Handmade
Hi Everyone!
I am a week in and going round in circles!! I have applied to Handmade and according to my account page I have been registered but I haven't got a green Handmade at Amazon on my Seller Central and when I add a product Handmade doesn't come up???
I have spent so much time watching videos and reading manual but now even more confused!
Also do I need to get GTIN exemption???
It's all incredibly confusing and time consuming!
Angela (Beadlet)
7 replies
Seller_ZVAz3d5lZuGid
If you only signed up a week ago, then it is unlikely that your account will be fully verified yet - it can take quite some time. As for your queries about handmade - sorry I can't help as not my category, but yes, Amazon is VERY confusing, a LOT to learn. I'll be honest, if I was starting out again I wouldn't consider Amazon as there are so many policies and metrics to adhere to, and one slight misdemeanor and your account is deactivated, and the buyer is king and Amazon refund customers at the drop of a hat. Too many customers now know how to play the system and get freebies.
Seller_oSsAF8rP2fbZf
Hello,
I'm in the Handmade section, but I joined many years ago. I think from memory that I received an email when I was accepted for selling in Handmade. I remember doing an online form and uploading production photo's etc. However, once I was accepted I think I could start listing products in the Handmade section straight away.
On my seller central homepage there is a small cog symbol in the top right corner. If you click that there should be a menu open up with "Handmade Hub" at the bottom. That link has lots of extra tips and advice for Handmade sellers and is invaluable. I used the "Add listing" link on that page to create my first listings. As my products are all similar, I just copy one of my existing listings and alter the details now when I need to create new listings.
There should be no need for GTIN exemptions etc in Handmade.
I hope that helps! Good luck!
Andrea
Seller_540qgZMXuuXdD
I sell handmade. I remember that sorting out the exemption was a bit of a headache, but I can't remember how it was resolved. Sorry, I know that's not helpful, but once it is sorted, adding stuff to the catalogue is pretty easy and straightforward. Be sure to set your handling times to something you're comfortable with. You can set them on each product, too, if some things take longer than others to make.
Consider registering a trademark and applying for Brand Registry. It gives you more tools and protection.
Then there's FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) or FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant - You) I tried FBA and hated it. As JillyB said, so many metrics and things to consider. For example, you may start getting charged for 'aged' inventory that hasn't sold. I didn't need all the hassle. It felt like I was a slave to Amazon, rather than running my own business here. I find FBM much less stressful than FBA, but FBA might suit you.
As my stuff is hand-made and made to order, I shouldn't have to accept returns in most cases, but this is Amazon. Amazon will refund customers readily.
However, Amazon does have a large customer base, and it encourages growth (I find eBay very difficult to grow on as it's so stifling.) So there's money to be made here, but be prepared for the few chancers and scammers.
