Businesses and entrepreneurs, including start-ups, can sell online products and services on Amazon’s worldwide stores to expand reach overseas.

In a webinar, Serene Quek of Amazon.com said that as new sellers’ greatest challenge is to tap cross border e-commerce business, Amazon has a physical presence in more than 20 countries and over 300 million worldwide active customer accounts.

“(In) Amazon, we engaged in large marketing efforts to drive shoppers to Amazon. This shall create a great opportunity for any new sellers to interact with new potential buyers,” she said. “Brand owners increase sales 1.5 times faster than other sellers on average.”

To reach more high-intent customers, Quek said Amazon advertising reaches 96 percent of all United States adults aged 25 to 54 every month.

She added Amazon also provides leading logistics infrastructures, including over 400 fulfillment centers worldwide, and global export cross-border e-commerce services.

Quek particularly cited the benefits of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), which include saving on fulfillment cost by shipping in bulk, reaching out to millions of Prime members, and increasing product visibility and conversion with the Prime badge.

Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service and its membership includes a variety of shipping benefits, including several shipping
options if one needs to expedite his delivery.

Quek added that with FBA, Amazon handles getting the products to the customers and all customer returns and exchanges, and provides 24/7 customer support in local language.

She said selling fees on Amazon depend on the selling plan and type of products.

Quek said over 24 categories are currently available, including health and beauty products; sports and outdoors; kitchen and homewares; apparel; pantry food and beverage; beer, wine and spirits; consumer electronics; and games and toys.

“It’s important that customers are able to shop with confidence on Amazon, which is why some product categories (like certain grocery or
automotive products) are known as ‘restricted product categories’,” she said.

“Amazon might require performance checks, documentation and other qualifications in order for you to sell certain brands or list items within restricted categories. You’ll be able to request approval from within Seller Central,” she added.