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Writer's pictureBrian Cummings

A Guide on How to Sell on Amazon Without Inventory - Make money on Amazon without Products.

Updated: Apr 8


guide on how to sell on amazon without inventory

Starting an online business often seems like a daunting task, doesn't it?


With the inventory hassles, the steep learning curves, and substantial financial input often required, it's enough to make anyone hesitate.


But what if we told you there's a simpler, less painful way? A path that's less about hefty investments and more about leveraging smart strategies to make money on Amazon. Intriguing, isn't it?


Welcome to our exploration of the less-traveled routes to Amazon selling success. This insightful guide will take you beyond the traditional Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) method, illuminating new, exciting ways to profit on the world's largest e-commerce platform.


No matter your experience level, this guide is designed to inspire and inform. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned seller tired of the inventory headaches, it's time to discover innovative strategies that can transform your Amazon selling experience.


Ready to reinvent your e-commerce journey and make money on Amazon, minus the usual hassles? Let's dive in and explore the exciting alternatives. Your next big opportunity is just a few scrolls away. Let's get started!


So, whether you're a creative entrepreneur or a traditional retailer, selling on Amazon without inventory offers you cost savings, lower risk, and flexibility. Imagine a life where you run a six-figure Amazon business without inventory. It's not some crazy far-off dream. Read on for a comprehensive guide to selling on Amazon without physical inventory - others have done it, you can too.


But don't forget - you need to choose a niche when selling on Amazon. Here are 7 ways to find your e-commerce niche for your inventory-free Amazon business.



Selling without inventory on Amazon: here's what to sell


Wondering how to sell on Amazon without maintaining inventory? Want to generate passive or full-time income without physical products? Here's a list of the different products you can sell that don't require you to handle inventory.


Dropshipping


By utilizing dropshipping, sellers can tap into a vast array of products and expand their business on Amazon without the need for physical inventory, allowing for greater flexibility and reduced financial risk.


With dropshipping, sellers partner with wholesale suppliers who handle the storage, packaging, and shipping of products directly to customers. This means that sellers can focus on marketing and customer service, while leaving the logistics to the suppliers.


Dropshipping is a popular strategy for selling on Amazon without inventory.


Online or Retail Arbitrage


Transform your shopping skills into a profitable venture by hunting for discounted treasures in physical stores, then flipping them for a profit on the thriving marketplace of Amazon.


Online or retail arbitrage involves buying products at a low price from retail stores or online platforms and reselling them on Amazon for a higher price. This strategy allows you to take advantage of price discrepancies and capitalize on popular products that may be in high demand on Amazon.


eBooks on Kindle KDP


Create and publish your own digital masterpiece on the Kindle Direct Publishing platform to tap into the vast potential of the eBook market.


With KDP, you can easily convert your manuscript into a professional eBook format and make it available for purchase on Amazon.


Take advantage of the platform's wide reach and royalty options of up to 70% to maximize your earnings.


Start writing and unleash your creativity to captivate readers worldwide.


Print Books on Amazon


Immerse yourself in the world of print books and discover the endless possibilities of showcasing your stories and ideas on Amazon's vast marketplace.


With Amazon's print-on-demand service, you can easily create and sell your own print books without the need for inventory. Simply upload your manuscript and cover design, and Amazon will handle the printing, packaging, and shipping when a customer places an order.


Sell uploaded books and reach millions of readers with your unique creations.


No Content and Low Content Books


Now let's dive into the world of no-content and low-content books. These types of books, such as children's activity books, puzzles, coloring books, journals, and calendars, can be great options for selling on Amazon without inventory.


Focus on creating appealing cover designs and target specific keywords and niches to attract buyers. If you're not strong in graphic design, consider hiring a designer to ensure your books stand out.


Narrating ACX Audiobooks


Get ready to step into the world of ACX audiobooks and explore the exciting opportunities that await you in narrating captivating stories for eager listeners.


ACX.com allows authors to sell audio versions of their books, which are available on Amazon and Apple's iTunes.


