In this week’s FBA Newsletter: Buy Box Lost to Amazon, Amazon Vehicles, Insider Look at Chinese Sellers, and Not so shocking Amazon facts!
Hi guys, there’s a buzz in some FB groups again this week with more talk of change to the reseller policy as well as new hijacker methods taking over listings appearing as Amazon. Let’s hope for a speedy fix…if that’s possible.
Cheers, Leanne
I lost the buy box to Amazon FB post Amazon FBA High Rollers group – Kevin King
What is it about?
This Facebook post has a huge number of comments. It appears that Kevin lost the buy box to Amazon, however upon further investigation that might not be the case. Are Chinese sellers using Vendor Express to gain access to your listing and then make it seem like Amazon is selling your product? Sounds like it. Solution is to send a C&D Letter directly to Amazon and it should within 2 days see the hijacker gone.
Why does it matter?
If you recall in last week’s newsletter I suggested a 3 part podcast series with Amazon veteran Kevin King, and now the man himself is getting caught up in hijackings. It’s a friendly reminder that even the most experienced of FBA sellers have issue with selling on the Amazon platform, but together as a community, be it a Facebook group in this case, we can solve problems and quickly share solutions. I urge you to find a group you like and become a contributing member.
Amazon Vehicles – What Does it Mean for Amazon and Entrepreneurs? By FE International
What is it about?
Amazon is working on a new, little known or advertised section called Amazon Vehicles which is an “automotive community”. The article breaks down the possible direction of this new venture, what it might do to the car purchasing industry whilst also offering up opportunities to FBA sellers looking to capitalise on this new market.
Why does it matter?
Great write up on the opportunities of this Amazon expansion by the guys at FE International. This has the potential to be the start of something huge for both Amazon, and entrepreneurs within the automobile space. Five years from now we could look back at the creation of Amazon Vehicles and realize it was the start of Amazon’s entry into the multi-billion-dollar market that is autonomous driving.
Living in Hong Kong, I try to learn more about Chinese sellers on Amazon FB post – Amazing FBA by Peter Zapf
What is it about?
Peter is a long time resident of Hong Kong and an expert in sourcing from China. In this post he gives a brief but interesting overview of what’s going on in China in regards to Amazon and being an FBA seller. He also discusses the mindset of some Chinese sellers vs others, being that some want to ensure the represent China in a positive light while others are quickly trying to make use of black-hat tactics. Definitely worth a read.
Why does it matter?
Whether you like it or not Chinese sellers are here to stay and if you want to compete with them, the best thing to do is to better understand your competition. You can’t stop change, and any seller in a great niche will tell you it doesn’t last forever. So you’ll need to pivot, expand, seller, diversify, or maybe even change niches. I don’t know which of these might describe your future path, but one will happen. Go in eyes wide open and see the competition coming, ok!
PS: See more from Peter with this video interview Learn About Sourcing Private Label Products from China on the Seller Labs website.
10 Amazon Statistics That Will Shock Every Seller By Seller Labs
What is it about?
With its clickbait heading this article does provide some value, however I don’t think it’s going to shock you. While the majority of the post covers things you likely already know there are a few stats that did raise an eyebrow.
8. In 2015, 51% of shoppers planned to do “most” of their holiday shopping on Amazon.
10. Nearly twice as many millennials use Amazon Prime compared to baby boomers. Smart Amazon sellers who are eligible for Prime should then focus on selling items that are more attractive to a younger demographic.
Why does it matter?
With Q4 upon us all sellers are prepping, getting inventory in, trying to correctly estimate sales without getting hit with too much of a long storage fee. It’s a good reminder that online sales are growing and the Amazon marketplace is the prime spot shoppers go for their free shipping items.
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