Crack the Code: Learn What to Sell on Amazon FBA

Steven Pope - Amazon Expert

Don’t know what to sell on Amazon FBA? We got you!

Cracking the Amazon FBA code starts with identifying the right products. With millions of sellers vying for attention, choosing profitable items is essential for success.

This comprehensive guide discusses high-demand product categories and provides insights into finding winning products on Amazon FBA.

Discover the secrets to tapping into lucrative markets and building a thriving online business.

What is Amazon FBA

FBA, or Fulfillment by Amazon, is a service that allows sellers to store their products in Amazon fulfillment centers.

When a customer purchases an item, Amazon handles the packing, shipping, and customer service. By utilizing FBA, sellers can streamline their operations and dedicate more time to crucial areas like product sourcing, marketing, and business growth. 

Additionally, FBA products are eligible for Prime shipping and this can potentially boost sales.

Want to know more about FBA? Click on this Amazon Seller FBA Tutorials Step-by-Step Guide.

What to sell on Amazon FBA - how FBA works

What are the Best Products to Sell on Amazon FBA

The key to an Amazon store’s success is in choosing the right products.

Understanding your target audience and their preferences is crucial. However, millions of products are available on Amazon so finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming.

To help you out, here is a list of categories and products that sell well on Amazon based on Jungle Scout‘s seller survey as well as the Amazon Best Sellers list.

Beauty & Personal Care

The Beauty & Personal Care category is a great choice for Amazon FBA sellers due to its high demand and diverse product range. This category offers the potential for significant profit margins and opportunities for subscription-based models.

In addition, the visual nature of beauty products allows for strong product imagery, and Amazon’s focus on this category provides benefits like Amazon Premium Beauty and Vine Voices.

Examples

  • Skincare: Serums (vitamin C, hyaluronic acid), moisturizers, face masks, eye creams, cleansers.
  • Haircare: Shampoos, conditioners, hair styling products, hair growth treatments, hair accessories.
  • Makeup: Foundation, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, mascara, blush.
  • Fragrances: Perfumes, colognes, body mists, essential oils.
  • Personal Care: Bath bombs, body scrubs, oral care products, men’s grooming kits.

These are just examples, and the best-selling products can vary based on trends, target audience, and competition.

Home & Kitchen

You can never go wrong with selling items from this category.

Home & Kitchen products are consistently popular since they are essential household items. With a wide range of products available, there’s ample opening to find profitable niches.

Plus, Home & Kitchen items often complement each other, allowing for increased average order values through product bundling.

Examples

  • Kitchen: Cookware sets, kitchen knives, small kitchen appliances (blenders, toasters), bakeware, food storage containers.
  • Dining: Dinnerware sets, glassware, cutlery, table linens, kitchen textiles.
  • Home Decor: Artificial plants, wall art, rugs, candles, decorative accents.

Note: Successful product selection involves thorough market research and identifying unique selling points, so read this detailed guide on How to Do Amazon Product Research And Uncover Profitable Opportunities before selecting a Home & Kitchen item to sell on Amazon.

Automotive Parts & Accessories

Automotive Parts & Accessories products are consistently needed due to regular vehicle maintenance and upgrades.

With a wide range of items available, from engine parts to car electronics, sellers can easily find profitable items in this category. Many of these products also complement each other, creating opportunities for more sales.

Moreover, this category benefits from seasonal demand fluctuations. For example, winter tires, snow brushes, and battery boosters are sold more during colder months, while car care products like waxes and cleaners often peak during warmer seasons.

By understanding these trends, sellers can strategically stock and market their products accordingly.

Examples

  • Engine parts: Oil filters, spark plugs, air filters.
  • Brake components: Brake pads, rotors, calipers.
  • Lighting: Headlights, taillights, bulbs.
  • Suspension parts: Shocks, struts, springs.
  • Electrical components: Batteries, alternators, starters.

Certain automotive parts and accessories may require brand approval or compliance with specific regulations, such as emissions standards. Therefore, try to familiarize yourself with Amazon’s guidelines for this category.

Toys & Games

The Toys & Games category is a rewarding market for Amazon FBA sellers. With children, families, and kids at heart constantly on the hunt for fun and engaging products, there’s a steady demand for toys and games of all kinds.

From classic board games to innovative educational toys, the possibilities are endless. While it’s true that competition is fierce in this category, the rewards can equally be impressive, especially during peak seasons like holidays.

Examples

  • Action Figures and Dolls: Collectible figures, fashion dolls, superhero action figures.
  • Games: Board games, card games, video games, puzzles.
  • Outdoor Toys: Bikes, scooters, playhouses, water toys.
  • Educational Toys: Learning toys, puzzles, building blocks.
  • Stuffed Animals: Plush toys, interactive stuffed animals.

