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How to List Products on Amazon FBA

Do you already have profitable products to sell on Amazon? A winning launch starts with successfully adding your listings to the platform. But before you achieve that, you must first learn how to list products on Amazon. 

Listing products on the largest marketplace can be complex, even for those with wide experience in Amazon selling. The journey involves numerous considerations, be it keyword research or product category.

But don’t worry! We can teach you how to list items as an Amazon FBA seller. From preparing to optimizing your product listing for higher search visibility, we got you covered.

What Is a Product Listing?

Also called the product details page, an Amazon product listing offers a snapshot of the product’s features, benefits, and selling price. They convey the value proposition of the item to help customers evaluate the sellers’ products based on the listed information.

How Amazon sellers can add their product listings also depends on their seller account plan. Take a look at this table:

Amazon Seller Account PlanPrice Per MonthUnits to SellListing Capacity
Professional$39.99More than 40 unitsHas the option to list items in large batches or inventory management
Individual$0.99Fewer than 40 unitsCan only list items one at a time

5 Things You Need When Listing Products

You can embrace the B2B and B2C approach with the right product information. But before starting selling on Amazon, you must prepare your product listing. 

What are the five elements you need? 

1. Product Category

Choose the most fitting category for your products. Don’t forget to browse existing product categories in the Amazon catalog to find the best fit for your product. With these strategies, potential buyers can easily find you.

💡 Note that some categories may require additional approval from Amazon before you can list your product.

2. Product Identification

a graphic showing the most common gtins, from left to right: european article number, universal product code, international standard book number.

Global Trade Item Numbers (shown above) are required to manage a broad product range. Amazon uses these product identifiers to accurately determine the product you’re offering. 

💡 You don't have to provide a GTIN if you add your product to an existing listing. But if you’re creating a new listing, you must obtain a UPC.

3. Product Description

Detailed product descriptions help customers easily understand why they should buy your product. So, how are you going to maximize its impact?

  • Include key elements of your product in the description (e.g., size, color, material).
  • Use bullet points for readability.
  • Copy the dimensions from the seller’s listing if they sell your item on Amazon. Otherwise, you must measure your item’s length, width, and height. 

4. Product Images

High-quality photos will guide customers in visualizing your product and making a smart choice. Make sure to upload multiple product images from different angles and settings. They must also adhere to Amazon’s requirements. 

Below are a few pointers:

  • Product images should be a minimum of 500 x 500 pixels
  • For high-quality Amazon listings, increase it to 1,000 x 1,000 pixels
  • Use a plain white background. 
  • The item must take up at least 80% of the photo. 

5. Search Terms

Relevant keywords can bring your business name to the audience's search results. They bridge the gap between potential buyers’ searches for and the products displayed in response.

How Do I List My Items on Amazon?

First, you need to make an Amazon Seller Central account to list your items. You can only create a new product listing if you are Amazon's exclusive product seller.

💡In case the product you want to list is already being sold on the marketplace, you can match its existing listing. 

How To Add a Product Listing on Amazon Seller Central

This section will provide clear and concise steps to efficiently list your products on the Amazon platform and boost sales.

In Creating a Brand New Amazon Listing

Have you found a promising product with potential for Amazon selling? Check this step-by-step guide on how to build a brand listing.

a step-by-step guide for brand new listing

In Adding a Product to an Existing Listing

According to the platform’s rules, you can’t create duplicate listings for the same product. List an existing Amazon product by following this instruction:

a step-by-step guide for existing listing

💡 Note: Your product will be added to the “Manage Inventory” tab within Amazon Seller Central. Since your fulfillment channel is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), your product listing will go live once Amazon gets your inventory.

In Adding Products via Upload

You can use the bulk upload feature in Seller Central if you have many variations to list. Here’s how to do bulk uploading:

a step-by-step guide for adding products via Upload

Bonus: Tips to Optimize Your Product Listings

It’s not enough to list your products on Amazon; you must also optimize them. Improving your listings helps boost your products’ visibility on the platform. When your products are effortlessly discoverable, elevating sales becomes a smoother journey. 

Explore these tips to adeptly optimize your listings.

1. Avoid Keyword Stuffing

Keyword stuffing is using the same keyword repeatedly in your product listing. Unfortunately, Amazon will see it as spam, hurting your ranking.

Diversify your keyword usage throughout your listing. See to it that no keyword will be used more than three times. 

2. Incorporate Long-tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords enable you to rank higher in search results than short-tail keywords. This may be specific, but you don’t need to face any competition. Check this example below:

Short-tail KeywordLong-tail Keyword
Shoes”Black Running Shoes”

When conducting keyword research, focus on long-tail words relevant to your product and with a high search volume.

3. Optimize Titles for Mobile

Customers increasingly use mobile phones to shop on Amazon. So, seize this chance to refine your product listings for smartphone users. One notable strategy you can apply is to keep your product titles brief.

Always keep your product titles between 50—70 characters only. Also, avoid using special characters or symbols in your titles, as these can be difficult to read on mobile devices. 

4. Leverage Bullet Points

As mentioned earlier, bullet points can emphasize the key features and advantages of your product. They can also help break down the product description to accommodate readers with varying attention spans and reading habits.

Along with bullet points, remember to incorporate these tips:

  • Use a bold font to highlight important words or phrases about your product.
  • Use bullet points to address common product inquiries and concerns.
  • Use simple, direct language.
  • Stop using technical terms unfamiliar to most buyers.

5. Tell a Story Through Product Images

Product image is one of the most important elements of a product listing. They are the first thing your potential customers will see, so they need to be high-quality and visually appealing. 

The best product images will tell a story about your product and make customers want to learn more. From there, you can lessen your chance of receiving negative customer feedback from unfulfilled expectations. 

Here are four examples of photos you must include in your product listing:

  • Main Image: Include a white-background shot of your product.
  • Product Details: Include a close-up, emphasized texture, or a 360 view of your product. 
  • Infographics: Include other essential details such as dimensions, product comparison, or special instructions here. 
  • Lifestyle Shots: Include photos of your products being used in different settings. 

Hassle-Free Listing Creation with Seller Interactive

You are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to list your products on Amazon FBA. This means you can begin selling on Amazon to a vast customer base! However, creating a listing is only one part of a successful product launch.

Need help with creating your product listings, optimization, and promotion? Seller Interactive is here to help. We offer comprehensive product launch services for experienced and new sellers.
Book a call now!

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How To Remove Amazon Review (The Right Way)

Besides conversions and sales, the ecommerce world is run by another crucial business aspect: customer feedback. With the A10 algorithm placing higher importance on customer satisfaction, Amazon sellers must come up with ways to maintain a positive online reputation, even leading them to question how to remove an Amazon review.

Are sellers allowed to delete negative Amazon reviews, and if not, how should they handle this type of feedback properly? Let’s discover the best practices for managing negative reviews and maintaining a strong online reputation on Amazon.

It’s essential to learn why customer reviews matter so much in the Amazon marketplace and how they can affect the success of your Amazon business.

The Connection Between Reviews and Reputation

Customer feedback is one of the most influential key factors sellers must focus on to achieve long-lasting and guaranteed ecommerce success. On Amazon, the relationship between reviews and brand reputation is particularly profound.

Unlike in previous years and with older systems, Amazon’s A10 algorithm now emphasizes customer reviews more. It considers customer satisfaction a crucial factor in ranking product listings, as listed below.

graphic showing Amazon Key Performance Indicators

Many authentic positive reviews can boost your rankings, pushing your products to the top and giving your brand much-needed exposure and visibility. Why is a positive review such a big deal to Amazon in the first place?

When potential customers visit your product details page, the star rating and the reviews are often the first things they notice. These reviews act as a snapshot of your brand's image, reflecting previous customers' experiences. 

A product with numerous reviews boosts customer trust, while one with only a few reviews will make people skeptical and wary of it, regardless of high star ratings.

Besides the number and positivity of reviews, how the store handles such reviews contributes to boosting your brand reputation. Those whoactively engage with reviews and address their concerns promptly and appropriately will likely gain a customer’s trust and loyalty. 

Can I Remove an Amazon Review?

There is no direct way for Amazon sellers to remove negative customer feedback on their product pages. Instead, you can reach out to Amazon via email and ask them to delete such reviews. The ecommerce platform will review your request and grant if the feedback violated any policies.

It may take long to process, but Amazon has reasonable justifications for doing so. Consequently, several sellers have resorted to manipulating these essential metrics just to make people purchase their products.

For instance, some sellers may delete authentic and constructive negative reviews to make their store and products look more appealing and less flawed.

Because sellers have a high risk of manipulating reviews and ratings, Amazon has set strict policies to counter these unethical practices and tactics. Unfortunately, one of these rules limits the seller’s ability to remove unwanted and harmful reviews on their page.

However, Amazon recognizes that not all review removals point to manipulation. So instead of removing the feature altogether, Amazon allows you to request a removal before deleting such reviews. By doing so, the platform can verify if the review harms the brand and its customers.

How to Request Deletion of Negative Reviews From Amazon

So, how precisely do you ask for Amazon’s help removing possibly harmful reviews from your storefront? There are two ways to go about the review deletion process. 

1) Reporting a Review

Begin this process by clicking the report abuse button.

annotated screenshot of amazon negative reviews with the report button highlighted in red

After clicking, a Submit Report page will pop up, where Amazon lists a part of its community guidelines regarding customer reviews. Once the seller clicks the Submit button, Amazon will review the comment and promptly delete it if it violates their policies.

screenshot of the Submit Report page

2) Reach Out to Amazon Support

Another way to request a review removal is to contact and email Amazon’s seller support team directly. You may have to provide details about the case, including the product ASINs, the date and time of the comment, and the review link.

The chance of Amazon deleting a bad review is low. However, if the reported comment has the traits listed below, they will likely be deleted:

  • A written review from an individual
    • with direct or indirect financial interest in the product
    • closely related to the brand owner
    • who is the product manufacturer
  • Use of profane and vulgar language
  • Spamming or repetitive negative content
  • Fake reviews or reviews in exchange for money, bonus credits, etc.

Evidence is crucial when reporting Amazon reviews. For instance, if your store is bombarded with negative feedback and you believe these malicious attacks may come from a competitor, you must provide strong evidence to support your claim. Otherwise, Amazon will not take action upon your request.

shot of a man shouting while holding his laptop against a red background

Source: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels.com

How to Manage Negative Amazon Reviews

You can’t report every negative review you spot on your product pages. It is not always helpful in improving your brand reputation and ranking on the platform. This process will be too time-consuming and impractical in the long run. 

Instead, we recommend conducting best practices to handle negative reviews strategically and efficiently. Here are a few tips you can start with to manage negative reviews in your Amazon store.

Embrace The Negativity.

The first step towards solving almost any problem is acceptance. You must understand and expect negative feedback to pop up on their product pages once in a while. Receiving negative reviews is part of the ecommerce journey, so, instead of resisting them, accept that they are an inevitable aspect of doing business in the online marketplace.

A negative rating may even be beneficial to your Amazon business. Authentic negative seller feedback can point to possible blind spots in your products and services, allowing you to address them and improve your offer. 

Looking at negative seller feedback or product reviews as a growth opportunity is an effective strategy if you’re looking to thrive on Amazon.

Assess the Review.

After your acceptance phase, focus on the task at hand: engaging with the comment. Before responding to the negative review, it’s best to analyze the review contents first. Does it look like a legitimate review, or is it just an attempt to manipulate your reputation on the platform?

Do not waste your time responding to comments that might be inauthentic or violate Amazon's policies; you can report these suspicious reviews and let the platform handle this issue on your behalf. 

Respond Professionally to Feedback.

You may now reply after verifying the authenticity and validity of the comment. Responding to the negative review allows the seller to pinpoint the customer’s issue and provide the appropriate solutions for such problems.

Respond to reviews promptly, politely, and professionally while conversing with the buyer. An appropriate response can prevent the issue from worsening and speed up the resolution process.

Encourage Honest Reviews.

While you can’t do much about already posted negative comments, you can encourage honest and possibly positive feedback from your other customers. Doing so will improve your ratings and boost your credibility in the marketplace.

You can politely ask your buyers about their experience with your products and request honest feedback with the “Request a Review” button within your Seller Central account. However, avoiding manipulative tactics like soliciting reviews through incentives or offering compensation is crucial, as these gimmicks violate Amazon’s policies.

