Product inspiration

Top-selling categories on Amazon: A guide for sellers and content creators

November 28, 2024 12 minutes

Thinking of starting an online store? Amazon is an excellent place to start selling popular products. 

This mega marketplace is buzzing with 3.41 billion visitors – all there to browse and buy millions of products across countless categories. But to tap into this huge market, you’ll need to know what Amazon shoppers are looking for. 

This guide covers the top-selling categories on Amazon and gives insights into product trends, potential pitfalls, and how Print on Demand (POD) can set you up for ultimate success.

Key takeaways

  • The top-selling Amazon categories are Beauty & Personal Care, Home & Kitchen, and Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry.
  • Other popular categories with top-selling products include Electronics, Toys & Games, Sports & Outdoors, and more.
  • High competition and building customer trust are common challenges when selling items in the most popular categories on Amazon.
  • Understanding consumer trends and leveraging tools like Amazon Best Sellers and customer reviews are vital for success.
  • Print on Demand is a super profitable fulfillment method, particularly for products in the Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry, and Home & Kitchen categories.

Top 3 best-selling categories on Amazon

Let’s check out the top three most popular categories on Amazon.

1. Beauty & Personal Care

Amazon’s Beauty & Personal Care category is a powerhouse fueled by ever-evolving trends and consumer demand for the latest self-care solutions. 

Product examples:

  • Makeup
  • Skincare products
  • Anti-aging products
  • Perfumes
  • Haircare items

Pros:

  • High profit margins: Personal care products often have a significant markup, so sellers earn more per sale.
  • Easy to scale: Since there are so many items in this category, sellers can easily expand their product offerings to attract more Amazon shoppers.

Cons:

  • Limited branding: Since there’s not much room for personal branding on Amazon, building customer trust and loyalty can be tricky. 
  • High competition: The market is saturated with big brands and private labels, making it challenging to stand out.
  • Stringent regulations regarding ingredients and labeling: Products must comply with health and safety regulations, which can complicate the selling process.

2. Home & Kitchen

The Home & Kitchen category is popular and caters to essential, everyday needs, making it a reliable source of sales for Amazon sellers. From cookware and utensils to organizers and decorative accents, there’s something for everyone.

Product examples:

  • Kitchen gadgets and tools
  • Home decor items (customizable with POD)
  • Small appliances
  • Storage solutions

Pros:

  • Consistent demand: These products are essential for daily life, ensuring steady demand.
  • Both functional and stylish: Customers enjoy adding a custom touch to these everyday items.
  • Repeat customer potential: Shoppers often repurchase home and kitchen items.

Cons:

  • High shipping costs: Some items can be bulky or heavy, leading to increased shipping costs.
  • Intense competition: Similar to Beauty & Personal Care, this product category is crowded, requiring strategic marketing efforts.

3. Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

A set of various bright yellow and orange accessories.

The Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry category is a fashionista’s dream and a popular category on Amazon. POD makes customization easy, letting independent sellers offer unique designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and more. 

Product examples:

  • Casual wear like custom t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts
  • Formal attire
  • Footwear
  • Fashion accessories
  • Jewelry

Pros:

  • Evergreen market: Clothing is a basic necessity, so demand is unlikely to drop.
  • Opportunities for brand building: Unique styles and designs help establish a distinct brand identity.
  • Highly customizable: POD provides many personalized options, letting Amazon sellers appeal to niche audiences.
  • Trend-driven sales: Fashion items sell well when aligned with current trends.

Cons:

  • Fierce competition: With so many competitors, maintaining visibility and customer loyalty is tough.
  • Size and fit issues: Clothing has high return rates due to size and fit problems.
  • Seasonal demand: Fashion trends can change rapidly, leading to seasonal fluctuations in demand.

Make it happen today!

Aside from the top three categories, several others also see high sales volumes and remain popular among Amazon customers. These categories present great opportunities for sellers to tap into thriving niches with steady consumer demand.

Do thorough product research to identify what customers want most from these products so you can become their go-to Amazon store.

1. Electronics

A laptop, tablet, and cell phone stacked on top of each other.

Electronic devices remain one of Amazon’s most popular categories thanks to the tech world’s speedy advancement. Consumers are always eager to upgrade their gadgets, creating strong product demand. 

Product examples:

  • Smartphones
  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • Headphones
  • Smart home devices
  • Gaming consoles
  • Computer accessories

Pros:

  • High demand for innovation: New, cutting-edge products drive frequent sales.
  • Regular product launches: New product versions create constant selling opportunities.
  • Strong potential for repeat purchases: The remaining desire for new accessories and add-ons encourages brand loyalty.

Cons:

  • High competition: The popularity of well-established brands can make it difficult for new Amazon sellers to enter the market.
  • Expensive sourcing: Electronics can be pricy to source, leading to a larger upfront financial investment.
  • Detailed knowledge required: Selling electronics often requires strong technical expertise to describe and market products accurately.

2. Sports & Outdoors

Various sports equipment items placed on the floor – a yoga mat, water bottle, tennis racket, and more.

