Amazon Brand Registry in 2021
In today's digital age, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance their operations and stay competitive. One effective approach is through the use of outsourced fulfillment solutions. This article explores the advantages of outsourced fulfillment and provides insights into choosing the right provider. Additionally, it delves into the benefits of partnering with logistics companies and understanding their role in elevating ecommerce success. Lastly, it uncovers the concept of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and how it can optimize order fulfillment. Join us as we delve into the world of outsourced fulfillment, logistics, and warehouse management.
Exploring Outsourced Fulfillment Solutions
Utilizing outsourced fulfillment solutions is a game-changing approach for many businesses in 2023, frequently leading to cost reductions and enhanced operational efficiency.
Advantages of Outsourced Fulfillment
Outsourced fulfillment can significantly streamline your brand's processes. It frees up time and resources, allowing your business to focus more on its core competencies. It's like having an extra set of hands that handle the heavy lifting of dealing with inventory management, packaging, and shipping orders, all while ensuring excellent customer service. Additionally, they often have established relationships with carriers, which can lead to better shipping rates and faster delivery times, further boosting your customer satisfaction.
Choosing an Outsourced Fulfillment Provider
The key to successful outsourced fulfillment begins with choosing the right provider. Consider factors like their reputation, cost-effectiveness, integration with your existing systems, and scalability. A provider like Simple Fulfillment, which specializes in eCommerce Fulfillment and FBA Prep, might fit the bill for many eCommerce brands.
Boosting Ecommerce with Logistics Companies
Harnessing the power of logistics companies can provide a competitive edge in eCommerce, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Logistics Companies: A Competitive Advantage for Ecommerce
Logistics companies handle the complicated, often time-consuming aspects of eCommerce, such as inventory management, warehousing, packing, and shipping. By doing this efficiently, they can help your business meet customer expectations for speedy and accurate delivery, freeing you up to concentrate on your brand and customer service, which gives a significant competitive advantage in today's fast-paced eCommerce landscape.
How to Leverage Logistics for Ecommerce Success
To leverage logistics for eCommerce success, consider partnering with a company that offers tailored solutions for your brand. This could mean a company that integrates seamlessly into your order management system provides real-time data analytics or offers cost-effective shipping solutions. A logistics firm should be seen as a partner, not just a service provider.
Deciding When to Engage a Logistics Company
Integrating a logistics company into your operations doesn't have to be a daunting task. It can be done strategically and at the right time to provide maximum value.
Factors to Consider When Partnering with a Logistics Company
Some factors to consider include: your order volume, current cost and efficiency of fulfillment, scalability projections, and customer service standards. If these are areas you're struggling with or could improve, it could be the right time to engage with a logistics company.
Benefits of Early Engagement with Logistics Companies
Engaging a logistics company early in your business's lifecycle could help preempt potential issues by ensuring a solid foundation for fulfillment from the start. It aids in scalability and reduces the risk of growing pains as your business expands.
Logistic Services that Elevate Your Business
The right logistic services can be a catalyst for your business's growth and success.
Types of Logistic Services
Logistic services usually fall into categories like transportation, warehousing, packaging, and inventory management. Recent trends also feature value-added services such as real-time tracking and advanced analytics.
Finding the Right Logistic Service for Your Business
Identifying the right services requires understanding your business's unique needs. Are you looking to improve your shipping speed? Or perhaps you're struggling with inventory management? Once you've identified your needs, look for a provider that excels in that field.
Understanding the Role of a Logistics Company
A logistics company is much more than a middleman for your products; it's a strategic partner that can shape your business's success.
Defining Logistics Company
A logistics company manages the flow of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Simply put, they ensure your products get from A to B smoothly and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities of Logistic Companies
Key areas include transportation, warehouse management, packing, inventory management, and order fulfillment, and often include customer service aspects related to the logistics process. Due to their comprehensive responsibilities, they have immense potential to impact customer satisfaction and the operational efficiency of your business.
