How to Start an Amazon Store in 2025: A Simple 10-Step Guide
How to Start an Amazon Store in 2025: A Simple 10-Step Guide
"You can’t just open a website and expect people to flood in. If you really want to succeed, you have to create traffic."— Joel Anderson, former CEO of Walmart.com
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Establishing an Amazon storefront in 2025 is no small feat; however, it remains undeniably a rewarding and worthwhile pursuit.
I am not composing this letter to elicit feelings of pleasure, provoke a dopamine rush, or induce sadness, but rather to equip you with all pertinent information that will prepare you for the future that lies ahead...
As you are likely aware, it is generally more advantageous to acquire information about a destination from individuals who have previously experienced it, rather than embarking on the journey yourself to learn through personal experience in certain situations.
By doing so, one embarks on their travels with greater wisdom.
In fact, this is the rationale behind the establishment of my software as a service company (SAAS), trekwiser.com.
This platform serves as a comprehensive AI-powered travel tool designed to enhance your journey. Also, consolidates an advanced Zen meditation utility along with other practical digital resources in one domain.
While many platforms charge for similar tools, I firmly believe in the power of open access.
There's profound joy and freedom in offering valuable resources without barriers, where generosity fuels connection and growth for all.
This philosophy reflects my commitment to service that's both voluntary and heartfelt. (The Goodlife Philosophy)
Indeed, let’s return to the primary focus of this communication before I digress.
Regardless of whether one chooses Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) or Fulfilment by Merchant (FBM), the process requires meticulous planning, strategic development, dos and don'ts and a thorough understanding of the platform's ecosystem.
In this detailed guide, I will strive to maintain simplicity, as I believe that if I cannot convey the concepts at a level comprehensible to a fifth grader, then I do not truly understand them myself.
You will learn all that is necessary—from brand registry and sourcing to brand development, securing your inaugural sale, and formulating an exit strategy (optional).
If you find this guide beneficial, do not hesitate to share it with others who may also gain from it, and remember to subscribe for additional real-world insights.
I endeavour to encompass all aspects of entrepreneurship and the Good Life philosophy to which I champion or preach.
That being said, now, let's get into it.
Why I Chose Amazon FBA (My Journey Thus Far)...
My "Oh Sh*t" Moment.
Couple years back, I had that brutal wake-up call - the kind where you suddenly realise you've been running someone else's race your whole damn life.
Rejection became routine. “Unsuccessful” turned into background noise.
But deep down, every dismissal lit a small, stubborn light inside me. A quiet refusal to give in.
That's when I made a decision - if the system wouldn't let me in, I'd become the architect of my system.
No more asking for permission. I would reverse engineer success on my own terms. After all, everyone is running a business, including the organisation that I intend to apply for.
The good news is that the moment of clarity hit me fast and earlier in my life journey. Just a fresh as a man out of Uni. and full of life energy.
Once I saw how the system was going, I couldn't unsee it. I started building things anyway...
If you're reading this nodding along like "yup, that's me right now" - congrats, your wake-up call is ringing. Pick up.
Why Entrepreneurship Became My Escape Hatch
It was crystal clear that building my own thing was the perfect middle finger to the f*ckin system.
I started testing the waters with Facebook (Meta) Marketplaces.
When complete strangers kept paying me without prior knowledge of who I was and with a heap of "great reviews," that was my green light to go all-in on e-commerce.
Fast forward to today - we've built this insane community of 50,000+ absolute legends across our platforms on the Meta space and beyond.
My core belief is that where people are, things must happen. And man makes the society that shapes man. I carried on with mine.
If you're still reading this, you're my kind of person. Join us soon.
Community building 101 provides comprehensive coverage and guides you through the process of building one yourself.
I wrote it with firsthand knowledge I gathered from the streets of Melbourne. Knowledge you wouldn’t source out anywhere else on the entire web or planet Earth.
Over 10,000 folks have the blueprint and are testifying to the goodness of the rare print. Or is it the Community explosion 102 that took their communities to the stratosphere?
