Are you making any of these Amazon seller mistakes?
Introduction
Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days.
Even titans stumble.
In an attempt to compete with Pepsi, Coca Cola replaced their original recipe with a sweeter version. Consumers revolted, missing the familiar taste, and Coca-Cola was forced to bring back the classic formula.
Netflix’s decision in 2011 to separate its streaming service from its DVD rental business backfired tremendously. Customers who enjoyed the convenience of both options felt alienated by the split, leading to subscriber losses.
Remember Google+?(2011-2019) Despite a massive marketing push, Google’s attempt to compete with Facebook never gained significant traction.
Mistakes are subtle, but they do significant damage.
One small mistake can lead to Amazon suspending your listing, crippling your sales. An error in managing your PPC campaigns can cause your ACOS (Advertising Cost of Sales) to skyrocket, draining your budget. Mismanaging inventory can result in stockouts, leading to lost sales and lowered rankings. Incorrectly listing your product can confuse customers and hurt your credibility. A single bad review can snowball into negative feedback and tank your ranking.
These are just a few examples of how seemingly small missteps can wreak havoc on your Amazon business. By staying vigilant and avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll navigate the platform with confidence and keep your sales soaring.
This blog lists the most common mistakes that Amazon sellers make, providing insights on how to avoid them and ensuring your business thrives.
Top Amazon seller mistakes that are killing your sales
Mistake 1: Selling a low quality product
Would you buy your product? Would you pay the money you are charging for your product? If not, then don’t bother selling it. Selling a low-quality product is a recipe for disaster.
You might snag a few sales initially, but no one will come back to buy more. Customers who won’t be satisfied with your product will be disappointed, frustrated and leave a negative review.
This “race to the bottom” mentality, often seen with some suppliers on platforms like Alibaba, prioritizes the cheapest price over quality. Don’t fall into that trap!
Instead we recommend spending a little bit more and investing in sourcing high quality materials, implementing quality control measures and being transparent about your product’s features.
Remember, on Amazon, reputation is key. Focus on quality, and you’ll cultivate loyal customers who keep coming back for more.
Mistake 2: Not doing EVERYTHING whitehat you can to get at least 35 reviews
93% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase. And according to studies, 97% of them consider reviews when making buying decisions. Products with a healthy collection of reviews are a whopping 270% more likely to be bought than those without!
These stats highlight the power of reviews. They act like social proof, build trust and influence buying decisions. By focusing on getting more positive reviews, brands can organically boost their sales without relying solely on paid advertising.
Here are some simple, effective strategies for sellers and Amazon seller consultant to get more reviews
- Exceed expectations: Go the extra mile with your customer service. A friendly note thanking them for their business and a small freebie can leave a lasting impression.
- Product inserts: Include a nicely designed card in your packaging. Thank the customer for their purchase and politely ask them to leave a review if they’re happy with the product. Consider a QR code linking directly to the review page for easy access.
- Amazon’s “Request a Review” button: This is a powerful tool! Within 4-30 days of purchase, you can use Seller Central to request a review from each customer.
Mistake 3: Advertising first and optimizing the listing later
Stop filling water in a leaky bucket. You may spend hundreds of dollars driving traffic to your product page, but what if that traffic vanishes without a single sale? That’s what happens when your listing isn’t optimized for conversions.
Traffic doesn’t equal sales. You attracted attention, but if your listing is riddled with blurry photos, lacks essential details, or features negative reviews, those clicks won’t convert. Customers will bounce away frustrated, leaving you with an empty wallet and no sales.
Before you spend any money on advertising, invest time in optimizing your listing for conversions. This means using high-quality product photos, writing descriptions that highlight features and benefits, and addressing any negative reviews head-on. Hire Amazon SEO experts if you don’t know how to optimize Amazon listings professionally.
Mistake 4: Signing up from a dozen Amazon seller courses
There’s a wealth of knowledge available online, but sometimes, less is more. Signing up for a dozen Amazon courses can be overwhelming and counterproductive.
Most newbie Amazon sellers make the mistake of enrolling in many courses. But each course likely offers its own approach and strategies. This can lead to confusion and analysis paralysis, making it difficult to take action.
What works for one seller might not be ideal for yours. Courses often focus on generic strategies and they often neglect the unique needs of your specific product and target audience.
The best learning comes from doing. Instead of passively consuming information, prioritize taking action and applying your knowledge to your Amazon business. Analyze your sales data, experiment with different strategies, and see what works best for you.
Mistake 5: Thinking that Amazon is DIY
It’s not.
Successfully managing an Amazon account requires a diverse skill set. It requires proficiency in a range of areas like SEO optimization, product copywriting, graphic design, data analysis, and marketing.
The reality is that no single person can become a master of all these trades. Even if you manage to learn everything, the sheer volume of tasks will leave you with little time to effectively manage your business.
This is why it’s wise to hire an expert team like eSeller World. As Amazon experts who handle these tasks daily, we have the expertise and experience to manage your Amazon account efficiently. By entrusting professionals, you can focus on growing your business while ensuring every aspect of your Amazon presence is optimized.
Bonus: Other FBA selling mistakes
- Focusing on features over benefits: Sellers get caught up in listing all the features of their product, but forget to explain how those features benefit the customer.
- Not understanding your ideal customer: If you don’t know who you’re selling to, you can’t tailor your pitch to their needs and wants.
- Poor communication: This includes things like talking too much, not listening to the customer’s needs, and making unclear or confusing statements.
- Selling on price alone: Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only factor you focus on. Highlight the value proposition of your product or service.
- Arrogance or negativity: No one wants to buy from someone who seems arrogant or negative. Be professional and courteous in all your interactions with potential customers.
- Not following Amazon’s rules and regulations: Amazon has strict policies that sellers must follow, and violating these policies can result in account suspension or termination. Some common mistakes include selling prohibited items, manipulating reviews, and engaging in inauthentic behavior.
