Wondering how to sell on Amazon and tap into its global audience? This guide will walk you through the process, whether you want to sell your own inventory or leverage print-on-demand services like Printify.
With 310 million active users, Amazon offers incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes. We’ll explore how to use the platform, understand the basics, and set you up for success.
From account creation to product listing and beyond, read on to learn how to start selling on Amazon.
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Step 1. Create an Amazon seller account
The first step in our ‘learning how to sell on Amazon for beginners’ guise is creating an Amazon seller account. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
- Visit Amazon’s Seller Central
Head to Amazon’s Seller Central and click Sign up to get started. - Register your email
Enter your separate business email address, create a secure password, and click Create your Amazon account. - Provide business information
Next, choose your business location and type:
- Location. For Printify integration, select the United States as your business location. Currently, Printify’s Amazon integration only works with US-based Print Providers.
- Business type. If you don’t have a registered business and are not a charity or nonprofit, select Individual and enter your full name. Note that you cannot change this selection later.
- Enter personal and business identification
Provide a valid passport or government-issued ID and a phone number for verification. If you have a registered business, enter your business ID number.
- Set up payments and billing
Add a valid bank account, credit or debit card, and billing information. Your bank account must be in the name of your Amazon seller account or under your business name.
- Choose your store name and product information
Create a unique store name and provide details about the products you intend to sell. This includes:
- Whether your products have a Universal Product Code (UPC). Printify does not provide UPCs, so sellers typically need to request a UPC exemption.
- Any diversity certifications, like women-owned or minority-owned status, if applicable.
- Whether you own a brand or act as a representative of a brand for the items you want to sell. Amazon will offer brand registration options if you are a brand owner.
- Identity verification
Amazon may request additional documentation, such as a bank statement, to verify your identity.
- Finalize and wait for approval
The account review process can take a few days to several weeks. Check your email regularly for any follow-up questions or requests for further details from Amazon.
Once Amazon approves your account, you’ll have access to all the seller tools on Seller Central.
Check out our video for a visual breakdown of selling Printify products on Amazon.
The Professional plan costs $39.99 a month, even if you’re not actively selling. You can downgrade anytime, but you’ll need to stick with the Professional plan if you want to sell Printify products on Amazon.
Step 2. Conduct market research
Finding a profitable niche is crucial for selling products competitively on Amazon. Start with market research to find products that excite your audience.
A niche is a specialized market segment for a product or service.
Start with broad categories like sports, pets, or lifestyle. Then, think about more specific areas or activities, such as soccer, cats, or traveling. From there, narrow down product ideas like kids soccer t-shirts, funny cat pillows, or city landscape prints.
Explore potential niches using Amazon’s Best Sellers list to identify trending products. Analyzing customer reviews is also an excellent way to find gaps in the market.
For maximum profitability, assess niches with high demand but low competition. Examine the profit potential by looking at the competition and market saturation.
Consider these tips when conducting market research:
- Use research tools. Try Amazon’s built-in tools like Brand Analytics (for brand-registered Amazon sellers) and third-party tools like Jungle Scout, eRank, or Semrush.
- Research the growth potential. Check the search volume for related keywords, analyze social media trends, and look at your potential niche’s Google Trends data.
- Consider your own interests. Leveraging your expertise will help grow your Amazon store and set you apart from competitors.
Watch our video for a visual deep dive into how to find the perfect niche.
Step 3. Source your products
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sourcing products – it all depends on your goals, budget, and creativity. Let’s break down the best methods to stock your Amazon store.
Print on Demand
If you want to create custom products but don’t want the hassle of purchasing inventory, opt for Print on Demand (POD). With this sourcing model, your customers cover the production and shipping costs while you get the profits.
Make your unique designs come to life on t-shirts, mugs, bags, and more – all without incurring any upfront costs.
How can Printify’s POD transform your business?
- Infinite creativity. From quirky slogans to intricate artwork, apply your designs to over 1,000 product blanks to create beautiful custom merch.
