectiveness.

To identify negative keywords, analyze your search term report to find irrelevant or low-performing search terms triggering your ads. Exclude them from your campaigns, and continuously update your negative keywords list as needed.

Product and Category Targeting

In addition to keyword targeting, you can use product targeting to display your PPC ads on relevant product pages or within specific categories. Here are some advanced Amazon PPC strategies for successful product and category targeting:

• Have a PPC ad campaign that targets listings and categories of your competitors, so your ad appears side-by-side with their listings.
• Launch an ad campaign targeting listings and categories with lower ratings than yours, so your product will appear as a better choice.
• Set up an ad campaign that targets listings and categories of items your product can complement. Customers may not be looking for your product but may purchase it because it matches the item they want to buy.

By creating a well-planned Amazon PPC strategy that includes properly setting your campaign budget, implementing both manual and automatic targeting, effectively utilizing keywords and match types, and leveraging category and product targeting, you can succeed with your Amazon advertising efforts.

Tracking and Improving Ad Campaigns' Performance

Monitor and analyze your ads' performance regularly to ensure their effectiveness. Have the eagerness to follow plans to drive results, but be flexible if there are game plans that need adjustments.

Advertising Cost of Sales (ACoS) and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)

Advertising Cost of Sales (ACoS) is the percentage of your ad spend in relation to your sales. A lower ACoS means a more profitable campaign. Another essential metric is Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), which is the opposite of ACoS. A higher ROAS indicates a better return on your advertising investment.

ACoS Formula: Total Ad Spend/Total Generated Sales ROAS Formula: Total Sales/Total Ad Spend

For instance, if you spend $500 on your Amazon PPC campaign and generate $2,500 in sales:

ACoS = (500 / 2,500) * 100 = 20% ROAS = 2,500 / 500 = $5 revenue for every $1 of ad spend

A good ROAS is a $4 revenue:$1 of ad spend or a revenue ranging from $3-$5 per ad spend. Meanwhile, a range of 15%-20% is excellent ACoS for Amazon. Track and compare ACoS and ROAS to understand the efficiency and profitability of your ad campaigns and adjust your bids, budgets, and strategies accordingly.

Conversion Rates and Click-Through Rates

Another crucial aspect of tracking ad campaign performance is monitoring conversion rates (CVR) and click-through rates (CTR). These metrics help you estimate the success of your campaigns concerning compelling potential customers to click on your ads and make a purchase.

A higher CVR indicates that your ads successfully drive sales. A 10%-15% conversion rate is a good range on Amazon. Measure the effectiveness of your ad in attracting clicks by dividing the number of clicks by the total number of impressions. A higher CTR means that your ads are catching attention. Treat a 0.5% and above CTR as good news, as this is good data.

Conversion Rate (CVR) Formula: Number of conversions / Total number of clicks Click-Through Rate (CTR) Formula: Clicks / Impressions

Keep an eye on your CTR and CVR as they provide valuable insights into your ads' appeal and relevance, allowing you to optimize keywords, ad creatives, and bidding strategies.

Monitoring Competitors and Market Trends

Lastly, continuously monitor your competitors and market trends to stay ahead and maintain a successful Amazon PPC strategy. Analyze search results, analytics, and competitor listings to identify product gaps, trends, and opportunities you can leverage in your campaigns.

Use competitive analysis tools to do the following:

• Learn about your competitors' keywords, ad placements, and targeting strategies.
• Monitor their ACoS, ROAS, and profit margins.
• Identify market trends, seasonal demands, and emerging products or niches.

Stay on top of the dynamic Amazon marketplace by adapting some competitor strategies and incorporating the insights you gain through competitor monitoring and market analysis.

Benefits of Having Solid Amazon PPC Strategies

Do you already see yourself using some of the strategies we mentioned above? To nudge you further, we’re also sharing the benefits of having a strong Amazon PPC strategy with you:

• Increased Online Exposure - Promoting your products on Amazon automatically increases their online exposure. You also gain more influence because these make users on Amazon more familiar with your brand and products. Consequently, when consumers are more familiar with your brand, they are more likely to buy or recommend your products, leading to increased sales. 
• Put Your Products in Front of Potential Buyers - Because your Amazon PPC campaign appears on the platform, they directly connect with potential buyers. This means you no longer need to search far and wide for ideal locations for your ad placement. This benefit allows you to devote more time to other important tasks instead of scrolling through the perfect place to display your ads. 
• Great Keyword Target-Specific Options - To gain brand exposure, many advertisers use Google Ads in a multi-layered approach to test and ensure full coverage across networks and targeting types.

Seller Interactive's Amazon PPC Campaigns

In conclusion, Amazon PPC advertising is vital for any business to gain visibility and boost sales on Amazon's vast online marketplace. Employing proven tactics like keyword research, monitoring and optimization, budget management, and use of various ad formats can help achieve a more efficient and profitable Amazon PPC advertising campaign.

By incorporating well-planned strategies, you can make your Amazon PPC campaigns work effectively for your business. Understanding the different types of ads available and their unique benefits is necessary to decide which suits your advertising needs best. Do not use all the keywords you get; continuously refine your keyword selection, targeting, and budget allocation.

With solid Amazon PPC ad strategies, advertisers can increase online exposure, put their products in front of potential buyers, and have great keyword targeting specificity.

Working with an Amazon PPC agency or a team of dedicated and experienced professionals eager to assist you in running and managing your advertising campaigns could be just the thing you need for your business. 

Seller Interactive is here for you! Call us now, so we can tailor the perfect campaign for you and discuss our services in more detail.

Amazon is one of the biggest e-commerce platforms in the world, catering to millions of customers every day. With a vast array of products and services available on the platform, it is not uncommon for customers to encounter issues or have inquiries about their purchases and want to know how to contact seller on Amazon.

There are numerous reasons why customers like you may need to contact sellers on Amazon, including queries about product specifications, order tracking, refunds, and returns. Fortunately, there are various ways customers can contact sellers that ensure prompt and efficient communication.

Reasons Why Customers Contact a Seller on Amazon

A customer's journey looks like this: you purchase something from the Amazon store, wait for the delivery, and review it once it has arrived. Normally, this is the only interaction a customer would have with a seller.

However, there are some cases wherein you have inquiries or even some feedback. Here are common reasons buyers usually contact sellers on Amazon:

1. Customer Received a Defective Product.

There are a variety of reasons why customers receive a defective product. For example, some products get damaged during or even before shipping. You can file a report accordingly on your customer account's "Your Orders" page. 

From there, select the reason for a replacement or return. Amazon will then check if the item is eligible for a return and will further direct you what to do afterward.

2. Buyers Didn't Receive the Product.

You may see your orders tagged as "delivered" on the tracking page without receiving any parcels. There are several reasons why this happens:

• You accidentally entered the wrong address, so it was shipped to the wrong address.
• There was a notice for attempted delivery, but no one received it.
• The package was delivered, but it was placed somewhere in the delivery location.
• Someone else from the customer's household or area received the package.

