A Comprehensive Guide to Amazon Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Key Terms

Navigating the online selling landscape on Amazon can feel like learning a new language at times. With its unique terminology and complex processes, there is definitely a learning curve for new and experienced sellers alike. This guide aims to break down many of the commonly used acronyms, abbreviations, and key terms you’ll encounter on your Amazon selling journey in an easy-to-understand way.

Making Sense of Amazon’s Shorthand

Amazon’s shorthand allows the company and its vast network of sellers, vendors, and partners to efficiently communicate. However, it can be intimidating for newcomers to decipher at first. This guide serves as your cheat sheet to have on hand as a reference whenever an unfamiliar acronym or term comes up.

We’ll explore definitions in an approachable manner and provide examples so you can get a firm grasp of Amazon terminology. Over time, like learning any new language, these terms will become second nature. But for now, don’t worry if some still leave you scratching your head—that’s why references like this exist.

With practice and experience selling on Amazon, you’ll be fluent in no time. For now, refer back to this guide as needed. Bookmark it or download a PDF to have it on the go. Let’s dive into the most essential Amazon shorthand.

Key Abbreviations and Acronyms

The following are some of the most common acronyms you’ll see referenced on Amazon:

• ASIN: Amazon Standard Identification Number. A unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier is used to identify products on Amazon. Similar to SKU or UPC.
• FBA: fulfillment by Amazon. When Amazon stores, picks, packs, and ships customer orders for a seller,.
• FBM: fulfillment by merchant. When a seller is responsible for their own order fulfillment and shipping,.
• SKU: Stock Keeping Unit. A unique identifier that distinguishes one item in inventory from another. Think of it like a product’s serial number.
• UFC (Universal Fulfillment Center). An Amazon fulfillment center location.
• UPC: Universal Product Code. A bar code standard endorsed by GS1 and commonly found on retail products.
• VTC: Vendor Terms and Conditions. A seller’s contractual terms with Amazon.
• PDM (product monitoring). Analyzing a product’s key metrics over time.
• PPC (pay-per-click). A marketing strategy where advertisers pay when a specific action occurs, like a click.

That covers some of the essential acronym basics; let’s unpack some key terms next. As with the acronyms, exposure to these in context will help solidify your understanding.

Common Amazon Terms Defined

Here are explanations of frequently used Amazon terminology:

Buy Box: The prominent “Add to Cart” or “Buy Now” button on a product listing page. Only one seller can occupy the Buy Box at a time.

Fulfillment is the process of storing, packing, and shipping customer orders. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) handles this for sellers.

Inventory: the quantity of a product in stock available for sale. Can refer to either a seller’s personal inventory or product stock held in Amazon’s warehouses.

Listing: Synonymous with a product or item for sale on Amazon. An optimized listing drives sales and visibility.

Order: A purchase transaction between a customer and seller on Amazon.

Ranking: Sales rank evaluates a product’s sales performance versus competitors in its category.

Reviews: user-submitted feedback left by verified customers. Reviews strongly influence buyer decisions.

Seller Central is the seller dashboard interface where business accounts manage inventory, orders, reports, and more.

SKU: See definition above in acronyms. A crucial identifier for tracking inventory and sales.

Stockout: When inventory runs out, orders cannot be immediately fulfilled from the stock on hand.

Vendor: those that sell wholesale to Amazon, who then resells to customers directly rather than through third-party sellers.

I hope these term definitions provide helpful context. Let’s move on to some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between FBA and FBM fulfillment?

A: FBA means fulfillment by Amazon. Amazon handles the storage, picking, packing, and shipping of the order. With FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant), the seller fulfills orders themselves.

Q: How do I add a product to sell on Amazon?

You create a product listing in Seller Central by providing key details like title, description, images, and pricing. Then upload your inventory to be stored and sold through FBA, or ship FBM orders yourself.

Q: What are Amazon sales ranks, and how do they work?

A: Sales rank indicates how well an item is selling compared to similar products. Lower is better, as #1 means it’s the best seller in its category on Amazon at that time. Multiple factors influence rank.

Q: How do I get a sales tax permit for selling on Amazon?

A: Requirements vary by location. Research your state’s guidelines, register your business, and apply for resale certificates as needed for tax purposes based on your business structure and place of operations.

Q: What are Amazon Marketing Services (AMS)?

Amazon Marketing Services, now called Amazon Advertising, allows sellers to create and run pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns that help customers find products through targeted ads and keywords.

Q: How can I get my products eligible for Prime?

A: Enroll in the Amazon Brand Registry program and work towards meeting Amazon’s stringent guidelines for Prime Eligibility based on shipping timelines and customer experience standards. Fulfilling via FBA also helps.

I hope these questions provide more useful context around common seller queries. Let’s wrap up with some key takeaways.

Key Takeaways

To summarize, here are the top things to remember about navigating Amazon’s shorthand language:

• Refer to references like this guide regularly when unfamiliar terms arise. Over time, you’ll learn them intuitively.
• Acronyms and abbreviations are commonly used by Amazon to improve efficiency. Make them your friends through ongoing exposure and practice.
• Context is key for comprehending Amazon terminology. Continue selling on the platform to apply terms to real-world scenarios.
• Bookmark or download this glossary to have on hand for easy access. Revisit periodically to reinforce retaining the information.
• Ask questions! Reach out to Amazon support or industry communities when stumped. Sharing knowledge helps everyone.
• Initially, focus on core terms relating to listings, sales, inventory, shipping, and account management. Expand familiarity gradually over time.

With dedicated study and hands-on experience, the language of the Amazon will start to feel more natural. Applying these fundamentals will help accelerate your learning curve. Let me know if any other questions come up!