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· 6 min read

Amazon Affiliates vs. Amazon Sellers

Amazon is the world's largest marketplace, with a staggering 45 percent of the US e-commerce market. Amazon made nearly $470 billion in sales in 2021 and sells more than $17 million in products every hour worldwide. Fortunately, there are many ways that people can participate in this success and take advantage of opportunities to earn money on the Amazon platform.

Two of the most common ways to earn money on Amazon are as Amazon Affiliates or Amazon Sellers. In both cases, people can work on their own businesses from home, making money from the power of the Amazon marketplace. But the ways these programs work are very different and have different benefits and drawbacks. Let's look closer at Amazon Affiliates vs. Amazon Sellers.

What is an Amazon Affiliate?

An Amazon Affiliate is a person who has an online presence (usually a website or blog, but it may also be a social media account or streaming channel) and uses their platform to direct their visitors to Amazon to buy products. When they direct traffic toward Amazon, and these visitors make purchases, the affiliate earns a commission.

For an affiliate to earn money on Amazon, their directed traffic must use their specific link, which tracks the referring affiliate and ensures that commissions are credited to them. Visitors must place items in their cart within 24 hours of clicking the affiliate link and complete the purchase before the shopping cart expires (usually 90 days). An affiliate must have a large audience to earn significant money on Amazon. It helps sell high-commission products like luxury goods, games, electronics, beauty, and fragrances.

There are currently over 900,000 Amazon affiliates participating in the program, and it's a great way to monetize a blog or online presence.

What is an Amazon Seller?

An Amazon Seller is a person with a product who chooses to sell their product using the Amazon marketplace. Sellers create product listings on Amazon and can market those products directly to Amazon visitors on Amazon, or use their own website to feature their products and use Amazon as their e-commerce platform.

The most common way to sell products on Amazon is with the Amazon Fulfillment by Amazon program, which allows sellers to store their products in Amazon facilities. It uses Amazon staff to ship products, manage to track, and oversee returns. This program will enable people to sell on the Amazon platform without developing their own logistics and supply chain and allows sellers to take advantage of features like Amazon Prime.

About 9.5 million sellers are on the Amazon platform globally, and 73% participate in the FBA program.

Amazon Affiliates vs. Amazon Sellers

Benefits of Being an Amazon Affiliate

There are several significant benefits of being an Amazon Affiliate. Here are the most important advantages:

Amazon is Trusted and Reliable

As an affiliate, it is easy to do business with a platform like Amazon, which can be relied upon to pay your commissions promptly and correctly. For your site visitors, it is easy to direct e-commerce traffic to Amazon since it is a trusted platform, and many will frequently shop there.

Amazon Offers High Commissions

Unlike other online affiliate platforms, Amazon offers some of the highest commission rates, especially on specific products.

Amazon Carries a Vast Range of Products

Amazon carries nearly every product imaginable, so you can create the content that best works for you and your audience and still find relevant products to earn commission on. Amazon affiliates make money on the entire shopping cart created through their window, so if they send someone to Amazon for lipstick and they buy a pair of shoes or a blender in the same transaction, the affiliate earns money on all those products.

An Affiliate Has Independence and Flexibility

An Amazon affiliate can earn money from Amazon but often participate in monetization programs from other online businesses and platforms. If they stopped working with Amazon, they could start working with a different marketplace. They earn commission on all the products in the cart, so they don't have to stay in a specific niche and can evolve their content over time. For a smart influencer, Amazon is just one piece of a broader monetization strategy, and they remain independent and open to new opportunities.

Benefits of Being an Amazon Seller

If you have a product, there are many reasons to choose the Amazon marketplace. Here are the most significant benefits:

Access to a Trusted Marketplace

New sellers and products often struggle to build trust and credibility with buyers for years. Because the Amazon platform is so well-known, it is much easier to establish a new business and take advantage of Amazon's dominance in search, enormous traffic, and trusted reliability.

Access to Amazon Prime and Other Programs

Nearly 150 million Americans have Amazon Prime, and many people will not purchase a product if they have to pay for shipping. Amazon sellers, especially those who choose Amazon FBA, can offer their products to customers who prefer Amazon Prime, use Amazon Lockers, buy products from Alexa, and more. As the Amazon ecosystem expands, it provides various services that most private sellers could not offer independently.

Access to Education and Support

Finding success in an online business can be a considerable challenge. Amazon supports its sellers with vast resources and services to help start and run an e-commerce business. In addition, Amazon is so popular a marketplace that third parties have also created tools, tutorials, and expert services to help you grow as an Amazon seller.

Sell Without Hassle

While Amazon FBA isn't the right choice for every seller, it does make storing, packing, shipping, and delivery of products incredibly simple and efficient. Without it, sellers would need to figure out how to store, package, and ship their inventory, which can be complicated and expensive.

Conclusion

Thanks to the popularity and success of Amazon, there are many different ways to make money on the platform. Joining the Amazon Associates program and becoming an affiliate, developing your own product line, and becoming an Amazon FBA seller are the simplest and most popular ways to make money with your Amazon business.

· 7 min read

8 Great Website Ideas to Make Money

Making money online is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional 9-5 jobs. With the convenience of setting your own working hours and location, the possibilities of making a steady income stream are seemingly endless.

Whether you're looking for a way to supplement your current income or trying to figure out creative ways to become financially independent, starting a website and monetizing it could be just what you need.

This article will discuss eight website ideas to make money.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the oldest and most reliable ways to make money online. It involves promoting products or services for companies in exchange for a commission on each sale made through your referral link. You can promote anything from physical goods to digital products or services like web hosting plans. You need to find a product or service you want to promote, create content around it, and then share your affiliate link so others can purchase it.

Selling Your Own Products/Services Online

If you have a skill or service, you can offer the world, why not monetize it via your website? It can be a creative digital product such as an eBook, course, or template, but it can also be a physical item like handmade jewelry or digital artwork.

You could also provide physical services such as consulting, design work, and more. Depending on the type of product or service you are offering, you can use platforms like Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and other related websites to put up listings for your products/services and generate sales from potential customers worldwide.

