Are you fed up with the never-ending cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and dreaming of a life with financial freedom? Look no further and get into the exciting and rewarding world of Amazon FBA side hustles.
Millions of sellers are already leveraging Amazon FBA to create profitable businesses, and countless success stories prove it’s a viable path to follow.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of starting your Amazon FBA side hustle, the time investment required, shining examples of successful sellers, and handy tools that’ll save you time and money.
Let’s jump in!
The Growing Phenomenon of Amazon FBA Side Hustles
The number of sellers embracing Amazon FBA as a side hustle is growing exponentially.
In fact, the latest stats report there are almost 2 million small and midsize businesses selling on Amazon, with 89% of Amazon sellers making a profit on the platform.
Image Credit: Fit Small Business
Although not all of these sellers are treating their businesses as side hustles, a significant portion aims to supplement their income and attain financial freedom.
Estimating the Time Investment for an Amazon FBA Side Hustle
The time required to build and manage an Amazon FBA side hustle varies, depending on factors such as product selection, competition, and your level of commitment.
Initially, be prepared to invest a considerable amount of time researching products, setting up your store, and familiarizing yourself with the platform.
Once your store is operational, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hours to several hours per week managing your business.
Real-Life Success Stories of Amazon FBA Sellers
Numerous sellers have struck gold with their Amazon FBA side hustles, earning a full-time income or even more.
Take Evan S Weber, founder of Nakee.co, an extremely funky nut butter brand. Evan’s been selling on Amazon for 4 years and is generating over $200k in annual revenues from the platform.
As an entrepreneur with his own ecommerce website running alongside his Amazon store, Evan recommends using FBA to manage your operations on Amazon rather than having to ship yourself.
When we asked Evan what advice he’d give to someone considering starting their own Amazon FBA side hustle, here’s what he said;
“The difference between an entrepreneur and a wantrepreneur: A wantrepreneur talks about building a plane, and obsesses about every detail that doesn’t really matter. An entrepreneur jumps first then figures out how to build the plane on the way down before eating shit.”
Another inspiring story is that of Jeff Moriarty who started selling his custom jewelry on Amazon in Sept 2022. In a little under 8 months Jeff has generated $78,000 on the platform.
When we asked Jeff what he felt had helped elevate his success on Amazon he said;
“Hiring outside help. We hired a 3rd party company that had more expertise in Amazon than us in terms of the “custom” setup. This was vital for our success and being a small business, we didn’t have the time to learn. We also used Jungle Scout to help us with optimizing our listings and keywords.”
His advice for new Amazon FBA side hustlers;
“Find something unique that no one else is doing on Amazon. We were able to find a unique area in our industry that no one was exploiting on Amazon. It has paid off for us quickly. Took us years to figure it out, but we finally did and plan on Amazon being a big part of our business in the future.”
Last but not least is our own success story. When my husband & I started our Amazon business back in late 2015, we had no idea we’d generate over $1 million worth of sales within the first 12 months. With profit margins hovering around 20 – 25%, that’s a decent yearly income!
These stories showcase the potential for success with an Amazon FBA side hustle.
Remember, though, results can vary depending on factors like product selection, competition, and determination.
Kickstarting Your Amazon FBA Side Hustle
Ready to jump into the Amazon FBA side hustle? Follow these steps:
1. Choose a product: Start by researching high-demand, low-competition products. The perfect product is lightweight, easy to source, and offers a good profit margin.
2. Find a supplier: After selecting a product, search for a trustworthy supplier on websites like Alibaba or Global Sources. Remember to negotiate the best price and shipping terms.
3. Create an Amazon seller account: Sign up for an Amazon seller account and choose the FBA option, which lets Amazon handle storage, packing, and shipping for your products.
4. Prepare your inventory: Collaborate with your supplier to ensure your products meet Amazon’s packaging, labeling, and quality requirements.
5. Ship your inventory to Amazon: Send your products to an Amazon fulfillment center, where they’ll be stored and shipped to customers as orders roll in.
6. Optimize your product listings: Craft high-quality listings with enticing descriptions, professional product photos, and relevant keywords to draw in potential customers.
7. Promote your products: Use Amazon’s advertising platform, social media marketing, and other promotional strategies to drive traffic to your listings and generate sales.
For a more detailed breakdown of the points above and a step-by-step guide to starting and growing an Amazon FBA side hustle, see my post here on how we built our Amazon business to 7 figures inside of 12 months.
Learn How to Build Your Own 7-Figure Amazon FBA Business
Part of the Junglescout suite of excellent FBA tools, the learning academy is a comprehensive video training library containing hours of content, including training videos, webinars, and interviews with successful Amazon sellers.
Whether you’re just starting your business, or growing your brand, get expert training from Amazon sellers without the hefty price tag.
Time-Saving Tools for a Profitable Side Hustle
Several tools can streamline your Amazon FBA side hustle, saving you both time and money. Consider using these popular tools:
- Jungle Scout: An all-in-one research tool for finding profitable products, analyzing competition, and tracking sales data. Jungle Scout is my recommended tool for starting, growing and making the most of your Amazon business.
- Adtomic by Helium 10: An AI-powered Amazon PPC solution, offered as part of the Helium 10 suite of tools. Designed to maximize your Amazon advertising ROI, Adtomic is one of the leading ppc optimization tools on the market.
- TaxJar: An automated sales tax tool that calculates, files, and remits sales tax for your Amazon FBA business, keeping you compliant with tax laws.
- InventoryLab: A tool that simplifies inventory management, profit analysis, and bookkeeping, making it easier to stay organized and make informed business decisions.
Investing in these tools can help you optimize your Amazon FBA side hustle, allowing you to work more efficiently and boost your profit margins.
