Introduction
Starting an Amazon business is one of the most popular ways to earn money online in 2026. With millions of buyers worldwide, Amazon provides a ready-made platform to sell products without needing your own website.
Whether you want a full-time income or a side hustle, learning how to start an Amazon business can help you tap into a global market with minimal upfront investment.
Step 1: Choose Your Amazon Business Model
Before starting, decide which Amazon business model suits you. Common options include Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon), where Amazon handles storage, shipping, and customer service. Another option is FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant), where you manage storage and shipping yourself. Some sellers also use retail arbitrage, buying products at a lower price locally and selling them on Amazon for profit.
Choosing the right model depends on your budget, resources, and long-term goals. FBA is ideal for scaling quickly, while FBM or retail arbitrage can be a good starting point with limited funds.
Step 2: Product Research
Finding the right product is key to success on Amazon. Look for products with high demand and low competition. Tools like Jungle Scout, Helium 10, or AMZScout can help analyze product trends, pricing, and sales volume.
Consider selling products that are small, lightweight, and easy to ship. Avoid overly saturated markets unless you can differentiate your product with better quality, branding, or pricing.
Step 3: Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account
To start selling, create an Amazon Seller Account. You can choose between an Individual account, which has no monthly fee but charges per sale, or a Professional account, which costs a fixed monthly fee but offers more tools and features.
During registration, you’ll need personal details, bank account information, and tax information. Make sure your account is fully verified before listing your products.
Step 4: Source Your Products
Once you have a product idea, decide where to source it. Popular options include Alibaba, local wholesalers, or private-label manufacturers. Ordering samples before placing bulk orders ensures product quality.
Consider costs like manufacturing, shipping, customs, and Amazon fees when calculating your profit margins. Proper planning here can prevent unexpected losses later.
Step 5: Create Your Product Listing
A high-quality Amazon listing is critical to attract buyers. Include clear product images, an informative title, bullet points (or descriptive paragraphs) highlighting features, and a detailed product description.
Using SEO keywords in your title, bullet points, and description can improve visibility on Amazon search results. Don’t forget to set competitive pricing and consider promotions to boost early sales.
Step 6: Launch and Promote Your Product
After listing your product, it’s time to launch and promote. Amazon advertising tools like Sponsored Products can increase visibility. Encourage reviews from early buyers, as reviews significantly impact rankings and trust.
Social media promotion, influencer marketing, and email campaigns can also drive traffic to your Amazon listing, increasing the chance of higher sales.
Step 7: Monitor and Optimize
Selling on Amazon is not a one-time task. Track sales, customer feedback, and inventory levels regularly. Adjust your pricing, product listing, and marketing strategies based on performance data.
Optimizing your listings, running seasonal promotions, and introducing new products can help grow your Amazon business over time.
Conclusion
Starting an Amazon business in 2026 is easier than ever with the right strategy. By choosing the right business model, researching products, creating optimized listings, and promoting effectively, you can build a profitable online store.
Whether you aim for a full-time income or a side hustle, consistent effort, smart decisions, and customer focus are the keys to long-term success on Amazon.
