Amazon Misfires Series: Failed Stories #5
Amazon is the modern-day gold rush for entrepreneurs and brands. Everyone dreams of striking it rich with the perfect product, but the reality? Not everything glitters—or sells—on this vast e-commerce platform.
At Real Digital, we’ve seen it all: the good, the bad, and the outright confusing. One such adventure involved a product that promised sharper eyesight but, unfortunately, not sharper sales. Here’s a fun and insightful story from the trenches that will help you navigate Amazon like a pro!
The Eye-Opening Journey of a Vision Supplement
Picture this: a Taiwanese brand with an innovative product. These nifty little supplement strips dissolve on your tongue and promise to improve eyesight over time. In Taiwan, people loved them. They were flying off the shelves faster than bubble tea on a hot day.
Naturally, the brand thought, Let’s go international! They landed on Amazon USA, polished their branding, and slapped on a $50 price tag for a pack of 10. Ready to rake in sales, right?
Wrong.
It turns out that American shoppers weren’t quite ready for these strips. Here’s why:
- Cultural Preferences: U.S. consumers are ride-or-die for their vitamin supplement pills. Strips? Too weird. Too different. Too… “What am I supposed to do with this?”
- Price Shock: $50 for 10 strips? And they’d need to keep buying for months to see any results? That’s a hard pass for shoppers who want quick wins and wallet-friendly options.
- Amazon Reality Check: On Amazon, if your product doesn’t show results faster than you can say “Prime shipping,” buyers won’t hold back in the reviews. And reviews? Oh, they make or break you.
Despite the brand’s best efforts, sales flopped harder than a bad stand-up routine. When they came to us asking for advice, we said, “Close the account. Move on. Sometimes, it’s just not meant to be.”
The lesson here? Amazon’s marketplace is a tough crowd. Even a great product can face-plant if it’s not the right fit for the audience.
Price: The Ultimate Deal-Maker (or Breaker)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the (virtual) room: price. On Amazon, shoppers are like highly trained bargain hunters. They’ll spot your $50 for 10 strips product and immediately check if there’s a $9 version somewhere else. Spoiler alert: there usually is. Lutein supplements are selling for $15-20 for 2-4 months supply.
But here’s the thing—it’s not just about being cheap. It’s about making your price feel worth it. Maybe your product solves a unique problem or delivers an experience no one else can. Maybe it’s bundled with extras that scream, “Buy me, I’m a deal!” Whatever it is, your price has to match what your audience is willing to pay—or you’re toast.
Picking a Winner for Amazon
Choosing the right product for Amazon is a bit like dating. Swipe right on the wrong one, and it’s a waste of time and energy. Here’s how to avoid the heartbreak:
- Do Your Homework: Check what’s trending, what’s selling, and what’s getting five-star reviews. Don’t guess—know.
- Think Like a Shopper: Would you buy this product? If not, why should anyone else?
- Test Before You Dive In: Start with a small inventory. Suppose it’s a hit, great! If not, you didn’t just empty your wallet in a warehouse full of unsellable stuff.
- Polish Your Listing: Killer images, snappy descriptions, and a little SEO magic go a long way. Your product should look so good buyers feel FOMO just scrolling past.
Want the full playbook? Read more here: How to Find Profitable Products on Amazon in 2024
We’ve got something for you!
Do you feel like this whole Amazon thing is trickier than it looks? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. At Real Digital, we know the ropes. We’re offering a 3-month free trial to get you started. That’s right—three whole months of expert advice, market research, and personalized plans. Book your Free Consultation with us, or get in touch here: [email protected]
Remember, the key to Amazon’s success isn’t just selling a product—it’s selling the right product. Let’s make your brand the next big thing.