Is Amazon Truly a Source of Passive Income?
While certain aspects of an Amazon FBA side hustle can generate passive income, it’s crucial to understand that maintaining success requires ongoing effort and attention.
Amazon FBA handles many time-consuming tasks like inventory management, shipping, and customer service. However, sellers still need to manage product sourcing, listing optimization, and marketing to ensure a steady flow of sales.
As your Amazon FBA side hustle grows, you might be able to outsource some tasks or automate specific processes, further increasing the passive income potential.
However, staying involved and adapting to market changes is vital for long-term success in this competitive industry.
Starting an Amazon FBA Side Hustle – FAQ’s
What are some Amazon selling hacks to boost my side hustle?
- Use Amazon’s “Fulfillment by Amazon” (FBA) program to streamline shipping and customer service.
- Optimize your product listings with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and relevant keywords.
- Utilize tools like Jungle Scout and Helium 10 for product research and competition analysis.
- Stay updated on Amazon’s policies and best practices to avoid any potential issues.
- Leverage Amazon’s advertising platform and external marketing strategies to drive traffic to your listings.
Are there other Amazon side hustles besides selling products through FBA?
Yes, there are various Amazon side hustles, such as Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for authors, Amazon Associates for affiliate marketers, and Amazon Handmade for artisans selling handmade goods.
Can you work part-time at Amazon and run an FBA side hustle simultaneously?
Yes, you can work part-time at Amazon while running an FBA side hustle. Many people juggle both to increase their income and gain valuable experience with Amazon’s ecosystem.
How can I earn on Amazon without creating my own products?
Retail arbitrage, online arbitrage, and wholesale are popular methods to earn on Amazon without creating your own products. These involve purchasing items at a lower price and selling them on Amazon for a profit.
Can I make my own schedule with an Amazon FBA side hustle?
Absolutely! An Amazon FBA side hustle allows you to work at your own pace and on your own schedule, offering the flexibility to balance other commitments and responsibilities.
Is it possible to run an Amazon business part-time?
Absolutely! Many sellers start by running their Amazon stores part-time. This approach allows you to mitigate financial risks and learn the ropes of how to start an Amazon FBA business without committing full-time.
Do I need to register a business to start selling on Amazon?
While you can start selling as an individual, registering a business offers some legal protections and potential tax benefits. The business structure you choose can have implications on your Amazon FBA startup costs, so make sure to do your homework.
Is making a living on Amazon with FBA possible?
Yes, many sellers have successfully built a full-time income or more through Amazon FBA. However, it requires dedication, strategic planning, and adaptability to succeed in this competitive marketplace.
What are some low-cost products to start selling?
If you’re looking to minimize costs, consider starting with low-cost, lightweight, and unbreakable items. Products like accessories, small home items, or generic gadgets can be a good launching point, especially if you’re trying to navigate how to start an Amazon store without money.
Can I make money with Amazon FBA while working from home?
Yes, running an Amazon FBA side hustle is a popular way to make money from home. You can manage your business online, and Amazon takes care of storage, packing, and shipping, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your side hustle.
Starting an Amazon FBA Side Hustle – Summary
Building a thriving side hustle can be a life-changing opportunity for lifestyle entrepreneurs seeking financial freedom (as it was with myself & my husband).
With determination, thorough research, and the right tools, you can establish a successful business that generates passive income and lets you live life on your terms.
By understanding the time commitment, learning from successful sellers, and using tools to optimize your business, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your financial goals through Amazon FBA.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take the first step toward financial freedom and start building your Amazon FBA side hustle today!
Starting an Amazon FBA Side Hustle – FAQs
Is Amazon FBA a good side hustle?
Yes, Amazon FBA can be an excellent side hustle for those looking to earn extra income. One of the key benefits is the flexibility it offers—you can work on your own schedule. It’s also scalable, meaning you can start small and expand as you get the hang of it. Many people successfully transition from considering it one of their Amazon side jobs to making it their full-time business.
How do I start Amazon FBA as a side income?
Starting an Amazon FBA business as a side income involves a few essential steps. First, do your research to identify a profitable niche. Next, source quality products from suppliers. You’ll then create an Amazon seller account, list your products, and prepare them for shipment to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. To put it succinctly, knowing how to start an Amazon FBA business as a side income involves research, product sourcing, and understanding Amazon’s platform.
Can you make $10,000 a month on Amazon FBA?
While making $10,000 a month on Amazon FBA is not guaranteed, it is achievable. Success depends on various factors such as your product niche, pricing strategy, and the amount of time and effort you invest. Some sellers have even reported earning much more, turning their ecommerce side hustle into a full-time venture.
Is Amazon side hustle worth it?
The worth of an Amazon side hustle varies from person to person. For some, the time commitment and upfront investment may not yield the expected returns immediately. However, for many others, learning how to start an Amazon side hustle has led to significant income, flexibility, and even financial independence.
What are the risks involved in Amazon FBA as a side hustle?
While Amazon FBA offers numerous benefits, it’s not without risks. You need to consider storage fees, returns, and competition. Being aware of these challenges can help you make an informed decision about whether this Amazon side job is right for you.
How much initial investment is needed for Amazon FBA?
The initial investment can range widely depending on your business model and the products you choose to sell. Some sellers start with as little as a few hundred dollars, while others invest thousands. The key is to start small and scale your Amazon side hustle jobs as you gain experience and generate profits.
What are the alternatives to Amazon FBA for an ecommerce side hustle?
If Amazon FBA doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, there are other ecommerce side hustle options to consider. These include dropshipping, affiliate marketing, or selling products on platforms like Etsy or eBay. Each has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to research to find what’s most suitable for you.
