Course Review: Stephen & Rebecca Smotherman – FullTime FBA
## Introduction
In the realm of e-commerce, mastering Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program can be a game-changer. Stephen and Rebecca Smotherman’s FullTime FBA course aims to provide comprehensive guidance for individuals looking to build a profitable Amazon business. This course, particularly ‘The Reseller’s Guide to A Year in FBA,’ offers a month-by-month strategy to navigate the complexities of selling on Amazon, covering everything from sourcing products to managing inventory and maximizing profits throughout the year. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced seller, this course promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to stay ahead in the competitive Amazon marketplace. Expect a detailed breakdown of seasonal trends, crucial deadlines, and effective strategies to optimize your FBA business for consistent growth and success. The course also includes valuable bonuses like access to a private Facebook group, monthly training videos, and a digital notebook to help you stay organized and focused. This detailed, step-by-step approach ensures that students can confidently tackle the challenges of running an FBA business and achieve their financial goals. 🚀
## Course Description
FullTime FBA, led by Stephen and Rebecca Smotherman, presents ‘The Reseller’s Guide to A Year in FBA’ as its flagship offering, designed to guide Amazon sellers through a structured, year-long strategy for maximizing profits. This course goes beyond basic FBA concepts, diving deep into the nuances of each month, offering insights into the best products to source, holidays to prepare for, and potential pitfalls to avoid. The course is structured around a 275+ page ebook, complemented by monthly training videos that provide visual and practical demonstrations of the concepts discussed. Key highlights include a focus on understanding Amazon’s ever-changing policies, managing inventory effectively, and leveraging seasonal trends to boost sales. The teaching style is highly practical, with a strong emphasis on actionable steps and real-world examples. Students also benefit from monthly ‘Ask Me Anything’ (AMA) live coaching video calls, providing personalized guidance and addressing specific challenges. Furthermore, access to a secret Facebook group fosters a community of like-minded sellers, enabling collaborative learning and support. The course integrates digital tools like a Year in FBA digital notebook and calendar to facilitate planning and organization. This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the practical skills necessary to thrive in the Amazon marketplace. 🗓️
## Ideal Student
- Beginner Amazon sellers looking for a structured approach to building their FBA business 👶
- Experienced sellers seeking to optimize their strategies and stay ahead of seasonal trends 📈
- Individuals wanting to understand the intricacies of Amazon’s policies and avoid costly mistakes 🚫
- Entrepreneurs aiming to create a full-time income through Amazon FBA 💼
- Sellers who value community support and personalized coaching 🤝
## Learning Outcomes
- Develop a month-by-month strategy for sourcing profitable products on Amazon 🛍️
- Understand and navigate Amazon’s changing policies and guidelines ✅
- Effectively manage inventory to avoid long-term storage fees 📦
- Leverage seasonal trends and holidays to maximize sales opportunities 🗓️
- Build a supportive network of fellow Amazon sellers for ongoing support and collaboration 🧑🤝🧑
## Course Modules
### Module 1: January – Starting Strong 🚀
This module focuses on setting the foundation for a successful year. It covers key topics such as knowing your numbers, conducting a Q4 detox to clear out underperforming inventory, and handling returns effectively. It also delves into sourcing strategies for January, including adding wholesale to your FBA business and leveraging post-Christmas price drops. The module emphasizes the importance of understanding monthly and long-term storage fees and provides strategies for avoiding them. Lastly, it highlights tax considerations and important dates in January to stay organized and compliant. Get ready to kickstart your year with a clean slate and a strategic approach! 🎯
### Module 2: February – Optimizing Inventory and Ungating ❄️
February’s module is all about optimizing your inventory and expanding your selling capabilities. Key topics include strategies for Valentine’s Day sales and post-holiday opportunities, along with unique sourcing ideas like Craigslist. It explores the importance of feeding the beast by maintaining consistent inventory flow and provides insights on managing long-term storage fees. The module also discusses how to improve your Inventory Performance Index (IPI) and unlock unlimited storage. It covers ungating strategies to get approved for restricted brands and navigate Amazon fee changes. This module helps you stay proactive even during slower sales periods. 💡
### Module 3: March – Bundling and Garage Sales 📦
March focuses on diversification and new sourcing avenues. You’ll learn strategies for navigating garage sales effectively and utilizing tools to track your mileage automatically. The module explores attending trade shows like ASD in Las Vegas, including how to buy complete booths. It emphasizes the basics of bundling and applying for GTIN exemptions to create unique product offerings. Higher bundle profits help your Amazon FBA buisness thrive! This module helps you tap into new market segments and diversify your sourcing strategy. 💰
### Module 4: April – Handling Meltables and Tax Prep 🌞
April’s module addresses seasonal challenges and financial responsibilities. Key topics include understanding and handling meltable items to avoid inventory issues. It covers spring cleaning strategies to remove underperforming inventory and profitable sourcing ideas for April. The module also emphasizes the importance of tax preparation and compliance. Lastly, it highlights key dates in May to prepare for upcoming sales and events. Get ready to handle the heat and stay financially organized! 📊