Requesting reviews using personalized messages in the packaging is another option. Buyers will appreciate this gesture and be more inclined to leave comments. Here are some useful quick tips:

  • Keep it concise.
  • Write easy instructions on how to leave reviews.
  • Include essential contact information.
  • Express your gratitude for their purchase.

Monitor and Optimize.

Most importantly, you must constantly monitor your product listings and check for reviews. By keeping track of your product pages, you can immediately spot new feedback and promptly address or resolve issues.

Consequently, you can make necessary improvements in product optimization, customer service, and other aspects of your brand. Doing so shows your customers that you care about their opinions, take them seriously, and are committed to enhancing your business. 

Handle Negative Feedback Like a Pro with Seller Interactive

It’s incredibly frustrating to spot negative comments on your store, but you can’t directly solve this problem and remove reviews on your own. Only the platform can delete them, which only happens if they violate Amazon's policies. 

What sellers like you can do is manage and respond to feedback politely and appropriately. Hopefully, the practices we’ve discussed can help you address these issues. If you think these tips are too challenging for you to handle independently, let the experts at Seller Interactive help!

We offer Amazon product launch services that cover more than just the actual launch. Our experts can go as far as optimizing your product listings and monitoring product feedback to maximize conversions. Book a call today and propel your Amazon business forward with us!

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A Quick Guide To Amazon Aggregators and What They Mean for Your Business

Amazon aggregators are gaining prominence and influence. Through them, sellers like you can achieve your goal to widen your store's visibility and grow your sales. As an Amazon seller, you may have come across the term too and wondered what it means for your business.

This quick guide will shed light on these entities and delve into how they can potentially transform your business. By learning about aggregators, you can better position your business and continue to scale it to the size you've always dreamed of. So, read on!

What are Amazon Aggregators?

Aggregators, or acquirers or consolidators, are businesses that acquire and scale private label brands selling on Amazon. They bring abundant resources and expertise, from product listing and operations optimization, and they also have the capital to help scale brands, potentially taking them to new heights. 

Key Factors Considered by Aggregators

When aggregators evaluate potential brands to acquire, they consider various factors that can impact their decisions. This section will provide a brief overview of key aspects they check, helping you better prepare your business for possible acquisition in the future.

a list of the characteristics Amazon aggregators look for to the brand they'll acquire

Enrolled in the Amazon Brand Registry

Enrolling in the Amazon Brand Registry demonstrates a company's commitment to brand protection and provides additional tools to optimize product listings. Aggregators prefer registered businesses, as they can monitor and protect their intellectual property more easily and maintain better control over their brand image on the platform.

FBA Registered

Most aggregators prefer brands included in the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program. FBA allows for streamlined logistics, giving aggregators more assurance that orders will be fulfilled efficiently, improved customer satisfaction and sales. They can focus on scaling and optimizing the business rather than dealing with day-to-day operational challenges.

Product Niche and SKU

Aggregators look for quality brands operating within profitable and sustainable niches on Amazon. They generally prefer varied SKUs to minimize the risk of depending on a single product. Nevertheless, they still ensure there aren't too many products that can make management challenging. 

Proven success in a specific niche, backed by positive customer reviews and a well-rounded product offering, can make your business more attractive to Amazon brand aggregators.

Sales on Amazon

Your company's overall sales performance on Amazon is vital in attracting aggregators. Higher sales volumes, consistent year-over-year growth, and positive customer feedback can catch the attention of potential acquirers. Demonstrating the ability to generate significant revenue showcases your brand's potential for growth.

Profitability

Aggregators pay close attention to a company with strong profitability, typically targeting businesses with around 15-25% net margins. Higher profit margins and a proven track record of profitability showcase your company's ability to generate revenue and succeed in the competitive Amazon marketplace.

What to Look For In Aggregators

As an Amazon seller, evaluating potential aggregators is crucial before deciding to partner with them. You worked so hard to put your store to its current stance, so you'd want to entrust it to good hands. Here, we'll discuss a few crucial aspects when examining potential Amazon FBA aggregator companies.

three characteristics of reputable aggregators

Evaluate Amazon FBA aggregators' experience and reputation.

Ensure that your prospect Amazon aggregator has a solid track record in successfully acquiring and scaling similar FBA businesses. It is essential to examine their reputation for delivering on their promises, fulfilling acquisition terms, and providing continued support to sellers post-acquisition. 

Examine their business model, terms, and compensation.

Different Amazon FBA aggregators may follow distinct business models that impact the terms and compensation you'll get. Some may focus on acquiring and building brands slowly, while others may adopt a more aggressive approach to rapidly scale your brand.

Be sure to compare the pros and cons between different aggregators, paying particular attention to aspects like acquisition focus, annual sales requirements, and net profit expectations.

Assess their expertise in your specific product category.

It's crucial to partner with an Amazon FBA aggregator with experience and a successful track record in your product category, be it wellness brands, Amazon private labels, or any other niche. 

Some aggregators may specialize in certain product categories, giving them an edge to better understand and successfully grow your business. This expertise will help them implement winning strategies and maximize revenue generation for your brand.

Aggregators’ Impact on Amazon Sellers

By evaluating the potential benefits of working with aggregators, you can determine if this approach aligns with your long-term goals and the future vision for your business. Below are the benefits and impact of deciding to sell your Amazon business to aggregators.

Enhanced Access to Resources and Expertise

Aggregators typically have vast amounts of capital, making investing in areas like product development, marketing, and supply chain management easier. By selling your brand and store to an experienced aggregator, you can leverage their networks and knowledge to optimize and scale your business more efficiently.

More Streamlined Operations

Aggregators have developed sophisticated data analytics and operational systems to manage multiple brands. You can benefit from their streamlined operations when your business becomes part of an aggregator's portfolio. This can lead to optimized inventory management, improved customer support, and a better understanding of your product's performance in the market. Your sales and profitability will also improve.

Increased Brand Visibility and Market Reach

One of the main goals of aggregators is to scale the brands they acquire. With their vast marketing resources and in-depth understanding of the Amazon marketplace, these companies can increase your brand's visibility across multiple channels. In turn, this can expand your market reach, help you tap into new demographics, and boost your overall sales.

Smooth Exit Opportunities

Working with an aggregator can provide a smooth exit opportunity for you. When you decide to sell your business, partnering with an aggregator can ensure a seamless transition and deliver fair compensation for your hard work and success.

Key Players in Amazon Aggregation

Are you convinced that aggregators may be the way to go for your business? Below is a list of aggregators. We picked to discuss some of the most prominent aggregators you can contact in case you've reached a final decision.

Amazon Aggregators
10club
AccelClub
Acquco
Aim.group
Alpha Rock
Capital
Alphagreen
Altacrest Capital
Amazing Brands
Group
Ampire
Aterian
Benitago Group
Berlin Brands Group
Boopos
Brand1 Ventures
Branded
Cap Hill Brands
Centro Brands
Cinchona
Cling Capital
D1 Brands
Diverge Group
Dragonfly
Dwarfs
E-Brands
Elevate Brands
Evenflow Brands
Excite Foundry
Factory14
Flummox
Flywheel Commerce
Forest
Foundry Brands
Global
Bees
GOAT Brand Labs
Goja
Gravitiq
Greenhaus
Growve
Heroes
Heyday
Highfive Brands
Inflection Brands
Intrinsic
Mantaro Capital
Markai
Marketplace Powerbrands
Mensa Brands
Merama
Merx Brands
Monolith Brands Group
Moonshot Brands
Mothership
Nebula Brands
Negotiatore
Next Century Capital
Olsam Group
One Retail Group
Opontia
Orange Brands
Pearl West Group
Perch
Plus Ultra Group
Profound Commerce
Rainforest
Razor Group
Recontour
RTICA
Savitar
Scythia
Sorfeo
Spring Commerce
Stryze
Suma Brands
Tapuya Brands
TCM Digital
Telos Brands
The Fortia Group
The Stryze Group
Thrasio
Umbrella Fund
Una Brands
Unybrands
Upexi
UpScalio
Valoreo
Win Brands
Group
Wonder Brands
Yaba

Thrasio

Thrasio is one of the leading Amazon aggregator companies, known for acquiring high-quality FBA brands with focusing on customer satisfaction and product quality. The company aims to scale these businesses and generate higher revenue and profits by investing in marketing, operations, supply chain management, and data analytics.

Berlin Brands Group

The Berlin Brands Group is a Germany-based aggregator with a focus on acquiring and scaling up promising Amazon brands. With a strong presence in 28 countries, this company aims to help third-party sellers expand their market reach and optimize their performance marketing strategies.

Perch

Perch is an Amazon aggregator focusing on acquiring the top three brands in specific categories and those with established customer reviews. With a diverse acquisition strategy, Perch targets Amazon FBA businesses, offering a broader range of opportunities for successful businesses to grow and prosper.

Benitago

Benitago is a New York-based Amazon aggregator that offers a comprehensive solution for ecommerce entrepreneurs. With a proven track record in acquiring and scaling FBA businesses, Benitago provides sellers a hassle-free exit strategy, seamless transition, and access to expert resources.

Elevate Brands

Elevate Brands, led by seasoned experts from Wayfair, Amazon Web Services, and Amazon's 3P business development department, leverages its deep industry knowledge to transform the stores it acquires.

Their strategic focus spans North America, the UK, and the EU, with a keen eye on the pet, grocery, and supplement sectors. With a portfolio of 25+ brands, Elevate Brands consistently achieves an impressive post-acquisition growth rate of 100%, making them a prominent player in the ecommerce landscape.

Cap Hill Brands

Cap Hill Brands is a dynamic Amazon aggregator with a mission to unlock the full potential of consumer brands. With lightning-fast response times, they offer an offer within 48 hours and can close deals in as little as four weeks, ensuring a swift and hassle-free transition.

Their unique profit-sharing model allows you to share in future successes. They offer flexibility and partnership options tailored to your preferences. After the acquisition, they leverage their expertise in marketing, product development, brand management, distribution, supply chain, and international expansion to nurture your brand for long-term success.

Unybrands

Unybrands is an Amazon aggregator with a strong presence in Germany, the UK, and the US. Focusing on acquiring profitable Amazon FBA and third-party seller businesses, Unybrands aims to assist these companies in achieving accelerated ecommerce growth and increased revenue.

The Process of Selling to an Aggregator

When you decide to sell your Amazon FBA business to an aggregator, such as Berlin Brands Group, Elevate Brands, or Cap Hill Brands, the process generally involves three main steps: 

  1. Negotiating and signing a comprehensive agreement
  2. Transferring inventory and intellectual property
  3. Collaborating on marketing and advertising strategies
the three-step process when selling to an aggregator

Negotiating and Signing a Comprehensive Agreement

You'll need to negotiate and sign a comprehensive agreement with the Amazon aggregator. During the negotiation process, both you and the aggregator will discuss details such as the purchase price, which usually weighs factors like your business model, annual sales, net profit, and product quality.

Both you and the aggregator will agree on the expectations and responsibilities of each party post-acquisition. Thoroughly learn about the terms of the agreement. This document will be the basis of your compensation and future partnerships with the aggregator.

Transferring Inventory and Intellectual Property

After signing the agreement, you'll need to transfer your inventory and intellectual property (IP) to the aggregator. This includes trademarks, copyrights, patents for your brands, and inventory at Amazon fulfillment centers.

The aggregator will typically manage the transfer process to ensure a smooth handover. Provide necessary documents for ownership information updates on Amazon and other ecommerce platforms.

Collaborating on Marketing and Advertising Strategies

Lastly, successful aggregators often focus on scaling acquired businesses through strategic marketing and advertising. After the acquisition, you may be asked to collaborate on creating new marketing materials, optimizing your product listings, or implementing new advertising strategies to boost sales and visibility on Amazon.

As you work with the aggregator, your knowledge and expertise in your niche can help accelerate growth and generate revenue for both parties.

Partner With Seller Interactive

Entrusting your brand to aggregators is a strategic path to enhancing brand awareness, streamlining operations, and accessing valuable resources. Your journey to business growth awaits, and the key to success may just be in the hands of the right Amazon aggregator. It's time to explore the possibilities and bring your business to the heights you've always wished for.

Partnering with us here at Seller Interactive can significantly elevate your Amazon business. By leveraging our expertise and resources, you'll gain a competitive edge to help your brand flourish.

