Amazon Success Guide: Do’s & Don’ts for New Sellers

Author name

Amazon Success Guide: Do’s & Don’ts for New Sellers

Starting your journey as an Amazon seller can be both exciting and challenging. With millions of customers browsing the platform daily, the potential for success is enormous.

Hence, navigating Amazon’s competitive marketplace requires careful strategy, attention to detail, and an understanding of best practices.

Below, we highlight essential do’s and don’ts that every new seller should follow to maximize profitability and avoid common pitfalls.

The Do’s of Selling on Amazon

1. Develop a Strategic Pricing Plan

Pricing your products effectively is a key factor in attracting buyers and maintaining profitability. Amazon’s algorithm favors competitively priced products, but that doesn’t mean you should always aim to be the cheapest.

Instead:

Consider all costs, including production, shipping, Amazon fees, and marketing.

Adjust pricing based on demand, seasonality, and competitor trends.

Test different pricing strategies to determine what works best for your target audience.

2. Understand Amazon’s Marketing & Advertising Tools

Amazon provides powerful advertising options that can significantly enhance product visibility.

Utilize:

Sponsored Products to promote individual listings and drive conversions.

Amazon Stores to create a branded storefront and strengthen customer trust.

Display & Video Ads to reach customers both on and off Amazon.

Monitoring and optimizing ad campaigns regularly ensures that you maximize return on investment (ROI) and reach the right audience.

3. Manage Inventory Efficiently

Running out of stock can damage your rankings and reduce customer trust, while overstocking can lead to unnecessary storage fees. 

To maintain balance:

Use inventory management tools to track stock levels and forecast demand.

Plan for seasonal fluctuations and promotional campaigns.

Ensure suppliers can meet demand efficiently to prevent stockouts or delays.

4. Account for Amazon’s Fees

Amazon’s fee structure includes referral fees, fulfillment fees (for FBA), storage fees, and more. These costs can quickly eat into profits if not accounted for in pricing.

Research all applicable fees before setting your product prices.

Consider using Amazon’s FBA Revenue Calculator to estimate costs accurately.

5. Pay Attention to Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is vital for long-term success. Positive reviews improve rankings and sales, while negative feedback can deter potential buyers.

Address negative reviews professionally and work on improving problem areas.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave honest reviews.

Monitor your feedback score to maintain a strong seller reputation.

6. Monitor Competitor Strategies

Keeping an eye on competitors can provide valuable insights into pricing, product features, and marketing trends.

Identify gaps in their offerings that you can capitalize on.

Learn from their mistakes and successes.

Adjust your strategy based on market trends to stay competitive.

7. Invest in High-Quality Product Content & Images

Your product listings should be visually appealing and informative to convert browsers into buyers.

Use high-resolution images that showcase product features clearly.

Write compelling and keyword-rich product descriptions.

Include bullet points that highlight key benefits and address common concerns.

8. Optimize for Mobile Users

A large percentage of Amazon shoppers use mobile devices. Ensure your listings are optimized for mobile by:

Using concise and engaging product descriptions.

Testing your listings on mobile devices to check readability.

Making sure images and videos display correctly.

9. Build a Brand Beyond Amazon

Relying solely on Amazon can be risky. Strengthen your brand by:

Creating a website and social media presence.

Engaging with customers outside of Amazon through email marketing.

Diversifying your sales channels to reduce dependency on one platform.


The Don’ts of Selling on Amazon:

1. Don’t Rush Without Research

Jumping into selling without researching the market, customer demand, and competition can lead to poor sales and wasted investment. Take time to:

Analyze competitor products and pricing.

Understand customer expectations and pain points.

Test demand before making large inventory commitments.

2. Don’t Ignore Inventory Management

Stock mismanagement can result in lost sales, penalties, and storage cost overruns. Avoid these common mistakes:

Overstocking slow-moving products.

Underestimating demand during peak seasons.

Failing to update stock levels, leading to cancellations.

3. Don’t Underestimate Amazon’s Fees

Many new sellers fail to account for all associated costs, leading to lower-than-expected profits. Avoid this by:

Factoring in all Amazon fees when setting prices.

Monitoring changes in Amazon’s fee structure.

Using financial tracking tools to manage expenses efficiently.

4. Don’t Ignore Negative Customer Feedback

Ignoring customer complaints can lead to lower ratings and even account suspension. Make sure to:

Respond to complaints promptly and professionally.

Improve product quality and descriptions to reduce returns.

Encourage happy customers to leave reviews.

5. Don’t Focus Solely on Price Competition

Competing only on price can lead to a race to the bottom and lower profit margins. Instead, focus on:

Product differentiation through unique features or superior quality.

