Selling on Amazon in 2024: The Ultimate Starter Guide

by Vijay Jacob | Feb 10, 2025 | Ecommerce

how to sell things on amazon

The Truth About Selling on Amazon in 2024 (That No One’s Talking About)

Let’s cut through the noise: selling on Amazon isn’t the get-rich-quick scheme that YouTube gurus want you to believe it is. But it’s not the impossible dream either. With over 2 billion monthly visitors and $514 billion in sales last year, Amazon remains the ultimate playground for anyone looking to learn how to sell things on Amazon.

Here’s the thing though – while everyone’s chasing the same “proven formula” for Amazon success, the real opportunity lies in understanding what’s changed. The platform has evolved from its wild west days of arbitrage and dropshipping into something far more sophisticated. And that’s exactly what we need to talk about.

Understanding the Amazon Marketplace in 2024: Not Your Uncle’s eBay

Remember when selling online meant listing random stuff from your garage? Those days are long gone. Today’s Amazon marketplace is a complex ecosystem where AI-driven algorithms influence everything from search rankings to buy box ownership. It’s less about what you sell and more about how you position yourself within this digital maze.

The stats don’t lie: 89% of Amazon sellers are profitable, but only 20% make over $50,000 in annual revenue. Why? Because most sellers are still playing by 2015’s rulebook in 2024’s game. For a comprehensive guide, check out this 2023 guide on selling on Amazon.

The Real Ways to Sell on Amazon (Without Losing Your Shirt)

There are fundamentally three approaches to how to become an Amazon seller:

Private Label (creating your own branded products)
Wholesale (buying established brands in bulk)
Retail Arbitrage (buying low locally, selling high on Amazon)

Each has its pros and cons, but here’s what nobody tells you: the most successful sellers often start with retail arbitrage to learn the platform, transition to wholesale to understand brand relationships, and finally move into private label once they’ve got the hang of things. It’s like learning to walk before you run – except in this case, you’re learning to sell before you invest your life savings. For some top tips, take a look at these tips for selling on Amazon.

Setting Up Your Amazon Seller Foundation: The Non-Obvious Stuff

Want to know how to sell your products on Amazon? First, you need to decide between an Individual account (perfect for testing the waters) or a Professional account ($39.99/month but essential for serious sellers). And no, you can’t sell on Amazon for free – even Individual accounts pay $0.99 per sale.

The Account Setup Process: What Actually Matters

Creating an Amazon account isn’t just about filling out forms. You’ll need:

Government-issued ID
Tax information
Bank account details
Phone number for verification
Business information (if applicable)

But here’s the secret sauce: how you set up your account influences your long-term success. For example, choosing the right business structure (LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship) isn’t just about taxes – it affects your ability to scale, get brand registry, and even negotiate with suppliers.

Legal Requirements: The Stuff That’ll Keep You Out of Trouble

Before you even think about how to open an Amazon store, you need to understand the legal landscape. This isn’t just about having the right paperwork – it’s about protecting yourself. You’ll need:

Sales tax certificates
Business licenses (depending on your state)
Insurance (once you hit certain revenue thresholds)
Trademark registration (if you’re going the private label route)

And yes, you can start an Amazon FBA business without all of these in place, but having them ready shows Amazon you’re serious about your business. It’s like showing up to a job interview in a suit – it might not be required, but it sure helps your chances.

The Product Research Reality Check

Here’s where most people mess up: they think finding products to sell is about spotting trends or using fancy software. In reality, successful Amazon ecommerce is about finding the sweet spot between what customers want and what you can actually deliver profitably. Learn more about selling on Amazon through this detailed resource.

The ideal product for new sellers typically:

Sells between $20-$70 (the sweet spot for impulse buys)
Weighs less than 2 pounds (to keep shipping costs manageable)
Has at least 3,000 monthly searches (showing proven demand)
Isn’t dominated by major brands (good luck competing with Nike)

But here’s the kicker – these aren’t just checkboxes to tick off. They’re guidelines that need to be balanced against your specific situation. Can you afford the inventory? Do you understand the market? Can you actually improve on what’s already out there?

Think of it like dating – just because someone looks good on paper doesn’t mean they’re right for you. The same goes for products on Amazon.

Creating Your Amazon Seller Account: The Foundation of Your Empire

Look, I’ve helped dozens of brands transition from traditional retail to Amazon, and here’s the thing – the platform’s complexity is both its greatest strength and its biggest hurdle. Think of setting up your Amazon seller account like building a spaceship: get the foundation wrong, and you’ll never leave the atmosphere.

