Challenges Faced by Sellers on Amazon and How to Overcome Them
Insights and Strategies for Navigating the Amazon Marketplace
Selling on Amazon can be a lucrative business, but it's important for sellers to be aware of the challenges they may face. Here are some common issues that sellers encounter:
Cashflow: Amazon pays third-party sellers every two weeks, but you'll need to pay for inventory upfront, often with manufacturers in China who charge around 25% upfront. This can be a strain on cash flow, especially if production takes several weeks.
Excessive competition: There are millions of sellers on Amazon, and the competition can be intense. This can make it difficult for new sellers to break in, as buyers tend to choose established products with more reviews.
Price wars: Excessive competition can lead to a race to the bottom, with sellers cutting prices to try and win customers. This can lead to lower-quality products, negative reviews, and a drop in sales.
Product reviews and seller feedback: Product reviews should be about the product itself, whereas seller feedback should address issues like order fulfillment and customer service. It's important for sellers to understand the difference.
Customer returns: Amazon's customer-friendly return policy can be a double-edged sword for sellers. It encourages customers to buy multiple products and return the ones they don't want, which can result in high return rates and additional expenses for sellers. Returned products may also be in poor condition, making them hard to resell.
Category restrictions: Amazon has become stricter with the third-party sellers it allows to sell in certain categories, which can be challenging for small sellers. In some cases, you'll need to purchase inventory to get the necessary documentation to sell in a particular category, which can be risky if you're not approved.
Inconsistent communication from Amazon: Amazon's rules are generally clear, but its communication with sellers can be inconsistent, making it hard to know what's allowed and what's not.
Amazon's fees: Amazon charges fees for things like storage, fulfillment, and advertising. These fees can add up, especially if you're not selling a lot of products.
Brand registry: Amazon has a brand registry program for sellers who want to protect their brand on the platform. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming.
Despite these challenges, many sellers find success on Amazon. By understanding these obstacles and finding ways to overcome them, you can build a successful business on the platform.