Enrolling in Amazon’s FBA New Selection Program
Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service has revolutionized e-commerce, offering sellers a way to scale their businesses with minimal hassle. One of the key initiatives Amazon offers to incentivize sellers is the FBA New Selection Program. This program provides a unique opportunity for sellers to introduce new-to-Amazon ASINs to the marketplace with reduced fees and other benefits. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details of the FBA New Selection Program, including eligibility criteria, enrollment process, benefits, and strategies for maximizing the program’s potential.
What is the FBA New Selection Program?
The FBA New Selection Program is designed to encourage sellers to bring new products to Amazon’s marketplace. It offers various incentives, such as free storage, free removals, and free returns processing for new-to-Amazon ASINs. This can significantly reduce the cost of launching new products, making it an attractive option for both new and experienced sellers.
What is an ASIN and Why It’s Important?
An ASIN, or Amazon Standard Identification Number, is a unique identifier assigned by Amazon to every product listed on its platform. Each ASIN is a ten-character alphanumeric code that allows Amazon to track and manage inventory, listings, and sales efficiently. For sellers, the ASIN is crucial because it serves as the primary means of identifying and managing their products within Amazon’s vast catalog.
When you create a new product listing, Amazon assigns a new ASIN if the product is not already in the catalog. Understanding ASINs is vital for sellers because it ensures that their products are correctly listed, easily searchable by customers, and distinct from similar or duplicate items.
Who is Elegible for Amazon’s FBA New Selection Program?
To participate in the FBA New Selection Program, sellers must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Seller Eligibility:
- Professional Selling Account: Only sellers with a professional selling account on Amazon are eligible to enroll in the program.
- FBA Sellers: You must be an FBA seller, which means you use Amazon’s fulfillment centers to store and ship your products.
- Active Participation: The seller must maintain an active FBA account in good standing.
- ASIN Eligibility:
- New-to-Amazon ASINs: The program only applies to new-to-Amazon ASINs, meaning the ASIN has never been sold on Amazon before.
- Non-media Products: The program excludes media products, such as books, DVDs, and music CDs.
- Parent ASINs: The program primarily focuses on parent ASINs. If a child ASIN is introduced under a parent ASIN that’s already ineligible, it will not qualify for the program benefits.
- Size and Category Restrictions:
- Standard and Oversized Products: The program applies to both standard-size and oversized items.
- Product Categories: While most categories are eligible, certain high-risk or restricted categories may not qualify.
FBA New Selection Program: Enrollment Process
Enrolling in the FBA New Selection Program is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, navigate to Seller Central and log in to your Amazon Seller Central account. Go to the Programs section and click on FBA New Selection. This page provides an overview of the program and allows you to enroll.
Next, click on the Enroll Now button. You may need to agree to the program’s terms and conditions. After enrolling, add your new-to-Amazon ASINs to your inventory. Ensure these ASINs meet the program’s criteria. Once enrolled, you can monitor your benefits through the FBA New Selection dashboard in Seller Central. This includes tracking which ASINs are eligible and the benefits they’re receiving.
Benefits of Being in the FBA New Selection Program
The FBA New Selection Program offers a range of benefits that can significantly reduce the cost of launching new products on Amazon. These benefits include:
- Free Monthly Storage: Amazon provides free storage for the first 50 units of each new parent ASIN for up to 90 days. This applies to both standard-size and oversized items.
- Free Removals: If your new ASINs don’t sell as expected, Amazon offers free removals for up to 50 units per parent ASIN. This allows you to withdraw your inventory without incurring additional costs.
- Free Returns Processing: For clothing and shoe items, Amazon waives the returns processing fee for up to 50 units per parent ASIN for a limited time.
- $200 in Sponsored Products Ads Credit: New sellers who enroll in the program can also receive $200 in credit for Sponsored Products ads, helping to promote their new ASINs.
The FBA New Selection Program is an excellent opportunity for sellers looking to introduce new products to Amazon’s vast marketplace. By reducing the costs associated with storage, removals, and returns, the program makes it easier to launch new ASINs and test market demand. However, success in the program requires careful planning, from selecting the right products to optimizing listings and managing inventory effectively.
For sellers committed to growing their Amazon business, enrolling in the FBA New Selection Program can be a game-changer. By understanding the program’s details and strategically utilizing its benefits, you can increase your chances of a successful product launch, ultimately driving more sales and revenue.