Getting started with FBA

January 5, 2023

How get started with Fulfillment by Amazon

If you're new to Fulfillment by Amazon, let me walk you through the (simple) steps to go from nothing to getting sales.

(PS: If you want to skip reading, you can watch the video version below.)

#1: Sign up for an FBA account

You only need one thing to get started with Zen Arbitrage: A "fulfillment by Amazon" account.

Good news is, this is super easy.

If you already have a Selling on Amazon account, add FBA to your account.

If you don't have a Selling on Amazon account, get one.

https://sellercentral.amazon.com

Amazon wants you to be an FBA seller. There aren’t going to be any tricks, hurdles, or brick walls. Don’t overthink this part.

The only complication is that for some new users (particularly those overseas), Amazon may ask you to submit copies of identity documents. The most important thing to keep in mind here is that the addresses on every document must match exactly (and I mean exactly), and to submit every page of any requested documents.

What type of account should you choose?

Two options:

  1. Personal account (free)
  2. Professional account ($40/month)

Which is best?

If you plan to start selling a couple dozen books a month, choose Personal.

If you plan to sell > 40 books a month, choose Professional.

Okay, so you have your account and you've bought some books, what's next?

#2: List your books for sale on Amazon

You can list one of two ways:

  1. Directly through Amazon "Seller Central" dashboard (free).
  2. Using listing software. (monthly fee)

Option #1: Go to your Amazon seller account, and go to Inventory > Add a Product.

Option #2: There are many options such as Scanlister, Scanpower, Inventory Lab, etc.

Benefits: This streamlines the listing process & saves time.

#3: Print & label books

Every item sent to Amazon must have a custom FBA label. You can print labels on sheets or with a label printer.

I highly recommend the Dymo 450 label printer. Makes the process go a lot faster. (About $65)

Just place label over the item’s barcode and you're good to go.  

#4: Ship your books

Put them in boxes according to shipment (Amazon will tell you what to do here), print your labels from Amazon, tape the box shut, and take to a UPS drop off (such as UPS Store or Staples).

#5: Wait for a sale

Your only job now is to keep your prices competitive and wait for a sale.

- Peter Valley & Team Zen

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