There are countless software tools for Amazon sellers and vendors, but not all of them are vetted and authorized by Amazon. Yet, those that are can come with a ton of great features and perks. Let’s take a peak at what Amazon seller software can do for you.
Over the years, Amazon vendors and sellers have had their fair share of rule changes and software migrations. To keep up, they often reassess their Amazon seller software and try to upgrade their tech stack. But the popularity of AI tools adds an extra layer of complexity as well as a sense of urgency. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most relevant types of software tools for Amazon sellers in 2023.
Authorized Software Tools for Amazon Sellers
Some software tools claim to have unique insight into listings, prices, and competition. In fact, all Amazon seller software tools take their cue from the same source: Amazon. It’s Amazon that authorizes them to connect to sellers’ accounts, access real-time data, and make changes to listings.
Everyone who develops or uses Amazon seller software depends on an Application Programming Interface (API) to retrieve data and upload it onto Amazon. But everything changes, including APIs. As explained in our post about SP-API, the current API replaces MWS, which itself came after PA-API.
The migration to SP-API was a huge change. It came with FBA inbound eligibility checks, Small and Light support, and Amazon shipping service automations. It also came with pricing, fees, and A+ content support for both Amazon vendors and sellers, as well as real-time alerts.
The Importance of SP-API
Those who didn’t migrate last year lost access to their order data. Everyone else relies on SP-API to run their business on Amazon. That’s because its speed affects the accuracy of their data and how quickly they can reprice items. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Amazon sellers and can now receive personalized notifications directly in Seller Central. This new Amazon feature is the result of a partnership with BuyBoxBuddy. It enables sellers who subscribe to it and authorize notifications to view alerts in real time. All this while logged into Seller Central.
Amazon Seller Tool Categories
Like other online retailers, Amazon sellers need basic software tools. They may specialize in HR, PD, RPA, project and management, tax filing, compliance monitoring, etc. But as seen below, there are also a few software categories that work with SP-API protocols. So, they are specific to Amazon sellers.
Aside from these must-have tools, there are a few that can help sellers keep their edge. This includes software tools that alert sellers about important changes. Like BuyBoxBuddy, they may send price, rank, and Buy Box alerts. Or they might send a warning about listing suppression, badge changes, product ratings, new sellers, hijacking attempts, etc.
Different Seller Tools for Different Businesses
No two businesses are the same. The tools they use must match the needs and strategies imposed by their fulfillment channel, product category, and business model (e.g., white label, profit label). So, their tech stack is unique. As the saying goes: different strokes for different folks.
When it comes to notifications, we know that most Amazon sellers want their tools to send alerts about Buy Box ownership, pricing, and sales rank, as our survey shows. But the advent of AI tools has the potential to change all that. So, we’d like to follow up with another survey.
This time around, let’s explore your favorite software tools from each of the categories above. So, could you share with us the types of tools your business can’t do without? Help us fill in this form, and we will get back to you with our findings for this year’s best-loved seller tools by category.
Melanie takes an active interest in all things Amazon. She keeps an eye on the latest developments and keeps Amazon sellers up to speed.