Ah, the vast and vibrant giant of Amazon – a place where dreams of eCommerce success can become a reality. 

Whether you’re a newbie just venturing into the arena or an old hand trying to ramp up sales, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered about those shiny badges some products proudly display: Amazon’s Choice and Best Seller. 

In this article, we will answer what are they and, more importantly, how do you get your hands on them?

Now, I’ve been in the ecommerce, dropshipping, and wholesale game for a while now. From helping passionate entrepreneurs launch their dream stores on platforms like Shopify and eBay to guiding them in dropshipping ventures on Amazon itself, I’ve seen it all.

One recurring question I’ve encountered is about the significance of these badges. Think of them as Amazon’s version of blue ribbons, and who doesn’t want a blue ribbon, right?

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While both badges can catapult your product into the limelight, understanding their nuances is crucial. They’re not just shiny digital stickers; they’re game changers.

Dive in with me as we embark on a journey to demystify these badges and unveil the roadmap to achieving them.

Understanding Amazon Badges

Amazon’s Choice Badge Explained

You might have seen the elusive Amazon’s Choice badge adorning certain product listings, making them stand out like that popular kid in school. But what exactly is it?

Definition and Significance:

Amazon’s Choice is not just any badge; it’s a seal of trust and quality. Awarded by Amazon, it directs users to highly-rated, well-priced products that are ready to ship immediately. For sellers, earning this badge means that the mighty Amazon itself endorses their product. It’s like getting a thumbs up from the platform, saying, “Hey, this seller’s doing things right!” 

Factors Amazon’s Choice is based upon:

Now, as much as I wish it were as simple as Amazon spinning a giant wheel to decide which product gets the badge, it’s not. A combination of factors determines Amazon’s Choice:

1. High Ratings: A product that pleases its customers often receives glowing reviews. A consistently high rating is key.
2. Competitive Price: No, it doesn’t mean the cheapest, but rather a price that offers value for money.
3. Prime Eligibility: Products available on Amazon Prime are often prioritized.
4. Low Return Rate: Keeping your customers satisfied means fewer returns. Amazon takes note of that.
5. Immediate Availability: Having stock ready to ship ensures the customer gets what they want when they want it.

See Amazon choice official FAQs

Amazon Best Seller Badge Unveiled

Enter the Best Seller badge – the crown jewel that every seller covets. Spotting that little orange flag can be the deciding factor for many buyers.

Definition and Prestige Associated:

The Amazon Best Seller badge is pretty straightforward. It’s a testament to a product’s popularity in its category. Think of it as the eCommerce equivalent of a best-selling book. The badge brings prestige and trust, signaling to potential buyers that many others have placed their faith in this product and weren’t disappointed. (View Amazon best seller page)

Factors behind achieving the Best Seller status:

As much as I’d like to believe in magic, the Best Seller badge isn’t about wizardry. It’s about metrics:

1. Sales Velocity: It’s a race, and frequent sales can propel a product to the top.
2. Consistent Sales: A one-time sales spike won’t cut it. Consistency is the name of the game.
3. Positive Reviews: It’s not just about selling but selling a product people love.
4. Category Selection: Picking the right category can make a difference. A big fish in a small pond often gets noticed quicker than in a vast ocean.
5. Stock Availability: Regularly running out of stock? That’s a no-go. Keeping stock levels consistent is crucial.

Amazon’s Choice vs Best Seller: A Closer Look

Regarding Amazon products, two badges shine brighter than the rest: Amazon’s Choice and Best Seller. Think of them as the north star for lost shoppers and the golden ticket for sellers. 

Similarities Between the Badges

Navigating the similarities between these two badges is akin to comparing two premium brands. At the core, they share some fundamental traits:

• Prestige and Trustworthiness: Both badges are a nod from Amazon, signaling to buyers, “Hey, this is a solid choice!” Products adorned with these badges often see a significant boost in their trust factor. It’s like being handed a gold medal by Amazon itself.

• Influence on Buyer’s Decision-Making: Remember those times when you were on the fence about buying a product? Seeing one of these badges can often tilt the scales in favor of a purchase. Both badges act as powerful influencers, giving potential buyers that extra nudge to hit the ‘Add to Cart’ button.

Key Differences Unpacked

While these badges share similarities, they aren’t twins. Here’s how they stand apart:

Criteria for Earning Each Badge:

• Amazon’s Choice: As we’ve discussed, this badge is a mix of high ratings, competitive pricing, prime eligibility, low return rates, and product availability. (1)
• Best Seller: This primarily depends on sales velocity, consistent sales, positive reviews, correct category selection, and consistent stock availability.

