I’m trying to understand what’s going on with one of my listings. I initially tested the product, and it sold well, so I placed a larger order. All the products have been checked in, but I haven’t had a sale in the last two weeks.
There are five sellers in total, with two of us being FBA (including myself), and the listing sees around 40 drops per month. The other FBA seller is getting daily sales, but I’m not getting any share of the Buy Box.
Previously, when there was only one FBA seller dominating the Buy Box, I was getting a share when I tested the product, so I thought this would continue. I sent in 100 units, thinking it would be enough to compete for the Buy Box, but the other FBA seller has about 142 units, and I’m not sure what’s going wrong.
Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
First, you mentioned it’s only been 2 weeks since your products arrived. That’s nothing, be patient. Always allow at least 1 month for goods to settle. Even though it shows you’re in stock, the inventory is often still moving around for weeks, and Amazon prefers stock that is 100% available. Also, how do you know that other sellers are getting sales? Is this a multi-listing with variations? It’s very suspicious, only around 4 sellers with pretty consistent activity and no significant ups or downs.
My stock has been available for 3 weeks now, and the initial samples that were sent in sold very quickly. I’ve been checking other sellers’ stock and can see sales on Keepa, plus their stock levels are dropping. There are no variations on the listing. Thanks.
What would you suggest I look at if it’s still the same? Thanks.
Good, then you’ll be selling as well. If you match their price, Amazon will start rotating the Buy Box. With FBA, you need to get used to the fact that Amazon isn’t always quick. It keeps moving stock around. I’m constantly seeing new stock in stranded inventory that I shipped nearly a year ago, and only after a year do some units reappear in stock. Once you send it in, relax for at least a month and focus on other ASINs.
Another point: Always consider why Amazon would give you the Buy Box instead of someone who has been selling longer with a good history on that listing. In new listings, you might initially get the Buy Box less often, especially if you’re new to that listing or a new seller in general, as you’re considered higher risk. Amazon will give you a sale, see how it goes, and if there are no complaints, you might get a few more sales over time. Eventually, you’ll have similar sales as everyone else. It’s normal, so just relax.
I wasn’t too worried, just a bit impatient. What you’ve said makes sense, thank you for explaining the process so well. I’ll touch base with you and update the post in the next month or so. Thanks!
Amazon is a bit like trading, it’s a waiting game. Just like in trading, rushing can lead to lost profit. Remember, storage per unit is very cheap unless it’s a huge, bulky item. So, it’s often worth it to wait a couple of months to make a bit more profit rather than selling for minimal gain. When I see 20-50 new sellers jump on a listing, I know the price will likely drop to break-even or below, so I set my repricer’s minimum to 10-20% ROI and stop checking the listing for 6 months. If I notice it starts selling, I revisit the listing to assess the situation. If there’s a decrease in sellers and a price increase, I consider raising the minimum ROI to 30% or to match the price of the next lowest seller above me if I can’t restock. If I can restock, I leave the repricer at a 20% ROI and restock.
My goal is always to increase the minimum ROI if I can’t restock, to achieve more profit and higher margins on existing stock. While I focus on increasing the ROI for existing old stock, I also buy new stock and wait for it to turn. Sometimes I’m lucky and sell from month 1 with fewer sellers, but often many sellers discover the deal, and I have to wait a few months. If the stock hasn’t sold after 9-10 months, I consider reducing the minimum ROI to whatever it’s currently selling for to clear it out and either leave or find a better buy price.
