Every new Amazon seller makes mistakes. The difference between those who succeed and those who quit is learning from them quickly. Here are the 10 most common mistakes I see.
1. Choosing the Wrong Product
The product is everything. If the market is too competitive, the margins too thin, or the demand too low, no amount of PPC or listing optimisation will save you. Spend more time on product research, not less.
2. Underestimating Costs
Amazon fees, PPC costs, returns, and shipping add up to 35–45% of your selling price. If your product margins don't account for this, you'll lose money on every sale.
3. Terrible Product Photos
Your main image is seen by every potential customer. Phone photos on a bedsheet are not acceptable. Invest in professional photography or learn to do it properly.
4. Ignoring PPC
New products with zero reviews won't rank organically. PPC is essential for launch and growth, not optional.
5. No Keyword Research
If your listing doesn't contain the keywords customers search for, they'll never find you. Research and optimise before launch.
6. Running Out of Stock
A stock-out kills your organic ranking. It takes weeks to recover. Order early and keep safety stock.
7. Not Understanding Amazon Fees
FBA fees, referral fees, storage fees, returns processing — know exactly what each sale costs you before you start.
8. Copying Competitor Listings
Copying gets you a mediocre listing at best. Do your own keyword research, take your own photos, and write original copy.
9. Giving Up Too Early
Most Amazon products take 3–6 months to gain traction. If you quit after 6 weeks, you never gave it a chance.
10. Not Tracking Data
If you're not tracking sessions, conversion rate, ACoS, TACoS, and profit per unit, you're flying blind.
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