In this fast-paced era of e-commerce, the emergence of colossal platforms such as Amazon has unlocked a new realm of monetary prospects for aspiring entrepreneurs - by means of private labeling. For those individual sellers who aspire to forge an exceptional and dependable brand, private labeling offers a prime opportunity. This endeavor necessitates nothing more than ordinary products, and if executed with diligence, it could prove to be a highly lucrative venture.
Though the idea of private labeling may seem effortless and captivating, the reality of creating a flourishing Amazon private label demands far more dedication and perseverance than one might assume.
Without further ado, let us delve into the art of cultivating a thriving private label on Amazon!
How Can You Define an Amazon Private Label?
Private labeling is a concept that involves buying products from a manufacturer and rebranding them with your own label. The idea is simple, yet highly effective. A prime example of this is Amazon Basics, a highly successful private label that sources products from various manufacturers and sells them under their own brand.
The private label industry has seen an impressive growth of 4.4% in 2018, resulting in a profit of $5.5 billion. In the US, almost one out of every four products sold is a private label or store brand product, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association.
With such impressive statistics, private labeling provides Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) sellers with an exceptional opportunity to establish a reliable brand. The best part is that Amazon takes care of most of the logistics and customer service, leaving the seller with the task of sourcing a dependable supplier and a high-quality generic product.
What are the reasons for creating a private label on Amazon?
Why would a seller go through the trouble of creating a private label on Amazon when it's not an easy or quick way to make money? Well, there are several advantages to having your own brand:
However, creating a private label on Amazon also comes with its own set of challenges, such as:
To establish a private label on Amazon, there are several factors to consider and steps to follow.
Establishing a private label on Amazon requires a long-term investment as building a brand takes time and effort. To begin, the first step is to create an Amazon seller account, and there are two options available: the free Individual account or the Professional account with a monthly fee. Starting with the Individual account is recommended for beginners, while the Professional account is suitable for sellers with more than 40 products and who are interested in selling restricted products.
The success of private label products on Amazon depends on extensive research to identify a niche market and a profitable product. Researching the best-selling products on Amazon and identifying niche products in high demand is crucial. You should also consider seasonal products and focus on products that have consistent sales throughout the year. When selecting a product for private labeling, keep in mind the size, weight, and whether it's generic and unregulated. It's ideal to choose products that weigh less than 3 pounds and are priced between $20 to $60, to maximize profit margins.
Examine the competition.
After you have identified your potential product, it is essential to conduct a thorough analysis of your competition. Start by researching how they perform and the number of sales they generate. To do this, simply search for your product on Amazon and examine the top five products in detail.
Pay attention to the keywords used by your competitors to describe their products and take note of how they use them. Analyze the customer feedback and product ratings to identify any shortcomings in your competitors' products that you could address with your private label.
Once you have conducted a thorough analysis of your competitors on Amazon, consolidate your findings. It is always wise to make a list of the pros and cons of each product before making a final decision.
Identifying your supplier is crucial in the private label business.
Discovering the ideal supplier is a simple task nowadays, thanks to platforms like Alibaba that enable direct product sourcing from manufacturers. The first step is to access an international B2B platform and connect with potential suppliers. In case you encounter challenges identifying suitable suppliers, refer to a comprehensive guide to assist you.
To obtain the best prices, contact multiple manufacturers, and ensure that your chosen supplier allows private labeling. Beware of fraudulent manufacturers and verify the supplier's reputation, trade insurance, and at least two years of experience. It's prudent to use secure payment methods while making purchases.
When contacting the supplier, be specific about the product you want to purchase, the quantity you require, shipping location, and shipping preferences. Look for trustworthy wholesale suppliers who can offer favorable terms. Negotiating the contract's terms is possible once you have identified a suitable product and supplier. Note that most manufacturers only accept bulk orders ranging from 200 to 1000 units. It is essential to communicate simply to avoid misunderstandings, and presenting yourself as a knowledgeable buyer could increase your chances of a favorable deal. For additional guidance on finding product ideas for private labeling, review our guide on websites for Amazon sellers.
Choose your fulfillment strategy.
If you are considering selling on Amazon, you have the option to handle shipping and logistics yourself or use Amazon's FBA program, for which we recommend signing up. As an FBA seller, you only need to ensure that your products reach Amazon's warehouse, and they will take care of storage, packaging, shipping, and customer support for a fee. Although this service is not free, it is highly recommended. In addition, FBA sellers are eligible for Prime.
Develop your own private label brand to differentiate your products from the competition.
When establishing a brand, the logo is often the first thing that comes to mind. Additionally, colors associated with a brand can heavily influence customer purchases. These visual elements leave a lasting impression that words cannot match, so it's crucial to keep this in mind while building your brand. Your logo and brand colors serve as a representation of your company.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while designing your logo and brand colors:
After creating your logo and selecting your brand colors, consider customizing your packaging to stand out from the competition and include branding elements. When designing your packaging, be sure to include the following information:
It's recommended to give yourself sufficient time to create your brand elements and packaging before listing your product on Amazon.
Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you can proceed to list your new private label product on Amazon.
Now that your account is set up, your products are labeled, and you're ready to ship, it's time to list your new private label product on Amazon. To drive traffic and generate sales, you need a well-optimized product listing. The visibility of your product depends on your ability to leverage keywords and media to create a descriptive and informative listing. If you need more guidance on how to optimize your listing, refer to this comprehensive guide.
Your product listing comprises four essential components:
1. Product Title: Keep your product title simple, and include key details about your product. For private labels, mention your brand name, and use 100 to 150 characters to create a descriptive title. You have a maximum of 200 characters to work with.
2. Photographs and Videos: As customers cannot physically see the product before purchasing, high-quality photos and videos are crucial to give them a clear visual understanding. Include at least six photos of your product from different angles, with a recommended resolution of 1280 pixels on the longer side. You can also add a product video to showcase its features.
3. Product Price: To stand out in a competitive market, your product pricing should be competitive. It's essential to ensure that you make a profit as well. Consider starting with a low margin initially and gradually increasing prices once your brand gains traction. You can use SellerApp's FBA fees calculator to check your profit margins.
4. Description of Your Product: Provide a comprehensive description of your product to help customers make an informed purchase decision. Use bullet points to highlight the essential details and ensure to include relevant keywords in the product description. It's your chance to convert traffic into sales, so make it informative and engaging.
Be creative with your product listing, target keywords with high search volumes and less competition, and use visual content to make your listing stand out.
Introduce your product to the market.
One of the most critical aspects to consider after launching your product is obtaining reviews. The most effective method of obtaining reviews is to request them. However, Amazon has regulations prohibiting incentivizing customers to leave reviews, so you should be cautious when contacting your customers. Once your product is purchased, seek honest feedback but avoid offering discounts or other incentives in return.
Final thoughts
Running a successful private label business requires continuous effort and innovation. One effective way to kickstart your brand is to launch PPC campaigns early on to drive organic traffic and build a customer base. Keep in mind that private labels are a long-term investment, and building a successful e-commerce empire takes time and dedication.
hello@sellerit.com