### Module 5: May – Maximizing Summer Opportunities 😎
May’s module delves into maximizing opportunities during the summer months. You’ll learn about free money opportunities and preparing for Prime Day lightning deals. Strategies for managing family time while running your business are also covered. The module advises on avoiding common garage sale mistakes and cleaning up your FBA inventory effectively. By summer, your profitability should show exponential growth!. 🏖️
### Module 6: June – Combating the Summer Slowdown 🐢
June prepares you for potential slowdowns in sales. Strategies for avoiding the summer sales slump are highlighted, including bundling techniques. The module covers how to balance family time with business responsibilities and preparing for winter sourcing. It also explores sourcing road trips and expanding your skills through wholesale opportunities. You need to focus your energy on specific months for consistent profits every year. 👨👩👧👦
### Module 7: July – Prime Day and Policy Changes 💰
July is all about Prime Day and staying updated on Amazon’s policies. This module covers how to make the second half of the year even better than the first. It highlights items to source in July, including post-July 4th sales and massive Target toy clearance events. You’ll learn about Amazon policy and fee changes and preparing for seasonal item sales. By now, you should understand Amazon guidelines and selling seasonal items effectively. 🎉
### Module 8: August – Back to School and Q4 Prep 🏫
August shifts focus to back-to-school sales and Q4 preparation. The module covers how not to get locked out of selling toys via merchant fulfillment in Q4. It explores end-of-summer sales and attending trade shows like ASD. You’ll learn how to prepare for Q4 feedback and balance business with family time. Your prep is vital to maximize profits and stay ahead of competition. 📚
### Module 9: September – The Q4 Snowball 🏂
September is dedicated to Q4 planning. The module emphasizes preparing for Q4 by implementing the Q4 snowball strategy. It provides reminders on holiday selling guidelines for toys and games and strategies for repricing your inventory effectively. The module also covers bundling basics and applying for GTIN exemptions. You need a proper bundling strategy for profitable months. 🎁
### Module 10: October – Navigating Q4 Challenges 🎃
October focuses on specific Q4 challenges, such as handling meltable items. It covers key aspects of Q4 FBA eligibility and preparation, including stretching your sourcing budget and managing supplies. The module emphasizes sourcing toys, hot toy lists, and raising your prices strategically. It also addresses Halloween-related opportunities and feedback management. Proper Q4 handling ensures your growth continues. 👻
### Module 11: November – Black Friday and Cyber Monday 🦃
November is all about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The module covers Dollar General toy sales, post-Halloween opportunities, and sourcing items for colder weather. It provides online arbitrage tips for Q4 and toy sourcing strategies. The module emphasizes Black Friday preparation, shopping strategies, and hiring help if needed. You’ll also learn what NOT to do during Q4. Planning will help your sales explode! 🛍️
### Module 12: December – Year-End Strategies 🥳
December focuses on year-end strategies and planning for the future. The module covers holding your prices versus the race to the bottom, keeping customer service a priority, and maximizing pre-Christmas sales. It provides guidance on shipping to Amazon FBA in time for Christmas sales and running year-end reports for tax purposes. Lastly, it emphasizes looking towards the new year and strategizing for continued growth. December is not the end but the begining! 🎁
## Pros and Cons
### Pros
- Comprehensive month-by-month guide 🗓️
- Practical and actionable strategies ✅
- Access to a supportive community 🧑🤝🧑
- Personalized coaching and Q&A sessions 🤝
- Valuable bonus materials included 🎁
- Lifetime updates ensure relevance 🔄
### Cons
- Can be overwhelming for complete beginners 🤯
- Requires significant time commitment ⏳
- Some strategies may not be applicable to all niches 🤷♀️
- Price point may be a barrier for some 💰
- Reliance on Facebook group for support may not suit everyone 📱
- Effectiveness depends on individual execution 🎯
## FAQs
- Do I have to buy this course again every year?
No, the course offers free lifetime updates. 🎉 - Is there a monthly charge for The Reseller’s Guide to a Year in FBA?
No, it is a one-time charge that includes the ebook, training videos, and bonuses. 💯 - I’m a brand new seller on Amazon. Will the content in this course be over my head?
No, the course is designed to be easy to understand for beginners. 👶 - I’ve been selling on Amazon for a long time. Will the content in this course benefit me?
Yes, the course contains advanced tips and reminders even for experienced sellers. 📈 - I can’t find the Year in FBA Private Facebook Group. How can I find it?
Instructions on how to join the group are provided after purchasing the course. 📱 - Can this course help me avoid long-term storage fees?
Yes, the course provides strategies for managing inventory effectively to avoid these fees. 📦
## Final Verdict
Stephen and Rebecca Smotherman’s FullTime FBA course, particularly ‘The Reseller’s Guide to A Year in FBA,’ is a valuable resource for anyone serious about building a successful Amazon FBA business. The course’s comprehensive, month-by-month approach provides a structured roadmap for navigating the complexities of selling on Amazon. While it may be overwhelming for complete beginners, the practical strategies, personalized coaching, and supportive community make it a worthwhile investment for those willing to commit the time and effort. The lifetime updates ensure that the content remains relevant, and the bonuses add significant value. Overall, this course is highly recommended for both new and experienced Amazon sellers looking to optimize their business and achieve consistent growth. If you want to stop missing profitable opportunities and stay ahead of the curve, FullTime FBA is definitely worth considering. Unlock your full potential with this program! 🚀🔥