Selling successfully on Amazon comes down to choosing products that are profitable, in-demand, and not dominated by well-established brands.
25 Best Products to Sell on Amazon in 2025
This article is part of a larger series on Retail Management.
In this article, I explore 25 of the best product categories to sell on Amazon lately and walk you through the steps of how to find products to sell. I’ll also discuss product sourcing options and tools to help you build and run a profitable store.
Key Takeaways
The best products to sell on Amazon typically have the following specifications:
- Target sale price between $10 and $50
- Profit margin of 25%–35% or greater
- Lightweight (including packing materials) and cheap to ship
- Durable low-maintenance items that are easy to transport
- Evergreen popularity (meaning items that aren’t seasonal, trendy, or holiday-specific)
- Superior quality compared to the competition
The best products to sell on Amazon are lightweight, sturdy, popular, and evergreen because they are likely to yield the best profit — which is especially important given the cost of selling on Amazon.
As you read through the list, keep in mind the potential profits and margins listed don’t account for fulfillment costs, which vary from seller to seller, depending on your fulfillment strategy.
Top 25 products to sell on Amazon
To get these recommendations to you, I considered all the points listed above. I then looked for keyword search volume on Amazon and calculated profitability using a profit calculator. All the tools I used are listed after this products’ section.
With these factors and qualities in mind, consider the following ideas for successful products to sell on Amazon:
Health and household
Health and household items are a cross between personal and home products, which still makes it a good category to sell on Amazon. This category remains a key segment for Amazon sellers, driven by strong demand for essential wellness products like vitamins, supplements, and personal care items.
According to Jungle Scout’s The State of the Amazon Seller 2025 report, 6% of SMB sellers and 8% of enterprise brands identified health and household as their primary product category — not too overly saturated with sellers yet and yielding some good features under the Movers and Shakers category in the platform.
With consumers prioritizing health and hygiene, recurring purchases create a steady revenue stream. Sellers who focus on high-quality ingredients, sustainable packaging, and strong branding can carve out a profitable niche.
Teeth whitening strips regularly rank on Amazon’s top-selling beauty and personal care items. A quick search for “teeth whitening strips” shows thousands of daily sales, with top brands generating six-figure monthly revenues. On TikTok, for example, #teethwhitening has over three billion views, with countless viral videos of influencers reviewing strips. Many users post before-and-after results, driving organic engagement and consumer trust.
This item allows for both premium and budget-friendly product positioning, depending on your brand strategy. And since teeth whitening strips meet consumer demand by offering an easy, DIY, and affordable solution and seller profitability by being lightweight, having long shelf life, and catering to a broad audience, these are definitely promising products to sell for Amazon sellers.
Blue light blocking glasses | |
Source: uBuy | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category:
Profit margin: 65% |
Blue light-blocking glasses have lenses with a special coating that filters out high-energy blue wavelengths. Wearers benefit from better sleep, reduced eye strain, and a lessened potential for eye damage.
These popular products yield a nice profit margin while being easy to source, store, and ship — making them a great choice for Amazon sellers. Plus, the market for these glasses isn’t dominated by established brands, so generic versions are poised to sell.
Beauty and personal care
Beauty and personal care is a high-growth category that continues to attract sellers, particularly SMBs. The same Jungle Scout report shows that it is one of the most promising expansion categories, with 21% of SMBs planning to enter this market in 2025.
Skincare, haircare, and cosmetics remain strong sellers, with consumer preference leaning toward natural formulations and eco-friendly packaging. Worth noting is how beauty and personal care products also have the highest tendency to go viral, especially on social platforms where user-generated content (UGC) is key for increasing sales and engagement. Given the competitive landscape, unique branding and influencer marketing are going to be your game changers in standing out.
If you can differentiate with quality, branding, and value-added features, beauty and personal care products can be high-margin, evergreen products. With Amazon’s beauty market expected to grow past $180 billion by 2026, this is a promising niche for Amazon SMB sellers.
Facial cleansing brushes | |
Source: uBuy | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #7
Profit margin: 57.90% |
Unlike trend-driven beauty products, cleansing brushes serve a broad audience — from teenagers dealing with acne to adults investing in anti-aging skincare. New product features, like silicone bristles, sonic vibrations, and waterproof designs, help repeat customers upgrade over time.