The Sports & Outdoors category attracts health-conscious consumers and outdoor enthusiasts. As sales peak during spring and summer, it’s considered a medium-demand product category. 

As more people adopt active lifestyles, you’ll likely see steady sales year-round in your Amazon store.

Product examples:

  • Fitness equipment
  • Camping gear
  • Outdoor apparel
  • Sports accessories

Pros:

  • Growing demand: Rising interest in health and fitness drives consistent sales.
  • Seasonal spikes: Warmer months can lead to a big increase in sales.
  • Easy storage: Many products, such as smaller fitness accessories or apparel, are easy to store and ship.

Cons:

  • Seasonal trends: Sales may slow during off-peak months, affecting profitability.
  • Storage challenges: Some items, like larger fitness equipment, require more storage space.
  • High return rates: Customers may return products if they don’t meet performance expectations.

3. Health, Household & Baby Care

A basket filled with cleaning supplies.

This category covers a diverse range of everyday essentials and consistently sells well. Products like vitamins, cleaning supplies, and baby care items are frequently repurchased staples in most households.

Conduct product research and identify key trends in this category to stay competitive. 

Product examples:

  • Vitamins
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Baby care products

Pros:

  • Reliable demand: These are constantly used products that won’t see a decline in demand any time soon.
  • Recurring revenue potential: Most of these products end up being repeat purchases.
  • Low seasonality: These are year-round essentials with consistent sales.

Cons:

  • Strict regulations: You’ll need clearance to sell these items, especially health and baby products.
  • High competition: Big brands and private labels take up a significant portion of the market. 
  • Lower profit margin: Basic items can have smaller markups.

4. Toys & Games

A set of colorful children’s toys and games.

Toys & Games are a popular category among parents and gift-givers. Sales peak around the holiday season, but demand remains steady throughout the year. 

Create original toys and games for an excellent opportunity to sell niche, low-competition products in your Amazon store.

Product examples:

  • Action figures
  • Board games
  • Puzzles
  • Educational toys

Pros:

  • Holiday sales spikes: High demand during the holidays.
  • Niche targeting: A wide variety of products to suit all audiences.
  • Collectible potential: Certain toys encourage repeat purchases as market trends show many customers like expansion sets.

Cons:

  • Highly seasonal: Sales often peak around the holidays, leading to some fluctuations in demand.
  • Bulky items: Some products may have higher storage and shipping costs.
  • Safety regulations: Your items must comply with strict safety standards.

5. Pet Supplies

A corgi standing in a pet shop.

Pet owners see their furry friends as family members, increasing demand for high-quality pet supplies. This creates an excellent opportunity to sell products in your Amazon store that cater to this growing market.

Product examples:

  • Pet food
  • Toys
  • Grooming tools
  • Pet beds
  • Health supplements

Pros:

  • Consistent demand: Loyal pet owners are willing to spend big money on toys and supplies for their companions.
  • Repeat purchases: Customers frequently repurchase consumables like food and supplements.
  • Premium trend: The demand for premium, personalized pet products is growing.

Cons:

  • High competition: There are many existing big brands that consumers trust.
  • Large storage needs: Some products, like pet beds or food bags, require significant space and are expensive to ship.
  • Liability concerns: Health and safety are critical when dealing with pet products, so you’ll likely need safety certifications for products like food, grooming supplies, and toys.

6. Office Supplies

A stack of minimalistic office supplies.

Office supplies, from printer paper and organizers to ergonomic chairs, cater to professionals and students setting up home workspaces. 

Product examples:

  • Printer paper
  • Pens
  • Planners and organizers
  • Office furniture
  • Stationery

Pros:

  • Growing demand: Remote workers frequently purchase supplies for their home offices or study areas. 
  • Steady, year-round sales: Office supplies are always in need.
  • Simple shipping: Smaller products like planners and pens are easy and cheap to ship.

Cons:

  • Lower profit margins: Basic office supplies like paper and pens have limited profit margins. 
  • Bulky products: Larger items like office furniture can be costly to ship and store.
  • Competitive pricing: Customers often look for the best deals, so you’ll constantly be in a pricing competition with other Amazon sellers.
Tip

Get more inspiration and ideas for what to sell on Amazon on our blog.

A man doing Amazon product research on his laptop.

Here are some tips to help you identify the next big thing in your niche.

1. Use Amazon Best Sellers

Amazon’s Best Sellers list is updated hourly and showcases the top sellers across multiple product categories. Monitoring this page gives insights into what products are in high demand and helps you understand current trends.

2. Read customer reviews

Customer reviews can be a goldmine for identifying trends in different Amazon categories. Look for recurring complaints or popular features that customers appreciate. This feedback guides product development and helps you identify a potential bestseller.

3. Explore Amazon’s New Releases

The New Releases section showcases recently launched products gaining traction within multiple categories. Keep an eye on this page to spot emerging trends early on.

