Introduction
This guide provides a practical walkthrough of applying product filters within the Alqen Products tool. By following the steps outlined below, you can effectively narrow down your search and identify promising product opportunities on Amazon.
Key Points
Initial Filter Setup: Learn how to establish a broad set of filters to begin your product research.
Gradual Refinement: Understand the importance of iteratively adjusting filters to hone in on your ideal products.
Product Evaluation: Discover how to analyze individual product listings using Alqen's data and insights.
Collections: Learn how to save and organize promising products for further analysis.
Detailed Guide
I. Initial Filter Setup
When you first open the Alqen Products tool, it's essential to establish a set of initial filters to guide your research. These filters should be relatively broad to avoid excluding potentially profitable products too early in the process.
A. Recommended Initial Filters
Here's a suggested set of starting filters:
Filters | Criteria | Explanation |
Amazon In-Stock Rate | 10-12% | This range helps identify products with potential inventory management issues, creating opportunities for new sellers. |
Number of Sellers | 3+ | Helps filter out private label sellers and ensures a level of competition that indicates market viability. |
Monthly Revenue Estimate | Desired monthly revenue x 10 (e.g., $2,000 -> $20,000) | Focuses on products with sufficient demand, ensuring they meet your revenue goals. |
Review Count | Minimum 2,000 | Ensures products have established customer interest and reasonable feedback. |
Review Rating | Minimum 4 stars | Prioritizes products with positive customer sentiment, reducing return rates and improving seller rating. |
Number of FBA Sellers | 3-10 | Gauges competition specifically from FBA sellers, similar to overall seller count. |
Buy Box Price | $20-$50 | Offers a balance between profitability and manageability, avoiding products with razor-thin margins or requiring significant investment. |
II. Gradual Refinement
Once you've applied your initial filters, you'll likely see a large number of products. The next step is to gradually refine your search by adjusting the filters based on your observations.
A. Observing and Adjusting
Analyze the Results: Pay attention to the products that are displayed. Are there any patterns or trends emerging?
Adjust Filters: If you're seeing too many products, consider tightening some of your filters. For example, you might lower the Amazon in-stock rate to 5-8% or increase the minimum review count to 3,000.
Iterate: Continue to analyze the results and adjust filters until you have a manageable number of products that appear promising.
III. Product Evaluation
Once you have a refined list of products, it's time to evaluate them individually.
A. Analyzing Product Listings
Alqen provides a wealth of data for each product, including:
Column Name | Description |
ASIN | The unique identifier for the product. |
Monthly Revenue | The estimated total monthly revenue generated by the product. |
Number of FBA Sellers | The number of sellers using FBA. |
Monthly Units Sold | The estimated number of units sold per month. |
Product Rank | The product's sales ranking within its category. |
Store Page Rating | The average rating of the seller's store. |
B. Using the "Details" View
Clicking on a product listing will open the "Details" view, which provides even more insights, including:
Insights | Description |
Buy Box Distribution | See the percentage of the Buy Box held by each seller. |
Traffic Sources | Understand where customers are coming from (e.g., Amazon search, external websites). |
Variation Pages | Identify if the product has variations. |
Sales and Review History | View historical trends in sales, reviews, pricing, and seller count. |
C. Identifying Red Flags
During your product evaluation, be on the lookout for potential red flags, such as:
Attribute
Insights | Description |
Dominant Buy Box Seller | If a single seller holds a significantly large percentage of the Buy Box (e.g., 90% or more), it could indicate a brand deal or other competitive advantage that makes it difficult to compete. |
Erratic Sales History | Significant fluctuations in sales volume could suggest seasonality, trends, or product instability. |
Negative Review Trends | A sudden increase in negative reviews could indicate product quality issues or customer service problems. |
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Analysis Paralysis:
Solution: Don't get bogged down in analyzing every single data point. Focus on the key metrics that are most important for your business goals.
Missing Data:
Solution: Alqen may not have data for every product. If you're missing crucial information, consider using other research tools or contacting the seller directly.
Difficulty Finding a "Perfect" Product:
Solution: Remember that there's no such thing as a perfect product. Focus on finding products that meet your criteria and have the potential for profitability.
FAQ
Q: Can I export my product data from Alqen? A: Yes, Alqen allows you to export your product data in various formats.
Q: How do I determine if a product is seasonal? A: Look for patterns in the sales history. If sales spike during certain times of the year and drop significantly during others, the product is likely seasonal.
Q: What should I do if I find a product with a dominant Buy Box seller?
A: Conduct further research to understand why the seller is dominating the Buy Box. It could be due to a brand deal, superior pricing, or better customer service. If you believe you can compete effectively, consider adding the product to your collection for further analysis.
Next Steps
Continue Refining Your Search: Experiment with different filter combinations and analyze the results.
Dive Deeper into Product Analysis: Use the "Details" view to gain a comprehensive understanding of promising products.
Explore Other Research Methods: Combine product filtering with niche filtering and brand analysis to develop a well-rounded product sourcing strategy.