You might have come across Amazon Vendor Central Europe, which is an online platform allowing you to become an Amazon seller. What else does it offer? Here is a guide.
What is Amazon Vendor Central Europe?
Amazon Vendor Central Europe is an effective tool for Amazon sellers, providing a direct avenue to potential customers and lead generation for your products. This unique program by Amazon empowers you to sell your product as a wholesale supplier, primarily benefiting distributors and manufacturers of bulk (wholesale) products.
It’s important to note that Amazon Vendor Central Europe is distinct from Amazon Seller Central. Unlike the latter, it’s a platform designed for vendors who prefer to sell their products directly to customers, eliminating the need for third-party involvement and offering a more streamlined selling experience.
This way, the cost of the overall business is minimized, and the profit margin will be increased. Selling the products through the Amazon Vendor Central program gives the seller the edge to reach a significant audience globally compared to the brand’s website or other selling mediums.
Now that you are clear, here is a brief of the difference between Amazon FBA and Amazon Vendor Central.
Difference between Amazon FBA and Amazon Vendor Central
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is more popular than Amazon Vendor Central, and it consists of two different programs to facilitate sellers for an extensive product reach. Although their purposes are similar, they are slightly different. Here is a brief difference between both programs.
| Features | Amazon FBA | Amazon Vendor Central |
| Inventory ownership | Owns inventory in the warehouse of Amazon | The seller owns the store and inventory |
| Pricing and sale | Have control over pricing and marketing | Have sets of pricing and can control marketing and product listings |
| Payment terms | Gets immediate payment | Get paid according to their agreed payment terms |
| Eligibility Criteria | For sellers who meet their criteria | An invite-only program which is offered to large distributors |
| Shipping & Customer Services | Managed by Amazon itself | Seller’s responsibility |
In a nutshell,
FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a service that allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers and utilize Amazon’s logistics and customer service infrastructure to handle order fulfillment.
On the other hand, Amazon Vendor Central is an exclusive program that is accessible via invitation. Amazon purchases inventory directly from large manufacturers and distributors, who subsequently sell these products on the Amazon marketplace.
How do you become a vendor on the Vendor Central Program?
To become an Amazon vendor, one must initially receive an invitation from Amazon. These invitations are extended to businesses based on various factors, including the quality and popularity of their products, their sales track record, and their standing within the industry.
Upon receiving an invitation from Amazon, the application process can commence. This typically entails furnishing detailed information about the business, encompassing its background, financial particulars, and product specifics. Amazon thoroughly reviews the company during this phase and may request additional information or documentation as necessary.
The duration of the application process varies, often spanning several weeks or even months, contingent upon the intricacy of the business and the volume of products intended for sale. To heighten the likelihood of acceptance as an Amazon vendor, it is imperative to furnish comprehensive information about the business and ensure that its products align with Amazon’s stringent quality and safety standards.
How does a vendor get invited to Vendor Central on Amazon?
To receive an invitation to Amazon Vendor Central, meeting specific eligibility requirements and maintaining a solid track record of selling products that adhere to Amazon’s quality and safety standards is crucial. Here are steps you can take to improve your chances of being invited:
1. Establish a Positive Reputation
Focus on creating a favorable reputation within your industry and among customers. Prioritize providing top-notch products and exceptional customer service to build trust and credibility over customers and the platform.
2. Ensure Compliance with Amazon’s Standards
Adhere to Amazon’s strict guidelines regarding product quality and safety. This involves following industry best practices during product development and manufacturing to ensure your offerings meet Amazon’s standards.
3. Demonstrate a Strong Sales History
Showcase your success by building a robust sales track record on the Amazon platform. Utilize programs like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or Seller Central to boost your sales performance and demonstrate your ability to thrive in Amazon’s marketplace.
4. Prepare for Increased Demand
Be equipped to handle a surge in demand and fulfill orders efficiently. Ensure your business has the necessary infrastructure and resources to manage large orders and effectively meet delivery timelines.
5. Monitor for Invitation Opportunities
Stay vigilant for potential invitations from Amazon to join Vendor Central. Regularly check your email and monitor your Amazon Seller Central account for any communication or notifications regarding invitation opportunities.
These are the key steps to maintaining a strong presence on Amazon’s platform, and you can enhance your likelihood of receiving an invitation to join Amazon Vendor Central if you practice them correctly.
