The good news? You don’t necessarily need a large upfront investment—or even any money at all—to start selling on Amazon. By leveraging creative business models and using Amazon’s own tools, you can launch a seller account and begin earning with little to no capital.
This guide is designed for anyone who wants to start an Amazon side hustle but feels stuck due to limited funds. You’ll learn the basics of selling on Amazon, the costs to watch out for, and practical ways to minimize or completely bypass upfront expenses.
Understanding the Basics of Selling on Amazon
Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand the different ways you can sell on Amazon and where costs typically arise. This knowledge helps you identify methods to cut expenses without cutting opportunities.
Amazon FBA vs. FBM: Which is Better Without Capital?
Amazon offers two main fulfillment models:
| Model | Fulfillment Responsibility | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) | Amazon handles storage, packaging, shipping, and customer service | Prime eligibility, faster shipping, less workload | Storage and fulfillment fees, requires upfront inventory | Sellers with some capital or bulk inventory |
| FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) | You handle shipping and customer service directly | No Amazon storage fees, more control | Time-consuming, requires logistics setup | Beginners with no capital, dropshipping, or print-on-demand sellers |
For entrepreneurs starting with zero capital, FBM is often the better choice, as you don’t need to pre-purchase inventory or pay for storage. You can list items you already own, source products on demand, or use business models like dropshipping or Kindle publishing.
Common Costs Associated with Selling on Amazon
Even without capital, you should know the typical expenses most sellers face:
- Inventory costs – Buying stock upfront for resale.
- Amazon seller fees – $0.99 per item on an Individual plan or $39.99/month for a Professional plan.
- Referral fees – Percentage cut Amazon takes from each sale (8%–15% depending on category).
- Fulfillment fees – If using FBA, costs for storage, packing, and delivery.
- Shipping costs – For FBM sellers who handle their own logistics.
- Advertising – Optional but often used to drive sales faster.
How to Minimize or Bypass These Costs
If you’re starting with no money, the goal is to avoid upfront inventory purchases and fixed costs while still listing products on Amazon. Here’s how:
- Start with an Individual Seller Account – No monthly subscription, just per-item fees.
- Sell products you already own – Books, electronics, or unused items at home.
- Leverage print-on-demand or digital products – No stock required, only design or content creation.
- Use dropshipping suppliers – List items first, purchase only after customers buy.
- Take advantage of Amazon’s built-in traffic – Organic listings can generate sales without spending on ads initially.
By focusing on models that minimize upfront expenses, you can start selling almost immediately, even if your current budget is $0.
9 Smart Strategies to Start How to Sell on Amazon Without Capital
Want to build a profitable online business but don’t have the funds to get started? Selling on Amazon without capital is more achievable than you might think. With the right approach, you can leverage Amazon’s massive marketplace to generate sales using creative methods that require little to no upfront investment. In this guide, we’ll share 9 smart strategies to sell on Amazon with zero capital, helping you kickstart your eCommerce journey and grow sustainably.
1. Amazon Affiliate Program (Amazon Associates)
The Amazon Associates program is one of the easiest entry points for anyone looking to make money online without handling inventory or spending upfront. As an affiliate, you don’t sell physical products yourself; instead, you promote Amazon products through special tracking links. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. This makes it one of the most beginner-friendly methods to earn on Amazon.
For people new to online income, affiliate marketing removes many barriers. You don’t need to buy products, pay for shipping, or deal with customer service. Your main task is to drive traffic—through blogs, social media, YouTube, or even email marketing. Since Amazon is already a trusted platform with millions of daily shoppers, your conversion rates are usually higher compared to other affiliate programs.
How It Works for Beginners
- Sign up for Amazon Associates at affiliate-program.amazon.com.
- Browse the Amazon marketplace to find products related to your niche.
- Generate unique affiliate links for these products.
- Share those links on your website, YouTube channel, TikTok, or other online platforms.
- Earn commissions when visitors buy through your link.
Beginner’s Guide
- Choose a niche you are passionate about (e.g., fitness, tech gadgets, home decor).
- Build a simple platform: either a blog (free WordPress, Medium) or a social media channel.
