Getting started on Amazon has been an interesting process, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you. While the full story of how I got here will come in a future post, I want to focus on what it took to get my account activated and make my first sale. I’ll outline the steps, address common challenges, and offer practical tips to help you avoid common roadblocks.
As someone who values reliable software, I’ve found that one particular tool was instrumental in getting me started on Amazon. There are a few other tools and resources that play a key role, and I’ll cover those as well to help you get set up for success.
Getting Started on Amazon
Many sellers, regardless of the products they offer, often test the waters on eBay before tackling the challenges of selling on Amazon. I’ve been selling on eBay for several years starting with sports cards, but I always kept an eye out for opportunities to expand to Amazon. Eventually, I decided to explore options like retail arbitrage to break into the platform. After watching countless videos of people making it look effortless (haha), I felt ready to take the leap.
It didn’t take long to see how different Amazon is from eBay. In fact, I almost gave up halfway through the application process. Having been an Amazon affiliate for over 15 years, I already had some insight into how massive the marketplace was. Even though my affiliate sales were modest, that knowledge kept me motivated to push forward.
After gathering the necessary documentation, I signed up for a professional seller account. The account costs around $40 a month and allows you to create a high volume of listings. While there is still a limit, it provides much more flexibility than a basic account. For the products I plan to sell, something I’ll go into more detail about soon, having the ability to create numerous listings was essential. This step set the foundation for what has become an exciting new phase in my business.
Talking About the Products & Sourcing
So, what did I decide to sell? Being an everything seller I figured it was important to find something that there is an abundance of. Clothing was the first thing I thought about, but Amazon has rules against selling used clothes. I then noticed, that no matter where I went on my sourcing runs I would find books. Books led me to find out that they not only still sell heavily online other media do as well. Everything from DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, and Cassettes. Whether they are in new or used condition, if there is demand, I will pick it up for very cheap.
The margins on these types of media products can be huge. Sure, 80% of the books and media I pick up is pretty much worthless to send to Amazon. This is what makes sourcing a little more difficult. You sometimes have to look at a ton of stuff to make a shipment worth sending in. This part of the process can take some time as well. I’ve been fortunate to nail down some good sources from auctions, estate sales, garage sales, thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, and Craigslist, I will continue to find more and more. The key to sourcing is to continue to try material. Don’t stop so you have enough products in the pipeline. The biggest thing about selling media on Amazon is volume.
Application Process & Restrictions
When I started the application process, it took me a couple of weeks to get accepted into Amazon Seller Central. I planned to handle everything through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). With this method, I would send in all my inventory, and Amazon would handle the storage, shipping, and customer service. While that sounded great, what really stood out to me was the fees. You can expect Amazon to take 50-60% of every sale, and for larger or heavier items, the profits can shrink even further. Selling on Amazon is all about managing margins carefully.
Another significant challenge of selling on Amazon is the restrictions on what you’re allowed to sell. Many major brands, publishers, movie studios, and record labels place limits on their products, whether they are new or used. This wasn’t as much of an issue on eBay, where the rules are less restrictive. On Amazon, however, you have to apply for approval to sell certain brands, a process known as getting ungated.
Over a couple of months, I worked to get ungated in several categories and brands. While I’m still working on gaining approval for some of the bigger names, I’ve been able to get access to enough products to make selling on Amazon worthwhile. It’s a continuous process, but the opportunities it creates are worth the effort.
Joining a Group
Going at this alone is not the easiest approach. Having someone or a group to guide you through the hurdles can make a huge difference. It helps you avoid costly mistakes and speeds up the process of getting your account up and running. One thing I’ve learned is that making money on Amazon FBA is far from an overnight success story. It takes time, effort, and patience. For me, nearly three months in, I’ve made plenty of sales, but I’m still months away from seeing everything fall into place.
