In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, Amazon Vendor Express is a popular offering by the online retail giant, providing businesses of all sizes with a streamlined platform to sell their products directly to Amazon.
Amazon vendor express simplifies partnering with Amazon’s marketplace, making it accessible to a broader range of sellers and increasing the variety of available products for consumers.
Guiding readers through this journey, we’ll touch upon the significance of the program’s popularity, its effects on sellers, and how Amazon’s subsequent offerings have adapted to and improved upon the lessons learned from their experience with Vendor Express.
Amazon Seller vs. Amazon Vendor: Understanding the Differences
While Amazon Seller and Amazon Vendor enable businesses to sell on Amazon, important distinctions exist between them.
An Amazon Seller is an independent business owner who lists and sells items directly to customers based on customer demand. In contrast, an Amazon Vendor is an official supplier that sells products in bulk to Amazon, which then resells the products on the marketplace.
Given their differing relationships with Amazon, the main differences between sellers and vendors lie in their control level, revenue structure, and available resources and tools.
Amazon vendors receive payment for their products based on their agreement with Amazon, which typically includes factors such as pricing, quantity, and delivery terms. There can be variances in payment amounts and schedules.
Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding how Amazon pays its vendors:
Payment terms: Amazon usually sets the payment terms for its vendors, with schedules varying after the invoice date. This can have an impact on the cash flow of the vendor.
Costs and fees: Amazon may charge various fees for its vendors, such as marketing or advertising fees, damage allowances, and other deductions. Vendors should carefully review their agreements to understand all associated costs.
Negotiations: Amazon vendors might have room for negotiation, especially regarding terms and pricing. However, Amazon generally has the upper hand in these agreements due to the sheer volume of products they purchase and resell.
By becoming a vendor, these businesses could use Amazon’s vast marketing and distribution network to reach more customers.
The process involves uploading the product details, setting a wholesale price, and shipping the products to Amazon’s warehouse. They would take care of the rest, including returns and customer service.
Why is Amazon discontinuing the vendor express program?
Additionally, Amazon found it more efficient to focus its resources on developing its other seller platforms, such as Vendor Central and Seller Central, which offered more comprehensive solutions for vendors and sellers alike.
What’s next for sellers – Amazon Vendor Central and Amazon Seller Central
Although Amazon Vendor Express has been discontinued, other options are available for sellers to consider.
Amazon Vendor Central is an invitation-only platform where vendors can sell their products directly to Amazon. Like Vendor Express, businesses benefit from Amazon’s marketing and distribution channels, alongside advanced tools for monitoring and improving their product listings.
Amazon Vendor Central is a web-based platform where manufacturers and suppliers can sell directly to Amazon. Instead of selling products to customers, vendors sell in bulk to Amazon, which handles sales, marketing, and distribution to customers.
Vendor Central streamlines the entire process, allowing businesses to focus on producing high-quality products. The platform offers a range of features and benefits for vendors, enhancing the overall Amazon ecommerce experience.
Key features of Amazon Vendor Central
To provide efficient service, Vendor Central comes with numerous features, such as automated PO (Purchase Order) management, advanced analytics, and access to various Amazon programs.
With Vendor Central, suppliers can leverage Amazon’s strong retail and logistics capabilities. Amazon Vendor Central offers a variety of benefits, such as:
A more streamlined ordering process, reducing administrative burdens
Increased exposure and credibility, thanks to Amazon’s trusted platform and customer base
Access to advanced analytics and sales data, helping vendors make informed business decisions
Customer-focused operations, including Amazon handling fulfillment, shipping, and customer service
Suppliers can effectively harness Amazon’s ecommerce expertise and infrastructure by utilizing Amazon Vendor Central, leading to improved efficiency and growth opportunities.
Amazon Vendor Central offers various tools and resources to help you grow your business on the platform. By leveraging the A+ Content feature, you can create compelling product pages with rich visuals and text to enhance your brand’s story and improve conversion rates.
Monitoring your performance and optimizing your strategies in real time is crucial for success. The Business Analytics dashboard provides detailed reports and insights on metrics such as sales, inventory, and customer reviews. This data helps you make data-driven decisions and identify areas for improvement.
Another valuable feature is Amazon Brand Registry, which provides tools to protect your intellectual property and prevent counterfeit products. Enrolling in the program gives you access to enhanced reporting, proactive brand protection, and support from a dedicated team of specialists.