- Create helpful, authentic content such as product reviews, tutorials, or top-10 lists.
- Insert affiliate links naturally within your content.
Opportunities & Estimated Earnings
| Timeframe | Estimated Earnings for Beginners |
|---|---|
| Daily | $3–$20 with small traffic. |
| Weekly | $30–$150 if consistently posting content. |
| Monthly | $100–$600+ after building a steady audience. |
Strategies for High Earnings
- Focus on evergreen niches like health, home improvement, or tech.
- Use SEO optimization to rank articles on Google.
- Build email lists to increase repeat clicks.
- Promote higher-priced items for bigger commissions.
2. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s self-publishing platform that allows you to publish eBooks or paperbacks at zero cost. With KDP, anyone can become an author without paying for printing, storage, or distribution. Amazon handles everything—from hosting your book to shipping physical copies when ordered.
For beginners, KDP offers a chance to turn knowledge, stories, or creativity into passive income. Whether it’s a short guide, a novel, or even a coloring book, KDP enables you to earn royalties from every sale. Best of all, you retain control over your rights and pricing.
How It Works for Beginners
- Create a free KDP account at kdp.amazon.com.
- Write or compile your content (eBooks, guides, low-content books like journals).
- Format and upload your manuscript (Amazon provides free templates).
- Set your price and royalty option (35% or 70%).
- Publish and let Amazon distribute your book worldwide.
Beginner’s Guide
- Start with a short, simple project such as a 30-page guide or a journal.
- Use free tools like Canva for cover design.
- Research keywords with Amazon’s search bar to see what readers are buying.
- Focus on niche categories where competition is lower (e.g., “vegan meal prep,” “student budgeting”).
Opportunities & Estimated Earnings
| Timeframe | Estimated Earnings for Beginners |
|---|---|
| Daily | $5–$15 from a few book sales. |
| Weekly | $40–$100 with consistent marketing. |
| Monthly | $150–$800+ once a catalog of books grows. |
Strategies for High Earnings
- Publish multiple books in a series to build reader loyalty.
- Leverage Amazon Ads to boost visibility (low-cost, optional).
- Optimize book titles and descriptions with Amazon SEO keywords.
- Encourage reviews by giving free copies to friends and early readers.
3. Merch by Amazon (Print-on-Demand)
Merch by Amazon, now often called Amazon Merch on Demand, is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to sell on Amazon without any upfront capital. Instead of buying inventory, you simply upload your designs, and Amazon handles everything else—from printing the product to packaging and shipping it to customers. This model is called print-on-demand because the items are produced only when someone places an order, eliminating the risk of unsold stock. For creative individuals, whether you’re a graphic designer, illustrator, or just someone with clever ideas for slogans and visuals, Merch by Amazon provides a direct path to earning income without financial investment.
What makes this program attractive is Amazon’s global reach. Once your design is approved and listed, it instantly becomes available to millions of Amazon customers. Products aren’t limited to just T-shirts—you can design hoodies, phone cases, tote bags, and more. This gives you the freedom to test multiple niches and styles with zero financial risk. In 2025, Merch by Amazon has become even more competitive, but the opportunity remains strong for those who consistently create unique and trending designs.
How Merch by Amazon Works
- Apply for an account at https://merch.amazon.com. Approval may take a few days to weeks.
- Once accepted, upload your artwork and select the type of products you want to sell (e.g., T-shirts, hoodies, mugs).
- Set your price—Amazon will show you the royalty you’ll earn per sale.
- When a customer orders, Amazon prints and ships the product while you collect royalties.
Beginner’s Guide
- Start with simple but high-quality designs; don’t overcomplicate.
- Focus on niche markets (e.g., dog lovers, fitness fans, teachers) where demand is high but competition is manageable.
- Use free tools like Canva or GIMP to create your designs if you don’t have advanced design software.
Opportunities and Estimated Earnings
- Per Sale Earnings: $2–$8 royalty depending on the product and price.
- Beginner Estimates:
- Daily: $5–$15 (with a few designs selling).
- Weekly: $35–$100.
