In 2024, heading into 2025, is Amazon FBA still worth it?
I have nearly set up all my accounts and completed all registrations. For me the next step is to find a wholesaler/ product and start shipping into Amazon. Whilst I have asked this question once before, the answer came from someone who sells programmes, but did seem very genuine.
So I ask again to on this forum, is Amazon FBA still worth it as a viable option of main income in 2024/2025? (I am aware this will take time, investment and a lot of learning etc).
In 2024, heading into 2025, is Amazon FBA still worth it?
I have nearly set up all my accounts and completed all registrations. For me the next step is to find a wholesaler/ product and start shipping into Amazon. Whilst I have asked this question once before, the answer came from someone who sells programmes, but did seem very genuine.
So I ask again to on this forum, is Amazon FBA still worth it as a viable option of main income in 2024/2025? (I am aware this will take time, investment and a lot of learning etc).
18 replies
Seller_ZVAz3d5lZuGid
I don't use FBA, so probably not the best person to reply (!), but if this is to be your main income, then you need to do your sums VERY carefully, making sure you take into account all the FBA fees, and particularly if whatever product you choose is not a quick seller, so could run into long-term storage fees. Make sure that what you choose to buy/sell is not in a saturated market where you have lots of competition.
Have you read / watched Amazon's 'Seller University' ? - lots of videos and information there. Link at bottom of your seller homepag under 'Learn' or https://sellercentral.amazon.co.uk/learn?ref=xx_Tool_xxxx_meldedSidebarSearch&mons_sel_mkid=amzn1.mp.o.A1F83G8C2ARO7P&mons_sel_mcid=amzn1.merchant.o.A1LZU9I3ORLHAV&mons_sel_persist=true
Seller_mxez2L8QjE6WW
As a FBM seller, I deal o/p books, perhaps the least suitable genre to sell FBA so have no practical experience of FBA. But, reading the forums, I have become aware of the problems that smaller sellers on FBA encounter on seemingly a daily basis - inbound pallets going astray at the FCs, delays in getting goods on-line, problems with returns, goods not showing on-line, vast competition...... If you haven't even decided yet what to sell, from a business point of view I would advise extreme caution, & don't give up the day job until you have thoroughly tested the waters & see if the business is viable, through busy & quiet times. Best of luck
Seller_HwaQlgFnhSuGS
We have been selling low value (£3.00) items for years and FBA was our main source of sales. It has in the past been great for us as what we sold was usually ordered by people at the last minute and FBA prime was ideal. We sold thousands of items weekly.
When the Small & Light Program was cancelled a while back, this impacted our prices and our margins heavily. We was getting a lot less money for the same amount of work, so the shine faded quickly.
We still have some in FBA for while we are away on our hols, but that is it. We are emptying our stock and sending direct to customer and charging postage. Needless to say we now sell less, but the extra time gives us free time to expand off Amazon.
For the few items we have that sell for over £30, the FBA fees are just bonkers. Add to the fact that Amazon refund customers for any reason and reimburse us pennies for their lost/damaged items makes us shriek. One refund cancels out the profit on many sales in one go.
We had a good run with FBA and it was good while it lasted, but for us it sill be no more.
If I can give one piece of advice, NEVER, and I mean NEVER, rely on Amazon as Main sorce of income. Read the fourms and other peoples experiences and detemine if this is for you. Some people can handle the stress better than others... but for me its not my kind of thing. We have been here I guess around 10 years or so and we are eyeing the door more and more with every twist and turn and it is only a matter of time. Your account can be here one day and not the next, please do not underestimate the chances of a total wipeout at anytime, whist your funds are also held at the point of wipeout.
At the very longest, we will be leaving when DD+7 kicks in for us next year. We have no intention of waiting so long for our payments when we work so hard, so regardless we have around 11 months of Amazon left. We could cope with DD+7 easily as we can prepare well in advance, but it is just one step to far for us and it feels there is zero goodwill towards sellers. That does not make for a good partnership.
Thats just us though and I wish you well and as Cibba said, Best of luck
Seller_58y2FhNkywdyp
should read ' is amazon worth it?' more and more are saying no its not and leaving or reducting stock here.