You must ensure that your store is set up correctly to accept payments and handle orders efficiently. Additionally, it's essential to have an effective marketing strategy to increase awareness about your business if this is one of your website ideas to make money.

E-commerce Website

An e-commerce website allows you to sell products directly from your website without any middleman involved. You can list products on your site for sale and set up payment processing through popular payment gateways such as Stripe or PayPal. One of the best things about this type of website is that you can help other people sell their products and earn a commission.

With this type of website, it's imperative to focus on SEO (search engine optimization) to help potential customers to locate your store quickly when they search online. A great design that offers a smooth user experience is also essential. It makes customers feel comfortable making purchases from your store.

Personal Blog

Starting a personal blog can be a great way to make money online if you have an audience interested in the topics you write about. But how do you go about it?

First, decide on what type of blog you will create. This could be anything from lifestyle to cooking tips or travel advice. Once you've chosen a topic, choose the best host platform. WordPress is one popular choice, but there are many other options, including Wix, Shopify, and Domain.com.

After that, begin creating content that is informative and engaging. You can use images, videos, and other multimedia elements to draw in readers and keep them interested in your publication.

Finally, consider monetizing your blog, such as advertising or affiliate marketing links. In this manner, every time someone reads your work, they can benefit you financially, making this among the best website ideas to make money.

Food Website

Creating a food website is another way to make money online if you have a passion for cooking and writing about food-related topics.

Start by setting up your website with an attractive design on the most suitable platform; then populate it with delicious recipes written in an engaging manner accompanied by high-resolution photos of each dish created.

Once the site is established, consider ways of monetizing it through advertising revenue or affiliate links related to kitchenware or cookbooks. Also, set up social media accounts connected to the website where you can share more content.

Finally, establish yourself as an authority in the culinary world by attending food festivals or creating partnerships with chefs or restaurants who may feature recipes from your website.

8 Great Website Ideas to Make Money

Photography

Photography is an incredibly lucrative and rewarding career, as it allows you to capture beautiful moments, build relationships with clients, and make a living doing something you love. It's one of the most creative website ideas to make money.

There are so many possibilities when creating a photography website that can help you make money online. You can specialize in one particular area of photography – such as family portraits, corporate events, or landscapes. On your website, showcase your portfolio of images and detail the packages you offer, such as different types of photo shoots and the corresponding prices.

Also important are high-quality photos on your site to draw in customers and make them feel confident in trusting you with their photography needs. Additionally, create blog content to share tips on taking great pictures and showcase how you use professional lighting equipment, creative angles, and other special effects to produce stunning photos for clients.

Fitness Website

A fitness website is an excellent way to promote healthy lifestyles and generate income by selling fitness courses or programs online.

Your website should be focused on providing valuable fitness advice related to strength training, nutrition guidance, weight loss tips, and other helpful information for people looking to get fit.

Additionally, add high-quality images of yourself or models demonstrating exercises or proper form for each exercise featured in your blog posts. Provide detailed descriptions about the benefits of each exercise, plus video tutorials/guides showing people how to do them correctly. Lastly, market physical goods like gym bags or diet plans through your site while offering discounts to attract more customers.

Wedding Website

Weddings are an eventful time filled with joyous celebrations, so why not take advantage of the opportunity by launching a wedding website?

This type of website will allow you to make money by providing access to vendors who specialize in wedding services, such as florists, DJs/entertainment companies, caterers/restaurants, photographers, and videographers. Through this platform, prospective couples can easily find all their wedding needs.

A great way to increase revenue is hosting a paid membership system where people can access exclusive offers from preferred vendors available only through your platform. This will encourage more people to sign up since they know they will get better deals.

Another way would be investing in top-notch content related to weddings. For example, you could share tips on budgeting, bridal fashion, honeymoon planning, and guest list management.

Plenty of Options

You have many options if you're exploring website ideas to make money. With the proper research and planning, your website idea can become a profitable side business. Pay attention to your interests when choosing an idea, and don't be scared to try something new.

Draw from the experiences of those who have turned their websites into successful businesses; use them to model your efforts. While there is no guaranteed formula for success, taking the time to properly research and plan out your website ideas can potentially lead to a great source of extra income.

· 6 min read

Ways to Make Money Besides a Job

If your current salary doesn't meet all your living expenses, you may be looking for alternative ways to make money. But making money doesn't necessarily mean getting a second job. There are various ways to increase your income without working more hours.

This article explores some creative ways to make money besides a job.

Investing in Stocks and Bonds

Investing in stocks and bonds is one way to make money besides a job. It's an excellent long-term strategy for making your money grow. However, it does come with its risks. Before investing, do your research or consult a financial advisor. That way, you'll understand the challenges associated with the stock market.

Don't forget to diversify your portfolio. Spreading the risk across different investment types can help minimize losses if the market takes a downturn.

Blogging

Blogging is a great way to make money online. You can share your thoughts and experiences with the world and monetize your blog by offering affiliate links, sponsored posts, and advertisements. You can even create digital products such as eBooks, courses, and webinars to sell on your blog.

You must choose a niche for your blog (such as travel, fashion, or fitness) to get started. From there, choose a domain name and hosting provider before setting up your website with any necessary plugins. Once everything is set up, you can start creating content that will help you attract readers and earn an income.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways to make money besides a job. It involves promoting products and services on behalf of other companies in exchange for a commission when customers purchase their products or services through affiliate links.

It's essential to research different companies and find ones that offer quality products/services that relate to your niche/interests to get started with affiliate marketing. Once you find suitable options, sign up as an affiliate and promote the business through your blog, social media channels, or email list.

Selling Your Stuff Online

If you have things at home that you no longer use or don't need anymore, why not try selling them online? Several websites, such as eBay, Craigslist, and Amazon, allow people to list their items for sale.

In addition, you may also want to consider using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook Marketplace. It's vital to take good-quality photos of the items and write detailed descriptions to maximize profits when selling online. As a result, potential buyers will know exactly what they're getting before making a financial commitment.