TikTok and Instagram influencers frequently showcase facial cleansing brushes in skincare routines. The hashtag #facialbrush has over 100 million views on TikTok, with viral videos highlighting deep cleansing benefits.
Heatless hair curlers | |
Source: Amazon | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category:Â *Mover and Shaker in Amazon; TikTok viral product
Profit margin: 63% |
Heatless hair curlers gained popularity due to a growing consumer focus on hair health, the shift to natural methods of hair styling, and the viral influence of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. More people are ditching damaging heat-styling tools in favor of safer, more natural alternatives, and heatless curlers offer a solution that helps maintain hair strength, moisture, and shine.
Unlike high-end curling irons that can cost $100+, heatless curlers are affordable and accessible to a wide range of consumers. They also require no electricity or technical skills, making them ideal for busy individuals, travelers, and even teens experimenting with styling.
This is a low-cost, high-demand product that can be highly profitable with strategic branding, influencer partnerships, and visually engaging product listings.
Dermaplaning Tools | |
Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #28
Profit margin: 48.70% |
Dermaplaning tools or facial razors are top-selling beauty accessory products and even went viral on TikTok. They were first used as an in-office treatment performed by aestheticians and dermatologists. Now many safe dermaplaning tools can be bought for personal and home use.
Shampoo bar | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #3
Profit margin: 48.40% |
Consumers are increasingly shifting towards eco-friendly and plastic-free alternatives, and shampoo bars fit this trend perfectly. From a seller standpoint, shampoo bars are lightweight, compact, and don’t require bulky plastic packaging, reducing shipping costs significantly. They also have a higher perceived value, allowing you to price them competitively while maintaining healthy profit margins.
With the rising demand for natural haircare, low competition for niche formulas, and strong eCommerce potential, shampoo bars are a profitable and future-proof product to sell on Amazon.
Did you know?
Amazon’s Commitment to Sustainability (Climate Pledge Friendly)
Amazon actively promotes sustainable products through its Climate Pledge Friendly badge, which highlights items that meet environmental standards. Shampoo bars made with organic, biodegradable ingredients and plastic-free packaging can qualify for this feature, boosting visibility and conversions. Products in the Amazon Aware line and those with certifications like Compact by Design (which minimizes waste) also perform well.
Spray sunscreen | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #6
Profit margin: 38.10% |
With growing awareness about the harmful effects of UV radiation, more consumers are prioritizing sun protection. On Amazon, spray sunscreens consistently rank among the top-selling items in the sun protection category because consumers are increasingly seeking sun protection products that are convenient to apply and still effective.
Spray sunscreens meet this demand by being a quick and even application — not needing manual spreading — making them especially popular among active individuals.
While sunscreen sales peak during summer months, the year-round demand in regions with consistent sun exposure ensures steady sales. Moreover, as outdoor activities and travel continue to rise post-pandemic, the need for convenient sun protection solutions like spray sunscreens is expected to remain strong.
Dry shampoo | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: *Mover and Shaker in Amazon #4
Profit margin: 37.50% |
Dry shampoo is a lightweight and repeat-purchase product that consistently features in lists about beauty trends, forecasts, and viral products to try — #dryshampoo has over 1 billion views in TikTok! With the right product positioning — such as eco-conscious branding or influencer marketing — you can generate consistent sales and customer loyalty on Amazon.
The global dry shampoo market is projected to reach $8.09 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by increasing demand for convenient, time-saving hair care solutions among busy professionals, travelers, gym-goers, and beauty enthusiasts.
Makeup wipes | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #4
Profit margin: 33.00% |
Like the previous beauty products listed, makeup wipes are evergreen and a strong recurring purchase on Amazon. Since this category’s sales are greatly influenced by UGC in social media, it is worth noting that TikTok users usually feature makeup wipes that are biodegradable and sensitive skin–friendly, with #makeupremover surpassing 500 million views. The key to standing out in this space is offering eco-friendly or dermatologist-approved options.
Home and kitchen
The home and kitchen category is one of the most profitable and established niches on Amazon, with 11% of SMB sellers naming it their primary product category. Its popularity stems from the vast range of products that appeal to nearly every household, from storage solutions to kitchen gadgets.
