Amazon is a big shop where millions of people already search for products. A small business can sell there, next to big brands, without building its own big website first. But Amazon takes fees, and it has rules — so start with one product, learn the costs, and grow slowly.
This guide shows the simple first steps, in plain words.
Pick One Product to Start
Do not list 20 products on day one. Pick one product you know well, that people already search for, and that is easy to pack and send.
Check three things before you pick it: is it light and hard to break? Can you buy or make it for a price that still leaves profit after Amazon's fees and delivery? And do people already buy something like it? If the answer is no to any of these, pick a different product first.
Set Up Your Seller Account
Go to Amazon's seller site and make a seller account. You will need your name, address, phone, bank details, and tax details. Amazon will check them, so use your real details.
Start with the basic seller plan, not the big monthly plan, unless you already sell a lot every month. The basic plan is cheaper to test with. Read the fee page carefully before your first sale, so no fee surprises you.
Write a Clear Listing
Your listing is your shop page on Amazon. Write a clear title: what it is, the size or colour, and who it is for. Example: "Handmade Soap for Dry Skin — 3 Bars, Lavender, 100g Each."
Add clear photos: the product alone, the product in use, the size next to a hand or a coin, and the packaging. Real photos work better than stock photos. Write the price, delivery time, and what is in the box, in plain words. For how to set that price, see our guide on how to price your products for a small business.
Work Out the True Cost Before You Price It
Before you set a price, add up everything: the product cost, packaging, delivery to Amazon or to the customer, Amazon's fees, and returns. If you forget one cost, you can sell a lot and still lose money.
Example: product $10, packaging $2, Amazon fees $5, delivery $3 — your true cost is $20. You must sell it for more than $20. See our guide on the hidden costs of running an online store to check each cost, one by one.
Get Your First Orders and Reviews
Your first orders often come from people you already know, or from a clear, honest listing that answers their questions. When a happy customer buys, ask them politely for a short review — in Amazon's own words, and only through Amazon's system.
Do not pay for reviews, and do not write fake reviews. Amazon can close your account for that. One real review from a real customer is worth more than ten fake ones. For how to find your first buyers in general, see our guide on how to get your first 100 customers for a small business.
Check Your Numbers Every Week
Once a week, check three numbers: how many people saw your listing, how many bought, and how much profit is left after all fees and costs. If many people look but few buy, your photos, price, or description may need fixing. Change one thing at a time, then wait a week and check again.
Amazon is one sales place, not your whole business. Keep your own website and one social page too, so you are not stuck if Amazon changes a rule.
FAQ: Selling on Amazon in 2026
Do I need a lot of money to start selling on Amazon?
No. Start with one product and a small amount of stock. Spend more only after the first sales pay for themselves.
Does Amazon take a fee on every sale?
Yes. Amazon takes a fee for selling, and sometimes a fee for delivery or storage. Check the full fee for your product before you set the price.
Can I sell on Amazon from my home?
Yes, for most