Impact on Product Visibility and Sales:

• Amazon’s Choice: This badge tends to boost visibility for specific search queries. So, if a customer types in a keyword that your product excels in, and you have the Amazon’s Choice badge, your product is likely to pop up, increasing the chance of a sale.
• Best Seller: This badge gives your product dominance in its category. Regardless of the search query, if a buyer is browsing a category and your product has the Best Seller badge, it’s like having a shining beacon drawing them in.

In the grand scheme of things, both badges are trophies in the world of Amazon selling. But knowing their nuances can make all the difference in crafting your strategy. So, whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting, understanding these badges is your secret sauce to success.

Benefits of the Badges

In the world of Amazon selling, badges are like hidden superpowers. They give your product a unique edge in a highly competitive marketplace. Let’s talk benefits of badges.

Advantages of Amazon’s Choice Badge

Credibility Boost:

The first time I earned the Amazon’s Choice badge for one of my products, I felt a sense of validation. This badge tells potential buyers, “Amazon trusts this product, and so should you.” It’s akin to a digital stamp of approval, providing an immediate credibility uplift for your product.

Enhanced Product Visibility:

Amazon’s Choice is not just a badge; it’s a spotlight. Products with this badge often find themselves at the top of search results for specific keywords. This prime real estate positioning means more eyeballs on your product, and with more visibility, you’re in a better position to ramp up sales.

Perks of Amazon Best Seller Badge

Increased Trust from Potential Buyers:

There’s a reason why best-selling books often flaunt their status on their covers. The term’ best seller’ carries weight. It tells customers, “Many have bought and loved this, so chances are, you’ll love it too.” It’s a powerful trust-building tool that resonates with potential buyers and nudges them closer to purchasing.

Additional ways to build trust include registering your brand with Amazon

Positive Impact on Conversions:

Every time a product in my portfolio has earned the Best Seller badge, I’ve seen a noticeable uptick in conversion rates. Think about it: you’re not just a product on Amazon; you’re a best-selling product. That distinction can shorten a shopper’s decision-making process, translating to more sales for you. (1)

Armed with the knowledge of these benefits, sellers can strategize more effectively, targeting these badges and leveraging their power to achieve higher sales and greater brand recognition.

Earning the Coveted Badges: A Guide

Dive into the Amazon marketplace, and you’ll quickly realize it’s a jungle out there. However, you can elevate your products above the canopy and into the limelight with the right strategies. Let me guide you on how to clinch those coveted badges.

Strategies to Secure Amazon’s Choice Badge

Keyword Targeting: To help boost sales for a new product. Focus on keyword research by understanding what potential buyers type into the Amazon search bar. Use tools like Amazon’s keyword planner or third-party software to unearth those golden keywords.

Targeting these specific keywords in your product listings increases the chances of your product being associated with those searches, which helps with sales and eligibility for badges.

Optimized Product Listing: An engaging product title, high-quality images, and a clear, concise product description can work wonders. It provides a better shopping experience, and Amazon recognizes and rewards high-quality listings. Ensure that your listing clearly communicates the product’s benefits and features.

Positive Reviews and Low Returns: I can’t stress this enough: ensure your product quality is top-notch. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. The more stellar reviews you gather, the higher your chances of earning the badge. Additionally, maintain a low return rate by addressing customer queries promptly and ensuring product quality consistency.

Competitive Pricing and Inventory Management: It’s a balancing act. While you shouldn’t undersell your product, being competitively priced can give you an edge. Combine this with effective inventory management, ensuring your product is always available, and you’re on the path to gaining Amazon’s favor.

You may also like our article on amazons dynamic pricing strategy.

Steps to Achieve Amazon Best Seller Badge

1. Picking the Right Product Category: Did you know that a product’s category can influence its chances of becoming a best seller? Based on my experience, choosing a less saturated category where your product naturally fits can improve its ranking and bring it closer to that coveted badge.
2. Product Listing Optimization and Promotion: Like the Amazon’s Choice badge, optimizing your product listing is crucial. Additionally, promote your product using Amazon’s advertising programs like Sponsored Products to increase its visibility and sales.
3. Leveraging Amazon FBA and Product Variations: It was a game-changer when I shifted to using Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service. Products fulfilled by Amazon often get a ranking boost. Moreover, offering different variations (sizes, colors, bundles) can cater to a broader audience, further increasing sales. (1)

By following these strategies, not only do you increase the chances of earning these badges, but you also improve overall product visibility and sales on Amazon. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone!

Badges Longevity: Do They Last Forever?

