Conducting rigorous product research is essential for Amazon success. This comprehensive guide explores the best tools to research profitable niches, analyze competitors, find suppliers, and select winning products to sell on Amazon.
Table of Contents
Why is Product Research Important?
Thorough product research helps Amazon sellers:
- Identify high-demand niches and categories
- Uncover profitable opportunities with low competition
- Gauge customer needs and interests
- Establish competitive pricing based on market rates
- Find reputable manufacturers and suppliers
- Validate product ideas before investing time and money
- Avoid saturated markets and commoditized products
- Select differentiated products aligned with business strengths
Robust product research minimizes risks and reveals key data to launch and optimize Amazon products effectively.
Stages of the Amazon Product Research Process
Product research involves these key steps:
1. Generate Ideas
Use tools to brainstorm promising niches and categories.
2. Validate Demand
Confirm interest and search volume for niche keywords.
3. Evaluate Competition
Assess rival sellers’ pricing, ratings, and listings optimization.
4. Vet Suppliers
Find reputable manufacturers or wholesalers that can scale.
5. Estimate Costs
Project production costs based on MOQs, shipping etc.
6. Forecast Profitability
Factor in all Amazon fees to model ROI.
7. Select Products
Choose items aligned with business capabilities and strengths.
Research tools provide valuable data and insights at each product selection stage.
Features of Product Research Tools
Robust Amazon product research tools offer:
- Keyword research – Finding high-volume relevant keywords with low competition and ACoS
- Category analytics – Identifying hot product categories based on demand
- Competitor tracking – Monitoring competitor pricing, ratings, and BSR
- Opportunity scoring – Rating niche attractiveness based on opportunity criteria
- Supplier databases – Catalogs of manufacturers, dropshippers and wholesalers
- Profit calculators – Building pricing models factoring in fees and costs
- Inventory analysis – Parsing which products Amazon needs more of based on limited selection
- Visual dashboard – Central interface condensing key reports, metrics and insights
The best tools integrate seamlessly into the product evaluation workflow.
Paid vs Free Product Research Tools
Sellers have access to both paid and free tools:
| Paid Tools | Free Tools |
|---|---|
| Offer robust featureset | Limited features |
| Provide critical metrics like estimated sales | Often lack key data |
| Can automatically track competitors over time | Manual competitor checks |
| Uncover lucrative long-tail keywords | Generally show only high-volume keywords |
| Tend to consolidate all reports into unified dashboard | Require piecing together findings from disparate sources |
Paid tools merit their subscription costs by centralizing data to accelerate finding viable products. But free options work for initial research.
Top 10 Paid Product Research Tools for Amazon
Jungle Scout
One of the most popular all-in-one suites with web app, Chrome extension and calculators. Wide range of features including keyword tracker, opportunity score, and niche hunter.
Helium 10
Robust set of research capabilities including Cerebro tool for reverse-ASIN optimization ideas and Magnet for honing in on particular niches.
Sellics
Provides comprehensive information on search volume, competition, seasonality, trends and ad history. Makes tracking opportunities simple.
Unicorn Smasher
Chrome extension overlaying extensive data like BSR, sales estimates, dimensions and ratings right on Amazon. Excellent for vetting specific listings.
Sonar
Reveals profitable keywords just below top-ranked listings on Amazon bestseller pages. Helps uncover hidden gems with less competition.
AMZScout
Specialized tools tailored for finding lucrative niches and evaluating listings. Free trial available.
Splitly
Enables advanced keyword and conversion optimization testing. Free basic plan available.
Sellbrite
Inventory and sales analytics paired with robust repricing capabilities. Ideal for refining listings and retail pricing.
ZonGuru
Affordable starter suite providing core opportunity scoring, keyword tracking, and competitor monitoring.
AmzShark
Omnichannel web-based platform spanning opportunity idenification, competitor tracking, keyword management and marketing analytics.
While investment varies, paid tools easily pay for themselves by increasing product research efficiency.
Top Free Product Research Tools
Google Trends
See search interest over time for product terms and category keywords. Helps gauge consumer demand.
Google Keyword Planner
Provides estimated search volumes for keywords, helpful for assessing niches.
Amazon Autocomplete
Discover keyword and product suggestions as you type searches. Reveals demand.
Amazon Bestsellers
Browse category and subcategory bestseller lists to identify winning products.
Amazon Movers and Shakers
See trending items gaining sales momentum recently.
Google Shopping
Compare pricing and offerings for a product from major retailers.
Google Search Results
Evaluate page #1 search listings for a product term to analyze competitors.
Amazon Customer Reviews
Read detailed reviews to evaluate market reception, issues, features etc.
CamelCamelCamel
View Amazon price history and trends to establish pricing. Browser extensions available.
