Selling MICROS$$$ on amazon

[heyprodj]

I have some 100% retail boxed microsoft software (got for free at various expo's) Can i sell without a problem on amazon? or does amazon flag these like EB does?

[boszika]

I think you need to apply to sell on that category with Amazon.
If you know for a 100% that they real ,go for it. Otherwise stay away!

[rsot]

Software is always a problem - do your best to get rights to sell - you may have to submit documentation as proof.

[Gamefreak]

Depends on what. There are some "generic" microsoft software listings ( windows 7, vista and such ). The real listings you will not be able to list as you need amazon permission which you will not be able to obtain sadly.

[nobody999]

i just saw a seller selling highly vero p90x , ybcr , and other dvds on amazon. they have over 200+ feedbacks...i wonder how he's doing that without getting suspended.
everything just screams vero!

[rsot]

It's the feedbacks that are what's keeping him alive.

[cherrqell]

Originally Posted by heyprodj

I have some 100% retail boxed microsoft software (got for free at various expo's) Can i sell without a problem on amazon? or does amazon flag these like EB does?

Unless you have permission to sell from Microsoft, Intuit, Adobe, Apple, Sony etc..... or are an authorized reseller of restricted items you will not be able to sell these items on Amazon. You can sell on ebay, very risky, but you are competing with 100's of other sellers that have other than legit products, and you will never get the price you will need to make a decent profit. You just can't compete with the scammers.

[jeffweico]

I would add that you MUST be sure they are legitimate.

The problem with the software is that even if it looks 100% legit, it might come back to haunt you if it is not.

Counterfeit copies from China come with valid keys allowing you to install the software. Everything works as it should. Until about 30 days or so later when Microsoft blocks the bad keys. Then, the user's desktop goes black and tells them that "WINDOWS IS NOT GENUINE" and that "YOU MIGHT BE A VICTIM OF SOFTWARE COUNTERFEITING". It then instructs them to contact Microsoft.

Microsoft sometimes will offer the user a chance to get a free LEGIT copy of their software in exchange for turning you in. A couple of weeks later, you get the letter from their attorneys demanding a settlement OR ELSE. You do not want to know about the OR ELSE.

Microsoft is VERY AGGRESSIVE about protecting their software. They will not go away just because you ignore them. They won't care that you "didn't know" that what you were selling was counterfeit. They will bring you into court and obtain a judgment against you.

I'm NOT saying this applies in the OP's case. I'm just saying BE SURE because ever since software started phoning home, the days of easy copying/counterfeiting are over. And Microsoft is out for blood when they catch someone.

[rsot]

Jeffweico and his sound advice.

[cherrqell]

adding to Jeffs post I will also say even tho you are selling legit software, all it takes is one idiot who does not know how to install the software correctly to claim that your product is counterfeit, and you are in for a world of pain from Amazon,paypal,and ebay. Just know from someone who sells lots of LEGIT software that just because it is 100% real, does not mean you will have zero problems selling these items. Also because you are selling these items, you will have Amazon, and ebays undivided attention! Good luck.

Like Jeff stated. The most important first step is be sure it is 110% real. You can call Microsoft, give them the serial number of the item, and they can tell you if it is legitimate or not.

[ovidiu]

I sold software for a long time before the suspension, and I still sell it now. I know how to spot ⊗⊗⊗⊗, however, and I do NOT sell them, ever. It's matter of ethics to me. It's one thing if a buyer knows what he's getting, but when he's expecting real stuff and gets sold a ⊗⊗⊗⊗, it just makes it harder for anyone else who wants to sell after you.

Count on approval for restricted categories taking over 6 months. I'm almost there, just barely got in front of the "approval committee" a few days ago.

[cherrqell]

Originally Posted by ovidiu

I sold software for a long time before the suspension, and I still sell it now. I know how to spot ⊗⊗⊗⊗, however, and I do NOT sell them, ever. It's matter of ethics to me. It's one thing if a buyer knows what he's getting, but when he's expecting real stuff and gets sold a ⊗⊗⊗⊗, it just makes it harder for anyone else who wants to sell after you.

Count on approval for restricted categories taking over 6 months. I'm almost there, just barely got in front of the "approval committee" a few days ago.

yes, it is nearly impossible, or very, very difficult to get approval to sell popular software these days on Amazon. On two of my accounts I was approved after numerous emails, and feedback over 80. I think it was a glitch, or the wrong department approved me to sell in the software catagory on those accounts. Those accounts are now "sleeping" and in very good standing. 100% feedback, 5-5's. The last account I tried to get approval for software was very difficult, and I just gave up. They wanted all kinds of information about my supplier, and business plan, how much I sold, etc..... so I said F it! I think they just limit the restricted software to sellers who were grandfathered in, and have no issues, to sellers that are authorized resellers of those titles.

All in all, getting approved is now a tough road to hoe, and If you manage to get approved, you get major props for your efforts.

[ovidiu]

Despite the fact that Amazon flat-out lies and tells you that you need to match the required ratings in several different categories, and they will automatically approve you!

[Axcend]

I thought someone said on here ago that they needed 30 positive feedback to sell adobe and windows. Don't know the truth behind this. Maybe I'm just imagining reading things. Wouldn't be the first time :/

[ovidiu]

Amazon says you need 100 orders over the last 6 months and nearly perfect stats in your customer service numbers. No reference to feedback. I have all that (perfect scores in every category and 5/5 feedback( and it's not enough, Amazon lies constantly. Now they want a list of every item you "intend" to sell, and suppliers. I gave them a line of bs, we'll see. I know that people with less feedback then me have been approved, and no, they are not companies or grandfathered in.

[Gamefreak]

They simply dont want the small guys in thats all. theyll keep lying until you give up or eventually they will give up and ban you or accept you.

[ovidiu]

I did get accepted, though, a couple days ago. Finally!

[rsot]

Congratulations ovidiu - would like to know what before that got your solid feedback - a pm would be nice but if you feel that info is "proprietary" ha no problem. All the best.

[ovidiu]

PM and I'll get back to you.