We offer a comprehensive Amazon full account management service that covers crucial aspects of your business. Our team of professionals will work closely with you to optimize your product listings, implement effective advertising strategies, manage your inventory, and more.

Book a call with us now to know more about our offers.

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Mastering Amazon AZ Claims: A Guide to Protecting Your Amazon Business

Product returns are any entrepreneur’s nightmare. Not only do these claims hurt a seller’s ego, but they also involve tiresome processes and financial setbacks. In the world of Amazon ecommerce, there’s a more serious issue that can put a dent in your business reputation and profitability—Amazon AZ claims.

What exactly are these claims, and how do they affect your Amazon seller account health? Let’s dive deep into the realm of Amazon A-to-Z claims and learn how sellers can protect their businesses from these potentially damaging situations.

What Are AZ Claims in Amazon?

Ever the customer-focused platform, Amazon lets its customers create A-to-Z claims—allowing customers to make return requests and seek refunds for purchases with issues. These claims directly refer to one of Amazon’s policies: the A-to-Z guarantee. 

The Amazon A-Z guarantee policy ensures buyers' confidence and covers both the timely delivery and condition of the purchases from a third-party seller.

Some typical reasons why customers make A-to-Z claims include:

  • Late shipment and other delivery issues
  • Wrong items shipped
  • Defective and damaged products
  • Issues with product authenticity

A-to-Z claims only apply to physical products sold on and purchased from the platform. Digital items, service purchases, payments made through stored value instruments (gift cards, vouchers, etc.), and items sold outside of Amazon are not eligible for such claims.

Regarding monetary reimbursement, Amazon only covers and compensates the product’s purchase price or up to a million dollars for medical expenses, property damage, and the like caused by a damaged or defective order.

Amazon customers must ensure that they ordered their product from an official Marketplace seller and that their order’s latest estimated delivery date is 90 days or less. Additionally, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • The customer has yet to receive their order, and:
    • It has been three days since the maximum estimated delivery date.
    • The order was wrongly confirmed to be delivered.
    • The seller hasn’t responded or resolved issues.
  • The product received is damaged or defective, and the seller hasn’t responded to the customer’s request for a product return.
  • The customer wants to return the product from an international seller, but the seller did not provide:
    • The complete return address in the US.
    • A prepaid return label.
    • A full refund of the product without a return.
  • The customer requested a return, but the seller closed or rejected the said request. 
  • The customer requested a refund based on Amazon’s return policies, but they have yet to receive it.
  • The customer had to pay for additional charges that should have been covered by the seller (customs fees, etc.).
short infographic showing the process of Amazon AZ Claims

Amazon A-to-Z Claim Process: How It Works

The Amazon A-to-Z claim process begins when the customer realizes their order isn’t as expected and ensures the above conditions apply to their current situation and transaction. 

The buyer is then encouraged to reach out and contact the third-party seller first to resolve such problems via messages or a return request. They are both given 48 hours to straighten out the issues concerning the product. 

Once those hours are up, the customer can bring the matter straight to Amazon and file a complaint against the seller. The vendor is then given 72 hours to respond to these complaints. If the seller fails to do so, the customer automatically wins the case and has their item refunded in full.

Some sellers may worry that the time window that Amazon has provided may be too short. Fortunately, the ecommerce giant allows sellers to appeal if they feel they were wrongfully accused. 

Sellers may appeal up to 30 days after the complaint is issued and submitted. During the appeal process, the seller must provide evidence and exhibit clear communication to reverse such claims and complaints.

How Do A-to-Z Claims Impact Amazon Businesses?

Every business, physical or online, experiences these claims and complaints in varying severities. However, no matter how small they may be, these A-to-Z claims may significantly affect your Amazon business in one way or another.

Brand Reputation

Regardless of how true they are, A-to-Z claims may potentially affect your company’s brand reputation and how your entire brand looks, not just to the customer who made the claim but also to your entire target audience. 

For instance, if a claim goes unresolved or is mishandled, it could result in negative feedback on your seller profile. All potential customers may see such reviews on your page and be discouraged from buying from your shop.

Financial Implications

Besides the possibility of tarnishing their brand reputation and image, sellers may also encounter financial setbacks with such claims. If proven true, sellers must compensate for the damage or inconvenience the transaction has caused their customers. 

Refunds automatically transfer the purchase price from your account to the customer’s. Meanwhile, for a product return, the seller must pack and ship another item to the buyer, doubling their expenditure and operational efforts.

A-to-Z Claim: Amazon Seller Responsibilities

While the A-to-Z claim process mostly involves the customer and the product in question, Amazon sellers are still a huge and essential part of the equation. During the process, sellers must exhibit certain traits and responsibilities to ensure a seamless resolution and avoid the negative effects mentioned above.

First, sellers must answer the customer’s concerns immediately. Prompt communication ensures that the issues are resolved swiftly and prevents the situation from escalating to an undeserved complaint.

Additionally, you must take the time to listen to the customer’s side. Listening to their side allows sellers to determine where the problem lies while making the buyer feel seen and heard, ensuring that the issue is addressed promptly and empathetically. 

After hearing the customer’s side, sellers must clearly explain and provide steps to address the issue to the buyer. They can also offer other forms of customer service, such as reaching out to Amazon Customer Support, to help resolve the problem.

Most importantly, sellers must maintain a courteous and professional tone while answering such concerns. Doing so ensures that the communication is clear and respectful, promoting a positive resolution and preserving the brand's reputation.

closeup shot of two people writing on their packages

Source: Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels.com

3 Ways Amazon Sellers Can Minimize Their A-to-Z Claims

As an Amazon seller, you are responsible for ensuring these A-to-Z claims are kept to a minimum to avoid tarnishing your brand’s image, prevent financial setbacks, and ensure a smooth-sailing business venture on the platform.

Here are some methods you can practice to minimize A-to-Z claims involving your Amazon store.

Implement Strict Quality Control and Effective Packaging

It is wise to implement stricter standards and procedures for product quality control. These quality control measures will ensure that your products are in the best state before they are shipped out. Quality control checks may significantly reduce the likelihood of A-to-Z claims regarding product defects or discrepancies.

Of course, your package will inevitably encounter various mishaps when it is in transit. For this reason, ensuring your products are neatly, safely, and securely packed before shipment is crucial to reduce damages. Effectively packaging your products will lead to fewer claims related to product condition.

In line with the shipment, ensure you dispatch your package on or before its expected ship date to avoid any shipping delays. Timely shipping enhances customer satisfaction and reduces the chances of A-to-Z claims for late deliveries.

Mind Customer Feedback and Experience

Top-quality and exceptional customer service must be at the forefront of every seller’s mind. Just as Amazon is customer-obsessed, Amazon sellers must ensure their buyers have a seamless and satisfactory customer experience while engaging with their shop.

Besides listening to and resolving issues within a customer’s A-to-Z claim, sellers must regularly read through their customer reviews and use this feedback to improve product quality, communication, or overall customer service.

Focusing on negative feedback allows sellers to see possible blind spots and aspects where their items can further improve. Such reviews may also allow innovative ideas to create new product lines or enhance existing customer service.

Monitor and Optimize Product Listings

Another factor that significantly affects A-to-Z claims is the item’s product listing. Some buyers may complain that the descriptions and images in the product listing do not match what they received, leading them to file an A-to-Z claim. 

For this reason, creating detailed yet accurate listings for your products is essential to set your customer’s expectations properly and to avoid getting claims questioning your product’s authenticity or quality.

Additionally, regularly optimize and update your listings to ensure the product information is up-to-date and correct. Product listing optimization includes placing high-quality product images and writing comprehensive product descriptions with relevant keywords in your listings.

Say Goodbye to Countless A-to-Z Claims

Receiving A-to-Z claims is inevitable in the Amazon ecommerce world, and every seller on the platform must accept this reality. Rather than zeroing in on the negative emotions these claims may bring, sellers must focus on what they can control: how they address such claims and how they can enhance their operations.

Answering these concerns calmly, promptly, and professionally is key to resolving the issue at hand swiftly and effectively. The practices we shared in the article can hopefully improve your operations and even minimize your A-to-Z claims.

But, if you need more assistance with your online business, particularly your Seller Central account health, consider hiring Amazon professionals from Seller Interactive!

Our full account management services, including account setup, product listing optimization, product launch, and more, ensure that your Amazon seller account and business run without hiccups. Contact our Amazon experts today and bid countless Amazon A-to-Z claims goodbye!

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What You Need To Know About Selling on Walmart vs. Amazon

Are you considering expanding your online business and wondering which marketplace is the right fit for you? The decision to start selling online is a significant step, and you’re probably thinking the age-old question: “Should I be selling on Walmart vs. Amazon?” 

This dilemma is common for many ecommerce entrepreneurs. But selecting the right platform makes a difference on someone's ecommerce journey. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll break down each platform’s key differences, benefits, and challenges in this article. 

Selling on Walmart

Walmart is a well-known retail giant with a significant presence in the ecommerce world. The Walmart marketplace allows businesses to sell their products on the platform alongside the marketplace’s own products. 

Is It Profitable to Sell on Walmart?

While it’s true that Walmart has been playing catch-up with Amazon in the ecommerce space, it’s still profitable to sell on Walmart. According to Jungle Scout’s State of the Walmart Seller Report, 95% of Walmart marketplace sellers thrive in their ecommerce businesses. More than half of these sellers earn over $100,000 in annual revenue.

a graphic showing pros and cons of selling on walmart, pros: no subscription fees, low competition, exposure to new audiences, easy checkout process, cons: lower profit margin, fewer shoppers, and limited fulfillment options.

Benefits of Selling on Walmart

Let’s start weighing the pros and cons of selling on the Walmart marketplace. Here are the benefits Walmart retailers enjoy from the platform.

No Subscription Fees

Like Amazon, Walmart Marketplace charges 8%–15% in referral fees to sellers. But, a key advantage of selling on Walmart is that there are no subscription fees. Unlike Amazon, which charges a monthly fee for professional seller accounts, Walmart allows you to sell on its platform without the burden of additional costs. 

This allows Walmart marketplace sellers to reinvest more of their profits back into their online business and enhance their growth potential. 

Low Competition

While Amazon has a much larger pool of sellers, Walmart’s marketplace is less crowded. Amazon has 1.5 million active sellers, while Walmart’s marketplace has a little over 150,000. This makes it easier for Walmart sellers to stand out and draw in customers.

When there are fewer retailers competing for attention, you can gain a higher market share. This can result in improved sales and better product visibility.

Exposure to New Audiences

Selling on Walmart allows you to reach certain customer segments that may not be shopping on Amazon. Since Walmart caters to a diverse audience, including those who prioritize low prices and convenient physical store locations, you can tap into a new segment of consumers who may not be browsing other online marketplaces. 

Easy Checkout Process

Walmart’s easy, streamlined checkout process can greatly benefit customers and businesses. With options like in-store pickup, Walmart Pay, and fast shipping through the Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) program, customers can experience a smooth and convenient shopping experience. 

According to Accenture, 87% of online shoppers leave their carts if the checkout process is complicated. So, since Walmart has a streamlined checkout process, it can help increase customer satisfaction and lead to repeat business. 

Drawbacks of Selling on Walmart

Now that you know the benefits, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the ecommerce platform’s downsides. Here are some disadvantages of selling at Walmart: 

Lower Profit Margin

Although Walmart has lower fees and no additional costs unlike Amazon, you may still experience a lower profit margin overall. This is due to Walmart’s focus on offering low prices to their customers, which might require you to decrease your product prices to stay competitive. 

Walmart may also unpublish the listings if the sellers don’t keep up with the competitive pricing. This can lead to sacrificing profits to stay visible in the Walmart marketplace.

Fewer Shoppers

While Walmart claims that its sellers receive 13 times more monthly visitors than Amazon sellers, it is essential to remember that Amazon still has a more extensive customer base. Despite its growing popularity, Walmart may not provide the same level of sales opportunity that Amazon can offer. 

The competition between sellers might be low, but you’ll also face fewer potential customers as a Walmart marketplace seller. 

Limited Fulfillment Options

Amazon offers the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program, while Walmart offers the Walmart Fulfillment Service. WFS is relatively new, while Amazon FBA was the first to provide this fulfillment service. 