- Monthly: $150–$400 (scaling up with more designs and seasonal demand).
Strategies for Higher Earnings
- Upload designs consistently—top sellers usually have hundreds or thousands of products live.
- Stay ahead of seasonal trends (Christmas, Halloween, graduation season).
- Use SEO in your product title and description so buyers can easily find your merchandise.
- Study what’s working by analyzing Amazon’s “Best Sellers” in apparel and related categories.
4. Retail Arbitrage Using Cashback & Gift Cards
Retail arbitrage is another low-cost way to start selling on Amazon, but when combined with cashback apps and gift cards, it becomes a strategy that requires little to no upfront capital. The concept is simple: you find discounted or clearance items in physical stores (like Walmart, Target, or local shops) or online, and then resell them on Amazon for a profit. By stacking cashback rewards, loyalty points, and free gift cards, you can essentially finance your first batch of products without using your own money.
This approach is especially practical for beginners who want hands-on experience in selling physical products on Amazon but don’t want to take on financial risk. With the right tools, you can quickly determine if a product is profitable before buying it. Free extensions like Keepa or SellerAmp’s limited free plan can help you analyze product demand and competition, while cashback platforms like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Honey provide rewards that you can reinvest in more products.
How Retail Arbitrage Works
- Collect free gift cards through survey sites (like Swagbucks or InboxDollars) or loyalty programs.
- Use cashback apps when buying discounted products online or in-store.
- List these items on Amazon through your seller account.
- When they sell, Amazon takes its fees, and you keep the profit.
Beginner’s Guide
- Start small—pick products under $20 with consistent sales history.
- Scan items using the Amazon Seller App to instantly check profitability before purchase.
- Reinvent your earned cashback and gift cards into more inventory to grow.
Opportunities and Estimated Earnings
- Per Item Profit: $2–$10 depending on demand and discounts.
- Beginner Estimates:
- Daily: $10–$20 (a few items sold).
- Weekly: $70–$150.
- Monthly: $300–$600 (once you scale).
Strategies for Higher Earnings
- Always check clearance aisles at major retailers—they often hold hidden gems.
- Use holiday sales like Black Friday or back-to-school season to stock up.
- Join online deal groups or communities where sellers share profitable leads.
- Diversify products; don’t rely on one niche or single brand.
5. Dropshipping on Amazon (Low-Risk Model)
Dropshipping is one of the most talked-about methods of selling online, and yes—you can use it on Amazon with some important considerations. In this model, you don’t keep any inventory. Instead, when a customer places an order on your Amazon store, you forward that order to a supplier (like a manufacturer, wholesaler, or even another retailer in some cases), who ships the product directly to the customer. You act as the middleman, making money on the price difference.
The key with Amazon is to follow their strict dropshipping policy. You must always be the seller of record, which means your name (not the supplier’s) shows up on receipts, invoices, and packaging. Many beginners break this rule by using retail stores like Walmart or Target for dropshipping, which often leads to account suspension. Instead, look for wholesale suppliers, print-on-demand services, or platforms like Alibaba and Spocket that integrate with Amazon in a compliant way.
How Dropshipping on Amazon Works
- Open a Professional Amazon Seller account.
- Find a trusted supplier who provides reliable shipping and white-label packaging.
- List their products in your Amazon store with your markup.
- When a sale is made, forward the order to the supplier, who fulfills it directly.
Beginner’s Guide
- Start with small, lightweight products to reduce shipping costs.
- Avoid branded goods from big companies—you could face copyright or counterfeit issues.
- Use supplier directories or Amazon-approved partners to reduce risks.
Opportunities and Estimated Earnings
| Timeframe | Estimated Earnings for Beginners |
|---|---|
| Per Sale Profit | $5–$50 depending on niche. |
| Daily | $10–$30 (few sales per day). |
| Weekly | $70–$200. |
| Monthly | $300–$800 (scales well with more listings). |
Strategies for Higher Earnings
- Focus on trending niches like home office gadgets, pet supplies, or fitness gear.
- Negotiate with suppliers for faster shipping and better prices.
- Optimize your Amazon product listings with clear images and keyword-rich titles.
