Found yourself here after crowdfunding your product and you’re just not sure where to take it from there? You’re able to start manufacturing now, but where should you sell your product and keep that momentum going from?

There are many options for steps you could take after crowdfunding a project. For many, Amazon Launchpad represents the best possible option.

What Is Amazon Launchpad?

Amazon Launchpad  is a portal on the Amazon platform created in 2015 in conjunction with over 25 venture capital firms, crowdfunding platforms, and startup accelerators.

This portal exists to help startups market and sell their products on the Amazon marketplace. This helps them to get worldwide discoverability. But what makes selling on Launchpad different from selling on Amazon?

Benefits of Amazon Launchpad

Amazon Launchpad offers a few benefits for startups that normal sellers on Amazon do not get. These include:

Startup Aide

Amazon Launchpad provides startups with additional help on the platform. The Launchpad team handles things like inventory management, customer service, and order fulfillment for startup brands.

Dedicated Launchpad Team

Another benefit of Amazon Launchpad is the support from the Launch team. They will answer questions and assist vendors with onboarding as well. Also offered is a dedicated team of experts to help guide vendors through their entire membership.

Product Story

Amazon Launchpad allows you to not only sell your products on the Amazon marketplace but also tell your customers the story of your product. This highly customizable detail page can help to get your customers’ attention.

Access to Exclusive Promotions 

Members gain access to special promotions. These promotions, such as gift guides, can help increase discoverability in the Amazon marketplace. This means more exposure to your product and your brand.

Drawbacks of Amazon Launchpad

Here are a few possible drawbacks of using Amazon Launchpad for your product:

A Lack of Brand Control

With Amazon Launchpad, your product is going to be appearing on the Amazon platform. While this is a great way to get people all over the world to see your product, it is not very conducive to brand loyalty. 

Oftentimes when people buy something on Amazon they are looking for the product that best fits their desire. They are less concerned with the brand that makes it and is less likely to become returning customers.

Reduced Margins of Profit

As mentioned above, Amazon Launchpad is an effective way of improving product visibility. However, you need to keep in mind that you’re selling your product as an Amazon seller. This means that Amazon will be taking some of your profits as its fee for letting you sell your product on Amazon.

Copycats

While Amazon does require a trademark for the Brand Registry, there is still a very real concern of copycat products. If you decide to sell your product on Amazon (with Launchpad or not) you will want to keep an eye out for any copycat items. You can report these to Amazon as infringements to your brand.

Is Amazon Launchpad Right for Your Product?

If you already have a large inventory of your product and you have plans to continue manufacturing it on a large scale, then this platform could be a great choice for your startup brand.

Keep in mind, however, that not all types of products sell well on marketplaces like Amazon. Still, if you are selling consumer goods made for the average person, Amazon Launchpad is likely a great option. 

That is, as long as you’re okay with the following:

To successfully sell your product on Launchpad, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• You’ll need to have your product in stock and ready to sell on a large scale. Amazon is a large platform. To ensure the satisfaction of your customers, you will need to make sure you have enough stock.
• Amazon will be taking a share of your profits for the privilege of allowing you to sell on its platform. You sell the product to Amazon on wholesale terms and they sell it at the retail price.

Don’t Attack the Issue Alone!

Now that you’re more familiar with the ins and outs of Launchpad it should be easier deciding on if it’s the right move for you. If it is, you can sign up by visiting the page for the service and signing up. 

Still, even if it is right for you, starting and maintaining an Amazon account takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone!

At Anata, making sure that you don’t get stuck on Seller Central is our specialty. We’d love to talk more about your business, Amazon, and how you can get the most out of the platform. Contact us today or comment below to start a conversation!

Do you have experience with Launchpad? What’s your opinion on it?