But here’s what most guides won’t tell you: Amazon’s not just looking for sellers – they’re looking for professional operators who can maintain their marketplace’s reputation. That’s why the account setup process feels like applying for a mortgage while trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.

The Professional vs. Individual Account Dilemma

Let’s cut through the noise here. Yes, you can sell on Amazon for free with an Individual account, but it’s like trying to win a marathon in flip-flops. The Professional account ($39.99/month) removes the $0.99 per-item fee and unlocks features that are basically essential if you’re serious about this.

Here’s the math: If you’re selling more than 40 items monthly, the Professional account pays for itself. Plus, you get access to bulk listing tools, API integration, and advanced analytics that’ll make your life exponentially easier.

Setting Up Your Account: The Nitty-Gritty

First things first – you’ll need:

Business email address (please, not your personal hotmail from 2005)
Credit card that can handle international charges
Government-issued ID
Tax information
Phone number for verification

How to Sell Things on Amazon: Product Selection That Actually Works

Here’s where most new sellers get it twisted – they think finding products to sell on Amazon is about following their passion. Sorry to burst your bubble, but unless your passion aligns with market demand and profit margins, you might want to keep it as a hobby.

Market Research: The Science Behind Product Selection

I’ve seen too many sellers dive in with products they “feel good about” only to end up with a garage full of unsold inventory. Instead, let’s approach this like a data scientist (but without the PhD):

Price sweet spot: $20-50 range (high enough for profit, low enough for impulse buys)
Size matters: Small and lightweight = lower shipping costs
Competition level: Look for listings with less than 1,000 reviews
Demand indicators: BSR (Best Sellers Rank) under 5,000 in main category

Finding Your Product Niche: The Smart Way

Think of your product selection like a game of chess – you want to be several moves ahead. I recently worked with a brand that dominated the eco-friendly water bottle niche not because they were first, but because they identified a specific gap: gym-goers who wanted measurement markings for their protein shakes.

Sourcing Strategy: Beyond Alibaba Basics

Everyone talks about how to sell on Amazon without inventory through dropshipping, but let’s be real – the real money’s in controlling your supply chain. Yes, Alibaba’s great, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Building Supplier Relationships That Last

Here’s what I tell every brand I work with: your supplier is essentially your business partner. I’ve seen too many Amazon sellers treat supplier relationships like speed dating, and it always ends badly. Instead:

Start with small orders but communicate your growth plans
Request samples from multiple suppliers (at least 3-5)
Negotiate MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) rather than just prices
Get everything in writing – especially quality standards and timelines

Quality Control: The Make-or-Break Factor

Remember when those exploding hoverboards were all over Amazon? Yeah, that’s what happens when you skip quality control. Set up a system:

Define your quality standards in writing
Use third-party inspection services for large orders
Document everything with photos and videos
Create a returns tracking system

Pricing Strategy: The Art and Science

Here’s where my inner nerd gets excited – pricing on Amazon is basically game theory in action. You’re not just competing with other sellers; you’re competing with Amazon’s algorithm and customer psychology.

The Pricing Formula That Actually Works

Forget about just marking up your cost by a standard percentage. Here’s my tried-and-tested formula:

Product Cost + Amazon Fees + Shipping + Marketing (15-20% of sale price) = Break-even
Add 25-35% margin for sustainability
Round to .99 or .95 (yes, it still works in 2024)

Remember, the goal isn’t to be the cheapest – it’s to be the most profitable while maintaining sales velocity. I’ve seen sellers race to the bottom on price, only to realize they can’t sustain their business when returns and customer service costs kick in.

Advanced Selling Techniques on Amazon: Building Your Empire

Look, I’ve seen countless sellers get stuck in the “just getting by” phase on Amazon. They’re making sales, sure, but they’re not building something that’ll last. And isn’t that what we’re all really after? Not just a side hustle, but a genuine business that could potentially change our lives?

Here’s where things get interesting – and where most sellers completely miss the boat. The real money on Amazon isn’t in just listing products and hoping for the best. It’s in building systems that scale.

Creating a Brand That Stands Out

Want to know how to sell things on Amazon successfully in 2024? Stop thinking like a merchant and start thinking like a brand. I’ve watched countless sellers struggle with this transition, but it’s absolutely crucial. Your brand story isn’t just some marketing fluff – it’s the difference between being just another seller and building something valuable.

