Amazon’s journey since 1994 has been quite remarkable, with many innovations along the way. Including the introduction of FBA in 2006:
FBA coaches, though, are a much more recent thing. They guide sellers through the maze of Amazon’s vast marketplace helping newbies in particular navigate the initial choppy waters.
With over 50% of Amazon sales coming from third-party sellers, the competition is fierce. So, amidst a sea of free online resources, could a coach be your secret weapon?
Or are free resources more than enough?
Let’s dive in.
Do I really need an Amazon FBA coach?
The allure of Amazon FBA is undeniable. As countless entrepreneurs dive into this venture, a pressing question emerges: is a coach indispensable or are free resources enough?
Two remarkable statistics that caught my eye are:
- Two thirds online shoppers start their searches for products on Amazon.
And
- Over a fifth of all people shop online every single day
So – coach or no coach – there’s never been a better time to be an Amazon FBA seller.
Abundant Online Resources:
It’s essential to acknowledge the vast amount of free information available online about Amazon FBA.
This plethora of resources allows aspiring sellers to kickstart their Amazon FBA brand without immediately seeking a coach’s guidance.
Cost Implications:
However, if one does consider professional guidance, it comes at a price. Some top-tier Amazon FBA coaches might charge between $200-500 monthly.
Benefits of a Coach:
- Tailored Strategies: Coaches offer insights that generic online resources might miss. Their experience can be invaluable for navigating Amazon’s intricate landscape.
- Efficiency: A coach can streamline the learning process, providing direct answers and actionable advice.
The Self-Taught Successes:
Many Amazon FBA sellers have carved their path to success without a coach, relying on online forums, courses, and their own trial and error experiences.
To Coach or Not to Coach:
While a coach can offer specialized insights, the vast online resources mean that many can embark on the Amazon FBA journey independently.
The choice boils down to personal preference, learning style, and budget constraints.
What to look for when choosing an Amazon FBA coach?
Type of courses (monthly/one-time payment)
Venturing into the Amazon FBA landscape is like stepping into a bustling marketplace. Each stall represents a different coaching style, and the payment structures are the currencies you can use:
- One-Time Payment: Platforms like Full-Time FBA offer courses with a single upfront cost. This suits those who appreciate having indefinite access without future charges.
- Monthly Subscription: Platforms such as Helium 10 adopt a monthly fee approach. Ideal for those who value fresh, updated content and ongoing support.
(I’ll have more details about this course for you later)
- Hybrid Models: Some courses blend both structures. An initial fee for core content, followed by monthly charges for added resources or community access, can be found in select coaching programs.
As you stroll through this marketplace, remember though there are also free samples and resources. Many have found success by starting with these and then deciding if they want to invest further.
Videos/PDFs
When it comes to Amazon FBA coaching, the medium of instruction can be as crucial as the content itself. Videos and PDFs are often the go-to formats, but what should you be looking for in them?
Visual Learning with Videos:
- Demonstrations: Coaches often use videos to walk through – for example – the Amazon Seller Central dashboard, highlighting features and functionalities.
- Interviews: Some coaches may invite successful FBA sellers to share their experiences, offering insights and tips.
- Case Studies: Real-world examples of product launches, marketing strategies, and more are dissected in video format.
Structured Learning with PDFs:
- Step-by-Step Guides: Detailed instructions on tasks like product sourcing, listing optimization, and inventory management.
- Checklists: Handy lists – like FBA Pallet Requirements – ensure you don’t miss any crucial steps in your FBA journey.
- Templates: From email templates to communicate with suppliers to product research sheets, PDFs provide ready-to-use resources.
When choosing an Amazon FBA coach, consider how they utilize these formats. A blend of both can offer a well-rounded learning experience.
Access to the coach (Ask me anything, video calls, etc.)
Embarking on your Amazon FBA journey, you might wonder about the level of interaction you’ll have with their chosen coach.
After all, the essence of coaching lies in the connection between the mentor and the mentee.
Direct Communication
The gold standard in coaching is the ability to directly communicate with your coach. This can be through scheduled video calls, ensuring you get face-to-face time to discuss your concerns and get personalized advice.
This also allows you to discuss your product listings, delve into PPC strategies, or analyze your sales data together.
Ask Me Anything Sessions
Some coaches offer AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions, where you can throw any question their way. It’s a dynamic way to get insights without the formality of scheduled sessions.