Additionally, 17% of SMBs plan to expand into this product category this year. And since the category is not restricted to new sellers, it offers a lower barrier to entry compared to other niches. Most products also don’t have complicated requirements and are easy to manufacture or source.
Insulated mug with straw and flip cap lids | |
Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #2
Profit margin: 57.10% |
I featured this item last year as well, and it’s a well-known fact that insulated vacuum tumblers have become more than a passing trend ever since people started embracing reusable bottles as a way to avoid plastic. These tumblers have a long lifespan and are hygienic and portable — you can bring them anywhere and keep your drink hot or cold for long periods of time.
You don’t even need to do a lot of market research to validate how great a product idea this is — almost everybody you know might already own one of these tumblers. You just need to find quality and competitively priced products.
Handheld milk frother | |
Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #23
Profit margin: 47.80% |
There is a rising home coffee culture: consumers are looking for ways to recreate café-quality drinks. Search interest in “milk frother” has remained consistently high, with spikes around holiday seasons. Handheld milk frothers have become popular among coffee enthusiasts seeking to recreate café-style beverages at home.
A handheld milk frother is compact, easy to ship, and has low return rates compared to fragile kitchen items.
Silk pillowcase | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #8
Profit margin: 52.70% |
On TikTok, #silkpillowcase has over 200 million views, with influencers promoting its benefits for reducing hair frizz and preventing wrinkles. Major beauty bloggers and dermatologists often endorse silk pillowcases, leading to increased credibility and demand.
Silk pillowcases meet all my requirements for a great product to sell on Amazon. It has high profit margins — premium branding (e.g., eco-friendly packaging, luxury presentation) allows for even higher pricing and repeat purchases. Additionally, since they’re lightweight, silk pillowcases qualify for low-cost FBA shipping, making them ideal for maximizing profit. Lastly, they don’t require batteries, complex packaging, or frequent returns, reducing operational headaches.
Glass food storage containers | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #14
Profit margin: 38.00% |
Glass food storage containers check all the right boxes: high demand, premium pricing, sustainability trends, and social media virality. These are non-seasonal and cater to meal preppers, eco-conscious shoppers, and busy households, ensuring consistent year-round sales.
These have been a TikTok and Pinterest sensation due to the meal-prepping and organization trends. Hashtags like #mealprep have over 16 billion views on TikTok, frequently featuring glass containers as a must-have for portion control and healthy eating.
Many successful sellers private-label glass containers, meaning there’s still room for brand differentiation with unique features like bamboo lids, compartmentalized designs, or leak-proof seals.
Digital alarm clock | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #6
Profit margin: 35.00% |
As more people focus on reducing screen time before bed, digital alarm clocks have surged in popularity as an alternative to using smartphones. Smart alarm clocks with sunrise simulation or white noise features perform exceptionally well, with Amazon’s bestsellers in this category seeing thousands of daily sales.
Electronics
The electronics category is a tricky one because it’s dominated by large, established brands — and the majority of top-selling electronics are sold by Amazon itself. It is a high-demand but competitive category, with 9% of enterprise brands and 8% of SMB sellers focusing on this market.
Accessories like phone chargers, Bluetooth headphones, and smart home gadgets offer strong profit potential when positioned well against major brands. Given the nature of electronics, durability and product quality are crucial to reducing return rates and maintaining positive reviews.
For beginners to succeed in this department, it’s best to find a niche accessory product. Thankfully, goods that fit this description still fly off the virtual shelves — such as these high-ranking product ideas.
Over-ear headphones | |
Source: Amazon | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: *Mover and Shaker in Amazon #4
Profit margin: 53.00% |
​Over-ear headphones have experienced a resurgence in popularity compared to in-ear options like AirPods because of their superior sound quality, enhanced comfort, extended battery life, advanced features, and evolving consumer trends — they are particularly suitable for activities requiring extended use, such as gaming or long-haul travel because its design distributes pressure more evenly around the ear, reducing discomfort during prolonged listening sessions.
Viral trends highlight aesthetic designs, immersive sound experiences, and budget-friendly alternatives to premium brands like Sony or Bose.