While it’s good that Walmart is working to develop its fulfillment capabilities, it is not yet as comprehensive as Amazon’s FBA program. Walmart has 40 fulfillment centers in the United States, but Amazon has 110.

WFS is accessible only to experienced sellers, compared to Amazon FBA, which welcomes anyone. This means it could be challenging for newbie Walmart sellers as they will be responsible for managing their inventory and shipping to customers. 

The Amazon Marketplace

Now that you know the background, benefits, and drawbacks of selling on Walmart, let’s explore the Amazon marketplace. Like Walmart, Amazon has many benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before deciding if it is right for your business.

a graphic showing the pros and cons of selling on amazon, pros: large customer base, amazon fba option, plenty of marketing opportunities, higher profit margin, cons: higher selling fees, increased competition, complicated order management.

Benefits of Selling on Amazon

With a global customer base exceeding millions, Amazon provides unparalleled access to a vast market. Aside from this advantage, what factors make selling on Amazon worth it? Here are the benefits of selling on the world’s largest ecommerce platform.

Large Customer Base

Amazon has a large consumer base, which means that millions of potential shoppers visit the site every day. Amazon has 310 million active users, while Walmart serves 240 million customers. 

Amazon FBA Option

Amazon FBA allows sellers to keep their products in Amazon warehouses while Amazon handles the storage, packaging, and delivery. This can save you time and effort, allowing you to concentrate on other aspects of your business. Additionally, FBA products are eligible for Two-Day Prime Free Shipping, which appeals to customers.

Plenty of Marketing Opportunities

Amazon offers various marketing tools and opportunities to help promote your products and grow sales. These marketing tools include Sponsored Products, Amazon Lightning Deals, and other promotions. 

These features can:

  • Increase your product’s exposure
  • Drive traffic to your Amazon store
  • Improve sales

Higher Profit Margin

Amazon can provide a higher profit margin than platforms like Walmart. But it also depends on the product category and your pricing strategy. Since Amazon caters to over 300 million customers, there’s a bigger chance of increasing your sales than using platforms with fewer shoppers. 

Drawbacks of Selling on Amazon

Selling on Amazon has its perks, but there are downsides too. Aside from the challenges you'll face selling in a crowded marketplace, here are the drawbacks of selling on Amazon.

Higher Selling Fees

Selling on Amazon comes with its share of costs, and one of the primary drawbacks you may encounter is the higher selling fees. The fees on Amazon can vary depending on your seller account type. Take a look at the table below:

Selling PlanPricing 
Individual$0.99/item sold
Professional $39.99/month

Amazon also charges a referral fee that ranges from 8% to 15%, depending on the product category. Additionally, if you choose to use Amazon FBA, you will be subject to additional fees, such as shipping costs and monthly storage fees. These costs can reduce your profit margin, especially compared to platforms with lower fees, like Walmart.

Increased Competition

The higher number of sellers on Amazon compared to Walmart leads to increased competition on the platform. This means Amazon can be a challenging environment for your business to thrive in. 

With millions of sellers and products on the platform, it can be difficult for your products to stand out. As a result, you’ll need to invest more resources in advertising campaigns, product optimization, and competitive pricing to gain visibility and sales on Amazon. 

On the other hand, Walmart has a more stringent seller approval process, which results in less competition and higher sales potential for approved sellers.

Complicated Order Management

Managing orders on Amazon can be complex, particularly for new sellers. The platform offers various services such as FBA, Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP), and the regular fulfillment method. Each has its own set of requirements and challenges. This can lead to increased workload while trying to meet strict performance metrics imposed by Amazon. 

Tracking inventory across multiple fulfillment methods and keeping your listings up to date can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. In contrast, Walmart has a more streamlined order management process and offers fewer fulfillment options, which simplifies the seller experience. 

Factors To Consider When Selling on Walmart vs. Amazon

You now understand the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of selling on Amazon and Walmart. Before you decide which of the two ecommerce platforms you’ll use for your selling journey, take a look at these factors you need to consider.

Fees

It’s important to understand the fee structure of Walmart and Amazon. Amazon charges more selling fees, but are they value for money? Walmart has no fixed monthly fees but also levies percentage-based referral fees.

Before you determine the most cost-effective option for your business, compare the selling fees, inventory storage, fulfillment costs, and any additional charges for advertising or other services of ecommerce platforms.

Profit Potential

Profitability is an important consideration when selecting an ecommerce platform. While Amazon dominates the market with nearly 40% of ecommerce sales, Walmart is the second most visited online marketplace in the US.

Consider the number of customers you might reach on each platform and the competitiveness of your category with each platform. These two factors will impact your profit margins.

Advertising Options

Advertising can increase the visibility of your products and drive more sales. Amazon and Walmart both provide paid advertising opportunities for sellers. Amazon provides advertising tools, such as Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, Sponsored Display, and more. 

Walmart marketplace offers a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform called Walmart Sponsored Search. They provide three types of advertising: Display Ads, Sponsored Products, and Sponsored Brands. Compare the costs, reach, and effectiveness of the advertising options on each platform to help you decide which is the best fit for you.

Ease of Use

Consider each platform's ease of use and seller support. Walmart has a more selective and rigorous application process than Amazon, which might be a barrier for some sellers. 

However, gaining access to Walmart’s Seller Center provides various features, including data and analytics for performance monitoring. Amazon’s Seller Central has many features and options, which might need a learning curve for beginner sellers. 

Evaluate each platform’s user interface, available tools, and customer support to see which best suits your business needs and resources.

Start Selling on Walmart With Seller Interactive

You have many options for selling online, but the two giants in the industry are Walmart and Amazon. Amazon has a larger customer base, which makes it a prime choice for reaching a wide audience. 

However, Walmart’s ecommerce sales have been consistently growing, and its fast growth rate presents an attractive opportunity for sellers seeking to enter a marketplace with less competition. 

Need help to get started with selling on Walmart? Seller Interactive can help. We offer comprehensive Walmart account management services to help you establish your presence and access a wider audience. 
Book a call with us today, and reach your brand goals!

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Protect Your Seller Account: Common Amazon Seller Scams You Need To Know About

Amazon seller scams have become prevalent in the marketplace. These deceptive moves can range from unauthorized access to stealing business information. Knowing these key signs is the first step to guarantee your brand protection

But how can you protect your seller account against these sneaky opportunists? Read on to learn more about the prevalent scams targeting Amazon sellers and equip yourself with the knowledge to stay secure.

Are There Seller Scams on Amazon?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Even though Amazon invests in security measures, crafty scammers still find ways to target unsuspecting sellers. Awareness and vigilance are essential in protecting your accounts against seller fraud and maintaining a reputable standing within this intense marketplace.

4 Amazon Seller Scams You Must Be Aware Of

Opportunities abound, but so do challenges. Among these are digital predators aiming to exploit your hard work and dedication. But as the old wisdom goes, “Forewarned is forearmed.” 

Knowledge is your first defense in this cluttered digital bazaar. Let’s unravel the four Amazon scams every seller should be wary of and know how to keep you one step ahead of the tricksters.

1. Failed Delivery Scams

One common deceit in the ecommerce sector is the failed delivery scam. What’s the gist here? Take a look at this:

A buyer purchases an order and waits for its delivery. Once the tracking information indicates that the item has been successfully delivered, the buyer claims they never received it. 

It is a genuine concern on the surface. After all, packages can sometimes be misplaced, damaged, or mailed to the wrong address. But what differentiates real cases from scams is the frequency and pattern. 

Scammers often repeat this tactic across multiple sellers or for high-value items, abusing Amazon’s buyer-centric policies. They’re banking on the retail giant’s tendency to favor the buyer in conflicts, particularly when the tracking indicates a successful delivery.

2. Listing Hijacking Scams

Imagine putting in the effort to create a top-notch product listing, only for someone else to crash in and enjoy the rewards. That's the essence of listing hijacking scams. See this example below:

Hijackers latch onto your listing, offering the product at a cheaper price to lure in unsuspecting buyers. But instead of sending the real product, they dispatch counterfeit or subpar versions.

The real trouble begins when buyers, thinking they've purchased from a legitimate seller (you), receive these inferior products. Disappointed and feeling deceived, they leave negative reviews on the product listing. 

As these negative reviews pile up, the algorithm might push your listing down in search results, making it harder for authentic buyers to find your product. 

3. Fake Review Scams

The allure of quick sales and higher rankings has led other sellers down a misleading path—fake reviews. What should you know about it?

Dishonest sellers flood their products with glowing positive reviews. But behind these comments are fake customers providing manufactured feedback, bought or incentivized to boost the product’s appeal.

The implications of imaginary reviews are vast. For reliable sellers, it means compromised credibility and declining sales. Meanwhile, it’s a minefield of misinformation for buyers. In this game, everyone but the fake seller stands to lose.

4. Phishing Scams

Communication primarily occurs electronically, making phishing scams a real concern for sellers. How does this play out?

Scammers create emails resembling Amazon’s designs, including official-looking logos and authentic-seeming email addresses. These emails often contain messages warning of account issues, upcoming transactions, or tempting offers.

From login credentials to bank account details, the primary aim of these scammers is to entice you into providing sensitive information. Once they have this data, they can freely access your Amazon account, modify product details, change bank information to redirect payments or initiate unauthorized actions.

The 5 Red Flags of Amazon Seller Scams

While teeming with wonderful business opportunities, the digital marketplace also has pitfalls. But with the right info, you can avoid those problems that might trip the unprepared.

Outlined below is your compass to spotting the Amazon red flags:

1. Unusual Email Addresses

Be cautious if the sender’s email looks odd or doesn’t match the platform’s official domain. 

[email protected] 

This website might look authorized, but the slight changes in the domain name suggest it’s not from the official Amazon site.

What to remember: Always double-check. When in doubt, reach out to the platform or business directly through their official website or contact methods to verify any communication.

2. Generic Greetings

Authentic communications from reputable platforms you’re associated with will usually address you by your business’s name. It’s a sign they know their users and communicate professionally. 

On the other hand, generic greetings like “Dear Seller,” “Valued Member,” or “Dear User” are broad and non-specific. These are frequently used by scammers who send out bulk emails to catch a few unsuspecting buyers. They might not have specific details about you, so they resort to these catch-all terms.

What to remember: Of course, not every email with a generic greeting is a scam. Still, it’s a clear indicator to proceed with caution.

3. Urgent Action Required

The element of urgency is a classic psychological tactic employed by scammers to cloud judgment and prompt rash actions. These Amazon scammers intend to confuse your normal caution and analytical thinking by creating a sense of immediate danger or potential loss.

Below are phrases designed to instill panic. 

Typical Lines Used by Amazon Scammers

The goal is to make you act impulsively. That means:

  • Providing sensitive information
  • Clicking on a malicious link
  • Making a payment

What to remember: Always maintain composure. Verify the message through official channels before any interaction. 

4. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

Consistent spelling and grammar mistakes can be another red flag. Typos, awkward phrasing, and incorrect grammar can be more than oversights; they can be deliberate attempts to bypass email filters.

Some spam filters are designed to catch scam emails based on known phrases or patterns. By introducing errors, scammers hope their emails will slip through these filters.

What to remember: A grammatical error can be an initial indicator that a message hasn’t undergone proper review. Be it minor or major, you must scrutinize the text for other signs of unprofessionalism.

5. Mismatched Payment Details

Scammers are skilled in faking or altering payment notifications. They can make you believe you’ve received a payment when you haven’t. Or they can make you act in a way that benefits them. 

What to remember: A true payment notification typically has a detailed transaction breakdown. Be careful if the description is vague or doesn’t match your offered service.

Protect Your Amazon Seller Central Account With These 3 Tips

From digital shopping to web platforms, our personal and financial details form the backbone of countless online interactions. But with this convenience comes vulnerability.

As business owners, it’s our job to ensure the security of our account information. Protection shouldn’t only lurk behind numbers and passwords—it’s all about our identity, privacy, and peace of mind.

Now that you know the red flags, how can you build digital walls for your business? 

1. Use of Strong Passwords

Create a strong password. It can be your favorite character, memorable date, lucky number, or business establishment date.

Personal birthdays or pet names are not an option anymore. Unscrupulous sellers can easily identify it. Don’t forget to update your password from time to time. This way, you can increase the security of your Amazon Seller Central account.

2. Implementing Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another important step toward protecting Amazon accounts. It needs a password and a unique code sent to your phone or email.

