How to Sell on Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is an exclusive marketplace within Amazon's extensive e-commerce ecosystem designed specifically for artisans and craftsmen. It provides a dedicated platform where creators can showcase and sell their unique, handcrafted products. Unlike the broader Amazon marketplace, Amazon Handmade caters exclusively to the world of artisanal craftsmanship, making it an attractive choice for creative entrepreneurs.
Amazon Handmade serves as a virtual artisan marketplace, connecting makers with potential customers worldwide. The platform enables artisans to expand their reach far beyond local craft fairs and regional markets, offering the potential for global exposure.
Artisans who join Amazon Handmade can take advantage of Amazon's powerful e-commerce infrastructure, including access to millions of potential customers. This platform not only offers a substantial customer base but also leverages the trust and credibility associated with the Amazon brand. As a result, artisans can gain exposure, grow their businesses, and enjoy the convenience of Amazon's seller tools, making it an attractive choice for those looking to share their unique handmade creations with the world.
Choosing the Right Handmade Products to Sell
One of the most critical decisions you'll make as an Amazon Handmade seller is selecting the products you want to offer. Consider your passion and expertise. What do you genuinely enjoy creating? Identifying your unique skills and interests will help you select products that align with your creative talents.
Next, delve into market research. Determine what handmade products are in demand and align with your niche. This step is critical for identifying your target audience and finding a profitable product niche.
Use tools like Helium 10 to determine the profitability of products. This way, you can make sure that you are able to price your products fairly.
How You Can Start Selling on Amazon Handmade
Because Amazon Handmade is specific to handmade products only, you need to apply and request for Amazon's approval before you can start selling.
To register, you need to have a Professional Selling account (now at $39.99 per month). So if you already sell on Amazon but using the Individual Plan, you have to upgrade to the Professional Plan. But don't worry because after you get approved, this monthly fee will be waived after the first month. Amazon will then make its money through the 15% referral fee you make in every sale.
After you get approved, you need to create your shop and listings just like any other third-party seller. Creating the shop and listings is free.
How to Price Your Handmade Products
Just like any other product sold on Amazon, pricing your handmade items involves multiple factors, including your production costs, overhead, and the perceived value of your products. To set your prices, calculate the total cost of creating your items, taking into account materials, labor, and any additional expenses. Consider how much profit you'd like to earn per sale.
Next, factor in the fees associated with selling on Amazon Handmade, such as referral fees and subscription fees. You should also account for taxes and any shipping costs you may incur.
Fulfillment and Shipping
Once you've set up your listings and customers start making purchases, you'll need to consider order fulfillment. Amazon Handmade offers two primary options: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and self-fulfillment.
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a convenient choice for many sellers. With FBA, you send your handmade products to Amazon's fulfillment centers, and they handle storage, packing, shipping, and customer service. This option can save you time and streamline your operations. However, it does come with associated fees.
On the other hand, self-fulfillment means you handle every aspect of the order process, from storing inventory to packing and shipping orders. While self-fulfillment offers more control, it also requires more effort and logistics management on your part.
Choose the fulfillment method that aligns best with your business goals, resources, and customer service preferences.
How to Manage Your Amazon Handmade Inventory
Efficient inventory management and order processing are crucial aspects of a successful Amazon Handmade business. Regardless of your chosen fulfillment method, staying on top of inventory and orders is essential for delivering a seamless customer experience.
If you opt for self-fulfillment, you'll need to manage your inventory diligently. Keep track of your stock levels, set up reorder alerts for low-stock items, and ensure you have the necessary packing materials and shipping supplies on hand.
When orders come in, process them promptly. Amazon Handmade provides tools to help you manage your orders, print shipping labels, and communicate with buyers. Timely order processing is crucial for meeting customer expectations and ensuring positive feedback.
Shipping is a critical component of the customer experience. Your choice of shipping strategies can impact customer satisfaction, repeat business, and your reputation as an Amazon Handmade seller.
Consider the following aspects of shipping:
- Packaging. Choose appropriate packaging materials that protect your handmade items during transit. Invest in packaging that reflects the quality and care put into your products.
- Shipping costs. Understand the various factors that contribute to your shipping costs, such as package weight, dimensions, and shipping speed. These costs can impact your profitability, so it's crucial to price your products accordingly.
- Returns and customer inquiries. Be prepared to handle returns and customer inquiries with professionalism and efficiency. A straightforward return policy and responsive customer service can boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Shipping options. Amazon Handmade offers different shipping options, including standard and expedited shipping. Providing multiple choices can cater to a broader range of customer preferences.
By addressing these aspects and continually optimizing your shipping process, you can ensure that your customers receive their handmade products in excellent condition and within the promised timeframe. This can lead to positive reviews and build a strong reputation for your Amazon Handmade business.
Conclusion
Selling on Amazon Handmade offers a unique opportunity for artisans and craftsmen to showcase their handmade products to a global audience. Stay informed about Amazon's policies and industry trends while continuously improving your craftsmanship to help you maintain a thriving presence on Amazon Handmade and enjoy the rewards of sharing your handmade creations with the world.