Seller_bwTEJFnDjxAIL
Amazon fees and hassle now are so high, it is not worth starting your business on here, honestly you will just go mad.
Seller_lmJOjF6JybyzB
I don't use FBA because I already encounter so much Amazon incompetence as it is, that I just can't trust them any further with my business. When I did make enquiries about FBA, the designated specialist didn't bother responding to my questions which totally confirmed my fears, so I gave up.
Seller_bzRkeDMMsE3Is
It's very easy to end up a millionaire with Amazon FBA, unfortunately, you need to start off as a multimillionaire to achieve the millionaire status.
Seller_raHZbxvpfgJs3
It's very viable. I've just spent the week with 7-8 and 9 figure sellers. If you do it properly yes its very viable.. it's evolved and many still look at Amazon like ebay. Amazon is a place for professional brands with excellent knowledge.
Seller_vtSzvxtW9StxE
I've been 95% FBA since 2011 and planning to be an FBM from next year.
Frankly since last few years FBA means total reliance on amazon and its not good.
Good things - you get more business (atleast thats what you feel)
Bad things- you literly have no control on your inventory and keep losing your track in labyrinth of reports.
Any pronlem in listings like error 5461 or 8040 after sending them to FBA is impossible to sort and you'll keep paying FBA fees for those listing. I have multiple cases going on including with MD since now more than 7 months, wherein listings were created after all the approval and variation gor broken after sending them to FBA and no solution till date and most probably I'll end up either disposing those units or calling them back at my own cost.
Seller support has no clue or control on missng units at FC and you'd fee like liar and cheater who never sent mising units to FC at the first place.
Third party fulfilment fees are too expensive and not practicle even. I mean they will charge you double(200%) FC processing fees for sending two items on one address.
Lately, the processing time for the units sent to FC has been extended - meaning roughly your units(New to FBA) starts selling after 30-40 days after they got delivered at FC but they will start taking fees much earlier than that and do all the FC transfer processes in between.
I can go on and on about this and its shame what they turned this in to. FBA was a great idea and really good for seller when they started but lately it feels like amazon is just interested in sellers sending (dumping) from far east and no concern about small UK sellers.
I only had sent 10% to FBA in compare with my previous year and slowly will move to 100% FBM next year with focus on other platforms as well.
I guess if you are new seller opting for FBA, it will be a good profitable ride in intial year but in the hindsight i feel like it was a trap for me and struggling to get out from it :(, having said that t was my one experience and other may have different experience to talk about.
In 2024, heading into 2025, is Amazon FBA still worth it?
I have nearly set up all my accounts and completed all registrations. For me the next step is to find a wholesaler/ product and start shipping into Amazon. Whilst I have asked this question once before, the answer came from someone who sells programmes, but did seem very genuine.
So I ask again to on this forum, is Amazon FBA still worth it as a viable option of main income in 2024/2025? (I am aware this will take time, investment and a lot of learning etc).
In 2024, heading into 2025, is Amazon FBA still worth it?
I have nearly set up all my accounts and completed all registrations. For me the next step is to find a wholesaler/ product and start shipping into Amazon. Whilst I have asked this question once before, the answer came from someone who sells programmes, but did seem very genuine.
So I ask again to on this forum, is Amazon FBA still worth it as a viable option of main income in 2024/2025? (I am aware this will take time, investment and a lot of learning etc).
In 2024, heading into 2025, is Amazon FBA still worth it?
I have nearly set up all my accounts and completed all registrations. For me the next step is to find a wholesaler/ product and start shipping into Amazon. Whilst I have asked this question once before, the answer came from someone who sells programmes, but did seem very genuine.
So I ask again to on this forum, is Amazon FBA still worth it as a viable option of main income in 2024/2025? (I am aware this will take time, investment and a lot of learning etc).
18 replies
18 replies
Seller_ZVAz3d5lZuGid
I don't use FBA, so probably not the best person to reply (!), but if this is to be your main income, then you need to do your sums VERY carefully, making sure you take into account all the FBA fees, and particularly if whatever product you choose is not a quick seller, so could run into long-term storage fees. Make sure that what you choose to buy/sell is not in a saturated market where you have lots of competition.
