Must-Have Tips for Amazon Seller Success

When eBay first came on the scene, the auction site quickly became the preferred platform for selling everything from used computers and collectible comic books to antique glassware and old photograph records. But recently eBay has begun to make changes that make the site harder to use and less valuable to the casual seller and the business owner alike. That has many online business people and marketing experts looking for a new site, and many of them have landed on Amazon.

How to Sell on Amazon

Selling via the Amazon website can be very lucrative, but it is important to do your homework before you get started. Knowing which items sell well on the site, and which do not, can help you focus your marketing efforts more effectively. And understanding the rules governing selling on the Amazon site can help you avoid the kinds of mistakes that have tripped up other sellers and business owners.

Before you can sell anything on Amazon, you must first have a seller account. If you have an Amazon account already, you can link your seller account to that, or you can set up a totally new account. Be aware that you must enter information about your bank so that your sales can be properly credited.

Once your account is set up, it is easy to list your items for sale, especially if the items are already in the vast Amazon database. For instance, selling a book on Amazon is as simple as finding the ISBN listed on the cover, typing it in, and verifying the title.

You can also find similar numbers on DVDs and CDs, allowing you to list your items in a matter of seconds.

How to Price Items on Amazon

If you want to make money in the Amazon marketplace, you need to price your items competitively. Chances are the books, CDs and movies you have to sell are already available from other sellers on the site, so if you price your items too high you risk having them sit on the site for months with no action.

Before you list any items for sale on Amazon, take a few minutes to search for those items, and note the selling prices. You do not have to undercut everyone else, but you do need to make the price attractive to would-be customers.

Always be honest about the condition of the items you are selling. If you have a book or CD that is in mint condition, by all means, say so. But if the cover shows some wear or the CD insert is damaged, mention that as well. Buyers will appreciate your honesty, and in the end that can help you make more sales while avoiding any potential hassles.

When to Sell on Amazon

Knowing when to sell your items can help a lot as well. If you have a ton of textbooks to sell, try to time your postings to coincide with the start of the next college semester. If you wait until school is out you probably will not see much interest in your postings. Other items can be just as seasonal in nature, so always consider the time of year before posting your items for sale.

Conclusion.

In the end, selling on Amazon boils down to a combination of savvy marketing and smart business sense. Whether you are running a full-fledged online business or just cleaning out the closet, you want to make the most of every item you post for sale. Using some basic marketing savvy can help you squeeze the most out of every sale and help you maximize your profits. Running an online business means looking for multiple marketing outlets, and an Amazon account can be an important part of the overall marketing strategy you create for your new venture.