How to Sell Unbranded Products On Amazon 2024: Step-by-Step Guide
When you sell branded goods on Amazon, most are already in the catalogue; enter the pricing. However, if you wish to sell unbranded goods on Amazon, you must include the product ID, which is the item's barcode and is also known as the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) (UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN).
Everywhere we look, we see brand names from Dyson to Apple, Adidas to Gucci to Pepsi and Cadbury's. You can find brands in stores, billboards, radios, and sporting events. Our children even 'brand name-drop' every other word.
It's easy to conclude that only multinational companies can establish their brand. How can an Amazon seller create a line of unique branded products?
You can sell unbranded products through Amazon or create your website with platforms like the Fynd platform. This article will provide more information about both the selling and manufacturing channels. It is crucial to understand the market for supplements.
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A product ID: what is it?
When generating new product listings on Amazon.in, you must fill out the Product ID field. The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), commonly known as the UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN, is nothing more than your product's barcode.
Obtaining GTIN exemptions: Although GTIN/UPC is a required attribute for new Amazon listings, you may produce listings without GTIN under specific circumstances. GTIN exemption is the name of this procedure. You must get an exception for a particular brand in a specific product category. It is also necessary if you still need to possess a brand but still want to sell your goods.
You must obtain a GTIN exemption since unbranded products lack GTINs. In the brand name field during the listing, type "Generic." When do I submit a GTIN exemption application? If any of the following situations apply to you, you may apply for GTIN exemption:
- You wish to sell goods for which you are a publisher, brand, or manufacturer, but you don't give a GTIN. Products with personalised labels or those manufactured by hand, for instance,
- The products you seek to sell are unbranded and need GTINs. Take wholesale goods as an example.
- You wish to sell components without a GTIN, such as automobile components.
You want to market bundles without a GTIN. Customised bundles might include, for instance, a pack with a leather belt and wallet or a pack of two shirts. What data should you have on hand to submit a GTIN exemption application?
Applying for GTIN exemption can be done here. Ensure you have the data listed below for any requests for GTIN exemptions. Before sending the request, get them ready:
For that brand or publisher, an example product title, image of the entire product, and image of the product packaging. Please observe the following requirements: The brand name provided during the application must match the brand name found on the item and packaging.
You should take images of the products and packaging in their actual setting, which requires that the items be held in hand or set down on a surface while the photo is being taken. The packaging has branding affixed to it permanently. Branding is firmly attached to the product's packaging or both.
A GS1-certified barcode shouldn't be on a product's packaging or the product itself. You can use a GS1-approved barcode to list products if one is available, rather than requesting GTIN Exemption.
Further Steps
Now that you know how to apply for GTIN exemption, proceed by clicking the Request approval option below. Within 48 hours, we will examine and update your status. Approval of Request Error 5665 Error 5461 Match Only Error
How can you add items that lack a Product ID?
Select "I'm adding a product not sold on Amazon" from the Inventory> Add a Product menu, then enter the product's information. You can apply for GTIN exemption and add your products without the Product ID if your product or packaging does not include a barcode, UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN.
Wait 30 minutes after receiving the GTIN exemption before listing your products. Click "I'm adding a product not sold on Amazon" when you're ready to add listings, then fill out the form with the product information. Select the specific product type in which GTIN Exemption is acceptable.
Select the specific product category for which GTIN Exemption has been authorised. Start by beginning to add the brand name from which you are exempt. The Product ID field won't be marked red once you enter a legitimate brand name, indicating that it is not required.
Complete all fields about the product. You must fill out the red-highlighted fields. If additional information is needed, choose the Advanced View option in the top right corner. The Save and Finish button at the bottom will turn teal once all required fields have been completed.
To sell unbranded goods on Amazon India, follow these procedures
- Register as a seller on Amazon,
- Go to Seller Central and select the Inventory tab.
- Click on "Add a product."
- Click "I am adding a product not sold on Amazon" to continue.
- Decide the category in which you wish to sell your products. Alternatively, use the search box to input the product name and choose the appropriate category. Select a product category by clicking.
- Fill out the product details on the listings page. Red-coloured fields are required fields.