Have you read / watched Amazon's 'Seller University' ? - lots of videos and information there. Link at bottom of your seller homepag under 'Learn' or https://sellercentral.amazon.co.uk/learn?ref=xx_Tool_xxxx_meldedSidebarSearch&mons_sel_mkid=amzn1.mp.o.A1F83G8C2ARO7P&mons_sel_mcid=amzn1.merchant.o.A1LZU9I3ORLHAV&mons_sel_persist=true
Seller_mxez2L8QjE6WW
As a FBM seller, I deal o/p books, perhaps the least suitable genre to sell FBA so have no practical experience of FBA. But, reading the forums, I have become aware of the problems that smaller sellers on FBA encounter on seemingly a daily basis - inbound pallets going astray at the FCs, delays in getting goods on-line, problems with returns, goods not showing on-line, vast competition...... If you haven't even decided yet what to sell, from a business point of view I would advise extreme caution, & don't give up the day job until you have thoroughly tested the waters & see if the business is viable, through busy & quiet times. Best of luck
Seller_HwaQlgFnhSuGS
We have been selling low value (£3.00) items for years and FBA was our main source of sales. It has in the past been great for us as what we sold was usually ordered by people at the last minute and FBA prime was ideal. We sold thousands of items weekly.
When the Small & Light Program was cancelled a while back, this impacted our prices and our margins heavily. We was getting a lot less money for the same amount of work, so the shine faded quickly.
We still have some in FBA for while we are away on our hols, but that is it. We are emptying our stock and sending direct to customer and charging postage. Needless to say we now sell less, but the extra time gives us free time to expand off Amazon.
For the few items we have that sell for over £30, the FBA fees are just bonkers. Add to the fact that Amazon refund customers for any reason and reimburse us pennies for their lost/damaged items makes us shriek. One refund cancels out the profit on many sales in one go.
We had a good run with FBA and it was good while it lasted, but for us it sill be no more.
If I can give one piece of advice, NEVER, and I mean NEVER, rely on Amazon as Main sorce of income. Read the fourms and other peoples experiences and detemine if this is for you. Some people can handle the stress better than others... but for me its not my kind of thing. We have been here I guess around 10 years or so and we are eyeing the door more and more with every twist and turn and it is only a matter of time. Your account can be here one day and not the next, please do not underestimate the chances of a total wipeout at anytime, whist your funds are also held at the point of wipeout.
At the very longest, we will be leaving when DD+7 kicks in for us next year. We have no intention of waiting so long for our payments when we work so hard, so regardless we have around 11 months of Amazon left. We could cope with DD+7 easily as we can prepare well in advance, but it is just one step to far for us and it feels there is zero goodwill towards sellers. That does not make for a good partnership.
Thats just us though and I wish you well and as Cibba said, Best of luck
Seller_58y2FhNkywdyp
should read ' is amazon worth it?' more and more are saying no its not and leaving or reducting stock here.
Seller_bwTEJFnDjxAIL
Amazon fees and hassle now are so high, it is not worth starting your business on here, honestly you will just go mad.
Seller_lmJOjF6JybyzB
I don't use FBA because I already encounter so much Amazon incompetence as it is, that I just can't trust them any further with my business. When I did make enquiries about FBA, the designated specialist didn't bother responding to my questions which totally confirmed my fears, so I gave up.
Seller_bzRkeDMMsE3Is
It's very easy to end up a millionaire with Amazon FBA, unfortunately, you need to start off as a multimillionaire to achieve the millionaire status.
Seller_raHZbxvpfgJs3
It's very viable. I've just spent the week with 7-8 and 9 figure sellers. If you do it properly yes its very viable.. it's evolved and many still look at Amazon like ebay. Amazon is a place for professional brands with excellent knowledge.
Seller_vtSzvxtW9StxE
I've been 95% FBA since 2011 and planning to be an FBM from next year.
Frankly since last few years FBA means total reliance on amazon and its not good.
Good things - you get more business (atleast thats what you feel)
Bad things- you literly have no control on your inventory and keep losing your track in labyrinth of reports.
Any pronlem in listings like error 5461 or 8040 after sending them to FBA is impossible to sort and you'll keep paying FBA fees for those listing. I have multiple cases going on including with MD since now more than 7 months, wherein listings were created after all the approval and variation gor broken after sending them to FBA and no solution till date and most probably I'll end up either disposing those units or calling them back at my own cost.
