Amazon - Selling Your Stuff: Marketing & Relevancy

By Chris McMullen

Start selling and boosting your sales in the world’s largest and fastest growing marketplace. Clearly and concisely organized in 6 laminated pages, you will find out what to sell, how to sell, and how everything from shipping, discounts, and returns will affect your profit. Our expert gives examples, pros and cons, and tips and tricks. Know what fees will be charged and what options you have, plus - how you can boost discoverability and relevancy of your stuff (the gold standard on amazon).

Suggested uses:
• NEW Sellers – learn to sell new products you create or that you buy and resell, like used books
• Experienced Sellers – already using Ebay, Etsy, or Craigslist? Know the details so you can add the largest online marketplace to your list of stores
• Already Selling on Amazon – take your selling to the next level and boost relevancy and sales, while knowing the pros and cons of growing your business on Amazon

• Language: English
• Publisher: BarCharts, Inc.
• Release date: May 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781423237457

Book preview

Your Stuff

What Products Can You Sell?

Check Amazon’s current product category list:

Several categories are open; others require approval.

Some categories are restricted to new or used products.

Each category lists the types of products allowed.

Open Categories

Anyone can sell in open categories, but there may be restrictions; for example:

Holiday sales restrictions: To help instill buyer confidence, access to some categories may be restricted or additional guidelines imposed during the holiday season.

Many categories (e.g., toys, baby products) sell much better during the holidays.

Establish yourself as a reliable seller with a high approval rating over many transactions, and work to meet any restrictions or guidelines imposed in your category for the holiday season.

In categories with holiday restrictions, competition may be reduced.

Product restrictions: Certain products, such as cell phones and accessories, come with a set of detailed guidelines for what is permitted.

Media restrictions: Products that can be sent via USPS Media Mail (books, music, videos, DVDs, software, video games) must ship within two business days.

Legal restrictions: Some categories include legal restrictions, such as checking for product recalls, obtaining a license (e.g., to sell wine), or complying with laws or regulations (e.g., industrial products).

Categories Requiring Approval

Access to categories requiring approval is limited:

Sellers must choose a Professional Selling Plan.

Sellers must request specific permission from Amazon.

Amazon ensures that sellers meet minimum standards (product and product listing) and follow category-specific requirements.

Minimum standards lend shopping confidence to buyers.

There is less competition among sellers, since access is restricted.

Selling New or Used?

Product Condition

A few categories, such as clothing, don’t allow the sale of used products.

Some categories allow for used products but not refurbished products.

The Amazon Kindle category only allows sellers to sell used Kindle devices.

Collectible products (e.g., books) must be signed, limited first editions, or distinguished in such a way as to command a higher price point; otherwise, they should be listed as used.

Customer feedback depends, in part, upon receiving a product in at least as good a condition as indicated by the seller.

Where to Get New or Used Inventory

If you don’t already have a supplier, consider these options:

Wholesalers: Search for a wholesale distributor. In the United States, most wholesalers will require a tax identification number (EIN), which you can get from the IRS.

Liquidation: Large companies or stores sometimes liquidate their inventory in a hurry at greatly reduced prices. Some suppliers specialize in liquidation merchandise, closeouts, and clearance items.

Import: Some products or parts may be cheaper to purchase from other countries, but you must check international regulations and factor in possible taxes, duties, and fees.

Handmade: One category on