Unpacking the Concept of Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Effective warehouse management is key to successful order fulfillment, and that's where a Warehouse Management System (WMS) comes in.
Characteristics of an Effective WMS
An effective WMS provides real-time inventory accuracy, supports efficient pick and pack processes, integrates with your order management system, provides data for analysis and decision-making, and scales with your business growth.
Benefits of Using a WMS
Using a WMS, businesses can streamline their order fulfillment process, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. Not only does this help satisfy customer expectations of speedy and accurate order delivery, it can also help save costs related to warehousing and distribution. Ultimately, the key advantage of a WMS is that it can help businesses deliver a remarkable customer experience consistently. And there you have it! A comprehensive look at how outsourced fulfillment and logistics companies can aid in your ecommerce success. So, is it time you considered this leap?
Exploring Outsourced Fulfillment Solutions
As we move deeper into the digital age, businesses are constantly looking for ways to enhance their operations and stay competitive. One effective way is through outsourced fulfillment solutions. Let's unpack what this means and the advantages it brings to your business.
Advantages of Outsourced Fulfillment
Outsourced Fulfillment can be the secret weapon of a thriving eCommerce brand. It lets you focus on your core business while the logistics and warehouse management are being handled by professionals. They take care of the storage, picking/packing of your goods, managing inventory, and shipping orders directly to your customers. The result? Greater operational efficiency, cost savings, and satisfied customers due to timely and accurate deliveries. Now, wouldn't that be a game-changer for your business?
Choosing an Outsourced Fulfillment Provider
But the trick is to find the right outsourced fulfillment provider, isn't it? It can be like finding a needle in a haystack. The right provider should not only have a proven track record in eCommerce fulfillment but also offer scalability as your business grows and possess tech infrastructure for real-time inventory tracking. So take time, evaluate your options, and find a match that fits your business requirements like a glove.
Boosting Ecommerce with Logistics Companies
Another powerhouse to turbocharge your eCommerce operations can be partnering with logistics companies. Let's explore how they bring competitive advantages and ways to leverage these for eCommerce success.
Logistics Companies: A Competitive Advantage for E-commerce
Logistics companies can be the wind beneath your wings in the eCommerce landscape. They expedite your delivery process, enhance customer satisfaction, and create a smooth return management system. And in today's instant-gratification culture, wouldn't quick deliveries and seamless returns set your brand apart? Plus, they handle international shipping and customs, breaking geographic boundaries for your business. It's like having a magic carpet, taking your business places, don't you think?
How to Leverage Logistics for Ecommerce Success
So, how can you harness the power of logistics for eCommerce success? Partner with a logistics company that aligns with your business goals has strong links with carriers, offers customized solutions, and leverages technology for tracking and transparency. Remember, the right partnership can fuel your growth trajectory like never before!
Deciding When to Engage a Logistics Company
Now, the question is, when should you engage a logistics company? Let's delve into the factors that play major roles in this decision.
Factors to Consider When Partnering with a Logistics Company
Your business size, complexity of operations, geographic spread of customers, and growth goals are a few of the factors when deciding to engage with a logistics company. If managing logistics is taking up significant time and diverting you from core business functions, it might be time to consider a partnership. It's like passing the baton in a relay race so you can focus on sprinting forward, right?
Benefits of Early Engagement with Logistics Companies
What's the advantage of an early engagement with a logistics company? Much like early birds catching the worms, early engagement helps iron out logistical issues, implements efficient processes, and saves costs even before they escalate. Now, that sounds like a strategic move, doesn't it?
Logistic Services that Elevate Your Business
Let's now discuss different types of logistics services and find the one thatβs right for your business.
Types of Logistic Services
Freight transportation, warehousing and distribution, cross-docking, order fulfillment, inventory management - There's a buffet of logistic services out there, each serving a specific need. It's like a puzzle; you need to find the pieces that fit perfectly into your business model.
