📝 Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Importance of FBM during Q4
3. What is FBM?
4. Pros and Cons of FBM
5. How to Create FBM Shipping Templates
6. Using Seller Board to Optimize FBM
7. Understanding Shipping Credits on Amazon
8. Tips for Successful FBM Selling during Q4
9. Conclusion
10. Resources
Introduction
As an Amazon seller, you know that Q4 is the most important time of the year for sales. With the holiday season fast approaching, it's crucial to have a solid strategy in place to maximize your profits. One of the most effective ways to do this is by utilizing FBM, or fulfilled by merchant, which allows you to sell products directly to customers without going through Amazon's warehouses. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of FBM during Q4, how to create FBM shipping templates, and how to use tools like Seller Board to optimize your FBM strategy.
The Importance of FBM during Q4
If you're only using FBA, or fulfilled by Amazon, during Q4, you're missing out on a huge opportunity to increase your sales. FBA is great for handling customer service and shipping, but it has its limitations. During the holiday season, Amazon's warehouses can become overwhelmed, and there's a risk that your products won't be processed and shipped in time for the holidays. This is where FBM comes in. By fulfilling orders yourself, you can ensure that your products are shipped in a timely manner and that you don't miss out on sales.
What is FBM?
FBM, or fulfilled by merchant, is a selling option on Amazon that allows you to fulfill orders yourself instead of sending them to Amazon's warehouses. With FBM, you're responsible for storing, packaging, and shipping your products directly to customers. This gives you more control over the fulfillment process and allows you to offer faster shipping times during the holiday season.
Pros and Cons of FBM
Like any selling option, FBM has its pros and cons. Here are a few to consider:
Pros:
- More control over the fulfillment process
- Faster shipping times during the holiday season
- Ability to sell products that aren't eligible for FBA
- Lower fees than FBA in some cases
Cons:
- More work and responsibility for the seller
- Higher shipping costs in some cases
- Limited ability to offer free shipping
- More customer service responsibilities
How to Create FBM Shipping Templates
Creating FBM shipping templates is a crucial step in optimizing your FBM strategy. Here's how to do it:
1. Go to your Amazon account settings and click on "Shipping Settings."
2. If you have a professional selling account, you can create up to 20 shipping templates.
3. Choose the type of shipping template you want to create (per item weight-based, price banded, etc.).
4. Set your shipping rates and transit times for different regions.
5. Save your shipping template and make it your default if desired.
Using Seller Board to Optimize FBM
Seller Board is a software tool that can help you optimize your FBM strategy by providing detailed insights into your profits and expenses. With Seller Board, you can see your true profit on each product, including your cost of goods and shipping expenses. This allows you to make informed decisions about which products to sell and how to price them. Additionally, Seller Board can help you create FBM shipping templates and track your sales and expenses over time.
Understanding Shipping Credits on Amazon
If you're a new Amazon seller, you may be confused about shipping credits. Shipping credits are not actually credits that Amazon gives you for shipping expenses. Instead, they are fees that Amazon charges customers for shipping, which are then passed on to you as the seller. It's important to understand this distinction so that you can accurately calculate your profits and expenses.
Tips for Successful FBM Selling during Q4
Here are a few tips to help you succeed with FBM during Q4:
1. Start early: Don't wait until the last minute to start fulfilling orders. Begin stocking up on inventory and creating shipping templates well in advance of the holiday season.
2. Offer fast shipping: During the holiday season, customers are looking for fast shipping times. Offer expedited shipping options to attract more buyers.
3. Use Seller Board: Use tools like Seller Board to track your profits and expenses and optimize your FBM strategy.
4. Be prepared for customer service: With FBM, you're responsible for handling customer service inquiries and returns. Be prepared to handle any issues that arise in a professional and timely manner.
5. Consider offering free shipping: While FBM doesn't offer the same free shipping options as FBA, you can still offer free shipping on certain products to attract more buyers.
Conclusion
FBM can be a highly effective selling option during Q4, allowing you to take control of the fulfillment process and maximize your profits. By creating FBM shipping templates, using tools like Seller Board, and offering fast shipping options, you can set yourself up for success during the holiday season. Remember to be prepared for customer service inquiries and returns, and consider offering free shipping on certain products to attract more buyers.
Resources
- Seller Board: https://www.sellerboard.com/
- Amazon FBM Shipping Templates: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/help/external/200310870
- Amazon Shipping Credits: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/help/external/200310860
- FBM vs. FBA: Which is Right for You?: https://www.junglescout.com/blog/fbm-vs-fba/
