5 Mistakes with Amazon Product Research & How to Avoid Them

Are you ready to start your Amazon selling journey or looking to expand your existing online store? Success on Amazon hinges on effective product research, yet many sellers fall into easily avoidable traps. These Amazon product research mistakes can cost significant time and money, as well as growth opportunities.

In this guide, we'll explore the five most common pitfalls faced by new and experienced Amazon sellers during product research. By identifying these errors, you can steer clear of them and make informed decisions that drive your business forward.

Join us as we delve into these frequent mistakes and discover how leveraging Amazon seller tools can enhance your product research strategy and set you apart in the competitive Amazon marketplace.

Mistake #1: Selling Cheap Products with Amazon FBA

Launching your first products on Amazon? You might choose low-cost items, thinking they will sell easily. However, this strategy often backfires. Low-priced products can seem safer, but your profit margins could disappear once you factor in Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising costs.

Consider this: if you sell a gadget for $10, Amazon's FBA fees for picking, packing, shipping, customer service, and returns, along with PPC costs to maintain visibility, might leave you with minimal profit or even a loss. The combination of FBA and advertising expenses makes it challenging for low-cost items to compete in Amazon's crowded marketplace.

Instead, aim for higher-value products. For example, items priced between $20 and $50 could strike a good balance. They are affordable enough for customers but still provide enough margin to cover Amazon's fees and advertising, letting you profit without sacrificing revenue.

By focusing on more expensive items, you not only protect your profits but also boost your brand's reputation. Customers often equate price with quality. Avoid setting prices so low that it leads customers to think your products are of poor quality.

Mistake #2: Pricing Products at the Bottom

Undercutting competitors by offering the lowest price might seem like a winning strategy in the fiercely competitive Amazon marketplace. Yet, this is a common mistake that can lead to a race to the bottom, where no one wins—especially not the seller. Setting your prices too low can erode your profit margins and, paradoxically, can even tarnish your brand's reputation.

Consider a scenario where you price a high-quality kitchen appliance at $20, significantly lower than your competitors. While this might initially attract more buyers, it also sets an expectation of low quality. Customers might wonder why the product is so cheap—is there something wrong with it? Moreover, frequent price cuts can signal desperation or lack of demand, further deterring potential buyers.

A more sustainable approach involves pricing your products competitively, but not necessarily the lowest. Analyze your competitors' pricing and factor in your costs, product quality, and overall brand strategy. By positioning your product as a better value rather than just cheaper, you attract customers willing to pay more for something they perceive as superior.

This strategy not only preserves your profit margins but also builds a loyal customer base that appreciates the quality and value you offer. Remember, competing on price alone makes it difficult to sustain a business long-term. Aim to compete on value and let your product's quality speak for itself.

Mistake #3: Incorporating Poorly Chosen Search Terms

Another common oversight during the initial product research phase is selecting incorrect or irrelevant search terms. This error can drastically reduce the visibility of your listings once they go live, severely limiting your sales potential. For instance, if you list a sophisticated espresso machine under broad terms like 'coffee maker' or 'hot drinks,' you risk not reaching the specific audience that seeks high-end espresso equipment, who are likely to use more specialized search terms.

To avoid this mistake, conducting thorough keyword research is crucial as part of your product research process. Identify the terms potential customers use to search for products like yours. Tools like SellerSprite can provide advanced keyword analysis features, giving you insights into the most popular and effective search terms within your niche.

By incorporating the right keywords into your product titles, descriptions, and metadata from the start, you ensure that your listings appear in front of the right audience. Effective keyword targeting maximizes your product's online visibility and enhances your chances of achieving better sales results.

Always aim to use search terms that reflect the language and search behavior of your potential customers. The more precise and targeted your keywords, the better your products will perform on Amazon.

Mistake #4: Comparing Non-Comparable Products

A common mistake sellers make on Amazon is comparing products that aren't really alike. This can lead to poor market understanding and result in bad business decisions.

Imagine you're looking to sell blenders. Comparing a professional-grade blender to a basic kitchen model isn't a fair match. Professional blenders are built for heavy use and come with higher price tags, targeting more specialized or even commercial users. On the other hand, everyday shoppers looking for occasional home use typically drive the pricing of basic blenders.

If you compare these two as if they're the same, you might set unrealistic prices or target the wrong audience. It's crucial to match your product with similar ones that have the same features, cater to similar customers, and are in the same price range.

To keep your comparisons on track, clearly define what kind of products and customers you're looking at. Use SellerSprite to get detailed market data, ensuring you're making like-for-like comparisons. This approach will help you see the actual competition and better position your product for Amazon success.

Mistake #5: Considering Seasonal Products

Selecting seasonal products might seem appealing because of the high sales they can generate during peak seasons. However, relying only on these items can create unstable revenue streams and challenge stock management.

Take Halloween costumes as an example. Sales might spike every October, but you could face declining revenue for the rest of the year. This leaves you with excess inventory that ties up capital and takes up space. This cyclical sales pattern complicates financial planning and makes maintaining a steady cash flow hard.

A better approach is to diversify your product offerings. It's OK to have some seasonal items, but also include products that sell well all year round. This strategy leads to more consistent income and smoother business operations.

When evaluating potential products, use analytics tools to check their sales history. Look for products that show constant demand or complement your seasonal items and can be marketed throughout the year.

Adding non-seasonal products to your inventory reduces the risks linked to seasonality. This provides a financial cushion during slower periods and helps you build a more stable business.

How to Improve Amazon Product Research Process

Enhancing your Amazon product research is crucial for staying competitive and maximizing profits. Tools specifically designed for Amazon product research, like SellerSprite, can provide deep insights into market trends, competition, and consumer behavior, helping you make informed decisions.

Here are some essential tips to improve your Amazon product research:

●      Utilize Advanced Analytics: Access detailed analytics to identify profitable niches and high-potential products.

●      Monitor Competitor Activity: Track changes in competitors' pricing, listings, and promotions to adjust your strategies.

●      Explore Keyword Efficiency: Analyze search volumes and competition to find the best keywords for your listings.

●      Check Historical Data: Review sales history to predict trends and prepare for seasonal fluctuations.

●      Assess Market Saturation: Before entering a market, evaluate how many other products are competing and their performance.

●      Gather Consumer Insights: Read customer reviews on similar products to understand consumer needs and preferences.

Integrating these strategies'll deepen your market understanding and strategically position your products for better performance.

Final Thoughts