Seller support has no clue or control on missng units at FC and you'd fee like liar and cheater who never sent mising units to FC at the first place.
Third party fulfilment fees are too expensive and not practicle even. I mean they will charge you double(200%) FC processing fees for sending two items on one address.
Lately, the processing time for the units sent to FC has been extended - meaning roughly your units(New to FBA) starts selling after 30-40 days after they got delivered at FC but they will start taking fees much earlier than that and do all the FC transfer processes in between.
I can go on and on about this and its shame what they turned this in to. FBA was a great idea and really good for seller when they started but lately it feels like amazon is just interested in sellers sending (dumping) from far east and no concern about small UK sellers.
I only had sent 10% to FBA in compare with my previous year and slowly will move to 100% FBM next year with focus on other platforms as well.
I guess if you are new seller opting for FBA, it will be a good profitable ride in intial year but in the hindsight i feel like it was a trap for me and struggling to get out from it :(, having said that t was my one experience and other may have different experience to talk about.
Seller_ZVAz3d5lZuGid
I don't use FBA, so probably not the best person to reply (!), but if this is to be your main income, then you need to do your sums VERY carefully, making sure you take into account all the FBA fees, and particularly if whatever product you choose is not a quick seller, so could run into long-term storage fees. Make sure that what you choose to buy/sell is not in a saturated market where you have lots of competition.
Have you read / watched Amazon's 'Seller University' ? - lots of videos and information there. Link at bottom of your seller homepag under 'Learn' or https://sellercentral.amazon.co.uk/learn?ref=xx_Tool_xxxx_meldedSidebarSearch&mons_sel_mkid=amzn1.mp.o.A1F83G8C2ARO7P&mons_sel_mcid=amzn1.merchant.o.A1LZU9I3ORLHAV&mons_sel_persist=true
Seller_ZVAz3d5lZuGid
I don't use FBA, so probably not the best person to reply (!), but if this is to be your main income, then you need to do your sums VERY carefully, making sure you take into account all the FBA fees, and particularly if whatever product you choose is not a quick seller, so could run into long-term storage fees. Make sure that what you choose to buy/sell is not in a saturated market where you have lots of competition.
Have you read / watched Amazon's 'Seller University' ? - lots of videos and information there. Link at bottom of your seller homepag under 'Learn' or https://sellercentral.amazon.co.uk/learn?ref=xx_Tool_xxxx_meldedSidebarSearch&mons_sel_mkid=amzn1.mp.o.A1F83G8C2ARO7P&mons_sel_mcid=amzn1.merchant.o.A1LZU9I3ORLHAV&mons_sel_persist=true
Seller_mxez2L8QjE6WW
As a FBM seller, I deal o/p books, perhaps the least suitable genre to sell FBA so have no practical experience of FBA. But, reading the forums, I have become aware of the problems that smaller sellers on FBA encounter on seemingly a daily basis - inbound pallets going astray at the FCs, delays in getting goods on-line, problems with returns, goods not showing on-line, vast competition...... If you haven't even decided yet what to sell, from a business point of view I would advise extreme caution, & don't give up the day job until you have thoroughly tested the waters & see if the business is viable, through busy & quiet times. Best of luck
Seller_mxez2L8QjE6WW
As a FBM seller, I deal o/p books, perhaps the least suitable genre to sell FBA so have no practical experience of FBA. But, reading the forums, I have become aware of the problems that smaller sellers on FBA encounter on seemingly a daily basis - inbound pallets going astray at the FCs, delays in getting goods on-line, problems with returns, goods not showing on-line, vast competition...... If you haven't even decided yet what to sell, from a business point of view I would advise extreme caution, & don't give up the day job until you have thoroughly tested the waters & see if the business is viable, through busy & quiet times. Best of luck
Seller_HwaQlgFnhSuGS
We have been selling low value (£3.00) items for years and FBA was our main source of sales. It has in the past been great for us as what we sold was usually ordered by people at the last minute and FBA prime was ideal. We sold thousands of items weekly.
