How to Sell Video Games on AMAZON For Beginners

Summary

In this video, the host discusses how to start selling on Amazon in 2022 and beyond, sharing insights from a decade of experience. They cover the basics of Merchant Fulfilled and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), explaining how to list items, the benefits of using FBA for increased sales, and the importance of understanding the platform. The host also addresses the challenges of 'ungating' in certain brands and categories, offering strategies and resources, such as a Discord community, to help new sellers navigate the process and grow their business.

Takeaways

• 🕒 The video discusses an upcoming whatnot auction at 2 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday featuring a variety of video games and gaming-related items.
• 🎮 The speaker has been selling on Amazon since 2012, initially using Merchant Fulfilled for about five or six years, which involves listing items and shipping them directly to customers when sold.
• 📚 It's necessary for the items to be in the Amazon catalog to be sold, and Amazon's fees are typically higher than eBay's, but Amazon offers a larger customer base willing to pay a premium.
• 📦 Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service where third-party sellers send their products to Amazon warehouses, which then handle storage, shipping, and customer service for the items.
• 🔢 Approximately 40% of Amazon's revenue comes from third-party sellers, making it a significant part of their business model.
• 🛍️ The video recommends using third-party listing software like Excel List to streamline the process of listing items on Amazon.
• 🏢 When selling through FBA, sellers need to prepare items with barcodes and labels, ensuring the Amazon barcode is the only one visible upon arrival at the warehouse.
• 📈 The speaker emphasizes the importance of starting with Merchant Fulfilled sales to understand the platform before transitioning to FBA.
• 🚫 'Ungating' refers to the process of gaining access to sell certain brands or categories on Amazon, which may require specific strategies or meeting certain requirements.
• 🔗 The video mentions a Discord community as a resource for those interested in selling on Amazon, where members share tips and strategies, including ungating methods.
• 📦 Discussed is the concept of the 'Buy Box' on Amazon, which is a feature that allows for a quick and convenient purchasing option for customers, and becoming eligible for it can significantly impact sales.

Q & A

What is the scheduled time for the Whatnot auction mentioned in the script?

The Whatnot auction is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday.

What types of items are being sold in the Whatnot auction?

The items being sold include complete unboxing of games from Soul Blazer, Final Fantasy 2, Breath of Fire 2, Secret of Evermore, Mario RPG with the manual, Adventures of Link, GameCube items, N64 games, Game Boy Pockets, hobby shop run items, and an authentic Earthbound cartridge for Super Nintendo.

What is the speaker's experience with selling on Amazon?

The speaker has been selling on Amazon since 2012, which is approximately 10 years of experience.

What does 'Merchant fulfilled' mean in the context of Amazon selling?

'Merchant fulfilled' refers to a method where the seller lists an item, stores it at home, and ships it when it sells, similar to eBay, but the item must be in the Amazon catalog.

What is 'Fulfillment by Amazon' (FBA) and how does it work?

'Fulfillment by Amazon' (FBA) is a service where a third-party seller sends their products to an Amazon warehouse. Amazon then stores, ships, and provides customer service for these products. The seller lists the item using software like ExcelList, sends it to an Amazon warehouse, and Amazon handles the rest once the item is received and listed as available.

What are some of the benefits of using FBA over Merchant fulfillment?

FBA benefits include not having to handle shipping or storage, reduced time spent on backend processes, and often being able to sell items at a higher price due to Amazon's customer base and premium service.

What is the process for sending items to Amazon warehouses for FBA?

The process involves listing the item using third-party software, printing the required label with a label printer, packaging the item properly with a clear poly bag and label, and sending it off to an Amazon warehouse in a batch.

What is 'ungating' on Amazon and why is it necessary?

'Ungating' on Amazon refers to the process of gaining permission to sell certain brands or categories that are restricted to ensure only reputable sellers are offering genuine products and providing a good customer experience.

What are some strategies for getting ungated in certain brands on Amazon?

Strategies for ungating include starting an LLC and getting an EIN, ordering directly from distributors to meet invoice requirements, and using unique methods like purchasing from retailers like Kohl's which has been working for some sellers.

How can new sellers get started on Amazon according to the script?

New sellers can get started by creating an Amazon seller account, linking their bank account, and beginning with Merchant fulfillment to understand the platform. After gaining some experience, they can consider FBA and join a community like the reselling Discord for further guidance and strategies.

What is the buy box on Amazon and why is it important for sellers?

The buy box on Amazon is the option for buyers to quickly add an item to their cart without having to compare prices or sellers. Being buy box eligible can significantly increase sales, especially for items like video game systems, as it makes the purchasing process quick and convenient for customers.