You have two routes to get started: you can record the audio yourself or hire a sound producer.

Either way, you'll have the chance to earn through ACX.com by narrating books for other writers.


Amazon Music


Indulge in the world of music and discover the exciting opportunities to showcase your talent on Amazon Music. Whether you're an independent artist or part of a band, you can sell your music on this popular platform.


Platforms like TuneCore and DistroKid allow you to upload and sell your music on Amazon Music, reaching millions of potential listeners. Take advantage of this platform to share your music and connect with a wider audience.


Print-On-Demand


Discover the endless possibilities of creating and sharing your unique designs with the world through the convenience of print-on-demand.


With print-on-demand, you can offer a wide range of products, from t-shirts and hoodies to mugs and phone cases, all featuring your own designs.


Simply upload your designs to a print-on-demand platform like Merch by Amazon or Printify, and they'll handle the printing, packaging, and shipping when customers place orders.


It's a hassle-free way to sell on Amazon without the need for inventory.


Another Way to Sell Products on Amazon: Amazon Programs


If you're interested in Amazon selling without inventory, Amazon offers several programs you can explore.


First, the Amazon Associate Program allows you to earn commission on purchases made through your affiliate links.


Second, the Amazon Influencer Program is designed for influencers who want to promote products and earn commission.


Third, the Amazon Accelerator Program offers the opportunity to build your own private label business and sell products under Amazon's own brand.


Finally, the Amazon Trade-In program allows you to earn credit by trading in your old, unwanted items.


These programs provide different avenues for selling on Amazon without the need for physical inventory.


Amazon Associate Program


Earn commission on all purchases made within 24 hours of following an affiliate link as an Amazon Associate, and start making money without inventory on Amazon now!


As an Amazon Associate, you can join their global affiliate marketing program and earn a commission on every purchase made through your affiliate link.


Simply promote products on your website, blog, or social media platforms, and when someone makes a purchase using your link, you earn a commission.


It's a great way to earn money without the need for inventory.


Amazon Influencer Program


The Amazon Influencer Program allows influencers to promote products and earn commission, providing a unique opportunity to monetize their online presence.


As an influencer, you can create a storefront on Amazon with your curated product recommendations, making it easy for your followers to shop your favorite items.


When your followers make purchases through your storefront, you earn a commission. It's a great way to leverage your influence and earn money on Amazon without holding any inventory.


Amazon Accelerator Program


By participating in the Amazon Accelerator Program, you can establish your own private label business and have the opportunity to sell products under Amazon's own brand.


This program allows you to leverage the power of Amazon's platform and customer base to grow your business.


With the Amazon Accelerator Program, you can take advantage of the resources and support offered by Amazon to help you succeed in the e-commerce industry.


Amazon Trade-In


If you're looking for a way to earn credit and get rid of old, unwanted items, the Amazon Trade-In program is worth considering. With Amazon Trade-In, you can trade in your items and receive credit that can be used towards future purchases on Amazon.


Simply check the Amazon Trade-In page for accepted items, and keep an eye out for potential items to trade in at thrift stores, boot sales, and garage sales.


It's a convenient and eco-friendly way to declutter and save money.


Or perhaps you might be interested in selling seasonal products with limited inventory on Amazon? If that's the case - click here.


Different Inventory Management Strategies: Amazon FBA Program, FBM, and Dropshipping


If you're looking to sell products online without having to deal with inventory, there are three main strategies you can consider: dropshipping, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) along with a third-party logistics provider (3PL).


With dropshipping, you partner with a wholesale supplier who handles the inventory and shipping.

FBA allows you to store your products in Amazon's fulfillment centers and have them handle the packaging and shipping.


FBM gives you complete control over inventory and fulfillment, either by doing it yourself or with the help of a 3PL provider.


Dropshipping


Dropship on Amazon for a profit - sell a supplier's products as your own and let them handle the storage and shipping. Let's pursue that avenue once more from the perspective of inventory management and shipping.


