How to Sell on Amazon without Inventory: Exploring Different Solutions
Amazon is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms out there. However, selling on Amazon can be quite challenging, especially if you do not have inventory. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is Amazon’s most popular system that allows you to sell products without holding any inventory. However, this system requires a lot of upfront investment and isn’t always feasible for small businesses. In this article, we’ll be exploring various ways of selling on Amazon without inventory.
Dropshipping on Amazon
Dropshipping is a business model that doesn’t require you to keep any inventory. Instead, when someone buys a product from you, you place an order with a supplier who will then ship the product directly to your customer.
On Amazon, you can use Amazon’s platform to list the products, and when someone buys the product, the supplier will ship it directly to the customer. Moreover, using Amazon, you can link your supplier’s inventories with your account, making it easier to manage orders.
Benefits of dropshipping on Amazon include low upfront cost, ease of starting, and the opportunity to scale without investing much. However, before starting, ensure the supplier you choose has a good reputation, and the shipping time is reasonable.
Kindle Direct Publishing
If you are a writer, you can publish your books on Amazon and sell them directly to Kindle users. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) will guide and help you through the entire publishing process.
With KDP, you can sell both digital and print books on Amazon. KDP allows you to upload your manuscript and format it. You can also create professional cover images on different templates available on KDP. Once you publish your book, Kindle Direct Publishing will handle the delivery and payment process, and you will get paid directly to your account.
The benefits of using Kindle Direct Publishing include the low investment required to get started, freedom and flexibility to choose genres, control over the pricing, and access to millions of potential readers.
Merch by Amazon
Merch by Amazon is a print-on-demand (POD) system that’s perfect for people interested in designing and selling T-shirts and other merchandise. With Merch by Amazon, you can create your own designs and list them for sale on Amazon. When someone purchases your design, Amazon will print it on the selected apparel and ship it to the customer.
Merch by Amazon is an advantage because it doesn’t require you time and money for production. The only investment you need to make is the cost of a designer and time spent creating designs. Moreover, selling T-shirts on Amazon is easy since Amazon handles most of the processes, such as payments and printing.
Amazon Handmade
Amazon also offers an online marketplace for people selling handmade goods, called Amazon Handmade. This marketplace is a fantastic option if you create handmade or unique products. The platform has different categories to list your products, such as jewelry, home décor, and artwork, among others.
To join Amazon Handmade, you must meet specific criteria with your products, such as the products being handmade, custom-made, or have a handmade element. Amazon will review your application before approving the products and listing them on the platform. However, once approved, your handmade products will potentially target Amazon’s broad user base.
Affiliate Marketing
Amazon also offers an attractive affiliate program, where you can earn a commission by promoting other people’s products on Amazon. As an Affiliate marketer, you have a unique link to a product that Amazon assigns you. When someone clicks that link to buy a product, you will earn a commission on the sale.
With Affiliate Marketing, you don’t have to hold inventory, make investments, or ship sales at all. All you have to do is to promote quality products, with your unique link, and begin to earn commissions. Affiliate marketing is a great opportunity to make passive income.
Sell Digital Goods
Amazon also offers a digital products marketplace that allows people to sell digital products, such as eBooks, music, videos, and more. This marketplace is an excellent choice if you have a skill or knowledge that you can package into a digital product.
Selling digital products on Amazon is easy since you don’t have to spend money on printing or shipping costs. You upload the files onto Amazon, and they handle everything else. Additionally, the digital marketplace can be a very lucrative niche since you can sell the product over and over again.
Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)
Finally, Amazon FBM is a system that allows sellers to fulfill orders themselves. In the FBM system, you receive the order, pack, and ship the product directly to the customer. Although this requires inventory, you don’t have to participate in Amazon’s FBA system.
The primary advantage of Amazon FBM is that you handle the entire customer experience. This means that you have control and autonomy over the packing process, and you can promote your brand and build customer relationships.
Conclusion
Selling on Amazon without inventory is very doable, and there are several ways to do it. From dropshipping and POD systems to affiliate marketing, digital products, and even handmade items, Amazon offers something for everyone.
Before choosing, consider your skills, expertise, and target audience to find the best fit. Explore the options and choose the one that suits your underlying goals.