Sometimes, you only need to wait for 48 hours since some packages are tagged as delivered but may take quite some time to be delivered to their doorsteps.

3. The Product Was Damaged During Shipping.

All products are prone to damage while in transit. In case you experience this unfortunate event, you can use Amazon's Returns and Refunds Service. You can decide whether you want to return the product, get a new one, or get a refund.

4. Customers Have Questions or Feedback.

There may be details not given on the product details page. Contacting sellers is a great way for you to ask them personally about product specifications. 

This way, you get complete information about the item even before buying it! And if you have used the product and have any feedback, you may contact them too!

How to Contact Seller on Amazon

Now let's discuss how customers can reach out and talk to third party sellers. While it is enticing to contact Amazon customer service through the number provided in the site's customer service message center, there is nothing like going straight to the for firsthand information about what your customers need. 

With that, here are a few different ways to exchange buyer seller messages.

Through Their Email and Social Media Accounts

You can send a message through their social media platforms and email addresses. There, you can leave a seller feedback or ask questions about your orders and the products they sell on their social media. You can also send a direct message or a formal email to them for more serious concerns.

Through the Contact Seller Form

Another way customers can contact a particular seller is by using the contact seller form. Go to the product listing page and scroll down to the "Seller Info" section. There, you'll see a link that says "Contact Seller." 

Click on this and fill out the form to leave seller feedback or post any concerns you have. Include details such as the product you have an issue with and what you want for compensation.

This method is convenient for customers who do not want to contact Amazon customer service and do not have the time to call sellers either. They can just complete the form and wait for a reply.

Through Amazon

Go to the product listing page and scroll down to the "Customer Questions & Answers" message box. Underneath this, click a link that says, "Ask a question." A message box will appear where you can enter your message.

Through Amazon Seller Forums

Go to the product listing page and scroll down to the "Seller Info'' section. You'll see a link that says, "Visit seller's forum." You'll be taken to a page where you can post questions. Again, you need to include all the relevant details about your concern so sellers can address your inquiry accordingly.

Through a Phone Number

Customers will see a phone number on the product listings page's "Seller Info" section. Through this, you can give sellers or their company customer service representative a call. Amazon also has a customer service hotline to help customers resolve their concerns or connect buyers to sellers.

Seller Interactive as Seller Messaging Assistant

Customers may need to contact sellers for various reasons, including defective products, missing deliveries, damaged items, or product inquiries. To ensure prompt and efficient communication, you contact sellers on Amazon through email and social media accounts, the contact seller form, through Amazon, Amazon Seller Forums, and phone numbers. Seller Interactive can be a messaging assistant to help manage messages and respond to customers in a timely manner. Contact us today! By being accessible and responsive to customers, you can build trust and improve their overall customer satisfaction.

Nowadays, people prefer shopping on Amazon more than on any other e-commerce site. It is the world’s largest online retailer, after all. Naturally, aspiring entrepreneurs often consider starting their businesses on the platform. As in any lucrative venture, unforeseen downsides can be detrimental to a business, and the Amazon product return rate is one such example.

In this article, you will learn nine ways to lessen your return rates, maintain a good reputation, and satisfy your customers.

Returning Purchases in the E-Commerce Industry

The e-commerce returns process is a product of normal consumer behavior. As part of the customer experience, online retailers are expected to provide the best quality products, and when they fail to meet expectations, customers are quick to send them back.

This poses multiple problems for a business. First, since customers usually return items in a used state, customer returns can cut into a business's total retail sales. Although a business designates certain criteria on returned merchandise through a returns policy to control them, they often end up with a significant amount of items going back, resulting in a high refund rate and eventual loss of profit and revenue opportunities.

In addition to a drop in sales, a business's product return rates can also negatively impact a business's reputation, which is why it is vital to care for the returns process in a business. 

What Product Returns Mean for Amazon Sellers

High product return rates can hurt your credibility as an online seller, which is crucial for the health of your Amazon account. Because Amazon prioritizes the buyers' satisfaction and experience, customers can easily return the purchased items.

Even if it does not seem favorable to third-party sellers like you, you must understand your customers' concerns about online shopping. To avoid losses and possibly getting your Amazon account suspended, you must proactively strategize to reduce Amazon product returns. 

Product returns can mean a couple of things for an Amazon seller, including the following:

Additional (and Avoidable) Costs

Customer returns can cost a business lot of money. Losing credibility and a wave of potential customers is one thing, but there’s also incurred fees and additional shipping costs that can eat into your profit. 

A customer expects every business to adhere to grievances related to their returned merchandise. Online sellers are expected to handle everything from customer service to reverse logistics back to the retailer's warehouse or brick-and-mortar store for free, saving customer loyalty.

Return shipping can significantly impact a business's profit margins because part of that sum will go back to expenses—shipping, handling, and using otherwise brand-new storage for replacements. In short, they are deemed unnecessary and preventable expenses.

Unfortunately for sellers, some cases involve customers asking for refunds on stolen or unpurchased merchandise, leading to return fraud and other return-related crimes.

Losing Potential and Repeat Customers

If you run an e-commerce store like Amazon, displaying your product return rates is a crucial decision. This can either boost your business or run it through the mud. 

A relatively low number can reflect well on your business; meanwhile, high return rates could signify seller incompetence or low product quality.

9 Tips to Improve Your Product Return Rate

1. Write Accurate Product Descriptions

Images are usually the first thing that attracts the attention of customers. Once they like what they see, they are more likely to purchase the product, sometimes impulsively. But most online shoppers would also read the product description to gather more information about the item before purchasing.

Doing this allows them to visualize how the actual product looks, despite not seeing it personally. So as an Amazon seller, you can help them make an informed decision by writing detailed product descriptions in your listing. This will not only help you for SEO purposes but also manage your customer’s expectations and ultimately reduce product returns.

In the product description, you must provide helpful information, such as:

• sizing and color variants;
• product dimensions;
• materials or ingredients used;
• warranty information;
• satisfaction guarantee;
• link to Amazon Return Policy;
• expectations on the package; and
• instructions on using or assembling the product.

The more details you provide, the more likely you prevent customers from leaving comments about misleading advertisements or incorrect information. Providing precise details will also make you trustworthy as an Amazon seller, prompting customers to purchase again or refrain from returning products on a whim.

2. Provide a Sizing Guide

As mentioned above, you must provide detailed information about your item on the listing, including a sizing guide or chart. This best suits businesses that offer items with several options for sizes, shapes, and measurements.

Ensure that you put all the necessary and precise numerical values, like height, width, and length. Through this, they can measure their own sizes, walls, tables, etc., and choose the best option available.

If you are not entirely sure about this vital information, it would be best to discuss it with your supplier firsthand. If you have a customer service representative, inform them about these things so they know how to respond to such inquiries. 

3. Upload High-Quality Images

Providing high-quality photos can not only help you rank well on the search engine results page (SERP) but also help lessen your product refunds and returns.

