As a new seller or a wannabe one, you know that there are many online platforms where you can sell your products.
But if you want access to more than 100 million US customers (and that’s just Prime subscribers), you’ll go for Amazon Marketplace.
Of course, you can bet that other sellers are thinking the same. So you have to be prepared to compete.
That said, let’s talk about some of the best ways you can be a profitable seller if you want to set up shop on Amazon.
1. Make Sure Buyers Can Find Your Products
In 2018, there were more than 1 million small business sellers on Amazon Marketplace.
You can be sure that that number has grown since then. That means it’s on you to ensure that your products stand out from other sellers’ offerings.
One way to do that is to be thorough when writing down product names, descriptions, identifiers, etc. Optimize these details so that customers won’t have any trouble finding your products. Remember, your goal is to have your products show up at the top of customers’ product searches.
This involves using the right keywords for your products, writing descriptions that appeal to your target customers, selling the benefits of your products as opposed to their features, and so on.
2. Use Some Amazon PPC Hacks
Selling on Amazon would be easy if all you have to do is list your products. But to be a successful Amazon Marketplace seller, you have to know some tricks to increase the visibility of your products.
These include understanding how PPC or pay-per-click works. That’s fancy speak for ads, which you’ll pay for every time a customer clicks on them.
There are different types of advertising solutions on Amazon: Stores, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Products. You can check out Zon.Tools to learn more about sponsored products on Amazon.
3. Look for Underserved Markets
If you’re still thinking of what products to sell or plan to add more to your inventory, why not go niche?
After all, most of the product categories on Amazon already have multiple sellers. If you can find a high demand/low competition niche, you’ll have an easier job landing sales.
Tip: Try a Google search for ‘Amazon niche ideas’ or something similar. With luck, you’ll find the right products that might soon become Amazon’s bestsellers.
4. Experiment with Pricing Strategies
Think about how you shop. Do you look for the lowest-priced product first?
That’s how a lot of customers shop on Amazon. But you don’t have to lower your products’ prices to the point where you’re almost giving them away for free.
To price your products right, check out your competitors. This is especially important if the products you’re selling are not unique items.
You can also use Match Low Price. This is an Amazon Seller Central feature that helps sellers find the current lowest prices for the products they offer so they can match them or go lower.
5. Work with a Photographer
Sure, you can take product photos yourself. But can you be certain the images you take can entice customers into buying your products?
Hiring a professional product photographer may be an added expense, but it’s worth it. Don’t forget that you’re selling on an online platform. Shoppers can only rely on product photos and descriptions to help them decide if your products are worth buying or not.
With high-quality photos, you’re giving your customers confidence that you’re a professional seller. And they’ll anticipate receiving your products to check if they’re as good as the photos you have online.
6. Avoid Seasonal Products
If you plan to sell seasonal products, let’s say Christmas ornaments, how do you plan to stay profitable for the rest of the year?
You’re lucky if you manage to sell out all your products. But if you have inventory left, when would you sell them?
Before joining Amazon Marketplace, do your research and steer clear of products that only sell during certain seasons.
7. Monitor Your Performance on Amazon Marketplace
You can’t improve what you can’t measure. So don’t forget to regularly check your performance.
One easy way to do this is to access your Account Health page. This helps you see if you’re hitting your targets. If you’re not, you should correct the issues that are hindering your performance as a seller.
Note: If you’re not meeting the targets set by Amazon, your account may be deactivated. If this happens, you could appeal the restriction. Of course, it’s 100% better if you don’t let it get to this point.
8. Follow the Rules
One of the best Amazon Marketplace tips you should keep in mind is to play by the rules. Remember, the rules aren’t there to prevent you from being successful. They’re there to ensure sellers and buyers are both protected.
Before setting up your account, read all of Amazon’s Selling Policies and Seller Code of Conduct. Make sure to go back to this page from time to time so you don’t miss any important updates.
9. Manage Customer Reviews
You just started selling on Amazon, and you get your first negative review. What do you do?
A) Pressure the customer to change his or her negative review
B) Bribe the customer to remove the review
C) Reply to the customer’s negative review and explain what you plan to do to solve the issue
Obviously, it’s C. Your first step is to try and contact the customer and explain your side. Now, if the customer insists on leaving the review despite taking measures to address the problem, you can ask Amazon to take action.
10. Deliver Excellent Customer Service
You may be selling the same products as your competitors. But if buyers know they can expect great customer service from you, they’ll stay loyal.
By replying to inquiries, dealing with disputes in a timely manner, and processing returns without delay, customers will want to keep buying from your store.
Want to Know More Tips and Advice for Selling on Amazon?
Now that you know about some Amazon Marketplace tips for sellers, don’t stop there.
Keep on browsing our site for more tips and advice and start growing your store on Amazon.
