
Objective
To provide a comprehensive guide on identifying, evaluating, and selecting profitable products for Amazon Private Label FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon).
Scope
This SOP is intended for use by all team members involved in product research and selection for our Amazon Private Label business. It covers the entire process from initial product idea generation to final product selection.
Responsibilities
- Product Research Team: Conduct market research, identify potential products, and evaluate their profitability.
- Product Manager: Review and approve final product selections, ensuring they align with business goals and strategies.
- Supply Chain Team: Source suppliers, negotiate terms, and manage inventory.
Procedure
1. Market Research
1.1. Identify Market Trends
- Tools: Google Trends, Jungle Scout, Helium 10
- Steps:
- Use Google Trends to identify rising trends and seasonal patterns.
- Use Jungle Scout and Helium 10 to analyze product demand, sales volume, and competition.
1.2. Analyze Competitors
- Tools: Amazon Best Sellers, AMZScout, Viral Launch
- Steps:
- Review Amazon Best Sellers in various categories to identify top-performing products.
- Analyze competitors’ listings, customer reviews, and pricing strategies using AMZScout and Viral Launch.
2. Product Ideation
2.1. Brainstorm Product Ideas
- Tools: Mind Mapping Software, Team Collaboration Tools
- Steps:
- Conduct brainstorming sessions with the team to generate product ideas.
- Use mind mapping software to organize and categorize ideas.
2.2. Validate Product Ideas
- Tools: Google Keyword Planner, Helium 10, Jungle Scout
- Steps:
- Use Google Keyword Planner to check search volume for related keywords.
- Validate demand using Helium 10 and Jungle Scout by analyzing sales data and trends.
3. Product Evaluation
3.1. Assess Market Demand
- Tools: Helium 10, Jungle Scout
- Steps:
- Evaluate monthly sales volume and historical sales data.
- Assess the stability of demand over time.
3.2. Analyze Competition
- Tools: AMZScout, Jungle Scout, Helium 10
- Steps:
- Determine the number of competitors and their market share.
- Analyze the quality and differentiation of competitors’ products.
3.3. Calculate Profitability
- Tools: FBA Revenue Calculator, Excel/Google Sheets
- Steps:
- Calculate costs including production, shipping, FBA fees, and advertising.
- Estimate potential selling price and calculate profit margins using the FBA Revenue Calculator.
4. Final Product Selection
4.1. Shortlist Potential Products
- Criteria:
- High demand and low to moderate competition.
- Profit margin of at least 30%.
- Potential for product differentiation and branding.
4.2. Conduct Supplier Research
- Tools: Alibaba, Global Sources, ThomasNet
- Steps:
- Identify and contact multiple suppliers to request quotes and samples.
- Evaluate suppliers based on product quality, reliability, and pricing.
4.3. Test Samples and Finalize Selection
- Steps:
- Order samples from shortlisted suppliers.
- Test samples for quality, functionality, and compliance with safety standards.
- Select the best product based on sample evaluation and finalize the supplier.
5. Documentation and Approval
5.1. Prepare Product Proposal
- Content:
- Market research findings.
- Competitor analysis.
- Profitability calculations.
- Supplier information and sample evaluation.
5.2. Review and Approval
- Steps:
- Submit the product proposal to the Product Manager.
- Review and discuss the proposal in a team meeting.
- Obtain final approval from the Product Manager.
6. Post-Selection Steps
6.1. Place Initial Order
- Steps:
- Negotiate terms and place the initial order with the selected supplier.
- Arrange for shipping and FBA logistics.
6.2. Create Product Listing
- Steps:
- Develop high-quality product images and descriptions.
- Optimize the listing for relevant keywords and SEO.
6.3. Launch and Monitor
- Steps:
- Launch the product on Amazon and initiate marketing campaigns.
- Monitor sales performance and customer feedback.
- Adjust strategies as needed to optimize performance.
References
Revision History
- Version 1.0: Initial SOP release.
- Version 1.1: Updated market research tools and profitability criteria.
By following this SOP, our team can ensure a structured and effective approach to finding and launching successful private label products on Amazon.