Amazon functions as an online "department store," featuring a vast array of product categories designed to help you easily locate what you’re looking to purchase. You have the option to browse or search at any time, which contributes to its popularity among millions of online shoppers. Nonetheless, many individuals still have questions regarding the sellers on Amazon. For instance, what distinguishes Sold by Amazon (SBA), Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA), and third-party sellers?

In this article, we will explore how to identify the seller on Amazon, differentiate between new and used products, and provide some tips for buyers who are thinking about shopping on Amazon.

How do I know who the seller is?

Sold by XXX and Ships from Amazon (FBA)

FBA products display the label "Sold by XXX and Ships from Amazon" on their product pages, indicating that they are sold by a third-party seller and fulfilled from an Amazon warehouse. A significant number of items on Amazon are offered by third-party sellers. As highlighted in Amazon’s recent report, these independent sellers contribute to over 60% of the sales within Amazon's marketplace. This statistic emphasizes that third-party sellers have played a crucial role in Amazon’s economic growth and have become essential to its operations. Consequently, shoppers will frequently encounter products labeled "Sold by XXX," including those from Ubotie, while browsing Amazon. It is important to note that multiple sellers may list the same product concurrently, so we must ensure we select a trustworthy seller (such as Ubotie, Ubotie Keyboards, Ubotie Office Desktop or Ubotie Direct).

Ships from Amazon (also known as Fulfilled by Amazon) allows sellers to send their products to Amazon's warehouse, where Amazon takes care of the storage, picking, packing, shipping, and any customer service related to logistics for those items. The logistics experience is exceptional because of Amazon's involvement. If you encounter any issues with your package, you can return, refund, or exchange it easily.

Fulfilled by Third-Party Seller

Many third-party sellers have set up their own delivery systems or handle shipping themselves. Typically, products from third-party sellers do not qualify for Amazon Prime membership benefits or the after-sales support provided by Amazon. Nevertheless, sellers who can offer one or two-day delivery times similar to Amazon Prime's ETA can enhance user trust and confidence by enrolling in the Seller Fulfilled Prime program. On the other hand, items that are not part of the program may have longer delivery times since Amazon does not control the shipping speed of these products. Should any issues arise, returns should be directed to the seller instead of the Amazon return agency. However, there's no need to worry as Amazon's "A-to-z Guarantee" still provides protection for you.

Sold by Amazon (SBA)

Normally, a product will display "Fulfilled by Amazon" beneath the Add to Cart option, indicating that it is sold by Amazon directly. When items are sold by Amazon, the company handles everything from inventory management and shipping to post-purchase support.

How to identify new and pre-owned items on Amazon？

When shopping on Amazon, you might have seen the phrase "X used & new offers". This means that you have the option to buy an item either in new or used condition. It's important to note that the used items may be sold by various sellers, so it's crucial to carefully consider the seller before making a purchase.

Moreover, the item's condition can be viewed on the product page. When a product is labeled as "Used - XX (Product Condition: Like New, Very Good, Good, Acceptable)," it indicates that the item has been owned before and may show signs of wear and tear. Consequently, the prices of used items are significantly lower than usual. Therefore, grasping the grading system employed to depict the item's condition is crucial when buying used items on Amazon.

Please go to the Amazon condition requirement if you want to know more about the grading system.

It deserves to be noted that the grading system is subjective and may vary from seller to seller. It is always a good idea to read the item description and view any photos provided to get a better understanding of the item’s condition.

What should I pay attention to when shopping on Amazon？

It is essential to keep an eye on the seller's information when we are making a purchase. As mentioned above, If the item is "Sold by Amazon", it means that Amazon itself is selling the item. 

If the product is being sold by a third-party seller, it's crucial to conduct some research before completing the purchase. Checking the seller's ratings and reviews is a good starting point. A seller with a high rating and positive feedback is likely to be reputable. Additionally, it's important to review the seller's return policy to ensure that you are in agreement with the terms, as third-party sellers may have distinct return policies.