Are you wondering, “Is it hard to sell on Amazon?” Insights from a 2020 podcast reveal why selling on Amazon was so complicated and how sellers could apply strategies to overcome these challenges—even in 2025.
Selling on Amazon has never been easy, and it only gets harder as the marketplace evolves. Even in 2020, sellers faced intense competition, strict policies, and complex marketing strategies.
Now, in 2025, many of those same obstacles remain, along with new hurdles to overcome. The good news? The strategies that worked then can still help sellers succeed today.
Why Is Selling on Amazon So Complicated in 2020
Selling on Amazon became more difficult in 2020 for many reasons. As the platform grew, sellers faced more obstacles than ever:
More Competition
Amazon’s fast growth led to a crowded marketplace. Big brands and experienced sellers made it tough for new sellers to succeed.
Stricter Rules and Higher Risk of Suspension
Amazon enforced its policies more strictly, suspending accounts for small mistakes. Sellers had to be extra careful with documentation and parent-child listings.
Rising Complexity in Advertising and Marketing
Frequent algorithm changes made it hard to stay visible. Sellers had to keep up with new ad tools, external traffic strategies, and A+ content updates.
Logistics and Supply Chain Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, making it risky to rely on one supplier. FBA delays and inventory limits forced sellers to find new fulfillment solutions.
Marketplace Consolidation
Bigger sellers started buying out smaller ones. Independent brands had a harder time competing without expert knowledge and resources.
How Sellers Could Overcome Amazon Challenges
While selling on Amazon was tough, there were strategies sellers could use to stay competitive. Our Amazon agency shared key tips to handle these challenges in 2020:
Don’t Rely Only on Amazon
Control Your Supply Chain
Diversifying suppliers and considering U.S. manufacturing became essential for reducing risks and maintaining inventory.
Optimize Listings and Ads Constantly
High-quality images, keyword-rich listings, and updated A+ content were necessary for better conversions. Running ads strategically helped maximize visibility.
Use Smart Automation
Tools like Feedback Whiz and Helium 10 helped automate tasks like review requests and keyword tracking, saving sellers time.
Stay Adaptable
Amazon’s landscape was always shifting. The sellers who quickly adjusted to changes—whether in compliance, ads, or logistics—had the best chances of success.
Become an Expert or Hire One
Successful sellers stayed ahead by keeping up with Amazon’s policies and optimizing their advertising strategies. Some hired a full-service Amazon agency to handle complex tasks.
Conquering Amazon in 2025: New Landscape, Proven Tactics
While the Amazon marketplace has evolved, many of the same struggles persist. Sellers still face tough competition, strict policies, and supply chain problems.
- Competition is even tougher, with AI-powered ads giving an edge to sellers who spend more. Smaller brands must work harder to stay visible.
- Policy enforcement has become stricter, increasing the risk of suspensions. Even small mistakes can lead to account issues.
- Supply chain issues continue, making it harder to manage inventory. Delays and stockouts hurt sales and rankings.
The good thing is the strategies that worked in 2020 still apply today. Expanding to other platforms, working with experts, and staying flexible remain key.
The sellers who keep learning and adapting will always have an advantage. Success comes to those who adjust to Amazon’s constantly changing landscape.
We'll Make Amazon Selling Worth It For You!
Selling on Amazon has never been simple. The same challenges from 2020 still exist today, making it harder for sellers to succeed.
Competition is tougher, and Amazon’s rules are stricter than ever. To stay in business, sellers must be proactive and ready to adapt.
Are you struggling to sell on Amazon? Contact our Amazon agency, and let our experts help you overcome challenges and grow your business.
