Leaving behind a steady 9-to-5 isn’t easy, especially when you’ve built a solid career in the corporate world. But for those looking for more freedom and control, launching an Amazon wholesale business can open the door to new possibilities.
Gregg Rosenfield made that bold move, trading boardrooms and P&L reports for optimizing product listings and handling supplier calls. In this post, we’ll share how he made the shift, why wholesale was the right fit, and what lessons he learned along the way.
From P&L to Amazon Selling
Gregg Rosenfield spent years managing large teams and overseeing dozens of P&L statements every month. While his corporate role was impressive, he began questioning whether it was how he wanted to finish his career.
Out of curiosity, he started watching videos and doing research to understand how to start selling on Amazon. The numbers-based nature of the platform immediately appealed to his data-driven mindset.
Choosing the Right Amazon Business Model
Starting an Amazon business isn’t a straight line, it’s often a trial-and-error journey. Gregg learned this firsthand by testing multiple models to figure out what truly fit his goals and experience.
Each approach has its pros and cons, and understanding them can save you time, money, and frustration. Here’s a quick look at the paths Gregg explored before landing on wholesale:
- Retail Arbitrage
Buy discounted products from local stores and flip them on Amazon. It’s beginner-friendly but very manual and tough to scale. - Online Arbitrage
This is similar to retail arbitrage but sourcing is done online. It offers convenience but still demands constant deal hunting. - Private Label
Create and brand your own product, usually manufactured overseas. While potentially profitable, it comes with high upfront costs and more risk. - Wholesale
Purchase branded products in bulk from authorized distributors or brands. It’s more stable and aligned well with Gregg’s background in operations and P&L management.
Why the Amazon Wholesale Business Was the Right Fit
Gregg tested multiple models when starting his Amazon business, but wholesale stood out. It offered structure, scalability, and matched his experience in managing operations.
With guidance from our Amazon agency, he found that the Amazon wholesale business let him focus on growth through systems, not guesswork. It became the model that made the most sense for him long term.
Mistakes Made and Smart Solutions
Starting an Amazon wholesale business isn’t all smooth sailing, it involves failures and plenty of lessons along the way. Gregg learned that early mistakes are part of the process, as long as you adapt and solve them.
- Ordering from Unverified Suppliers
He once sourced from suppliers without proper invoices, which led to product delistings. Now, he only works with vetted distributors. - Over-relying on Software
Gregg made some poor buys by trusting tools over research. He learned to combine data with market awareness for better decisions. - Ignoring Brand Restrictions
At first, brand gating caught him off guard. Today, he confirms brand approval and documentation before moving forward.
Adapting to Change: A Must When You Start Selling on Amazon
To start selling on Amazon successfully, you need more than just a good product, you need the ability to adapt. Markets shift fast, and external events can impact your business overnight.
That’s exactly what happened during the pandemic, so Gregg had to quickly pivot his sourcing and inventory strategies as demand surged and supply chains broke down. Being flexible wasn’t optional, it was essential.
Fast forward to today, and that mindset still matters, with rising tariffs and global supply uncertainties, sellers must adjust how and where they source products. Those who stay adaptable are the ones who continue to grow on Amazon.
Turning Setbacks into Valuable Lessons for Success
Gregg’s journey shows that starting an Amazon wholesale business takes research, resilience, and the willingness to learn from every challenge. With the right model and mindset, it’s possible to build a sustainable business, even if you’re starting from scratch.
Ready to start your Amazon wholesale business? If you’re inspired by Gregg and want expert advice on how to start selling on Amazon, contact our full-service Amazon agency today!
