How to Sell on Amazon FBA 2025

Step-by-step guide to start selling on Amazon

Amazon keeps growing. In 2025, over 60% of U.S. shoppers start their search on Amazon. Half say it’s the only store they’d keep if forced to pick one. And Amazon FBA still handles the hard parts: storage, packing, shipping, and customer service.

You just need a product, a seller account, and a plan. This guide shows you how. Step by step. No fluff.

Amazon FBA works. It takes effort.
Keep improving. Amazon changes fast.

Chapter 1: Amazon FBA Basics

Amazon FBA lets you store products in Amazon’s warehouses. When a customer orders, Amazon picks, packs, and ships—often with 2-day Prime. They also handle returns and customer service.

You handle product selection, branding, and marketing. Amazon handles logistics.

Business Models (2025)

ModelHow It WorksProsCons
Private LabelCreate your own brand on generic products. 71% of sellers use this.Full control, higher margins, scalable.Needs upfront investment.
WholesaleBuy bulk from established brands and resell.Lower risk, known demand.Lower margins, brand competition.
Reselling (Arbitrage)Buy discounted items (retail/online) and flip on Amazon.Fast start, no manufacturing.Time-intensive, inconsistent supply.
DropshippingList products; supplier ships direct.No inventory.Low control, shipping delays, policy risks.
HandmadeCraft and sell your own items.Unique, loyal customers.Hard to scale, time-heavy.

Focus: Private label. It builds equity and scales best in 2025.

How FBA Works (Step-by-Step)

  1. You: Ship inventory to Amazon (via supplier or self).
  2. Amazon: Stores in fulfillment centers (robots + staff).
  3. Customer Orders: Amazon processes payment.
  4. Amazon: Picks, packs, ships (Prime-eligible).
  5. Support: Handles tracking, questions, returns.
  6. You: Get paid (minus fees).

Key 2025 Note: FBA now prioritizes low-inventory level fees. Keep 60–90 days of stock to avoid surcharges.

That’s the foundation. Simple. But execution matters.

Chapter 2: Pick a Winning Product

Don’t guess. Use data.

Key Rules

  • Price: $25–$70 Margin stays healthy. New brands can sell at this level. Below $25, fees eat profit. Above $70, buyers hesitate.
  • Demand: 300+ sales/month Equals 10 sales/day. Steady cash flow. Less than 200/month? Too slow.
  • Competition: Top 10 listings average under 500 reviews 3–5 of them under 50 reviews. Room to enter. Over 1,000 avg? Too crowded.
  • Weight: Under 2 lbs (standard size) Keeps FBA fees low. Oversize = higher storage + shipping.
  • Season: Year-round demand Skip holiday-only items. Think kitchen tools, not Christmas lights.

Tools That Help

ToolWhat It DoesCost
Jungle ScoutFilters Amazon catalog. Shows sales, revenue, reviews.$49+/mo
Helium 10Tracks keywords, sales, competitors. The Cerebro tool is gold.$39+/mo
KeepaFree. Graphs price, rank, sales history.Free

Top Categories (2025)

  1. Home & Kitchen – 25% of FBA sellers
  2. Beauty & Personal Care – High repeat buys
  3. Sports & Outdoors – Growing 18%/year
  4. Pet Supplies – Loyal buyers
  5. Baby – Steady demand

Avoid gated categories

Grocery, Nike, Apple, Toys (holidays) — need Amazon approval. It takes weeks. Skip unless ready.

Next Step: Open Jungle Scout or Keepa. Search for your idea. Check the 5 rules above. Fits? Move to supplier. Doesn’t? Try another.

Chapter 3: Find a Supplier

Most sellers start on Alibaba. Others use Jungle Scout Supplier Database or 1688.com (China-only, cheaper).

What to Look For

  • Experience: 3+ years making your exact product. Check their Alibaba profile or import records.
  • Communication: Replies in 24–48 hours. Clear English.
  • Price: Middle range. Too low = poor quality.
  • MOQ: 300–1,000 units. Avoid 5,000+ for first order.
  • Certifications: CE, FDA, or RoHS if needed.

Steps

  1. Search 10 suppliers – Use keywords + “OEM” or “custom”. Filter by “Gold Supplier” (paid, not perfect, but better).
  2. Email all – Use this template:

Subject: Quote for [Product] – 500 units

Hi [Name],

I need 500 units of [product description].

– Material: [list]

– Size: [list]

– MOQ?

– Unit price at 500/1000 pcs?

– Sample cost + shipping?

– Lead time?

 

Thanks,

[Your Name]

  1. Pick top 3 – Compare quotes, MOQ, and response speed.
  2. Order samples – Pay $50–$150 each. Use air shipping (DHL/FedEx). It takes 5–10 days.
  3. Test samples – Check weight, smell, stitching, function. Take photos.
  4. Negotiate – Ask for 10–15% off first order. Pay 30% deposit, 70% before shipping.