Excellent customer service and fast shipping.

Building brand trust and loyalty to command premium pricing.

6. Don’t Take Mobile Optimization Lightly

With a significant portion of shoppers using mobile devices, failing to optimize for mobile can cost you sales.

Ensure text is easy to read on small screens.

Use high-quality images that load quickly.

Test your listings across multiple devices.

7. Don’t Expand Too Fast

Scaling too quickly without proper infrastructure can backfire. Common issues include:

Poor customer service due to increased demand.

Financial strain from investing too much in new products.

Inefficient logistics leading to delayed deliveries.


How Chief Marketplace Officer Can Help?

Navigating Amazon’s complexities can be overwhelming, especially for new sellers. That’s where the expertise of a Chief Marketplace Officer (CMO) comes in.

CMO provides strategic guidance to help:

Optimize product listings for maximum visibility and conversions.

Develop competitive pricing strategies that balance profitability and market trends.

Enhance advertising efforts through targeted Amazon marketing solutions.

Manage inventory efficiently to avoid stockouts or excess fees.

Build a strong brand presence both on and off Amazon.

With a dedicated expert handling your Amazon strategy, you can focus on growth while ensuring your business remains profitable and sustainable.


Key Takeaways

Success on Amazon requires more than just listing products and hoping for the best. By following these do’s and don’ts, new sellers can build a strong foundation, avoid costly mistakes, and create a thriving business. 

Whether it’s leveraging Amazon’s marketing tools, optimizing inventory management, or maintaining stellar customer service, strategic planning is key. For sellers who want to scale efficiently, partnering with Chief Marketplace Officer can make all the difference. 

Ready to elevate your Amazon business? Reach out here or book a zoom call  today!

A logo for do 's and don 'ts with a green check mark and a red cross.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Amazon Customer Service to Protect Your Account