Freelancing

Freelancing is a great way to make extra money while allowing you to create your own schedule. It involves working as an independent contractor for clients looking for specific work. You can specialize in various areas, such as web design, graphic design, content writing, virtual assistance, and accounting.

The amount of money you can make will depend on the experience level you bring to the table and the type of projects you take on. Create a portfolio showcasing your skills and abilities to start freelancing. Additionally, having an up-to-date resume and list of references is invaluable when finding work.

Testing Websites

If you have an eye for detail and an interest in technology, getting paid to test websites is an excellent way to make money besides a job.

Companies across various industries use website testing services to ensure their products are up to code and functioning correctly before release. Testing sites typically require users to click through pages or complete other tasks while capturing any bugs or issues they encounter.

To qualify as a website tester, you'll need computer hardware and software knowledge and good communication skills to provide detailed feedback on the testing results. Some companies also offer incentives for successful testers. For example, you may be offered points that can be redeemed for discounts or giveaways.

Crowd Working

Crowd working is a great way to make money from the comfort of your home, with no need for special technical skills. Whether you're looking for a part-time job or a full-time gig, there are platforms where you can find clients who need help with simple tasks such as watching videos, proofreading documents, completing forms, labeling images, or updating resumes.

One popular source is Microworkers, which offers a range of lower-level tech tasks that don't require specialized knowledge. They might include verifying contact information or product reviews, processing orders and payments, and data entry jobs. You can even get paid to test websites. All you have to do is follow the instructions and fill out reports when you come across errors.

Clickworker is also worth checking out as it offers excellent opportunities for those who want to earn money from filling out surveys and collecting data for companies. It's easy to make extra income without putting in too much effort. Plus, Clickworker pays quickly once the task has been completed – usually within seven days.

Ways to Make Money Besides a Job

Shopping for Others

Shopping may be much easier now than in the past, but it's still a chore. That's why there are great opportunities for those who don't have time to shop for themselves.

One of the ways to make money besides a job is by signing up with Instacart or Favor. As a personal shopper, you'll be able to pick up groceries and other household items for people in your area. You can use your car, scooter, bike, or even walk, depending on the distance involved.

The pay rate can range from $5 to $25 per hour, depending on your buying products and how far you travel. And since personal shoppers also offer shopping advice, you may be able to charge more if you provide a higher level of service.

In addition to that flexibility and extra income potential, this job also offers an opportunity for exercise because you'll need to move around frequently when doing deliveries. There's no better way to get your heart rate up and make extra money simultaneously.

Opportunities Are Out There for Your Taking

There are many ways to make money besides a job. From starting a side hustle to exploring passive income opportunities, many options are available to those willing to think outside the traditional nine-to-five box.

With creativity and effort, you can find ways to bring in extra cash flow without putting in extra hours at the office.

· 6 min read

How Do Amazon Sellers Make Money?

It's no secret that Amazon is one of the world's most successful and profitable companies, with nearly 75% of online shoppers relying on it for their shopping needs. But do you ever wonder how Amazon sellers make money?

Whether you're an experienced seller or just getting started, understanding how Amazon sellers make money can help you maximize your profits and stay competitive.

Types of Amazon Sellers

There are three primary types of Amazon sellers: individual, professional, and business-to-business.

Any person can sign up to be an individual seller on Amazon. With this status, you can sell products on a case-by-case basis. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is not available to individual sellers. There is also a $0.99 per item plus other selling fees.

Professional sellers pay a monthly subscription fee of $39.99 and don't have to pay the $0.99 per item fee. This status is best for those who plan on selling more than 40 items per month, as it will likely save you money in the long run. Fulfillment by Amazon is available to professional sellers.

Businesses of all sizes can subscribe to Amazon Business Seller (B2B) plans at $39.99 monthly plus other selling fees. They sell their products exclusively to other businesses. As a business seller, you can access features that help streamline selling to businesses, such as bulk listing and purchasing tools, pay-by-invoice, and volume pricing plans. Fulfillment by Amazon is available to business sellers enrolled in a paid subscription plan.

How Do Amazon Sellers Make Money?

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN)

There are two key distribution methods to make money selling on Amazon: through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or by utilizing Amazon's Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN). FBA is the more popular of the two, as it offers more benefits to sellers.

With FBA, sellers ship their products to an Amazon fulfillment center, and Amazon handles the rest – including storage, customer service, and shipping. This hands-off approach appeals to many sellers, as it frees up their time to focus on other aspects of their business. And because customers trust Amazon implicitly, they're more likely to buy products fulfilled by Amazon.

Another advantage of FBA is that it makes sellers eligible for Prime shipping. Buyers get their products faster and are more likely to be satisfied with the purchase. More customer satisfaction means increased sales and more positive feedback for sellers.

The main downside of FBA is the cost – both in terms of the fees charged by Amazon and the cost of shipping products to Amazon's fulfillment centers.

With MFN, merchants list their items on Amazon but handle all other aspects of selling themselves, such as storage, packing, shipping, and returns. This way, merchants have more flexibility with how they want to handle these processes. Sellers who want more control of the entire process may prefer MFN over FBA, despite its drawbacks and potentially lower customer engagement.

Business Methods for Selling on Amazon

We've looked at the types of sellers who list their merchandise on Amazon and Amazon's methods of selling and delivering said inventory. Next, we will overview some business models and services that can answer how Amazon sellers make money.

Merchants can create and sell their products or resell them in different ways. Retail arbitrage or Amazon arbitrage is reselling products from brick-and-mortar retailers on Amazon at a higher price. You can also resell products from various manufacturers under your label by either white or private labeling. Some Amazon sellers make money through drop-shipping. In this case, they do not physically have the products in stock. Instead, they source directly from the manufacturer or supplier.

Amazon Handmade

Handmade products are those that the artisan merchant entirely handcrafts personally. These products can range from jewelry to furniture to clothing. Amazon Handmade is a section of the Amazon website dedicated to selling these crafts.

When selling on Amazon Handmade, there are no listing fees. Sellers pay a referral fee and a variable closing fee when their product sells. The referral fee is a percentage of the total sale price, and the item's category determines the closing fee.