3. Avoiding Scam Calls

Amazon scam calls are also not surprising anymore. These callers impersonate representatives by asking for customer inquiries until they gradually manipulate the conversation to get sensitive information from you.

Always ask for proof of authenticity. It might also be better if you avoid engaging with unfamiliar contacts. Call Amazon’s customer service to confirm the call history between you and the caller.

How to Respond When You Are Scammed

Falling victim to a scam can be frustrating. The immediate rush of emotions—anger, confusion, regret—can make it difficult to know the next steps.

Your feelings are valid, but it’s important not to make hasty decisions. A well-planned action is the key to preventing further harm to your business. In case you’re scammed, here’s how to respond effectively:

1. Reporting to Amazon

Targeted by multiple accounts? Fraudulent email messages? The first step is to inform Amazon Support about the problem. Share all the details about the scammer and your interaction with them. Amazon takes scamming seriously and will investigate your claim.

2. Keeping Records and Evidence

Gather all records and evidence related to the scam. It can be any of the following:

  • Emails
  • Text Messages
  • Screenshots

Organize your records, as you may need to reference them when dealing with Amazon, your bank, or law enforcement.

3. Contacting Your Bank

Reach out to your bank if your account was compromised during the scam. Explain the situation and provide them with any evidence you have so they can help protect your account from unauthorized transactions. Your bank may provide additional security measures to keep your account against future scams.

Escape The Black Curtain of Amazon With Seller Interactive

Challenges and uncertainties are inevitable. There will always be a “black curtain” that will hinder your growth along the way. Amazon frauds,  for one, create an environment where sellers are vulnerable and constrained from doing the right work. 

But no worries, brand protection is not a distant dream anymore. Seller Interactive can make you confident in finding the path to online success. We can help you freely conduct your plans for your Amazon business without the constant shadow of online scammers looming over your thoughts.
Book a call now!

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The 5 Best Ecommerce Marketplaces For A Thriving Online Business

With the ever-evolving landscape of ecommerce, selecting where to establish your online store is perhaps the most crucial decision for a guaranteed lucrative venture. There are plenty of ecommerce marketplaces to choose from, but only the most strategic decisions can help you achieve success.

Which platforms can propel online sellers forward? Let’s discover the five best online marketplaces and explore what each offers for online entrepreneurs and business owners like yourself.

Before heading to our list, it’s best to lay out the fundamentals by defining an ecommerce marketplace. How can it help digital entrepreneurs establish their business in the ecommerce world?

What Is An Ecommerce Marketplace?

An ecommerce marketplace is an online platform where various sellers can list their products for sale. It creates a space where buyers can conveniently browse and purchase items from different vendors in one place. An ecommerce platform significantly streamlines the digital purchasing process, making online shopping a breeze.

Online marketplaces began popping up during the rise of the internet and the proliferation of the technology we know today. As the digital age rolled into a new era of commerce, these platforms bridged the gap between sellers and buyers worldwide.

Selling on online marketplaces became more popular as the years flew by, skyrocketing even more when the pandemic struck in 2020. Today, more than 150 ecommerce platforms dot the internet, readily available to online entrepreneurs and customers worldwide.

You can classify online marketplaces into three primary categories:

  • Business-to-business (B2B) marketplaces - A B2B ecommerce site provides a space where businesses can offer their products and services to other businesses
  • Business-to-consumer (B2C) platforms - A B2C marketplace offers a platform for businesses and sellers to easily transact with online customers. It’s the most popular form of ecommerce platform.
  • Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) marketplaces - A C2C platform connects regular consumers who sell their products to other regular online customers.

Online Marketplace vs. Ecommerce Store: Are They the Same?

You might confuse an online marketplace with an ecommerce store. After all, they both fall under the online shopping umbrella, so they must be extremely similar, right? Unfortunately, online marketplaces and ecommerce stores are vastly different, serving different functions and operating in distinct ways.

Online MarketplaceEcommerce Store
  • Multiple sellers
  • Diverse product range
  • Sellers follow the platform’s rules
  • Single seller
  • Limited product offerings
  • Customization options
  • Scope

    For one, an online marketplace’s scope is significantly larger than an ecommerce store. The former hosts multiple sellers and their respective products, while the latter only houses a singular online vendor and their goods.

    Product Limit

    Customers of online marketplaces have plenty of choices, considering the number of sellers and goods on the site. Meanwhile, ecommerce stores only have a limited number of products to offer.

    Customizability

    Ecommerce store owners can arrange and design their sites based on their preferences. However, online marketplace sellers can only customize their store within their chosen platform's guidelines and requirements.

    The 5 Major Marketplaces in the Ecommerce Industry

    After learning the basics of ecommerce platforms, it’s time to introduce the sites that currently spearhead the ecommerce industry. Learn each of their unique advantages and opportunities. Here are five global ecommerce marketplaces to sell in.

    chart of ecommerce marketplaces’ total revenue in 2022

    Source: Statista.com

    Amazon

    Amazon boasts an average of more than 4 billion monthly visits and a robust community of nearly 2 million active sellers, making it the industry's leading online marketplace. Through the Amazon marketplace, sellers can sell their goods along with Amazon's own inventory.

    As a seller, you can benefit from Amazon's vast customer base and the trust it has built over the years. Its hybrid marketplace model promises a boost in visibility and ecommerce sales for sellers like you. 

    Amazon’s customer-centric approach enhances customer satisfaction by providing services like efficient fulfillment options and responsive customer support for a seamless customer experience. You can use these services to improve your ratings and sales opportunities.

    Most importantly, Amazon provides various tools and services to help you manage your online business efficiently, from comprehensive analytics to advertising solutions, allowing you to thrive in the Amazon ecosystem.

    eBay

    With close to 2 billion monthly visitors as of April this year and over 9 billion USD in total revenue in 2022, eBay's popular C2C online marketplace closely follows Amazon's lead. eBay functions as an auction house that sells merchandise from other third-party retailers, where buyers can choose from a wide range of products and bid for their desired items. 

    While it may not offer the same control level as Amazon, eBay still provides a reliable platform with flexible selling options. Its auction-style system can allow you to generate higher sales for your products. Moreover, eBay reportedly has lower marketplace fees than its competitors, possibly increasing your ROI.

    Like Amazon, the platform also provides various tools to help sellers. Seller analytics, marketing options, and a seller hub can easily address buyer concerns and promptly fulfill order actions.

    Most importantly, eBay sets strict seller protection regulations to protect sellers like you against fraudulent buyers and other transaction issues. 

    Walmart Marketplace

    As one of the biggest retail chains in the United States, Walmart Inc. recognized the rise of ecommerce and didn’t think twice about creating its own digital marketplace to keep up with the times. Hence, the Walmart marketplace was made.

    Like Amazon, the Walmart marketplace allows third-party merchants to sell their products alongside Walmart's inventory. 

    The platform offers increased brand visibility and product discoverability with its enormous customer base. Additionally, because Walmart is already an established and highly trusted brand, selling on this marketplace can lend credibility to your goods and brand. 

    You can also take advantage of the platform's fulfillment services, such as the Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), for efficient and fast order fulfillment. However, like always, aligning your products with Walmart's guidelines and adhering to their policies is essential.

    Alibaba

    If you’re looking for a platform more focused on B2B transactions, China’s leading ecommerce marketplace might just be the right choice for your business. Alibaba primarily caters to businesses and wholesale buyers, suitable for manufacturers aiming for a wider reach and long-term B2B relationships.

    Because of its unique system, Alibaba offers a platform where third-party sellers can get product-sourcing services and procure a vast range of products and other merchandise in bulk

    You may be wary of using the sourcing platform because of its surrounding issues, like counterfeit branded items and the prevalence of fraudulent sellers. Fortunately, Alibaba consistently works against counterfeiting in its platform by verifying its sellers.

    Etsy

    Finally, if your brand and products are more craft-focused and unique, you could start your ecommerce business in niche online marketplaces like Etsy. Etsy is a niche ecommerce platform for handmade items

    If you're a creative entrepreneur or own a small business offering unique products, Etsy may be an ideal platform for you and your brand. With a dedicated community of buyers and sellers worldwide, you can showcase your products to a highly targeted audience and build a thriving business.

    Etsy also offers a close-knit and supportive seller community, where vendors can ask about their concerns and fellow sellers can help them and share advice on the matter.

    shot of a lady holding a mug and smiling at her laptop

    Source: Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels.com

    Emerging Marketplaces

    Aspiring online sellers can start their ecommerce journey by building their business in the marketplaces listed above, depending on their target market and business needs. 

    However, if you’re a more established online entrepreneur, you may have to look out for other emerging online sales channels for sustainable business growth.

    One example is the Facebook marketplace, a growing platform where users can buy and sell products within their local communities. This platform is well-suited for small businesses and individual sellers, enabling them to reach a large audience without investing in a separate e-commerce platform.

    Another is Instagram Shopping. This feature lets businesses showcase their products directly on their Instagram profiles, turning the social media platform into a fully-fledged shopping experience. With shoppable posts, users can easily browse and purchase products without leaving the app.

    Integrating both Facebook marketplace and Instagram Shopping into your digital marketing strategy can help you reach a wider audience and drive more sales.

    How to Build an Ecommerce Empire

    Here are some tips you can practice to ensure a successful and lucrative ecommerce venture.

    graphic showing tips on how to set up an ecommerce business

    Team Up with Seller Interactive to Elevate Your Ecommerce Business

    Plenty of opportunities for success are available in the ecommerce industry. With the list of online marketplaces we’ve provided and tips we’ve shared, any aspiring online seller and entrepreneur can achieve prominence in the ecommerce world in no time.

    Looking for experts who can aid you in your Amazon selling journey? Try Seller Interactive!

    We offer full account management services for Amazon seller accounts to help sellers easily navigate the Amazon ecosystem. Contact our professionals today and start your ecommerce journey on the right foot with Seller Interactive!

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    What Is Amazon Logistics? Get a Rundown in 2023

    Amazon sellers must ensure customer satisfaction and smooth product delivery with every order. To aid sellers in this process, Amazon introduced Amazon Logistics. But what exactly is Amazon Logistics, and how can it benefit sellers in their selling journey? 

    Knowing how to use the Amazon Logistics program properly and efficiently can propel your business forward. However, Amazon Logistics can also be your company’s downfall if used thoughtlessly. 

    This article will provide a quick rundown of Amazon Logistics in 2023. Let’s delve into the ins and outs of the program to help third-party sellers like you maximize this service.

    What is Amazon Logistics?

    Indicative in its name, Amazon Logistics is Amazon’s very own delivery service, offering last-mile delivery services for all Amazon sellers. It functions similarly to national postal services like USPS. However, what makes Amazon Logistics different is its program layout. 

    Instead of creating a delivery and logistics department with its own employees, Amazon collaborates with its network of delivery companies and individual drivers to deliver packages to their respective destinations.

    These independent services are under Amazon’s contract to send packages to respective customers safely and on time. They use various Amazon apps and services, like Amazon Flex, Amazon Logistics Tracking, and Amazon Prime, to help with delivery.

    Amazon Delivery Network - Amazon Logistics, Amazon Flex, Amazon Prime, and More

    Amazon Logistics offers two delivery services: 

    • same-day shipping 
    • seven-day delivery 

    While these options are primarily exclusive to Prime members, non-Prime customers can avail of these services for additional fees.

    Another selling point of Amazon Logistics is its commitment to deliver packages during weekdays and weekends, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

    Amazon Logistics continuously works to optimize its delivery network, improve its technology, and expand its reach to meet the ever-growing demands of e-commerce and ensure fast and efficient delivery service.

    Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP)

    https://player.vimeo.com/video/734008654

    Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) or independent delivery businesses collaborating with Amazon are central to the success of Amazon Logistics operations. This program is a cornerstone of Amazon Logistics operations. Let’s explore the key roles they play in Amazon's success and the advantages they bring to the table: 

    • Broad Geographic Reach: DSPs enable Amazon to cover diverse regions, extending its delivery capabilities.
    • Local Efficiency: DSPs excel in local knowledge, ensuring faster and more efficient deliveries.
    • Independent Infrastructure: DSPs operate with their logistics equipment, maintaining flexibility while partnering with Amazon.
    • Network Support: DSPs enhance Amazon's logistics network, benefiting both parties in the e-commerce landscape.