- Complete the product ID, product name, and other required fields. You can apply for a GTIN exemption if you don't have a product ID. As you can see, Amazon walks you through every option's specifics.
- After entering the necessary information, select the Variation tab to include information about colour, size, material, etc. Mention the price you want to sell the product under the Offer tab. Add to that:-
- SKU, quantity, condition, and MRP for the seller.
- Select the shipping method for the item. Add product pictures after that. You may add up to nine products.
- You can apply for a G T I N exemption to sell unbranded, generic products if you don't have a product id. Applying for G T I N exemption is a quick and easy one-time process.
- A quick solution to have your non-barcoded products listed on Amazon is to use the Amazon GTIN exception. Companies should correctly obtain GS1 UPC barcodes that link their items to their brands if they want to create long-lasting brands in the future and sell on other marketplaces or in physical locations.
Amazon Private Label Product Selling Advantages
Many people who sell on Amazon for a living assume that the products of established brands are the best to sell. Although Amazon sellers can make significant money selling existing branded products, primarily when they use the drop-ship mode, these sellers are often the exception to the rule.
There can be intense competition in specific categories. In some cases, many Amazon sellers of famous brands' products compete for the same business. Profits can drop until there is no profit. This competitive environment can be avoided by sourcing white-labelled products and then privately labelling them.
You can also enjoy lower competition and other private label-related advantages.
Higher profits. Generic products sell for lower prices in any niche than branded products, while branded products are more expensive. You can position yourself accurately in the market by creating your private-label product.
You can be at the top to appeal to a larger audience or somewhere in between to satisfy buyers looking for deals. But you will still have the security of a trusted brand.
Improved credibility. It is incredible how simple it can be to increase your credibility. You can convince a buyer to buy your product by changing the name of your Amazon or website. A buyer will subconsciously feel more confident spending with you if you tie your branding, private label and marketing together in as many ways as possible.
More exposure. Private labelling can help you get more exposure. A product that is identical in name, logo, and colour scheme will make it easier for existing buyers to find you to purchase similar products. They will also be able to remember who you are.
Steps to Sell Private Label Products on Amazon 2022
1. Find potential products suitable for Amazon's Private Labelling.
Many products can be privately labelled. However, you should choose what you think will sell well rather than what has been proven to sell well.
It is a standard error that Amazon sellers make when they privately label products. Make sure you avoid this mistake and choose products that are in demand rather than those you like! You should research private-label products that you could sell on Amazon.
- They are light weight and small and weigh less than 1 kg. It allows you to save shipping costs from the manufacturer and Amazon fulfilment costs for your customers.
- Not seasonal. You need a product that sells consistently. While it is possible to add seasonal products to your core products after you have established your private brand, it is best to stick with year-round sellers.
- It is easy to sell. It can be challenging to sell certain products, such as toys, groceries, and products with battery packs. Also, avoid products that could become defective, such as electronics.
- Uncomplicated. Although selling electronic items can be very lucrative, it can also lead to customer service problems if they are challenging to set up and use. It is valid for clothing products, as you may need to stock multiple sizes or colours. Also, there might be a higher incidence of returns and exchanges.
Amazon is the best place to find products that meet your private labelling criteria. Use their Bestseller and Hot New Releases lists. These lists help you determine what products are in demand, popular and trending on the specific platform you wish to list.
2. Amazon Private Label Products
Direct contact with a manufacturer is the best way to secure a private-label product. Although it can be daunting for Amazon sellers, this is an integral part of the process. Alibaba can be your best source for multiple manufacturer options. Global Sources should also be your starting point.
Alibaba's sister website, AliExpress, is a less intimidating option for beginners. You can order one-offs from thousands of product options without corresponding directly with the manufacturer. All you have to do is add the product to your cart and pay online!
Although you won't find the best deals, this is a great way to get samples before placing a complete order. When dealing with manufacturers directly, reaching out to three to five suppliers is a good idea. It allows for comparisons, options, and negotiating between suppliers.
3. Sample Products and Negotiate Prices.
It is a significant part of the process. Obtaining samples from your suppliers is crucial because it could affect your Amazon seller's reputation. Request samples to get a chance to try the product.