When it comes to Toys & Games, safety is a must since children are the primary consumers of these products.

So be mindful of age-appropriate labeling and indicate the recommended age range on product listings to help parents make informed choices. Consider using age-specific keywords in product titles and descriptions to improve search visibility as well.

Take note that Amazon enforces strict safety regulations for this category. As such, some toys may require certifications, like the ASTM F963 standard for toy safety.

To ensure a smooth selling experience, educate yourself with Amazon’s guidelines for Toys & Games. Non-compliance can lead to product removal or account suspension, potentially impacting profitability and account standing.

what to sell on amazon fba - seasonality

Sports & Outdoors

The Sports & Outdoors category thrives due to its consistent customer base. People participate in various sports and outdoor activities all year round, leading to a steady demand for related equipment and apparel.

The category’s vast product range caters to diverse interests, from fitness enthusiasts to campers and hikers. Another thing, seasonal trends, such as increased demand for winter sports gear in colder months and water sports equipment in warmer weather, present opportunities for targeted promotions and higher sales.

Examples

  • Fitness: Exercise equipment (dumbbells, yoga mats, resistance bands), fitness apparel, sports nutrition supplements.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves), hiking equipment (backpacks, hiking boots), fishing gear (rods, reels, lures).
  • Team Sports: Sports balls, athletic apparel, protective gear.
  • Water Sports: Swimming gear, paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment.
  • Winter Sports: Skis, snowboards, winter clothing, snowshoes.

One thing to consider for this product category is that prioritizing product quality and durability is essential to succeed. Customers often invest in sports and outdoor gear for performance and longevity, so offering reliable products is crucial.

Arts, Crafts, & Sewing

The Arts, Crafts, & Sewing category on Amazon FBA caters to a broad customer base with a steady need for creative supplies. The diverse product range allows sellers to target hobbyists, professionals, and enthusiasts with specific interests.

From painting and drawing to sewing and crafting, the category offers a wide range of opportunities. Furthermore, niche markets like personalized crafts, handmade home decor, or specific art styles can be particularly profitable.

Seasonal trends, such as increased demand for holiday decorations or back-to-school supplies, also present potential sales boosts.

Examples

  • Painting & Drawing: Acrylic paints, oil paints, brushes, canvases, easels
  • Sewing & Knitting: Sewing machines, fabrics, thread, knitting needles, crochet hooks
  • Crafting: Beads, jewelry-making supplies, scrapbooking materials, paper crafting tools
  • Hobby Supplies: Model kits, clay, pottery wheels, wood carving tools
  • Party Supplies: Decorations, party favors, balloons, tablecloths

The negative thing about this is that products in this category are often very specific and only appeal to certain people. So, if you want to sell these products, it’s really important to understand what customers want.

Watch my video to learn how to figure this out.

Baby

The Baby category is a goldmine for Amazon FBA sellers due to its consistent demand. Parents are constantly in need of new and basic products for their growing infants, creating a loyal customer base with a high lifetime value.

The sheer variety of baby products, from feeding supplies to nursery furniture, allows sellers to target specific needs and preferences, such as organic baby products, eco-friendly baby gear, or specialized items for twins.

Product bundling, like baby gift sets or diaper and wipe bundles, can also create bigger sales.

Examples

  • Baby Care: Diapers, wipes, baby lotion, baby shampoo, baby powder
  • Feeding: Baby bottles, breast pumps, formula, pacifiers, baby food
  • Nursery: Cribs, bedding, changing tables, baby monitors, humidifiers
  • Toys: Baby toys, rattles, teething toys, activity gyms
  • Apparel: Baby clothes, baby shoes, blankets, swaddles

But take into account that this category has strict safety regulations and compliance requirements. Sellers must prioritize product safety and obtain the necessary certifications before selling products from this category.

Also, positive customer reviews are crucial for building trust and credibility in the Baby category. Therefore, one negative product review can impact your sales.

Good thing that there are ways to combat a negative review on your Amazon listing. Check my video to see how I fixed negative 1-star reviews on a product listing.

Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

The Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry category is a highly competitive market on Amazon FBA. With a vast customer base and ever-changing trends, it offers significant opportunities for sellers.

However, success often hinges on strong branding, unique product offerings, and effective marketing strategies. Identifying niche markets, such as plus-size clothing, sustainable fashion, or athletic apparel, can provide a competitive advantage.

High-quality product photography and detailed descriptions are necessary for driving conversions in this category.

Examples

  • Clothing: T-shirts, dresses, jeans, sweaters, jackets
  • Shoes: Sneakers, boots, sandals, heels, athletic shoes
  • Jewelry: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, watches
  • Accessories: Hats, scarves, sunglasses, belts, handbags

Note that, the Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry category often has strict sizing, quality, and labeling requirements. Sellers must comply with relevant regulations and standards to avoid issues.

