Key Takeaways

• The recent restructuring of the Best Seller Rank (BSR) on Merch by Amazon, including the introduction of the "Climate Pledge Friendly" category, has altered the way BSR reflects a product's sales velocity, making it imperative for sellers to adjust their research strategies.

• Sellers need to account for the new Climate Pledge Friendly badge when evaluating BSR, as products within this category may present misleading BSR values in comparison to their actual sales performance.

• Staying updated on evolving features like the Climate Pledge Friendly category and adjusting metrics accordingly will be crucial for sellers to accurately gauge product popularity and make informed decisions in this new landscape.

Unpacking the Changes

If you're in the business of selling products on Merch by Amazon, you've likely come across the term BSR or Best Seller Rank. It's an essential indicator used to gauge the popularity and sales velocity of a product.

However, a recent overhaul in the way BSR is calculated and categorized has left many sellers scratching their heads. This article aims to clarify these changes and help you adapt your research strategies.

What is amazon best seller rank?

The Amazon Best Seller Rank is a number that shows how well a product is selling on Amazon compared to other products in the same category. 

Think of it like a race where all the products are runners. The product that sells the most is in first place, and it gets the number one rank. The product that sells the second most gets the number two rank, and so on.

This rank is updated regularly, so it can change often. If a product suddenly sells a lot, its rank will go up. If it doesn't sell much for a while, its rank will go down. The rank helps customers see which items are popular right now.

For example, if a book is ranked number 1 in the 'Books' category, it means that book is currently the top-selling book on Amazon. If a toy is ranked number 50 in the 'Toys and Games' category, it means there are 49 toys selling better than it at that moment.

Sellers on Amazon pay attention to this rank because a better (lower number) rank usually means more sales. Customers like it because it helps them find popular products that many other people are buying.

What is a good BSR?

A good Amazon Best Sellers Rank (BSR) is a sign that a product is in high demand on Amazon. The smaller the BSR number, the better the sales.

For example, a BSR of 1 is the top seller. As a rule of thumb, a product with a BSR below 5,000 is often considered successful, but the standard for a "good" BSR can change based on historical sales data the specific product category , and how many items are competing in that space.

What does it take to become an Amazon Best Seller (BSR)?

For a book to become an Amazon bestseller, it must achieve high sales in its category within a short time.

This typically requires a combination of strategic marketing. For example, you can leverage social media and email lists. You can optimize the book's Amazon page with relevant keywords, a compelling cover, and positive reviews.

Sometimes, it involves aligning the book launch with promotional deals. It also involves aligning the book launch with Amazon's programs, like Kindle Direct Publishing Select.

How do I increase my best seller rank on Amazon?

To increase your Best Seller Rank (BSR) on Amazon, follow these tips:

1. Improve Product Listings:

• Use high-quality images and detailed, keyword-rich product descriptions.

• Optimize your title to include relevant keywords without keyword stuffing.

2. Get More Reviews:

• Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.

• Offer excellent customer service to reduce negative reviews.

3. Competitive Pricing:

• Keep your prices competitive without compromising profit margins.

• Monitor competitors' prices and adjust yours accordingly.

4. Increase Sales Volume:

• Promote your products through Amazon ads, social media, and other marketing channels.

• Offer promotions, discounts, or deals to boost short-term sales.

5. Inventory Management:

• Ensure you have sufficient stock to meet demand, especially during peak seasons.

• Avoid stockouts, which can negatively impact your BSR.

6. Optimize for SEO:

• Research and use relevant keywords in your listings.

• Follow Amazon's SEO best practices to increase product visibility.

7. Use Amazon Fulfillment:

• Consider using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to ensure faster delivery and better customer service.

8. Monitor Your Performance:

• Regularly check your BSR and other metrics to understand the impact of your efforts.

• Adjust your strategies based on performance data.

Remember, BSR is heavily influenced by recent sales volume, so consistent sales over time will contribute to a better ranking.

The Puzzling Trend: BSR Anomalies

In the past, a low BSR indicated high sales, often hundreds per day. For instance, a T-shirt with Halloween-themed gaming controllers recently showed a BSR of 8,000.

Typically, this would suggest the product is flying off the shelves. However, the same product indicated only about 300 sales over the past month—roughly ten sales a day. Clearly, something doesn't add up.

Similarly, a Breast Cancer Awareness shirt displayed a 10,000 BSR, which would normally signify excellent sales. But the month's total sales were only around 200, averaging to seven or eight per day. These anomalies have puzzled many, but there seems to be a reason behind them.

The Climate Pledge Friendly Factor

Amazon has introduced a new feature labeled "Climate Pledge Friendly" on some Merch listings. Interestingly, products with this label seem to have their BSRs calculated within this sub-category, rather than the broader one they would usually fall under.

In other words, the BSR of a product in the Climate Pledge Friendly category is relative to fewer products, making the BSR appear much lower (better) than it would in a broader category. For example, a 10,000 BSR in this new category might equate to what we previously understood as a 100,000 BSR in a more general category.

