How to Solve Problems on Amazon
Managing your Amazon seller account involves juggling many tasks. Products need to be uploaded, shipping conditions managed, payments processed, and troubleshooting performed. But how do you handle all of this? Do you need to have full knowledge of everything? NO! Of course not. No one in the world knows everything. You can have better or worse knowledge, but there will always be new challenges to manage. So how do you go about solving issues on Amazon when you don’t know how?
1. Where Can You Find Information?
The first step to solving any new problem is always to seek information. Does Amazon provide information on how to solve your problem? Has another party shared insights on how to fix the issue? Or has someone else encountered the same problem and shared their solution? There are plenty of websites to find information, but you can also search and ask in forums. Here are some of the sources I recommend:
Seller University
This is Amazon’s own platform for teaching sellers how to use their platform. It covers a wide range of topics, from registering a shipment to using Amazon's transparency program to protect your brand. They focus on technical problems and solutions, with no emphasis on SEO, ad optimization, or similar topics. You can find Seller University inside Seller Central, or through their YouTube channel.
SellWave Blog
On the SellWave blog, you’ll find information focused on Swedish sellers. All aspects are covered, but the emphasis is on methods, strategies, and executions that actually maximize sales. Topics include strategy, conversion, SEO, and advertising.
Amazon Documentation
In addition to Seller University, Amazon has extensive documentation. This documentation covers rules, processes, and frequently asked questions. You can easily find it by going to Seller Central and searching in the search bar at the top right labeled "search/sök." The downside of the documentation is that it often omits important details and can be difficult to navigate.
Google is, of course, a great tool. You can easily find answers to almost anything if you dig deep enough. Naturally, it’s easier to go straight to the source if you know the answer is there (such as SellWave or Seller University).
Facebook Forums
Many Facebook groups are full of members facing the same problems and questions as you. Sweden’s largest Facebook group for Amazon sellers has many curious and skilled members who can help you. There are also plenty of international groups with a wealth of information.
2. Solve Problems on Amazon Step by Step
Once you’ve found a description of your problem, hopefully, you can dive right in. But I still recommend writing down all the steps you need to take to complete the task. Often, you may encounter problems along the way, so it’s good to know exactly what steps you’ve taken, which steps remain, and which step caused the problem.
Make a checklist and describe each step. Maybe you haven’t found the entire solution, just parts of it. Write down those parts and go back to do more research. I recommend documenting everything digitally so you can use it the next time you encounter the same issue. At SellWave, we use Notion for this, and I highly recommend it.
3. What If It Still Doesn’t Work?
If you’ve searched for solutions but can’t find anything that works, it’s time to ask for help. Amazon has support available for all sellers, which you can use, but you can also turn to forums and contacts for assistance.
Amazon’s support is often very helpful, but for certain problems, the situation can be the opposite. I recommend contacting them first, but if that doesn’t resolve the issue, external help can be beneficial. Keep in mind that Amazon’s support team is made up of people like you and me, so be polite, clear, and grateful. This always leads to better support and, ultimately, more resolved problems. When contacting Amazon, if possible, try to get support over the phone. It’s almost always the most time-efficient and effective method.
And don’t forget to take notes on what Amazon says so you don’t have to repeat everything next time!
Summary
Solving problems on Amazon can be challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes much more manageable. Start by seeking information, follow a step-by-step process, and don't hesitate to ask for help if needed. By documenting your solutions, you can make future problem-solving easier and more efficient.
Good luck, and if you need more tips, check out the SellWave blog for additional resources!