    Independent Individual Driver

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlcP2aTOp-Q

    Of course, Amazon’s delivery partners don’t stop at independent delivery companies. Amazon also hires several individual independent drivers, cyclists, and even simple walkers to deliver packages to their rightful destinations. 

    Amazon Flex and Third-Party Providers

    Individual drivers typically work through Amazon Flex or third-party providers to deliver packages.

    Tech-Powered Efficiency

    These drivers rely on Amazon's mobile apps and GPS systems for route planning, package tracking, and real-time communication. This technology enables them to provide customers with accurate delivery updates in case of any transit issues.

    shot of delivery persons unloading packages from their delivery van

    Source: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels.com

    Why Did Amazon Create the Amazon Logistics Program?

    Logistics and delivery, besides product ideation, are perhaps the most difficult parts of the supply chain process. What makes these procedures so challenging is the fact that a lot can go wrong because of only a few changes. 

    For context, several issues can arise if logistics and delivery aren’t properly planned, such as:

    • lost items,
    • damaged or mishandled goods during transit,
    • late or delayed deliveries,
    • delivery theft,
    • incorrect package deliveries, and
    • inaccurate tracking information.

    Business owners must have complete control and must keep a keen eye over all logistics and delivery processes to ensure their product gets to their destination accurately and on time. 

    Solving Inefficient Package Delivery

    As a proudly customer-centric platform, Amazon understands this common seller sentiment. With over 1.9 million active sellers, Amazon recognizes that logistics and delivery for these sellers can quickly become confusing and disorganized without a proper system. 

    So they’ve decided to launch the Amazon Logistics program in 2015. With Amazon Logistics, Amazon can execute full control over the entire package transportation process, ensuring fast and reliable package delivery services for its customers.

    Providing Promising Opportunities

    Besides committing to its promise of fast and reliable delivery, the Amazon Logistics program provides a great opportunity and a worthwhile investment for its independent delivery partners. 

    The Amazon Logistics program allows DSPs and independent drivers to enter the growing and competitive e-commerce delivery industry with the backing of an already established and trusted company.

    Partnering with Amazon also gives them exceptional operational support, which includes training sessions, access to Amazon’s delivery technology and applications, and other insightful resources to help manage delivery operations efficiently.

    What Is the Difference Between Amazon and Amazon Logistics?

    Amazon and Amazon Logistics differ in their primary purposes. While Amazon focuses on serving its customers by giving various sellers and businesses a platform, Amazon Logistics aims to deliver products from point A to point B. 

    As mentioned, Amazon Logistics is the package delivery branch under the e-commerce giant Amazon

    Should Amazon Sellers Use Amazon Logistics?

    Besides understanding the inner workings and operations of the program, Amazon sellers also want to know whether or not this delivery service is good for their businesses.

    To help you weigh your options, below is a table juxtaposing and summarizing the program’s benefits and drawbacks.

    ProsCons
  • Efficient and fast package delivery
  • Wider customer reach
  • Operational support from Amazon
  • Full integration with FBA or Seller Fulfilled Prime
  • Eligibility for Amazon Prime benefits
  • Limited control and freedom to choose courier
  • May negatively affect your performance metrics
  • Dependence on Amazon
  • Competition with other Amazon sellers
  • The Pros

    The entire structure of Amazon Logistics is designed to ensure fast and efficient package delivery, offering same-day deliveries and other benefits. DSPs and independent drivers are also available worldwide, allowing Amazon sellers to reach a wider customer base.

    Amazon also offers additional operational support (training and resources) to sellers interested in the program. 

    That’s not all! If you’re an FBA seller, you’re in serious luck since Amazon Logistics is automatically integrated into your FBA operations, with Amazon handling all your fulfillment processes. 

    Most importantly, knowing how to use Amazon Logistics can help your products qualify for Amazon Prime, boosting your visibility and exposure to Prime members. 

    With Amazon Logistics, you can rest assured that your products arrive at their rightful destinations on time while experiencing other benefits.

    The Cons

    Amazon Logistics can also come with its unique disadvantages, one of which is limited control over your courier. When you opt for Amazon Logistics for delivery, you won’t have the freedom to choose which courier or delivery service you prefer.

    Moreover, if you get unlucky and the courier assigned to your business performs poorly, it may reflect on your performance metrics and result in negative seller feedback. This could hurt your ratings and reputation on the platform.

    While letting Amazon handle your fulfillment and delivery operations sounds like a dream, depending solely on the platform may not seem like a great idea. Unprecedented platform issues (like sudden policy changes) may affect your fulfillment processes out of the blue, making your entire business operations vulnerable.

    Lastly, with the program's growing popularity among Amazon sellers, competition over delivery slots and resources may increase as more sellers use the service.

    These pros and cons affect businesses in various ways, with some advantages weighing more than the drawbacks and vice versa. It’s crucial to assess your business goals, needs, and resources first before deciding whether or not to use Amazon’s delivery services.

    shot of a customer receiving a package and smiling

    Source: Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels.com

    Deliver Joy to Customers with Seller Interactive

    Amazon Logistics can deliver customer satisfaction with its fast and efficient services in many ways. However, while it can undoubtedly provide various benefits, it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for all Amazon businesses.

    Knowing how the program works and its possible drawbacks can help sellers develop more comprehensive strategies for their operations and ensure long-term success.

    To fully harness the potential of Amazon Logistics, consider partnering with Seller Interactive! 

    Seller Interactive offers full account management services to help Amazon sellers optimize their account and business operations, including account setup, product listing optimization, and prep and logistics services.

    Book a call with our Amazon experts today, and continue delivering joy right at your customers’ doors with Seller Interactive!

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    What You Need To Know About Amazon Transparency Program

    As you navigate the world of online selling, the Amazon Transparency Program (ATP) is a crucial initiative you should be aware of. This program was introduced by Amazon in 2017 to curb the growing issue of counterfeit products. It aims to ensure a secure shopping experience for customers and maintain product authenticity across its platform.

    This article aims to help you gain a thorough understanding of the ATP and its impact on your selling experience. By the end, you will be equipped with the knowledge to confidently identify authentic products and make informed decisions when selling from Amazon.

    What Is The Amazon Transparency Program?

    The Amazon Transparency Program is a service offered by Amazon to help brands protect their products from counterfeiting and ensure authenticity through serialization. It involves applying unique codes to products, verified by both Amazon and consumers, using a mobile app to foster trust and transparency in the marketplace.

    How It Works

    Through implementing the ATP, you can protect your brand image better and ensure steady sales for your business. But how does this program work? We'll explain that here.

    the three main features of the Amazon Transparency Program

    Unique Transparency codes

    As a brand owner, you must apply unique product Transparency codes. These codes are generated for each item and associated with the product's Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). When your products are shipped to fulfillment centers, Amazon authenticates Transparency codes on each unit so that only legitimate products can enter the supply chain.

    Transparency Mobile App

    Customers can use the Transparency mobile app to scan codes and verify the product's authenticity. A green mark after code scanning signifies that the product is genuine.

    The app will also provide manufacturing dates and other relevant product information. By utilizing the Transparency app, customers can trust online reviews and be confident that they purchase genuine products.

    💡 The Amazon Shopping app also allows buyers to scan Transparency codes.

    Supply Chain Monitoring

    If counterfeit products from third-party sellers attempt to enter the supply chain, the unique Transparency codes on authentic products will prevent these fake products from reaching customers. This helps maintain your brand's reputation and gives you valuable insights into your supply chain, helping you optimize it further for a better customer experience.

    Amazon Transparency’s Benefits for Brands

    The ATP offers essential benefits for brands through counterfeit prevention, enhanced customer trust, and valuable data and analytics. Let's discuss these benefits individually.

    Counterfeit Prevention

    One of the main benefits of the ATP is that it helps prevent counterfeit products from reaching customers. The program provides unique Transparency codes to apply to your product's packaging.

    When the products reach fulfillment centers, Amazon personnel scan the codes using the transparency app to ensure you only ship authentic units to customers. If a potential counterfeit product is identified, the transparency team will investigate further and stop the item from reaching the customer.

    Enhanced Customer Trust

    Another significant benefit of using Amazon Transparency codes is the enhanced trust they offer customers. The green check mark confirming your product’s authenticity boosts brand credibility, engraving loyalty among your customers. This increased trust can result in better online reviews, improved brand reputation, and more sales.

    Valuable Data and Analytics

    The program enables you to access valuable data and analytics regarding your products. You can use unique Transparency codes to collect unit-level product details, such as manufacturing date and supply chain information.

    This data lets you to gain insights into your products' sales and distribution, helping you make better-informed business decisions. Furthermore, the data collected can be used to determine the prevalence of counterfeit products in your supply chain, allowing you to work proactively to address those issues.

    Eligibility and Enrollment

    You now know how the transparency program on Amazon works and the benefits you'll reap using it. So, let's get into the details of how you can enroll in this program.

    Application

    Registering to the Amazon Brand Registry is the first step to being eligible to use the platform's Transparency Program. This is essential to ensure that you control your brand and can protect it from counterfeit products. 

    Once registered, you can apply for the Transparency Program by providing information about your products.

    To know more about Amazon Brand Registry and its benefits, check out this video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GETiSckCQ3w

    Verification

    After applying, Amazon will verify your eligibility by checking the authenticity of your brand and the unique codes provided. Amazon uses GTINs to validate Transparency codes and ensure they only ship authentic units.

    Onboarding

    Once your application is verified, onboarding is next. Here, the Amazon team discusses the program's benefits and limitations and explains the importance of product serialization through unique Transparency codes.

    Transparency Code Implementation and Integration

    After onboarding, you must apply unique Transparency codes to all eligible products. The Amazon team will scan these codes during manufacturing and shipping. Proper code implementation is crucial to ensure the validity of each product. You can work with a transparency service provider to properly apply and integrate the codes with your supply chain.

    Integration with Amazon Systems

    Finally, your product information and unique codes will be integrated with Amazon's systems. This allows for seamless scanning of Transparency codes in Amazon fulfillment centers and by customers using the transparency app.

    7 Tips for Maximizing the Transparency Program

    Now, you are all set to protect your Amazon store from counterfeiters. Once enrolled, here are the best practices you can implement to ensure you make the most of the program's offers.

    Tip #1: Implement Transparency Codes Consistently

    To make the most out of the ATP, apply unique Transparency codes on every unit of your products. Consistency is crucial to prevent counterfeit products from infiltrating your supply chain, so ensure all supply channels prioritize adding such codes to your products. 

    Tip #2: Integrate with Your Inventory Management System

    Synchronize the Transparency codes with your inventory management system for seamless tracking and logistics. By incorporating the GTIN information into your systems, you gain better control over the flow of your products and detect potential counterfeit units. Combine the Transparency Program with your business's rigorous quality control to ensure that only genuine and quality products reach your customers.

    Tip #3: Regularly Monitor Transparency Data

    Monitor the data gathered through transparency-enabled products in real time. By keeping an eye on the manufacturing date, shipping process, and scanning rates of your product's Transparency codes, you can identify issues and proactively address them to maintain the integrity of your brand. 

    You can also use the sales data from the Transparency codes to analyze consumer behavior, preferences, and brand insights.

    Tip #4: Stay Informed about Program Updates

    Amazon constantly enhances its programs and services. Stay informed about updates and improvements to the ATP so you and your team can adapt and use it to its full potential. And if you need clarification or assistance, Amazon customer service is just a click and call away.

    Tip #5: Use Transparency as a Marketing Tool

    Leverage the Transparency Program to convey customer trust and product authenticity by adding it to your marketing messages. Highlight your products' valid Transparency codes and the green check marks customers receive via the app after scanning. It's easier to gain new customers and keep them loyal when you assure them that your products are authentic.

    Tip #6: Track and Measure ROI

    Determine the return on investment (ROI) of the Transparency Program by comparing costs and benefits. Monitor key performance indicators, such as sales, online reviews, and brand reputation, to understand how the program impacts your brand.

    Tip #7: Stay Committed to Brand Integrity

    Maintaining the integrity of your brand is an ongoing process. Stay committed to ensuring only authentic units are shipped to customers, partner with trusted third-party sellers, and consistently apply Transparency codes to reinforce your commitment to providing genuine products.

    Use customer feedback, especially related to product quality and authenticity, to refine your transparency strategy. In persistent counterfeit issues, consult legal professionals well-versed in intellectual property cases and Amazon Brand Protection.