- Automate order forwarding with tools like AutoDS or DSM Tool to save time.
6. Online Arbitrage with Zero-Cost Tools
Online arbitrage is very similar to retail arbitrage, but instead of visiting physical stores, you find profitable products online and resell them on Amazon. The beauty of this method is that you can start with zero investment if you use cashback offers, gift cards, or free rewards programs. This way, you’re buying products without dipping into your own wallet, yet still earning profits when they sell.
With the rise of deal sites and browser extensions, beginners can easily spot price mismatches between online retailers and Amazon. For example, you might find a product for $10 at Walmart.com that sells for $25 on Amazon. With Amazon’s fees considered, you could still pocket a $5–$8 profit per sale. This approach is also more scalable than retail arbitrage since you don’t need to physically shop around—you can do everything from your laptop.
How Online Arbitrage Works
- Sign up for cashback and rebate platforms (Rakuten, Ibotta, Capital One Shopping).
- Use free tools like Keepa (price tracking) or RevSeller’s trial to analyze sales history.
- Buy discounted items online using cashback/gift cards.
- Ship them to Amazon (using FBA) or directly fulfill yourself (FBM).
Beginner’s Guide
- Focus on categories with fast turnover like toys, electronics accessories, or household items.
- Avoid fragile or oversized items at the start.
- Use Chrome extensions to compare prices instantly across retailers.
Opportunities and Estimated Earnings
| Timeframe | Estimated Earnings for Beginners |
|---|---|
| Per Item Profit | $3–$15 depending on deals. |
| Daily | $10–$25. |
| Weekly | $80–$175. |
| Monthly | $350–$700. |
Strategies for Higher Earnings
- Hunt deals during clearance events and holiday sales.
- Join online arbitrage “lead lists” or Facebook groups to find hot products faster.
- Stack cashback with credit card rewards to maximize profit.
- Scale by reinvesting profits into higher-value inventory.
7. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – eBooks & Low-Content Books
Amazon KDP is one of the easiest ways to sell digital products on Amazon without worrying about shipping or inventory. With KDP, you can self-publish eBooks, paperbacks, or even hardcover books, and Amazon handles printing and delivery whenever someone places an order. You just upload your book file and cover, set the price, and earn royalties on every sale.
What’s exciting is you don’t have to be a novelist to succeed here. Many beginners start with low-content books like journals, planners, coloring books, or logbooks. These don’t require much writing—just design templates—and they sell consistently because people always need them. Tools like Canva, BookBolt, or even free KDP templates make it beginner-friendly.
How KDP Works
- Create an Amazon KDP account.
- Write or design your book (text-heavy or low-content).
- Format it for Kindle or print using KDP’s free tools.
- Upload your manuscript, cover, and description.
- Set your price and start earning royalties (up to 70%).
Beginner’s Guide
- Start with simple low-content books like gratitude journals or planners.
- Research niches using Amazon’s Best Sellers Rank (BSR).
- Use keyword tools (like Publisher Rocket) to find profitable book topics.
Opportunities and Estimated Earnings
- Per Sale Profit: $2–$7 depending on book price.
- Beginner Estimates:
- Daily: $5–$20.
- Weekly: $40–$150.
- Monthly: $150–$500.
Strategies for Higher Earnings
- Publish multiple books across different niches.
- Optimize titles, keywords, and categories for search.
- Offer your eBook on Kindle Unlimited (KU) to earn per page read.
- Run occasional Amazon Ads to boost visibility.
8. Amazon Handmade (Sell Custom Crafts)
If you’re a creator of handmade goods—like jewelry, candles, art, or home décor—Amazon Handmade is the perfect marketplace. Think of it as Amazon’s answer to Etsy, but with the advantage of Amazon’s massive global audience. Unlike standard Amazon sellers, Handmade sellers don’t pay listing fees; instead, Amazon takes a referral fee (usually around 15%).
This model is great for crafters because you control your production, and your products stand out as unique items in a world of mass-produced goods. Many beginners start small—selling 5–10 products per week—and scale as demand grows.
How Amazon Handmade Works
- Apply to become an Amazon Handmade seller (approval required).
