What is the difference between Amazon Seller Central and Amazon Vendor Central?

At B2BGateway we often get asked by clients and partners ‘What is the difference between trading with Amazon Seller Central and Amazon Vendor Central?’ I came across a great blog recently by Trinity Hartman on Content 26 which lays out in simplified detail, the differences between both Amazon structures for merchants. A brief overview of the blog can be seen here:

 

If your products are selling very well on Amazon, chances are you may be contacted by an Amazon Buyer to sign up to sell your products through Amazon Vendor Central. But what is Amazon Vendor Central and how does it differ from what you are doing already on Amazon Seller Central? To answer these questions lets’ take a look at a brief description of both:

 

What is Amazon Seller Central?

 

If you are already selling on Amazon, chances are you are using Amazon Seller Central. Amazon Seller Central is the web interface used by sellers to manage and view their orders. If you sell via Seller Central, you’re considered by Amazon as a marketplace or third-party seller. As a marketplace seller, you have different options for managing your virtual storefront. Amazon has a pay-as-you-go system for individual sellers as well as a pro merchant option for high-volume sellers. Pro merchant sellers can also choose Fulfillment by Amazon where Amazon takes care of shipping, customer service, and returns.

 

What is Amazon Vendor Central?

 

Amazon Vendor Central is the web interface used by manufacturers and distributors. If you sell via Vendor Central, you’re called a first-party seller. You’re acting as a supplier, selling in bulk to Amazon. Registration on Vendor Central is by invitation only. A tell-tale sign that a company is selling through Vendor Central is the phrase “ships from and sold by Amazon.com.” Only Vendor Central allows enhanced content, which Amazon refers to as A+ content. What is enhanced content? It’s an extended version of the basic product description including scan able text that explains the features and benefits of the product as well as product images and often a comparison chart.

 

Whether you operate on Amazon Seller Central or Amazon Vendor Central, you can learn more about how B2BGateway EDI solutions can help you further improve and automate your supply chain with Amazon by calling + 1 401 491 9595 (NA) / +353 61 708533 (EU) or email Sales@B2BGateway.Net



BedBathandBeyond.com and CommerceHub introduce changes to Purchase Orders.

BedBathandBeyond.com and their OrderStream partner CommerceHub have just released this notification to all BedBathandBeyond.com suppliers:

Effective June 2, 2015, regardless of whether you currently process LTL orders, you must be prepared to receive data in the Weight and Unit of Measure (UOM) elements if they are sent on your Bed Bath & Beyond Purchase Order messages. Please review your current maps to determine whether adjustments are required to accommodate this data.

To make sure you are ready for the BedBathBeyond.com changes which take effect next month, please contact B2BGateway at +1 401 491 9595 or email Sales@B2BGateway.Net

Managing the Omni-Channel – Hot Topic during SuiteWorld 2015.



Speaking at SuiteWorld, NetSuite’s annual client and partner conference, Branden Jenkins, General Manager for Global Retail at NetSuite, commented on disruption and change and how retailers need to adapt to the new world of omni-channel retail.

According to Jenkins "Retailers need to put systems in place that give them the omni-channel capability”. He believes that the NetSuite eco-system (combination of NetSuite product features and partner add-on features will give NetSuite users a clear lead in the omni-channel market place. NetSuite also introduced their new Point of Sale (PoS) functionality which should greatly enhance the retailers omni-channel approach.

As well getting the product visible and sold through the right channels, the NetSuite user also needs to look closely at a complete and seamless supply chain integration platform. A platform which ties in all the players in the channel from online retail to box store to shopping carts to 3PL providers to drop shippers to manufacturers and more.

The omni-channel approach by NetSuite seems to be working as they were able to announce at SuiteWorld that they have just landed international surfing and clothing company, Billabong as a major new customer. Billabong is starting with NetSuite’s eCommerce platform and says that over time it may also switch its current ERP systems as well.  According to Kadima Lonji, CTO at Billabong, the new NetSuite implementation with enhanced inventory and stock visibility has the potential to deliver Billabong cost savings of $13 million per annum.

If you would like to know more on how B2BGateway’s fully integrated EDI solutions for NetSuite can help your organization handle the disruption of the omni-channel while at the same time enhancing your business call +1 401 491 9595 (NA) / +353 61 708533 (EU) or email Sales@B2BGateway.Net