Help your customers visualize your product better with multiple angles, zoomed-in or close-up shots, and images that show the products in use or when worn. Also, upload photos for every variety of the product to give your customers options. Ensure high-quality images so they can zoom into the details themselves.

4. Include a Product Video

Even though this feature is relatively new to the Amazon marketplace, you should maximize this feature to improve customer experience.

The product video can serve multiple purposes for your brand. You can use it to attract more online shoppers by presenting how the items would look in real life. You can also demonstrate how to use the item, highlighting key benefits ideally listed in the product description. Lastly, you can use it as a marketing strategy to better showcase the quality of your products and introduce your brand.

If you intend to create product videos for your product listings, it would be best to develop a storyline or theme and hire professionals to shoot and edit the videos for you.

5. Offer Real-Time Customer Service

Sometimes, customers have difficulty understanding the details in your product descriptions. They might have further inquiries stopping them from purchasing and prefer to speak with a customer service representative who can address their concerns first.

As an Amazon seller, you should consider offering real-time customer service that is always available to respond to inquiries about your products. They should also be able to provide assistance related to checking out, return policies, or Amazon Prime shipping services, if applicable.

Having a dedicated Amazon customer service representative for your online store can minimize your product return rate and ensure higher customer satisfaction.

6. Gather Previous Amazon Return Data

As a business owner, you know how important data is to make decisions for your business. For example, data on market trends can help you manage your inventory and adjust pricing. Data on product returns can help you improve the quality of your items and offer your services better. Here are some of the key information related to product returns you’ll want to collect:

• which products are often returned;
• what reasons do customers cite for returning the products;
• which seasons or months see the highest return rate; and
• who usually returns your products.

Additionally, you can use this information to determine which customers are more likely to send a return request so that you can refrain from giving them promotions and discounts and avoid possible return fraud. This way, you can turn your return issues in your favor.

7. Coordinate With Your Suppliers

Low-quality and faulty products usually prompt buyers to return the products, which usually end up getting sold in Amazon return stores. Because your customers want to get their money's worth, they would not hesitate to return the items, especially since Amazon offers free return shipping.

In this case, it would be best to coordinate with your suppliers if you do not manufacture or create your products yourself. Check the item packaging and return labels from the shipping carrier, especially if you have received several complaints about broken items occurring during shipment. Additionally, you and your supplier should be strict in assessing the quality of the product after one too many customer complaints. 

8. Ask About Customer Satisfaction

One of the best ways to identify your problems related to returns is through your customers' feedback. Amazon has provided an avenue for sellers to communicate with their customers directly through the Buyer-Seller Messaging Service found on Seller Central. You can use this platform to know and understand your buyers and their demands.

Moreover, the comments left by your previous buyers speak for your e-commerce store. Their reviews will prove whether your products meet your customer’s expectations, reflecting customer loyalty. 

9. Keep Them Coming Back With Store Credit

The product returns process doesn't fare well with regards to customer experience, so a good way to make it up to the online shopper is by offering store credit to compensate for their trouble.

Using store credit is a great way to make your customer happy, since you're essentially giving them free or discounted items. The prospect of free items can also ramp up sales for your business, encouraging a repeat purchase.

Just make sure to provide quality service this time.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, you can try several methods to reduce your product returns, and they can be as easy as writing precise product descriptions or providing sizing guides. But if selling on an e-commerce giant like Amazon overwhelms you, there are professionals who can help you with Amazon returns, refunds, and reimbursements to manage your business more efficiently. If you are interested in growing your Amazon business, book a Discovery Call or contact Seller Interactive at 1-800-820-3746.

As an Amazon FBA seller, you should be well-versed in selling and dealing with refunds. The latter may not exactly be a breeze to deal with as a seller. But knowing that the platform is very customer-centric, almost all of its guidelines and policies are geared towards catering to them.

As an Amazon seller, you should know how to deal with refunds to avoid complications in the long run. With that, here’s a quick guide on Amazon refunds and how to deal with them. 

What is a Refund on Amazon? 10 Frequently Asked Questions

A refund on Amazon is when a customer returns an item they purchased from you and asks for their money back. There are a few reasons why this may happen:

• The customer may have changed their mind about the purchase.
• The item may be damaged.
• The item may be different from what was described in the listing.

When a customer initiates a refund, you’ll receive an email notification from Amazon. You have 48 hours to respond to the refund request. If you don’t, the refund will be automatically processed.

How Do I Process A Refund?

To process a refund, go to your Amazon Seller Central account and find the order in question. Select the Issue Refund button and enter the amount you want to refund the customer. 

Once you’ve entered the refund amount, select the Issue Refund button again to confirm. The customer will receive their refund within 3-5 business days upon seller approval.

Given the following circumstances on why a customer might request a refund on Amazon, here are some things to consider:

How Do I Process a Return Request?

When processing a return request, go to Manage Returns. Here, you can check all the requests that prompt you to authorize or decline them. 

Before approving a return, make sure that the returned order is not Seller Fulfilled. Check it first on Seller Central to see if it has a Prime badge.

When receiving a return shipment, you will notice a packing slip and Return Mailing Authorization or RMA to help you identify which return it is.

How Do I Manage Cancellations?

If a buyer asks to cancel an order, this will also fall under your responsibility as a seller. If you have not shipped and confirmed the product, you can cancel it directly in the Manage Orders area. You can also use an Order Cancellation feed to help manage this. 

However, if the item is already confirmed as “shipped,” you can authorize a return request on the Manage Returns page. 

How Do I Know if a Refund Has Been Processed?

You’ll receive an email notification from Amazon once a refund has been processed. You can also check your Transaction History in your Seller Central account to see if a refund has been issued for a particular order.

Are There Any Fees Associated With Refunds?

No, there are no fees associated with refunds. However, you will not be reimbursed for the original shipping costs. Refund prices fluctuate.

Can I Refund a Customer if They Don’t Return the Item?

Yes, you can refund a customer even if they don’t return the item. This is called a partial refund and getting an Amazon refund without a return. To issue a partial refund:

1. Go to your Seller Central account and find the order in question.
2. Select the “Issue Refund” button and enter the amount you want to refund the customer.
3. Once you’ve entered the refund amount, select the “Issue Refund” button again to confirm.

How Do I Know if a Customer Has Returned an Item?

You’ll receive an email notification from Amazon once a customer has returned an item. You can also check the Return Status in your Seller Central account to see if an item has been returned for a particular order.

What if I Disagree With the Refund Request?

If you disagree with the refund request, you can contact the customer and try to resolve the issue. If you’re unable to resolve it, you can escalate the issue to Amazon by going to your Seller Central account and finding the order in question. 

Then, select the “File A Claim” button. From there, you can challenge the buyer’s refund request by providing information regarding the order.

What Are the Different Types of Refunds on Amazon?

There are two types of refunds on Amazon: full refunds and partial refunds.

Full Refund

A full refund is when you refund the customer the full amount they paid for the item, including shipping costs. Cases that entitle a customer to a full refund usually revolve around seller error. 

