The author and their business partner launched their pickleball paddles on Amazon after nearly two years of product development and an initial inventory investment of over $11,000. Despite the excitement of going live, sales have been disappointing, with only four units sold in five months. Amazon’s Seller Central reports declining sales and traffic, highlighting the challenges of breaking into the marketplace. The author acknowledges their inexperience and the need to treat this as more than a side project, especially given the costs of storage and listing fees.
To improve sales, the author shares advice from experienced e-commerce entrepreneurs: first, invest in advertising to increase product visibility and generate reviews, which are crucial for building trust and driving purchases on Amazon. Second, diversify sales channels by exploring platforms like TikTok Shop, which offers new opportunities beyond the increasingly competitive and costly Amazon marketplace. The key to success lies in learning from experts, staying adaptable, and avoiding complacency in the evolving e-commerce landscape.
