The process of uploading products to sell on Amazon is riddled with many potential missteps. However, being aware of these common issues and taking steps to avoid them can set your product listings up for success. Let’s walk you through the key mistakes to steer clear during Amazon product upload.
● Choosing the incorrect product category
One of the most critical decisions in Amazon listing creation is selecting which product category to place your item under. Stuffing your product into a loosely related category can get your listing rejected or suspended. Pick the category that most accurately represents what your item is. Refer to Amazon’s category style guidelines if you need help deciding.
● Providing incomplete, inaccurate product details
You need to supply potential customers with all the relevant details about your product. Include an informative title, well-written bullet points, and a thorough description. Don’t skimp on details like size, color, materials, dimensions, specs, intended uses, and so on. Missing information can hamper your seller ratings, as it often leads to returns and complaints once the product is delivered to the consumer. For product variants like size or color, enter the exact dimensions, weight, count (if selling in multi-pack), and other specifics.
● Selecting wrong product IDs
When setting up your listing, you’ll need to choose which product ID type to use. But, keep in mind that using an improper ID type will break the relationship between your listing and the product page. If you are listing an existing product already for sale on Amazon, use its existing ASIN product ID. For unique or custom products, create and assign a new FNSKU ID through Seller Central.
● Providing false product condition status
Selecting the right product condition is critical. Be very careful that you accurately categorize the item as new, used, or renewed condition. Any discrepancies between your selected condition and the actual condition when received lead to disputes and refunds. Also, avoid vague classifications like “open box” that leave the product’s state unclear and open to interpretation.
● Providing poor quality product photos
Quality photos are essential to convey important product details, inspire confidence, and drive conversion. Poor photography or careless attempts at updating product photos to Amazon can severely hurt sales. Capture at least 5 photos from different angles, optimally showing fine details. Avoid amateurish, fuzzy, dark, or stock images that shed doubts. Photos should be on a pure white background, at least 1000px minimum size, well-lit, and focused. Show all sides, angles, and close-ups. Follow Amazon’s photo requirements precisely.
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● Not following Amazon’s recommended title structure
Amazon provides clear guidelines on proper title formulation that aids in discoverability and conversion. Lead with the main keywords or brand name and follow with key product attributes like size, color, type, etc. Keep it concise while accurately describing the product.
Avoid the pitfall of overly promotional or misleading titles that don’t align to product specifications. This may get your product suppressed in search results. Proper title structure improves click-through rates and provides a quality customer experience. Following Amazon’s guidelines also keeps your account in good standing and avoids issues.
● Not leveraging backend keywords properly
Maximizing the backend keyword fields helps Amazon match your listing with relevant searches. But it’s important not to stuff the backend search term field with very loosely related or unrelated terms in an attempt to game the search algorithm. Doing so violates Amazon’s terms of service and can get your product or even seller account suspended. Instead, focus on relevant, long-term phrases that accurately describe your product.
● Attempting copyright violations
When providing your title, description, and especially product photos, be sure you do not use anyone else’s content. Do not copy listings, images, or descriptions from competitors or other sources or you would risk seller account suspension for copyright infringement. Instead, stick to manufacturer-provided details and photos, or create original, unique content.
● Not reviewing listing prior to publication
Before officially publishing your product listing, carefully review how it will appear to customers. Scrutinize all sections, images, and description content. Make any tweaks necessary to optimize the listing on the back end first as fixing issues after publication can negatively impact sales in the meantime.
● Not checking category approval restrictions
Research if your intended product category requires any pre-approvals or is subject to restrictions. Ignoring Amazon’s guidelines about products that require additional approvals can lead to rejection and complications.
For example, gated categories like electronics require authorization before listing. Other categories like certain supplements are prohibited altogether.
● Not adhering to packaging and prep requirements
Amazon dictates certain requirements related to packaging, prep, and labeling to streamline their processes. As a seller, you must comply with rules regarding box sizes, bagging, hanging tags, stickers, barcode placement, etc. Failure to follow the defined guidelines will bog down operations.
● Missing product compliance regulations
If selling regulated products, be diligent about understanding and meeting all compliance obligations required by Amazon. Ensure your product abides by CPSC, FDA, FCC, Prop 65 guidelines, among others. Stay current on changes. Noncompliance exposes your business to substantial penalties and litigation.
● Setting assumption-based or estimated shipping rates
Research typical shipping costs that competitors charge within your category. Set delivery rates in line with category norms. Significantly higher shipping costs deter buyers from purchasing your products. Offer free or low-cost shipping promotions where possible to attract customers.
● Not monitoring your listings closely
During the first one to two weeks after publishing new products, check your listings frequently. Watch for any issues with suppressed listings, missing images, pricing problems, etc. Resolve any listing errors quickly to avoid losing out on sales.
Endnote
The process of preparing and uploading new products to sell on Amazon has many intricacies that can trip up newcomers. However, you now have a thorough overview of the main pitfalls of Amazon product upload to avoid in order to set your listings up for success. If you need more help or find the process unnecessarily complex or time-taking, you can always seek assistance from third-party vendors who offer Amazon product listing services.
Author Bio –
Sophie Hayes is an eCommerce consultant and a keen blogger, currently working at Team4eCom (a reliable eCommerce marketplace management service provider). With over 11 years of experience in the industry, she specializes in topics revolving around the eCommerce domain, such as online marketing, eCommerce PPC, store optimization, Amazon listing optimization, and eCommerce product listing service. Moreover, she has a great knowledge of the leading eCommerce platforms and marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, and others. She incorporates this understanding in her write-ups to help online retailers and businesses follow the best practices, take their business to new heights, and gain a grounded footing in the market.