4. Check social media

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest often guide consumer trends, especially in fashion, beauty, and decor. Pay attention to what influencers are promoting and what hashtags and Pins are trending. These trends help identify gaps in existing products and inspire new product ideas within your chosen Amazon category.

5. Use keyword research tools

Keyword research tools like Google Trends or Amazon Seller Central identify products and popular search terms on Amazon plus offer deeper insights into selling data, market share, and competitor analysis. 

High search volume shows strong consumer interest in certain products or categories, so you’ll know these are definitely items to add to your Amazon store.

What to sell on Amazon with Print on Demand

Print on Demand (POD) empowers people to start selling on Amazon without the hassle of managing inventory or fulfillment. 

POD is particularly useful when selling customizable products like clothing, accessories, and home decor.

Printify integrates seamlessly with Amazon, making it easy for sellers to launch and scale an online store. With Printify, you get to focus on creating unique designs while our network handles printing, packaging, and shipping.

Here’s why Printify is your ideal POD partner:

  • Low investment: Start selling without upfront costs for inventory.
  • Customizable products: Create unique designs on tons of items, from t-shirts and mugs to pickleball sets and candles.
  • Global fulfillment: Printify’s network provides fast and reliable shipping worldwide.
  • Easy integration: Seamlessly integrate Printify with your Amazon Seller Central account.

POD bestsellers in Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Let’s take a look at some POD products in the best-selling categories on Amazon. 

1. T-shirts
Custom t-shirts are a wardrobe staple. They offer endless possibilities for unique designs, slogans, and artwork, catering to a wide audience. T-shirts have healthy profit margins, are easy to produce, and have universal appeal.

2. Hoodies
Hoodies are a comfy and stylish canvas for creative designs. Thanks to the growing demand for cozy, casual clothing, they’re a crowd favorite, particularly in cooler weather. 

3. Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts are another versatile clothing item perfect for POD. An equally comfy alternative to hoodies, they’re ideal for casual wear, making them a favorite among consumers of all ages.

POD bestsellers in Home & Kitchen

1. Canvases
Custom canvas prints let consumers personalize their homes with unique artwork. They’re easy to produce and have high perceived value, making them one of the best-selling POD products.

2. Blankets
Personalized blankets are popular for gifts and decor as they combine comfort with each person’s unique home aesthetics.

3. Mugs
Mugs are a classic POD item because of their affordability and everyday use. Custom designs, slogans, or photos make them a popular gift item. 

4. Posters
Posters are perfect for customers looking to decorate their spaces with custom art, quotes, or images. They’re cost-effective to produce and ship.

5. Tapestries
Tapestries have become trendy decor items, adding a bohemian touch to any space. They provide a large area for prints and are easy to market to young adults and college students.

POD bestsellers in Beauty & Personal Care

1. Skin care products
Customize skincare consumer products, like lotions and creams, to sell with POD. They cater to the customer demand for personalized beauty solutions.

2. Hair care products
POD also offers opportunities in the beauty industry, such as customized hair care products. Cater to a niche market by sourcing products for specific hair types or needs.

POD best-sellers in Tech Accessories

1. Bluetooth speakers
Custom Bluetooth speakers provide an excellent opportunity for personalization. Consumers love having tech products that reflect their unique style. These portable devices can be customized with logos, artwork, or slogans, making them ideal for gifts or promotional items.

2. Watch bands
Custom watch bands, particularly for smartwatches, are a growing trend. With the popularity of smartwatches like the Apple Watch, consumers look for unique bands that reflect their personality. POD watch bands are easy to produce and highly versatile, catering to a broad audience.

3. Wireless chargers
Wireless chargers are another highly popular tech accessory in the electronics category. Consumers appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and when coupled with custom designs or logos, these chargers become a stylish and practical product.

Tip

Explore more strategies and tips to profit on Amazon on our blog. 

FAQ

Products in the Beauty & Personal Care category, particularly skincare and makeup items, sell out most frequently on Amazon. They’re constantly in high demand because of customers’ interest in new trends, self-care routines, and premium beauty brands. 

Skincare items like moisturizers and anti-aging serums are excellent product ideas because of their broad appeal.

An Amazon #1 seller is a product that ranks first in its category based on sales volume. This ranking changes frequently depending on customer demand, reviews, pricing, and other factors.

The most popular product categories on Amazon include Beauty & Personal Care, Home & Kitchen, and Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry. These categories have high-demand products because they’re useful in everyday life and constantly adapt to the latest trends.

However, other Amazon categories like Electronics, Toys & Games, and Sports & Outdoors are popular among certain niches, so choose your product ideas based on your target audience and their preferences.

Wrapping up

Selling products on Amazon can be highly profitable, especially when focusing on the top-selling items like the product ideas in this article. Understanding market trends and using tools like Amazon’s Best Sellers, New Releases, and customer feedback will help you identify trending and profitable products to gain a competitive edge. 

Print on Demand is a flexible, low-risk way to offer personalized best-selling products. With over 1,000 products in our Catalog, Printify is the perfect partner for your Amazon business. 

Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your product range, use these insights to decide which product categories to sell on Amazon.

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