This is your chance to probe into the intricacies of sourcing products, handling Amazon’s ever-changing algorithms, or managing customer reviews.
Feedback Channels
Beyond the standard sessions, having a dedicated channel—be it an email thread, a chat group, or a forum—where you can drop in queries, get feedback, or share updates can be invaluable.
Coaches offering channels like these can be a game-changer, especially when you’re dealing with time-sensitive issues like stock-outs or ad campaigns.
Some of these feedback channels can also include supportive Facebook groups:
The beauty of Amazon FBA coaching is that it’s tailored to the seller’s needs. While some may thrive on structured sessions, others might prefer the flexibility of AMAs and open channels.
The key is to find a coach who aligns with your communication style and offers the accessibility you need to thrive.
How often is it updated?
Finally, you must consider how frequently a course is updated. Amazon’s policies and market dynamics shift regularly, and outdated information can hinder your FBA journey.
- Amazon Policy Changes: Top coaches ensure their content aligns with Amazon’s ever-changing rules and regulations. For instance, if Amazon tweaks its advertising guidelines, the course should reflect that.
- Market Trend Adjustments: As product trends on Amazon shift, courses should update their product research and sourcing sections to stay relevant.
- Platform Enhancements: If Amazon introduces a new tool or dashboard feature, the best courses will incorporate tutorials or guidance on it.
Our Top 3 Picks For Amazon FBA Coach
Helium 10 Freedom Ticket Extra
In 2019, Helium 10 joined forces with Kevin King’s esteemed Freedom Ticket Amazon training course. Fast forward, they’ve launched the enhanced Freedom Ticket Xtra, offering more than the foundational course.
- Monthly Live Sessions: Engage directly with Kevin King in three monthly LIVE Q&A consulting sessions.
- Expert Training: Each month, tap into bonus training sessions led by guest industry experts.
For those acquainted with Helium 10’s tools, the standard Freedom Ticket has always been a comprehensive course, priced at $997.
But for Helium 10 members, this cost is absorbed. The Xtra version is available at an additional $77/month for Helium 10 Platinum, Diamond, and Elite members.
If you’re flush with cash, it’s an investment to maybe look at for the wealth of knowledge provided, especially considering the expertise of Kevin King.
Private Label Masters
Private Label Masters with Tim Sanders offers a deep dive into the world of Amazon FBA. With Tim, a top-tier Amazon seller boasting over $20 million in annual sales, you’re learning from one of the best.
- Comprehensive Training: Tim covers everything from product selection to launch, and even advanced scaling techniques.
- Real-World Application: The course provides case studies, unique research methods, and actionable strategies.
- Supportive Community: Engage in weekly Q&A sessions with Tim and daily interactions with seasoned Amazon sellers.
With tools and strategies derived from Tim’s own success stories, you’re set on a path to genuine achievements. But it comes at a very steep price – the course is priced at $4,997.
One review suggests that this is sometimes reduced to $3,500 – but even still, I find this pricey.
That said, users of the course love it. It has a near perfect score on TrustPilot.
Amazon FBA Mastery
Navigating the complexities of Amazon FBA becomes simpler with the Amazon FBA Mastery course on Udemy.
- What’s Inside: The course covers essential topics like product sourcing, Amazon product launches, managing PPC campaigns, and gathering genuine reviews.
- Cost Considerations: Currently, Udemy lists the course at $64.99. However, keep an eye out for Udemy’s frequent promotions which might offer a better deal.
- Positive Feedback: With a 4.5 rating based on 151 reviews, it’s evident that students have found value in the content.
- Coursevania’s Input: Coursevania highlights the course’s thorough approach, especially its modules on product sourcing and PPC campaigns.
With Amazon FBA Mastery, you gain insights and strategies that can help streamline your Amazon selling experience.
In terms of Udemy FBA courses, this is likely your best bet.
Wrapping Up
The vast world of Amazon FBA can be overwhelming, especially with the flood of information available online. However, the beauty lies in the fact that a significant portion of this knowledge is freely accessible.
Over at our FBA Tips section, we’ve curated a collection of guides that encapsulate years of expertise, designed to boost your earnings and expand your business.
Or are you already at an experienced stage with your FBA business and looking to lift it even higher?
Our Amazon FBA Due Diligence Service might be just what you need.
Remember, while having a coach can be beneficial, the initial steps towards establishing an Amazon FBA brand can be taken using these free resources.
The journey might be challenging, but with dedication and the right guidance—success is attainable.