Samples are only sometimes free. It is something that you need to be aware of. Suppliers will charge you for shipping and sometimes the product's total price until they become more familiar with you. If you are willing to work together, many suppliers will reduce the cost of your first order by removing the sample.
After you've received the product samples and are satisfied with their quality, you can do your due diligence and check the supplier's credentials before negotiating. It can be daunting, but manufacturers expect you to intervene.
Negotiating will help you keep your costs low and maximise your profits. However, you must know that the lowest-priced option is not always the best unless quality, fulfilment, and communication are excellent.
Instead, find the supplier that excels at all areas of the business and use the lower prices you have received to negotiate a better deal. You must be willing to compromise or walk away.
It would help if you talked to your supplier about whether you want to label your products at this stage privately. It is possible to have labels printed by a printer to add to your product packaging.
However, you should add professional branding at the manufacturing stage. Each of these options comes with associated costs. You should research this aspect when you are sourcing products.
4. Make and design your private label: Packaging and logo.
It is the first step of the private labelling process. It works best if you know what product you want to label. Experts in branding will tell you that a brand can be more than a logo.
However, your logo and colour scheme should be consistent across all aspects of your business. You will be able to create a better brand identity once you have an idea of the product you are selling.
It is worth looking into a graphic designer. You can find designers on the Upwork freelancing website to help you quickly source an expert who will be able to discuss your brief. Consider the target market and the area where you'll be operating, so you can get your private labelling from the beginning.
5. Register to sell Private Label Products on Amazon.
After you have agreed with your supplier and commissioned your branding design, and your private label product has been manufactured, it is time to set up your Amazon listing. Now you can market your product to more than 197,000,000 potential customers.
Search keywords for your product title. Make sure to have high-quality photos and prepare bullet points for your description. It is worth taking time to write your title. Bullet points are essential for your products to appear in Amazon's search results. Your title is the vital element of your Amazon private label product listing.
You should place your keywords in order of relevancy. These keywords are most likely to be specifically related to your product. For example, if your product is brown leather dog leads, "Brown Leather Dog Lead" would be your primary keyword. These keywords will be followed by secondary keywords you want to rank for.
Bullet points should reflect keywords and be concise. They should also include the essential features and benefits of your product. Images should be sharp and relevant, and the product from as many angles as possible. These things will assist your customers in making a purchase decision.
6. Amazon FBA allows you to fulfil your Amazon private-label product orders.
Once your product sells, you will need to arrange the fulfilment of the orders. Although you can do it yourself, if you list your private label products on Amazon, you will need to use its fulfilment service. It is the easiest and most efficient way to fulfil your orders.
Send your Inventory to Amazon. They will pick, pack, and store your order and then ship it to your customers. Amazon will handle your returns, refunds, and customer service inquiries. It is a great way to sell private-label products quickly.
Private Label Sales
- Do your research on the products.
- Directly deal with the manufacturer.
- Negotiate hard
- Verify the credentials of your supplier
- Try the products
- Talk branding with the manufacturer.
- Invest in branding and quality design
- Create a compelling Amazon listing.
- Use Amazon FBA
Amazon is so concerned about its reputation.
Amazon is a business, in the end. They need to maintain their reputation to stay at the top. Amazon is very customer-centric. Amazon is committed to providing the best customer experience possible, with millions of people using the platform daily. Amazon has a monopoly in the online e-commerce market. It currently has 300 million customers and 160 million Prime members.
Every customer who visits Amazon expects the best. It is because of the high standards Amazon has established. Selling generic or white boxes in this age of technology could lead to poor customer experiences and negative reviews. These are the things Amazon wants you to avoid.
Although you can sell generic products on Amazon, you'll be selling them. Many sellers purchase generic products from other eCommerce sites and resell them on Amazon. However, Drop-shipping or similar strategies may work in the short term but need to be more sustainable.
You might be in serious trouble if you sell generic products on Amazon.
These strategies could land you in serious trouble with Amazon. You might have your account suspended or your rights removed. There is nothing you can do. If you sell generic products on Amazon, there are other potential problems.
