Sell Services on Amazon – Could this become the fastest way to connect shoppers and service provider
Have you already read the Getting Started Guide with Selling Services on Amazon? The 13-page PDF document is now available at the Amazon Services page. The Selling Services on Amazon program is still on the beta stage and it seems that Amazon is really busy gathering the professional service techs who will soon become their affiliates.
The application process is as strict as it is when applying for a business permit in your state. You will have to undergo a rigorous account setup procedure and part of it is to key in your state/local Business Registration Number (BRN). That’s actually the first requirement in order to qualify in the program.
So if you’re thinking that this is for highly skilled freelancers, no, it’s not. I think we’ll have to wait till Amazon changes its mind to also bring them on board. Right now, this is strictly for businesses with legal permits to operate.
The Game Rules
Amazon doesn’t want to be represented in whatever way by workers who are lacking in professional experience. Currently, there are only 19 professions that they are supporting. However, on the web application form, there are 29 professions listed under the “Primary Profession” drop down menu. Amazon should clarify these things up in order to avoid confusions. To name a few, the supported professions are appliance tech, mobile device tech, handyman, power washer and car electronics installer.
Here is the reason why Amazon wants these professionals to be on board of their service platform. According to the company:
“Your services will be listed alongside products related to your service.”
Shall there be a separate “service” department at Amazon.com? We don’t know yet. But for now, that’s the basic rule of the game.
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You need this code to complete your registration. Adding to this are the BRN, valid credit card, insurance information, names and email addresses of your techs, professional licenses of your techs and your stores address. These are required in order to process your passport to the Amazon website.
The last activity that Amazon will do before your offered service is seen by millions is to conduct a background check of your business and your technicians.
As you can see, Amazon really doesn’t want to be involved in any mess. They want to ensure you’re legal, you’re operating a real service team, you have the capacity to provide services in your area, and your people have good standing background in the community.
The Benefits
You will be seen by millions of shoppers and if they find you fit enough to do the installation of their air conditioning units or attachment of their new 70-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV on the wall, then they will add you on their shopping carts.
Amazon will create the service listings in a way that customers can compare the ratings, proximity, and price estimates of the service providers. The service selling fee, as detailed by Amazon, is 20% for the portion of the service price up to $1,000 and 15% for any portion of the service price greater than $1,000. Both in-home and in-store services are covered by this program.
As this is still in the beta mode, I have a feeling that Amazon is weighing all the possibilities when they roll out this type of service solution alongside their bread and butter consumer products. A part of it could be an analysis of the demographics of businesses who have submitted their applications thus far. In a way, this is a good move for Amazon in helping the local businesses. In an economic point of view, this is about serving the consumers market in terms of easy access to labor works. It would be interesting to find out how consumers will respond to this business model anytime soon.