If a seller is not at fault regarding an order or if the seller can replace the item, the buyer will not be granted a full refund of their purchase.

Partial Refund

A partial refund is when you only refund a portion of what they paid. Partial refunds are typically given when the item is returned damaged or not as described in the listing—in short, unsellable. 

Certain criteria must be met to determine how much a buyer is still owed. This is similar to restocking fees.

Restocking Fees

Restocking fees, on the other hand, are a type of partial refund or fees charged at the expense of a buyer for returning a purchase after completing the order for reasons not due to seller error. Restocking fees vary depending on the condition of the item returned, if it was delivered in the appropriate time frame, and its total item price.

If the item was delivered on time and in its original condition, then sellers cannot charge restocking fees. If the item was delivered outside the thirty-day return window, even in its original condition, the seller has the right to charge up to 50%. 

If the buyer returns a non-media item with obvious signs of use, damage, or missing parts, they can also be charged a 50% restocking fee. Media items, like books, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, vinyl records, books, software, or even video games warrant a 100% restocking fee when returned after being opened.

Does The Payment Method Affect Refund Requests?

Yes, Amazon refunds do take time to process. For example, if you issued a gift card as a refund, the process will take only two hours or slightly more. But if your customer uses a prepaid credit card, the refund request and delivery date could take up to thirty days, depending on the credit card company.

Choose a preferred refund method carefully; some methods take longer, and some take practically no time at all. Here’s a list of the different types of refund methods and how long each will take.

Two To Three Hours

• Amazon Gift Card
• Amazon Gift Card Balance

Three To Five Business Days

• Credit card (postpaid)
• Reward points

Up To Ten Business Days

• On-site cash payment
• Debit card
• SNAP EBT Card
• Checking account

Up To Thirty Business Days

• Prepaid credit card

Note: If your refund request involves a promotional certificate, you are not eligible for a refund. Also, Amazon’s refund policies do not include a price change refund, meaning customers cannot put out refund requests for an item’s recent price difference if there is a price drop or if the seller declares a new price. 

Amazon’s price adjustment policy does not encourage price matching with their competitors and instead opts to ensure their sellers offer a cheap or at least lower price for their products.

Tips on Dealing With Refunds on Amazon

Here are some tips for dealing with refunds on Amazon:

• Try to be as responsive as possible to refund requests. The refund will be automatically processed if you don’t respond within 48 hours. Use the chat function in your Amazon Seller Account to spot any inquiries and respond directly.
• When receiving a return, you should be able to refund the item within two business days. Failure to do will give Amazon the right to refund it on their part. After that, they will charge the amount directly to your seller account.
• When issuing a refund, you can issue a full refund or a partial refund. Partial refunds are typically given when the item is returned damaged or not as described in the listing.
• If you’re unsure how to handle a particular refund request, you can always contact Amazon’s customer service for online help.
• The process of your customer’s returns does not stop after you’ve approved the request. Therefore, it’s still best to track the returns’ refund status in the refund process.

Final Thoughts

As an Amazon FBA seller, you should have an understanding of how returns, refunds, or cancellations work. It’s only natural to feel stressed about dealing with refunds and returns. 

So let an Amazon account manager handle Amazon customer service for you! Here at Seller Interactive, we have a team of experts who can help you! Schedule a free consultation with us here or call us at 1-800-820-3746.

Are you still contemplating whether to launch your brand on Amazon or not? Understandably, you are still weighing the pros and cons of Amazon selling. After all, it takes guts and perseverance to start your venture on this platform, considering the high competition and strict guidelines you have to face.

However, you must know that Amazon has continuously helped third-party sellers establish their businesses and grow their customer base with or without registered brands. This alone is solid evidence of the marketplace's exceptional ability to empower businesses and drive their success. If you want to learn more, this article will explore the top benefits of selling on Amazon. 

1. Amazon has a massive customer base that is constantly growing.

When Amazon started accepting third-party sellers, the number of customers buying on this platform increased, making it one of the biggest eCommerce marketplaces in the world. It currently ships to over 100 countries, so more people prefer shopping on Amazon than other platforms.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, people had no choice but to stay indoors and order their necessities online. This drastic shift in purchasing has mainly contributed to Amazon’s growth of sales and over 2 billion monthly site visitors for the first half of 2021. This shows how many potential customers Amazon sellers can reach worldwide.

Despite the pandemic and the global supply chain disruptions it caused, Amazon continued to be a trusted online marketplace by many shoppers.

2. Amazon offers a variety of features to help brands grow and protect their businesses.

To support business growth, Amazon provides various programs, resources, and tools sellers can easily access. Some are available to all sellers, while some are exclusive to registered brand sellers. Below are a few notable features you can maximize as an Amazon brand seller.

Amazon Seller Central

Once you have created a selling account on Amazon, Seller Central is the portal to access your seller account. You can navigate all the valuable tools and content and monitor your sales activity through this portal. Download the Amazon Seller app if you want to use your tablet or phone to open your account.

With Amazon Seller Central, you can add or edit your product listing, track your inventory, and manage your payments, returns, and refunds. Additionally, it lets you generate business reports, monitor customer reviews, and manage tools like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Amazon Custom. 

Finally, if you want to sell your products worldwide, you can do it through Amazon Global Selling on Seller Central.

Seller University

Educate yourself about Amazon before you start selling. To do so, you can read various resources on Seller University. It provides articles and short videos for aspiring beginners and brand sellers to help you manage your online store on Amazon. You can also read some frequently asked questions and their answers to stay informed accordingly.

Brand Registry and Protection

Amazon Brand Registry protects your intellectual property and removes potentially bad listings through features such as automated protections and the new Impact dashboard. It also offers Brand Registry support, where you can get assistance resolving listing issues, policy violations, and more. 

Amazon Advertising

Advertising is a crucial part of establishing your Amazon business. This will help you reach new customers for your brand and continuously satisfy them with your products and services. Amazon offers three cost-per-click ads: Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display. You can also manage these campaigns through Amazon Seller Central.

3. Brands that sell on Amazon have access to millions of Prime members.

Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service that allows users to obtain other features unavailable to others, such as Prime Video, Prime Music, and, most importantly, fast delivery services. Amazon promises to provide two-day or same-day shipping to customers, making it more convenient and attractive for users as they shop online.

In 2021, Amazon was reported to have 200 million Prime members, and this number will continue to grow as people get more satisfied with the services they receive. Customers also consider Prime eligibility one of the top purchasing factors. 

So if you don’t offer Prime shipping, they are more likely to look for other brands. Consider applying for Amazon FBA as well. It gives sellers access to two-day free shipping under Prime and other incentives such as free shipping on eligible orders, FBA inventory management, etc.

You can also try the Seller-Fulfilled Prime program, which allows sellers to deliver directly to domestic Prime customers from their own warehouses. 