GPS trackers (bluetooth trackers and item locators) | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #4
Profit margin: 72.60% |
Bluetooth trackers are a low-risk, high-reward product category with consistent demand, strong profit margins, and social media hype. They have become a household staple with customers often buying multiple trackers for different items, leading to repeat purchases and upsells (e.g., bundle packs or accessories). Travel influencers, parents, and pet owners frequently showcase them as must-have gadgets, driving organic interest and increased Amazon sales.
With new features like GPS integration, rechargeable batteries, and AI-powered alerts, sellers can differentiate by offering longer battery life, waterproofing, or compact designs. Private labeling opportunities also exist to build brand recognition among growing competition.
Tools and home improvement
With 6% of SMBs selling in this category, I still see a steady demand, especially among DIY enthusiasts and homeowners. Durable, easy-to-use tools and hardware accessories that cater to both professionals and home users can perform well in this category. Clear instructions, high-quality materials, and competitive pricing are essential for standing out.
LED strip lights | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #24; *Mover and Shaker in Amazon; TikTok viral product
Profit margin: 59.40% |
As aesthetics continue to play a large role in the virality of a product (and of influencer posts), LED strip lights have become a staple in common influencer backgrounds. On TikTok, LED strip lights have gone viral, with the hashtag #ledstriplights garnering approximately 67,000 posts. Creators showcase innovative ways to use these lights, inspiring viewers to incorporate them into their own spaces.
Beyond being a passing trend, LED strip lights are already an established evergreen product. Their energy efficiency, customizable features, and ease of installation have made them a consistent favorite among consumers seeking to enhance their spaces.
Sunset projection lamps | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: *Mover and Shaker in Amazon; TikTok viral product
Profit margin: 45.50% |
Similar to LED strip lights, the sunset projector lamp is a viral product from TikTok. These lamps transform and enhance living spaces by casting warm, ambient lighting that mimics a sunset — because as I’ve mentioned, these days, it’s all about aesthetics.
The versatility of projector lamps makes them suitable for different areas of the house (and even outside) — bedrooms, living rooms, and creative studios — making them appealing to a broad customer base looking for both function and aesthetics.​
Sports and outdoors
Sports and outdoors is an evergreen market, benefiting from year-round demand for fitness and recreational products. Five percent of SMB sellers currently focus on this category, with 10% planning to expand into it in 2025.
Items like resistance bands, water bottles, and outdoor gear remain strong sellers. With increased consumer interest in fitness and outdoor activities, sellers can succeed by offering lightweight, portable, and high-quality products with strong branding.
Polarized sunglasses | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #26
Profit margin: 57.10% |
Polarized sunglasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, making them ideal for driving, fishing, outdoor sports, and everyday wear. Their customer base includes outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, commuters, and travelers looking for clearer vision and eye protection. With styles ranging from sporty to fashionable, they appeal to a broad audience and are a year-round necessity.
On Amazon, polarized sunglasses consistently rank in the top-selling eyewear category. TikTok has also fueled viral interest, with #polarizedsunglasses amassing millions of views. Their lightweight nature makes shipping cost-effective, while high perceived value allows for solid profit margins.
Resistance bands | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #3
Profit margin: 70.50% |
The exercise and fitness industry has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by a global shift towards healthier lifestyles and preventive healthcare. This trend has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many to seek home-based workout solutions. As a result, there’s been a notable increase in demand for exercise equipment and accessories, making them lucrative products to sell on platforms like Amazon.
Exercise mat | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #7
Profit margin: 41.90% |
Exercise mats are a staple in home workouts, yoga, and fitness routines. They provide cushioning and support for various exercises, including pilates, strength training, and meditation. With the rise of at-home fitness trends and remote work, demand for quality, non-slip, and eco-friendly mats has surged.
Amazon data shows that fitness gear, including exercise mats, consistently ranks among top-selling categories. Even when the pandemic was lifted (when the rise of at-home fitness gear accelerated), the at-home workout trend remained strong. Mats with unique features — like extra thickness, alignment guides, or eco-friendly materials — sell at premium prices with strong profit margins.
Exercise mat | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: *Mover and Shaker in Amazon; TikTok viral product
Profit margin: 65.20% |
Smart water bottles track hydration, remind users to drink water, and sometimes sync with fitness apps. They’re popular among health-conscious individuals, athletes, busy professionals, and tech enthusiasts. Features like LED reminders, temperature control, and Bluetooth connectivity make them appealing to those looking to improve their daily water intake.
