What does it mean to list a product on Amazon?
Amazon product listing means creating a detailed product page that provides customers with important product information including its name, images, description, features, and price. This page allows shoppers to learn about the product and make an informed purchase decision.
Do I need a seller account to list products?
Yes, you need a seller account to list products on Amazon. To create a seller account, you’ll typically need to provide information like your GST or PAN details, an active bank account, and business details. Once registered, you can use the Seller Central platform to manage your listings and sales.
What are the types of Amazon seller accounts (Individual vs. Professional)?
Amazon offers two main types of seller accounts: Individual and Professional. The key difference lies between the fees and the features available. Individual accounts are suitable for casual or low-volume sellers, while Professional accounts are designed for those with larger sales volumes and provide access to more advanced features.
2. Setting Up to Sell
How do I create an Amazon Seller account?
To create an Amazon seller account, navigate to Amazon Seller Central and click “Sign Up”. Click on create a new Amazon account or sign in with an existing one. Fill in the required information, including business details, billing information, and product information
What documents do I need to get started?
To get started as an Amazon seller, you’ll need a government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license), proof of address, bank account details, and potentially a business license and tax documents if you’re selling as a business. Additionally, you’ll need an email address and a credit card.
Is there a fee to list products on Amazon?
No, there is no fee to list products on Amazon. However, there are referral fees and closing fees, which are charged when you make a sale. These fees are based on the product category and are calculated as a percentage of the total selling price.
3. Product Listing Basics
How do I list a new product on Amazon?
To list a new product on Amazon, you’ll need to create a seller account, choose a fulfillment method, and then list your products with product details, images, and descriptions. You can create a new listing from scratch or match with an existing one. Make sure you have the necessary details like product SKU, Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), and product information.
How do I list a product that already exists on Amazon?
To list a product that already exists on Amazon, you need to match your product to the existing listing and add your offer. This is done by searching for the product on Seller Central and then adding your price and quantity.
Can I use bulk listing tools or upload spreadsheets (Flat Files)?
Yes, you can use bulk listing tools and upload spreadsheets (flat files) to list products on Amazon. Amazon offers a bulk listing feature that allows sellers to upload product information from a spreadsheet, enabling efficient listing of multiple products at once.
What is a product ASIN and how is it used in listing?
An Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is a unique 10-character id that Amazon assigns to each product listed on its platform. ASIN is critical for product identification, inventory management, and tracking products within the Amazon ecosystem.
4. Product Information Requirements
What product details do I need to provide?
The essential product details to list products on Amazon include:
- Product title
- Description and bullet points
- Images
- Price
- Quantity/Availability
- SKU
- Brand and Manufacturer
- Product Specifications
Are there character limits for titles and descriptions?
Yes, Amazon has character limits for both product titles and descriptions. Most product categories, allow upto 200 characters in the title, including spaces. Bullet points should ideally be 100 characters each, while the total character count of all bullet points combined should not exceed 1,000 characters.
5. Categories and Restrictions
Are there restricted product categories on Amazon?
Yes, Amazon has restricted product categories that require approval before a seller can list products in them. These categories typically include Health & Personal Care, Jewelry, and Automotive items that require specific expertise, regulations, or safety considerations.
Additionally, some products are completely prohibited from being listed on Amazon.
How do I get approval to sell in a restricted category?
Sellers need to submit an application through Seller Central to get approval for selling in a restricted category on Amazon. The application must provide documentation as requested and meet the specific requirements for that category. This may include brand authorization letters, invoices, or other product-specific certifications.
Can I list handmade or customized items?
- Yes, specifically designed Amazon programs facilitate the selling of both handmade and customizable items on Amazon as a seller.
6. Fulfillment Options
What is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) vs. Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)?
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) are two different methods to fulfill orders on the Amazon marketplace. FBA involves Amazon handling all aspects of fulfillment, including storage, packaging, shipping, and customer service. While in FBM, the seller is responsible for managing these aspects themselves.
How do I choose the right fulfillment method for my products?
Choose the right fulfillment method for selling on Amazon by considering your business size, resources, and customer needs. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) offers a hands-off approach, with lesser control over listings and pricing, while FBM offers greater control over pricing and shipping method. Also evaluate pricing structures, network reach, and the ability of the fulfillment provider to handle your business’s growth if considering FBM method.
Can I switch fulfillment methods later?
Yes, fulfillment methods can be switched on Amazon later. You can change a product from being fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) to being fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) and vice versa. To do this, navigate to the Manage Inventory page in Seller Central and select the items you want to change. Then choose either “Change to Fulfilled by Amazon” or “Change to Fulfilled by Merchant” as per your requirement.
7. Product Images and Quality Standards
What are Amazon’s product image requirements?
Amazon requires all products to have at least one image, and recommends at least six with one video. These images must be 500 to 10,000 pixels on their longest side, in JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or non-animated GIF format, and must be clear without pixelation. The main image should have a pure white background and must accurately represent the product.
How many images can I upload per product?
You can upload a maximum of nine images per product listing on Amazon. However, only the first seven images, or six in case of including a product video will be displayed in the carousel on the product detail page. The remaining images can be accessed by clicking on the carousel or in a separate gallery.
Are lifestyle and infographic images allowed?
Yes, both lifestyle and infographic images can be included on Amazon product listings to showcase the product in a real-world context, highlight key features and benefits, and add visual interest.
8. Pricing and Shipping
How do I set product pricing on Amazon?
To set product pricing on Amazon as a seller, you can use the Amazon Seller Central dashboard to manually adjust prices or utilize the Automate Pricing tool for automated pricing adjustments. You can also set minimum and maximum price limits for your SKUs.
Can I offer free shipping or discounts?
Yes, you can offer free shipping or discounts on Amazon as a seller. By setting shipping rates to $0.00 in the shipping settings. For discounts, create price discount campaigns for a limited time, even specifically for Prime customers.
How are shipping fees calculated?
FBA Sellers (Fulfilled by Amazon):
- Amazon charges shipping as part of FBA fees, based on item size and weight.
- Use the FBA Revenue calculator to estimate shipping and total fees.
FBM Sellers (Fulfilled by Merchant):
- Sellers pay shipping based on their carrier rates (e.g., USPS, UPS).
- Calculate cost using carrier calculators and set rates in Amazon’s Shipping Settings.
9. Optimizing Your Listing
How do I optimize listings for better visibility (SEO)?
To improve listing visibility (SEO), focus on on-page optimization by conducting keyword research, optimizing titles and descriptionsto ensure a good user experience. Off-page optimization involves building backlinks from relevant sites and engaging on social media. Local SEO also plays a crucial role in increasing visibility in local searches.
What are backend keywords and how should I use them?
Backend keywords on Amazon are hidden search terms that help improve product visibility in search results without being visible to customers. These keywords are added to the backend section of your product listings and help Amazon’s algorithm understand the relevance of your product to various search queries.
What is A+ Content and who can use it?
A+ Content allows registered brand owners to create visually engaging and informative product listings. It goes beyond basic product descriptions and allows the use of enhanced images, videos, customized text, and more, ultimately helping sellers showcase their brand and products more effectively to boost conversions.