- Easy editing tools. Use Printify’s Product Creator to edit designs and preview high-quality mockups.
- Zero waste. We only print products when sold, meaning no inventory goes to waste. You can always order a sample to review the product quality firsthand.
- Maximum profits. Set your own profit margins to cover the costs of production, shipping, and marketing your Amazon product.
- Brand building. POD helps you create and grow your brand, setting you apart from generic Amazon sellers and resellers.
Sell any product directly on Amazon by integrating your account with Printify. Read our article on how to sell POD on Amazon for a comprehensive guide.
Excited about selling on the Amazon marketplace?
Start selling POD products with Printify!
Dropshipping
This business model lets you sell finished items directly from a supplier who will manage inventory, packing, and shipping. It’s similar to POD in that you never have to touch a single product, but dropshipping isn’t for selling custom products.
Why dropshipping works
- Minimal investment. No upfront inventory costs mean you can start with just a laptop, an Amazon seller account, and a supplier.
- Flexibility and variety. Offer a vast array of products without worrying about storage space.
Although this method lets you sell products quickly, dropshipping has some cons. Since you can’t sell custom merch, you’ll compete with many other sellers offering the same products, making it difficult to stand out.
That’s why it’s crucial to partner with a reliable supplier when you start dropshipping. Find trusted manufacturers with a diverse and quality product range that can keep your customers happy and coming back for more.
Wholesale
Wholesale is the classic retail method. You purchase products in bulk, get good deals at wholesale prices, and sell on Amazon.
This approach requires more upfront investment, like long-term storage fees and paying for products and shipping, but offers greater control and the potential for substantial profits if successful.
The wholesale advantage
- Economies of scale. Buying in bulk reduces the cost per unit, increasing your profit margin.
- Consistency. Long-term working relationships with your supplier establish a reliable product flow.
- Inventory control. Manage your stock to align with market demand, avoiding stockouts and oversupply issues.
The key to wholesale success is diligent research. Spend time researching manufacturer options and order samples to see if the products fit your needs and expectations.
Private label
Private labeling involves creating custom products under your brand name with more control over product design, quality, and packaging.
You’ll work with manufacturers and order inventory to sell products under your own brand. This lets you create a unique identity in a crowded market and build a loyal customer base on Amazon.
Why is private labeling powerful?
- Brand ownership. Having your own products and brand means complete control over your business identity.
- Customization. Tailor product lines to meet specific needs, setting you apart from competitors.
- Premium pricing. Uniquely branded products command higher prices, increasing your margins.
Step 4. Create product listings
Creating compelling product listings is important for attracting Amazon customers and driving profits. Let’s cover all the bases to improve product visibility when selling on the Amazon marketplace.
Create titles and descriptions
Product titles
- Aim for around 60 characters. Include essential details like the brand, model, and product type.
- Highlight unique aspects that will grab the shopper’s attention, such as key design elements, colors, or materials.
- Include relevant keywords, but make sure the title reads naturally.
Product descriptions
- Describe the benefits. Explain how the product can address customer needs.
- List key features like sizing, colors, and materials in easy-to-read bullet points. Focus on clarity so readers understand what they’re getting.
- Incorporate relevant keywords naturally within the description to improve searchability without compromising readability.
Brand approval and registration
If you want to sell customized products from well-known brands like Adidas or Champion, it will require some work.
Amazon’s approval process requires real physical samples – no virtual mockups allowed – so prepare to have actual products on hand to photograph or send as proof.
‘This step helps legitimize your brand so that Amazon recognizes it as a trusted option in their marketplace.
Optimize listings with relevant keywords
Implementing Amazon SEO through keywords is paramount for helping your listings appear higher in Amazon search results.
Start with thorough research – type your product keywords in Amazon’s search bar to see popular user searches.
From there, look at the top listings in your category and note high-ranking keywords. Supplement your research with tools like Semrush, Jungle Scout, and AMZScout.