These bottles have seen major growth in the fitness and wellness market, with brands like HidrateSpark gaining traction through retail and Amazon sales.
Kitchen and dining
Kitchen and dining products continue to be a strong-selling niche on Amazon. Consumers are mostly looking for cookware and food storage solutions. With 17% of SMBs planning to expand into this category in 2025, there is significant opportunity for growth. Thrive in this space by focusing on functional, stylish, and high-quality kitchen essentials.
Digital kitchen scale | |
Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #2
Profit margin: 56% |
A digital kitchen scale is commonly used by home cooks, bakers, fitness enthusiasts, and meal preppers. It helps ensure accurate portions for recipes, supports diet tracking for weight loss or macros, and is essential for coffee enthusiasts perfecting their brew. It’s a versatile, evergreen product with year-round demand.
Digital kitchen scales are a best-selling product on Amazon, consistently ranking in the top ten kitchen gadgets. With over 100,000+ customer reviews on top-selling listings, the product enjoys a high conversion rate. Plus, it’s lightweight, easy to ship, and rarely returned, making it a low-risk, high-margin item for SMBs looking to enter the kitchenware market.
Bottle opener | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #6
Profit margin: 38.10% |
Bottle openers are consistently profitable due to their affordability and high sales volume. On Amazon, bestsellers in this category receive thousands of monthly sales, with multi-pack and custom-engraved options performing exceptionally well. Many sellers increase profits by offering bundled sets with corkscrews or can openers.
Custom and novelty bottle openers also attract gift shoppers and collectors, while keychain and wall-mounted versions cater to convenience seekers. Since they’re durable, lightweight, and inexpensive to ship, bottle openers fit well into the Amazon FBA model.
Portable blender bottles | |
Source: Alibaba | Amazon search volume (monthly average):Â
Best sellers rank in category: #6
Profit margin: 38.10% |
Portable blender bottles are compact, rechargeable blenders designed for on-the-go smoothies, protein shakes, and meal replacements. They are a massive hit among fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals, travelers, and health-conscious consumers who need quick nutrition without bulky kitchen appliances. With the rising trend of home fitness and meal prepping, these blenders have become a staple in wellness routines, making them a strong evergreen product.
It’s vital to consider product restrictions as well as the level of competition surrounding your chosen products. The most successful items don’t leave you competing with well-known, established brands who are likely to outsell you, such as Amazon itself. Goods sold by Amazon will always have the Buy Box and competitive prices, making it difficult for other sellers to move. Also, consider fulfillment costs, which will largely depend on your fulfillment strategy. Take a look at these fulfillment options, and check out our guide to each method:
- In-house order fulfillment
- Outsourced fulfillment through a third-party provider
- Outsourced fulfillment through FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
Strategies to find best products to sell on Amazon
Jungle Scout reports that 64% of Amazon sellers are profitable within their first year — and one of the biggest factors in that distinction is the products they sell.
So how do you choose successful items to invest in?
Your first objective is to look at what makes an item profitable for Amazon sellers. Qualities to consider include ship weight, sturdiness, category popularity, competition, wholesale price, Amazon seller fees, and shipping costs. It’s also crucial to evaluate demand, as well as any restrictions that may complicate (or prohibit) sale.
Certain categories attract more sales on the platform than others — which is important to keep in mind as you build your Amazon brand. As shown below, health and beauty, fashion items, electronics, and other products are expected to see significant growth in the coming years.
Here are steps and tips for finding successful items to sell on Amazon:
Use Amazon sales data
Amazon allows anyone to view the most popular products based on sales data using the Amazon Best Sellers list. This list is a great jump-off point for product research and finding successful item ideas.
The Best Sellers List is organized by standard departments (such as Baby and Electronics) and subcategories of those departments (like Strollers and Headphones). You can toggle between sub-lists to view multiple metrics such as:
- New releases: This displays Amazon listings with a trending upswing in sales, as well as future products soon to be available.
- Movers and shakers: The biggest gainers in sales rank over the past 24 hours. This list can point out hot trends or seasonality.
- Most wished for: The items most often added to Amazon Wishlists and Registries. It doesn’t show purchases but still gives you an idea of customer interest.
