Setting up your Amazon product listing can seem tricky at first, but think of it as creating an online shop where you’ll make a fantastic first impression on buyers.
It only takes a few seconds for them to decide whether they want your product, so getting it right is crucial! Here’s how to get started without the headache.
This guide uses insights from the Amazon blog (source: Amazon Seller Central) to help you set up your listing efficiently.
Before you start: What you’ll need
Before diving in, here’s a checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared:
- Product name
- Brand and manufacturer details
- Product ID (UPC, EAN, or GTIN)
- Product variations (if applicable)
- Pricing info
- Fulfillment method (FBA or FBM)
- Compliance info (if needed)
- High-quality product images
- Key features and a detailed description
- Backend keywords for optimization
Choose your selling plan
Amazon offers two plans:
- Individual Plan: Charges $0.99 (excl. GST) for every item you sell.
- Professional Plan: Costs $49.95 (excl. GST) per month, no matter how many items you sell.
For both plans, Amazon also collects a referral fee on each sale, which varies by product category. Visit Amazon’s pricing page to learn more about the fees.
Fee structure
When selling on Amazon, there are various fees to consider:
- Subscription Fees: Amazon offers two plans: the Individual plan, where you pay per sale, and the Professional plan, with a monthly subscription fee. If you sell internationally, you’ll also pay a monthly fee for each country where you list items.
- Selling Fees: These are charged per item sold and include referral fees, which vary by product category, and variable closing fees for media products.
- Shipping Fees: If you handle shipping yourself, you’ll pay based on Amazon’s shipping rates, which vary by product category and buyer’s chosen shipping service.
- FBA Fees: If Amazon fulfils your orders (Fulfillment by Amazon), you’ll incur fees for order fulfilment, storage, and additional services.
Create your Amazon seller account
To get started, you can either use your existing Amazon customer account or create a new seller account with a business email. Be sure you have the following ready:
- Business email or existing Amazon customer account
- Chargeable credit card
- Government ID (for identity verification)
- Tax information
- Phone number
- A bank account for Amazon payments
Download the seller verification guide
Creating your listing: Step by Step
1. Log in and set up
Once logged into Amazon Seller Central, click on Inventory > Add a Product. You can either:
- Find an existing product and list it.
- Create a brand-new listing.
For most new sellers, starting from scratch is the best option.
2. Pick the right category
Choosing the right product category is key for visibility. When customers search for products, Amazon filters the results by category, so it’s essential to pick the one that fits best. This helps your product reach the right buyers.
3. Fill in the basics
You’ll need to enter important details about your product:
- Product Name: Use relevant keywords, but keep it readable.
- Brand and Manufacturer: Include your brand name if you’re a private label seller.
- Product ID: You’ll need a unique barcode (UPC, EAN, or GTIN), or you can request a GTIN exemption.
- Additional Info: Include size, color, or material details to make your product easier to find.
4. Add variations (if applicable)
If your product comes in different colors, sizes, or other options, list these variations. Each one will need its own unique code unless you’ve been granted a GTIN exemption.
5. Set your offer details
Here’s where you set pricing and fulfillment options:
- Price: Ensure your price is competitive, covering your costs while still appealing to buyers.
- MSRP: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, which shows a crossed-out price next to your listed price.
- Seller SKU: This is an inventory tracking ID you create, though Amazon can generate one for you.
- Condition: Select “New” for brand-new products.
- Fulfillment Method: Choose Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). FBA means Amazon stores and ships your products, while FBM means you manage this yourself.
6. Add compliance info
Certain products require compliance checks. If yours has safety concerns (like batteries or chemicals), you’ll need to provide the relevant documents.
7. Upload product images
Images are key to drawing attention to your listing. Follow these tips for optimal results:
- Image format: JPEG, TIFF, GIF, or PNG.
- Image size: 1000 x 1000 pixels minimum.
- Background: Your primary image should have a plain white background, with additional images showing the product from different angles or in use.
8. Write your product description
Your description is where you can really sell the product:
- Key Features: List 5-6 concise, compelling points.
- Product Description: This is your chance to go into detail about the product’s features and benefits.
If you’re part of Brand Registry, you can also include A+ Content to make your listing stand out.
9. Add backend keywords
In the Keywords section, include search terms customers might use to find your product. These keywords aren’t visible on the listing but help boost its visibility in search results.
10. Getting reviews
Customer reviews play a huge role in boosting sales. While you can’t directly ask for reviews, offering excellent service and a well-packaged product can encourage positive feedback. Reviews help improve visibility and trustworthiness.
FYI
- Seller Verification: Before listing products, you must complete identity verification. Amazon will guide you through this step-by-step to ensure smooth registration (source: Amazon Seller Verification Guide).
- Product Categories: Some products require approval to sell, while others may be restricted. You can review the category restrictions and request approval if necessary via Seller Central.
Ready to sell?
With so many products to choose from, how do you decide what to sell? The key is smart research and finding a product that not only meets demand but also stands out in the marketplace. One of the best places to start is Amazon’s Best Sellers page, a goldmine for discovering what’s hot right now. Updated hourly, it shows the most popular products in categories like Beauty, Home, and Electronics. Not only can you see what’s trending, but you’ll also spot products with consistent sales, offering insight into items that have strong, ongoing demand.
Researching keywords is another great way to understand what people are searching for. Use tools to gauge search volume and competition. Remember, fewer results often mean lower competition but may also indicate lower demand. On the other hand, more results suggest higher competition but usually indicate a product in high demand. Once you’ve narrowed down your product categories, take a close look at what your competitors are doing. How are they marketing their products? What’s working for them? Finding a niche within a broader category can help you stand out and capture shoppers looking for something specific.
Check out Amazon’s “Movers & Shakers” page to find products that have seen a big increase in sales recently. These products can give you a glimpse into the latest trends, seasonal shifts, or even viral moments that could spark demand. Another useful resource is customer reviews. They’re a goldmine of information, allowing you to see what shoppers love or dislike about existing products. This can help you improve your offering or provide a better version of a product that addresses customer pain points. Many successful products solve everyday problems, so look for opportunities to innovate by addressing common frustrations. Whether it’s cleaning pet hair off clothes or keeping teabags from slipping into a cup, products that solve problems can lead to big sales.
Don’t just follow the crowd—get creative. Can you add your personal touch to an existing product? Perhaps your hobbies or passions could inspire a unique product idea that sets you apart from the competition. Fresh ideas often lead to fresh opportunities. Once you’ve identified a potential product, ask yourself: Is there enough demand for it? Can you price it to make a reasonable profit after costs? How easy will it be to source, store, and ship? Small, lightweight, and non-perishable items are often the easiest to manage.
Before committing to a large inventory, test your product with smaller quantities or even run a focus group. This allows you to gauge the market and reduce risks while building confidence in your product’s potential.
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