Keepa
See product rating history, sales estimates and pricing for any ASIN.
Free options provide a great starting point for opportunity identification and initial research.
Keyword Research Tools for Amazon
Keyword research determines the search demand opportunity:
Helium 10 Cerebro
Reverse ASIN lookup reveals profitable keywords products are ranking for.
Sonar
Finds overlooked long-tail variations of popular keywords. Uncovers hidden gems.
Jungle Scout Keyword Scout
Analyzes keyword demand, competition, trends and optimization tips.
SEMrush
Robust general keyword data beyond just Amazon. Competitor research.
KWFinder
Generates keyword suggestions and analyzes search volume data.
KeywordTool.io
Free alternative pulling keyword data to estimate search interest.
Match promising niche product ideas with target keywords demonstrating buyer demand.
Amazon Product Listing Analysis Tools
Tools to evaluate and compare product listings:
Helium 10 Magnet
Analyzes elements of top-ranked listings – titles, copy, images. Benchmark yours against competitors.
Splitly
A/B testing tool to optimize listings, pricing and ads to lift conversions.
Sellics
Scans listings for areas of enhancement across titles, photos, back-end keywords and more.
Sellbrite
Repricing integrated with inventory and sales analytics. Listing optimization recommendations.
AMZScout Scope
Checks listings against over 170 optimization points and provides improvement tips.
SparkLytics
Visual heatmap overlays to see on-page elements grabbing user attention. Improve visibility of key details.
Regular listing checkups ensure you don’t lag rivals in content and presentation.
Amazon Keyword and Product Tracking Tools
Stay on top of marketplace changes:
Helium 10 Index Checker
Monitors keyword rankings over time. Quickly see what’s moving.
Jungle Scout Product Tracker
Get alerts when competitors change pricing, BSR, reviews.
AMZTracker
Free Chrome extension tracking ranks, ratings, prices of any product.
AMZ Alerts
Monitor listings for changes in rank, stock status, used offers and more. Browser add-on.
Rate My Amazon Ad
Free tool providing snapshot of keyword ranks, ad history and opportunity scores for a product.
IO Scout
Free Chrome extension with sales estimator, seller checker, price history, rating tracker.
Daily tracking spots trends impacting products and sales.
Amazon Competitor Analysis Tools
Evaluate rival sellers across key metrics:
Helium 10 Black Box
Reverse engineers competitor keywords, marketing spend, conversions process and more.
Jungle Scout
View competitors’ full product portfolios, find new niches and identify private labels.
AMZScout Competitor Rescanner
Automatically scan and store competitors’ listings details over time.
AMZ Shark
Market intelligence spanning competitors, trends, advertising analytics and more.
Sellics Competitor Analyzer
Graphs to compare your product’s key metrics against rivals. Exportable.
Slice Parent Tool
Uncovers competitor private label brands and connected listings under same ownership.
Knowing your market competitors helps anticipate their moves.
Amazon Demand Analysis Tools
Gauge interest and identify gaps in product availability:
Helium 10 Cerebro
Hot new releases section reveals rising demand. Search gaps indicate underserved niches.
Helium 10 Magnet
Shows products with few competitors and thin content ripe for new entrants.
Jungle Scout Demand Analysis
Estimates untapped demand based on search volume and market deficiencies.
AMZScout Demand Tool
Highlights listings with low review volume and content gaps representing demand.
AMZ Shark
Demand forecasts incorporating sales velocity, search data and industry growth projections.
Seek out demand white space competitors have yet to fill.
Visual Product Research Dashboards
Centralize findings rather than toggling between disjointed tools:
Helium 10 Desktop App
All-in-one dashboard monitoring keywords, competitors, trends and more.
Jungle Scout Web App
Robust dashboard experience available on desktop and mobile. Drill into granular data.
Sellics
Integrates keyword tracking, sales analytics, listings audits and opportunity identifiers.
AMZScout Dashboard
Consolidates key metrics into an Amazon Seller Central style dashboard.
Sellbrite Dashboard
Inventory and order analysis paired with profitability forecasts and ad insights.
Unified views save time and provide a fuller picture of marketplace opportunities.
Amazon Product Sourcing Tools
Find reputable manufacturers and suppliers:
SaleHoo Supplier & Manufacturer Directories
Massive global database of vetted, verified suppliers across all categories.
WorldWide Brands
Long-running directory of validated wholesale suppliers willing to work with smaller businesses.
MakerFilter
Specialized searchable database of US-based makers from Etsy, Amazon Handmade and independent crafters. Helps connect with niche producers.
Alibaba Manufacturer Search
Largest B2B marketplace. Search millions of suppliers and manufacturing services. Must vet and quality check.
