Alright, here I am, back in the ring, trying (and possibly failing) once more. Despite the doom and gloom thoughts I had a few days ago, and that overwhelming feeling that I just couldn’t handle another round of “try-and-fail,” here I am, giving it another go. So, let’s dive back in and start again!

How to Sell Stuff on Amazon: My (Almost) Smooth Start

I’ve been planning for years (yes, years) to open an Amazon store. I thought, “Why not try to sell my digital and print-on-demand (POD) products on Amazon?” Finally, yesterday, after way too much time overthinking, I took the plunge. It started off with excitement, then quickly shifted into “What did I get myself into?”

If you’re curious about how to sell stuff on Amazon and want to learn from my experiences, stick around. Whether you’re considering Amazon for your art, designs, or even physical products, let’s dive into this journey together – laughs, groans, and all!

Step One: Verification, Or “Why So Many Forms?”

First things first – Amazon needs to know who you are. Sure, that makes sense, but I expected the digital age to make this process fast. You know, you type in your info, upload your ID, and you’re set to go! Nope. Reality check: the verification process on Amazon is like jumping through a series of virtual hoops.

Here’s how it went down for me:

1. Document Overload: Amazon asked for various documents – personal ID, proof of address (i.e. fresh bank statement), and some more verification of my identity.
2. Photos That Have to Be Just Right: Amazon’s system wants your documents to be clear and recognizable, which makes sense. But if they don’t like the quality of the upload, it’s back to square one. Imagine doing this a few times in a row. Fun, right?

After what felt like a lifetime (okay, maybe just a few hours), I finally got verified. So, note to self: have all your documents ready, and make sure they’re crystal clear to avoid redoing the whole upload marathon.

Step Two: Paying to Verify Your Bank Account… Again and Again

Here’s a little-known tidbit: before you can sell on Amazon, you also need to verify your bank account – and Amazon charges a small amount for this, typically around €1 or $1. Now, that might not sound like much, but here’s the catch: if you choose to sell on multiple marketplaces, you’ll need to verify your bank account for each market separately.

Yup, that means a new €1 or $1 charge for each marketplace. If you’re setting up in ten or more markets, that fee adds up fast!

Quick Tip:

It’s worth keeping in mind that these verification charges are non-refundable, so if you’re not set on a specific marketplace, don’t verify it until you’re sure you’ll use it.

Step Three: Connecting My Print-on-Demand Store… or Trying To

My plan was to sell my POD (Print-on-Demand) products on Amazon. This sounded simple enough – connect the POD store to Amazon, and voilà, my products would be ready to go, right? Wrong.

Here’s what I didn’t realize: connecting Amazon to my POD store was a whole separate adventure. The process involved mapping each product and its variations, like T-shirt sizes, and syncing inventory between the two platforms. Sounds straightforward? Think again! I’ve been getting stuck left and right, trying to match each product variation to Amazon listings. For some reason, I can’t even see the product variations like sizes and colors, and I’m not sure what to do about it.

And it’s not just me – apparently, others are also struggling with Amazon’s form loading speed. Even after switching browsers and clearing cookies, it drags along at a snail’s pace. I finally decided to put it down, take a break, and give it a day or two to avoid losing my mind entirely!

Step Four: Selecting Marketplaces… And Getting Overwhelmed

Amazon doesn’t mess around when it comes to global selling. They give you options to list your products on multiple marketplaces like the U.S., Europe, Asia, and more. At first, I thought, “Why not select them all?!” but it turns out each market comes with its own setup requirements. Facepalm.

The Lesson I Learned Here:

Unless you’re ready to manage descriptions, prices, and inventory for each market separately, maybe start small. I quickly learned I’d prefer to focus on just two or three markets for now.

Amazon offers markets like the U.S., UK, France and Germany, but remember that each comes with its own demands. Think carefully about where your audience is and narrow down your list to make things easier.

Step Five: The Brandless Dilemma – Selling Without a GTIN

Now, you might be wondering, “What is a GTIN?” It stands for Global Trade Item Number – a unique code for each product sold on Amazon. Here’s the twist: if you don’t have a registered brand, you’ll need to apply for a GTIN exemption. Basically, it’s a process to sell “generic” or unbranded products, which Amazon allows if you jump through a few more hoops.

My Experience Applying for GTIN Exemption:

1. Upload Product Photos: Yes, you need to take pictures of your products to prove that they are real.
2. Describe Your Product: Amazon requires a detailed description in the application. Be patient because the form is slow, and you may find yourself clicking “next” more times than you’d like.

If you’re going down the unbranded route, make sure to follow the steps carefully and take your time. It’s a bit of a drag, but once you’re done, you’re set to sell without a registered brand!

Setting Up Listings: Photos, Descriptions, and Pricing

With all the technicalities out of the way, I was finally ready to start listing my products. But don’t think it’s just a simple “upload and go” situation. Oh no, Amazon wants to see your best work here – especially in the product photos and descriptions.

What to Keep in Mind for Amazon Listings:

• Photos Matter: Your photos need to be high quality. Amazon is known for its standards, so avoid anything blurry or pixelated.
• Descriptive Descriptions: Write clear, detailed descriptions. Amazon’s audience wants to know exactly what they’re getting.
• Set Realistic Prices: Look at similar products and price competitively. Too high, and no one will buy. Too low, and you might not make any profit!

Listing your products feels like a mini-project for each one, so be prepared to invest some time here. But hey, it’s worth it for a well-crafted Amazon store.

Final Thoughts and Amazon Store Tips

Amazon’s setup process is a bit of a beast, especially for new sellers, but once you’re over the initial hurdles, things do get easier. Here are a few quick tips if you’re thinking of selling on Amazon:

1. Organize Your Documents: Have all your paperwork ready from the start to make verification smoother (bank statement!).
2. Budget for Bank Verifications: Remember that each marketplace you want to sell on will require a small fee to verify your bank account – typically around €1 or $1.
3. Start Small with Marketplaces: Don’t overwhelm yourself by selling everywhere; focus on your main market(s).
4. GTIN Exemption: If you’re not selling branded items, get that GTIN exemption but be prepared for some waiting.
5. Listings Are Key: Take great photos (or use very good mockups), write clear descriptions, and price smartly.
6. Take a Breather with POD Setups: If you’re selling POD products, be prepared for a bit of trial and error with connections and product mapping. And when it gets too frustrating, remember – there’s no harm in taking a break!

If you’re curious about what I’m working on while setting up my Amazon store, feel free to check out my Etsy shop, Five Cats Graphics. There’s a 25% sale running until the end of November! So, while Amazon has me running in circles, you can still snag some of my designs at a discount.

Selling on Amazon isn’t a breeze, but with patience, a sense of humor, and a bit of persistence, it can be a rewarding experience. So, who’s ready to give it a try? Just remember to breathe… and maybe keep some snacks handy for those long forms!