- Gift ideas: The most popular products purchased as gifts. This page is a good indicator of best sellers within niche categories for many specialty, seasonal, and holiday-related items.
Amazon’s Best Sellers List ranks products by sales and popularity.
Browse these lists to identify promising categories and products. Look for generic items that don’t rely on the appeal of a brand name and those that would be easy to ship.
Additionally, focus on products with that are low priced. For beginners, it’s generally best to sell relatively inexpensive products; this minimizes the financial risk associated with selling and allows you to diversify your inventory. Fortunately, the majority of Amazon’s best sellers tend to be affordable goods.
Once you’ve gotten a feel for consumer appetite — as well as some ideas for profitable products — you can begin keyword research to hone in on the details.
Conduct keyword research
For an item to move well on Amazon, it must be popular and easily found by shoppers. Use keyword research to determine whether a potential product has the right balance of traffic and competition to be successful.
Amazon’s platform uses a proprietary search engine that functions similarly to Google. Searchers enter keywords to discover listings, and the data from those searches can be used to gain valuable insight into these factors.
Finding high-traffic keywords with low to moderate competition is the best formula for a successful product idea.Â
There are many Amazon seller tools designed to help you do just that. Jungle Scout is an industry favorite due to its robust paid features that go beyond the scope of keyword research. But if you’re seeking a free tool, Magnet2 lets users search for two keywords per day without paying a dime, and AMZScout offers a seven-day free trial.
Magnet2 is a keyword researcher provided by Helium10, a powerful suite of seller tools for Amazon and Walmart. This feature delivers search volume, trend info, competition level, top products, and more.
Jungle Scout’s keyword research tool is advanced, and the suite comes with a host of other features to help you sell. Pricing starts at $29/month.
These tools are best used in combination with searches done from the marketplace itself. Take a look at the results that each potential product keyword gives you, including quantity, competing brands, and product specifics (as shown below).
Amazon search results pages are great sources of information on potential products and categories.
Here’s what to look for when conducting keyword research:
- High search volume: Seek product keywords with 500–1,000 monthly searches.
- Low competition: Consider the total number of competing products as well as the brands making those sales (you don’t want to compete against Amazon itself or other dominating brands).
- Easy-to-find items: Prioritize items that customers can search for and list under multiple keywords and product categories.
- Low BSR: Look for similar product keywords that have a low Amazon best seller rank (BSR). This number represents how frequently a product is selling on Amazon—the lower the BSR, the better the sales. What’s considered a good BSR varies by category, but under 5,000 is generally promising.
- Customer reviews: Seek out similar product listings with a sizable number of reviews and prioritize goods with positive ratings.
Consider Amazon product restrictions
Amazon imposes a hefty list of product restrictions that go beyond standard FTC rules and guidelines. These restrictions should be considered when choosing which products to sell, especially for beginner and intermediate sellers.
If you plan to use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) as your fulfillment strategy, be sure to consider their product restrictions in addition to Amazon’s list.
Restricted and prohibited products
Amazon’s restricted products include those regulated by state and/or federal law, as well as items subject to condition requirements or prone to misuse and misrepresentation.
Some restricted products—such as tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and lockpicking devices—are prohibited altogether. But most restricted goods are permitted to be sold as long as they follow the marketplace’s strict regulations, which vary by item.
These requirements are mostly straightforward and simple to follow, so don’t nix a potential product for being on the restricted list.
The following are on Amazon’s current list of product restrictions:
- Alcohol
- Animals and Animal-Related Products
- Art – Fine Art
- Art – Home Decor
- Automotive and powersports
- Composite Wood Products
- Cosmetics and Skin/Hair Care
- CPAP Cleaning and Disinfecting Devices
- Currency, Coins, Cash Equivalents, and Gift Cards
- Dietary Supplements
- Drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Electronics
- Explosives, weapons, and related items
- Export Controls
- Food and Beverage
- Gambling and Lottery
- Hazardous and prohibited items
- Human Parts & Burial Artifacts
- Jewelry and Precious Gems
- Laser products
- Lighting
- Lock Picking and Theft Devices
- Medical devices and accessories
- Offensive and Controversial Materials
- Other restricted products
- Pesticides and pesticide devices
- Plant and Seed Products
- Postage meters and stamps
- Recalled products
- Recycling electronics
- Refrigerants: Ozone-Depleting Substances and Substitutes
- Strike anywhere matches
- Subscriptions and Periodicals
- Surveillance Equipment
- Tobacco and Tobacco-Related Products
- Warranties, Service Plans, Contracts, and Guarantees
- Upholstered Furniture, Bedding, and Other Quilted Products
- Ink and toner cartridges
- Software
- Textbooks
Beyond these regulations, any items that claim to be FDA-approved or host the FDA logo in associated images need to meet additional requirements. You may visit the FDA website for more information.