Keyword placement is equally important. Place the most important terms at the beginning of titles and descriptions. Integrate them naturally and use the backend search terms field in Amazon Seller Central to include additional keywords that don’t fit naturally in your listings.
Add high-quality product images and videos
There are a few crucial guidelines to follow when uploading product visuals to Amazon that’ll help attract customers:
Images
- The main image should have a plain white background to meet Amazon’s requirements.
- Use high-resolution images (at least 1,000 x 1,000 pixels).
- Show multiple angles to give a comprehensive view of the product.
Videos
- Use high-quality, well-lit, and detailed clips of the product.
- Demonstrate the product in use to help customers visualize how it fits into their lives.
- Include testimonials to build trust and credibility.
Set competitive pricing
Setting a competitive price will help you maintain an advantage. Look at the pricing of similar Amazon products to get an idea of the market rate.
Make sure your pricing covers production costs and Amazon fees while leaving room for profit. Consider dynamic pricing strategies to adjust your prices based on demand, competition, and inventory reserves.Use promotions and discounts through Amazon’s coupon feature to entice price-conscious shoppers. Sellers can also participate in Amazon’s Lightning Deals to temporarily boost visibility and sales and offer discounts for repeat purchases through Amazon’s Subscribe and Save program.
Step 5. Decide on shipping
Choosing how you ship products is crucial for managing costs, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining your store’s reputation. You have two main options – Fulfillment by Amazon and Fulfillment by Merchant.
Let’s explore both to help you decide which is the best fit for your business.
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
Amazon’s FBA program lets sellers store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. List your products and send your inventory, and Amazon will handle packing, shipping, and customer service.
This service is ideal for sellers who want to leverage Amazon’s logistics network and focus on growing their business.
Pros:
- FBA products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which means faster shipping times and potentially higher profits.
- Amazon handles all customer service inquiries and returns for FBA orders, saving you time and resources.
- Amazon’s warehouses ensure efficient storage and fulfillment for shopper satisfaction.
- FBA lets you scale your company without worrying about logistics and storage space.
Cons:
- FBA charges include fulfillment and long-term storage fees, which can add up if not managed properly.
- You need to maintain sufficient inventory levels to avoid stockouts or excess storage fees.
Merchants can leverage Amazon FBA when using Printify’s POD service for seamless fulfillment. Check out this guide to learn more.
Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)
With FBM, you handle all aspects of storage, packing, and shipping.
This method gives you more control over the fulfillment process and can be more cost-effective for certain businesses. Plus, merchants can pick their preferred shipping carriers based on service quality and cost.
However, this means that you are responsible for handling all customer service inquiries, returns, and refunds. Managing fulfillment in-house requires significant time, effort, and resources, especially as your company grows.
FBM products are also not eligible for Amazon Prime, which may affect your sales potential compared to FBA products.
Amazon lets you create custom shipping templates for your FBM shipping rates, helping you avoid overcharging or undercharging buyers.
Turn off one-day and two-day delivery options if they don’t align with your shipping capabilities.
How to make the right choice
The decision between FBA and FBM depends on your business model, resources, and goals. Consider the factors below:
- Business size and volume. FBA may be more efficient and scalable for high-volume sellers, while smaller businesses with low estimated sales might find FBM more cost-effective.
- Product type. FBA is ideal for small, lightweight items, while FBM might be better for bulky or custom orders.
- Customer service. FBM is the way to go if you prefer to maintain direct control over customer service, while FBA is beneficial for offloading customer service responsibilities.
- Costs. Analyze the fees associated with FBA versus the operational costs of FBM to determine which is more financially viable for your business.
Some sellers opt for a hybrid approach. This strategy lets them leverage both methods, such as using FBA for high-demand products and FBM for items with lower turnover rates.
Step 6. Launch and promote your products
To attract shoppers and sell on Amazon like a pro, consider using Amazon ads:
- Sponsored Products. These are cost-per-click (CPC) ads that promote individual listings and appear in search results and on product pages.