Find it here, but remember to return for the core message of today's mindf*cked.
Nonetheless, while all that was said and done, my first store was an utter disaster—zero sales and constant subscription fees from these people.
Sometimes, it feels like robbing Paul to pay Peter. I kept robbing...
I was confused. Frustrated. Shattered. What saved me was that I wasn't in debt.
But amid chaos, there is something hidden to be revealed. I kept on keeping on...
I was already at a point of no return. One sec, let me explain what I mean.
I had invested approximately 450 Australian Dollars in purchasing a Shopify theme for professional purposes, spent roughly $6,695 again building a storefront as an amateur, and incurred other fees too numerous to mention in this letter.
It drained me emotionally and financially. But I did not cry. One thing stood firm - Belief.
Instead of quitting, I pivoted.
I knew this route must take me somewhere.
Like Usain Bolt taught me - you keep moving until you hear that boom sound.
But here's the military truth that always echoed in my mind: Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.
Some seasons, I'd hit pause on my store to rebuild from the foundations up. Other times, I'd straight-up forget it existed and sleep like the dead.
No regrets. No apologies. This is the entrepreneur's pendulum - between relentless hustle and necessary hibernation.
The game doesn't care about your rhythms, but your results would.
I knew there was huge leverage in this e-commerce world.
And I'm a huge fan of the word "LEVERAGE".
I learned how to optimise costs, reduce fees, and understand Shopify's system.
In fact, I hacked the system, so to speak.
That will be a paid expertise.
Click here to learn more. How to hack Shopify and save on cost
Believe me, it’ll be worth every cent.
One key takeaway before we dive deeper in this letter: always, always look for loopholes in any system whatsoever, because the systems are already designed to relentlessly capture your money, time, and attention and not give a f*ck about your feelings.
Your job is to meticulously study it and look for loopholes and then reverse engineer it to your advantage before it becomes mainstream.
Earlier adopters are usually winners or have a huge advantage over others.
Eventually, I transitioned to Amazon after a while and converted my Shopify store to a playground, which then resulted in an affiliate machine.
As per Amazon FBA, I did this so I could perhaps tap into an already built-in customer base ecosystem (people looking to buy)
And with time, effort, and patience, I built something real.
Take a peek before we go all in with the roadmap.
You see, now let’s get real for a second: You won’t find me bragging about scaling my Amazon store from $0 to $1M here. Never. Ever.
Why? Because profitable scale demands something most gurus won’t tell you: a bulletproof roadmap before the hockey-stick growth.
Here’s what we do offer: Products designed in-house in downtown Victoria (yes, we obsess over blueprints, quality assurance before the scale)
A non-negotiable quality standard—every item must pass my "would I gift this to my mom?" test.
Two ways you can help fuel this fire and let it blaze on for life:
Amazon Storefront, as per the links attached above (Prime delivery available)
eBay Store, as per the link attached below (for areas Amazon misses)
To our supporters: Your patronage truly fuels this rebellion against cut-corners capitalism. Every order proves that quality still wins. And you'll see for yourself.
Thank you for your support once more, my dear reader.
Now, seriously — this guide is built on real battlefield experience.
No fluff, no filler. Just hard-earned lessons from building stores that tend to generate actual profit, not the hypothetical theories you get from self-proclaimed gurus who’ve never done it for real.
I’ll break it down like a parent explaining life’s messy truths: no jargon, no filler like I said, just the straight talk you’d give your own kid holding a startup dream.
(Full disclosure: I’m drafting this from a shopping centre with my third espresso. If you spot typos, we’ll call them “caffeine casualties” and focus on the gold between the lines, the message and not the messenger.)
A fair warning:
This isn’t a skim-and-skim manifesto—bookmark it, take coffee breaks (I did)
Amazon’s a beast—you’ll need equal parts grit and strategy to conquer it
Every tactic works today, not some 2015 “get rich quick” fairy tale
Ready to keep on keeping on?...
If you're ready, freaking yes, I'm ready.
