Seller Spotlight: Q&A with Amazon Selling Superstar Katie Melissa Ryan
Katie first started selling on Amazon in early 2016. She’d heard of dropshipping in the entrepreneur-related Facebook groups and forums she followed and decided to give it a try on Amazon. Katie’s Amazon business took off and sales continued to increase after the first few months.
In 2017, she heard about Payability from one of her mentors and explored the option more when she began seeing ads for daily Amazon payments on Facebook. Katie decided to sign up and her business grew exponentially. Thanks to daily payments she now has instant access to her funds and the freedom to scale.
What does your typical day look like?
An average day for me starts by waking up and making coffee. Immediately after, I hop onto my laptop and check my Amazon sales to see if I had any overnight. I then check my Payability balance, because I like to transfer funds to my bank account every morning. The next hour I will do customer service and make sure my customers are all taken care of. Next, I make sure my virtual assistants are clear on the day’s tasks. Some days I handle fulfillment; others I don’t. After I make breakfast, I handle my other business ventures and will generally go on a relaxing hike in nature along the Big Sur coastline.
What’s your favorite part of the selling process?
I love seeing trends in the market. Certain items are more seasonal than others. I love to see what’s hot and selling. Looking at the ranking of each product is important to me.
What advice do you have for sellers looking to grow their business?
Honestly, I recommend using Payability! It was such a necessary step for me in regards to growth. Having quicker access to my funds has been a game-changer in this business. Cash flow is king.
How do you put your Payability money to work?
Most often, I reinvest it into my business. Like I said, cash flow is so important to me in my Amazon business (and other businesses alike.)
Do you have any other tricks to maximize your money?
Be aware of what you’re spending your money on. Try and save as much as you can, especially when you’re first starting out. Take courses and learn from professionals to minimize mistakes and loss of money.
What’s your next big goal as a seller?
I would love to have a seven figure year. Perhaps in 2018 this will be doable!
How have you prepared for 2018 and Q1?
I make sure my inventory is all stocked up in my Amazon Seller Central. I try to make sure my product listing reads that I have at least three of any item. During less busy times of the year, I pause some of my assistant’s contracts because I don’t need as much extra help as in Q4 for example.
What’s the biggest challenge of being an Amazon seller?
One of my greatest challenges starting out was cash flow! That has since changed in the recent months I’ve been utilizing Payability. Another challenge as an Amazon seller, and seller on any platform really, is competition.
What’s the biggest benefit of being an Amazon seller?
When you reach a certain point, being a full-time Amazon seller is amazing! The freedom of waking up whenever I want, not worrying about a 9-to-5 job, and doing what I love are all priceless benefits to me. Also, you are not financially limited. The sky is the limit, especially when you have access to your funds, rather than having to wait two weeks.
Do you sell on other marketplaces?
I do sell on other marketplaces such as Shopify, Groupon, Etsy, eBay, and I am looking to start selling on Walmart as well this year.
Katie is poised for to grow even more in 2018! With consistent cash flow she’s sure to get there faster. Check out Katie’s video below and subscribe to her YouTube channel Katie Melissa for more entrepreneurship tips!
