Here's a simple recipe on how to put together a scanner for Amazon FBA. This scanner is used to find books of value.
Step 1
Socket Scan Card 5E2 or 5EL (They are the exact same model) – Buy this brand new. It works great, and it is recommended by all the scanner software companies. It also has a one year factory warranty. Price: $180 on Amazon
Dell Axim X51 PDA – You should buy this one used. It will work just as good at a fraction of the price. Price: $50-$80
Kingston 2 GB SD Card – Don't buy the 4 GB or the SanDisk Brand. Both of those won't work on the Dell PDA. Price: $12 for two of them.
Step 2
Contact Neatoscan, ASellerTool, or ScoutPal. Once you receive your hardware – they can help you set it up via phone call or live online support. They can also access your PDA and computer remotely. In other words, they basically have control of your computer and PDA, and can install the software for you.
Price: $10-$50 per month
Total Price:
Roughly $250 plus a monthly fee. In my opinion, that's the best price you can get. Especially since the scanner is new with a one year factory warranty.
What do you think about using ipod touch 4th gen with a barcode scanner app?
Hey Nathan,
I like to be discreet when I’m scanning. My setup is a bit more expensive, but you almost can’t tell I’m scanning.
I use a Palm Treo 750 with no phone service and a Serial-IO bluetooth scanner with scoutpal and a template that sends a buy signal(ding) to my bluetooth headset. The Treo is smaller than the Dell and can be had pretty cheaply on eBay. It’s only slot is a mini SD.
I can conceal the scanner in my hand. I love this setup. Serial-IO has been having a deal for the scanner and software (needed to work on the Treo) for $299.00, about $70.00 off normal price.
Scott
Mr. Daugherty,
I’m sure that would work good at thrift stores and retail locations. I don’t see it fit for a competitive book sale – where speed counts.
Scott,
That sounds like a good set up. I personally prefer to have everything in my hand – and look at the prices while I’m scanning. I’m more of a visual person.
Is it necessary to subscribe to phone service with the PDA? Are you charged for each text?, or can you you just keep your original cell phone and use the Dell for the book stuff and do you need to have wifi access to untilize the scouting software?
In other words, aside from your package and the monthly service to the scouting company what are the other expenses involved.
Also, how hard is it to set up the FBA account? Is it an automatic process or do you have to be approved?
Thanks so much in advance. I know these are alot of questions, but it’s a considerable investment for me so I want to be sure I have all of the expenses covered.
Thanks,
Hannah
Wow, bummer, the price just went up by about 100 bucks on your scanner package and does not include your ebook anymore. What’s up?
Hannah,
There are no other expenses to the PDA. There is just the monthly scouting fee. I personally have my own separate cell phone, and use the dell just for my business.
It is not hard to set up an FBA account. Here is the link to get started:
http://www.amazonservices.com/content/fulfillment-by-amazon.htm
The price of the scanner fluctuates quite a bit on Amazon – so I have to adjust the scanner package price accordingly.
Also, the eBook is now free:
http://www.sellfba.com/
So it is now June and I am looking at getting into this kinda late. What is the latest adn greatest news? Options?
IRSTAXHELP,
It’s never too late to start – there are plenty of opportunities.
Start off getting a scanner at Neatoscan.com. If you have an iphone or android phone, you can get an FBAPower.com app.
Go to Yard Sales, Library Book Sales, and Thrift Stores and start scanning away!
Question. Are you saying that an SD card bigger than 2G will not work in the PDA? I have a Lexar 2G, how about that? Thanks for the useful information, my son and I are just getting started with this, and thanks for the free ebook too.
Yes, the Dell Axim’s only work with 2GB or less SD cards. I know that the Kingston brand works well, but I’m not sure about Lexar though.
Neatoscan’s website claims,
“Some Dell X51s (but not the X50s) will support a 4gb card as well, if they are upgraded first. You can find instructions on upgrading your Dell x51 to support a 4gb card here.
Dell x51 SDHC Upgrade ”
Can I rely on this upgrade? I was thinking of buying an x51s if this really works.
Yes, you can rely on the upgrade. I’m using it myself and the 4gb card now works with the Dell Axim x51 PDA.
Hi Nathan,
I have a Dell Axim X51V and Socket Laser Scanner. Is there a place where I can see reviews for Neatoscan, Scan power, Profit Bandit. I would like to know what others
think (good and bad) before I sign up. I am on a limited budget so I have to be careful.
I have a lot of books to start with and I have a USB scanner and a Dymo printer as well
as a laser printer. But I don’t know what I need so I need reviews for comparison.
Thank you,
Hi LeRoy,
Well, Neatoscan is the only company that works on a PDA. ScanPower and Profit Bandit work on a smartphone. I do not know of a place where you can read reviews of all those companies. I personally have used Neatoscan since 2007, and I’ve been very happy with the results.
Hey Nathan,
Great resource for Amazon sellers, book sellers, etc. Well done. Question: I’ve had customers ask me to recommend an app to turn their iphone into a decent scanner – any thoughts/ideas for an iphone scanner app?
Much Appreciated,
Laura with ecomdash
Hi Nathan, I;m just getting started with FBA and wanted to thank you for giving the pricing on these scanners and the monthly fee. Have a great day!
Is it worth for e-commerce retailers? Let me know If I can recommend to my friends.Thanks!