Seller Spotlight: Q&A with Bridget Larmour Williams
Years ago, Bridget Larmour Williams began selling on Amazon as a way to make extra income while staying home with her kids. In the beginning Bridget was an individual seller, and she received daily payouts from Amazon. But, after selling for a while, she was asked to switch to a professional merchant account. While her new account had lots of added benefits, she no longer received daily payouts and was put on the bi-weekly payments.
Soon after making the switch to a professional seller account, and already feeling the pain of bi-weekly payouts, Bridget came across Payability and saw it as an opportunity to continue to grow her business through daily cash flow. This was especially important in the fourth quarter when funds can either be tied up in inventory or in an awaiting payment. Now, when Bridget stumbles across an amazing find, she always has access to the funds necessary to invest in it. Since joining Payability, her business has grown fast!
What does your typical day look like?
I have kids. So my day starts with getting them delivered to school, then I hit an early morning Jazzercise class, then home to shower, ship, respond to emails, check inventory/prices and make a list of what I need to source. Most days I source until it’s time to pick my kids up and tend to whatever after school activities they have going on. I usually list items from my mobile phone while I’m shopping or waiting in the carpool line. I then sort and organize in the evening. Many nights my husband and I are up late putting together shipments for FBA.
What’s your biggest challenge as an Amazon seller?
Before Payability, my biggest challenge was cash flow for sourcing. Now, that I’m using Payability, I’ve been able to have the buying power for additional product. The finds are coming out of the woodwork!
What’s the biggest benefit of being an Amazon seller?
To me, the biggest benefit of being an Amazon seller is that I can set my own hours, attend my children’s activities, be available for my 94 year old great aunt that I care for and still make a decent income.
What’s your favorite part of the selling process?
The thrill of the hunt. I love finding a hot item and doing what my family calls the “Bridget Swoop” where I just swoop a shelf into a buggy.
What advice do you have for sellers looking to grow their business?
Don’t be afraid to branch out. Step outside that comfort zone. When I first started selling I focused on discontinued health, beauty items and toys. Now, I will sell anything that I’m able to.
How do you put your Payability money to work?
Having that money available daily allows me to source daily. When I happen upon a hot item, I have the cash on hand to go deep and not feel any remorse.
Do you have any other tricks to maximize your money?
I have a few couponing friends who sell their stockpiles to me. I don’t have the patience for it, but they do and they’re happy to unload their finds in one fell swoop. I use a few cashback programs and I pay cash for items, no credit card interest here.
How did you know you made it as a seller?
Oh gosh, I’m not sure I have, yet! I have made a lot of progress in the last few months, and I can’t wait to see how far I can go!
What’s your next big goal as a seller?
My next big goals are wholesale and private label.
Do you sell on other marketplaces?
Yes, I have an eBay store where I sell mostly used items, Amazon returns, etc.
How have you prepared for Q4 and the holiday shopping season?
Research, research, research. I have lists and lists and lists galore. I have been hitting clearance aisles at every store and stocking up. I stocked up on shipping supplies as well.
Bridget is incredibly excited for the holiday shopping season. Thanks to daily payments, she already has tons of hot finds in her holiday inventory. Bridget currently lives in Kentucky with her family. Between her two kids and her Amazon business, there’s never a dull moment!