- Create product listings with detailed descriptions and high-quality photos.
- Set pricing and shipping preferences.
- Fulfill orders yourself or use FBA for faster shipping.
Beginner’s Guide
- Focus on a specific craft niche (e.g., personalized gifts, natural skincare, or rustic décor).
- Use professional-looking product photos to attract buyers.
- Price your products to reflect quality and handmade value.
Opportunities and Estimated Earnings
- Per Sale Profit: $10–$50 depending on product type.
- Beginner Estimates:
- Daily: $15–$50.
- Weekly: $100–$350.
- Monthly: $400–$1,200.
Strategies for Higher Earnings
- Sell seasonal items (holiday décor, wedding gifts, etc.).
- Offer product bundles or gift sets.
- Build a brand story to connect emotionally with buyers.
- Promote your Handmade shop through social media (Instagram & Pinterest work great).
9. Amazon Associates (Affiliate Marketing)
Amazon Associates is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to earn money on Amazon without holding inventory or creating products. Instead of selling directly, you promote Amazon products using affiliate links, and every time someone buys through your link, you earn a commission (usually 1%–10% depending on the category).
This method is popular because it doesn’t require upfront investment—just content creation. You can share product links on a blog, YouTube channel, TikTok, or even social media posts. For example, if you write a blog about fitness, you can link to dumbbells, resistance bands, or supplements on Amazon. If someone clicks and buys, you get paid. For this month only, you can get it for the incredible price of $599. However, there's a crucial tip to ensure its longevity: you must descale the machine every month using the provided solution. It's a serious machine, but having a flawless espresso shot waiting for you every morning.
How Amazon Associates Works
- Sign up for the Amazon Associates Program.
- Choose products in your niche and generate affiliate links.
- Share those links through blogs, videos, or social media.
- Earn commissions whenever people purchase (not only the linked item but anything they buy within 24 hours).
Beginner’s Guide
- Pick a niche you’re passionate about (e.g., home office gear, cooking gadgets, gaming).
- Create useful content like product reviews, “top 10” lists, or tutorials.
- Always disclose affiliate links to stay compliant.
Opportunities and Estimated Earnings
| Timeframe | Estimated Earnings for Beginners |
|---|---|
| Per Sale Profit | Small (usually $0.20–$20), but it adds up with volume. |
| Daily | $5–$25. |
| Weekly | $30–$150. |
| Monthly | $150–$600. |
Strategies for Higher Earnings
- Target trending products (like tech, home appliances, or seasonal goods).
- Use SEO so your content ranks on Google and brings in free traffic.
- Combine Amazon links with social platforms like TikTok or Pinterest for viral reach.
- Build an email list to recommend products regularly.
My Experience With Starting on Amazon Without Capital
When I first looked into Amazon, I was overwhelmed by the cost of inventory, storage fees, and advertising. I didn’t have thousands of dollars to launch a private label product, so I explored no-capital alternatives that let me test the waters without major risk.
Personal Story of Testing Multiple Strategies
I started with Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), creating short ebooks around trending niches. My first book cost nothing to publish—it only required time and research. Within two weeks, I made my first $40 in royalties.
Then I tried Merch by Amazon (print-on-demand apparel). I uploaded simple T-shirt designs created with free design tools. Sales trickled in slowly at first, but by the third month, I was making $100–$150 monthly with zero upfront investment.
Finally, I experimented with Amazon Associates (affiliate marketing) by building a small blog that linked to Amazon products. The commissions were small—usually a few dollars per sale—but they added up.
First Profits Earned and How They Were Reinvested
My first month’s profit was $65 between KDP and affiliate sales. Instead of cashing out, I reinvested into:
- A Canva Pro subscription for better designs ($13/month).
- Running a small $25 Amazon PPC test for one of my KDP books.
- Outsourcing a low-cost ebook cover design on Fiverr ($10).
That reinvestment quickly multiplied returns, helping me reach $300/month by month four.
Lessons Learned From Scaling Step by Step
- Focus on one strategy first—spreading too thin made progress slow.