To be eligible to sell on Amazon Handmade, you must apply and have your products approved by Amazon. Once your products are approved, you can start listing them for sale on the site.

Kindle Direct Publishing

If you want to self-publish your book, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) may interest you. With KDP, you can publish your book electronically on Amazon's Kindle platform. You'll retain control of your book's rights and pricing and get 70% of the royalties earned on each sale. KDP is an excellent option if you're looking for a hands-off approach to publishing your book.

**Private Label Products

Private-label selling is when a seller sells products another company manufactures. The seller sells these items under their brand name rather than the manufacturer. The product must sell exclusively through one retailer to be considered private-label selling rather than white-label selling. It shouldn't be a generic product (such as ibuprofen) that multiple retailers can sell simultaneously.

Private-label products usually cost less than branded products. They can help save money while still getting quality products. There are many different types of private-label products on Amazon, so sellers can find products that fit their niche and target market.

White Label Selling

Many Amazon sellers make money by white-labeling products. White labeling is when a seller takes a generic, no-brand item and puts their branding on it. The seller can add their label, packaging, design, or combination.

White-label selling can be a beginner-friendly way to start on Amazon without investing in product development and manufacturing. It can be a way to diversify your product offerings and reach a broader range of customers.

White-label and private-label selling appear relatively similar. Many aspiring sellers may find themselves confusing the two. The keywords to remember when distinguishing the two are "exclusive" and "generic."

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a business model in which e-commerce entrepreneurs sell products without carrying any inventory. When a store owner receives an order from a customer, they contact the supplier. The supplier will then ship the products directly to the customer's doorstep.

There are several reasons why retailers would choose drop shipping.

  • Start an online business with little upfront investment
  • Test different products and suppliers to see what works
  • Low overhead costs
  • No need to hire staff to pick, pack, and ship orders
  • This business model is not without its issues.
  • Seller has no control over the production or shipping process
  • Cannot guarantee the quality of the product or service
  • Responsible for customer service
  • May have a low-profit margin

Some have expressed ethical concerns about dropshipping. The reason is low involvement from the merchant and the model's simplicity appealing to dishonest merchants who care more about raw profit than the customer or merchandise.

Conclusion

These points should give you good insight if you've ever wondered how Amazon sellers make money. With these fulfillment options and retail methods, you may find a business strategy that works for you and your creative and financial expectations.

· 6 min read

Learn How to Make Money Reviewing Products on Amazon

If you're a regular Amazon user, you may already know that you can provide feedback about your purchased products or services. Those reviews are automatically posted in the comments section for the next potential shoppers to read.

However, you may not know that you can get paid for reviewing Amazon products. Here's everything you need to know about how to make money by reviewing products on Amazon.

Reviewing Products on Amazon Has Never Been Easier

The most straightforward way to leave a review about a product you purchased on Amazon is to comment on the buyer's product page once you've received it. You may include all kinds of information, such as the product's quality, features, experience with the item, and even your overall shopping experience.

Amazon pays attention to the most insightful reviews and has created different ways to encourage shoppers to keep doing it. Here are some creative ways to make money by reviewing products on Amazon.

Your Own Website

Starting a blog has never been easier, thanks to new platforms that guide you every step of the way. Bluehost provides all the information and valid details you need to consider before starting.

You can create a blog where the central theme is Amazon product reviews. To start making money with those reviews, you'll need to sign up for the Amazon Associate program, also known as Amazon Associates.

This marketing program was created to help content creators and bloggers monetize the traffic they get to the website. Add a hyperlink to the recommended products, and you can earn up to 10% commission from every purchase.

The registration process is straightforward, but your application will be reviewed to check that you meet the qualifying criteria. Once approved, your insightful comments will not only help potential shoppers, but they'll also get you extra income.

YouTube Channel

The traffic your feedback creates by adding hyperlinks to your product reviews is not limited to personal blogs. YouTube channels have become a powerful source for sharing information over the last couple of years.

You'll need an Amazon Influencers account to profit from the videos you share on YouTube. Once you've registered and your account is approved, you'll be able to start creating content about Amazon products and sharing it with your followers. You'll earn a commission every time the hyperlink on your post leads to a purchase.

Social Media

Social media has become a great source to get product reviews. Increasingly more people share their experiences and what they liked or didn't like about a particular product. Consequently, many brands are inclined to offer influential people free products in exchange for those videos and pictures.

With your Amazon Influencers account, you'll get products and services in exchange for your unbiased review. In addition, you'll receive a commission every time the product you recommended is purchased using your hyperlink.

Reviews on Other Blogs

If you're not ready to start your own blog, many review sites are looking for writers to provide unbiased reviews on Amazon products. In this case, you won't need your own Amazon Influencers account. You'll be provided with the products you need to review, and you'll be in charge of creating meaningful content. In this case, your payment won't be a commission for every sale. Instead, you'll get paid once per review.

Amazon Vine

Amazon Vine is an invitation-only program created by Amazon. The platform pays attention to valuable reviews, and those who provide the most insightful reviews get rewarded with an invitation to join Amazon Vine.

Once you're a member, you can choose among the thousands of products Amazon selects to be part of the program. You'll receive these products free of charge, and they will be shipped directly to your home in exchange for your review.

Learn How to Make Money Reviewing Products on Amazon

Why Are Customers' Reviews So Important?

Amazon is one of the most popular online retailers and gained even more popularity during the 2020 global pandemic. The platform has so many options that deciding on one product is often challenging. That's where customer reviews come in.

According to a study on decision neuroscience, consumers have an increased tendency to learn about the product from reviews provided by other consumers instead of the seller's provided information.

Moreover, this study shows different consumer behavior between women and men. Female consumers tend to focus on negative reviews rather than the positives. The opposite happens with men. They pay more attention to the positive reviews of previous consumers who have already purchased and used the product.

Useful Reviewing Tips

Now that you've learned how to make money reviewing products on Amazon, here are some tips to make your product reviews stand out.

Empathize With Your Audience

When writing about a particular product, you need to create a connection that will let your audience know that you understand their needs. A good resource is to ask rhetorical questions that connect with their problems, to which the solution will be the product or service you're reviewing.

