Selling clothes on amazon can be a lucrative venture, and even for smaller boutiques generating a substantial income is possible. However, before you get started you must register with amazon and adhere to their policies once approved.
Sometimes to protect a brand or to ensure quality of their products amazon restricts certain categories such as clothing and you will require special approval from Amazon or the brand to sell in that category.
Brand Restrictions
There are a variety of different categories, brands and products on Amazon that require sellers to get approval from the brand in order to sell them. These are called “gated” or “restricted” products, and they generally have stringent quality regulations that must be met in order to sell them.
In order to be approved for these categories, you must go through a process that involves submitting invoices and information about your company. This process is not a guarantee that you will be approved for the category, but it is a good way to improve your chances of being approved.
It can take a while to get approved for these categories, so it’s important to plan ahead when you’re setting up your retail arbitrage business. Make sure you have a reliable sourcing app (Scoutify, for example, is a great option) and some patience as you work through the approval procedure.
While obtaining approval from the brand may be a lengthy process, it is worth the effort in the long run. It will protect your reputation as a seller and help you avoid IP complaints from the brand that could result in account suspension or removal. It also allows you to sell in the most coveted categories on the site, which means higher conversion rates for your listings. Moreover, it will reduce the risk of counterfeiters.
Inventory Requirements
Getting approval to sell clothes on amazon is a great way to make some extra money. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start listing your clothing products on the site. First, you must be able to fulfill orders quickly. This will help you maintain your seller metrics and improve your chance of landing in the buy box.
Second, you must have a high performance track record. Your defect rate should be less than 1%, and your pre-fulfilled cancel and late shipment rates should be under 2.5%. Finally, you must have a strong supply chain. This means you must be able to source the right types of inventory at the right prices. This will help you compete with the thousands of other sellers who also want to sell their clothes on Amazon.
In addition, you must have a good reputation with the brands you plan to sell. Often, these brands will restrict their products from being sold by anyone who is not an approved seller. This is done to ensure that all the brand’s products meet the highest quality standards. Some popular brands such as Nike or Hasbro are gated and require special approval to be sold on Amazon.
After establishing your credentials, you need to decide whether you want to sell FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) or FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant). The latter option is cheaper but requires that you handle the shipping and customer service yourself.
Fynd Platform
There are many different ways to sell clothing on Amazon, including through their FBA program. However, you must first meet the requirements for each category in order to be approved to sell. This includes meeting brand permission requirements and maintaining excellent performance metrics such as a low defect rate and a low pre-fulfilled cancel rate.
To get started, create a seller account on Amazon. Once you’ve done this, apply to sell in the Clothing category by visiting the Seller Central website and selecting “Apply to Sell.” You’ll need to provide a variety of information about your business, including a list of your inventory. Once your application is submitted, it can take a few weeks to hear back from Amazon.
There are also a number of other requirements to selling on Amazon. For example, you must have a verified business address and a valid credit card. You must also pay taxes and fees to the federal, state, and local governments. And you must keep records of all sales for tax purposes. Lastly, you must have a reliable shipping method. This includes tracking your shipments and informing customers of any delays or issues. A reliable ecommerce platform, like Fynd, can help you manage all these aspects of your business. The platform is also a great choice for startups, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs who want to start an online store quickly.
Credibility
Credibility is a feeling of trust and respect that you inspire in others. It is the result of a combination of factors, and it is not easily achieved. However, if you can manage to build credibility as an online seller in the clothing business, it will go a long way towards boosting your sales.
One of the biggest challenges with selling clothes online is that customers cannot try them on before they buy them. This creates a lot of uncertainty for customers, and leads to high return rates. This can eat into your profits and damage your reputation.
Another challenge is that you must be able to compete with thousands of other sellers on Amazon. It is important to do your research and find a niche in the market so that you can stand out from the competition.
You should also optimize your listings. This means using proper keywords and ensuring that your images meet Amazon’s requirements. It is also a good idea to do competitive research and analyze what your competitors are doing.
Sometimes, to maintain the highest standards, Amazon restricts certain products. These are referred to as gated products and require special approval to sell. This is especially true with clothing, where the brand may have strict specifications. Often, these brands are gated to protect their reputation and prevent counterfeiting.