I've lost all hope and motivation
So in December I decided to become an Amazon Seller using FBA. I was introduced to it by a friend, who is also my manufacturer. He said he had many customers that sold on Amazon and maybe I should do the same, as I was struggling after having lost my job.
So I set up, went through all the verification process, spent weeks on end learning and memorising seller university, spent hours browsing forums. Got my category approved, and even got brand registered. Also made social media accounts etc, to pre launch my product, had plans to get influencers on board, made a website etc.
It’s now June. My friend has had many of his own problems since the start of the new year, both personal and work related. He’s going through a big transition in his business, and I’ve been put on the backburner. I have no hard feelings towards him, because without him I wouldn’t even know what Amazon FBA is. Its also pointless me buying products from other suppliers as they couldn’t come close to his prices.
I just don’t know what to do now, as I put a lot of time and the last of my savings into this. Shall I start sourcing something else to sell? But if it’s an unrelated category will this cause issues. Shall I make a new account? Or wait? My supplier says he has no date for me.
I’ve started a job in construction now because I’ve lost all faith in this, and to be honest my drive and motivation has gone also.
I've lost all hope and motivation
So in December I decided to become an Amazon Seller using FBA. I was introduced to it by a friend, who is also my manufacturer. He said he had many customers that sold on Amazon and maybe I should do the same, as I was struggling after having lost my job.
So I set up, went through all the verification process, spent weeks on end learning and memorising seller university, spent hours browsing forums. Got my category approved, and even got brand registered. Also made social media accounts etc, to pre launch my product, had plans to get influencers on board, made a website etc.
It’s now June. My friend has had many of his own problems since the start of the new year, both personal and work related. He’s going through a big transition in his business, and I’ve been put on the backburner. I have no hard feelings towards him, because without him I wouldn’t even know what Amazon FBA is. Its also pointless me buying products from other suppliers as they couldn’t come close to his prices.
I just don’t know what to do now, as I put a lot of time and the last of my savings into this. Shall I start sourcing something else to sell? But if it’s an unrelated category will this cause issues. Shall I make a new account? Or wait? My supplier says he has no date for me.
I’ve started a job in construction now because I’ve lost all faith in this, and to be honest my drive and motivation has gone also.
40 replies
Seller_DROodOAYHftnc
You only need one seller account to sell in any category, but just be aware that some categories are gated, and need permission, and some are notoriously difficult to get into as a new seller.
Absolutely DO NOT open a new account - the two will be linked, both suspended and you will have another hassle to work through.
Do you still have stock in FBA ? - can you not just leave that to sell as and when it does, unless you are incurring storage charges which you cannot afford.
Seller_6sxtIS0RbZ5k7
Do you mean that you are out of stock and your friend doesn’t know when he can supply you again? Or has he not supplied you with anything at all yet?
And, as Jilly says, absolutely DO NOT open a second account.
Seller_7VbclcPFFRTnc
Then maybe concentrate on that and let your current fba stock sell through and come back to amazon if and when the timing is right
Seller_ZjZ4slOF0jHpk
I feel for you. My motivation is at rock bottom. Being self employed at a time like this with Brexit and wars and inflation and pandemics, etc. It’s exhausting. For my tuppence -
Possibly - but needs a lot of research. And knowledge of brands if you choose something branded.
Nope. But as the expert JillyB1 says, some categories need a variety of hoops to jump through before you can sell in.
Absolutely not! Could lead to you having no accounts.
Possibly - you never know
I don’t have much else to advise and even that is weak.
If you have other skills, then maybe think of them. Or even, if you can make things - I sell in Handmade (Scottish landscape photo prints) - you could look at that. Though don’t believe those that say “find something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life”. What they really mean is it becomes your life and everything gets defined by it & before you know it you’re working 7 day weeks (as many sellers will testify). 
If your current job is steady, I’d be liable to wait and see. And sometimes it’s better not being the boss! Oh, and speak to people. Share with family & friends. Don’t keep it all to yourself.
I hope something comes up for you & wish you all the best.
Seller_esvgLzKXw2YAl
You need to sit and think about this.
Unfortunately, being self employed has many pitfalls, as well as advantages.
You have just hit a fairly major pitfall.
And probably just the first of many.
However, if you have the patience and sheer bl**dy mindedness to carry on, you will.
If the 9-5 suits better and you don’t want the hassle, then you need to go down that route.
As to your questions, I’m presuming that you have had some stock from your manufacturer, but they are unable to continue supplying you.
It is one of those things. However, I know your saying that you can’t find another one, for similar prices. But have you really looked? You don’t need to confine yourself to UK suppliers. There are many many manufacturers that need your business. Keep looking, if the product is worth continuing with.
You also don’t need to be private label etc. There are many wholesalers out there, that you can source from. Just be careful what you actually buy. Just because something looks good, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. But you will find something to sell.
Do not under any circumstances open a second account to sell. This is not required and can put you into a world of trouble.
Seller_viJb7aOvuf2wm
At the time I lost my job, I kept myself and my family from panicking by telling them I would be selling on Amazon. Because it’s been ages, and this whole time I’ve been telling people I was involved in ecommerce (the truth is I hadn’t actually sold anything at the time and still haven’t), and now all of a sudden I’m wearing a hardhat. It just looks very silly to everyone.
Seller_viJb7aOvuf2wm
Like I said I have no hard feelings towards my friend, I had no idea about ecommerce until I spoke to him so I’m grateful for that.
Just think it would be a shame to let all the stuff I’ve learnt (especially on these forums) go to waste? Maybe if I found something to sell in the meantime? Would it make my account look less credible in the future though if my friend came through with the stock?
Seller_DROodOAYHftnc
Just as an aside, if you do decide to go forward at the moment with selling, do NOT buy from retail shops such as B&Q, Costco , Aldi, etc. - even if you get some good discounted stock - you will not get anywhere on Amazon with that model of selling, and again get into a real mess.
Amazon has changed radically over the last few years, and is now really only suitable for buying from wholesalers, and the whole branding thing has grown arms and legs which also causes major problems.
Seller_K71iKhD8kX1da
Reading between the lines here. Sounds like your friend wanted to help you out by suggesting a potential opportunity but not spoon feed you at the same time. You can’t rely on others and you need to carve your own path.
You should certainly be in paid employment and in your spare time you can work on Amazon. It takes months/years to acquire the experience and knowledge to be successful selling online.
Seller_r14NdyLFxbzeU
1st never make a new amazon account (loads of threads about deactivations, just don’t)
if you have a UTR & business bank account, it becomes more tricky to claim income support
from what you’ve said, your business is currently a shell with no money support and no product - thus it is not an income its a hobby, that has growth possibilities. best advice is job, full or part-time, use media influencers to grow your identity and post of FBA stock in key areas to confirm sales volumes before mass purchase of any kind (don’t get stuck with slow moving stock), while waiting upon your friends unique product line
best to be honest with family even though its hard, coz that stuff can destroy relationships and will keep you up at night with the doom thought clouds over you
