It's not just vacationers who get their money's worth in Mexico, but also entrepreneurs from the world of e-commerce. Two experienced Amazon sellers, Bastian and Andreas, met with the Stack Willy team for an open round of interviews. The result is honest insights, real figures and practical advice for new and experienced Amazon sellers - straight from their everyday lives, not from the drawing board. Here you can read how successful sellers build their business, what mistakes they made and what they would do differently today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V91QIv2vQg4
Behind the scenes: Who are the protagonists?
In a relaxed atmosphere under the Mexican sun, Bastian and Andreas chat about successes, setbacks and their paths into online retail.
Bastian - Versatile entrepreneur with a focus on Amazon
- 15 years of entrepreneurship: Bastian tried out a wide variety of business areas before discovering Amazon around six years ago.
- Specializing in Amazon FBA and FBM: Today, both models are part of his everyday life. He runs several companies and brands.
Andreas - From craftsman to e-commerce professional
- Self-employed for over 10 years: Started with a craft business.
- Full-time on Amazon for around 2 years: After his first attempts at online trading, he switched completely and even sold his craft business.
The relaxed atmosphere and open discussion make the conversation particularly honest and approachable.
Working and growing in Mexico: rethinking and new energy
The choice of meeting place was no coincidence. Mexico offers more than just good weather:
"Working with a view and getting out of your comfort zone - that helps you to think differently and see new paths."
Advantages of the Mastermind Group
- Working together: Motivation, exchange and help from like-minded people.
- In-depth discussions: time to really get to grips with issues and develop ideas further.
- Mutual inspiration: Even more drive when others have similar goals.
Such rounds are perfect for pushing and adjusting your own limits.
Entering the Amazon business: the different paths
Every retailer starts differently. Bastian and Andreas show that the path to the Amazon platform is as individual as the products.
Bastian's start
- Business experience as a basis: The search for new opportunities led him to Amazon.
- Entry through contacts: He was introduced to Amazon FBA through acquaintances.
- Start with individual products: Without big brand plans, simply test and learn.
Andreas' change
- Parallel business: The craft business was running while he made his first online sales.
- Full focus on e-commerce: online trading gradually became more important. Eventually, he sold the craft business.
- Investment in growth: Andreas used the proceeds as start-up capital for Amazon.
Comparison: Bastian and Andreas' path to online retail
Bastian | Andreas |
---|
Entrepreneurship as a basis | Craft as a start |
Via acquaintances to Amazon | Tried it yourself |
Test with individual products | Slowly, then change focus |
Growing network | Sale of the old business |
Both used their experience and dealt openly with mistakes. Important: learn from every mistake!
Turnover, growth and investments: The reality behind the figures
Rumor has it that 10,000 to 20,000 euros a month is already a huge success. For experienced sellers, however, this is just the beginning.
- 10,000-20,000 € monthly turnover: Achievable - even quickly with commitment and know-how.
- Learn, avoid mistakes: Blocked accounts and other problems cost time and money.
- It's worth getting help: get professional support as early as possible so that you can grow quickly.
For Andreas and Bastian, business is now at a different level:
- Andreas: Several brands, around €100,000 in monthly sales with Amazon alone.
- Bastian: Various companies, total annual turnover of around €3 million.
These figures not only make it easy to work from Mexico, but also to book a flight ticket to Europe.
How you should start on Amazon today - What has changed
In the past, it was enough to upload a product, add a few pictures and do some advertising. Today, other strategies are required.
Formerly: Quick and easy
- Start with individual products: Brand and range are secondary.
- Quick sales steps: Good product images and simple advertising often led to €10,000 in monthly sales.
Today: Brand as a foundation
According to the professionals, we need to work more strategically today:
- Before the launch: Check whether the product can form the basis of your own brand.
- Brand building instead of individual cases: One product is the starting point for further articles.
- Multiple channels: Set up your own stores and other marketplaces in addition to Amazon.
Advantages of brand building in e-commerce
- Higher sales & better margins: cross-selling between products possible.
- More repeat customers: Brands create trust and ensure regular customers.
- Better control: Less dependent on individual platforms.
- Long-term success: Branding brings visibility and market presence.
The clear recommendation: Nowadays, everyone should build up their own brand instead of just bringing out individual fast products.
You can also find more information on this topic in the video "Cash flow vs. brand", which explains in more detail why brand building is becoming increasingly important on Amazon.
More than just Amazon: Success through multi-channel strategy
If you want to sell successfully today, you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket.
Sale on various platforms
In addition to Amazon, successful sellers use:
- Otto
- eBay
- Real
- Department store
- And your own online store
Not every product sells in the same way everywhere. However, a broad positioning brings more reach and reduces the risk.
Comparison: Amazon vs. other platforms
Platform | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|
Amazon | Largest range, fast sales, easy start | High fees, lots of competition |
Own store | Full control, no platform fees | SEO effort, new customer acquisition |
Other marketplaces | New target groups, less competition | Different requirements, partly lower range |
Uniform presentation, maximum effect
Professionals rely on professional, brand-appropriate product images and descriptions everywhere. Small adjustments for different platforms make sense, the recognition value remains higher. Thanks to this strategy, you can sell not only on Amazon, but also in your own store and everywhere else.
Customer behavior
- Amazon users often buy directly: everything is quick and convenient.
- Many people search specifically for brands: Those who are convincing win new customers in their own store - and save on sales fees.
The rule: multi-channel almost always pays off. On average, 80% of sales still come from Amazon, but the remaining 20% is a welcome extra and provides more stability.
Looking to the future: Amazon and your next steps
Don't be fooled: Even if some believe that business is getting harder - Amazon continues to grow and still offers many opportunities.
- Amazon remains the best start: it takes longer for sales to come in in the store. On Amazon, sales are often possible immediately.
- Quick sales start: Product images, good descriptions and visibility bring fast cash flow.
- Grow from there: First Amazon, then go your own way with the brand.
The road to success:
- High-quality products and images
- Targeted branding
- Distribution on multiple channels
This keeps you flexible and independent.
Summary: What makes a successful Amazon Seller
Success on Amazon and in online retail doesn't happen overnight. The most important insights from the talk in Mexico:
- Mindset and environment: Those who get out think ahead.
- Community: exchanging ideas with others brings new ideas and solutions.
- Learning from mistakes: Setbacks are normal and help you grow.
- Brand building instead of one-off products: Focus on recognition and loyalty.
- Use Amazon as a springboard: Expand offers and sales from there.
Short and sweet - this is what you should take with you:
- Use the experience of others and save time.
- Start with Amazon, then build a targeted brand.
- Focus on quality in product and presentation.
- Sell on several platforms.
- Invest in your development - it has never been easier to learn from real professionals.
With the right steps, the path to your own success story on Amazon and beyond is open. Use these insights, get support if necessary and take the next step!
Ready to get started yourself? Your success won't wait - start now!