Identify Your Audience

Your reviews must be directed to the part of your audience that will benefit the most from the product.

Describe the Product in Detail

Including all the item details about the product or service, including material, features, and applications, is essential.

Include Additional Testimonials

You'll give your review more value by quoting other influential users or experts. Adding more testimonials may increase your engagement results when inviting your audience to share their experiences about the product.

Start Making Money on Amazon

Creating Amazon product reviews is much more than relaying whether or not you liked a product. You can influence potential buyers who are hesitant about buying a particular item. The best part is that you'll be making money by helping them.

Statistically, 76% of shoppers say they make most of their purchases on Amazon. Your experience with the products and services listed on the site can significantly help those shoppers make an informed purchase decision.

· 5 min read

How to Find Suppliers for Amazon FBA

Around the world, millions of entrepreneurs are making money selling products on Amazon, and 73% of them use Amazon FBA for their fulfillment. It’s an efficient way for small businesses and startups to launch businesses and products that compete with established companies. If you’re considering starting an e-commerce business that sells products on Amazon, you may be wondering how to find the right products. Here is a brief guide to finding products to sell on Amazon FBA.

How to Choose Which Products to Sell on Amazon

Before choosing specific products and looking for suppliers, you must consider what type of products you want and how you will do business. Here are the most important criteria for choosing which products you will sell on Amazon:

Niche

Your niche should be a product, service, or industry in which you are an expert and offer unique value to your customer. If you carry products available elsewhere, consider how you will compete with other businesses: Will your price or service be better? Will you have unique products or services or unique bundles and promotions? To compete on Amazon, your business has to stand out, so research your niche carefully and figure out what sets you apart.

Profit

You will need to purchase products at a price that will allow you to sell them at a profit. Your profit needs to be large enough to cover all your business expenses, including the cost of your own time and labor, while still being low enough to compete with other businesses in your niche. Calculating all your overhead and expenses will allow you to determine how much you can spend on products and how much profit you can expect from selling on Amazon.

Scalability

There are two crucial aspects of scalability. If your business is successful, you will need to fulfill more and more orders: how quickly can your suppliers scale up and deliver more products? For example, if you sell handmade quilts, there is a limit to how many you can make in a year and, therefore, a limit to the size and scale of your business. On the other hand, scalability will allow you to increase your offerings and grow your business if your business plateaus. Are there related products in your niche that fit into your product line and will enable you to grow? For example, if you sell comic books, your customers may also be interested in action figures.

Practicality

It’s important to consider practicality in your Amazon products. Products, especially large, heavy, or fragile items, are difficult to ship and prone to problems and complaints. Items especially expensive, rare, or need to travel exceptional distances may require special shipping procedures and insurance. Consider the kinds of products people look for and buy on Amazon and how to easily fulfill orders with minimal disruptions.

How to Find Suppliers for Amazon FBA

How to Find Products to Sell on Amazon

Once you have considered your business plan, including costs and prices, it’s time to start looking for the specific products you might sell on Amazon FBA. Some of the best ways to find products for your Amazon business include:

Google Trends is an excellent tool for showing you what products people are looking for, as well as other important information like the specific words and keywords they use, regions where the products are more popular, and search frequency over time. Go to Google Trends and look up your niche and your products. Don’t forget to look at “related queries” for more ideas.

Research Social Media

People often use social media to share the products they are interested in. Pinterest and TikTok are especially powerful for identifying products that are trending and in high demand. Search for your desired niche or product; note how many people are talking about it and what they say. Social media is also a powerful way to identify people’s thoughts and feelings, which can help you identify an opportunity for an unmet need or competitive advantage related to your product.

Many times Amazon itself is a great way to identify desirable products. Amazon Best Sellers show you what products are selling and their categories, subcategories, and related products. Amazon trend reports are another great way to review what is currently popular on the platform, so you can assess opportunities and competition.

Research Other Online Marketplaces

While Amazon is the biggest online marketplace in the world, it isn’t the only one. Other marketplaces, like Etsy, eBay, or AliExpress, may have popular products that are less common on Amazon or appeal to a different audience. If there is an online specialty marketplace for your niche or your customer, research your products on that marketplace. The more information you obtain about what products people want, what price they are willing to pay, what features they require, or what they don’t like about the current offerings, the better able you will be to find the right products for your Amazon store. This research is also integral to the foundation of your marketing plan, so it’s vital for your business in more ways than one.

Conclusion

Choosing products to sell on Amazon FBA is a balancing act between the products that meet your business's needs and those that meet your customer's needs. Fortunately, a vast range of methods and tools will help you identify those products and set your business apart from the competition. The more time you spend planning and researching, the more informed your business plan is, and the greater your chances of success. Take your time, consider all your options, be informed before launching an Amazon FBA business, and set yourself up for success!

· 5 min read

How to Find Suppliers for Amazon FBA

As they say, you have to spend money to make money. Starting your own business selling on Amazon FBA is more affordable than many other businesses. However, there are still startup costs, and it requires careful budgeting. Here is a guide to the cost of starting to sell on Amazon FBA.

Minimum Cost to Start Amazon FBA Business

According to a recent survey, 18% of Amazon sellers started with a budget of less than $500. If you don’t have a lot of capital, here is an overview of the minimum costs to start selling on Amazon FBA.

Amazon Seller Plan | Minimum of $0.99 + Seller Fees Per Item Sold

All sellers need an Amazon seller plan. Plan costs are currently the individual plan, which costs $0 per month + $0.99 per item sold + selling fees, or the professional plan, which costs a flat $39.99 per month + selling fees. An individual plan might be the right choice if you sell fewer than 40 items monthly and don’t need advertising or analytics. The professional plan has many benefits, like advanced reports and analytics, on-site advertising and promotions, and adding multiple users to your seller account.

Amazon FBA Per-Sale Costs

No matter your seller plan, you will pay a wide range of per-item fees when you sell something on Amazon and fulfill your orders through Amazon FBA. Here is an overview of the per-item fees that sellers pay with each transaction:

Amazon Referral Fees

Minimum of $0.30 per item sold. All items sold on Amazon have a referral fee. The fee is a percentage of the sale price, and the rate varies depending on the product category. For example, Amazon device accessories have a referral fee of 45%, while personal computers have a referral fee of 6%. The average referral fee on Amazon is 15%, and the minimum referral fee is $0.30 per item sold.