Joining a group with access to weekly calls has been a game-changer. It’s allowed me to ask the questions that most people face and get real, actionable answers. With a company as massive as Amazon, you can imagine how limited their direct support can be. While I’ve had the chance to speak with a helpful Amazon representative, I still come up with at least 10 to 20 questions each day. Contact me if you wish to join the group that I’m part of.
Through this group, I’ve connected with some great people who share similar goals in the reseller and Amazon media space. Having those kinds of connections and support in your corner makes a significant difference. It’s not just about technical advice, it’s about building a network of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and share in the wins.
Leave Out the Bad Noise
During my research on selling with Amazon FBA, and even now, I’ve come across plenty of people pushing misleading information or trying to sell questionable advice. You’ll hear claims about how everything is doomed or why you shouldn’t even bother. It’s important to tune out all that noise and stay focused on your goals. Over the years, I’ve had my share of frustrations with big companies like Google and Apple, and adding Amazon into the mix hasn’t been without its challenges. There are always people ready to steer you off course, but you can’t let that deter you.
I try to avoid going on negative rants, though I may end up making a video about Google at some point. For instance, I’ve even stopped using Google Search entirely. That said, it’s crucial not to let a handful of negative voices or videos sway your decisions. You’ll encounter them often, but staying focused and keeping a positive mindset is what truly matters.
I’ve heard the phrase “just keep swimming” many times, and it resonates with what this process requires. I’ve already overcome plenty of hurdles, and I’m prepared for more to come. Luck plays a small role, but hard work and persistence are what truly help you rise above the noise and keep moving forward. Stay the course, and the results will follow.
Software and Packages I Use
The process of setting up and overcoming the hurdles of selling on Amazon can be tedious. However, there are some excellent tools developed by software creators that make the job much easier. I wanted to share two software products that have been essential for saving time and managing the various pieces of media I find and sell.
Scoutly
Scoutly is an app I’ve installed on my phone that makes scanning items a breeze. While their website and some of their older features feel outdated, the app itself is updated regularly and provides the information I need to make smarter purchasing decisions. I pair it with a Bluetooth scanner called the Eyoyo 1D Wireless Ring Barcode Scanner. This scanner fits on your finger like a ring, leaving your hands free while you sort through items. You simply scan the barcode, and the details appear on your screen, allowing you to quickly determine whether to pick up the item or leave it behind. This tool has been a game-changer and one of the main reasons I got excited about selling media on Amazon. I’ll share more details about using it in a future post or video.
Go2Lister
I’m still fairly new to Go2Lister, but it’s already saving me a ton of time. With ongoing changes to Amazon’s API, there have been a few hiccups, but overall, this tool has streamlined my workflow. Go2Lister is a web-based platform that lets me list, price, and input details for my items far more efficiently than using Amazon’s Seller app. In just the past month, it has saved me hours, especially as I’ve started processing larger shipments. If you’re planning to scale up and send in significant quantities of inventory, I highly recommend adding Go2Lister to your toolkit. You can use my link to get a good deal on it.
These tools have made a real difference in my ability to manage and grow my Amazon FBA business, and I’m excited to see how they continue to improve my process. Once I get even more use out of them I’ll put together a more formal review like I do all the time.
2025 and Beyond Goals
Now that I’ve shared the steps that brought me to this point, it’s time to hold myself accountable and focus on what comes next. There are a few things I need to factor in, but overall, it’s clear I need to step up my efforts. Not only do I need to send in significantly more inventory, but I also want to refine my processes to make it easier for people to bring opportunities to me, rather than me having to dig for media as much. The reality is, that the inventory is out there—you just have to take action and make it happen.
My plan moving forward is to establish stronger connections with sources like estate sales, auctions, libraries, and other outlets. By lining up better leads, I can streamline my efforts and create a more consistent flow of inventory. The key is to keep moving—sourcing, listing, and shipping regularly. If I can get all these elements working together, I believe I can scale my operation to the next level.
For now, my focus is on finding more inventory and keeping the momentum going. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but I’m determined to keep pushing forward. More updates will follow as I continue to grow and adapt. Time to get back out there and uncover the next batch of media!