One of the most amazing things about doing business in today’s world is the seemingly limitless number of resources available, many of which are free. There are Amazon Seller specific resources, eBay specific resources, and also e-commerce in general resources. I also like the business and personal development resources.

The options can be confusing because there are so many! I thought if I shared a list of resources helpful to me, it might help you wade through the options. Below is a list of resources I suggest you check out to see if one or more might help you manage and grow your business!

Millions of consumers now do most of their shopping online. This has given e-commerce sellers an incredible opportunity to sell inventory online instead of a traditional brick and mortar store. While some sellers prefer Amazon over eBay, there are many sellers who sell on both.

First, a little background about each. As we all know, both Amazon and eBay are online shopping sites where buyers browse through available products through the online storefront. There are major differences though, mostly that sellers on Amazon’s platform can opt to have Amazon fulfill the customer orders whereas eBay is more of an auction house. eBay facilitates the sale of inventory but does not fulfill orders.

The good news is the accounting for both eBay and Amazon are pretty similar. If you can do the accounting for one, you can do the accounting for the other. Do you have a good system set up already? If not, we are here to help you!

What terminology do Amazon Sellers need to know when importing inventory?

Many Amazon sellers have found success in importing inventory – whether to resell “as is” or to private label under their own brand. While it can be fun and exciting to know your shipment is on the way from China (or wherever you are importing from,) it’s not as simple as going online, placing an order, and waiting for sales to roll in. (If only!)

Are you familiar with Incoterms, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, or what a Customs Broker actually does? If not, this guide should help you as you are considering importing or plan to grow your import business.

Forecasting is a decision-making tool used by many businesses to help with budgeting, planning, and estimating future growth. In the simplest terms, forecasting is the attempt to predict future outcomes based on past events and management insight. (from Investopedia.com)

Forecasting is an important planning tool that allows managers/owners to plan for future performance based on past results. This is especially helpful in e-commerce to plan for inventory investment, owner distribution, and making sure operating expenses are covered.

Being your own boss and calling all of the shots is intoxicating! When you are your own boss, you can sneak in a nap during the day, you can work in your pajamas, and you are the envy of your cube-dwelling friends at the neighborhood cookout! They say to you, “Wow, you are so lucky, you can do what you want all day long!” “You don’t have to ask for time off!” “Your commute is just a few steps to your home office!”

As you agree sheepishly, you know there is much more to it than that, and some of you are even hiding the secret shame that your business and personal financials are a MESS. You know the real truth is that while running your own business is awesome, it is also very difficult.

Does this sound familiar? Are you tired of feeling shame and guilt because your finances are not in order? Fear no more, this article is a step-by-step guide to help you turn things around so you can feel in control!