Amazon FBA Fees

Minimum of $2.47 per order fulfilled. Fulfillment by Amazon is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to manage inventory and fulfillment when selling online, but there are still associated costs and fees. There are two FBA fees: shipping fees for fulfilling orders and storage fees for your inventory. Inventory fees are charged monthly based on the average cubic volume of space your products use in an Amazon fulfillment center. Inventory fees range from $0.48 to $2.40 per cubic foot and triple over the holiday season.

Fulfillment Fees

Fulfillment fees are based on your orders' shipping size and weight, with additional charges over the holiday season. There is also a separate fulfillment category for apparel items. FBA Small & Light orders can ship for as little as $2.47, while oversized and heavy orders can cost upwards of $150 per pound.

Additional FBA Fee

Depending on how much and long you store items in an Amazon fulfillment center, additional fees may exist. Additional Seller Fees Depending on the types of products and services you offer, there are other potential Amazon seller fees, including costs like:

  • Rental book service fees. If you sell textbook rentals on Amazon, there is a service fee of $5.00 per rental.
  • High volume listing fees. If you have many non-media items in your Amazon store that have not sold in 12 months, Amazon may charge $0.005 per item in catalog fees.
  • Refund administration fee. If you refund a paid order to a customer, Amazon refund the referral fee. However, they will subtract a refund administration fee from the amount. The price is either $5.00 or 20% of the referral fee, whichever is less.
  • Miscellaneous seller fees. Depending on the type, size, category, season, or other factors of your specific inventory, additional Amazon seller fees may apply to your business.

Summary of Costs to Start Selling with Amazon FBA

The good news is that getting an Amazon seller account and starting to sell products using Amazon FBA is highly affordable and does not require a significant investment. However, the wide range of fees and costs significantly affect your per-item and per-order prices and profits. To help you price your products correctly, you can use Amazon’s Revenue Calculator to compare fulfillment methods and associated costs. With an individual plan, you can sign up and start selling items on Amazon FBA for a minimum of ~$4.00 per item.

How to Find Suppliers for Amazon FBA

Amazon Programs and Incentives

Amazon has several programs to help new sellers be more successful on the platform. Many of these programs require an investment, but they offer valuable ways to launch and grow your Amazon FBA business. Some of the programs are:

New Seller Incentives

New sellers can benefit from several Amazon programs, including Amazon FBA, Amazon Brand Registry, and Amazon Coupons. Sellers who join these programs can get free Amazon credits for shipping, advertising, or other bonuses.

Perfect Launch

Perfect Launch is an Amazon program designed to help sellers make the most of their first 90 days on Amazon. It provides in-depth education and resources to help you understand and use Amazon FBA, Amazon Brand Registry, Amazon Prime, automated pricing, and other seller tools. On average, Perfect Launch sellers generate more than 6% more revenue in their first year.

SAS Core

SAS Core is more expensive but takes advantage of Amazon’s experts to give you individual guidance, recommendations, and special programs and deals. For $1,600 per month + 0.3% of your sales, you can get personalized operational support, guidance, strategy, and unique opportunities for your Amazon FBA business.

Conclusion

Nearly one-third of Amazon FBA sellers launch their business with less than $1,000 in capital, making it an extremely affordable way to establish a retail business. Choosing the right products and offering them at the right prices is the key to success with Amazon FBA, and you can get started with a small amount of investment capital.

· 5 min read

How to Find Suppliers for Amazon FBA

Once you’ve chosen your niche and researched which products to sell, finding the right supplier is crucial for success on Amazon FBA. The price and quality of products, as well as the professionalism and reliability of your supplier, determines how you will run your business and how much money you can make. Here is a guide to how to find suppliers for Amazon FBA.

Different Types of Wholesale Suppliers

Generally speaking, when you sell products on Amazon, you will purchase them wholesale. This means you will be buying products in large quantities for a discount, so you can resell them for a profit. However, when you have large quantities of products, you also need to consider the cost of storing large amounts of inventory, so make sure to include FBA’s storage fees in your price calculations.

There are several different types of wholesale suppliers. Here are the primary categories:

Manufacturer

The manufacturer is the business that makes the product.

Distributor

A distributor facilitates sales of products from the manufacturer to wholesalers and/or retailers. They may carry products from several different manufacturers but usually specializes in a specific industry or product category.

Wholesaler

A wholesaler buys products in bulk to resell them to retailers. A wholesaler usually carries products from many different manufacturers and may carry products in a wide range of categories.

Retailer

A retailer buys smaller quantities of products to sell them directly to consumers.

As we all know, the more businesses involved in a transaction, the higher the costs because every middleman makes a profit from every transaction stage. Many retailers try to buy directly from the manufacturer to reduce costs. On the other hand, many manufacturers keep their costs down by dealing with a distributor rather than hiring their own sales and distribution staff. Depending on the product and company, you may or may not be able to buy it directly. Remember that when purchasing directly from the manufacturer, you may need to coordinate shipping your wholesale products from the manufacturer to an Amazon fulfillment center. They usually manage moving products from a factory to the fulfillment center when working with a distributor.

One advantage of working with a wholesaler is that the wholesaler usually already has products in your country, regardless of the country of origin or manufacture. This means you don’t have to manage import and customs shipping and fees, making it easier for your products to reach a local Amazon fulfillment center. When importing products from overseas, it can be worthwhile to pay more to work with an experienced wholesaler rather than managing the import process yourself. Finally, buying from a wholesaler can be highly efficient since they specialize in selling and distributing wholesale products and are accustomed to serving customers who will resell the goods.

How to Find Suppliers for Amazon FBA

How to Find Suppliers for Amazon FBA

Depending on your product type, there are many ways to find suppliers for your Amazon store. Here are some of the best ways to find suppliers for products to sell on Amazon FBA:

Go Directly to the Manufacturer

Working directly with the manufacturer gives you the best product wholesale price. You can often find products that sell well on Amazon; look up the manufacturer and contact them to buy directly. Not all manufacturers will sell directly; some work exclusively through certain distributors, but it is worth researching.