- You can sell any seller a different version on Amazon. There is no branding. Any other seller could get onto your listing and offer a different product version, often at a lower price. It increases competition and reduces your margins. It would be tough to make copycat products of your product and sell them on Amazon if they come under the brand.
- You are vulnerable to generic sellers copying your product listings because your product does not come under a big brand, and it is very little you can do. If someone copies your listing, they sell a product they don't have or can't fulfil.
- Customer complaints take work to resolve. Most sellers can review customer complaints without any adverse consequences for their accounts. It's slightly different for generic products. Amazon will require you to produce invoices for customers to file a complaint.
- Amazon will file a complaint if it cannot match your invoices with the brand name. Amazon will not hesitate to close your listing or your entire account. Although you can appeal, these cases usually get nowhere.
How can you sell branded items on Amazon if you already sell generic products?
You've decided to open an Amazon business. Why not build something that will last? You can sell generic products and white boxes on Amazon, but that will only go far. It could also lead to issues getting your account suspended. In this day and age, selling branded products is a safer and better option.
You can sell your branded products on Amazon in two ways:
- Wholesalers, manufacturers, or distributors can provide branded products you can sell on Amazon.
- You can make your brand items starting from scratch.
When building your Amazon brand, private labelling is something you'll hear a lot about. Private labelling means purchasing products from manufacturers, then labelling them and marketing them under your brand. FBA sellers have the incredible opportunity to create a lasting brand with private labelling.
What makes selling brand products better in 2022 than other options?
Amazon's marketplace is excellent because it is levelling the playing field for all. You can build a strong brand and be among the top brands worldwide, but it takes effort. Here's why:
- No restrictions by brand: Amazon usually has limitations about selling products from other brands. You don't have to worry about this when you start your brand.
- There is little competition: Generic items are less expensive than products from the same manufacturer. Private labelling allows you to compete only with yourself. Private labelling means you don't have to worry about other sellers undercutting your listing or stealing customers.
- Amazon A+ Content: Only registered brands can access enhanced brand content. This feature allows you to personalise your listing by adding high-quality multimedia content. These premium features improve user experience and lead to increased traffic and conversions.
As with any business starting from scratch, establishing a brand and seeing results will take time. Private labelling is a long-term investment in a business or asset you can cash out later. If done incorrectly, it can be a wasteful use of your time and resources. Find products that are worth your investment and build a brand.
What to watch out for when branding products
You're tired of selling generic products and want to start a business that can be sustainable. You must include your brand in packaging and product packaging if you create branding using previously generic products.
The product you sell must be under your brand. It is not enough to put a sticker on a generic item and claim ownership. It could even lead to negative reviews and damage your brand before it takes off.
You don't have to invent the wheel when building a brand. You don't need to create a new product. It will require you to spend a lot of money and possibly even build your manufacturing facility.
It is easy to find the product you want to sell and research the competition to see how you can improve it. You can use tools like Helium10 or Jungle Scout to help find products that are likely to sell.
Let's say, for example, you want to market beard oil under your brand.
- Which are your top Amazon competitors?
- Which pain points are their products not addressing?
- Is the product profitable? In other words, how many people search for it each month?
- What are your customers complaining about?
Once you have addressed these issues, you can continue improving your product, branding it, and watching your sales increase.
Mistakes to Avoid while Selling Branded Products on Amazon
Many brands selling on Amazon make the same mistakes. These include overpricing their products and slow handling of policy changes. These are the top pitfalls to avoid.
Amazon can be a high-risk, high-reward business. Amazon is as lucrative as it is. However, only 8% ever exceed $100,000 in sales. Each year, hundreds of thousands more sellers join the site.
It takes a potent offence and defence to make it big on Amazon, even for a well-respected brand. It requires an in-depth understanding of Amazon's business model and the unique characteristics that make it different from other eCommerce channels.
This blog will discuss some obstacles that can often hinder brands' growth. These challenges can affect even the largest companies.
1. Pricing is too high, and branding will not win.
Amazon is challenging for any brand. Amazon is one of those rare places where large and small brands can compete. Because of the vast array of options available, a strong reputation does not guarantee immediate success.
