I just want to clarify the steps I need to take, as I have done eveyrthing in the planning stages. Would I be correct in saying:
1 – Make the AMZ Product Listing
2- Make my order with the manufacturer
3- Contact my freight forwarder , and share the shipping information with them
4 – Complete the shipping plan file for AMZ where you give them details of when the shipment will arrive, dimensions, etc
Any advice would be appreciated.
That’s more or less it.
But you will need your items labelling correctly, before shipping to Amazon.
If this is your first order, are you sure about shipping more than a couple of items direct to Amazon?
Have you checked quality etc first?
How do you know that you will sell all of said items, without testing the water first?
Are you aware of storage fees and so on?
If you haven’t even created a listing yet, do you know how much it will cost to sell and the FBA cost?
It really isn’t that simple, just to buy something from China etc, ship it into Amazon and expect it sell out. You also need to consider advertising costs or possibly selling really cheaply to get the item moving.
If it’s your first shipment I would advise to get it delivered to you first, then you send it to Amazon.
There are other things to consider:
Has every aspect of your Seller account been fully and completely verified, including your payment account ?
…and then all the other aspects that Barry has mentioned.
Don’t forget, as you are bringing goods into the European market they will have to conform to European standards.
All toys and games and the majority of electrical equipment etc…will need a CE marking.
Along with a Declaration of Conformity from the manufacturer.
Other products that don’t require a CE mark will still need to comply with general product safety directives.
Amazon can ask and check that documentation is in place. They can also ask to see valid invoices, proforma and commercial will not be accepted.
Are you ordering from Alibaba? If so I would advise using a third party checking service to ensure your goods adhere to your contract - and if you agree on trade assurance terms then your more likely to be favoured if you have a inspection (should anything go against your expectations).
What Incoterms have you agreed with your manufacturer? Have they agreed Duty Delivered Paid (DDP)? Many suppliers say they will do this - but won’t provide you with the Duty, VAT or Import tax receipts. This is important so you can save on your VAT, if you want to register or obliged too.
Just some other future tips;
Also, try to register your brand as soon as possible - its very easy and not overly expensive for a few classes, and for the benefit; Amazon EBC is pretty much key to surpass your competition.
Adverts are what make products sell - so I advise that you test some different ad tactics, researching your top keywords etc, and if you have a registered brand you access to Amazon brand analytics which I find tremendously helpful - its more reliable than your Helium or Jungle Scout software.
You will likely spend a lot on adverts - and it will eat your profit significantly, until you can establish a good advert regime.
Also - you will be paying VAT (20%) on your Amazon fee’s and Advertising fees unless VAT registered.