Many once dreamed of achieving financial freedom through Amazon operations, but reality has delivered a harsh wake-up call to countless cross-border e-commerce entrepreneurs. With businesses shutting down, layoffs sweeping through the industry, and the myth of high salaries shattered, many now find themselves clinging to meager base pay while navigating precarious career paths. Has the once highly sought-after Amazon operations career truly reached its end?
1. The Current State of Amazon Operations: $700 Base Salary and Trepidation About Job-Hopping
"Dismal sales, rock-bottom base pay, wanting to change jobs but afraid to make the move" - this sentiment echoes among countless Amazon operators today. The prolonged impact of the pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to the cross-border e-commerce industry, marking the end of what was once considered its golden age.
The experience of operator "Lee" might resonate with many. With less than two years of experience, Lee earns a monthly base salary equivalent to about $700, with negligible commissions. In high-cost cities like Shenzhen, this leaves no room for savings and often results in financial shortfalls. While considering side hustles to supplement income, limited funds and lack of experience ultimately force abandonment of such plans.
The job market tells an equally grim story. Where last year saw operators fielding multiple offers with the luxury of choice, this year's applications often disappear into the void, with many job postings appearing to be mere formalities rather than genuine opportunities.
2. Salaries Halved, Caution Advised: How to Avoid Making Career Moves That Backfire?
Faced with these challenges, some operators adopt a "look while working" approach, seeking new opportunities while maintaining their current positions. Others choose to resign and take breaks before re-entering the job market, only to find disappointing results: new companies offering salaries $300-400 below expectations.
This salary compression isn't isolated. A former product operations manager at a major cross-border company found post-layoff offers at just one-third of previous earnings. Operators with two years of specialized Amazon experience now see most companies offering monthly salaries between $900-$1,050, while entry-level independent store operators might receive as little as $700.
Market data reveals that after years of growth, 2022 marked the first decline in average operator salaries, dropping from approximately $1,450 in 2021 to about $1,370. With operator supply reaching unprecedented levels, companies now enjoy greater selectivity, leading to downward pressure on compensation packages.
3. Crossroads: Career Change or Perseverance? Finding Your Path Forward
Confronted with this harsh reality, some operators consider leaving the field entirely. One operator expressed frustration on social platforms: "After nearly two years in Amazon operations with consistently disappointing sales, I feel defeated and want to switch industries."
Seasoned operators offer perspective: two years of experience provides solid Amazon familiarity. Regardless of current performance, continuous optimization of product selection methods and promotional strategies remains essential. Progress might come slowly, requiring simultaneous skill development and mindset adjustment. However, if the motivation stems purely from escape rather than growth, complete departure might be preferable.
The industry's ongoing consolidation is undeniably pushing cross-border e-commerce toward compliance, branding, and refinement. Future cross-border managers will place greater emphasis on operations, making it imperative for operators to maintain realistic expectations, resist anxiety, and dedicate time to enhancing their operational capabilities to avoid obsolescence.
4. Winter Survival Guide: Strategies for Amazon Operators
Facing Amazon's operational winter doesn't mean helplessness. Consider these breakthrough strategies:
- Enhance Core Competencies: Master product selection, listing optimization, promotional techniques, and data analysis to build an indispensable skill set.
- Embrace Change and Transformation: Diversify across platforms like Shopify or AliExpress, or transition into roles like independent store operations or social commerce.
- Strength in Numbers: Join operator communities for knowledge exchange and resource sharing, or collaborate with other sellers to reduce costs.
- Mindset Matters: Commit to continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field and maintain positivity to overcome challenges.
The current challenges represent just one phase in the industry's evolution. By relentlessly improving capabilities and proactively adapting to change, operators can not only survive but thrive in this environment. Winter will eventually pass, making way for spring and cross-border e-commerce's next golden era.