"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

If you’re in eCommerce, you already know Amazon is a huge opportunity for selling your products. But getting started as an Amazon seller can be overwhelming—there’s a lot to learn, and even small mistakes can be costly.

Some business owners wonder, “What’s the best way to start with FBA?” Others ask, “How can I manage my FBA business without overspending or working nonstop?”

Whether you’re new to FBA or have years of experience, there are countless tactics and strategies that can be easy to overlook. As a business owner, it’s important to decide when tasks should be handled in-house and when it makes sense to bring in a consultant. Admitting you need help can be tough, but it’s often well worth the investment.

If you’re thinking about hiring an FBA consultant, this post will guide you through key considerations to keep in mind before making that decision.

Step 1: Should I Hire an Amazon Professional?

The first question to ask yourself is simple: “Do I need an FBA consultant right now?”

Here’s a bold perspective: unless you’re highly skilled at hiring, managing, and building a strong team, working with an FBA expert at some stage will likely be a wise choice.

Here are some signs it might be time to bring in an FBA consultant:

• You’re doing well in eCommerce but haven’t started on Amazon. You’re curious about Amazon’s potential, but you’re unsure where to start. Or, maybe you feel like you’re missing out on more sales by not being on Amazon.

• You’re already on Amazon, but it feels chaotic. Keeping up with everything is tough, and you feel that some expert help could make a big difference.

• You’re successful on Amazon, but it’s not intentional or sustainable. Things are going well, but it feels like luck. If your account got flagged or if competition increased, you’re not sure how you’d handle it.

• Your Amazon sales have leveled off. You’ve done well so far, but now you’re looking to grow. The challenge is figuring out what to change or improve.

• You’re doing great and want to keep it that way. Even when things are going smoothly, smart business owners look for ways to get better. You’re ready to optimize what you already have.

Step 2: Identify What You Need Help With in Your Amazon Business

Now that you’re considering hiring an FBA consultant, take a close look at what you really need support with.

Getting clear on your business’s key needs is essential. While you might have some blind spots, you can likely point to a few specific areas where extra help would make the biggest impact.

Here are some questions to guide you:

• Which areas of your business need the most focus right now?

• What challenges are you facing in each of these areas?

• Are there any specific roles or tasks that need immediate attention?

• What essential tasks are not being handled because you lack the right skills?

Reflecting on these questions can reveal valuable insights into your needs. If going through these questions feels overwhelming or you simply don’t have time to dive into the details, that’s a strong indicator that a consultant’s expertise could bring real value.

Step 3: Explore Your Options

Now that you know what you need, it's time to think about who you want to hire.

Are you looking for a quick consultation or a longer-term mentorship?

A wise choice would be to see an FBA consultant as a partner for the long haul. If the relationship works well, both you and the consultant benefit as your business grows, allowing you to gain more insights and support over time.

You can easily find many potential consultants on platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork, but sifting through the options can feel overwhelming. It’s important to take the time to research candidates, regardless of where you find them.

Consider consuming their content, such as podcasts or YouTube videos, to get a sense of their style and expertise. This will help you determine if they’re a good fit for you. Having multiple options allows you to compare their strategies, structures, and pricing, which is crucial since even small mistakes can be costly in the long run.

Business owners generally agree that having options is key when hiring for any role. As your Amazon business grows, the challenges you face will evolve, so it’s essential to find an FBA consultant who has extensive experience to address both immediate and long-term issues. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you only need a short-term solution for a specific problem, that’s perfectly fine too.

When speaking with a potential consultant, keep an eye out for the following:

• Clear Pricing: Are they transparent about their fees, or do they seem vague?

• Customized Services: Avoid anyone who offers a one-size-fits-all approach; look for tailored solutions instead.

• Proven Success: Check if they have a solid track record and can provide real success stories from their experience.

• Understanding of Your Business: Do they grasp your brand and niche without needing too much explanation from you?

• Shared Values: Ensure your goals align; some consultants may prioritize profit while others might have different motivations.

• Ethical Practices: Avoid anyone who uses questionable strategies, as these can jeopardize your business and lead to penalties.

Prepare some questions to assess their expertise. Inquire about their knowledge of keyword research, handling suspensions, and their proficiency in areas like PPC and advertising. Even if these aren’t immediate needs, you want to ensure they can support you in the future. Above all, make sure their responses are reasonable and inspire trust.

Step 4: Take Action and Prepare for Implementation

The final step is straightforward, but it’s essential: take action.

Your first task will be to hire a consultant, but that’s just the starting point. A good Amazon expert will provide you with numerous tasks to complete, and if your team isn’t adequately equipped, it can feel overwhelming. There’s nothing more frustrating than knowing what needs to be done but not being able to do it because you lack the right team members.

If you’re uncertain whether your team can effectively implement a plan, consider partnering with AMZ Shifu. We don’t just act as FBA experts, we are passionate about helping Amazon businesses grow, and we have many insightful articles on our website related to Amazon and business strategy for you to explore.

In short, if you’re looking to accelerate your Amazon success, we’re here to help.

Book a Call with us today!

Regardless, collaborating with an Amazon consultant will likely involve a significant amount of work, so it’s essential to have a capable team ready to handle the tasks.

Conclusion

Finding the right FBA expert can be a game-changer for your Amazon business. By focusing on key qualifications, relevant experience, and essential skills, you can ensure that you partner with someone who understands the complexities of the Amazon marketplace. A knowledgeable consultant can provide invaluable insights, streamline your operations, and ultimately drive sales growth, giving you the competitive edge you need to succeed.

If you’re ready to elevate your Amazon business with expert guidance, book a call with AMZ Shifu. Let’s discuss how we can help you find the right strategies and support for your journey!

To sum up, if you’re aiming for success as an Amazon seller and are thinking about hiring an FBA consultant, consider these four straightforward questions:

1. Am I prepared to hire an FBA consultant?

2. What specific areas does my business need assistance with?

3. Who is the most suitable person to support me?

4. What steps do I need to take to implement the strategy quickly?

We hope you find this article helpful, and we wish you great success in your Amazon selling endeavors!