A guide to selling car parts & accessories on Amazon Europe

The automotive aftermarket is booming, and Amazon Europe offers a vast marketplace for sellers of car parts and accessories. While many articles discuss selling car parts on Amazon in the US, the requirements for Europe (Amazon.de, Amazon.co.uk, etc.) are slightly different, especially regarding listings. This post sums up what you need to know.

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‍Basic requirements

💡 Professional seller account
This is the first step for selling on Amazon.
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💡Category approval:
While some subcategories are open for selling without approval, others require it. The easiest way to check is to try listing a specific product in that subcategory. If you encounter an approval requirement, you'll know right away. This process ensures that sellers adhere to Amazon’s quality standards and regulatory requirements.

👉🏻 Steps to obtain category approval:
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1. Log into Seller central.
2. Navigate to category approval: Go to the “Inventory” section and select “Add a Product.”
3. Request approval: Click on “Request Approval” in the automotive category. You may need to provide product information, compliance certificates, and other documentation.

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Add a products

💡Matching EANs
The EAN (European Article Number) is crucial for product identification. If your product’s EAN already exists in Amazon’s catalog, your item will likely be matched automatically. Sellers must ensure data accuracy to avoid mismatches, especially when dealing with Amazon auto parts online. Sellers must ensure data accuracy and deliver the exact product described on the Amazon catalog page.
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👉🏻  Imagine an existing listing with a matching EAN shows a pack containing 2 tires, but you have only 1 tire. Listing your single tire under this EAN might seem like a golden opportunity to offer a lower price and win the Buy Box. However, customers will expect 2 tires as per the catalog description, leading to returns, negative reviews, and potential suspension. Always cross-check the product details and quantities on the catalog page against your database.

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💡Creating new listings
If your product doesn’t match an existing EAN in Amazon’s catalog, you'll need to create a new listing. Accurate and detailed product information is vital to ensure customers find your parts and understand their compatibility.
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👉🏻 Steps to manually add a products:

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1. Log into Seller central.
2. Navigate to add a product: under the “Inventory” section, select “Add a product.”
3. Enter EAN: Provide the EAN for your product.
4. Fill in product details: Include title, description, images, and key product features.
5. Specify compatibility: Use the TecDoc database to ensure accurate vehicle compatibility information. TecDoc will provide a list of compatible parts for each item. This information can then be integrated with Amazon's product listings to display compatible parts to customers.
   
   Why Use TecDoc? The TecDoc database is an invaluable resource for listing car parts. It contains detailed information about vehicle models and compatible parts, helping customers find the right products. Incorporating TecDoc data in your listings enhances visibility and reduces returns by ensuring accurate fitment.
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Compliance and regulations

Selling car parts on Amazon (and not only on Amazon) in Europe requires compliance with local regulations, including safety standards and environmental directives. Ensure your products meet these regulations to avoid legal issues and penalties.
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Key compliance area:

• CE Marking: Ensure parts comply with the relevant EU directives.
• REACH regulation: Ensure chemicals used in the parts are registered and authorized

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Amazon vs. eBay

The online market for auto parts and accessories has expanded significantly, and two of the largest platforms for selling these products are Amazon and eBay. This guide explores the pros and cons of each platform

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👍🏻 Pros of selling on Amazon:
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1. High fraffic: Amazon attracts millions of visitors daily, providing significant exposure.
2. Buy Box advantage: Offers a streamlined buying experience, potentially increasing sales.
3. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Allows sellers to use Amazon’s fulfillment services, including shipping, customer service, and returns handling.
4. Prime membership: Products eligible for Prime attract more buyers due to fast shipping benefits.
5. Trust and reliability: Customers trust Amazon for quality and reliable service.

👎🏻 Cons of selling on Amazon:
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1. High competition: The platform is crowded, making it challenging for new sellers to stand out.
2. Strict policies: Amazon's rules on listing accuracy and seller performance can lead to account suspensions.
3. Fees: FBA and referral fees can cut into profit margins.
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👍🏻 Pros of selling on eBay:
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1. Flexible selling options: Sellers can choose between auctions and fixed-price listings.
2. Global reach: eBay supports international sales, attracting buyers worldwide.
3. Lower fees: Generally, lower selling fees compared to Amazon.
4. Less restrictive: More lenient policies on listing formats and seller requirements.

👎🏻 Cons of selling on eBay:
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1. Lower traffic for new items: Generally attracts buyers looking for used or rare parts.
2. Limited fulfillment options: Sellers handle their own shipping and customer service.
3. Trust issues: Some buyers may be wary of used parts or unverified sellers.

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Conclusion

The car parts category is a booming sector on Amazon. However, while information about selling car parts in the US is readily available, the process for European marketplaces (like Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk) differs slightly, particularly in regards to listing requirements. This post is a breakdown of what you need to know.