Contact a Distributor

In most cases, you can search online for distributors of your specific product or product category. There are specialty distributors for nearly every product type, so use the relevant terms and find wholesale distributors.

Use a Wholesale Directory

There are a number of online directories that list wholesalers, making it easy to find wholesalers in your category. In fact, a number of wholesalers are specialized in Amazon FBA and already have a supply chain that can deliver products to an Amazon fulfillment center for you.

Visit a Trade Show

Trade shows are a great way to meet distributors and wholesale suppliers face to face and allow you to find new and unusual products, setting you apart from the competition. You can see and test products in person by attending a trade show, meeting suppliers, and building stronger relationships. Nearly every industry has an annual trade show, and attending is an excellent investment in your Amazon FBA business.

Purchase the Product At Retail

In most cases, paying retail prices is the most expensive way to supply your Amazon store. However, buying them for resale may be the most efficient method for specialty, rare, or handmade goods.

Because Amazon is such a large marketplace with such a global reach, many suppliers specialize in working with Amazon sellers. If you are new to Amazon FBA, working with an experienced Amazon supplier may be the best option, even if it is not the most affordable.

Every step in your product's journey from the factory to your customer costs money, and various paths are available. Therefore, it is a good idea to calculate your supply chain in several ways to determine which method is most efficient and affordable. Depending on your products, suppliers, and region, there are dozens of ways to configure your supply chain, with differing costs and time frames.

Finally, remember that the suppliers and supply chain that is best for your Amazon store when it is new and small may not be the best option later on as your business grows. It’s a good idea to revisit these questions and calculations every year or two to ensure you are still getting the best deal for your business.

· 6 min read

How to Get Approved for Amazon FBA

Fulfillment by Amazon is a program that has made it possible for ordinary people to start a retail business and deliver orders worldwide. While it is not the only way to manage online order fulfillment, it is simple, affordable, and designed to perfectly complement the Amazon marketplace. It is also the most efficient way to sell products using Amazon Prime, accessing Amazon's most committed customers. Let's learn more about Amazon FBA and how to get approved for Amazon FBA.

What is Amazon FBA?

FBA stands for Fulfilled By Amazon and is Amazon's order fulfillment service. Fulfillment consists of three essential components:

Inventory Storage

Retailers need space to store products before customers order them. This space might be a warehouse, storage facility, or a portion of a retail store where items can be stored. The space must be clean, dry, and organized, so that stored items are not damaged and can be retrieved quickly.

Order Packaging

The necessary items must be gathered in the storage facility when orders are placed and packaged for shipping. In most cases, individual products are packaged in a jar, bag, box, etc., and then they must be placed in a second box, bag, or envelope for shipping. When an order contains multiple products or fragile or delicate items, the items need to be packaged together or with special care.

Order Shipping

Once packaged, orders need to be shipped. Shipping costs usually vary based on the size and weight of the item, and may also have additional charges for faster delivery, etc. With their associated costs, orders are labeled and priced for shipping by UPS, USPS, DHL, and other carriers.

In many cases, online businesses use different services and vendors for these various components of the fulfillment process. Using different vendors may be a good way to fulfill specialty products like hand-blown glass or grand pianos, and may also be more affordable in some instances. However, it also requires the business owner to manage and coordinate different vendors, services, and contracts. Many Amazon sellers find it easiest and most convenient to use Amazon to manage all these aspects of their online retail business.

Benefits of Amazon FBA

Many sellers choose Amazon FBA for convenience and ease of use rather than contracting their fulfillment service (called "self-fulfillment). However, those who use Amazon FBA while selling on Amazon have other unique benefits not available to self-fulfill sellers. The most significant benefits of Amazon FBA for Amazon sellers are:

Amazon Prime

While it is occasionally possible for self-fulfilling retailers to qualify for Amazon Prime (the program is currently closed and waitlisted), sellers who use Amazon FBA can sell using Amazon Prime. Over 200 million people worldwide are signed up for Amazon Prime, and many will only order items that qualify for Prime. In addition, Prime items may be prioritized in Amazon searches. Joining Amazon Prime is a key way to grow your business on Amazon, and it is best accessed through Amazon FBA.

Customer Service

As we all know, sometimes things go wrong with online orders. For sellers who self-fulfill, especially if multiple vendors are involved, it may take extra time and many phone calls to check the status of an order: Has it been packaged? Has it been dispatched? Has it been shipped? Because Amazon and Amazon FBA are a single service, customers can use Amazon to check in on their order status, contact customer service, and process complaints and refunds. This allows sellers to offer excellent customer service and comprehensive information about their orders and refunds without managing these inquiries or tracking down the information.

Inventory Tracking

Keeping track of orders and inventory is always necessary when selling online. The number of items you have in storage needs to be consistent with the number of things you offer in your online shop. There are different tools to help sellers manage inventory. Still, when the retail storefront and inventory storage and fulfillment are handled by Amazon, it is much easier to coordinate how much product you have and how much you need.

How to Get Approved for Amazon FBA

How to Get Approved for Restricted Product Categories

Using Amazon FBA

Naturally, not all products are available on Amazon, and FBA will not carry all types of products. FBA prohibits dangerous goods, hazardous materials, alcoholic beverages, etc. Sometimes, you can offer those products in the Amazon marketplace but not fulfill orders with FBA. If you plan to sell restricted items, carefully check the guidelines.

There are specific categories of products that sellers must be pre-approved to sell on Amazon. Generally, these are expensive products like jewelry and watches, fine art, certain collectibles, game consoles, etc. There are also special restrictions on prestige brands designed to prevent counterfeit products.

Here is how to sell restricted products on Amazon:

  1. When you add a product to your shop, you may see a notification that the product is restricted. There may be an "apply now" button next to the product name.
  2. If there is no "apply now" button, the product is not eligible to be sold on Amazon, even if it has previously been sold.
  3. When you click "apply now," you will be taken to the application to sell. The information required on the application depends on the type of product you are listing. In the case of expensive or designer products, you may be required to submit original purchase invoices, certifications of authenticity, etc. You may also be asked to provide photographs or other compliance documentation. Your application will be denied if any of this information is missing or illegible.

