Introduction

Amazon, the world’s largest online marketplace, is an excellent platform for those seeking a profitable side hustle. Whether it’s selling household items, leveraging print-on-demand services, or flipping store-bought goods, there’s a wealth of opportunities on Amazon. But where to begin, particularly if you’re a newcomer? This guide will walk you through the different avenues of selling on Amazon and highlight nine ideal product categories for beginners to help kickstart your venture.

Dabbling in Print-On-Demand

Print-on-demand services are an excellent way to sell custom designs without investing in inventory. Services like Merch by Amazon allow you to upload your designs onto various products like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. When a customer makes a purchase, Amazon prints your design on the product, ships it, and you earn a royalty.

Best way to start: Create an account on Merch by Amazon and start experimenting with simple designs using free graphic design tools like Canva. Keep your target audience in mind when crafting your designs.

Best Practices for Print on Demand

1. Choosing the Right Platform: Each print-on-demand service has its unique benefits. Printify, for example, offers a large selection of products, while Printful excels with its worldwide shipping. Gelato boasts an extensive global network, and Shopify integrates seamlessly with these services. Analyze the needs of your business and choose accordingly.
2. Quality Designs: Ensure your designs are high resolution to avoid any print issues. Remember that what looks good on a screen might not look as good on a product. Test your designs by ordering samples before you sell them to customers.
3. Design Originality: Ensure that your designs are original and do not infringe on copyright laws. If you’re hiring designers, make sure you have the rights to sell the designs commercially.
4. Product Selection: Choose products that align with your target audience. Different providers will offer a variety of products from clothing to home goods. It’s always a good idea to order a sample to check the product’s quality.
5. Brand Consistency: Make sure the products you choose align with your brand. This includes considering the quality, style, and color options of the products you sell.
6. Pricing Strategy: Consider your target audience and market when setting your prices. Remember to account for all costs, including shipping and taxes, to ensure profitability.
7. Marketing and SEO: Optimize your product listings with relevant keywords to increase their visibility. High-quality product photos and detailed descriptions are key to attracting customers.
8. Customer Service: This is crucial for building a successful online business. Be responsive to customer inquiries and handle any issues promptly and professionally.
9. Shipping and Delivery: Each provider has different shipping times and costs. Ensure that you’re transparent with your customers about shipping costs and delivery times to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

By adhering to these best practices, you can navigate the world of print-on-demand successfully and build a profitable business.

Selling Household Items

If you have unused items lying around your house, why not turn them into cash? This is an easy and low-risk way to start your Amazon selling journey.

Best way to start: Look around your house for unused items in good condition. Set up an individual seller account on Amazon, list your items, and start selling. Be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your items and write detailed descriptions.

Here’s a list of household items that you could consider selling online through platforms like eBay, Amazon, or Nextdoor:

1. Books: If they’re in good condition, particularly popular titles or niche genres, they can sell well online.
2. Video Games and Consoles: Older games and consoles often have a collector’s market. Make sure they’re in working condition.
3. Clothing: Designer or vintage pieces tend to sell best, but even good-quality everyday items can bring in some cash.
4. Jewelry: Fine and costume jewelry both have a market online.
5. Furniture: Particularly if it’s vintage or unique, it can fetch a good price. Websites like Nextdoor are great for local sales to avoid shipping costs.
6. Electronics: Old phones, tablets, or laptops can be sold for parts, if not for use.
7. Kitchen Gadgets: Especially if they’re in good working condition.
8. Collectibles: From stamps to action figures, there’s a market for almost every type of collectible online.
9. CDs and Vinyl: Music lovers and collectors often browse online for new additions to their collections.
10. Sporting Goods: Items like bicycles, fitness equipment, and sports gear can sell well, particularly in the lead-up to summer.
11. Home Decor: Unique or antique items can do well, as can quality pieces like rugs or lamps.
12. Power Tools: If they’re still in good working order, these can bring in a significant amount.
13. Baby and Kids’ Items: High-quality toys, lightly used clothes, or equipment like strollers and high chairs can sell well.
14. Craft Supplies: From yarn to stamps, your unused craft supplies might be just what another DIY enthusiast is looking for.
15. Gardening Tools: Outdoor tools and gardening equipment, especially in good condition, can sell well, especially during the spring and summer months.

Remember, if you’re selling used items, be honest about their condition, provide good photos, and price items appropriately to increase your chances of making a sale.

Flipping Store-Bought Goods

This approach, known as retail arbitrage, involves buying items from local retail stores at a discount and selling them at a profit on Amazon.

Best way to start: Look for clearance items in local stores or discounted goods online. Use an app like Scoutify to analyze potential profitability before you buy. Create a professional seller account on Amazon, which will allow you to sell more than 40 items per month and access additional selling tools.

Amazon Selling Avenues

1. Print-On-Demand Services: An excellent way for creative individuals to sell custom designs without the need for inventory. Amazon prints your design on a product and ships it to the customer, and you earn a royalty.Best way to start: Sign up on Merch by Amazon, create your designs with free graphic design tools like Canva, and upload your designs.
2. Household Items: Selling unused items lying around your house is a simple, low-risk way to start your Amazon selling journey.Best way to start: List your items under an individual seller account on Amazon. Make sure to take clear photos and write detailed descriptions.
3. Flipping Store-Bought Goods: Also known as retail arbitrage, this involves buying items at a discount from local stores or online and selling them at a profit on Amazon.Best way to start: Use an app like Scoutify to analyze potential profitability. You will need a professional seller account on Amazon to access additional selling tools and sell more than 40 items per month.

Nine Best Items for Beginners

1. Books: Used or new books are one of the easiest items to start selling, with a vast potential customer base.
2. Video Games: Ensure the games are in working condition before listing.
3. Clothing and Accessories: New or gently used items can be profitable. You can even consider print-on-demand for custom t-shirt designs.
4. Home Decor Items: Unique or trendy pieces are always in demand.
5. Toys and Games: New and used toys, especially collectibles, can fetch a good price.
6. Craft Supplies: With the surge in DIY projects, selling craft supplies can be profitable.
7. Sports and Outdoor Equipment: Ensure the items are in good condition before listing.
8. Kitchen Gadgets: Unique or time-saving kitchen gadgets can be big sellers.
9. Personal Care Products: Ensure they’re unused and properly packaged.

Conclusion

Starting an Amazon side hustle may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and product selection, it’s absolutely attainable. By exploring the avenues available and focusing on beginner-friendly items, you’ll be on the path to carving your niche in the Amazon marketplace. Remember, continuous learning and customer service excellence are key to your success in this exciting venture.