Selling on Amazon via Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a lucrative business model, but success depends on choosing the right products. With millions of sellers competing for customer attention, selecting profitable, low-competition products is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll explore step-by-step strategies to find the best products to sell on Amazon FBA, including market research tools, product selection criteria, and key mistakes to avoid.
1. Understanding Amazon FBA
Before diving into product research, it’s essential to understand how Amazon FBA works:
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Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): You send inventory to Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle storage, packing, shipping, and customer service.
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Advantages: Prime eligibility, faster shipping, and access to Amazon’s vast customer base.
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Challenges: Fees (storage, fulfillment), competition, and strict Amazon policies.
To succeed, you need products that sell well, have healthy profit margins, and face manageable competition.
2. Key Criteria for Choosing the Best Amazon FBA Products
Not all products are equal. Here are the most important factors to consider:
A. Demand & Sales Volume
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Look for products with consistent demand (not seasonal).
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Check Best Sellers Rank (BSR) on Amazon—lower BSR means higher sales.
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Use tools like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, or Keepa to estimate monthly sales.
B. Competition Level
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Avoid oversaturated markets (e.g., phone cases, USB cables).
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Check the number of reviews on top listings—fewer reviews mean easier competition.
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Look for products where the top sellers have less than 300-500 reviews.
C. Profit Margins
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Aim for at least 25-30% profit margin after Amazon fees, ads, and costs.
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Calculate FBA fees using Amazon’s Revenue Calculator.
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Consider product size/weight (smaller, lightweight items have lower fees).
D. Product Price Range
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Ideal selling price: $20-$70 (affordable for impulse buyers, yet profitable).
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Avoid cheap products (<$10) due to low margins.
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High-ticket items (>$100) may have slower sales velocity.
E. Avoid Restricted & High-Risk Categories
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Some categories (e.g., groceries, health supplements) require approval.
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Avoid fragile, perishable, or heavily regulated products.
F. Room for Improvement
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Look for products with poor listings (bad images, weak descriptions).
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Identify gaps (e.g., missing features, bundling opportunities).
3. Step-by-Step Product Research Methods
Method 1: Manual Product Hunting on Amazon
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Browse Amazon Best Sellers
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Go to Amazon Best Sellers and explore subcategories.
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Look for products with steady demand but moderate competition.
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Check “Movers & Shakers”
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This section shows products with the biggest sales spikes.
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Indicates trending demand.
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Analyze Competitor Listings
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Look at top-selling products and their reviews.
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Identify common complaints (opportunities for improvement).
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Method 2: Using Product Research Tools
Automated tools speed up research and provide data-driven insights:
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Helium 10 (Black Box): Filters products by demand, competition, and profitability.
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Jungle Scout (Product Database): Finds low-competition, high-demand products.
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Keepa / CamelCamelCamel: Tracks price history and sales trends.
Method 3: Spy on Competitors
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Use Amazon PPC ads to see what competitors are promoting.
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Check Facebook/Google Ads for trending products.
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Visit competitor stores (e.g., via MyCompetitors tool).
Method 4: Sourcing from Wholesale & Alibaba
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Wholesale: Buy branded products in bulk (requires approval).
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Alibaba/Oberlo: Source private-label products from manufacturers.
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Negotiate MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) to reduce costs.
4. Validating Your Product Idea
Before investing, validate demand and profitability:
A. Check Google Trends
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Ensure the product isn’t just a fad.
B. Run a Test Order
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Order samples to check quality before bulk purchasing.
C. Calculate All Costs
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Include manufacturing, shipping, Amazon fees, and PPC ads.
D. Test with Amazon PPC
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Run a small ad campaign to gauge interest before full launch.
5. Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Amazon FBA Products
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Ignoring Amazon Fees – High FBA fees can kill profits.
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Choosing Oversaturated Niches – Too much competition = low sales.
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Selling Restricted Products – Avoid gated categories unless approved.
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Poor Quality Suppliers – Always vet manufacturers.
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No Differentiation – If your product is identical to others, you’ll compete on price.
6. Final Tips for Success
✅ Start Small – Test with a few units before scaling.
✅ Optimize Listings – High-quality images, keywords, and reviews matter.
✅ Use Amazon PPC Wisely – Drive initial sales with ads.
✅ Monitor Competitors – Stay updated on market trends.
✅ Reinvest Profits – Scale by adding more winning products.
Conclusion
Finding the best products to sell on Amazon FBA requires research, patience, and strategy. Focus on high-demand, low-competition products with good profit margins. Use tools like Jungle Scout and Helium 10, validate your product ideas, and avoid common pitfalls.
By following this guide, you’ll increase your chances of success in the competitive Amazon FBA marketplace. Start researching today and take the first step toward building a profitable eCommerce business!