The Back to School sprint is here and it’s the perfect time for Amazon sellers to stock up their inventories with those last minute bargains. Flips4Miles has seen incredible results during this time; in the last two weeks, he has replicated the $100,000 in sales he achieved this time before!
Now it’s your turn to make the most of this lucrative month. Check out these ten essential tips to boost your back to school profits!
1. Know the Important Dates
The peak of the back to school shopping frenzy is at the end of August, before the September rush starts. This is when you should be ramping up your listings and ensuring they’re live for maximum visibility. The season officially starts as early as July 15th and continues through September 15th, so keep an eye on the data to determine the best time to push your listings.
2. Master FBM Shipping Templates
New to Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) shipping? Here’s a simple guide: Offer free shipping for standard and economy options, and charge higher rates ($20-$40) for expedited shipping like next-day or 2-day delivery. This strategy allows you to capitalize on Amazon’s shipping costs—if Amazon charges you $12 but you charge $32, you pocket the difference.
3. Utilize 0-Day Handling Time
Setting your handling time to 0 days is a game-changer for gaining Buy Box share. While this requires same-day shipping for orders placed before your cutoff time, it enhances the customer experience and boosts your chances of winning the Buy Box. SellerAmp’s charts help you monitor Buy Box winners and adjust pricing as needed.
4. Schedule UPS & USPS Pickups
Save time and effort by scheduling free USPS pickups via their website and discounted UPS pickups through PirateShip. You can use Parcel2Go and Evri if you’re in the UK. This convenience allows you to focus on growing your business instead of making trips to the post office.
5. Optimize Multiple Listings
Merchant Fulfilled listings allow you to sell the same product across multiple Amazon listings simultaneously. Just be sure to split your stock and never list more than you have on hand to avoid overselling.
6. Source Merchant Fulfilled Supplies
Stock up on essential shipping supplies from Uline, Walmart, Tesco’s (if you’re in the UK) or Amazon. Ideal sizes for poly mailers include 9×12, 12×15.5, and 19×24. Keeping a steady supply of these items ensures smooth fulfillment operations.
7. Explore Weight Arbitrage
Products priced above $20 but under 1lb often yield impressive FBM profits. Many sellers overlook this, so use it to enhance your profit margins.
8. Calculate FBM Shipping Costs Accurately
To optimize your FBM profitability, use these general shipping cost guidelines:
- 0-3 oz: $3.50-$4.50
- 4-7 oz: $4.50-$5.50
- 8-11 oz: $5.00-$6.50
- 12-15 oz: $5.50-$6.50
- 1lb-3lb+: $8.00-$13.00
9. Focus on High-Demand Products
Backpacks, school supplies, calculators, summer goods, and sports gear like soccer, football, and volleyball equipment are hot sellers during this season. Source these products at profitable buy costs to earn from this high demand.
10. Leverage Reverse Sourcing
Seasonal opportunities like back to school are perfect for reverse sourcing. With high demand and potentially lower competition, SellerAmp’s reverse sourcing tools help you identify profitable products. This strategy can uncover hidden gems, especially in niches like sports gear.
Bonus Tip: Boost your profit margins with discounted products and gift cards from CardBear and TopCashBack, or TopUKDeals and VoucherCodes if you’re in the UK.
As we approach Q4, starting your preparations now will set you up for a successful holiday season. Hit the back to school rush hard, and you’ll be well-positioned to roll into October and beyond with momentum!
Happy selling!