When the Small & Light Program was cancelled a while back, this impacted our prices and our margins heavily. We was getting a lot less money for the same amount of work, so the shine faded quickly.
We still have some in FBA for while we are away on our hols, but that is it. We are emptying our stock and sending direct to customer and charging postage. Needless to say we now sell less, but the extra time gives us free time to expand off Amazon.
For the few items we have that sell for over £30, the FBA fees are just bonkers. Add to the fact that Amazon refund customers for any reason and reimburse us pennies for their lost/damaged items makes us shriek. One refund cancels out the profit on many sales in one go.
We had a good run with FBA and it was good while it lasted, but for us it sill be no more.
If I can give one piece of advice, NEVER, and I mean NEVER, rely on Amazon as Main sorce of income. Read the fourms and other peoples experiences and detemine if this is for you. Some people can handle the stress better than others... but for me its not my kind of thing. We have been here I guess around 10 years or so and we are eyeing the door more and more with every twist and turn and it is only a matter of time. Your account can be here one day and not the next, please do not underestimate the chances of a total wipeout at anytime, whist your funds are also held at the point of wipeout.
At the very longest, we will be leaving when DD+7 kicks in for us next year. We have no intention of waiting so long for our payments when we work so hard, so regardless we have around 11 months of Amazon left. We could cope with DD+7 easily as we can prepare well in advance, but it is just one step to far for us and it feels there is zero goodwill towards sellers. That does not make for a good partnership.
Thats just us though and I wish you well and as Cibba said, Best of luck
Seller_HwaQlgFnhSuGS
We have been selling low value (£3.00) items for years and FBA was our main source of sales. It has in the past been great for us as what we sold was usually ordered by people at the last minute and FBA prime was ideal. We sold thousands of items weekly.
When the Small & Light Program was cancelled a while back, this impacted our prices and our margins heavily. We was getting a lot less money for the same amount of work, so the shine faded quickly.
We still have some in FBA for while we are away on our hols, but that is it. We are emptying our stock and sending direct to customer and charging postage. Needless to say we now sell less, but the extra time gives us free time to expand off Amazon.
For the few items we have that sell for over £30, the FBA fees are just bonkers. Add to the fact that Amazon refund customers for any reason and reimburse us pennies for their lost/damaged items makes us shriek. One refund cancels out the profit on many sales in one go.
We had a good run with FBA and it was good while it lasted, but for us it sill be no more.
If I can give one piece of advice, NEVER, and I mean NEVER, rely on Amazon as Main sorce of income. Read the fourms and other peoples experiences and detemine if this is for you. Some people can handle the stress better than others... but for me its not my kind of thing. We have been here I guess around 10 years or so and we are eyeing the door more and more with every twist and turn and it is only a matter of time. Your account can be here one day and not the next, please do not underestimate the chances of a total wipeout at anytime, whist your funds are also held at the point of wipeout.
At the very longest, we will be leaving when DD+7 kicks in for us next year. We have no intention of waiting so long for our payments when we work so hard, so regardless we have around 11 months of Amazon left. We could cope with DD+7 easily as we can prepare well in advance, but it is just one step to far for us and it feels there is zero goodwill towards sellers. That does not make for a good partnership.
Thats just us though and I wish you well and as Cibba said, Best of luck
Seller_58y2FhNkywdyp
should read ' is amazon worth it?' more and more are saying no its not and leaving or reducting stock here.
Seller_58y2FhNkywdyp
should read ' is amazon worth it?' more and more are saying no its not and leaving or reducting stock here.
Seller_bwTEJFnDjxAIL
Amazon fees and hassle now are so high, it is not worth starting your business on here, honestly you will just go mad.
Seller_bwTEJFnDjxAIL
Amazon fees and hassle now are so high, it is not worth starting your business on here, honestly you will just go mad.
Seller_lmJOjF6JybyzB
I don't use FBA because I already encounter so much Amazon incompetence as it is, that I just can't trust them any further with my business. When I did make enquiries about FBA, the designated specialist didn't bother responding to my questions which totally confirmed my fears, so I gave up.
Seller_lmJOjF6JybyzB
I don't use FBA because I already encounter so much Amazon incompetence as it is, that I just can't trust them any further with my business. When I did make enquiries about FBA, the designated specialist didn't bother responding to my questions which totally confirmed my fears, so I gave up.
