If you have items you wish to sell online, but are uncomfortable with the risk of popular Internet auction houses, selling on Amazon may be the way to go.
Much like their retail sales, Amazon is a solid venue for selling not only used books, but also home audio and video equipment, CDs and other goods that can easily get lost in the mix with typical auction sites.
Amazon Selling 101
Once you have assessed the items you have on hand that you are willing to sell, go to Amazon’s website. Plug the titles, authors, and so forth into the search bar until you find an exact match.
For titles that have been published in multiple editions, this can take some extra time. If the item is available new and sold by Amazon, you will see the yellow-orange “Add to Cart” button on the upper right-hand corner of the page.
Just below that is a pale blue and white box that will read “More Buying Choices” in bold letters with a small “Sell on Amazon” button directly below it. This will take you to a page that assesses the item condition. Note any flaws like stained pages, a scratched cover or missing user manual if applicable. Be honest!
Name Your Price
Compare what others are selling it for. If you price a few pennies lower, it might sell faster, but you don’t want to undercut yourself too much.
Check your Amazon inventory every few weeks to make sure your prices are still in line with your competitors. First editions, autographed, or otherwise rare items that could be considered collectable may command higher prices.
Before you venture into selling collectables, Amazon insists that you first establish a good track record as a seller.
Seller’s Account Set Up
Amazon’s interface will walk you through the steps to set up a seller’s account. There are no upfront fees and the information you are asked to provide is not sensitive.
However you will need to provide a bank account number so you can get paid, but this step can wait until after you have made your first sale.
Congratulations, your Item has Sold!
Be patient. It may take a few weeks for that first item to sell.
Once this happens you will be sent an e-mail notification. You will have two days to make the delivery and close the deal. Through your seller’s account you’ll be able to print a shipping label.
Remember you are representing Amazon when you deliver this package. Use padded envelopes and decent packing tape. Amazon provides a modest shipping stipend to cover your overhead. Payment will be deposited into you account within two weeks.
Amazon takes a sales commission of roughly 30%, but you are in control of the price you set and not at the mercy of the bidder.
Happy selling!
This post was brought to you by guest blogger Shane who enjoys blogging about selling as well as purchasing books, home audio and video equipment, and other products on Amazon.
This article was written by a guest blogger. 
Definitely be completely honest about the product condition. Buyers probably won’t mind a less than perfect condition nearly as much as they’ll mind not being told of damage. Amazon is a great opportunity for small retailers, being able to continue selling on Amazon is much more important than how much you make on any one sale.