Let's go to the deepest level now.
Amazon FBA vs. FBM: What’s the Difference?
FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon): Amazon stores your products, handles shipping, returns, and customer service.
It’s hands-off, but comes with higher fees.
FBM (Fulfilment by Merchant): You store and ship your products yourself or through a 3PL.
This gives you more control and potentially lower costs, but more responsibility.
Pro Tip: Amazon heavily favours FBA sellers due to Prime eligibility and other incentives.
Step 1: Registering Your Amazon Store
Registration is straightforward but requires some key steps:
Sign up for a Professional Seller account. Here's the link. Amazon Seller Central (Not an affiliate link)
As of writing, this costs me 50 Australian dollars annually.
To begin, you must submit the required documentation, including identity verification, proof of address, and bank account details.
Ensure your linked payment method remains active, as Amazon periodically verifies the payment method associated with your seller account.
Next, await Amazon’s approval, which typically takes up to a week but may extend to 14 days in some instances.
Note that if your chosen store name is already in use or too similar to another seller’s, Amazon will likely request a different name, of which you must concur.
Once approved, your store will be live—congratulations, my friend!!
That moment feels incredible. Isn't it? It is.
Having your store active within Amazon’s ecosystem, to me, is a privilege, as many applicants are rejected during the process.
If you prefer to avoid the hassle and have someone handle it for you, send us an email or get started here. e-commerce Compass (Everything Put Together)
Our products aren’t cheap because they deliver more value than anything in their class. And honestly, we’re not here to beg for orders. We build for those who know the difference. The select few.
Some things will not appear in this letter that help speed up or act as a catalyst, as an added point to your approval success.
You wouldn’t want to risk a second application.
I always encourage people to start well, where necessary or use their money to bypass stressors. After all, that's what money was intended for in the first place.
Step 2: Barcode Registration in Australia or elsewhere.
I can’t speak for every region, but when it comes to Amazon’s brand laws in Oceania, where we're based, GS1 Australia handles that.
I’ll drop the link here so you can check it out for yourself.
As I mentioned earlier, my goal is to equip you with everything you need—tools, strategies, and the right info—so you can start strong and make informed decisions from day one. GS1 Australia
In Australia, you’re required to register barcodes for your products as stipulated by Amazon's policy unless granted an exception.
Use GS1 Australia to purchase or assign barcodes to your inventory.
Every seller needs a product barcode to list their item on Amazon.
These barcodes let Amazon’s system know who the product belongs to and where it’s coming from—they're basically your product’s digital passport, so to speak, in this context.
At the time of this letter, registering each product costs 84 Australian dollars, and that’s renewed annually, typically around the end of the financial year.
Note: There are exceptions, but they may require a fair bit of paperwork and supporting documentation.
Step 3: Understanding the Costs (FBA & FBM Fees)
Amazon is a business built on fees.
Some of the major charges include:
FBA storage and fulfilment fees
Referral fees (a percentage of your sales)
Advertising costs
Step 4: Sourcing a Product (Niche Research & Supplier Vetting)
The Unconventional Path to Product-Market Fit
My core philosophy is simple: solve real problems, then sell the solution.
Every product I put up for sale is something I’ve improved, enhanced, and proven to work, so when you get it, you're not just buying a tool, you're buying a working solution.
This mindset eliminates the stress of figuring out what to sell, because the value is already built in.
On the flip side, pay attention to what you spend money on most often.
That’s usually a clue — if you keep paying for something, there’s a good chance others are too. Learn to source or create it, and own it yourself.
Awareness is everything in this game.
The more conscious you become of the problems around you, the easier it becomes to spot opportunities, build solutions, and grow a meaningful business.
First things first, always order samples—hold them in your hands (hone your visual-spatial intelligence and other intelligences), test them like a customer would, then refine what needs work.
The magic happens in the repackaging and how you back it up with service that makes people say, "Great."
Here’s the truth no one tells you: Your sales ceiling starts with your buying habits.
You can re-read that single line of words again if you want to.