    You can check out this video for more information on how you can protect your brand on Amazon:

    Protect Your Brand With Seller Interactive

    As a brand-registered seller, enrolling in the Transparency Program can help you address counterfeit concerns and enhance your customers' shopping experience. It enables product serialization and authentication before shipment. You can proactively safeguard your brand's reputation on Amazon and maintain a high-quality product offering.

    To optimize your involvement in the Transparency Program, consider partnering with us here at Seller Interactive. We offer comprehensive support, from enrolling you for Amazon Brand Protection to navigating the program's requirements and processes. 

    By working together, we can ensure brand integrity and customer satisfaction on Amazon—empowering your business for continued success.

    Leverage the benefits of the ATP. Book a call with us now to protect your brand, improve customer experience, and enjoy the growth that comes with authenticity and trust.

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    Your Updated Amazon Posts Strategy for Improved Sales in 2023

    As technology evolves, social media adapts, and unique advertising strategies pop up in response to consumer behavior changes. Ecommerce platforms launch new features, like Amazon with Amazon Posts, to keep up with these developments. With an exceptional Amazon Posts strategy, sellers can increase brand awareness and achieve success. 

    How can an Amazon seller like yourself use Amazon Posts to your advantage, and what factors should you consider to create a winning strategy for your Posts campaign? 

    Let’s delve into the creative world of Amazon Posts and discover how to harness its potential efficiently. 

    Amazon Posts 101: What is The Purpose of Amazon Posts? 

    Amazon Posts is Amazon’s advertising innovation to help its sellers market their products and entice customers more creatively and engagingly. Launched in 2019, it is still in its beta testing phase, but it has shown much potential as the future of Amazon advertising. 

    sample annotated screenshot of Amazon Posts on desktop

    Who Can Use It? 

    As of writing, Posts is an advertising feature exclusive to Amazon sellers and vendors who are officially enrolled in the Amazon Brand Registry program. Registered sellers from the US can access and participate in Posts if they have an active Brand Profile. 

    A Brand Profile is a space where sellers can showcase their products and entire brand to their target audience. Sellers can display their Amazon business’s brand logo, brand colors, product line, company story, and other engaging content to attract customers. 

    Currently, enrolled sellers outside the US can’t use Posts. However, since it’s still in its beta phase, there is a high possibility that Posts will expand its reach and be open to Amazon sellers worldwide soon. 

    How Does It Work? 

    Posts features a personalized and shoppable feed, similar to other social media platforms, where customers can easily view and discover brands and where sellers can promote their products and share their brand story to audiences. 

    Customers can simply engage with and click on a brand’s feed to browse an Amazon store’s offerings and make subsequent purchases. 

    The Scroll Feature

    Like today’s most popular social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram), Amazon Posts have a specific UI/UX design contributing to their success: the scroll design

    In fact, two university associate professors in marketing attempted to explain why this scroll design works exceptionally well for social media platforms. 

    According to their study, the scroll design makes bite-sized content (another equally addicting and effective marketing tactic) more accessible, allowing users to browse their feeds and engage for hours endlessly.

    Amazon saw the potential behind this marketing tactic and incorporated these design principles to create a visually engaging and user-friendly experience for customers while they shop with Amazon Posts. 

    How Can You Create Amazon Posts? 

    Eligible sellers can follow these steps to create Amazon Posts:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebiu9iyde3s

    You may also follow these steps:

    1. Sign in to the advertising console with your Amazon Ads details. 
    2. Make a Brand Profile. 
    3. Select the Brand Home button and head to Go to Posts. 
    4. Make your first post by selecting the Create Post button. 
    5. Provide the post's essential details (e.g., captions, creative assets, ASINs, duration period, etc.). 
    6. Submit the post for review and approval. Amazon typically finishes reviewing posts within 24 hours. 

    Once approved, a brand’s Amazon Posts will be automatically displayed in various areas on the Amazon shopping mobile and web app and Desktop interface, including the following:

    • Detail Pages
    • Search feeds
    • Follow timelines
    • Various store feeds (brand feed, style feed, related post feeds, and category feeds)

    Why Should You Use It? 

    Amazon boasts the transformative abilities of its new advertising feature. Posts can significantly improve your business in various areas, from customer engagement and sales to even customer retention and sustained patronage.

    Brand DiscoverabilityThe interface and structure of Posts allow customers to easily engage with brands and their products, helping Amazon sellers and businesses improve their brand visibility. 
    Increased Store TrafficWith an eye-catching and engaging Amazon post, more customers will be encouraged to click, effectively bringing them to your Amazon storefront. Posts can boost brand awareness and store traffic when used correctly. 
    Improved Conversions and SalesEnhanced exposure can give way to a significant return on investment. If done right, Amazon Posts may skyrocket your conversion rate and boost your sales.
    Brand TrustAmazon Posts is a great opportunity to build brand loyalty. Consistently uploading valuable content allows them to instill confidence in your products and brand, fostering long-term customer relationships and encouraging repeat purchases.
    Cost-EffectiveMost importantly, Amazon Posts is free to use for eligible sellers. Unlike pay-per-click Amazon advertising, you won’t have to drop a single penny with Posts to advertise your brand.

    The Ultimate 2023 Amazon Posts Strategy: 7 Techniques

    After discussing the basics of Amazon Posts and knowing how they can transform your business, it’s time to learn how to harness the power of this advertising feature. How can one create a fool-proof and impactful campaign strategy for Amazon Posts? 

    Here are some factors, tips, and best practices to help you navigate the world of Amazon Posts. 

    short infographic showing the steps to creating an effective Amazon Posts strategy

    Use Suitable and High-Quality Images. 

    Since images typically catch the customer’s eye first, you must ensure your images are high-resolution and appropriately showcase your products. Photos can effectively perform their job if customers can see and distinguish the elements in them. It’s essential to review Amazon's guidelines for accurate product imagery. 

    Write Compelling Captions. 

    Besides images, another crucial factor for an effective Amazon Post is its caption. After getting the audience’s attention with your image, your post caption should keep the momentum and encourage your audience to click. 

    Captions must be short but pack a punch. Make them compelling by highlighting your product and brand’s unique selling points while keeping your tone light and conversational. 

    Embrace Variety. 

    Publishing your first Amazon Post is just the beginning of your journey. To maintain audience engagement, avoid posting several similar or related product posts. Instead, infuse variety into your content to keep people interested.

    Display a variety of products and offers within your catalog. Experiment and add interactive elements instead of simple image and caption posts. Besides keeping things interesting, product variety will allow you to expand your reach and appeal to a wider customer base. 

    Variety isn’t limited to showcasing what you can offer. You can also incorporate variety when interacting with your audience and customers. 

    Optimize Your Product Detail Page. 

    After clicking, your audience will be brought to the designated product detail pages where they can continue their shopping journey. By then, you’ve already captured your audience’s attention, and they may be interested in buying your product. 

    For this reason, keeping your product detail page optimized is key to hitting a home run. The product detail pages linked to your posts must have clear product titles and descriptions, high-quality images, and competitive pricing. 

    Keep Things Consistent. 

    Publishing several posts may not be enough to keep your audience and customers engaged. Implementing a consistent publishing schedule is essential instead of posting them all in one go, leaving your brand profile to waste away. 

    With an established and consistent schedule, you can keep your audience informed about your products while maintaining your brand’s visibility. Consider posting once or twice a week to keep the momentum going. 

    Check the Key Metrics. 

    Reviewing and analyzing certain performance indicators is the only way to know if your posts are performing optimally. By checking essential metrics, you can identify where your strategy is succeeding and lacking. 

    Some key metrics to focus on include: 

    • click-through rates (CTR), 
    • impression numbers, 
    • conversion rates, 
    • engagement metrics (followers, etc.), and 
    • audience demographics. 

    Monitor Constant Updates and Changes. 

    Amazon Posts is in beta, and Amazon will only continue to refine and develop the system. The ecommerce giant is expected to consistently update, change policies, and add new features to this advertising tool.

    Remember to watch out for these constant changes and updates so you can adjust your advertising strategies accordingly. 

    shot of a lady smiling at her tablet while in an office

    Source: Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels.com

    Let Seller Interactive Aid You in Your Amazon Post Journey 

    Despite being in its infancy, the potential of Amazon Posts already exhibits a game-changing and limitless potential. With its effective and seamless incorporation of social media principles into the ecommerce field, it’s safe to say that Amazon Posts will be here to stay for a long time. 

    Let the Amazon experts help you as you embark on your Amazon Posts journey. Consider working with Seller Interactive! 

    With our exceptional product listing optimization services, we can ensure the success your Amazon posts get, transforming them into meaningful and profitable results. Aside from enhancing listings, we offer a range of Amazon services, including:

    • Brand protection
    • Amazon SEO
    • PPC 
    • Product launch
    • Account suspension appeal/reinstatement
    • Wholesale partnership
    • Reimbursement and refund
    • Amazon DSP
    • Walmart full account management

    Book a call now and create engaging Amazon posts today!

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    Issues With Your Inventory? Get to Know Amazon Removal Orders Here

    Struggling with inventory issues on Amazon's vast marketplace? You’re far from alone. Excess stock, defective products, or slow-moving items—they can be a real headache. But what if there was a way to avoid extra costs and make room for more profitable items? Enter the Amazon Removal Order.

    In this all-encompassing guide, we'll discover what this Amazon service is, how it operates, and how you can strategically use it to solve your inventory dilemmas.

    What Are Common Inventory Challenges?

    Optimizing inventory management can be a powerful asset for sellers. However, most tools available are not a cure-all. Fortunately, Amazon Removal Orders offer businesses a way to create thoughtful planning and make strategic decisions when faced with various challenges.

    These include:

    1. Seasonal Stock

    Specific seasons can be a logistical puzzle. Items like holiday decorations or summer beach accessories may fly off the shelves during peak seasons, but what happens when the demand dries up? 

    They can quickly turn from assets into liabilities. The popularity of seasonal products can also be fickle. This means what sold well last year may not have the same demand this year.

    2. Product Updates or Rebranding

    Staying competitive in the marketplace often means updating your products or even undergoing a complete rebranding. These changes can breathe new life into your business, but here’s the catch: what do you do with the old inventory?

    Such older versions can quickly become obsolete, occupying precious warehouse space that could be better utilized for newer, more relevant products. Additionally, older stock can confuse customers searching for the latest versions of your products.

    3. Out-of-Stock Issues

    Running out of stock is a mixed blessing. On one hand, it means your product is in high demand. On the other hand, it can lead to missed sales opportunities, a drop in your product’s search rankings, and customer dissatisfaction.

    When a product is out of stock, Amazon may also reallocate the inventory space that was previously reserved for you, complicating the restocking process. 

    4. Overstocking

    Overstocking is the counterpoint to running out of stock. It happens when you have more products than you can sell in a reasonable timeframe. Although it’s a lesser problem compared to stockouts, overstocking can lead to its own set of challenges. 

    Products can become outdated or surpassed over time by newer models or versions. This can lead to markdowns or potential losses if the items become unmarketable. Long-term storage of products can also lead to significant costs. These fees can eat into your profits, especially if the items remain unsold for extended periods.

    5. Inventory Placement Problems

    One of the complexities of using Amazon's FBA service is your inventory distribution across multiple fulfillment centers. While this can be advantageous for quicker delivery times to customers, it can also create challenges in managing your stock effectively. For instance, you may find that certain products are concentrated in locations where demand is low. 

    Some items are also not stored correctly in Amazon Fulfillment Centers, resulting in delays and increased fees. 

    What Is an Amazon Removal Order? 

    An Amazon Removal Order is a request made by an Amazon seller to remove specific inventory from Amazon's fulfillment centers. 

    When you, as a seller, decide to discontinue a product, replace your units with an improved version, or switch from Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM), creating a removal order is necessary to withdraw your inventory from Amazon warehouses.

    The Benefits of Using Amazon Removal Orders

    Now that you’re familiar with Amazon Removal Orders, let’s unpack the advantages of integrating Amazon Removal Orders in detail.

    1. Storage Cost Saving

    With Amazon removal orders, you can cut down the storage costs in Amazon's warehouses. One efficient way is automatically setting them for the 15th of each month, aligning with Amazon's inventory checks. This way, your products won’t accrue unnecessary storage charges.