Pro Tips

  • Air samples only – Sea takes 30–45 days.
  • Order 2–3 samples from the same factory. Quality must match.
  • Use PayPal or Alibaba Trade Assurance for samples.
  • Freight forwarder for bulk – Saves 20–30% vs supplier shipping.

Next: Build your listing.

Chapter 4: Build Your Listing

Your listing is your storefront. Customers judge in seconds. Make it clear, trustworthy, and ready to sell.

1. Buy a UPC Barcode

Why: Amazon requires a unique product code.

How: Go to GS1.org → Buy 1 UPC ($30).

Tip: Never reuse. One product = one UPC.

2. Research Keywords

Goal: Show up when people search.

Tools:

  • Keyword Scout (Jungle Scout)
  • Helium 10 (Cerebro)
  • Amazon Search Bar (free)

Find two types:

  • Main: “yoga mat” (high volume)
  • Long-tail: “thick yoga mat for bad knees” (high conversion)

Action: Save 50–100 keywords in a list. Include misspellings (e.g., “yoga matt”).

3. Write the Title

Rules:

  • Under 80 characters (mobile cutoff)
  • Start with brand + main keyword
  • No keyword stuffing
  • Use numbers, not words (6mm, not six)

Formula:

[Brand] [Product] – [Key Benefit], [Size/Color]

Example:

FitMat Pro Yoga Mat – 6mm Thick, Non-Slip, Black

(54 characters)

4. Write 5 Bullet Points

Focus: Benefits first. Then proof.

Structure:

  • Start with ✓ CAPS BENEFIT
  • Follow with feature + proof
  • Keep under 200 characters each

Strong Examples:

  • NO MORE KNEE PAIN – 6mm NBR foam cushions joints (used by 200+ yoga teachers)
  • ZERO SLIPPING – Anti-tear grip works on wood, tile, and sweat
  • EASY CLEAN – Wipe with damp cloth. No odor after 100+ uses
  • ECO & SAFE – Made from recyclable TPE. No PVC or latex
  • PORTABLE – Includes carry strap. Rolls to 10″ diameter

5. Write the Description

Purpose:

  • Reinforce bullets
  • Tell your brand story
  • Add keywords naturally

Tips:

  • First 2 lines show on mobile → repeat top benefits
  • Use A+ Content (if brand registered) for images, charts, comparisons
  • Keep under 2,000 characters

Example Start:

“Joint pain shouldn’t stop your flow. The FitMat Pro is 6mm thick to protect knees and wrists without sinking. Its non-slip surface grips any floor—even when you sweat. Made from eco-friendly TPE, it’s free of PVC and easy to clean.”

6. Fill Backend Search Terms

Hidden field. Amazon uses it for search. You don’t see it.

Rules:

  • 250 bytes max
  • Lowercase only
  • Space separated (no commas)
  • No repeats from title/bullets

Example (Yoga Mat):

thick yoga mat non slip 6mm exercise mat eco friendly fitness mat for home workout esterilla yoga tappetino yoga yogamatte mat bag included knee friendly

Pro Tip: Use Helium 10 Scribbles to fill every byte.

7. Add Photos & Video

Photos = 70% of buying decision

Requirements:

  • Main image: Pure white, product fills 85%, no text/props
  • 7–9 total images
  • 1000px+ on longest side (zoomable)
  • No Amazon logos or badges

Image Types to Include:

  1. Main (white background)
  2. Lifestyle (in use)
  3. Close-up (texture)
  4. Size scale (next to hand/phone)
  5. Infographic (features)
  6. Packaging
  7. Before/After (if relevant)

Video:

  • 30–60 seconds
  • Show setup, use, cleaning
  • Upload in Seller Central → Video tab
  • Add title + 5 tags
  • Boosts conversion 20–30%

Quick Checklist Before Publishing

Done?Task
UPC added
Title <80 chars
5 strong bullets
A+ Content (if eligible)
Backend terms filled
7+ high-res images
1 video uploaded

 

Result: A clean, mobile-friendly listing that ranks, converts, and builds trust.

Ready to launch.

Chapter 5: Launch and Sell

Get sales in the first week. Amazon rewards speed and performance.

1. Stay in Stock

  • Why: Out of stock kills rank. Amazon stops showing your listing.
  • How: Keep 60–90 days of inventory. Use FBA Inventory Dashboard to track.
  • 2025 Tip: Low-inventory fees hit at 30 days or less. Avoid them.

2. Get Reviews Fast

  • Request a Review
    • Click in Seller Central > Orders
    • Send 5–10 days after delivery
    • 1-click, no incentives allowed
  • Amazon Vine
    • For brand-registered sellers
    • Pay ~$100–$300 for 10–30 honest reviews
    • Best for new listings
  • Reply to Every Review
    • Thank positives
    • Fix negatives (refund/replace)
    • Shows Amazon you care

Goal: 15+ reviews in 30 days → 10–15% conversion boost

3. Run PPC (Pay-Per-Click)

  • Start: Sponsored Products (auto campaign)
  • Budget: $30–$50/day
  • Goal: ACoS < 30% (Ad Cost of Sales)

Week 1–2:

Let Amazon find keywords. Check Search Term Report.