Dropshipping is a popular method for selling on Amazon without inventory, allowing sellers to partner with wholesale suppliers and fulfill orders without physically handling the products themselves.


With dropshipping, you can list products on Amazon and when a customer makes a purchase, the supplier ships the item directly to the customer.


This eliminates the need for storing inventory and dealing with shipping logistics, making it a convenient option for many sellers.


FBA


Now let's talk about Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).


With FBA, you can take advantage of Amazon's extensive fulfillment network to store, package, and ship your products. This service allows you to focus on growing your business while Amazon takes care of the logistics.


You'll have access to features like storage, inventory management, order fulfillment, customer service, and even returns.


FBA is a convenient option that can help streamline your selling process on Amazon. Any products you sell also are eligible for access to Amazon Prime.


FBM + 3pl


Maximize your control over inventory and customer satisfaction by using FBM with a reliable 3PL provider, ensuring smooth operations and peace of mind.


With FBM, you have complete control over the entire sales process, from inventory management to packaging and shipping. You avoid placing products in Amazon fulfillment centers, so you deal less with Amazon and the various fees associated with FBA.


By partnering with a trusted third-party logistics provider, you can lighten the operational load and focus on business growth.


This integration can improve order handling, reputation, and customer satisfaction, leading to a successful selling experience on Amazon.


On another note, are you dealing with excess inventory that needs liquidation? Read our guide for how to liquidate inventory on Amazon here.


Frequently Asked Questions on How to Sell on Amazon Without Holding Inventory


What are some examples of products that can be sold on Amazon without inventory?

Some examples of products that can be sold on Amazon without inventory include digital products like eBooks and music. Additionally, print-on-demand products such as customized t-shirts and mugs can be sold without the need for physical inventory. Another option is dropshipped items like electronics and home goods. By utilizing these methods, you can offer a wide range of products to customers without the need for physical inventory. This allows for flexibility, cost savings, and the ability to test out different products and niches.


How can I participate in Amazon programs that allow me to sell without inventory?

To participate in Amazon programs that allow you to sell without inventory, you can explore options like print-on-demand (POD), dropshipping, and fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).

  • With POD, you can customize and print products after receiving orders.

  • Dropshipping involves partnering with a supplier who handles inventory and shipping.

  • FBA allows you to send products to Amazon's fulfillment centers for packaging and shipping.

Each program has its own benefits and considerations, so it's important to research and choose the best fit for your business.


These strategies offer cost savings, flexibility, and lower risk compared to traditional fulfillment models.


Are there any limitations or restrictions on selling without inventory on Amazon?

There are limitations and restrictions when it comes to selling on Amazon without inventory. One limitation is that you won't have as much control over the fulfillment process compared to if you were using Amazon FBA.


Additionally, you may face more competition from other sellers who are also dropshipping or using print-on-demand.


It's important to carefully research and choose products that have a high demand and low competition to maximize your chances of success. Make sure you optimize your product listings on Amazon, regardless of which method you use, to improve the customer experience and drive sales to your chosen inventory-free business.


How can I ensure a successful selling experience without physical inventory on Amazon?

To ensure a successful selling experience on Amazon without physical inventory, there are a few key steps you can take.


First, focus on finding the right products to sell, whether it's through dropshipping or print-on-demand. Conduct thorough market research to identify profitable niches and target specific keywords.


Secondly, invest in appealing cover designs and consider hiring a designer if needed.

Lastly, take advantage of Amazon's programs like FBA or FBM with a reliable 3PL provider to handle inventory management and shipping.


Conclusion: Selling on Amazon Without Inventory Using These Many Methods


So now you know how to sell on Amazon without inventory! By utilizing strategies like print-on-demand, dropshipping, and selling digital products, you can start your own business with minimal risk and investment. Whether you choose to use Amazon's Fulfillment by Amazon service or handle inventory and shipping yourself, there are plenty of options to fit your needs.


With the right platforms and integrations, you can streamline the selling process and reach a wide customer base. Get started today and take advantage of the cost savings and flexibility that selling on Amazon without inventory offers.


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