4. Amazon has a sophisticated search engine that helps customers find your products.

Shoppers mainly use the search engine to look for products they want. In response, the ecommerce platform has developed its own search engine, which uses algorithms that cater to buyers' needs. 

Amazon uses the A10 algorithm, which involves various factors in ranking product listings. Some of these include sales history, seller credibility, conversion rate, reviews, and click-through rate.

To rank high on the search engine results page (SERP), you must devise and implement various search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, such as using relevant keywords, creating excellent copies, uploading high-quality photos, and generating good authentic reviews. You can also maximize Amazon ads to drive more traffic to your product listings. 

5. Selling on Amazon marketplace is easy and convenient, primarily through Amazon FBA. 

Selling on the Amazon marketplace offers a seamless and convenient experience, particularly with Amazon FBA. Here’s how:

• Amazon handles all the logistics and storage responsibilities. 
• Amazon takes care of the picking, packing, and shipping of items. 
• Amazon handles customer service concerns, refunds, and returns. 
• Sellers benefit from the storage provided by Amazon in its fulfillment centers. 
• Enrolling in Amazon FBA gives you a chance to get approved for Amazon Buy Box much faster. Buy Box features products and allows customers to easily add items to their cart through the “Buy Now” box. 

6. Brand owners have exclusive tools to boost brand awareness.

Amazon values brand owners enrolled under their Brand Registry program. Hence, they continuously develop and provide features that will help these brands boost their sales and brand awareness. If you’re one of these registered sellers, here are some tools you can enjoy on the platform.

Premium A+ Content 

After opening a selling account on Amazon, your next step is to create your first few product listings and sell products. In a typical Amazon listing, you must provide the product’s title, bulleted features, description, images, and delivery information. 

With Brand Registry, you’ll benefit from exclusive brand awareness tools, including Premium A+ Content. This feature gives you access to improve the content of your product listings through visually engaging elements. You can present more texts, images, and videos to entice potential customers to purchase your product. 

Brand Analytics

Found on Seller Central, Amazon Brand Analytics is a tool that registered brand sellers can use to make informed decisions in running their businesses. It generates reports about customer behavior, like conversions, repeat purchases, and more. 

Amazon sellers can access this valuable data through Brand Analytics dashboards which include Search Catalog Performance, Top Search Terms, Repeat Purchase Behavior, etc. 

Conclusion

Managing an eCommerce store is not easy, whatever platform you use. Nevertheless, selling on Amazon presents a unique advantage when scaling your business enterprise and establishing a robust brand presence. If you want to start your Amazon selling journey as a brand, you can benefit from its vast number of potential customers, Prime members, and helpful tools, programs, and services. 

If you are already interested in launching your brand’s products through Amazon, you should consider hiring an agency that can help you acquire brand protection services, like Seller Interactive. We have teams of professionals who can help you deal with hijackers and counterfeiters, preventing them from negatively affecting your sales and brand reputation.

To schedule a consultation, you can email [email protected] or call 1-800-820-3746. 

How can you break through the clutter of a bustling marketplace filled with countless home and kitchen sellers? If you plan to sell or upscale on Amazon, the answer lies in one great achievement: getting on the Amazon Best Sellers home and kitchen list.

Whether you're a seasoned or rookie seller, earning the best seller badge or a high seller rank is the ultimate opportunity to propel your business to new heights. We'll reveal the secrets that can transform you into one of Amazon's selling sensations, from unfolding the mystery behind customer preferences to fine-tuning your marketing strategies.

Understanding the Amazon Best Sellers List

If you want your product listings to get on the Amazon Best Sellers list, you should first understand what it is and how getting on it can boost your business. 

What is the Amazon Best Sellers List?

As the name suggests, the Amazon best sellers list consists of products that sell at the highest level in their respective categories on the giant marketplace. The list is divided into several categories, including home and kitchen. Products that qualify for these lists either have a (1) Best Seller badge or have (2) a specific Best Seller Ranking.

Best Seller Badge

The Best Seller badge is an orange ribbon at the top-left corner of a product detail page. Amazon awards it to top sellers who achieved a high product ranking for sales.

If you have this badge, Amazon will display your listings on top of the customer's search results. They may even appear when a customer searches with an unrelated keyword within your category.

Best Seller Rank (BSR)

Meanwhile, the BSR is an Amazon metric that appears on an item's Product Information section or the information box on the top-right side of a product listing. It indicates how an item sells compared to others within the same category.

BSR scores are real-time and updated more than once daily. Amazon calculates it according to a product's sales volume over time. It may also vary according to the Amazon store. Finally, one product can have more than one BS rank if it falls under multiple categories.

How Is the Best Seller List Determined?

Simply put, you need to have a high number of sales within a short time.

The Best Seller list considers both recent and all-time records and is not affected by page impressions and customer ratings. That said, although a product listing's quality is not a primary indicator of the Best Seller list, it will still affect sales.

Why Should You Aspire to Be on This List?

It's not surprising if you have this question in mind. After all, page views and customer reviews matter in a business. So why dream of getting on a list that doesn't value them as much as sales?

• It is an excellent indicator of how well your product sells on Amazon.
• It provides you with unparalleled exposure to millions of potential buyers.
• It enhances your brand's credibility, fostering trust and confidence in potential customers.
• It makes you a formidable player in the marketplace, showcasing your ability to deliver products that resonate with customers.
• It offers algorithmic benefits. Amazon's algorithm considers product performance on the Best Seller lists when ranking brands.

10 Tips to Get Your Products on Amazon Best Sellers Home and Kitchen Category

Consumers would only want to buy the best—and only the best available fast. This is especially important in categories like home and kitchen, so you must do something to appear on the top searches. Here are some tips on how to land a spot in the Amazon home and kitchen Best Sellers list:

1. Choose the Right Product Category and Subcategory With Care

When listing your products on Amazon, choosing the right category and subcategory carefully is important. This is because sales rank scores fluctuate based on how your item compares to others in the same category. Explore the Best Sellers list and familiarize yourself with all the categories and subcategories to find which is most accurate for your products.

Another way to find the right category and subcategory for your product is by using Amazon's Product Categories. You can find it on the website by clicking "All departments" and selecting "Product Categories."

Here's an example. If you're selling a kitchen gadget, you list it in the home and kitchen category. But that's not all; there are subcategories where it might fit in:

1. Kitchen & Dining
2. Bedding
3. Cleaning Supplies
4. Wall Décor
5. Furniture
6. Bath
7. Storage & Organization
8. Heating, Cooling & Air Quality
9. Home Décor
10. Vacuums & Floor Care
11. Irons & Steamers
12. Kids' Home Store
13. Seasonal Décor

If you offer product variations, place the parent ASIN and all its child identification numbers within the same category. Listing your products under the correct category can help Amazon's A10 algorithm identify what product you're selling and properly index your listings. 

2. Research What Products Sell Well on the Amazon Home and Kitchen Best Sellers List

The quickest way to get your products on the Amazon Best Sellers list is to offer products already selling well. You can do this by researching what products consistently do well in the Home and Kitchen categories.