Finally, Amazon Vendor Central offers Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), a comprehensive solution for order fulfillment and customer service. With FBA, you can store your products at Amazon’s warehouses, and they will handle packing, shipping, and returns. This allows you to focus on the core aspects of your business and provide a seamless experience for your customers.
Amazon Seller Central is a web platform designed for individuals and businesses looking to sell their products directly to customers on Amazon.
Amazon seller central provides users with tools, reports, and features that help manage their business effectively. As a seller, you have direct control over pricing, inventory management, and other aspects of your online retail presence.
Payment and Reporting: Amazon Seller Central provides detailed sales, inventory, and payments reports and analytics. This helps sellers track their performance and make data-driven decisions for their business.
These features and many others make Amazon Seller Central an excellent choice for individuals and businesses interested in selling programs for their products on the Amazon marketplace.
As a user, you can access various tools and resources to optimize your online retail presence, manage inventory, and track the success of your business.
How Does Amazon Vendor Central Compare With Amazon Seller Central
On the other hand, Amazon Seller Central is a platform for individual sellers and retailers who list and sell their items directly to customers. In this case, sellers are responsible for inventory, shipping, and customer service.
Who is Eligible to Use Amazon Vendor Central and Amazon Seller Central?
Both platforms have their distinct eligibility criteria. Amazon Vendor Central is available by invitation only, typically targeting larger suppliers and brands that can fulfill significant order quantities. Unlike vendor central, Amazon Seller Central is open to any individual or business looking to sell on the platform, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and online retailers.
What Businesses Can Use Amazon Vendor Central and Amazon Seller Central
Amazon Vendor Central is more suited for established manufacturers, suppliers, and brands with an extensive portfolio of products. These businesses should be capable of fulfilling bulk orders and maintaining efficient supply chains.
Amazon Vendor Central: Ideal for established manufacturers, suppliers, and brands with an extensive portfolio of products and efficient supply chains.
Amazon Seller Central: Suitable for small retailers, artisans, and entrepreneurs looking to sell their items directly to Amazon customers with greater control over listings and inventory management.
Products Eligible for Amazon Vendor Central and Amazon Seller Central
Amazon Vendor Central and Seller Central cater to different types of sellers and their respective products. Both platforms generally allow most product categories, making them highly versatile seller channels. However, certain conditions exist for specific types of products.
Products eligible for sale on both platforms must meet Amazon’s guidelines, including adhering to its Restricted Products Policy. Furthermore, certain categories require pre-approval or compliance with additional guidelines. For example, automotive, fashion, and grocery items may have specific safety or product packaging requirements.
Regardless of the platform, prohibited items such as illegal drugs, counterfeit items, or recalled products are strictly disallowed.
Here are some examples of eligible product categories:
Final Thoughts – Choosing the Right Option for You
When it comes to Amazon Vendor Express, it is essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the program to determine if it suits your business needs. Consider the size of your business, the level of control you prefer, and the resources available to manage your eCommerce presence.
The following offers a comparison between Amazon Vendor Express and other Amazon programs:
Seller Central: Offers greater control over pricing and inventory but may require more management and marketing efforts.
Amazon Vendor Central: Emphasizes larger brands and offers more benefits, but it may be more challenging for smaller businesses to join.
It is important to evaluate your business’s unique needs and specific goals for venturing into Amazon eCommerce. By carefully considering the differences between the available Amazon programs, you can make a well-informed decision about the best fit for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fees for using Amazon Vendor Express?
Amazon Vendor Express charges suppliers a set percentage of the product’s selling price, known as a referral fee. These fees vary depending on the product category and range between 4% – 10%. Additional costs, like chargebacks or marketing program fees, may also apply.
Can I use Amazon Vendor Express for private-label products?
Yes, Amazon Vendor Express allows private label products as long as they meet the program’s requirements.
Amazon evaluates each product case-by-case, considering factors like sales history, customer reviews, and product quality.
How does Amazon determine which products to accept for the program?
How long does it take to get paid through Amazon Vendor Express?
Amazon Vendor Express payments are processed on a net 60-day term, meaning you’ll receive payment approximately 60 days after Amazon receives your product.
Payment timeframe may vary slightly depending on factors like shipping and processing times.
Can you switch from Amazon Seller Central to Amazon Vendor Express?
Yes, you can switch from Amazon Seller Central to Amazon Vendor Express.
8-figure Amazon seller and serial online entrepreneur since 2015. Research and practice various online business models, and apply his in-depth learnings to further expand and grow his businesses as well as help others to achieve greater successes. Ex-VP of a high tech VC in Vancouver and a Management Consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Master's Degree from HEC Paris.