In California, a range of products are subject to further regulation. Read about additional restrictions here.
If you plan to list your goods for international sale, you are responsible for researching and complying with the receiving country’s laws and regulations.
Pre-approval category requirements
Amazon’s restrictions also include a pre-approval requirement to list products in certain categories, such as jewelry, watches, music, collectibles, and more. The pre-approval process requires additional time, money, and effort, and approval isn’t guaranteed, preventing many sellers from dealing in these categories. According to a recent Jungle Scout survey, only 7% of Amazon sellers are successfully selling in restricted categories.
The exact requirements and restrictions are different for each gated category and certain products themselves have specific rules, but many include paying fees, passing performance checks, and submitting additional documentation.
Amazon’s current list of restricted categories is as follows:
- Postage stamps
- Collectible Coins
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Fine Art
- Holiday Selling Requirements in Toys and Games
- Jewelry
- Join Amazon Subscription Boxes
- Made in Italy
- Music and DVD
- Requirements for selling Automotive and Powersports products
- Services
- Sports Collectibles
- Streaming Media Players
- Video, DVD, and Blu-ray
- Watches
- Sony PlayStation Requirements in Video Games
Your willingness to apply for pre-approval will determine the viability of these categories. Selling in gated categories can give you an advantage over your competitors but it may not be worth the challenge for Amazon beginners.
Read the reviews
Reviews are a make-or-break factor when it comes to a seller’s profitability. That’s why it’s beneficial to focus on products that generate a wealth of positive reviews. These reviews speak to the product itself and the customers it attracts, paving the way for a successful listing.
That being said, there’s a hidden benefit to scouting out less-than-perfect reviews as part of your product research.
One surefire way to land a successful product is to fill a gap in the market. Amazon product reviews are a tremendously helpful resource for identifying consumer pain points and turning them into listings with a competitive edge.
This top-selling product that appears under the keyword “Ceramic Mug with Lid” has a major design flaw.
By sourcing a product that solves the consumer issues mentioned in reviews, your listing is more likely to outsell the direct competition. In this case, a ceramic mug with a lid that’s both microwave- and dishwasher-safe would create strong appeal.
Calculate Profitability
Once you’ve zeroed in on a promising product to sell, it’s vital to crunch the numbers before investing. The products you sell must make a great enough margin to cover your overhead expenses — including Amazon fees — and still maintain profitability.
There are a number of tools you can use to calculate a potential item’s profitability. The simple, free website Salecalc allows you to input granular details like product cost, shipping method, packaging info, and Amazon seller plan type. It then factors in Amazon’s various fees and calculates your potential net profit, return, and margin.
Salecalc delivers precise calculations.
Other apps are available that deliver this same function along with a host of separate features to help you manage your Amazon sales. The top three picks are compared below.
Amazon seller apps
Jungle Scout | Sellics | InventoryLab | |
---|---|---|---|
Cost to use | $29–$129/month (depending on plan level) | Free to $1,249/month (depending on plan level) | $40–$49/month 30-day free trial |
Profit tracking and calculator | âś“ | âś“ | âś“ |
Barcode scanner | âś• | âś• | âś“ |
Supplier database | âś“ | âś• | âś• |
Inventory management | âś• | âś“ | âś“ |
Review management | âś• | âś“ | âś• |
Keyword research | âś“ | âś“ | âś• |
Competitor monitoring | âś“ | âś“ | âś“ |
Expense tracking | âś• | âś“ | âś“ |
Product research | âś“ | âś“ | âś“ |
Platforms | Web | iOS, Android, web | iOS, Android, web |
Where to source products to sell on Amazon
Many Amazon sellers source their products from marketplaces like Alibaba and AliExpress, where the majority of goods are imported. This enables sellers to buy products in bulk at very low prices, which makes room for greater margins. To learn more, read our ultimate guide to importing from China.
