Thinking about starting your own business? Selling on Amazon can feel like a big step, but it’s also one of the most accessible ways to reach millions of customers. Whether you have a garage full of handmade crafts or you’re just beginning to research products, the path to becoming an Amazon seller is more straightforward than you might think. Let’s walk through the first steps together.
Choosing Your Amazon Selling Plan
The first decision you’ll make is which selling plan fits your goals. Amazon offers two main options. The Individual Plan is perfect if you’re just testing the waters and plan to sell fewer than 40 items a month. You pay a small fee per item sold. If you’re serious about scaling your business, the Professional Plan is a flat monthly subscription that gives you access to bulk listing tools and advanced reports. For most new sellers with big aspirations, the Professional plan is the way to go.
Finding the Right Products to Sell
Your success largely depends on what you sell. The goal is to find products that people are actively searching for, but where the competition isn’t overwhelming. Start by thinking about your own hobbies and interests. Use Amazon’s best-seller lists to get ideas and look for items that are lightweight, durable, and not dominated by giant brands. This research phase is crucial for setting up a sustainable business.
Setting Up Your Seller Account
Setting up your account is a simple, step-by-step process. You’ll need some basic information ready, including your business name and address, a chargeable credit card, a phone number, and your tax identification information. Amazon will guide you through each screen. Once your account is active, you can start creating your first product listings, taking clear photos, and writing honest, helpful descriptions.
Fulfilling Your First Customer Orders
You have a key choice to make when an order comes in: how will you get the product to the customer? With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you send your inventory to an Amazon warehouse, and they handle all the storage, packing, shipping, and customer service. It’s a huge time-saver. The alternative is Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM), where you store and ship all the items yourself. Many new sellers prefer FBA as it allows them to focus on growing their business.
Starting to sell on Amazon is an exciting process. By taking it one step at a time—from choosing your plan to shipping your first order—you can build a solid foundation for your new online business. Your entrepreneurial journey is just a few clicks away.
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