If your request is denied, you can request approval again with the complete and correct documentation.

If Amazon marketplace or Amazon FBA determines the product or your account is ineligible to be listed or fulfilled, you don't have the option to appeal; if you really want to sell or fulfill those products or orders, you need to find another marketplace. However, for most ordinary products and sellers, Amazon FBA is the easiest and most convenient way to keep your business profitable and your customers happy.

· 7 min read

Have you ever considered earning income from your blog - without the stress of endlessly writing or promoting it? It seems like a dream, but it is not.

Publishing content regularly is a daunting task. With all the hard work of researching, editing, and writing at the end of the day your earnings are at the mercy of the amount of time you put in. To make things worse, it also varies on the nature of your topic, keywords, and advertising trends. Hence, instead of putting all of your eggs in one basket, you must look for other ways to generate income.

Here comes the very (in)famous idea of earning passive income while sleeping by blogging. Let’s discuss five ways to make a passive income that require no writing on your part.

There are several passive ways to earn money from blogging. Some include monetizing your blog with advertising and affiliate programs and selling products and services derived from the content on your site.

Each of these methods has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to consider all of your options before settling on a particular approach. Don’t forget that using multiple approaches might work for you!

1. Affiliate Marketing - No Marketing Degree Is Required To Get Started

Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn passive income from blogging. Depending on your blog's niche, you can generate affiliate commissions through sponsorships, advertisements, and charging for products and services. Once you have established a following and developed relationships with your readers, monetisation possibilities abound.

To get started with affiliate marketing through blogging, it's important to set up an effective blog strategy.

  • First, identify your target market. This will help you determine which products to promote and which topics to write about.
  • Create quality content that will interest your target market and help your readers learn about the products you're promoting.

To help you on your journey, we’ve built our very own training course on how to integrate Amazon Affiliates into your blog that you can check out here.

2. Published E-books - Write Your Opinion To Make a Living Forever

If you love creative writing (rather than writing blog posts), publishing ebooks on your blog can become a source of extra income for you. You can start a blog about ebooks and write articles about how to sell, as well as provide tips for buying and reading ebooks.

This will help you to set up yourself as a credible person. Adding links to your ebook in these articles will help you to divert potential buyers to your product. But before doing so, the following are important tips that you must follow to be successful in this business.

  • Make sure your book is perfectly written. This is one of the most important aspects of selling ebooks online. If your writing isn't up to the mark, prospective buyers will quickly lose interest.
  • The cover design of the ebook is also critical. Make sure your cover stands out and grabs attention. Pay attention to both the title and the subtitle so that you can create an effective sales pitch.
  • Offer free excerpts or previews of your book so that people can get a taste for what they're buying before actually committing to purchase it. This will also help you gauge how well your writing is striking a chord with potential customers.
  • Be prepared to offer steep discounts on your eBook when it first goes on sale in order to entice people into buying it.

3. Sell Personal Resources- Best Way To Advance Your Business Sales

If you have valuable personal resources that you can offer to others, blogging can be an excellent way to generate passive income. By writing quality content about your product and building an engaged following, you can generate recurring revenue.

Here are some tips for selling personal resources through blogging:

  • Identify your niche. Before starting a blog, you first need to identify your target market. Once you know who you’re speaking to, start thinking about what topics would be of interest to them. Then, research the latest trends and explore how your unique skills could benefit others in your market.
  • Plan your posts wisely. When writing blog posts to sell your product, consider the purpose of each piece before diving in. Your aim should be to provide valuable insights that can help people improve their lives.
  • Be consistent with your brand messaging. When it comes time to promote your product online, make sure all the components of your branding are in line – from the look and feel of your site to the tone of your voice (and everything in between).

4. Digital Products - One-Time Investment To Earn Lifetime

Bloggers can sell digital products by blogging to generate passive income. This type of product can be anything digital like tools or software that can be downloaded or streamed.

Such products just need a one-time investment and enable you to earn profit for the rest of your life. You can sell your developed software or buy them from other websites.

When selling digital products, tools, and software on your blog, make sure to include the following elements:

  • Digital products are visual objects, so make sure you present them well. If a potential customer can't see how amazing your product is right away, they're likely not going to buy it. Use high-quality graphics and templates to create well-designed visuals that will draw in your viewers.
  • If you have a digital product tool or software that's different from the others on the market, be sure to feature it prominently on your blog. Compare your product's features and pricing against those of other popular counterparts, and let potential buyers know why your specific product is better value for money.
  • Add clear information about how to download and use the product. Your blog visitors want easy access to information about using your digital products tool or software. Include clear instructions on downloading and installing the software, as well as any necessary user guides. Showcase screenshots of users successfully using the product so that potential buyers can see how it works in practice before buying.

5. Online Courses - Share Your Knowledge To Make Money for Life

Selling online courses through blogging is a great way to share your knowledge and expertise with others, and it can be very lucrative and profitable. It doesn't matter what type of educational background you have, you will find students to offer paid courses to generate extra income.

If you're interested in selling online teaching courses on your blog there are a few things you'll need to consider.

  • Decide what type, of course, you want to offer. Are you a teacher looking to add an extra income stream? You can record videos related to your area of expertise and upload them on your website.
  • Once you've decided on the type of course, think about what other sites are selling similar courses. If you're offering a course on photoshop or baking, for example, look at other blogs that sell similar courses and see what features they offer that make their courses stand out.
  • Next, create a template for your course page to create a professional design. Finally, create a listing for your course and attach an appropriate payment accepting method.

Conclusion - Final Thoughts

Blogging is a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world, but it's not always easy to make a living from it. There are however plenty of passive ways to earn money from your blog, and this guide showed you the top five methods to get started.

Whether you're a teacher who wants to sell your knowledge, a business owner, or a creative writer, this guide has covered everything you need to run a successful side business without any hassle.