Finding the Right Logistic Service for Your Business
Consider your business needs, future growth plans, and budget. Whether it's efficient warehousing, fast freight transportation, or effective inventory management, align your choice with your business goals. Think of it as hiring an employee β you'd want someone who is the right fit for your company, wouldnβt you?
Understanding the Role of a Logistics Company
Let's step back and understand what a logistics company does and the key responsibilities it shoulders.
Defining Logistics Company
A logistics company can be your master strategist for managing the flow of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Its role is multi-dimensional β streamlining operations, ensuring efficient storage of goods, and overseeing timely deliveries. It's your behind-the-scenes hero enabling smooth operations, wouldn't you agree?
Key Responsibilities of Logistic Companies
From warehousing, transportation, and inventory management to order fulfillment and return logistics, the responsibilities of a logistics company are vast. It's like the backbone, supporting and enabling your business operations, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving business growth.
Unpacking the Concept of Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Last but not least, let's discuss the Warehouse Management System (WMS), its characteristics, and benefits.
Characteristics of an Effective WMS
Think of an effective WMS as the conductor of an orchestra that manages different parts in complete harmony. It provides real-time inventory visibility, optimizes warehouse layout and processes, helps manage resources, enhances order fulfillment efficiency, and integrates with your transport systems. Now, wouldn't that be music to your ears?
Benefits of Using a WMS
An effective WMS boosts warehouse efficiency, reduces errors in order picking and shipping, helps better inventory control, and eliminates paperwork. Besides, it enhances customer service with faster deliveries and fewer order discrepancies. Now, imagine untying this bundle of benefits for your business. Exciting, isn't it? The world of eCommerce can be competitive and complex. But with the right outsourced fulfillment solutions, logistics partnerships, and technologies, you can navigate with confidence and grow your business. At Simple Fulfillment, we understand this and are committed to providing customized and scalable eCommerce fulfillment solutions to empower your brand. Navigating the world of ecommerce can be complex, but with the right outsourced fulfillment solutions, logistics partnerships, and technologies, your business can thrive. Simple Fulfillment is dedicated to providing customized and scalable ecommerce fulfillment solutions to empower your brand. By leveraging the advantages of outsourced fulfillment, logistics companies, and a Warehouse Management System, you can streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth. It's time to consider making this leap and unlock the full potential of your business in the digital landscape.
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Selling on Amazon is an excellent way to expand your market. However, with significant advantages come tremendous competition and an urgent need to protect the brand and goods. Sellers are concerned about rogue sellers selling knockoffs of their goods at a lower price, as well as hijackers on their listings, and are irritated by their inability to make easy adjustments to the product description page. Amazon Brand Registry is the perfect way to protect the goods and brand from certain circumstances.
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What Is Amazon Brand Registry?
Amazon Brand Registry validates your brand, gives you access to powerful resources, and gives you a competitive edge over non-brand registered sellers. It also enables branded sellers to reclaim ownership of their Amazon name, products, and intellectual property.
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βThe Amazon Brand Registry is open to vendors who make or sell their own branded products,β according to Amazon. Manufacturers may enroll their brand in the Amazon Brand Registry and claim ownership of the brand. Amazon Brand Registry's mission is to make it simpler for sellers to handle their own brands and list their goods on Amazon.β
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Requirements
According to Amazon:
βTo be qualified for Amazon Brand Registry, your brand should have an active registered trademark in each country where you choose to enroll or have a pending trademark application filed through Amazon IP Accelerator." The trademark for your brand must be in the form of a text-based mark (word mark) or an image-based mark with images, letters, or numbers (design mark).β
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Cost
The process of registering your brand is completely free.
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However, acquiring a copyright or trademark in the first place does not come cheap. These fees usually vary from $225 to $400, based on where you register and the type of cover you want. You will also have to consider legal fees.
