Selling through Amazon

I'm considering "Selling at Amazon.com" and wondering how others have fared with Amazon's program that lets individual sellers list their items.

At first glance, it looks like it is worth the 8% fee that Amazon charges. I've been concerned about being scammed through PayPal's Buyer Protection (although I've never had anything but good experiences with PayPal) and asked how Amazon would handle a dishonest buyer who applies for a refund and, for example, returns a lens that's different than the one sold to them, or worst case, sends back a phone book or a brick.

Amazon's rep said that, unlike PayPal, they fully investigate any claims before issuing a refund or adjustment to the buyer and they are willing to fully review any evidence a seller might offer to support their case.

Has anyone here had any problems selling through Amazon? (I found the warning about scams using fake Amazon e-mails.)

I've sold two items there with no issue, both for higher net $ to me than I would see here without the extra fees. So far so good, but you certainly do lose the personal side of the transaction which can help you feel secure in what you are doing.

I sold a rare book there (James Joyce "Ulysses") and my 60mm macro lens, the book went to a collector in London. The lens sold there very fast for more $'s than I had it listed here - I got no takers here. It's a pretty easy site to sell at, I recommend it. Better than EBay IMHO - which I've grown to really dislike.

no problems for me. I've sold several items through Amazon (camera lenses, bodies, ipods, etc.). no problems whatsoever.

before you list your item, Amazon will tell you what your final payout will be, minus their fees.

keep in mind if you are a new seller, Amazon will hold your funds for a time period before you can request a disbursement....but then again paypal has decided to do the same for all of my seller transactions.

Rezolution wrote in post #13281096
... you lose the personal side.

It sounds like Amazon compensates for that by really investigating buyer's complaints before issuing a refund.

Just wondering, is there a way to contact the buyer prior to shipping? If I were selling something like a lens, I would like to send a bunch of photos, explain how I'm going to pack and ship the lens, and then ask if there are any other assurances the buyer needs before making the non-refundable purchase.

I sold a cheap tamron 75-300 on there that no one on here wanted. I packed the lens really well and printed the shipping label off amazon and shipped it out. Never heard from the customer, they didn't leave me any feedback, so I'm assuming they were happy. Only thing I didn't like was that Amazon took two weeks to give me my money, but I got it in the end. I'd definitely sell something on there again.

imsellingmyfoot wrote in post #13281513
I sold a cheap tamron 75-300 on there that no one on here wanted. I packed the lens really well and printed the shipping label off amazon and shipped it out. Never heard from the customer, they didn't leave me any feedback, so I'm assuming they were happy. Only thing I didn't like was that Amazon took two weeks to give me my money, but I got it in the end. I'd definitely sell something on there again.

I would imagine that the typical Amazon customer wouldn't leave feedback. They must have been satisfied if you never heard back from them.

cacawcacaw wrote in post #13281611
I would imagine that the typical Amazon customer wouldn't leave feedback. They must have been satisfied if you never heard back from them.

Well I had to email Amazon support to even find out if the package got delivered. I was at least expecting an email saying "your package has arrived at its destination."

Thats one reason I'm afraid to sell things online. Now with Paypal, they alway side with the buyers. I have read numerous stories where seller sent item, and the buyer got refund back because he said it was damaged. Or that they send back a brick.

How can you prevent this from happening online?

I've listed two items with Amazon before but they both sold quicker here on POTN. I haven't listed anything since.

OK I change my position. My first experience was as shi tty as any Ebay transaction. The buyer of a $1100 item I sold decided he does not like it and is filing a dispute claiming damage. The emails were clear that he was fishing for a partial refund for other reasons and in the end decided to claim there is damage. Guess who Amazon will side with. Now he has the ability to mail me a brick and receive a refund. Unfortunately Amazon will hold the funds from your first transactions for several weeks. Looks like I lose regardless. My first and last Amazon sale.

Thats the only thing I'm afraid of when selling an expensive items. I have sold on ebay before but they were small stuff under 100 dollars.

I think best thing to do is sell here, or meet in person.

slickooz wrote in post #13312738
Thats the only thing I'm afraid of when selling an expensive items. I have sold on ebay before but they were small stuff under 100 dollars.

I think best thing to do is sell here, or meet in person.

Amazon gives them 90 days after receiving it to file a dispute and request to return it. They also state that they have the right to refund the buyer even if it is not shipped back and the item is not as described, defective, etc. YOU the seller only have 5 days to respond to the dispute.

1.You sell them a $2000 camera
2.They say its not working and ship you back a rock
3.Amazon refunds them

If that doesnt scare sellers out of using Amazon for anything over $100 or so I don't know what will.

From now on I say "F" Amazon and Ebay. I want to be able to communicate with a buyer and if he or she meets the profile of a scam I'll avoid the transaction. From now on its local or forums only.

Rezolution wrote in post #13312779
Amazon gives them 90 days after receiving it to file a dispute and request to return it. They also state that they have the right to refund the buyer even if it is not shipped back and the item is not as described, defective, etc. YOU the seller only have 5 days to respond to the dispute.

1.You sell them a $2000 camera
2.They say its not working and ship you back a rock
3.Amazon refunds them

If that doesnt scare sellers out of using Amazon for anything over $100 or so I don't know what will.

From now on I say "F" Amazon and Ebay. I want to be able to communicate with a buyer and if he or she meets the profile of a scam I'll avoid the transaction. From now on its local or forums only.

Good tip! I'm going stay away selling on amazon and ebay. I trying to sell my t2i so I can get funds for 7d. But now going list on craigslist first.

slickooz wrote in post #13312849
Good tip! I'm going stay away selling on amazon and ebay. I trying to sell my t2i so I can get funds for 7d. But now going list on craigslist first.

Try here and Fred Miranda first.