Amazon product research is one of the strongest ways to gain a competitive edge as an Amazon seller. Whether you have a small sideline e-commerce business or a full-time ambition to market via Amazon, you must know how to do it if you want to make serious money.
Many people think product research takes a significant amount of time, money and effort. But understanding a few basic strategies and applying them is all you need. Here’s how to start with Amazon product research.
What is product research?
If you’re serious about selling products on Amazon and making good profits, you need to conduct Amazon product research. Product research includes analyzing the competition, gauging the market, choosing your products and suppliers and developing strategies.
Essentially, Amazon product research is the game plan and the blueprint you need to succeed in this highly competitive arena.
Why do you need a strategy if you’re already making money?
If you’re already finding some success, you might have good instincts — or maybe you got a bit lucky. But without the proper Amazon product research tools and techniques, you’ll struggle to take your e-commerce business to the next level.
The Amazon marketplace has nearly 2 million small and medium-sized businesses that are third-party selling partners, making it one of the most convoluted and competitive in the world — that’s precisely why you must understand how to research products on Amazon and develop a strategy that sets you apart from the rest.
How to do product research for Amazon
Here are some proven Amazon product research strategies that can help to optimize your e-commerce listings and take your business to new heights.
Strategy 1: Amazon list analysis
Strangely enough, the first place to start product research is on Amazon. The platform has incredible features that help consumers choose products. Use these to determine which products are selling well.
The Amazon bestseller list includes sections for movers and shakers, most wished for and gift ideas, as well as a top 100 selling list for all product categories. For a savvy marketer, this is invaluable product research information.
Strategy 2: Contact suppliers
Suppliers are a great source of information regarding high-selling products, whether you’re brand new and learning how to sell on Amazon or already have a supplier in place.
They have market data and understand current consumer behavior trends based on their products’ demand — making them a precious resource for Amazon product research.
Strategy 3: Amazon PPC
The advertising platform for third-party sellers is an excellent option to increase your sales through advertising and keywords. Still, there’s a hidden (and free) benefit for product research.
The sponsored products advertised with Amazon PPC are typically well-established sellers — use this information for product research. For example, you won’t see advertisements from brands or products if they aren’t making money from sales. Review the listing to uncover strategies you can use for your product sales pages.
Strategy 4: Google Trends
Google Trends is a highly effective and completely free Amazon product research opportunity. This platform shows you the most popular searches, including brands and products. It gives you an idea of what is popular, and you can use that information to determine the types of products to sell.
Strategy 5: Amazon customer suggestions
Another insider tip is to check out the customer suggestions function on Amazon product listings. It gives you helpful insight into customers’ buying habits and helps with your product research.
Amazon customer suggestions could also be an excellent opportunity to introduce product bundles and combos based on the information you gather.
Strategy 6: eBay and AliExpress
Other popular e-commerce marketplaces like eBay and AliExpress are great Amazon product research tools to understand what is selling well.
Generally, popular goods on these massive platforms are similar to Amazon. Be sure to do a deep-dive beyond broad product categories and into specific makes, models and items.
These platforms, especially AliExpress, are also great ways to look for bargains to resell on Amazon. So, while researching what’s trending, keep an eye out for deals that you can make a profit from.
How to choose the right products to sell
The right strategies can help with your research, but it is vital to understand which products are the best for selling on Amazon. The products you choose to sell should always have:
- High demand: Finding a niche product works well for established sellers, but you need to look for products in high and regular demand when you start.
- Good profit margins: You need a high-profit margin to make good money. Look for products with the highest purchase to resale value.
- Low competition: For beginners and intermediates, the less competition for your product, the better your chances of making sales.
- Minimal seasonality: Some products sell like crazy in specific periods. Stick to perennially popular products when you’re starting.
- The right price range: Anything that resells between $10 and $50 is a great starting point for Amazon product sellers. It optimizes fast impulse buys that make up most purchases on Amazon.
Additionally, your products must be safe and legal. While this might seem obvious, the safety aspect also includes having business insurance. Amazon seller insurance helps protect your business from financial losses if you are accused of causing an injury or property damage related to whatever you are selling.
How NEXT helps Amazon sellers
Amazon is an incredible platform for both buyers and sellers. The right product research strategies can help you make the most out of the opportunities it provides. But don’t overlook Amazon seller insurance.
NEXT Insurance works directly with Amazon to make sure our policies satisfy their insurance requirements. Everything is 100% online, from your quote to your certificate of insurance.