“Forever” is quite a long time, especially in the dynamic landscape of the Amazon marketplace. Let’s unravel the mystery behind the lifespan of these badges.

Though much sought-after, the badges you see on Amazon are not permanent fixtures.

They’re like the crown in a beauty pageant – they can be passed on. While it’s a proud moment to see the “Amazon’s Choice” or “Best Seller” badge next to your product, maintaining that status requires consistent effort and vigilance. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Duration: Amazon doesn’t set a specific time limit for how long a product retains either badge. Instead, they rely on ongoing data. So, while one product might maintain its “Best Seller” status for weeks or even months, another might have the crown for just days.

Factors Affecting Badge Retention:

• Sales Volume: A continuous stream of sales is fundamental, especially for the Best Seller badge. Even after securing the badge, if your product starts to lag behind another in sales, it can lose its top spot.
• Customer Feedback: Remember when I had to tackle negative reviews for one of my products? They can influence badge retention. Amazon’s Choice, for instance, can waver if there’s a surge in negative feedback or returns.
• Stock Availability: Running out of stock is one of the quickest ways to lose a badge. The logic is simple: A product that’s not available can’t be a choice or a best seller. Efficient inventory management is, thus, paramount.
• Competitors’ Performance: The Amazon marketplace is constantly in flux. New competitors can emerge, or existing ones can up their game. Your product’s badge status isn’t just about your performance but how you fare relative to others.

These badges seem like a ticket to prolonged visibility and trust, but they come with their own challenges. The goal is to earn them and uphold the standards they represent. This ensures their longevity and, more importantly, continuous trust from customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a product have both Amazon’s Choice and Best Seller badges?

Absolutely! A product can proudly wear both badges simultaneously. It’s like being the valedictorian and the prom queen simultaneously! “Amazon’s Choice” signifies Amazon’s recommendation for a specific keyword or search term, while the “Best Seller” badge denotes a product’s dominance in its category. So, if a product is highly recommended and is a top seller, it can flaunt both badges.

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Is there a fee to acquire these badges?

There is no fee to acquire Amazon’s choice or Best seller badges. Both are earned based on performance, reviews, sales, and other factors. Amazon doesn’t charge sellers for these badges. If someone tells you otherwise, I’d say be wary—it’s likely a scam. Remember, excellence is rewarded, not purchased.

Are these badges permanent?

As much as we’d like some things to last forever, Amazon badges are not permanent. Amazon constantly updates badge assignments based on real-time data, such as sales velocity, customer feedback, and stock levels. So, sellers must maintain their product quality and stay on top of their sales game.

How do customer reviews impact badge status?

Customer reviews play a crucial role and have a significant impact on badge status. Positive reviews can propel a product towards earning a badge, while negative feedback can hinder its chances. Consistent top-notch reviews enhance a product’s reputation, making it more likely to earn “Amazon’s Choice” or “Best Seller” status. In my experience, it’s not just about the quantity but the quality and authenticity of reviews.

Is the Best Seller badge accessible for niche products?

Yes, it is. Amazon’s categories are vast and varied. Even if a product is niche or caters to a specific audience, it can still earn the “Best Seller” badge within its category. I’ve seen some unique, offbeat products shine with this badge, proving that there’s a market for almost everything on Amazon!

Final Thoughts

Influence on Sales and Brand Credibility

“Amazon’s Choice” and “Best Seller” badges are more than digital stickers on a product page. They act as trust signals, assuring potential buyers that they’re making a sound choice. 

It’s like walking into a store and seeing a crowd around a particular section; naturally, your curiosity is piqued. 

Or like medals in an Olympics event. They’re not just shiny trinkets but a testament to a product’s quality, popularity, and overall standing in the marketplace.

These badges naturally draw eyes and clicks. 

In my journey in the e-commerce realm, I’ve seen products with these badges often experience a surge in sales. Why? Buyers trust Amazon, and by extension, they trust the badges that Amazon bestows. 

These badges lend an aura of credibility that new or even established brands might find challenging to achieve on their own.

The Strategic Significance for Sellers:

In the grand chessboard of Amazon selling, these badges are your queens. They wield power, influence, and can be game-changers. For sellers, especially those starting, aiming for these badges should be integral to their Amazon strategy. It’s not just about the immediate spike in sales but about carving a niche, establishing a brand presence, and building a loyal customer base.

In the ever-evolving ecosystem of Amazon, adaptability is key. But amidst all the change, the prestige associated with these badges remains consistent. They are, without a doubt, a testament to a product’s quality, appeal, and reliability. So, whether you’re an aspiring seller or a seasoned one, remember: In the world of Amazon, these badges aren’t just goals; they’re milestones of success.