Thomasnet
Browse by industry to find manufacturers, wholesale distributors and service providers in the United States.
Build your bench of trusted suppliers to scale production efficiently.
Amazon Revenue and Profit Calculators
Forecast potential sales and profitability.
Jungle Scout Product Database
Filter products, view sales estimates, calculate fees. Add your costs to model net profit.
Unicorn Smasher
Chrome extension provides product analysis including approximate sales, dimensions, ratings and offers.
AMZScout Profit Calculator
Input product prices and business costs to automatically calculate expected profits.
Helium 10 Profitability Calculator
Factors in all components like production costs, Amazon fees, shipping to display net profit.
Sellbrite Revenue Calculator
Incorporate referral fees, shipping, advertising and other costs against sales price to see net margin.
Finalizing selection requires confirming sufficient profit margins for sustainability.
Top Product Sourcing Sites
Find established products already selling:
Amazon Best Sellers – Determine leading products across all categories on Amazon.
eBay Pulse – See top trending items on eBay updated daily.
Etsy Marketplace – Handmade and vintage items with proven demand.
Product Hunt – New crowdsourced technology product discoveries.
Kickstarter – See crowdfunded projects eliciting demand.
IndieGogo – Additional crowdsourcing platform revealing popular innovations.
App Store – Monitor rising utility apps and digital products.
Alexa – Amazon listings gaining recent sales momentum.
Google Trends – Lookup search interest by product keywords.
Sites showing what’s hot provide ideas for riding consumer demand waves.
All-in-One Online Arbitrage Sourcing Tools
Automated solutions finding profitable products available online for resale:
Egrow Chrome Extension
Scans for Amazon arbitrage opportunities as you browse merchandise sites.
Dropified
End-to-end system including arbitrage autosearch, cart integration, repricing and order automation.
NuPrice
Repricing with highlighted price drops and tools specifically for online arbitrage sellers.
Quiverr
AI-driven repricing optimized for online arbitrage across mass merchants and marketplaces.
XpertArcade
Specialized support for online arbitrage bundling alerts, analytics and automation.
Purpose-built tools boost efficiency sourcing discounted products for immediate resale profits.
Specialized Amazon Product Research Tools
Unique research solutions tailored for specific needs:
Sonar – Uncovers profitable keyword opportunities.
Niche Scraper – Finds untapped low-competition niches.
Product Influencer – Curated search for winning products.
Reviewbox – Analyzes customer sentiment and pain points.
Zonka Feedback – Reviews problems reported in feedback.
Slickdeals – Reveals trending deals and in-demand products.
eFlip – Identifies trending eBay items for resale on Amazon.
Leverage niche research tools aligned with your strategy like expanding keywords, finding gaps, tapping into deals etc.
Choosing the Best Product Research Tools
Tips for selecting optimal research solutions:
- Consider budget – free, limited paid plans or full-featured paid suites
- Identify must-have functionality like tracking or analytics
- Seek tools aligning with your business model and strengths
- Check integration ability with other software like Shopify or eBay
- Read Seller Forum reviews detailing real user experiences
- Sign up for free trials of paid tools to evaluate hands-on
The right tools provide actionable insights efficiently. Try before buying to ensure fit.
Getting the Most Value from Product Research Tools
Maximize your tool investment:
- Learn features fully – leverage training if available
- Centralize findings rather than toggling between disjointed tools
- Automate monitoring rather than only one-off manual checks
- Download reports frequently for records and offline analysis
- Filter carefully rather than getting overwhelmed by excessive data
- Create workflows to seamlessly incorporate tool insights into launch planning
Consistent processes and dashboard alignment focuses tools on uncovering opportunity. Don’t let perpetual research delay action.
Key Takeaways for Amazon Product Research Tools
- Automate and speed up time-intensive product analysis
- Provide comprehensive market data unavailable manually
- Centralize findings rather than piecing together disparate sources
- Reveal profitable niches and opportunities otherwise hidden
- Help select differentiated products aligned to business strengths
- Replace assumptions with statistical validation of ideas
- Identify issues early through robust opportunity evaluation
Investing in the right tools jumpstarts profitable product launches and ongoing optimization.
Conclusion
Rigorous product research and opportunity analysis is imperative for Amazon success, but extremely difficult to conduct manually at scale. Robust tools automate data collection and consolidation, allowing sellers to efficiently sift through marketplace noise to uncover winning niches and promising products. This guide provides actionable frameworks for leveraging both paid and free tools strategically during each product selection stage – from identifying high potential categories to evaluating competitor standing to forecasting profitability. Empower yourself with the same data-driven insights used by leading Amazon brands. With the right information, we can minimize risk, maximize promise and expand growth on Amazon.