To search for these products, access the Best Seller list directly or the Amazon Sales Ranks by searching for it on Amazon and selecting "See all formats and editions." The sales rank appears on the right-hand side of the page below the product price.

Rule of thumb: The lower the number, the better the product sells.

Here are some popular product ideas under the Home and Kitchen Best Sellers list worth trying:

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning tools swiftly emerged as a popular and thriving category on Amazon's Best Seller list. The growing focus on cleanliness and hygiene has created a thriving market for high-quality cleaning products. This increasing demand makes the category a lucrative opportunity for sellers aiming to enter or expand on Amazon.

Rapid Egg Cooker and Other Kitchen Gadgets

Kitchen gadgets, including the popular rapid egg cooker, have emerged as a highly sought-after category on the Home and Kitchen Best Seller list. Customers are increasingly drawn to innovative and time-saving kitchen tools, from simple dishwasher-safe and stain-resistant utensils to smart cutting boards.

Bedding Products

The world is increasingly burdened with stress, so more customers seek comfort and quality from their sleep spaces. Because of this, bedding products for both cold and hot nights have become some of the bestsellers on Amazon, ranging from satin pillowcases to breathable bed sheets.

Drawer Space and Other Storage Units

Smart storage units are all the rage these days as they address the need for efficient organization and maximizing space in cluttered homes and offices. With an increasing emphasis on functional living spaces, you have ample opportunities to cater to the demand of customers looking to streamline their surroundings with this category.

Gardening Materials

Lastly, more people are discovering the joys of gardening and seeking effective solutions for plant care and pest control. This growing interest makes the gardening category blow up and gives sellers who sell related items a chance to thrive in the marketplace.

Pro tip: It's very tempting to sell an item that is currently selling really well. But you shouldn't consider selling these products right away! Always think long-term when choosing your products.

What's currently popular may change over time. So ensure that you sell products you're confident in, not only because they're trending at the moment. Ensure you can also sustain the sales in the long run, as it would help boost your business's and listings' search rankings!

3. Identify Your Top Competitors and See What They’re Doing Differently

If you want to stay ahead of your competitors, you need to point out what they do well and where they fall short. One way to do this is by identifying your top competitors and then looking at what products they're selling on Amazon that you're not.

You can find your top competitors by using a tool like Jungle Scout. Jungle Scout is a software that helps sellers analyze data from Amazon to identify profitable products to sell. It also has a feature that allows you to see the best-selling products of your competitors. 

Although you'd need to shell out money to avail of these tools' premium versions, consider them a long-term investment! 

4. Focus On Customer Engagement From Beginning to End

People won't fully appreciate your product if you cannot give them an immersive and seamless shopping experience. If someone is new to your brand, they may have some questions in mind. Always respond to them as appropriately and promptly as possible.

You should also follow up after they purchase one of your products and implement other ways to encourage five-star reviews and repeat purchasing. Ultimately, the goal is establishing strong relationships with your customers, including fostering trust.

5. Optimize Your Product Listing for Better Visibility

Optimize your product listing to increase your chances of getting your product on the Amazon best sellers list. This means ensuring your title, description, and keywords are relevant and keyword-rich. 

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the backbone of your product listings. Without it, you cannot expect your listings to be visible in the search results. Use a tool like Keyword Inspector or Google Adwords to find search terms used by your competition that are also relevant to your product. Apply these keywords to your product listing for better visibility and search ranking.

6. Use High-Quality Images

Having high-quality images of your product can help increase conversions and sales. Potential buyers are more likely to buy a product if they can see what it looks like. We recommend shooting photos from different angles to view the item comprehensively. This helps manage customer expectations and ensure they make an informed buying decision.

The images must also be clear and high-resolution to show the intricate details. Lastly, consider adding lifestyle images to give buyers a better idea of how the product will be used.

7. Use Paid Advertising

If you want your product on the Amazon Best Sellers list, you should start using paid advertising. Paid advertising allows you to place your product before a targeted audience who are more likely to buy it.

You can use a tool like Amazon Sponsored Products to help you place your product in front of the right buyers. It is a program that allows sellers to place ads for their products on Amazon. These ads appear on top when someone searches for a keyword related to your product, making it easier for the consumers to see your product and leading to better sales.

8. Use Various Marketing Tactics to Promote Your Product

Aside from paid ads, you need to leverage other ecommerce marketing methods to get your product on the Amazon best sellers list. Such methods include social media marketing, product bundles, subscription boxes, and more exclusive options for Amazon sellers.

A popular and effective example is creating a social media campaign that targets Amazon shoppers. Use tools like Hootsuite to help you track which social media posts drive the most traffic to your Amazon product page. You can then use this information to create more social media posts and campaigns that make heads turn and stay on your product page.

9. Price Your Products Competitively

One of the best ways to get your product on the Amazon best sellers list is by pricing it competitively. This means setting a price lower than your competition—research and test price points to determine your items' most effective price range. Alternatively, use the Automate Pricing tool to adjust prices automatically based on market trends.

If your margins are tight and you can't match or offer your products lower than your competitors, offer other enticing promotions. Think free shipping and discount vouchers, which can be offered when the buyer reaches a certain amount of spend. Shoppers absolutely love them!

10. Ship Quickly and Efficiently to Amazon Warehouses

Since the sales rate is an important factor in getting your products into the best sellers list, you need to ensure you're shipping your products quickly and efficiently to Amazon's warehouses.

Amazon Prime is a program that can help you with that as it offers exclusive shipping perks like free two-day shipping. Qualifying for it requires being on the Amazon best sellers list, emphasizing the importance of striving for that position.

You can also sign up your business for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to help ship your products quickly and efficiently to Amazon's warehouses. The FBA program allows sellers to send their products to an Amazon warehouse, where they will be stored and shipped out when orders are placed.

Get Your Home and Kitchen Best Sellers on Amazon With Seller Interactive

Getting your product on the Amazon best sellers list is a great way to boost sales and attract more buyers, but it takes a lot of hard work and effort. This is especially true for categories like Home and Kitchen, where the demand remains constantly high and numerous sellers compete for it.

But using the tips we discussed, rest assured that you will find an opportunity to stand out among the crowd of brands in the market.

Work With Seller Interactive's Account Managers!

If you're still unsure or finding difficulty in competing for the Best Seller list, consider working with an Amazon account manager. These pros know the ins and outs of Amazon and can help you bring your product listings to where you want them to be. 

Make your business thrive more. We at Seller Interactive are confident that we can help you boost your business and reach whatever your goals are for your listings!

If you're an Amazon seller, you know how things constantly change in the marketplace. Creating an Amazon ad campaign is no exception—it continually evolves to ensure you have the best possible chance of reaching your target buyers. But what if your Amazon PPC Ads are not showing at all?

The primary purpose of pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns is to get clicks and conversions. But launching Amazon PPC campaigns don't always go as planned. Sometimes, you may experience dwindling traffic, conversions dropping, and suddenly your ads are not showing up.  What can you do if any of these occur?

