How to Profit off Amazon
Dear WA members,
The slashing of affiliate commissions by Amazon and Walmart has many searching for alternatives.
Most of the Super Retailers are operating on pretty tight margins, with one eye on their competitors, the other on their bottom line.
We can go into ancient history and bemoan the slap down dealt to affiliates by Amazon et el. But, there are other ways, and I do not know why this one is not more utilised.
Maybe it is, maybe it is an underground thing that many keep to themselves, and me putting this up, is giving the game up, and Amazon et el will come down and give us another slapping.
Your Niche is sorted, you have some content up and your still promoting that widget on Amazon. Why not buy the thing, get the manufacturers details, contact them.
A lot of stuff on Amazon is put there by drop shippers anyway. But you getting in touch with the manufacturer and ask. Whether you drop ship it, or be an affiliate for his widget, he may not care. But you gotta ask.
By owning the widget, your reviews will much more realistic, your own photos can put a different perspective on the widget, plus, the manufacturer can pay you more because he has no Amazon fees to worry about.
How much more 15% minimum? Do some math on the item.
Probably the best part, you could adjust your price to be just that little bit less expensive than a competing widget on Amazon!
Michael.
Recent Comments
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Hi Michael, thank you for this information. I don't quite get it though.
The widget (mine does) comes from Amazon in the first place? I have one in the sidebar of different sites advertising different things from Amazon.
Are you saying a particular manufacturer owns that widget? If so how would I find out who owns that particular widget.
Sorry for being so dense.
Hi Linda,
Sorry,
I should have been more explicit, and said item, or product rather than widget.
Just to be a little clearer, you could still be an Amazon associate and have banners and things on your site.
What I am saying is, if you have an Amazon product you promote in your niche and you get some sales.
Consider finding out who makes it (even if you have to buy it ),and contact them directly to see if you can work directly with them rather than Amazon.
The benefits the manufacturer has in working directly with you is, he is saving on Amazon listing fees, stocking fees and selling fees.
This freeing up of money would allow him, to pay you more.
Hope I cleared it up.
Regards,
Michael.
Once you have an online presence, you can consider other business models in addition to affiliate marketing. Like you mentioned, drop shipping or sourcing direct is one option. However, most people prefer affiliate marketing as they do not want to handle fulfillment or have inventory to take care off.
If you look at your site as a business, you may have a combination. Having Amazon link would help with credibility since it is a recognizable brand. Adding alternatives provides options to your customers, which is good since it creates multiple income streams.
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Often on a merchant's page, you can find a link to their affiliate program in the footer. You can also search for "(Merchant's name) affiliate program and usually you'll be able to find the network they work with.
By all means, pivot your links away from Amazon. They don't deserve to have any affiliates, since they've treated everyone so badly!
You're on to it Jeannine.
I hope you are doing well.
Michael.