Think about it: when was the last time you bought something purely based on price? Probably never. You bought it because you trusted the brand, or it spoke to you somehow. That’s what we’re aiming for here.

The Power of Customer Loyalty Programs

Here’s a secret most Amazon sellers don’t want to hear: your customers don’t belong to you – they belong to Amazon. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build loyalty. Consider implementing insert cards (within Amazon’s TOS), email follow-up sequences, and social media engagement to create a community around your products.

Scaling Your Amazon Business: From Side Hustle to Empire

Let’s talk about scaling – because how to sell your products on Amazon successfully is really about thinking bigger than your current situation. I’ve seen too many sellers get comfortable with their first successful product and stop there. Big mistake.

International Marketplace Expansion

Did you know that opening an Amazon store in Europe could potentially double your revenue? The math is simple: more marketplaces = more customers = more revenue. But here’s the catch – you need to do it strategically. Start with English-speaking markets first, then expand based on your product’s performance data.

Automation: Your Secret Weapon

Want to know how to start an Amazon FBA business that actually runs without you? Automation is your best friend. From inventory management to customer service, there are tools that can handle almost everything. Yes, they cost money, but what’s your time worth?

Financial Management and Future Planning

Here’s where it gets real – money management. You’d be surprised how many Amazon sellers I’ve met who have no idea if they’re actually profitable. They see money coming in and think they’re killing it, only to realize they’re barely breaking even.

Cash Flow Optimization

The number one killer of Amazon businesses isn’t competition – it’s cash flow. Here’s a quick rule of thumb: keep at least 30% of your revenue in reserve for inventory, 30% for operations and marketing, and reinvest the rest. Yes, that means you might not be taking home much initially, but that’s how you build something sustainable.

Exit Strategy Planning

Even if you’re just learning how to become an Amazon seller, think about your exit strategy now. Are you building to sell? To create passive income? Your end goal should shape every decision you make. The best part? A well-planned exit strategy often creates a better business, even if you never sell.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Amazon Selling

Is it worth selling on Amazon in 2024? Absolutely – but only if you’re willing to do it right. The days of throwing up any product and making easy money are over. Today’s successful Amazon sellers are sophisticated business owners who understand both the platform and their customers.

Can you make $1000 a month on Amazon? Sure. Can you make a lot more? Also yes. But here’s the real question you should be asking: Are you building a business or just creating another job for yourself?

Remember, whether you’re figuring out how to sell on Amazon without inventory through dropshipping, or diving deep into private label, success comes down to execution. The strategies I’ve shared work – I’ve seen them work countless times. But they only work if you work them.

One final piece of advice: start small, but think big. Test your products, learn the platform, and most importantly, learn from your mistakes. Amazon isn’t just a marketplace – it’s a platform that can help you build a real, sustainable business. And isn’t that what we’re all really after?

The opportunity is there. The tools are available. The question is: are you ready to build something remarkable?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to sell stuff on Amazon?

Selling on Amazon is not entirely free. While you can create an account without an initial fee, Amazon charges sellers a per-item fee or a monthly subscription. The Individual Plan charges $0.99 per item sold, whereas the Professional Plan costs $39.99 per month, plus additional selling fees.

How can I sell products on Amazon?

To sell products on Amazon, start by creating a seller account on Amazon Seller Central. Choose between an Individual or Professional selling plan, list your products, and set competitive prices. Ensure you optimize your product listings with high-quality images and detailed descriptions to attract more buyers.

Can I make $1000 a month on Amazon?

Yes, it is possible to make $1000 a month on Amazon, but it requires strategic planning and effort. Factors like choosing profitable products, effective marketing, and competitive pricing play crucial roles in achieving this income. Success also depends on market research and understanding customer demands.

Can the Philippines sell on Amazon?

Yes, sellers from the Philippines can sell on Amazon. However, they must ensure compliance with Amazon’s international selling policies and regulations. Setting up a seller account involves providing necessary documentation and choosing the right fulfillment option, like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), to manage logistics.

Is it worth selling on Amazon?

Selling on Amazon can be worth it due to the platform’s vast customer base and global reach. It provides sellers with tools for marketing and fulfillment, helping streamline operations. However, sellers need to consider fees, competition, and the time commitment involved to determine if it aligns with their business goals.

About the Author

Vijay Jacob is the founder and chief contributing writer for ProductScope AI focused on storytelling in AI and tech. You can follow him on X and LinkedIn, and ProductScope AI on X and on LinkedIn.

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