By William Fikhman • April 15, 2025
In today’s hyper-competitive ecommerce landscape, where Amazon dominates as the go-to destination for online shopping, customer service isn’t just a perk – it’s a core pillar of brand protection and long-term success. Every message, reply, and interaction is a direct reflection of your brand. Get it right, and you earn loyalty. Get it wrong, and you invite returns, negative reviews, and even account risks. At CMO, we’ve helped hundreds of Amazon sellers scale their operations and avoid costly mistakes, and one of the biggest recurring issues we see is poor customer support. So if you’re serious about protecting your account health, maintaining your seller metrics, and keeping your customers happy, here are the must-know do's and don’ts of Amazon customer service. What is Customer Support for Amazon FBA Sellers? "Doesn’t Amazon handle customer service for FBA orders?" Technically, yes – but only to a point. Amazon will manage logistics-related inquiries, such as shipping times and returns. However, the bulk of pre-sale and post-sale support still falls on you . That includes answering product-specific questions, clarifying usage, troubleshooting post-delivery issues, and even reassuring hesitant shoppers before they buy. In other words, if you're not actively managing your customer experience, you're risking: Bad reviews High return rates Lost sales Long-term account health issues The Benefits of Positive Customer Support Exceptional support doesn’t just prevent problems. It actively boosts your brand. Increases positive reviews : Happy customers are far more likely to leave glowing feedback. Drives word-of-mouth marketing : Delighted shoppers love to share good experiences. Reduces returns : Most return requests are a result of confusion, not dissatisfaction. Clear communication solves that. Boosts conversions : Prompt answers can help close a sale that would have otherwise gone to a competitor. Improves account health : Amazon metrics like Order Defect Rate (ODR) depend on satisfied customers. Do: Prioritize Fast Response Times Speed matters. In a world where most people get Amazon deliveries in less than 48 hours, slow replies feel out of touch. Aim to respond to all customer inquiries within 24 hours – and faster if possible. Pre-sale questions should be top priority, as these directly affect conversions. Even if you don’t have the answer yet, a simple message like, "Thanks for reaching out! I'm looking into this and will follow up shortly," goes a long way. Don't: Send rushed, low-effort responses just to meet time requirements. Customers can tell when you're phoning it in. If you need more time, say so – then follow through. Do: Hire Customer Support Reps as You Scale Your time is valuable. As your store grows, the last thing you want is to spend hours answering customer messages when you should be focusing on strategy, marketing, and sourcing. Professional customer support reps can: Increase efficiency Improve response quality Boost customer satisfaction Prevent burnout Don't: Try to do it all yourself forever. And don’t hire cheap overseas labor without proper training – low-cost support often results in low-quality experiences that cost you more in the long run. Do: Use an Autoresponder to Acknowledge Messages Autoresponders are a simple, effective way to let customers know you've received their message. This provides reassurance, sets expectations, and buys you time to write a thoughtful reply. A good autoresponder might say: "Thanks for reaching out! We received your message and will get back to you within 24 hours. In the meantime, here’s a link to our FAQ that might have what you need." Don't: Leave customers in the dark with silence. That’s a surefire way to spark impatience and, eventually, negative feedback. Do: Create Templates for Common Questions Streamline your process. If you get the same 10 questions every week, it makes sense to have high-quality, pre-written responses ready to go. Templates for shipping, product use, compatibility, and troubleshooting can save time and keep responses consistent. Don’t: Use templates as a crutch. Customers can spot copy-paste jobs a mile away. Always customize your response to match their question. Do: Show Empathy – Especially with Upset Customers Empathy builds trust. Customers don’t just want a refund or replacement – they want to be heard. When someone is upset, acknowledge their frustration and show you care. "I completely understand how frustrating that must be. I’d be upset too. Let’s work together to find a solution." This simple human touch diffuses tension and opens the door for resolution. Don’t: Get defensive. Avoid blaming the customer or minimizing their experience. Your job is to fix the problem, not argue. Do: Personalize Every Interaction Personalization is powerful. Refer to the customer by name. Reference the exact product they bought. Mention specific details from their message. These little touches show you’re paying attention. Example: "Hi Sarah, I saw your question about the 12-piece kitchen set you ordered last week. I'm so sorry to hear a piece was missing." Don’t: Treat all customers like ticket numbers. Generic, impersonal messages damage your reputation. Do: Add Customer Q&A to Your Listings If multiple people are asking the same question, that’s a sign your listing needs an update. You can preempt common objections and concerns by answering them directly in your bullet points or A+ Content. This also boosts conversion rates, as hesitant shoppers can find reassurance before they reach out. Don’t: Let your listing gather dust. Update it regularly based on real customer feedback. Do: Cross-Sell When Relevant Smart support agents don’t just solve problems – they grow revenue. If someone asks about a backpack’s compatibility with a laptop sleeve you also sell, let them know. If they love your product, recommend the next item in the bundle. Don’t: Push products just for the sake of it. Cross-selling should feel like help, not a hard sell. Bonus Tips for Amazon Customer Service Excellence Document Everything : Keep records of all customer conversations in case of A-to-Z claims or chargebacks. Use Buyer-Seller Messaging Properly : Stay compliant with Amazon's policies. Avoid promotional content or outside links. Monitor Feedback Daily : Resolve issues quickly to maintain a strong seller rating. Learn From Negative Reviews : Every 1-star review is an opportunity to improve your product or service. Final Thoughts At CMO, we always remind our clients: your Amazon business is only as strong as your customer support. Support is more than an afterthought. It’s a marketing channel. A retention tool. A reputation builder. A safety net against returns and poor reviews. If you want to stay competitive in the Amazon marketplace, customer service must be built into your operations from Day 1. Whether you’re a new seller or a top 1% brand, these do's and don’ts should guide your every customer interaction. Need help building a customer support system that scales with your brand? Contact CMO here and let’s elevate your Amazon presence the right way.  Let’s protect your brand, grow your reviews, and keep your customers coming back.
A blue background with the word ppc on it.

