Amazon Smile: A New Incentive for Your Amazon Business

Most sellers, when asked about their business goals, say they’re on Amazon to make some extra cash. Few mention giving back through programs like Amazon Smile as a priority.

However, if your main goal is to make money, then you likely ask yourself (regularly) what else you could do to increase your sales. 

In the past, it was simple. Brands merely sold products to consumers, and it either satisfied a need or a want. But today, it’s more complicated.

Now, many shoppers want to make sure their purchase is also benefiting a non-profit. And that’s why positioning yourself as a company that gives back is another Amazon sales method to consider. 

The easiest way to do that? Amazon Smile!

Amazon Smile: Small action = BIG impact!

If you’re in the mood to buy, the setup process for Amazon Smile is super simple.

Just link your Amazon account to the platform, select the charity of your choice, and that’s it.  You don’t need to do anything else.

In fact, if you go to Amazon.com, a pop-up will ask you if you’d like to shop on Smile instead. Once you’re redirected and you buy, Amazon donates 0.5% of your purchase to your non-profit of choice.

Admittedly, 0.5% seems like it’s too low of a percentage to make a significant impact. But, when I checked the running donation total for 2019, over $134 million has been distributed as of May. 

Such a tiny thing to do, yet the impact is impressive!

And the setup for sellers is just as simple.

So, how can your business can leverage Amazon Smile?

Generally, a lot of work and research is required for a business to allocate a portion of their proceeds to a charitable cause. And if you’re going it alone, that’s time you may not have. 

When it comes to Amazon Smile though, it doesn’t matter if you run your business by yourself or with an entire team.  Your product listing should link with the program automatically.*

The best part? It won’t even cut into your profits!

By encouraging your customers to purchase your product through Amazon Smile (ideally, making the suggestion on your website, along with a direct link to your smile.amazon.com listing), you’re saying, “I want my business to be part of positive change”. 

And that is a major selling point for your brand.

It means you’re joining countless corporations, entrepreneurs, and start-up brands (like Jungle Scout) who have included philanthropy in the core mission of their businesses.

*If you don’t see “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on your listing, contact Seller Support for help.

The benefits of social impact.

Why join the social-impact movement?

Well, in the age of social media, consumers are able to interact with their favorite brands through a variety of sites and applications. But they don’t want to waste their time–or, more importantly, their money–interacting with just any company. 

They’re looking for brands whose core values align with their own.

In other words, businesses supporting charitable organizations are creating an added incentive for many shoppers to buy, and for their existing customers to remain loyal.

If you’re looking for examples, check out TOMs and Warby Parker. They’ve leveraged the one-for-one business model (we buy a pair of shoes or glasses; they donate a pair of shoes or glasses) very successfully.

And Jungle Scout continues giving back! We’re helping to build schools with Pencils of Promise, along with taking on a few other charitable initiatives. 😀

Bottom line: Making charitable commitments, no matter the business model or cause, is a win-win for both you and your customers when you can turn a profit and make a charitable donation with the same transaction. 

Will you join the movement? Let us know in the comments below!