- Sponsored Brands. Feature your brand logo, a custom headline, and multiple products. They typically appear at the top of search results for high visibility.
- Sponsored Display. Appear both on and off Amazon, targeting buyers based on their interests and purchasing behavior.
Expand your marketing efforts to social media platforms and leverage external traffic sources from your own website, blog, or email list to promote your Amazon store.
Offer exclusive discounts or promotions to your social media followers or email subscribers to incentivize purchases on your Amazon store.
Be aware of Amazon selling fees
Understanding Amazon’s fee structure is crucial for maintaining profitability. These fees can significantly impact your bottom line, so factor them into your pricing strategy.
- Referral fees. Amazon typically charges 8% to 15% per sale, with a minimum referral fee of $0.30 per item.
- Closing fees. Amazon charges a flat fee of $1.80 per item for media products.
- Individual seller fees. You’ll pay $0.99 per item. If you sell over 40 items monthly, switch to the Professional plan for cost efficiency.
Other costs include fulfillment fees, refund admin fees, and high-volume order fees. Check out our article on Amazon seller fees for a comprehensive breakdown.
Tips to successfully sell on Amazon
How do you sell on Amazon successfully? Follow these tips to keep those customer orders coming in.
- Provide excellent customer service. Positive reviews and ratings significantly impact your Amazon sales and visibility.
- Analyze performance. Track sales volume, conversion rates, and customer feedback to make data-driven decisions that drive growth.
- Expand your product line. Introduce your own private label products, offer variations of existing products, or explore new niches altogether.
- Continuously improve product listings. Regularly update titles, descriptions, keywords, and product images.
- Stay updated on Amazon policy changes. Make sure your business practices remain compliant.
- Leverage Brand Registry and Enhanced Brand Content. Increase sales by up to 20% with A+ Content and rich media.
Sell internationally. Reach new customers and increase your sales potential, but adapt your listings to local regulations.
Popular products to sell on Amazon
If you’re wondering what to sell on Amazon, start with Amazon’s Best Sellers page. It’s packed with successful products that customers already love.
Check out these popular product categories that are often in demand.
- Home and kitchen. Appliances, decor, bedding, and cleaning and gardening supplies.
- Beauty and personal care. Skincare, makeup, fragrances, and bath and hair products.
- Apparel. Clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
Pet supplies. Treats, toys, collars, and grooming kits.
Check Amazon’s policies on restricted categories and restricted products before selecting items to sell. This also applies if you’re selling internationally.
FAQ
Create an Amazon Seller Central account, select a product sourcing method, list your products, and choose between FBA or FBM.
Optimize your Amazon listings to attract customer purchases and stay updated on Amazon’s policies to keep your store compliant.
The cost of starting an Amazon business varies depending on your plan, product category, and fulfillment method.
There’s a $39.99 monthly subscription fee if you choose the Professional selling plan and other fees (if applicable).
No, selling on Amazon is not free. Costs include subscription fees, referral fees, closing fees, and fulfillment fees.
The Individual selling plan charges $0.99 per item sold instead of a monthly subscription, making it a more affordable option for new merchants with low sales volumes.
Yes, selling on the Amazon seller app is worth it due to its vast customer base and robust eCommerce infrastructure. However, it requires careful planning and management to be profitable.
Yes, starting an Amazon business is profitable with the right strategy. Factor in all of your expenses, including product costs, shipping fees, and Amazon selling fees, to determine your potential profit margins.
Discover amazing products to sell on Amazon – Now’s your chance
With the right tools, a bit of know-how, and consistency, selling your own products on Amazon can make you money. Nail down the basics of listings, pricing, and promotions, and you’ll unlock access to millions of potential customers.
Success on Amazon is all about learning as you go, adapting quickly, and trying new things. Keep up with trends, polish your listings, and make customers happy with high-quality products.
And don’t forget – Printify’s got your back. Our print-on-demand setup lets you skip the headaches of inventory and shipping. That way, you can build a brand and start selling your custom creations on Amazon without hassle.