Outsourcing Your Amazon PPC: Why It’s the Best Move for Long-Term Profitability

By William Fikhman • April 15, 2025
Amazon has become the go-to marketplace for both shoppers and sellers. But as the competition intensifies, simply having a great product and a well-optimized listing isn’t enough. To win the digital shelf and convert clicks into customers, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising is essential. However, effective Amazon PPC management is a full-time job. With constant algorithm updates, shifting bid strategies, keyword research, campaign structuring, and performance tracking, it’s easy for sellers to get overwhelmed — or worse, burn through ad spend without a positive return. That’s where outsourcing comes in. Whether you're considering a specialized virtual assistant (VA) or a professional agency, handing over your PPC efforts to experts is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make. Here’s why. 1. You’ll Get a Strategy — Not Just Ads Most DIY advertisers focus on basic tasks like running Auto campaigns or targeting high-volume keywords. A PPC expert does more than just place ads — they build strategies. When you outsource to an agency or specialist VA, you gain access to structured plans built around: Product lifecycle (launch, growth, maturity) Profitability goals Inventory health Market trends Strategic campaign layering (branded, competitor, category), dayparting, negative keyword sculpting, and advanced tactics like Single Keyword Campaigns (SKAGs) become part of the plan — driving precision and performance. 2. Cost Efficiency: Save More by Spending Wisely Ironically, many sellers resist outsourcing due to cost, but it’s usually DIY campaigns that result in wasted spend. A poorly managed PPC account can eat up profits through: Irrelevant clicks Poor keyword targeting Overbidding or underbidding Ignoring seasonal trends PPC experts know how to maximize every dollar . They focus on ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sales) and TACoS (Total Advertising Cost of Sales) to ensure profitability — not just visibility. In many cases, outsourcing reduces your total ad spend while increasing sales volume, because the ad dollars are being used more effectively. 3. Time is Money: Free Yourself from the Dashboard How many hours per week do you spend: Pulling reports? Checking keyword performance? Adjusting bids? Launching campaigns? These tasks add up fast — especially if you’re juggling inventory management, customer service, listing optimization, and logistics. Outsourcing frees up your time so you can focus on scaling your business, sourcing new products, or even just taking a breath. 4. Stay Ahead of the Curve with Expertise and Tools PPC platforms evolve constantly. Amazon adds new ad types like Sponsored Display, changes to targeting options, or introduces programmatic features — and sellers who don’t adapt fall behind. An agency or seasoned VA is constantly learning, testing, and optimizing. They often have access to: Premium tools like Helium 10, Pacvue, Perpetua, or DataHawk Automation scripts for bid optimization Competitive intelligence platforms Internal Amazon beta programs Keeping up with these trends on your own is a full-time job. Let the pros stay ahead so you don’t fall behind. 5. Better Decisions with Data-Driven Insights PPC management isn’t guesswork. Expert managers track and analyze data relentlessly to drive better decisions. They dive deep into: Keyword conversion rates Search term reports Placement analytics Ad group structure performance A/B testing results This data informs decisions not only for PPC but also for your product listings , pricing , and even inventory forecasting . With the right team, your PPC efforts become an integrated part of your overall business strategy — not just an isolated channel. 6. Custom Campaigns for Every Product Different products require different PPC approaches. Launching a new ASIN, pushing a slow mover, or defending your brand all demand unique strategies. A specialized VA or agency can tailor: Aggressive launch strategies with low ACoS goals Defensive campaigns to fend off competitors Long-tail keyword strategies for niche products Seasonal promotions and lightning deal amplification These nuances make the difference between an okay campaign and a highly profitable one. 7. Scalability Without Growing Pains As your catalog grows, managing PPC in-house becomes exponentially harder. More ASINs mean more campaigns, more keywords, and more data to analyze. An outsourced team is built to scale with you. Whether you're adding 10 new SKUs or launching in a new marketplace (like Amazon UK or CA), they can expand your ad strategy without a hitch — ensuring performance doesn’t drop as your store grows. 8. Gain an Edge with Cross-Functional Support Some agencies go beyond PPC — offering cross-functional support like: Listing optimization (images, copy, A+ content) Brand storefront design DSP advertising (Demand Side Platform) External traffic strategies (Google Ads, influencers) Brand protection services This full-service model means your advertising doesn’t exist in a silo. Everything works together to drive growth — from your keywords to your creative to your brand integrity. 9. Avoid Costly Mistakes and Amazon Violations Amazon has strict advertising policies. One mistake — like using restricted keywords or violating category rules — can get your ads suspended, or worse, get your account flagged. PPC professionals know how to operate within Amazon’s rules while pushing the envelope to win market share. They can also navigate ad suspensions or technical issues faster than a solo seller fumbling through support tickets. 10. Peace of Mind = Better Business Decisions Lastly, outsourcing gives you peace of mind . Instead of stressing over ACoS or chasing keyword changes, you can make confident, data-driven decisions about your business. You’ll know your ads are in good hands — and that your PPC engine is driving profitability, not draining it. In Conclusion Amazon PPC is no longer a set-it-and-forget-it game. It's a fast-paced, data-heavy, constantly evolving battlefield. If you want long-term success — not just short-term wins — investing in expert PPC management is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Whether you go with a boutique agency or a trusted VA, outsourcing your PPC is about more than delegation — it’s about elevating your brand , improving margins, and freeing your time to focus on growth. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late. Let CMO Secure Your Brand Today. 🔒 Book a FREE Consultation with CMO to discuss how we can: ✔️ Enroll you in Amazon Brand Registry , Transparency & Project Zero ✔️ Remove unauthorized resellers and counterfeiters ✔️ Ensure your brand is protected with an expert-led strategy 📞 Schedule Your Free Strategy Call Now! 👉 Your brand’s success starts with protection. Let CMO handle the hard work while you focus on growing your Amazon business. #AmazonBrandProtection #BrandRegistry #CMOServices #IPProtection #EcommerceSecurity #ChiefMarketplaceOfficer #CMO