In this post, we'll walk you through some common reasons why Amazon ad campaigns stop working and the solution you can take to get them back on track. Let’s begin!

What are Amazon Ad Campaigns?

Amazon advertising utilizes ads to reach an extensive target audience in and out of the platform and at every stage of the customer’s journey. They come in different forms, placements, and objectives, from increasing brand awareness to boosting sales.

Amazon ad campaigns bridge the gap between sellers reaching out to customers and customers locating the products they seek.

Amazon sellers like you should understand the impact of Amazon ads to thrive in this fiercely competitive ecommerce platform. 

Types of Amazon Sponsored Ads

Amazon Ads offer many advertising programs but let’s start with the four basic and most important types of Amazon Sponsored Ads:

• Sponsored Products: This campaign type focuses on advertising particular products. They are best used to maintain or boost the sales of a specific item.
• Sponsored Brands: Use Sponsored Brands to elevate your brand. Here, you'll put your brand name and tagline in the spotlight. When customers click on your ad, you can direct them to a particular listing or your Amazon store.
• Sponsored Display: Reach your target audience outside the platform with Amazon Sponsored Display. Here, you'll take ad space on third-party apps and websites.
• Amazon Stores: Flex your brand and all the products you sell through visually captivating Amazon Stores. Your store will be your mini website within the platform.

The Role of Keywords in Amazon PPC Campaigns

Although campaigns vary, Amazon advertising has one thing in common—keyword use. Keywords determine whether your ads will appear in search results. Therefore, it is vital to understand how they work on the platform. To begin, here are the keyword types you can include in your campaigns:

• Exact Match Keywords: Use the exact match keyword type if you want your ad to appear using specific keywords. 
• Broad Match Keywords: Meanwhile, if you want your ads to appear on a broader search term, use broad match keywords. Your ads will appear for related keywords and multiple keywords as long as they are variants of the primary keyword.
• Phrase Match Keywords: Phrase match keywords follow the same idea as broad match keywords, except that you use phrase search terms and long tail keywords.

🔎 You can manually pick which keywords to use for these types through a manual campaign, but if you want Amazon's algorithm to do the work for you, you can go for automatic campaigns. You can also combine them strategically and enjoy the benefits of both worlds.

Once you determine which keywords to go for, bid higher on a specific keyword to increase your searches and sales. You can bid lower on other keywords that are still relevant but have lower chances of giving you sales.

Choosing the campaign type and keywords you'll use requires expertise. It will define whether your Amazon ads will succeed, so meet with your search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing team for strategizing. Note that you need to bid for each keyword you use. Your decision will impact your ad spend and overall business finances, so plan wisely.

Amazon PPC Ads Not Showing: What Happened?

Amazon PPC campaigns not showing are more common than you think. If this happens to you, don’t panic. Your Amazon ad campaign isn't suspended; it is just not working. The problem may be due to low bid amounts, incorrect targeting, or a violation of Amazon's advertising policies. 

Sellers must identify the root cause and implement the right steps to fix the issue for optimal advertising results. Let's get into those details.

Campaigns with Irrelevant Target Keywords

You don't want to set up a campaign targeting unrelated and irrelevant keywords. You'll likely get more traffic than necessary, but this doesn’t always mean good news. They will have no impact if people are uninterested in what they see.

Ensure your ads help in the value proposition and benefits statement, so users who click through your ads will find their experience worthwhile. When they do, you can always hope to get a sale. So, when creating your ad copy, use relevant words and add a human touch.

Low Daily PPC budget

If you do not have enough budget for the whole day, your ads may not make it until night, which covers some of the peak shopping hours. As a result, you may think your ads are working when the truth is you just ran out of budget and didn't make it to the time when conversion is highest.

When you create an Amazon ad campaign, specify how much money you spend each day through search bid adjustment. Amazon ads work like an auction bidding system where multiple sellers can aim to rank and bid for different keywords.

You must allot enough budget for your campaigns to ensure they will last the whole day. If you've optimized your campaigns effectively, your ads are more likely to appear on the first page of paid ad placements. And when they’re catchy enough, you get clicks.

Violation of Amazon's Sponsored Ads Policies

Violating Amazon's Sponsored Ads policies can be one of the main reasons advertising campaigns fail to appear on the platform. Amazon is strict about these rules designed to provide all merchants with a fair and level playing field. If a seller fails to adhere to them, their sponsored ads may be suppressed or blocked completely.

Common violations include:

• Using inappropriate images or language
• Making false claims
• Promoting prohibited products
• Engaging in unethical practices such as buying reviews

It's crucial to adhere to Amazon's policies to ensure the effectiveness and profitability of your campaigns. Any violations can quickly add up, resulting in wasted advertising dollars and, potentially, an account suspension.

How to Fix Your Amazon Ad Campaign When It Stops Working

When setting up an Amazon ad campaign, you expect it to start working right away and bring in traffic and conversions. But sometimes, things can go wrong, and your ads stop delivering the desired results. When this happens, here's how to diagnose and fix common problems. By following our tips, you'll be able to get your ads back on track and start seeing better results. 

Examine Your Current Strategies

When your PPC ads aren't getting impressions, clicks, and conversions, revisit your strategies to check the root cause. Here are some details you can check:

• Check the keywords you bid for. You might have left some crucial keywords with insufficient bids while bidding higher for terms that aren't helping you rank and get conversions.
• Determine whether you've been too strict with exact keyword matches, causing your ads to appear less in relevant searches.
• You may have been too lenient with your broad and phrase match keywords that your budget runs out quickly.

Most importantly, keep an eye on your numbers. The work does not end after launching your campaigns—that is where it begins. Adjust the sails according to the tides, so your ads won't stop working.

Do Not Overspend or Underspend

Like most sellers, you may invest significant money at the beginning of a campaign. But as time passes and you discover which keywords are worth investing in, gradually transition to a minimum budget.

Avoid overspending on ads that don't boost your conversion rate, or they will jeopardize your budget before you know it. Review the numbers and consider eliminating irrelevant elements, such as negative keywords that generate clicks but are irrelevant to your products.

Here’s a quick and specific guide for starters from SI’s managing director.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTss87-HgjQ

Optimize Your Campaigns With The Right Keywords

The cornerstone of a successful marketing campaign lies in your keyword choice. To discover these essential terms, conduct thorough keyword research. If you’re unsure about the process, seek assistance from an SEO expert. They have the knowledge and keyword research tools to accomplish this task.

Create a keyword list and proceed to optimize your listing. Strategically place them in the product title, description, images, and backend keywords. However, refrain from keyword stuffing; choose what’s only most relevant and keep your content reader-friendly.

Understand Your Target Audience

Understanding your target customers is a lucrative investment. If you want successful PPC ads, run comprehensive audience research to unravel important information such as demographics, personality, and buying patterns. You can optimize your ads even more with these details.

