Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) provides an incredible platform for entrepreneurs or small businesses to grow an ecommerce business. With FBA handling fulfillment and delivery, you’re free to focus on sales and marketing.
If you’re new to FBA, here is a step-by-step guide to getting started selling on Amazon’s marketplace.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Sign Up for an Amazon Seller Central Account
First, you need to create an Amazon seller account, which enables listing products:
- Go to Amazon Services website and click “Start Selling Online”
- Select between Professional (business) and Individual accounts
- Enter your account info and credit card for verification
- Agree to Amazon’s policies, terms and program agreements
It takes Amazon 1-2 days to review and activate your account fully after signing up.
Step 2: Find a Profitable Product Idea
Conduct thorough product research to find your first item to sell on FBA:
- Validate demand from tools like Jungle Scout, Helium 10, etc.
- Check Amazon categories with high sales potential
- Assess competition levels using keyword tracking
- Search trends data to identify rising opportunities
- Thoroughly evaluate potential suppliers and costs
Avoid super saturated niches and unproven products in your validation process.
Step 3: Secure an Inventory Source
Determine how you will source inventory for your chosen product:
- Find manufacturers within your niche
- Contact distributors importing those items already
- Order small test batches from dropshipping suppliers
- Purchase bulk inventory from Alibaba or domestic wholesalers
Ensure you have reliable access to supply before fully committing.
Step 4: List Your Product
Create your Amazon listing optimized to convert browsers into buyers:
- Write compelling title, descriptions, and bullet points
- Take high-quality product photos on a white background
- Select the right FBA product category and keywords
- Set a competitive price accounting for fees and costs
- Enable FBA fulfillment to qualify for Prime
Enhanced content like video can improve conversions.
Step 5: Prepare and Ship Inventory
Prep products to FBA’s requirements then ship batches:
- Apply FNSKU labels on each unit
- Bag or polybag items
- Create shipment orders in Seller Central
- Pack boxes securely and attach FBA labels
- Ship inventory to Amazon’s assigned warehouse
Amazon stores and fulfills FBA orders once your inventory arrives at the fulfillment center.
Step 6: Drive External Traffic to Listings
Don’t rely solely on Amazon for sales. Actively promote your listings:
- Run Amazon PPC and offsite ads
- Promote to your email list and social media followers
- Pursue partnerships with complementary brands
- Build website or blog content supporting your products
- Distribute marketing materials to raise awareness
This exposure boosts sales beyond just organic Amazon traffic.
With these steps, you can successfully launch your own ecommerce business on Amazon FBA. The key is starting small, reinvesting revenue, and scaling up cautiously.
FAQs About Getting Started on Amazon FBA
How much does it cost to start selling on FBA?
Plan for around $1000-$5000 to start when including inventory, tools, marketing, and other startup expenses.
What tools do I need?
Useful tools include Jungle Scout, Teikametrics, FeedbackWhiz, and Zapier. Start with the essentials.
How long does it take to become profitable?
Profitability timelines vary widely. Many sellers take 6-12 months to turn a profit while optimizing their business.
Should I start as a sole proprietor or registered company?
You can begin as a sole proprietor to test the business. Form an LLC once profitable for liability protection.
How much can I earn selling on FBA?
Many sellers earn part-time income of $1000-$5000 per month when starting out. Top performers generate millions per year.
Selling on Amazon FBA provides huge opportunities today. Use this guide to launch your own ecommerce brand correctly.
