How to Downgrade from Professional to Individual Seller on Amazon
Why Downgrade from Professional to Individual Seller?
The Amazon Professional selling plan is designed for sellers who plan to move a large volume of products. It comes with a monthly subscription fee, currently set at $39.99, which offers several advantages such as bulk listing capabilities, access to advanced selling tools, and eligibility for top placement on product detail pages.
However, if you are not selling more than 40 items per month, the individual plan could be more cost-effective. The individual plan does not have a monthly subscription fee, but instead, you pay a fee of $0.99 per item sold. This could significantly reduce costs for sellers who have a lower volume of sales. It’s also worth considering if you are experimenting with Amazon selling or are a part-time seller who does not need the additional features provided by the Professional plan.
Steps to Downgrade Your Selling Plan
Sign in to Your Amazon Seller Central Account:
- Navigate to the Seller Central homepage.
- Enter your login credentials to access your account.
Access Account Settings:
- Once logged in, hover over the "Settings" tab located at the top right of the page.
- From the drop-down menu, select "Account Info".
Manage Your Selling Plan:
- In the "Your Services" section, find "Manage" under "Sell on Amazon".
- Here, you’ll see the option to "Downgrade" your plan. Click on this option.
Confirm the Downgrade:
- After selecting to downgrade, Amazon will provide a summary of the changes, including the loss of certain features available only to Professional sellers.
- If you are certain about the downgrade, confirm your decision. Amazon will process the change, and your account will be switched to the Individual plan.
Implications of Downgrading
Downgrading to an Individual selling plan has several implications:
Listing and Selling Fees: You’ll no longer pay the $39.99 monthly subscription fee. Instead, you’ll incur a $0.99 fee per item sold. This could either save or cost you more depending on your sales volume.
Features and Tools: As an Individual seller, you lose access to features such as bulk uploading tools, advanced reports, and certain advertising options. Additionally, your listings might not be eligible for the "Buy Box," which could affect your sales.
Customization and Brand Presence: Professional sellers can create promotions, set shipping rates, and use APIs for inventory management. These features are unavailable for Individual sellers, potentially impacting your brand presence and customer engagement.
Order Volume: If your order volume increases in the future, you may need to upgrade back to a Professional plan to manage your listings more effectively.
When Should You Consider Downgrading?
The decision to downgrade should be based on your business goals and current sales volume. Here are some scenarios where downgrading might make sense:
Low Sales Volume: If you consistently sell fewer than 40 items per month, the Individual plan is likely more economical.
Seasonal Sales: For sellers with highly seasonal businesses, downgrading during off-peak months can reduce costs.
Experimenting: If you’re new to Amazon selling and want to test the waters, starting with the Individual plan allows you to experiment without a significant financial commitment.
Comparison: Professional vs. Individual Plan
| Feature | Professional Plan | Individual Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription Fee | $39.99 | None |
| Per Item Selling Fee | None | $0.99 |
| Bulk Listing Tool | Yes | No |
| Advanced Reporting | Yes | No |
| Eligibility for Buy Box | Yes | No |
| Promotions & Gift Services | Yes | No |
| Customizable Shipping Rates | Yes | No |
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Review Your Current Sales: Before downgrading, review your sales over the past few months. If you notice a trend of fewer than 40 items sold per month, it may be time to switch plans.
Prepare for Feature Loss: Identify which features you currently use that will be lost and consider alternative ways to manage those aspects of your business.
Monitor Your Sales After Downgrade: After downgrading, keep a close eye on your sales and fees. If you find that you’re selling more than expected, you can always upgrade back to the Professional plan.
Conclusion
Downgrading from a Professional to an Individual seller plan on Amazon can be a smart move for many sellers, particularly those with lower sales volumes. By following the steps outlined above and considering the implications, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.
Remember, you can always switch back to a Professional plan if your sales increase or if you find that you need the additional tools and features offered by the Professional plan.
Top Comments
No Comments Yet