For example, vividly describe your products' features to captivate your audience's attention immediately. Share compelling facts about your offers that will hook them. Always advertise not only for the search engine algorithms but also with your target customers in mind.

Monitor Trends Regularly and Update Your Ad Creatives

Ad creatives showcase your ad’s message to the audience in an attractive and resonating way. They play a vital role in the success of advertising efforts, so keep a close eye on these elements. Stay updated on the latest trends in Amazon advertising creatives and monitor your competitors' creative strategies. 

Utilize Amazon’s tools for ad creatives, such as the Multi-Asset Ad Creatives for Sponsored Display ads, A/B testing with the Manage Your Experiments tool, or creative editing for Sponsored Brands. Check which advertising asset is most effective in boosting your sales and conversion rate. Never stop learning and embrace changes fearlessly when you recognize their benefit to your business.

Want to Ensure Your Ads are Working? Try Seller Interactive’s Sponsored Ad Management Service!

In conclusion, Amazon PPC campaigns not showing up is a frequent issue many sellers face. However, that doesn’t mean you can underestimate its impact. Instead, take proactive steps to diagnose and resolve the problem effectively.

By checking your current strategies, avoiding overspending or underspending, optimizing your campaigns with the right keywords, knowing your target audience, and refreshing your ad creatives, you can overcome any challenge that may hinder your ads from reaching your target audience.If you need assistance in Sponsored Ad management, feel free to contact us here at Seller Interactive. We have the best team to get your campaigns running and are always at their prime. Contact us today.

As a seller on Amazon, the ultimate goal is to capture the attention of potential buyers and convert their interest into sales. One of the strategies savvy sellers use to increase their sales is leveraging Amazon Lightning Deals. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore what an Amazon Lightning Deal is and its benefits and downsides for sellers like you. 

The Amazon Lightning Deal Explained

Lightning Deals is Amazon’s promotional discounts program with a time limit. Amazon runs these deals with specific promotional discounts for a short period of time. Usually, a Lightning Deal lasts between 2–6 hours. 

If you want to find Lightning Deals on Amazon, you only have to look for them on the following pages: Today’s Deals and Prime.

Today’s Deals Page 

The Today’s Deals page on Amazon offers Amazon sellers an opportunity to offer their products at a discounted price. Your promotional discount can run anywhere between 2–6 hours. This means you can sell more as it overlaps with peak shopping hours. Amazon’s Today’s Deals page also shows upcoming Lightning Deals. 

Prime Day Lightning Deals Page

Aside from the Today’s Deals page, Amazon offers Prime Day Lightning Deals on the platform. This Lightning Deal is exclusively available to Prime members only during Prime Day. Prime Day is Amazon’s annual two-day retail holiday, which usually happens every July. 

Benefits of Amazon Lightning Deals

As an Amazon seller, you’re probably wondering if Lightning Deals are worth it. Remember that a good deal is music to every shopper’s ears. Because Amazon is a customer-centric company, they offer Lightning Deals from time to time to delight potential buyers. 

For sellers, the benefit comes from having an influx of customers visit their stores. It increases traffic, as shoppers will be enticed to frequent the stores to grab a good deal.

However, the percentage of shoppers tends to diminish on the days following the deal. Generally, a product’s average daily sale can get a boost of up to 65%. 

Aside from directly increasing sales, this Amazon deal provides other benefits. Although indirect, these advantages promote the increase of sales in the long run.

1. Improves Online Presence

Amazon’s Lightning Deals alert browsers when it appears on the Today’s Deals page. As one of the most frequented pages on the platform, it automatically makes your products more visible to your target market. This advantage equates to strengthening your brand’s overall online presence.

2. Strengthens Brand Awareness

Lightning Deals create a halo effect. Their ability to help customers learn about your brand while improving sales does not only work while the Lightning Deal is running. Its advantages go beyond generating positive results on the days following the deal’s scheduled onset.

3. Clears Overstocked Inventory

Offering deals is an excellent way of disposing of and profiting from overstock or unsold seasonal products. Plus, a Lightning Deal also contributes to your product visibility.

Downsides of an Amazon Lightning Deal

Like all other programs, the benefits sellers get from running Lightning Deals also come with challenges. They are as follows:

1. Amazon Decides the Date and Time for Running the Deals

Sellers are free to propose a specific week for staging the deal. But in the end, it is Amazon that decides on the exact promotion period. Although Lightning Deals have the possibility of covering peak shopping hours, they can fall at any given time—and if you’re unlucky, even during the dead hours of the early morning.

2. Amazon May Cancel Proposed Lightning Deals

All deals sellers submit to Amazon must be backed up by sufficient inventory. If the latter falls below the platform’s desired level within 7 or fewer days before the deal, Amazon may cancel it. Sellers should logically resort to stocking up products to keep this from happening.

This move is advantageous if sales meet expectations. If not, you will end up having too much inventory in the warehouse.

3. Deal Fee

Running a Lightning Deal on Amazon doesn’t come for free. Amazon charges $150 up to $500 per deal. The deal fee can increase depending on the week you choose to run your promotional discount.

How To Run an Amazon Lightning Deal

Amazon’s Lightning Deals are close to buyers’ hearts. These limited-time sales enable customers to save a significant amount on Amazon items, while increasing your sales in the process. Now that you know the benefits and challenges of running a Lightning Deal, let’s dive into the actual process of running deals on Amazon.

1. Make Sure You’re Eligible

Amazon sellers must meet the following criteria to be eligible to create lightning deals:

• A seller should have a Professional Seller account on Seller Central.
• A seller should have at least five seller feedback ratings per month.
• A seller should hold an overall rating of at least 3.5 stars.
• Eligible Amazon products should be “new.”
• Products should have at least a 3-star rating.
• Products should be Prime-eligible.
• Products don’t have a high return rate.

2. Create a Lightning Deal

Once you’re eligible to run a Lightning Deal, you can start creating one. Below are the steps to create a lightning deal:

• Select “Create a Deal” in your Deals Dashboard.
• Choose the product that you’d like to create a deal for.
• Choose a schedule when you’d want your Lightning Deal to run.
• Choose a deal price from the suggestions.
• Click and submit your deal.

3. Amazon Sets the Price, Discount and Quantity

Wait for Amazon to set the maximum price and the minimum discount and quantity for the deal. 

Once a Lightning Deal is on, expect to see:

• The featured product.
• The final price and amount for the promotional discount (excluding tax).
• A status bar showing the percentage of claimed deals.
• A timer indicating the time left before the deal expires.
• A button for “Add to Cart” if there are promotional discounts on hand.

Turn the Tables to Your Brand’s Advantage

Amazon’s Lightning Deals are effective because they are designed to complement the functions of Amazon’s A10 algorithm. The system is designed to consider a variety of integral factors. Among the essential elements are conversion rate, sales velocity, and pricing.

Besides Lightning Deals, working with an Amazon SEO consultant like Seller Interactive can help you boost your sales and conversion rates. We can help you increase the conversions of a specific search term so your products gain higher rankings in search results.

Contact us today!