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What Did Amazon Introduce Brand Registry?
Amazon allows many vendors to use the same listing in order to maximize customer service and allow fast product searches. Fake sellers will take advantage of this and "hijack" the listing by offering a lower-priced version. Customers would purchase the product believing it was authentic, and if they received a counterfeit product, they would leave a negative review. Since the listing with the lowest price receives the Buy Box, the fake sellers would profit from the sales while the brands would be left with nothing but a destroyed reputation.
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This not only harmed the brand's popularity but also harmed Amazon's trustworthiness. Worst of all, sellers were required to include evidence of infringement when disclosing it. If they successfully demonstrated the infringement or hijacking, the counterfeit sellers would open a new account and begin again.
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Amazon attempted to demonstrate that its platform is as simple and trustworthy as implementing a brand registry. And, to some degree, brand registry has aided in the prevention of brand degradation and the eradication of rogue sellers.
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What Can (Can't) Amazon Brand Registry Do?
Before we get into the meat of this post, here's a brief summary of what the Amazon Brand Registry can and cannot do for you.
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Amazon's Brand Registry will have the following features:
- Give you, the brand owner, and more power over the quality of your listings.
- Provide a separate, more effective internal team to assist with the correction and escalation of incorrect listing contributions and variations.
- Provide an internal team dedicated to submitting and escalating IP violation allegations.
- Provide a tool for tracking your brand's performance on Amazon.
- Allow you access to Amazon A+ Content in order to enhance the display of Content on product listings.
- Increase your exposure by using alternative advertisement channels and digital media.
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Amazon's Brand Registry Will Not:
- Exclude other sellers from selling your brand or gate it.
- Allows you to prevent other sellers from selling your brand by whitelisting or blacklisting them.
- Enable someone other than you, the brand owner, to file lawsuits against other sellers for infringement.
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How Do I Access The Brand Registry On Amazon?
The Brand Registry is different from Seller Central or Vendor Central, but you will need an account and meet a specific set of criteria to sign up for the Brand Registry. Here's what you need to know:
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Registering a trademark
To be allowed for Amazon Brand Registry, the brand must have an active registered trademark in each country where you wish to participate. You must have a trademark licensed with a legitimate government office.
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In the United States, the trademark application process will take a year or more. But don't worry; once you've applied, been assigned a number, and are in the pending status, you will apply for and be accepted for the Brand Registry. After the Brand Registry team has reviewed your situation, you will be accepted and have access to all of the resources available.
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The trademark method in other countries can be much faster. The UK trademark application process is much faster, with most applications being checked within a month. Keep in mind that, now that Brexit has occurred, you will need to register trademarks in both the UK and the EU if you want to sell in Europe.
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You can also opt to use Amazon's IP Accelerator software. This service enables you to apply for a trademark and enter the Brand Registry, all of which are handled by Amazon. Before you can sign up for the Brand Registry, you must first have a Vendor Central account OR a Professional selling account in Seller Central. This is due to the fact that the Brand Registry is only available to brand owners or producers. You would need to update if you signed up for Seller Central with an Individual plan. A Skilled sale account costs $39.99 in the United States and Β£25 in the United Kingdom.
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The brand owner must submit applications for the Brand Registry. You must use the same name and information as your registered trademark when creating a Brand Registry account. Do not file under a different or similar name. We also suggest using the same email address and information you used with your Seller Central or Vendor Central account. This ensures that the accounts are connected and that you have access to the Brand Registry benefits.
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For instance, if your trademark is βOriginal Cool Striped Shirts,β use that exact phrase in the Brand Registry. Please do not register with the names "Original Striped Shirts," "Cool Shirt Co.," "Original Cool T-Shirts," or anything else.
