Introduction:

Selling on Amazon can be incredibly profitable—but it’s also highly competitive. Many sellers fail to scale simply because they repeat the same mistakes. In this blog, we’ll break down the top 10 common mistakes Amazon sellers make and how you can avoid them to grow sustainably.

1. Poor Product Research

Many sellers jump into trending products without validating demand, competition, or profitability. Tools like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, and Amazon’s SQR can help uncover hidden opportunities.

Fix: Use data-backed decisions with tools; analyse BSR trends, profit margins, and customer reviews.

2. Weak Product Listings

Low-quality images, poor copywriting, and missing keywords cost you rankings and conversions.

Fix: Create professional photos (white background, lifestyle), write benefit-focused bullet points, and optimise the title/description using keyword tools.

3. Ignoring Amazon SEO

Just like Google, Amazon ranks listings based on keywords and performance metrics.

Fix: Perform keyword research using Search Term Reports and A10-friendly practices (CTR, CVR, reviews, sales velocity).

4. Overstocking or Understocking Inventory

Either you run out of stock (and lose rankings) or sit on excess inventory that eats into profits.

Fix: Use inventory planning tools, set reorder alerts, and track sell-through rate.

5. Not Leveraging Ads Properly

Many sellers “set and forget” Amazon ads — wasting budget or missing sales.

Fix: Use structured campaigns (auto + manual), segment branded/non-branded, and optimise weekly using data from your search term report.

6. Lack of Review Strategy

Products without reviews rarely convert. But asking for them improperly can violate TOS.

Fix: Use “Request a Review” automation tools, follow-up email flows, and packaging inserts (within TOS) to boost review count organically.

7. No Brand Building

You’re just “another product” if you don’t differentiate. Customers trust brands, not sellers.

Fix: Enrol in Brand Registry, create A+ Content and shopfronts, and create consistent packaging to build loyalty.

8. Not Monitoring the Buy Box

Losing the Buy Box means you lose sales—even if your listing is live.

Fix: Monitor pricing, shipping speed, and account health. Use repricer tools if needed.

9. Skipping Customer Service

Negative reviews often stem from bad service, not bad products.

Fix: Respond to messages quickly, resolve complaints, and monitor customer feedback weekly.

10. Trying to Do Everything Alone

You can’t scale a serious business as a one-person army.

Fix: Automate processes, outsource repetitive tasks (design, PPC), and use expert tools like eCommercean’s Campaign Builder or Keyword Analyser.

🔍 Bonus Tip: Use Data to Decide

Amazon provides tonnes of data—business reports, search term reports, and search query performance. Use them to spot trends, problems, and new opportunities.

🚀Conclusion:

Avoiding these 10 mistakes can put your brand in the top 10% of sellers. The key is continuous optimisation, systematisation, and focusing on what matters most—profitable growth.

Need help fixing these mistakes? Try our Amazon Ads & Listing Optimisation tools built to save time and increase your ROI.