Evidence also suggests that Amazon buyers need to be more loyal to brands. 78% of Amazon searches are unbranded, and 65% of consumers claimed they feel comfortable purchasing from sellers they haven't heard of before.
Companies that place too much importance on their branding when setting their Amazon prices can end up harming their chances for success. It is evident in the pet category, where Furbo's dog camera costs nearly three times more than its closest competitor.
Amazon Furbo sales are volatile all year, according to data from AMZScout. They only appear to rise briefly during holidays. Furbo's ranking drops during the other months of the year when less well-known, cheaper competitors can swoop in.
Takeaway: Before you commit to your Amazon pricing strategy, it's a good idea to check your ego. If the market is dominated by "dirt cheap" products, your products may be unsuitable for Amazon. Amazon might be better suited to liquidate out-of-season Inventory. Don't be surprised if your brand isn't the only one on Amazon.
Start by finding your lowest selling price. Next, go to Amazon to determine your lowest selling price. You can also use tools such as AMZScout to research the performance and pricing of competitors who rank first in your targeted keywords.
Keep your rates within a reasonable range (no more than 20% below page one highest price). To maximise your profits, you should test several price points. However, it is vital to rank first on the first page to increase sales.
2. Listings can be lazy.
It's easy to forget about a lot of information or a busy schedule. You do yourself a disservice if you take a "set-it-and-forget-it" approach to list or copy and paste your listings from one channel.
You run the risk of duplicate content issues with Google. Amazon will almost always rank higher than your pages on Google. However, you could also be overlooked or penalised for Amazon's algorithm.
While traditional SEO (for Google) favours shorter titles than Amazon's, Amazon ranks higher for longer and more detailed titles. Third-party sellers use this approach to maximise their character count. One brand was able to drive sevenfold more monthly sales to their listings after updating their titles.
Amazon's data quality is a critical factor. Too often, brands miscategorise or skip product details. It can lead to a loss in their ranking on the first page (or ten) of their target categories.
Amazon has a reputation for automatically reclassifying ASINs when words in the listing indicate it belongs to another category. It is up to you to report any errors to Seller Support. This HEXBUG toy was incorrectly classified as a pesticide by Amazon. Its seller claimed that it was.
Here's the takeaway: You can tailor your listings to Amazon. Also, by not limiting the attributes required, you can better set customer expectations and minimise returns. Plus, it will ensure that you aren't excluded from search results when a buyer filters them.
Optimise your listings for a better Amazon Search Engine. You can start with the most popular listings first and later work your way down. You can automate or bulk edit the process by using eCommerce listing software. Software that can identify gaps in your data and categorise your Amazon SKUs will be the best.
Bonus tip Other tools, such as A+ Content (formerly EBC), can decrease bounce-offs on product detail pages, build trust and increase sales. If you have the opportunity, don't be afraid to try them out!
3. Failure to keep up with market changes.
Amazon also has specific listing requirements. These are not unique SEO practices. If brands don't monitor them regularly, they could find their products hidden in search results.
Thousands of brands felt pressured to optimise and reformat their listings after Amazon revealed its new apparel sizes. Although updates from Amazon are challenging to follow and understand, it is vital to notice the memo.
Amazon can make changes quickly, so it is not unusual for them to do this. Amazon won't delay or reduce requirements for listings with tens of thousands of listings.
Bottom line: Be alert and plan to adapt to any new Amazon changes. If this is not possible, you can find a software platform that will handle the process or an agency that can.
It would help if you were alert to any changes in the rules of engagement. Ask your agency or software partner how they approach this. Some may prefer to leave it up to you, the seller.
4. Overstocking
Inventory management is a constant challenge no matter what channel you sell on. Amazon is a challenge because brands often need to pay more attention to the demand for shopping events like Prime Day.
Or they purchase a lot of Inventory before they understand Amazon. Sometimes, new sellers stockpile items they believe will sell quickly, only to find that their listings are incorrect and prevent them from selling one sale.
FBA makes things even more complicated. You must pay long-term storage and removal fees if your Inventory isn't moving. FBA can also be risky (see tip #8).