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If registered, you can view the case log and check the status of your account by logging into the Brand Registry. You may be required to confirm your identity, provide additional documentation, or participate in a brief video call with an Amazon representative. Amazon has recently increased the number of measures taken to ensure that legitimate businesses register and are adequately represented. Allow for this time in the phase because it can take many weeks depending on the category and individual circumstances (for instance, if someone else has already registered your brand, if your trademark is not in process, etc.).
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How Long Does It Take To Get a Trademark Registered?
A trademark application usually takes 8 to 12 months to be accepted. If, on the other hand, you want to file your application with one of Amazon's IP law firms, you might get your brand registered with a pending trademark in as little as a few weeks.
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The Main Benefits of Brand Registry
There are several advantages to registering the brand with Amazon, including:
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Secure Your Brand: Amazon's support team will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist you with problems such as product review manipulation, filing IP violation charges, and reporting any technical issues. Furthermore, as part of the Transparency program, Amazon will provide you with unique barcodes to add to your goods to ensure that only genuine units are sent to your customers.
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Access A+ Content: Perhaps the program's best feature, A+ Content (formerly Enhanced Brand Content), enables you to add visually appealing text and photos to your product description. Finally, it gives your listing a much more professional appearance. It is not unusual for sellers to say that after implementing A+ Material, their conversion rate doubles!
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Product Video: Once your listing has been accepted, you will be able to upload a video that will appear at the end of the product picture reel. This is an excellent way to display your product and tell your brand's story while also increasing your conversion rate.
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They will be guided to your store if they click on your logo. When they click on a product, they will be taken to the product's page. These work in the same way as Amazon PPC does (i.e. you will only pay once a customer clicks on your ad).
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Understand Your Customers: Because data is king, you must learn as much as you can about your customers to optimize sales. brand analytics gathers consumer search and purchase data to assist you in improving your business operations. This offers a wealth of information, such as the search words your consumers use to find your product (which you can then incorporate into a PPC campaign), as well as market basket analysis.
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Amazon Vine: Getting feedback is one of the most challenging aspects of growing a new listing. Fortunately, once your brand has been licensed, you will have access to Amazon's Vine service, allowing Amazon to offer your goods to authorized customers in return for a review. However, be careful because these can be truthful reviews. To ensure that consumers have a good experience with your goods, use the Early Reviewer program first.
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Virtual Bundles: This feature allows you to group several ASINs to form a package. This is advantageous to all sellers because your items will appear on their page and vice versa. So, if you find that your clients often purchase goods in addition to yours, this might be a valuable way to maximize conversions.
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Brand Protection: The original purpose of the Brand Registry was to assist consumers in avoiding counterfeit goods and having a positive Amazon experience. One of the primary advantages of registering your brand is that you can more easily take ownership of your product's detail pages, which is particularly useful if you have several distributors and want to maintain a consistent, reliable experience.
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You can reach out to a dedicated team of Amazon agents through the Brand Registry. The self-reporting tool enables you to report breaches, infringements, and incorrect details, as well as react to issues more accurately and effectively, such as if a customer returns a product because it is "not as advertised."
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Bottom Line
Amazon can be daunting even to the largest and most influential corporations. It can be challenging to maintain ownership of your brand on the website, but things have gotten a lot easier since the introduction of the Amazon Brand Registry in 2017.
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Amazon Brand Registry is a service that allows brand owners to have more control of their products and trademarks on Amazon. It is the most straightforward and most practical method of safeguarding intellectual property on the web. However, those who sign up gain access to resources that aid in everything from the avoidance of counterfeit sales to the marketing of their brand. It should be a vital component of every brand's Amazon plan.
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From the simplified process for making information page changes and access to powerful ad resources to the opportunity to liven up listings with A+ Content and the potential for improved conversion, the brand registry is truly a no-brainer for almost Any Amazon seller. Besides that, when many sellers engage in corrupt practices such as illegal reselling, a brand registry makes it easier to avoid and protect the brand, providing complete peace of mind.
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Next article: Amazon Seller Account- How You Can open It and Common FAQs