Way to boost item count with Amazon

To reach higher commision level

[MrSpeed]

I am currently making some sales on a low volume, high priced item.

I'd like to sell something just for the sake of reaching the next tier to gain the extra percentage point.

What may be some good items to promote that I can sell a lot of, even if it's at break even or slight loss?

[hunderdown]

I don't think that's worth doing. Keep your focus. Also, Amazon specifically prohibits pushing low-cost items. How they would determine that you are doing that, and not just running a site that features pencils, erasers, and 99 cent toys, I don't know. But I'm inclined to feel that it's not worth the risk.

[zivkovicp]

try selling them on ebay.

[patient2all]

Also, Amazon specifically prohibits pushing low-cost items

You sure that's still the case? I don't see anything about it in the newer TOS. Not that I consider it a practical strategy to offer loss leaders for the extra 1/4%.

In fact I was talking with an Amazon Associate Program biggie a while back and I mentioned that I still maintain some book sites to "boost the item count a bit" and I'm still around ;)

patient2all

[hunderdown]

Your low-cost item is the bread and butter of most Associates--I'd say 90% of my item count is books.

I think this would only be an issue in more obvious and blatant cases--but if it's not in the TOS, perhaps since they've removed the growth bonuses, then no need to worry.

I still think that pushing low-cost items that don't fit with your focus isn't likely to work. On the other hand, if you have, for example, a digital camera site, a few pages of inexpensive accessories couldn't hurt.

[wrgvt]

People aren't going to buy something cheap from amazon just because it's cheap, because then they have to pay shipping and handling. It's easier to go to the store and spend the couple dollars. Now if they're buying something else and can add cheap items, then they might consider it if they still get free shipping.

What works for me is to add more items. If you have a page about a book, add links for other books by that author or other books on the same subject. If you have a CD, add links to other CDs by that artist. If you have a page for an electronics item, add links for accessories. If you have a page for a software item, add links for manuals. If you're selling TVs, add links for universal remotes. You get the idea. Once you have their attention and have them in the mood to buy something, add other items that will catch their eye that they'll also want to buy, especially if buying that item gets them over the $25 threshhold for free shipping.

[hunderdown]

wgrvt: exactly. Many visitors will add items anyway--I think a good chunk of my orders are 2nd or 3rd items added to reach the $25 threshold--but adding pages like that facilitates the process.

[MrSpeed]

Actually my plan was to use adwords to increase the item count. I was just looking for ideas for something that sells like gang busters and would break even or make a small profit.

If I set up a campaig to sell CD's or DVD's it'a a losing battle...unless the user happens to buy two items or I push box sets. Assuming a 3% CR the item would have to sell for at least $30.

I have ran campaigns for DVD box sets in the past because it was a cheap way to learn adwords. The sales were never spectacular.

[patient2all]

Actually though few customers apparently realize it, the free ground shipping for 2 items only works out to a savings of about $5.00 at most, even on a pair of heavier items.

It's the word "free" that gets them hooked and that's fine with me.

Obviously, if one puts a $23.99 item in the cart, they'd be foolish not to buy their favorite paperback. In many cases, they really aren't saving all that much.

However, I thank Jeff Bezos for coming up with that excellent marketing idea to generate an upsell. That's the best idea since shampoo companies put the instruction on the bottle, "apply shampoo, rinse, then repeat" ;)

patient2all

[MrSpeed]

However, I thank Jeff Bezos for coming up with that excellent marketing idea to generate an upsell. That's the best idea since shampoo companies put the instruction on the bottle, "apply shampoo, rinse, then repeat" ;)

The myth perpetuated by the oil companies that you have to change your oil every 3000 miles is another good one.

I did have a lot of customers add accesories for the main item I was promoting. So I did make the 5.75 tier

Amazon is a great program. I just wish it was monthly payouts.