How To Start an eCommerce Business With Amazon

Introduction.

Starting an online business can feel a bit overwhelming, right? I get it—it’s a big step, but it’s also a really exciting one.

The great news is that platforms like Amazon make it easier than ever to get started. With millions of customers shopping on Amazon every day, it’s one of the best places to launch your eCommerce business.

Now, you might be wondering, “Why Amazon?” Well, Amazon has already built a massive marketplace that reaches people all over the world.

You don’t have to worry about building a website from scratch or figuring out how to get traffic to your store.

Amazon does a lot of the heavy lifting for you—handling things like payment processing, shipping, and even customer service (depending on the selling model you choose).

I’m going to walk you through how to start your own eCommerce business with Amazon, from picking a product to launching your first sale. Ready? Let’s dive in!

How Do I Start an eCommerce Business With Amazon?

Step 1: Decide What to Sell

The first (and probably most important) step is figuring out what you want to sell. It’s easy to get stuck here, but don’t overthink it. Start by looking at things that are already selling well on Amazon.

You can use tools like:

Amazon’s Best Sellers list (gives you a good idea of what’s trending).
Google Trends (to check if there’s consistent interest in your product).
Jungle Scout or Helium 10 (these tools help analyze demand and competition).

What Makes a Good Product?

A great product often:

Solves a problem or makes life easier.
Isn’t too expensive to manufacture.
Is lightweight and easy to ship.
Doesn’t have too much competition.

Avoid products that are seasonal or overly trendy unless you’re ready to handle those ups and downs.

Step 2: Choose Your Selling Model

Amazon offers a few different ways to sell:

1. Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)

This is the most popular option. You send your products to Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle the shipping, customer service, and returns. It’s super convenient, but you’ll pay fees for their services.

Pros:

Hands-off once the product is shipped to Amazon.
Prime-eligible, so your products will reach more customers.

Cons:

FBA fees can eat into your profits.
You have less control over the customer experience.

2. FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant)

With FBM, you handle everything—shipping, customer service, and returns.

Pros:

Full control over your business.
Lower fees compared to FBA.

Cons:

More work on your end.
It might be harder to win the Buy Box (the Add to Cart button).

3. Amazon Private Label

Here, you create your own brand and sell products under your label. This can be more profitable, but it requires more upfront investment for product design, branding, and marketing.

Step 3: Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account

Once you know what you’re selling and how you want to fulfill orders, it’s time to set up your seller account.

1. Go to Amazon Seller Central and sign up.

2. Choose between two plans:

Individual Plan: $0.99 per item sold (best for low volume).
Professional Plan: $39.99/month (best if you’re serious and plan to sell more than 40 items/month).

You’ll need to provide some basic information:

Business name and contact info.
Bank account details (for payments).
Tax information (like your SSN or EIN).

Step 4: Create Your Product Listing

Your product listing is like your storefront. A well-optimized listing can make a huge difference in how many sales you get. Here’s what you need to focus on:

Title: Be clear and include important keywords.
Bullet Points: Highlight the key features and benefits of your product.
Description: Go into more detail about why someone should buy your product.
Images: Use high-quality photos that show your product from different angles. Lifestyle images (showing the product being used) work great too.
Price: Research your competitors and set a competitive price.

Step 5: Launch and Start Selling

Once your listing is live, it’s time to focus on driving sales. Here are a few tips to get your first customers:

1. Start with PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Advertising

Amazon’s advertising platform lets you run ads for your product. It’s a great way to get visibility when you’re just starting out.

2. Get Reviews

Reviews are everything on Amazon. Reach out to friends or early customers and ask them to leave honest reviews. Be careful though—Amazon has strict rules about how you can request reviews.

3. Use Social Media

Share your product on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. You don’t need a massive following to get some traction, especially if your product solves a specific problem.

FAQs

1. How much money do I need to start?

It depends, but a good starting point is around $500–$2,000. This should cover things like product samples, inventory, shipping, and Amazon fees.

2. Can I start an Amazon business while working a full-time job?

Absolutely! Many people run their Amazon businesses as a side hustle. With FBA handling a lot of the logistics, it’s easier to manage your business with limited time.

3. How long does it take to see profits?

It varies, but most sellers start seeing profits within 3 to 6 months. It depends on factors like your product, marketing efforts, and competition.

Conclusion

Starting an eCommerce business with Amazon isn’t as complicated as it might seem. With the right product and strategy, you can build a profitable business. The key is to start small, learn as you go, and stay consistent.

What product are you thinking about selling on Amazon? Let me know—I’d love to hear your ideas!