If you’re only comfortable buying cheap, you’ll struggle to sell premium.
You’ve got to believe in your product’s value before anyone else would.
I took this to extremes early on.
Here’s what I did differently, a bit scary, but it worked: I walked into cafés with prototypes in hand, asking complete strangers to rate my product from 1 to 10 or make me an offer, while dressed sharp and wearing $300+ worth of cologne on purpose (yes, seriously).
Even after I leave the room, my cologne lingers—and sometimes, I leave something else behind: my business card.
It’s enough to spark curiosity. People often find themselves thinking, “Who was that dude?” and more importantly, “What else has he got going on?”
You start to develop a certain psychology around sales, yourself.
The truth is, most people hate the idea of being sold to, even though everyone is technically in sales. Some sell their time for a paycheck, yet still act like it's taboo when someone brings real sales to their front door.
That’s why you’ve got to approach it differently: show that you're here to solve a problem, not just take their money and fly.
You sell with confidence, with pride, like you don’t need their cash to survive or upgrade your lifestyle. And ironically, that’s what makes people trust you more.
Why? Because perception is everything in this marketing space.
You can’t sell a $20 product while looking like you can’t afford lunch or looking scattered and shattered.
If showing up in a Lambo helps you confidently ask for $100 from a client, then by all means, do it.
The point is, own your value and show up like you deserve every dollar you’re asking for. I'm telling you now. Humans are the most complex creatures of all.
Another radical experiment I'm doing while I drop these tips:
I gave away tons of free products (people thought I was crazy, but I wasn't)
If you're bold enough to use what we've built without giving back, just remember, value borrowed demands value returned.
Every product in our ecosystem is equipped with a dynamic QR code, giving you instant access to reorders, upgrades, or direct support—no friction, no excuses whatsoever.
With our embedded smart QR system—powered by TrekWiser AI—we’ve made follow-up actions effortless. Check them out soon. AI-Powered Travel Tools
One scan, and you’re exactly where you need to be.
Precision-engineered convenience, built for those who move with intention.
Focused on getting products into people's hands, Shun profits first. Because usage creates demand. If no one sees it, no one knows about it.
Every free product became a walking billboard. The "loss" was just marketing spend; most people are too scared to make.
Supplier Truth Bombs:
Never, ever rely on one supplier on this God's green planet—have 3-5 vetted options (Alibaba Gold + Trade Assurance minimum or other reputable platforms out there)
Never be at the mercy of your supplier.
Stay in control and never relinquish it at any point in time.
Document every conversation like you’ll sell your business tomorrow (because you might)
Watch for supplier aliases—some operate multiple storefronts.
Negotiate like $1/unit is life-changing (because on 1,000 units, it is)
The golden rule?
Spend 2 full days comparing suppliers—it’s the best MBA you’ll never pay for.
Step 5: Getting Your First Sale
Getting your first sale can be stressful af, but here’s how I did it:
You need patience—master the art of delayed gratification.
True success isn’t rushed; it’s earned over time by those who can wait, build, and stay focused when others quit.
Pre-seed your store—build an audience on social media, email list or your website before launching.
I didn’t just step into Amazon—I came in vetted and ready.
I’d already built a content flywheel so effective, I barely had to lift a finger to have my store noticed (I maximised the admin assist on my Meta Groups dashboard).
We can help you build one of these communities, too — just reach out.
The future is bright for those who create thriving online spaces with loyal members.
My product links would appear naturally on your social media feed if you were part of our community of over 50,000 active members.
And then there’s my email list—my real goldmine.
That’s where the trust lives, and that’s where the conversions happen.
Study SEO, and use it to make your listing discoverable.
Check for “Search Suppressed” status in your Amazon FBA Seller's dashboard.
If listings are hidden due to poor images or keywords, update them immediately.
Use AI tools or ChatGPT to enhance product photos—this saved me over AUD 500 in photography costs.
Read more: How I Dodged a $559 Photo Bill with AI
Step 6: Getting Your First Review (Without Getting Flagged)
Reviews are gold—but tread carefully.