    Furthermore, removing slow-moving or obsolete stock can step-side the hefty expenses. That means:

  • Maintaining a lean inventory
  • Prioritizing fast-selling products
  • Distributing resources more effectively
  • 2. Improved Cash Flow

    Amazon Removal Orders can systematically clear out unsold or low-demand stock. This could mean introducing higher-profit products, investing in marketing campaigns, or entering additional marketplaces.

    With improved liquidity, you position your business to be more responsive, agile, and primed for growth.

    3. Quality Control

    Customer returns can be indicative of underlying quality issues like:

    Reason for Return
    Manufacturing DefectsFlaws in the production process leading to substandard products
    Faulty ComponentsOne or more defective parts in products with multiple components
    Short Shelf LifePerishable items nearing expiration or with reduced shelf life upon delivery
    Incompatibility IssuesProducts not compatible with other devices or systems the customer has
    Performance Below ExpectationsProducts not functioning as efficiently or effectively as advertised
    Safety ConcernsProducts posing a potential safety risk or hazard
    Cosmetic BlemishesSuperficial flaws or imperfections that don't affect functionality but are unsatisfactory to the customer
    Mismatched Sizes or ColorsReceiving a size or color variant that doesn't match the original order

    With Removal Orders, you can determine the cause of the return and take appropriate action.

    4. Regulatory Compliance

    When a regulation changes, you must quickly remove non-compliant items from circulation. The consequences of selling non-compliant items can be severe, from legal actions to ruined brand reputation.

    Using Amazon Removal Orders is a forward-thinking measure that ensures these products are no longer available for sale to the public.

    5. Audited Inventory

    Physical verification is a standout benefit of utilizing Amazon Removal Orders for inventory assessment. You can conduct a hands-on count and inspection by removing items from the Amazon Fulfillment Center. From there, you can guarantee that your inventory levels will match your records.

    Inventory audits usually reveal discrepancies between recorded and actual stock levels. You can accurately update your inventory records using Removal Orders to conduct a physical audit. Be it restocking or discontinuing a product, your business decisions will be grounded in dependable data.

    How To Create an Amazon FBA Removal Order

    Don’t know how to remove inventory? It’s a simple process. See the steps outlined below, and you’ll be able to create a removal order with ease.

    1. Go to your Amazon Seller Central account.
    2. Look for the "Inventory" tab at the top of the page. Click on "Manage FBA Inventory."
    3. Locate the product listing you wish to clear inventory and click the downward arrow in the "Edit" dropdown menu.
    4. Select "Create Removal Order" from the options available. This will take you to another page where you can define the removal method.
    5. Review the details carefully after filling out the necessary information.
    6. If everything is correct, click the "Continue" button to submit your removal order. 

     There are three removal methods to choose from:

    1. Return to the Address: Amazon will return the inventory to your specified address with the help of the Removal Order ID. This ID tracks and returns your chosen items.
    1. Dispose of the Inventory: Amazon will handle the disposal for you.
    1. Liquidate: Amazon will attempt to sell the inventory through its liquidation program.

    If you're referencing the "Recommended Removal Report," opt for the "Begin Removal Process." This option is only available if you have inventory at risk of long-term storage fees.

    OTHER TIPS:

     💡Don’t forget to input the quantity you want to remove in the "Fulfillable Quantity" column. 

     💡Keep in mind that there might be removal order charges for certain methods. Check the fees before proceeding.

    Amazon will then process the Removal Order, and you'll receive a notification once the inventory has been removed successfully.

    Best Practices in Using Amazon Removal Orders

    Along with the importance of mastering the removal process is knowing the best practices associated with them. So, how do you ensure you’ll have a more profitable selling experience with this service?

    • Timely Decision-Making: Don't wait until you're hit with the long-term storage fee. Monitor your inventory levels and sales velocity regularly to make timely decisions about removals.
    • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Weigh the costs involved against the potential benefits. Consider factors like FBA fees, the inventory value, and the Removal Order's cost.
    • Documentation: Keep detailed records of all Removal Orders, including the reasons for removal, the condition of returned items, and any follow-up actions. All of this data can be valuable for improving your inventory management practices.

    No More Inventory Woes With Seller Interactive

    Inventory management remains one of the most challenging aspects for sellers. Luckily, these challenges become opportunities with tools like Amazon Removal Orders. Whether clearing out idle products, addressing regulatory changes, or optimizing storage costs, these orders can productively manage inventory tasks. 

    And now, you can say goodbye to inventory problems and embrace a future of streamlined operations and maximized profitability. With full account management experts from Seller Interactive, the path to ecommerce success is clearer than ever.

    Book a call now!

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    How To Buy Amazon Pallets for Resale + Other FAQs Answered

    One man’s returned item is another man’s treasure. If you’re creative, innovative, and imaginative enough, you can make do even with unwanted products. Unsurprisingly, many Amazon sellers seem to think so and have increasingly wondered how to buy Amazon pallets for resale.

    If you’re wise enough to realize the vast opportunities Amazon return pallets can bring, we’ve got you covered! 

    In this article, we’ll answer some of the most burning questions interested Amazon pallet resellers may have and tackle what, how, and where to buy these treasured boxes.

    What are Amazon Liquidation Pallets?

    Before delving into the pinnacle of the entire discourse, it’s best to lay the groundwork and give context to what Amazon pallets are and their purpose. 

    In general, at least 30% of online purchases are expected to be returned, a much larger figure than that of physical stores at just 8.9%. 

    That means for every ten online orders, at least three are returned.

    This statistic may not seem alarming to most online sellers. However, if we look at it from a wider perspective, these return numbers can grow exponentially in no time. Amazon’s somewhat lenient return policies only amplify these digits. 

    As you may know, Amazon’s customer-centric approach gave way to the implementation of its standard 30-day free return policy, allowing buyers to return items shipped by Amazon without much fuss within a 30-day window.

    Because of such policies, Amazon experiences tons of product returns daily, leading to millions of returned items in their warehouses. 

    Of course, instead of simply storing these unwanted products, letting them waste away, and suffering significant financial losses, Amazon sells them to liquidation companies

    A liquidation company buys various discounted products and goods from major retailers and resells them. Through liquidation, Amazon eliminates excess inventory while regaining resources from their return losses. This process also allows for these returned products to be refurbished.

    These returned and soon-to-be liquidated merchandise are safely kept in the star of today’s article: Amazon return pallets

    Amazon return pallets are containers holding returned and unwanted items.

    They can vary in content and condition and are often categorized by product type and overall condition. The common types of Amazon return pallets are as follows:

    • Customer Return Pallets: Contain items from different product categories (electronics, clothing, home economics, etc.) returned by buyers for various reasons.
    • Overstock Merchandise Pallets: Hold excess inventory from Amazon warehouses that the platform needs to clear out. They are typically new and unused.
    • Liquidation Pallets: Contain a mix of returned, overstock, and refurbished items. They are often sold at a lower cost because they include various products with different conditions.
    • Seasonal Pallets: Amazon may offer pallets focused on seasonal items, such as holiday decorations, summer gear, or back-to-school supplies, depending on the time of year.

    While buying and reselling returned goods seems profitable, note that the items may often be defective and damaged because of their nature.

    Additionally, buying Amazon pallets is a hit-or-miss. Interested buyers won't know what items their purchased pallet contains until they receive their package or unless the company explicitly states its contents. 

    Advantages of Buying Amazon Return Pallets

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddbb2nPwC-c

    Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, there are still plenty of reasons to buy and resell Amazon pallets. The advantages to this practice are as follows:

    • Discounted Prices - You can often purchase Amazon pallets at a significant discount compared to retail prices, giving you the flexibility to offer competitive prices to your customers while still making a profit.
    • Bulk Purchases - Buying pallets allows you to acquire many products in one go, often resulting in lower per-unit costs than buying individual items. In turn, you can gain higher profit margins when reselling.
    • Diverse Product Range - Due to the variety of Amazon pallets’ product categories, buyers can explore various markets and attract a broad customer base.
    • Sustainability - Besides making a significant profit, you recycle unwanted items and reduce waste when buying Amazon return pallets, effectively promoting sustainability.
    • Growth Opportunity - Most importantly, you can learn a thing or two about the resale market and the ecommerce industry with the various challenges that Amazon pallets present. 

    How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Amazon Pallet?

    The price of an Amazon pallet generally ranges from $100 to $1000 US dollars, depending on the pallet’s size and contents. Amazon return pallets are more affordable than the typical retail prices because of the nature of their contents. 

    Besides the pallet’s actual price, buyers should also consider additional costs connected to buying these items, such as shipping costs, refurbishment fees, inspection charges, taxes, and other handling expenses. 

    overhead and wide view shot of an Amazon warehouse full of packages and two people conversing

    Source: Photo by Tiger Lily from Pexels.com

    Where Can You Buy Amazon Pallets?

    Amazon itself and several other liquidation platforms are selling Amazon return pallets, giving interested buyers plenty of options.

    Amazon Liquidation Auctions

    Amazon partnered with B-Stock Solutions to launch Amazon Liquidation Auctions. It’s a platform where businesses purchase bulk customer returns and overstock items.

    annotated screenshot of the Amazon Liquidation Auctions website with the filter highlighted in red and the bid prices highlighted in green

    Instead of fixed prices, the marketplace works with an auction format, wherein buyers place bids on return pallets, and the highest bidder wins the item, hence the platform’s name. Amazon Liquidation Auctions features a diverse range of product categories, including toys, clothing, electronics, and many more.

    Sellers on the platform typically describe the pallets' condition and contents to help buyers make informed decisions. 

    Liquidation Companies

    Because of the overwhelming market of return pallets, it isn’t surprising that several liquidation companies have popped up and are putting Amazon return pallets for sale. Below is a short list of reputable liquidation platforms where you can buy Amazon return pallets.

    graphic showing a list of liquidation companies where one can buy Amazon return pallets

    Some platforms may require additional information and documentation before buyers can purchase. For instance, Direct Liquidation customers and US buyers of 888 Lots must present a valid resale certificate upon signing up.

    For this reason, researching each platform, understanding their terms and conditions, and thoroughly evaluating the pallets offered are crucial to making informed purchasing decisions.

    How to Buy Amazon Pallets: What to Consider

    Now that you're familiar with pallet intricacies, it’s time to learn how to buy and resell Amazon pallets profitably and efficiently. We’ve listed a few tips and tricks to help interested Amazon pallet buyers in their resale journey.

    Understand the Market.

    Before anything else, it’s wise to learn more about the resale market, especially for specific product categories you are interested in reselling. 

    Researching this matter involves identifying popular market trends, studying customer preferences, and determining how much demand each category has. These will help you make informed decisions when purchasing Amazon return pallets.

    Compare and Contrast Each Platform.

    Choosing a reputable source is the next logical step. It’s wise to buy from well-known liquidation companies like the ones we’ve listed above to ensure legitimate and quality purchases.

    Additionally, consider and familiarize yourself with each platform's purchasing process, terms and conditions, and fees. Doing so will allow you to choose the best marketplace for your business. 

    Check the Reviews.

    Offering the tip to 'find a reliable seller' for Amazon return pallets is common, but not many elaborate it into actionable methods. How exactly can an inexperienced buyer find one? A surefire way to do this is to check the pallet seller’s reviews. 

    Like regular consumers checking testimonials, read Amazon pallet shop reviews and ratings to verify their track record of following their word.

    Reviews provide

    • valuable insights into the seller's reputation,
    • the condition of the pallets they sell,
    • their communication with buyers, and
    • overall reliability.

    Inspect The Pallet’s Condition and Contents.

    Inspecting the actual product is a must when buying Amazon return pallets. This process helps you assess the quality of the items and ensures you're making a wise investment.

    Check the pallet’s condition and contents by carefully reading the product description and details provided by the seller, examining the photos and videos they’ve provided, and directly asking and clarifying your concerns with the seller.

    Strike Gold with Seller Interactive

    The journey from purchasing return pallets to turning a profit can be simultaneously rewarding and challenging. Your success in this venture rests on your knowledge of the resale market and readiness to buy and resell these returned items on Amazon. 

    Managing any business can be overwhelming. That's where companies like Seller Interactive step in to make your Amazon reselling journey more streamlined and profitable.

    We offer full account management services to help interested resellers like yourself with account setups, account optimization, product launches, and more.

    Book a call today, and start your Amazon pallet-selling venture today!

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