Bottom line: Refrain from assuming that sales from your site or other marketplaces will translate into Amazon. It appeals to a specific audience with different buying habits and preferences. To see trends in sales for a product category, you can use tools such as AMZScout or Helium 10.
However, ultimately, you will want to build your sales history and understand the trade-off between sales lost due to stock-outs and excess storage costs due to slow-moving inventories.
Consider tools and processes that will allow you to work beyond the traditional 30-, 60 or 90-day reordering windows. Depending on your product, it may be a good idea to make smaller purchases more often.
5. Passively awaiting reviews
Reviews matter. It is a well-known fact. It's also notable that Amazon won't allow you to solicit reviews. Amazon strictly forbids this:
- The reward for positive reviews
- A positive review is requested (rather than any type) via packaging inserts and buyer-seller messaging
- Fake reviews
- Repressing negative reviews by bribing customers
A complete list of the most common transgressions is available. Some brands have been paralysed from taking any proactive action even though they tend to have at most a few hundred reviews, sometimes thousands.
Amazon Vine, the "Request A Review" button and other resources comply with Amazon's code of conduct. You can also leverage ads and work with influencers to get more reviews.
Takeaway: Remember to use the review collection tools that are available. There are third-party apps that Amazon has approved, such as Feedback Whiz. These apps can help you automate communication with customers. Before collecting feedback, ensure that your product listing, order fulfilment, and customer service are perfect.
It's not easy to get positive comments if your products are frequently late or incompletely listed (and thus potentially misleading) or if you have negative feedback. Fix the problems, then spread the word about the product.
6. Don't be afraid to defend yourself against bad actors.
Amazon is still a common feeding ground for counterfeiters, unauthorised sellers, and bad actors despite Amazon's best efforts to combat them. This is not a reason to ignore Amazon.
For most brands, the good outweighs any negative aspects. It could make things worse if you are present on the channel. For instance, Amazon predominantly works on a first-come-first-served basis; the first merchant to add a new item often has the most influence over its listing.
Listing your products first will give you an edge. Once you open an Amazon account, you can enrol in Brand Registry. It offers excellent protection from knock-outs and unauthorised sellers.
Amazon sellers typically try other dirty tricks to manipulate the system and knock down their competitors. Although this is not an easy job, it's essential to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.
Takeaway: Join Amazon's Brand Registry at a minimum. You can establish yourself as the brand-of record for your items and take advantage of Amazon's proactive protection services. To stop counterfeiters, you can use A+ content and images that prominently feature your logo or serial numbers, such as the image below.
7. Letting finances run amok
“Turnover is vanity; profit is sanity”. Some sellers' downfalls are due to constantly trying to sell new products and spending money on expensive consultants and other shiny objects.
Their expenses pile up, and their organisation continues to belly up no matter how big. Some brands mistakenly believe that the product with the highest sales makes them more money. In reality, their earnings may be less than the cost of production and shipping.
Bottom line: Revenue is not a strong indicator of your business's performance. Consider other factors, such as how efficiently you turn revenue into profit.
You can use an accounting program like QuickBooks and Xero to keep everything in control. It would help if you also considered outsourcing fulfilment and trimming Inventory to improve your margins.
8. Place all your bets on FBA.
Amazon FBA is used by two-thirds (63%) of Amazon sellers. It is the best suggestion for those who aim to outsource fulfilment or if they need to make their products Prime-eligible.
Brands that rely too heavily on FBA can put their business at risk. However, they may only realise it once disaster strikes. Let's look at the recent pandemic. Amazon temporarily removed all FBA-related items in March 2020. This caused thousands of sellers to lose their jobs.
Aside from the pandemic, you could be cut off from your Inventory if your Amazon account gets suspended for reasons that may or not be your fault.
Conclusion
While there are apparent benefits to FBA, you need to be aware of the potential risks. Compare FBA to fulfilling from your warehouse or using a third-party logistics partner (3PL).
To avoid Amazon having too much control over your company, diversify your sales and supply chains. You can sell on the marketplace, and anything can happen. No brand is immune from sudden disruptions to its accounts.