Other options include visiting in-person trade shows and merchandise marts.
Here are some of the most popular ways to source products to sell on Amazon:
Alibaba
With millions of merchants and businesses, Alibaba is currently the largest e-commerce marketplace. Though headquartered in China, Alibaba caters to anyone who wants to buy wholesale goods and hosts merchants from around the world.
Alibaba is perfect for Amazon sellers wanting to source quickly with a level of risk protection. Alibaba has features that support fast quote turnaround times and delivery guarantees.
You may contact each vendor to negotiate terms or discuss customizations or opt to place an order straight away. Alibaba also has resources to help you learn all about the product sourcing and importing process.
Many wholesalers on Alibaba have a strict MOQ or minimum order quantity, although sample and trial orders can usually be arranged.
AliExpress
AliExpress is a subsidiary of Alibaba, and both platforms operate similarly. The most notable difference is that AliExpress sales require no minimum order size.
Buyers typically pay more on AliExpress than on Alibaba since they aren’t getting wholesale prices. Amazon sellers who want to test a niche idea or product before going full scale will appreciate AliExpress’ no-minimum-order arrangement.
Wholesale Merchandise Marts
Merchandise marts (MMs) are marketplaces similar to malls; they’re businesses located in one central area that hosts a variety of stores. The primary difference is that MMs cater specifically to the wholesale market.
Trade shows are similar sources for buying products in bulk, but they tend to be seasonal.
There is a wholesale merchandise mart and trade show for every industry imaginable, but the largest in number and the most accessible are those that focus on home, kitchenware, gift, fashion, baby, and accessories.
Check out these popular merchandise marts:
- AmericasMart — Atlanta, GA
- THE MART — Chicago, IL
- Dallas Market Center — Dallas, TX
- California Market Center — Los Angeles, CA
- Miami Merchandise Mart – Miami, FL
- New York MarketCenter — New York, NY
- Minneapolis Mart — Minneapolis, MN
- High Point Market — High Point, NC
- San Francisco Design Center — San Francisco, CA
Wholesale buyers’ markets and dropshipping catalogs are great places to find private-label opportunities, trending items, and new product releases. Many MMs are open to the public, but others require a DBA certificate or proof of business ownership to gain entry (so be sure to contact the market office before visiting).
Exploring your options as an Amazon seller? Consider these alternative sourcing methods:
Products to sell on Amazon FAQs
Click through the tabs below to get answers to your frequently asked questions about the best products to sell on Amazon.
You can dropship products from AliExpress or Alibaba, sell your own private label products, publish your own books on Kindle Direct Publishing, sell wholesale goods, do retail arbitrage, or become an Amazon affiliate or Amazon influencer.
When choosing products to sell on Amazon, keep it simple, especially when you are just starting. Avoid bulky products like furniture pieces and stick to small and lightweight goods. Choose ones with a moderate price point and those that are evergreen.
The best items to sell on Amazon are lightweight, durable, high-demand, and evergreen products with a profit margin of 25%–35%. Examples include health and personal care items, home and kitchen essentials, and fitness accessories. Avoid fragile, oversized, or highly competitive products without a unique angle.
Top-selling products on Amazon include electronics accessories, beauty tools, home organization products, and fitness gear. Categories like home and kitchen, health and household, and beauty and personal care consistently perform well. Viral trends and seasonal demands can also drive short-term sales spikes and can be one of the best things to sell on amazon.
Beginners should start with simple, non-regulated, and low-maintenance products that have steady demand. Ideal options include kitchen gadgets, phone accessories, personal care tools, and fitness bands. Avoid products with complex legal restrictions, high return rates, or expensive storage fees.
Bottom Line
Amazon can be a highly rewarding marketplace for those looking to get into e-commerce or the reach of their retail store. But with 1.9 million active sellers potentially competing against you, selecting the right products to sell is a vital part of building your brand.
To be profitable, you’ll need to sell in-demand goods that yield a high enough margin to keep up with your expenses—especially Amazon’s numerous fees.