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Roll Call, who is enjoying the Seller experience in 2025?
Having just created a Seller account, I came to the forums in hope of finding information helpful for beginners, but I was a bit disappointed to see such negative sentiment. That said, knowing negative feedback is often the loudest, I figure there must some of you who are still going strong in 2025.
So, who is enjoying the Seller in experience in 2025, and what's the best piece of advice you could give a newbie?
Background: I work a 9-5 and I'm looking into this as a way to bring in extra money, either through FBA or FBM (haven't decided yet). I don't have a private label product but would be interested in going that route once I've become familiar with the platform and first found success with OA or wholesale.
I've found Seller University to be helpful for understanding the platform, but it doesn't go as deep into the principles behind e-commerce as I was hoping. Shipping, fulfillment, and pricing, I feel good about. Product Discovery is where I'm hung up and would appreciate guidance. What are you using for product discovery? Second, any tips for Sourcing Suppliers? What qualities do possess as a seller that you believe have helped you secure sourcing deals?
Thanks,
Ciabatta
17 replies
Seller_rI7BZIczK8iAC
Learn, learn, learn! Selling on Amazon is VERY difficult. Amazon doesn't prevent, doesn't warn, doesn't forgive. ONE mistake and your account is suspended forever. So, take 4-5 weeks and learn here:
https://sellercentral.amazon.com/learn
No longer possible on Amazon. You will need INVOICES (not receipts) from authorized distributers (no retail websites, no stores) and a "Letter of Authorization" from each brand.
Seller_EekHfgdpVJJTi
EXPECT MORE RETURNS THAN YOU THINK. BUDGET FOR IT.
I HAD 50 YEARS IN MY INDUSTRY AND IT IS STILL TRICKY SOURCING SUPPLIERS .ONLY DEAL WITH SUPPLIERS WHO WANT YOU TO SUCCEED !
Seller_mDEehBekKsbKQ
It’s nowhere near as much fun, near as successful, and near as profitable as it used to be.
All the new AMZ (unnecessary job-security) Developer changes, influx/growth of overseas Sellers, and threat of the U.S. recession, are tanking sales in 2025 for this particular Seller. I suspect that it's the same for most other small and mid-sized Sellers on this marketplace.
Be sure to study Seller University in depth, and make sure that all of your i's are dotted and t's are crossed otherwise your account will be suspended - with minimal chance for success in winning any appeals as the AMZ Customer Support team circles you round and round infinitely in scripted responses before just closing your unresolved case(s).
I'd suggest staying with FBM until you get a firm handle on the day-to-day and until you know your account is somewhat stable and not at risk, before even considering jumping to FBA. FBA opens you up to a whole other world of new challenges and fees.
And remember, every service-offering and new innovation on this marketplace is first-and-foremost designed to make Amazon money. Not necessarily the Sellers. Tread very cautiously as profits can erode much faster than your sales will increase.
Best of luck to you.
Seller_cCwRiCrjZMd4T
My accountant was shocked this year as she saw the amount of fees and returns stack up based on prior years. She actually got to tell me I was getting all my prepaid taxes back plus some....it was that bad.
Needless to say we are in the process of shutting down our store of 10 years which grew to be successful for us.
Good luck.
Seller_yU10W2TDP8gOW
It has been a horrible year so far on Amazon. I keep receiving fraudulent A to Z Claims. Amazon gives the buyer a full refund and lets them keep the product. The buyer did receive the item in perfect condition but claims it was delivered a day late. I have never had problems like this with eBay. Amazon should at least make the buyer return the item before processing the refund.
Seller_aNsixtdBpnLRG
if u came here looking for the quite ones to share their joy - you will be disappointed.
so u spent time in Seller U - great -MY ADVICE: the real world is much different. Glean from the 'negative sentiment' what the REAL amazon has to offer (or not)
Why would anyone want to share their resources to add u as their next competitor in an already crowded market place with everyone trying to stay ahead of hackers of listings, Chinese knock-offs and the continuing race to the bottom (of profits)?
Seller_roNdLQpqbVoOH
Resident skeptic here.
So many things about this post scream "plant."
It is not as it seems.
Seller_xbNbb8BNtssv3
Negative sentiment isn't just negative sentiment. There are a lot of ways Amazon has gone downhill and creating it's own problems with that. However, there are still benefits. Being new, start slow and small. A few items here and there to sell and ship. Step into the shallow end of the pool and see if the inner workings are for you. Then gradually work into the deeper end. Most new sellers fail because they jump straight to the deep end and sink.
Seller_zSWez2Mzpdboa
Amazon is the place you come to lose money.
It's really not worth it. Your health and money are more important.
Seller_wfYrdMlSs0ss9
New sellers will have a hard time ungating or getting approved to sell products. Amazon can shut down your account at any given time. It seems Amazon has been cracking down harder this year. Expect to get screwed over by customers wanting to get free stuff. Every day, I am anxious selling on Amazon. If you do not have authorization to sell for a brand, your gambling. Even if you do, Amazon may still suspend your account anyways and you'll have a hard time battling the bots to appeal your account. It was more better last year and easier to sell, I just recently transitioned into wholesale and they already missed a pick up for LTL. If you want to find suppliers, Search on google for distributors in your state first before going out of state. I use only SellerAmp, Keepa and Sellerboard. Finding products is easy to be honest. It just takes dedication and consistency. My plan is to make as much money on Amazon as I can, then quit and invest into more traditional businesses such as real estate etc. Amazon can produce profit fast if you buy the right products and can get a lot. I used to do RA and was very successful making 20k profit a month, now I do wholesale and its more time efficient. The reason I was successful was due to the fact I love working for myself, was able to quit my 9-5 (mechanic) and live a more comfortable life. I was addicted to the work simply, especially when you nearly quadruple your 9-5 salary. I would never rely on Amazon as your primary income because you as a seller have no control for the account.
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