Appliances

The Appliances category offers a mix of opportunities and challenges for Amazon FBA sellers. While demand for major appliances can be cyclical, there’s consistent demand for smaller kitchen appliances and replacement parts.

The category presents opportunities for specialized niches, such as small kitchen appliances with unique features or energy-efficient models. Product bundling, like appliance care packages or kitchen appliance sets, can also grow your sales.

Examples

  • Major Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, dishwashers
  • Small Kitchen Appliances: Blenders, toasters, coffee makers, microwaves, food processors
  • Floor Care Appliances: Vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers
  • Personal Care Appliances: Hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers
  • Kitchen Appliances: Cooktops, range hoods, built-in ovens

The Appliances category often involves large, bulky products with higher shipping costs. Sellers need to consider logistics and fulfillment strategies.

Note: Product warranties and exceptional customer service are crucial for this category when handling potential issues.

Electronics

While the Electronics category offers significant potential for high-profit products, it also requires careful product selection, strong branding, and excellent customer service. Success in this category depends on identifying a product niche such as smart home devices, gaming accessories, or drone technology.

Examples

  • Computers & Accessories: Laptops, desktops, monitors, keyboards, mice
  • TV & Home Theater: Televisions, soundbars, streaming devices, audio equipment
  • Camera & Photo: Digital cameras, lenses, drones, action cameras, camera accessories
  • Cell Phones & Accessories: Smartphones, phone cases, chargers, headphones, smartwatches
  • Video Games: Consoles, games, gaming accessories

A deep understanding of electronics is required for sellers in this category to provide accurate product information to consumers, and exceptional customer support is the way to build trust and loyalty with these customers. Now, if you need customer service training, try our Amazon agency’s course.

What Products Can Not Be Sold on Amazon

Knowing what can and cannot be sold on Amazon is key for sellers to avoid account suspension, financial penalties, or legal issues. Here is a quick guide to know if your chosen product can be sold on the Amazon marketplace.

Restricted Products 

Restricted products can be sold on Amazon with specific approvals or conditions. However, these products often require additional documentation, such as licenses or certifications.

  • Alcohol
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Medical Devices
  • Electronics
  • Automotive Parts
  • Food and Beverages
  • Jewelry and Precious Gems
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care
  • Collectibles and Fine Art

Prohibited Products

Prohibited items are strictly forbidden on Amazon. Selling these products can lead to severe consequences, including account suspension and legal action.

Illegal and Dangerous

  • Firearm, ammunition, and weapons
  • Drugs, drug paraphernalia, and controlled substances
  • Explosives and hazardous materials
  • Counterfeit products

Offensive and Controversial

  • Products promoting hate, violence, or discrimination
  • Adult content
  • Human parts or remains

Consequences of Selling Prohibited and Restricted Products

Account Suspension

Amazon may immediately suspend your seller account.

Financial Penalties

You may face fines or other financial penalties.

Inventory Seizure

Amazon can seize and dispose of your inventory.

Legal Action

In severe cases, you could face legal repercussions.

How to Check if You Can Sell a Product on Amazon

Before listing a product on Amazon, verify its eligibility. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Identify the Product Category: Accurately classify your product into Amazon’s category structure.
  2. Check for Restrictions: Utilize these resources to determine if your product is restricted or prohibited:
    • Amazon Seller Central: Access detailed information about product categories and restrictions.
    • Seller App: Check for product eligibility using the mobile app.
    • Manual Search: Conduct thorough research on Amazon’s website.
  3. Consider Brand Restrictions: Verify if you’re an authorized seller for the brand you intend to sell.
  4. Evaluate Product Compliance: Ensure your product meets all safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
  5. Understand Intellectual Property: Avoid selling counterfeit or infringing products.

Tip: Learn About Amazon FBA Product Eligibility and stay informed of Amazon seller policies to minimize the risk of account suspension or legal issues.

Best Practices for Selling on Amazon

Unleash the Potential: Your Guide to Amazon FBA Product Selection

Selecting the right products is the cornerstone of a successful Amazon FBA venture. By carefully analyzing market trends, understanding consumer preferences, and taking advantage of available tools, you can identify profitable opportunities.

Remember, consistent product research, adaptability, and a customer-centric approach are key to thriving in the competitive Amazon marketplace.

Start product hunting together with our Amazon agency to unleash the potential of Amazon FBA!

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Steven Pope, Founder

Hi I’m Steven, founder of My Amazon Guy, a 500+ person Amazon Seller Central agency out of Atlanta, GA. We growth hack ecommerce and marketplaces through PPC, SEO, design, and catalog management.

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