- Reinvest early profits into tools, ads, or outsourcing.
- Leverage free marketing—social media and content sharing drove traffic without ad spend.
- Scaling takes patience—my first real “breakthrough” month came after 90 days of consistent effort.
The Data and Statistics Behind Zero-Capital Selling on Amazon
The rise of low-investment models like KDP, Merch, and affiliate marketing shows that you don’t need a warehouse of inventory to succeed on Amazon.
Number of Small Businesses Started With Less Than $500
- In 2025, it’s estimated that 35% of new Amazon sellers start with under $500 in capital, relying on print-on-demand, publishing, or digital-first strategies.
- Programs like KDP and Merch by Amazon require no upfront product investment, making them the most common entry points.
Success Rates of Amazon Sellers by Business Model
| Business Model | Avg. Startup Cost | Success Rate (Profitable in 12 Months) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon FBA (Private Label) | $2,500 – $5,000 | 55% | Higher risk, higher reward. |
| Amazon KDP (Publishing) | $0 – $200 | 40% | Requires content creation, low barrier to entry. |
| Merch by Amazon (POD) | $0 – $100 | 35% | Design-driven, royalties only. |
| Amazon Associates (Affiliate) | $0 – $100 | 25% | Best paired with blogs, YouTube, or social media traffic. |
| Dropshipping via Amazon | $100 – $500 | 30% | Logistics depend on reliable suppliers. |
Average Earnings From Affiliate, KDP, and Merch Programs
- Amazon Associates: $50–$500/month for small affiliates; top earners exceed $10,000.
- KDP: Average self-published author earns $200–$1,000/month, with some scaling into six figures.
- Merch by Amazon: Typical sellers make $100–$500/month, though top designers earn thousands.
Market Growth of Third-Party Sellers on Amazon
- Third-party sellers account for ~63% of all Amazon sales in 2025, up from 56% in 2021.
- Low-cost, zero-capital entry models have attracted hundreds of thousands of new entrepreneurs globally, especially in emerging markets.
- Amazon’s investment in expanding POD and digital publishing tools signals continued growth in these low-barrier business models.
Common Pitfalls and What to Avoid
Even though it’s possible to sell on Amazon with no capital, beginners often fall into traps that delay success.
-
Falling for “get rich quick” Amazon schemes
Any platform promising overnight riches is misleading. Amazon selling requires consistency. -
Violating Amazon policies with dropshipping
Listing items without proper supplier invoices can result in account suspension. -
Underestimating Amazon fees
Referral fees, storage fees, and FBA costs can eat into margins if not tracked carefully. -
Not tracking reinvestment and growth
Many sellers cash out early instead of reinvesting profits to scale. -
Quitting too early before strategies take effect
Most models take at least 3–6 months to show significant returns. Patience is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Models like KDP, Merch by Amazon, and the affiliate program require no upfront capital.
Amazon Associates and Merch by Amazon are beginner-friendly since they don’t involve inventory management.
Realistically, $50–$500 per month in the first few months. Earnings scale as you reinvest and build more products or content.
Not always. Many sellers start as individuals. However, as your income grows, forming an LLC or business entity may help with taxes and liability.
What Our Readers Are Saying
"Merch by Amazon helped me turn simple designs into passive income."Kenji
"I published my first eBook with KDP without spending a dollar."Sofia
"Retail arbitrage using cashback gave me my first $200 in sales."Adebayo
"The affiliate program was the safest way for me to start."Chloe
"Dropshipping worked, but compliance with Amazon rules was tough."Javier
"Selling handmade items was a rewarding and low-cost entry."Anja
Conclusion
Selling on Amazon without capital is not just possible—it’s increasingly common in 2025 thanks to programs like KDP, Merch by Amazon, and Amazon Associates. From publishing eBooks to designing T-shirts or leveraging affiliate links, there are multiple entry points for entrepreneurs with zero upfront funds.
The key takeaway is to start small, reinvest profits, and scale gradually. Success comes with consistency, compliance with Amazon policies, and a willingness to learn. With the right mix of creativity and persistence, anyone can build a business from nothing on Amazon’s global marketplace.