If you sell products on Amazon.com, you may be patiently awaiting an invitation to join Amazon Vendor Central. Before that invitation comes your way, it’s a good idea to know how this account differs from what you’re doing now, and the changes in customer interaction that will take place.
What is Amazon Seller Central?
On Seller Central, anyone can sell their products. You are responsible for managing all of your listings and for fulfilling orders. You can fulfill your orders through one of the following methods:
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FBM (Fulfillment by Manufacturer)
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FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
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FBM Prime (Prime Fulfillment by Manufacturer)
Selling products on Amazon Seller Central has a lot of benefits. The biggest advantages are that you have more control over inventory and prices, and you can make a bigger margin compared to the Vendor relationship. Brands enjoy that Seller Central is flexible and allows for more direct interaction with their customers. The steady cash flow and predictable plan are also attractive perks.
What is Amazon Vendor Central?
With Vendor Central, you are acting a supplier, selling your products to Amazon in bulk quantities. You can only use Vendor Central if you have received an invitation. Generally speaking, a Vendor account is best for large brands and manufacturers that only want to manage inventory.
When comparing the pros and cons to a Seller account, there are some definite things to think about. For instance, Vendor Central gives you less control over pricing and smaller profit margins compared to Seller Central.
What makes Vendor Central an attractive way to sell your products is that you get access to invite-only programs like Amazon Marketing Services (AMS), Amazon Advertising (AMG), Amazon Vine and Subscribe & Save. Vendor Central also allows A+ content, also known as enhanced content. Additionally, you have the peace of mind that you’re a first-party seller, making customers more willing to purchase through you.
Seller Central vs Vendor Central: Which is Best?
There are pros and cons to both types of accounts. It’s possible that the dependable payment schedule and flexibility over inventory and pricing are enough to make you choose Seller Central. Or, you may benefit from handing over the management of your brand to Amazon and taking advantage of the many invite-only marketing services. There is no right or wrong in this case. It’s simply a matter of which is best for your brand.
If you need help deciding which Central is right for you, contact SEMGeeks for our Amazon marketing and consulting services. We’ll be happy to determine what type of seller you are and which route is best for your customers and products and services.
