Using Flat Files Proactively To Avoid Seller Performance Issues - Alexandra Wolff - Amazon Legends - Episode #283

In this episode, we're diving deep into the extraordinary journey of our guest, Alexandra Wolff. She embarked on an unconventional path from law enforcement to stay-at-home mom, to single mom, and then Amazon seller turned freelance consultant. Having weathered the challenges and uncertainties of the Amazon marketplace herself, Alexandra gained invaluable experience navigating the intricacies of Amazon Seller Central and Vendor Central. Along the way, she honed her skills in troubleshooting and resolving account and catalog issues. Her journey uniquely equipped her to empower brands to not just survive, but thrive, on the dynamic Amazon platform. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of resilience and triumph!

Takeaways :

• Understanding Flat Files: Flat files are a crucial tool for managing Amazon product listings and can be used to make bulk changes to listings, resolve issues, and improve product data. 
• Two Main Types of Flat Files: There are two main types of flat files - Inventory Files and Listing Files. Inventory Files help in managing your inventory, while Listing Files are used to update product details. 
• Downloading and Reviewing Reports: After processing, you can download a report that details any errors or issues with your flat file uploads. This is crucial for identifying problems. 
• Column Reconciliation: Amazon might reference columns differently in their reports compared to your original flat file. Always cross-reference your flat file with the report. 
• Persistence and Methodical Approach: Persistently fixing issues and resubmitting files can gradually reduce the number of errors. Be methodical in your approach to problem-solving. 
• Understanding Errors and Warnings: When working with flat files, sellers may encounter errors and warnings. It's important to differentiate between them. Errors must be fixed, but warnings might not be critical. Understanding the nuances between the two can help sellers prioritize their efforts. 
• Version Control: Always save a copy of your flat files when you make changes. By versioning your files (e.g., V1, V2, V3), you can easily revert to a previous version if needed. This ensures you have a record of changes made. 
• Template and Feed Processing Summary: When addressing errors, the feed processing summary is a valuable tool. Rather than looking at your original feed, check the template tab inside the downloaded file to see the correct column.  

Quote of the Show:

Unlock the Amazon seller's secret weapon: Flat files. Activate through Seller Performance or pick a category-specific file – document your Amazon journey, and make your success a legacy.

Links :

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-wolff/
Email: [e-mail]

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