Week 3+:

Move top 5–10 keywords to manual campaign.

Pause losers. Lower bids on high-ACoS terms.

Pro Tip:

Use Dynamic Bids – Down Only to protect profit.

4. Drive External Traffic

Amazon boosts rank when traffic comes from outside.

SourceHow
Instagram/TikTokPost unboxing + link in bio
Facebook GroupsShare in niche communities
Email ListSend to past buyers
PinterestPin lifestyle images

Track It:

Add UTM tags → yourlink.com?utm_source=instagram

See in Business Reports > Traffic Sources

Result: 500 external clicks in 30 days = page 1 potential

Launch Checklist

☑ 60-day stock in FBA

☑ 10 review requests sent

☑ Auto PPC running ($40/day)

☑ 3 social posts with UTM links

Do this. Watch BSR drop. Sales follow.

Chapter 6: Grow in 2025

Amazon never stands still. In 2025, small tweaks keep you ahead. Do these every week. Skip them, and you fall behind.

Weekly Tasks

TaskHowWhy
Check Search Query PerformanceSeller Central → Brands → Search Query PerformanceSee exactly what buyers typed before buying. Add top 10 new terms to the backend.
Test one thingManage Your Experiments → New title, main image, or priceAmazon shows both versions. The winner runs in 2 weeks. One test per listing.
Restock earlyKeep 60–90 days of inventoryLow-inventory fees kick in under 30 days. They eat 8–15% of profit.

 

2025 Updates You Need

FeatureWhat It DoesAction
Rufus AI SearchAmazon’s AI answers questions in natural languageWrite bullets and A+ like a friend: “Need a mat that doesn’t slip when you sweat? This one grips.”
Climate Pledge Friendly BadgeShows in search filters. Eco buyers click 20% moreUse recyclable materials. Apply in Seller Central. It takes 1 week.
Amazon PostsFree social feed inside AmazonPost 1 lifestyle photo weekly. Link to listing. Drives 5–10% extra traffic.
Shoppable Video in SearchVideos play in results. Buyers add to cart directUpload 30–60 sec clip. Show use + benefit. Title: “How to roll your mat in 5 sec.”

 

Scale Smart

MoveCostPayoff
Bundle$200–$500 to source add-on30% higher order value. Example: yoga mat + strap.
Amazon UK / CanadaSame inventory, new marketplace20–40% sales boost. Use FBA Export.
Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)$1–$3 extra per orderSell on Shopify. Amazon ships. Keep Prime speed.

Do one new thing this month. Next month, another.

Growth is just consistent small wins.

30-Day Starter Plan (2025)

WeekTasksWhy It MattersTools/Tips
11. Pick product (use filters: $25–$70, 300+ sales/mo, <500 avg reviews)

2. Order 2–3 samples from 3 suppliers

Lock in a winner before spending big. Samples show real quality.Jungle Scout/Helium 10 → filters. Alibaba → RFQ. Pay $50–$150 per sample.
21. Finalize supplier (best quality + price)

2. Buy UPC (GS1.org)

3. Build listing (title, bullets, photos, backend terms)

Supplier locked = no delays. UPC required to list. Listing done = ready to ship.GS1 = $30. Use Canva for infographics. Add 7 images + 45-sec video.
31. Ship to Amazon (use freight forwarder)

2. Launch PPC ($30/day, auto campaign)

Inventory in = live listing. Early PPC = first sales + rank boost.Freightos for quotes. Start auto → learn keywords.
41. Request reviews (5–10 days after delivery)

2. Share on social (IG/FB/TikTok, UTM links)

3. Check rank + Search Query Performance

Reviews build trust. External clicks = Amazon reward. Data shows what’s working.Seller Central → “Request a Review”. Bitly for tracking.

Startup Costs (2025 Real Numbers)

ItemCost RangeNotes
Samples$150–$3002–3 units from 3 suppliers. Air shipping.
First Order (500 units)$2,000–$4,000Includes product + sea freight + duties.
UPC Barcode$30One-time from GS1.org.
Professional Photos + Video$300–$6007 images + 45-sec demo. Use local or Fiverr pro.
PPC (First Month)$900$30/day. Expect 5–10% conversion.
Total$3,380–$5,830You can start with 300 units to cut costs.

Note: Amazon fees (15% referral + FBA) come after sales. No upfront.

Final Word

Amazon FBA works. But only if you show up weekly.

  • Check Seller Central every Monday
  • Fix one thing at a time
  • Never go out of stock

Most sellers quit in month 2.

The ones who track, tweak, and restock?

They hit $10K/month by month 6.

Start with one product.

Follow the plan.

You’ve got this.

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