The Beginner’s Guide: How To Sell on Amazon in 2025

Amazon is the top place to sell products online, and you can earn a lot if you do it right. But if you’re new, selling on Amazon might feel confusing at first. Don’t worry-this guide will make it simple for you.

We’ll take you through every step so you can start your own Amazon business confidently. There’s more to Amazon than just listing products, so we’ll cover all the basics to help you get started on the right foot.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Choose Your Amazon Business Model

Your first move is deciding how you’ll source products to sell on Amazon. There are several business models to choose from:

• Private Label: Create your own branded products. This takes effort but can be highly profitable.

• Wholesale: Purchase products in bulk from suppliers and resell them for a profit.

• Retail Arbitrage: Find discounted items at local stores like Target or Walmart, then resell them on Amazon.

• Online Arbitrage: Hunt for deals on websites like eBay or Craigslist, buy low, and sell high on Amazon-especially effective during events like Prime Day.

• Dropshipping: List products on Amazon without holding inventory. When someone orders, your supplier ships directly to the customer.

Each model has its own pros and cons. Consider your budget and the time you can invest. Read on to find the approach that fits you best.

Step 2: Discover Profitable Products

Picking the right products is the foundation of your Amazon business. The right choices set you up for success, while the wrong ones can hold you back. Here’s how to get it right:

• Think Like a Shopper: What do you search for or get excited about on Amazon? Use your own habits as inspiration.

• Check Best-Seller Lists: Browse Amazon’s top-selling products in different categories to spot trends.

• Leverage Product Research Tools: Use tools to analyze sales data, competition, and profit margins. Many offer free trials-try a few to see which you like.

Look for products with:

• High Demand: Lots of buyers searching for this item.

• Manageable Competition: Fewer sellers and reviews mean it’s easier to stand out.

• Strong Profit Margins: After Amazon’s fees, make sure your earnings are worth the effort.

Take your time exploring and testing different ideas. Experiment until you find a product you’re confident about-high demand, reasonable competition, and good profits are your recipe for Amazon success.

Step 3: Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account

With your products chosen, it’s time to open your Amazon Seller account. Choose between:

• Individual Plan: Best for selling fewer than 40 items per month. No monthly fee, but Amazon charges $0.99 per sale.

• Professional Plan: Ideal if you plan to sell more than 40 items monthly. Costs $39.99 per month, but no per-item fee.

Most serious sellers opt for the Professional plan-it’s often more cost-effective as your business grows.

Be ready with:

• Bank account and routing number

• Government-issued ID

• Business tax information

• Internationally accepted credit card

• Phone number

Once your account is set up, you’re ready to manage your inventory and start selling.

Step 4: Organize Inventory and Fulfillment

Decide how you’ll get products to customers:

• Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM): You store, pack, and ship orders yourself-more control, potentially lower costs for small sellers.

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Ship your products to Amazon’s warehouses. Amazon handles storage, packing, and shipping-less hassle, but with fulfillment and storage fees.

Most new sellers start with FBA for its convenience, but always factor in the fees when setting prices. Regardless of your choice, keep a close eye on inventory levels to avoid running out of stock.

Step 5: Create Your Product Listings

Now it’s time to list your products:

• If your product already exists on Amazon: Simply add yourself as a seller to the existing listing.

• If it’s a new product: Create a new listing with a compelling title, detailed description, and high-quality images.

Tips for a standout listing:

• Clear, keyword-rich title to help shoppers find your product.

• Persuasive description that highlights benefits and solves customer problems.

• Professional photos showing your product from multiple angles and in use.

Treat your listing like your own mini-ad-this is where you convince customers to buy.

Extra Tips for Amazon Success

• Avoid restricted categories as a beginner-some require special approval.

• Get UPC codes for all your products so Amazon can track them.

• Try Amazon Advertising to boost visibility and sales, even on a small budget.

• Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions.

• Use Amazon’s Automate Pricing Tool to stay competitive and increase your chances of winning the Featured Offer.

These small details can make a big difference. Take the time to get them right, and you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more successful Amazon journey.

Is Selling on Amazon Worth It?

Definitely! Many people earn significant income by building an Amazon business. With some effort, you can launch a profitable side hustle that brings in extra cash each month-and some sellers even grow their Amazon stores into a full-time business with a professional selling plan.

That said, success on Amazon doesn’t happen overnight. It takes real work and a willingness to learn. You’ll need to invest time in understanding Amazon Seller Central, creating effective product listings, gathering positive customer reviews, and mastering efficient shipping and fulfillment.

If you’re ready to put in the effort, selling on Amazon can absolutely be worth it. Treat it as a business, keep learning, and you’ll have the chance to turn your Amazon store into a rewarding source of income.

Let House of Founders Lead You to Effective Amazon Selling

Remember, Amazon is a huge opportunity for anyone seeking Founder Freedom. With the right guidance and tools, the process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re ready to elevate your Amazon journey, the House of Founders newsletter offers valuable insights tailored for any ecommerce business.

For those truly committed to building a successful brand, the House of Founders delivers in-depth knowledge and personalized support to help you optimize your path to success.