First, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this survey!
A quick word about the survey results.
Most of the sellers surveyed were from the FBA Today Facebook group. That group is very arbitrage focused. These numbers will lean in that direction.
This data was collected during the summer and fall of 2019. Things change fast but this data should be relevant for at least a few years 🙂
We removed suspicious outliers. Any submissions that had unbelievable data were removed completely. A few people, for instance, started selling on Amazon in the 90s...
We distinguished some things by full time and part time status. We felt like this was much more interesting and insightful.
Ok, here is what we found!
What Percentage of Amazon Sellers Are Part Time vs. Full Time?
This was a near 50/50 split.
Lots of weekend warriors selling on Amazon!
51.1% of sellers surveyed identified as part time and 48.9% of identified as full time.
How Many Hours Are amazon Sellers Working Each Week?
Only 17% of sellers claim to be working over 40 hours a week. Not too shabby!
The most common amount of hours worked was between 11-20. There were a few outliers in the 90+ range but overall, most sellers seem to have a grip on their work/life balance.
How Long Has the Average Seller Been on Amazon?
As you'd expect, full time sellers have been on the platform a little bit longer with a mean start date of August 5th, 2016.
The mean start date for full time sellers who took the survey was August 5th, 2016.
Part time sellers started slightly later on average with a mean start date of October 9th, 2017.
The mean start date for part time sellers who took the survey was October 9th, 2017.
How Much Does the Average Amazon Seller Make Per Year in Profit?
This was the most interesting of all the questions.
The average full time seller reported earning $119,174 per year in profit.
The average part time seller reported earning $33,791.38 per year in profit.
What Is Your Favorite Non Gated Category to Sell In?
Ok this wasn't the best question because toys are technically gated for some sellers in Q4.
Amazon seller's favorite non-gated categories to sell in. Toys & Games with the landslide win!
What Is Your Favorite Gated Category to Sell In?
Health and Personal Care for the win.
Amazon seller's favorite gated categories to sell in. Poor Jewelry 🙁
What Other Platforms Do You Sell On?
52% percent of sellers are also using eBay and 45% use Amazon exclusively. Shopify with a measly 7% was shocking to me
The other platforms Amazon sellers are using.
What Percentage of Amazon Sellers Have Been Suspended?
Most sellers live in constant fear of becoming suspended. Are their fears justified?
Almost 1/4 of sellers have reported being suspended at least once.
How Did Suspended Sellers Handle Their Appeal?
Just how popular are suspension services?
Roughly 2/3rds of suspended sellers wrote their own appeals.
Which Repricers Are Amazon Sellers Using?
Surprising to see that 43% of sellers are leaving so much money on the table!
Aura is coming in strong even though it's the youngest of all of these.
PS: I recommend Aura. Use code FBATODAY for a nice 20% discount.
Click here to read more about all of the big names in the pricer industry.
How Are Amazon Sellers Sourcing Their Products?
We asked which methods people are using to find products for their storefronts.
Again, keep in mind that most of the sellers polled were from arbitrage heavy areas like my FBA Today Facebook group and my email list.
You may need to look at this for a minute to understand what it means.
I’ve been part time selling on EBay since the 90’s. Why would it be unbelievable some may have started selling on Amazon in the 90’s?
Hey, 3rd party sellers didn’t join until 2000. eBay is older yes.
Good info Nate! Appreciate it!
Thanks for reading!
The profit numbers seem high, if it is net profit the sellers are reporting. If it is gross profit based on the end of the year Amazon statement, that makes more sense. I missed the survey, but for what it is worth, I am part time FBA, about $100K a year. Gross profit is probably around 35-40K, from the Amazon statement, I don’t have it in front of me.
Regards,Richard
I don’t understand the data for the last question. Can you explain how to read it?
Really interesting. Thanks Nate. Surprised most sellers were arbitrage TBH. Also – suspect future will see more of expanding on additional platforms as AMZ gets more competitive.