Seller_bzRkeDMMsE3Is
It's very easy to end up a millionaire with Amazon FBA, unfortunately, you need to start off as a multimillionaire to achieve the millionaire status.
Seller_bzRkeDMMsE3Is
It's very easy to end up a millionaire with Amazon FBA, unfortunately, you need to start off as a multimillionaire to achieve the millionaire status.
Seller_raHZbxvpfgJs3
It's very viable. I've just spent the week with 7-8 and 9 figure sellers. If you do it properly yes its very viable.. it's evolved and many still look at Amazon like ebay. Amazon is a place for professional brands with excellent knowledge.
Seller_raHZbxvpfgJs3
It's very viable. I've just spent the week with 7-8 and 9 figure sellers. If you do it properly yes its very viable.. it's evolved and many still look at Amazon like ebay. Amazon is a place for professional brands with excellent knowledge.
Seller_vtSzvxtW9StxE
I've been 95% FBA since 2011 and planning to be an FBM from next year.
Frankly since last few years FBA means total reliance on amazon and its not good.
Good things - you get more business (atleast thats what you feel)
Bad things- you literly have no control on your inventory and keep losing your track in labyrinth of reports.
Any pronlem in listings like error 5461 or 8040 after sending them to FBA is impossible to sort and you'll keep paying FBA fees for those listing. I have multiple cases going on including with MD since now more than 7 months, wherein listings were created after all the approval and variation gor broken after sending them to FBA and no solution till date and most probably I'll end up either disposing those units or calling them back at my own cost.
Seller support has no clue or control on missng units at FC and you'd fee like liar and cheater who never sent mising units to FC at the first place.
Third party fulfilment fees are too expensive and not practicle even. I mean they will charge you double(200%) FC processing fees for sending two items on one address.
Lately, the processing time for the units sent to FC has been extended - meaning roughly your units(New to FBA) starts selling after 30-40 days after they got delivered at FC but they will start taking fees much earlier than that and do all the FC transfer processes in between.
I can go on and on about this and its shame what they turned this in to. FBA was a great idea and really good for seller when they started but lately it feels like amazon is just interested in sellers sending (dumping) from far east and no concern about small UK sellers.
I only had sent 10% to FBA in compare with my previous year and slowly will move to 100% FBM next year with focus on other platforms as well.
I guess if you are new seller opting for FBA, it will be a good profitable ride in intial year but in the hindsight i feel like it was a trap for me and struggling to get out from it :(, having said that t was my one experience and other may have different experience to talk about.
Seller_vtSzvxtW9StxE
I've been 95% FBA since 2011 and planning to be an FBM from next year.
Frankly since last few years FBA means total reliance on amazon and its not good.
Good things - you get more business (atleast thats what you feel)
Bad things- you literly have no control on your inventory and keep losing your track in labyrinth of reports.
Any pronlem in listings like error 5461 or 8040 after sending them to FBA is impossible to sort and you'll keep paying FBA fees for those listing. I have multiple cases going on including with MD since now more than 7 months, wherein listings were created after all the approval and variation gor broken after sending them to FBA and no solution till date and most probably I'll end up either disposing those units or calling them back at my own cost.
Seller support has no clue or control on missng units at FC and you'd fee like liar and cheater who never sent mising units to FC at the first place.
Third party fulfilment fees are too expensive and not practicle even. I mean they will charge you double(200%) FC processing fees for sending two items on one address.
Lately, the processing time for the units sent to FC has been extended - meaning roughly your units(New to FBA) starts selling after 30-40 days after they got delivered at FC but they will start taking fees much earlier than that and do all the FC transfer processes in between.
I can go on and on about this and its shame what they turned this in to. FBA was a great idea and really good for seller when they started but lately it feels like amazon is just interested in sellers sending (dumping) from far east and no concern about small UK sellers.
I only had sent 10% to FBA in compare with my previous year and slowly will move to 100% FBM next year with focus on other platforms as well.
I guess if you are new seller opting for FBA, it will be a good profitable ride in intial year but in the hindsight i feel like it was a trap for me and struggling to get out from it :(, having said that t was my one experience and other may have different experience to talk about.