Amazon uses advanced AI tools to detect fake or incentivised reviews.
Be careful.
Amazon is built on or runs on social proof, as you're pretty much aware.
Here’s how to stay compliant:
Use Amazon’s internal request system after product delivery.
Avoid direct incentives, but you can follow up politely via traditional marketing or email.
I won't teach you everything here; we've got to use your tongue to count our teeth.
Only use the “Request a Review” button once per order. However, the platform does this for you automatically after about 3 days of delivery.
Step 7: Outsmarting the Amazon Algorithm
Amazon’s algorithm (A9) determines product visibility.
To beat it:
Focus on strong keywords in your titles, bullet points, and backend.
Study other product listings, steal and re-invent.
Invest in Amazon Ads initially, but don't rely solely on them.
Build your own A9 or even A10 if you want to.
Build an off-Amazon ecosystem (email list, website, social media) to reduce dependence on Amazon’s rules (Never relinquish total control - rule number 1).
Amazon doesn’t care if you make a sale or not.
They profit off ads and product storage.
You must care about your own success.
Step 8: How to Create and Ship Your Inventory to Amazon's Warehouse
Getting your products to Amazon’s warehouse might seem complicated at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand the process.
Start by logging into your Seller Central dashboard.
From there, head over to the section where you can create or replenish inventory.
You’ll need to enter the number of units you plan to send, the number of boxes or pallets, and then click “Create.” Easy, right? ....Yeah.
At this point, Amazon generates a shipping label (usually a PDF with barcodes) for you.
You can either send the barcode file to your supplier to label the boxes, or print and apply them yourself—this depends on whether you're using FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) or FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant).
Next, Amazon gives you a choice: use their preferred shipping partner or coordinate your own logistics.
I opted for my own carrier.
Once the shipment is on its way, log back into Seller Central and input your tracking details to keep everything synced and visible on your dashboard.
The system will update you on inbound shipments or something like that.
Step 9: Cautionary Measures: Implications of Inventory Storage Beyond 183 Days
While I'm still a victim of this circumstance, I would want you to not fall for it. It's a costly mistake.
It’s smart practice to avoid overstocking your inventory.
Amazon considers anything stored beyond 183 days as aged stock, and once it passes 365 days, you could be hit with extra storage fees.
So, produce strategically—and if possible, store excess inventory at home.
Here’s where I f*cked up:
I didn’t maximise the storage space I already had at home.
I chose bulky products that ate up warehouse space. And you're billed per square meter.
I shipped inventory at the wrong time of year.
Step 10: Exit Strategy—Build to Sell
The Long-Term Vision
Why Running an Amazon Store Is Worth It:
Running an Amazon business is no get-rich-quick scheme.
It’s a long-term play with incredible potential.
Based on the latest data, Amazon stores listed on Flippa generating around $50,000 in monthly revenue were going for as much as $1.6 million.
Here’s why:
Access to 300+ million customers worldwide through Amazon’s vast marketplace
Built-in infrastructure that handles payments, shipping, and offers Prime benefits
Powerful data analytics to refine your strategy and boost sales
A genuine platform for real brand building and customer loyalty
The potential for a lucrative exit that could change your life
The Gold-Rush Mentality - Amazon's projected $1.2T global sales by 2025
One beautiful thing about Amazon is, once you're up. You're up for life.
Be sure to guard yourself and not make silly mistakes.
Amazon's mistakes are costly.
That said, don’t put all your eggs in Amazon’s basket.
A single policy change or competitor complaint could wipe your business out overnight.
That’s why I’m always building my own things and things.
Even if Amazon shuts down tomorrow, I’ll still have a thriving business.
Thanks for reading this in-depth guide.
I hope it gives you the roadmap you need to start, grow, and eventually exit your Amazon business in Australia or beyond.
Please share this with a friend or family member, or leave us your comment (we'll leave the section open) — it might just change their life.
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Till next time,
— Destiny
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