What This Means for Sellers?

The introduction of the Climate Pledge Friendly category has made BSR a less reliable indicator of a product's actual popularity.

Sellers conducting product research now need to factor in this new category. If a product has the Climate Pledge Friendly badge, the BSR may be inflated in terms of its actual sales performance. You'll need to dig a little deeper into the specifics to get an accurate read on how well a product is truly doing.

How to Adapt Climate Friendly and Seller Badges?

1. Pay Attention to Badges: Always check if a product has the Climate Pledge Friendly badge. If it does, the BSR may be less valuable than it appears.

2. Adjust Your Metrics: When comparing products, make sure you're comparing like with like—either all products within the Climate Pledge Friendly category or all products outside it.

3. Keep an Eye on Updates: This is a new and evolving feature. Amazon may expand or modify this category, which could further impact BSR calculations.

   
   

Frequently Ask Question

What is the Best Seller Rank (BSR) on Merch by Amazon, and why is it important for sellers?

The Best Seller Rank (BSR) on Merch by Amazon is a numerical score assigned to products based on their sales performance relative to other products within the same category. 

It is important for sellers because a higher BSR indicates better visibility and sales potential, leading to increased revenue. 

A lower rank means the product is selling well, making it crucial for sellers to aim for a low BSR to maximize their product's success on the platform.

How has the introduction of the 'Climate Pledge Friendly' category changed the way BSR is calculated on Merch by Amazon?

The introduction of the 'Climate Pledge Friendly' category on Merch by Amazon has not directly changed the way Best Seller Rank (BSR) is calculated. 

BSR is primarily determined by sales volume and sales history of products. 

However, the 'Climate Pledge Friendly' category could influence consumer purchasing decisions, potentially affecting the sales of products with this label and indirectly impacting their BSR.

Can you explain why some products with a low BSR might not actually be selling as well as the rank suggests?

A low Best Sellers Rank (BSR) on platforms like Amazon can be misleading due to temporary sales spikes or promotional activities that temporarily boost a product's rank without indicating sustained sales performance. 

Products with a low BSR might not be selling consistently well if their rank is influenced by short-term discounts or giveaways. 

Furthermore, BSR is relative to category size; a low rank in a less popular category might represent fewer sales than the same rank in a more popular one.

How does the 'Climate Pledge Friendly' badge affect the sales rank of products on Merch by Amazon?

The 'Climate Pledge Friendly' badge may positively influence the sales rank of products on Merch by Amazon by attracting environmentally conscious customers and enhancing the product's visibility and appeal.

While the badge can serve as a differentiator, its impact on sales rank may vary depending on customer priorities and is just one of many factors, such as price and design, that influence purchasing decisions.

What should sellers do to ensure they are accurately evaluating the popularity of their products in light of the new BSR restructuring?

Sellers should integrate data from various sales channels and analytics tools. They should gain a comprehensive view of their product's performance. This is instead of relying solely on Amazon's Best Sellers Rank (BSR).

Monitor Customer Feedback. Regularly track and analyze customer reviews, ratings, and questions to assess product satisfaction and popularity. These direct indicators of consumer preference can provide insights beyond BSR metrics.

Why do sellers need to monitor updates to the BSR and 'Climate Pledge Friendly' categories on Merch by Amazon?

Sellers need to monitor BSR (Best Sellers Rank) updates to track product performance and demand. This allows them to optimize marketing and inventory strategies. 

You can understand your merchandise's competitive standing and adjust sales tactics accordingly

Staying informed about 'Climate Pledge Friendly' categories helps them align with eco-conscious trends. It also helps them meet customer preferences for sustainable products.

How can sellers adjust their research and comparison strategies?

Sellers can adjust their research and comparison strategies to account for the Climate Pledge Friendly badge by:

1. Filter BSR data to include products with the badge. Understand the demand for eco-conscious products in their category.

2. Compared the BSR of similar products with and without the badge. Did this to gauge the impact of sustainability on sales performance.

3. Monitoring trends over time to see if the badge is becoming a significant factor in purchasing decisions.

4. If the data shows a positive correlation between the badge and higher BSR, sellers will adjust product offerings to include more sustainable options.

5. Sllers consider the badge a value-add. It can potentially justify higher pricing. Or, it can differentiate their products in a crowded marketplace.

Conclusion

The changes in how BSR is calculated on Merch by Amazon have made it imperative for sellers to adapt their research and evaluation methods.

While the new Climate Pledge Friendly category introduces a layer of complexity, understanding its impact allows for more informed decision-making. As this feature is still relatively new, sellers should continue to monitor any further changes to stay ahead of the curve.

If you have additional insights, theories, or questions about these changes, feel free to share them in the comments. The landscape is ever-changing, and collective wisdom can go a long way in navigating it successfully.