TWF Team

By Dan Meadors & Dylan Frost, The Wholesale Formula

Over the past decade, we’ve sold more than $40 million worth of products on Amazon. We’ve worked with over a thousand sellers—from absolute beginners to million-dollar businesses—and we’ve seen one thing hold sellers back more than anything else…

Neglecting their Amazon Account Health.

Think of your Amazon seller account like your body. You can eat well, exercise, and get regular checkups—or you can ignore it until something serious happens. By the time you “feel” a problem, it’s often much harder (and more expensive) to fix. We value preventive over reactive action-taking. 

Today, we want to break down exactly what you need to watch, how to protect your account, and what to do if trouble shows up. This is beginner-friendly—no jargon left unexplained—and at the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to keep your account healthy so you can focus on growing your business.

Why Account Health Matters

Amazon has millions of sellers competing for customer trust. That means Amazon’s #1 priority is protecting its buyers. If your account’s performance slips—even for a short time—Amazon can:

• Remove your product listings
• Restrict your selling privileges
• Suspend your account entirely

That might sound scary, but here’s the good news:
Account health is completely within your control.

When you know the key metrics and follow a simple monitoring routine, you can keep your account safe while building a business you can count on.

The 3 Big Account Health Metrics You Must Watch

Amazon’s Account Health Dashboard (in Seller Central) shows three key areas. If you only remember one thing from this section, it’s this: log in at least once a week to check them.

1. IP Complaints (Intellectual Property)

This measures whether any brand or rights holder has claimed that you’re violating their intellectual property—like selling counterfeit products or using copyrighted images.

• Why it matters: Even one unresolved IP complaint can hurt your standing with Amazon.
• The fix: Always buy inventory from reputable wholesale suppliers and keep invoices. If you get a complaint, respond quickly with documentation proving authenticity.

2. ODR (Order Defect Rate)

ODR looks at the percentage of your orders that have problems—negative feedback, A-to-Z Guarantee claims, or credit card chargebacks.

• Why it matters: Amazon wants this below 1%. Go over that, and you’re at risk of account suspension.
• The fix: Ship on time, describe products accurately, and handle customer messages quickly (within 24 hours). If you make a mistake, own it and make it right fast.

3. Performance Notifications

These are Amazon’s way of telling you something needs your attention—policy warnings, listing removals, or requests for information.

• Why it matters: Ignoring a performance notification is like ignoring a “check engine” light.
• The fix: Read them as soon as they arrive. Often, you just need to provide a quick explanation or document to resolve the issue.

The IPI Score: Your Inventory “Credit Score”

Amazon also tracks your Inventory Performance Index (IPI). If Account Health measures your rule-following, IPI measures how well you manage inventory.

The IPI score ranges from 0 to 1000:

• Below 350: Risky—storage limits and higher fees may apply.
• 400+: Safe zone.
• 550+: Strong inventory management.
• 600+: Excellent.

Amazon’s formula is secret, but it’s widely understood to be based on four key factors.

1. FBA Sell-Through Rate

This is the #1 weighted metric, arguably more important than all others combined. This is how quickly your products sell compared to how much you keep in stock. Amazon has finite warehouse space, so they prioritize high volume ASINs and sellers over slower sales. You must maintain a 30 day sell through rate average or higher.

High sell-through = products are moving and Amazon is happy.

How to improve:

• Run promotions or coupons on slow movers.
• Improve your listings with better images and keywords.
• Use Amazon PPC ads to boost visibility.

2. Excess Inventory

Amazon defines this as more than 90 days of supply based on demand forecasts.

How to improve:

• Check the “Manage Inventory Health” page in Seller Central.
• Create removal orders for excess products.
• Use Amazon’s liquidation program to recover costs.

3. Stranded Inventory

These are products in Amazon warehouses that aren’t available for sale—often because of listing errors.

How to improve:

• Check the “Fix stranded inventory” page weekly.
• Correct missing images, fix titles, or reactivate listings.

4. FBA In-Stock Rate

Measures how often your best-selling products are available.

How to improve:

• Follow Amazon’s restock recommendations.
• Set reorder reminders based on sales history.

Avoiding the Pitfalls That Get Sellers Suspended

New sellers sometimes get caught by simple mistakes. Here are the big ones to avoid—and the solutions.

• Selling products from unreliable sources → Only buy from authorized wholesalers.
• Letting customer service slide → Respond to messages daily, even if it’s just to say you’re working on the issue.
• Ignoring warnings → Check your Account Health Dashboard weekly and respond to all alerts.

Remember: these aren’t just “rules.” They’re safeguards to protect your revenue.

How to Improve Your IPI Score Step-by-Step

1. Boost Sell-Through
   • Run short-term discounts to clear old stock.
   • Improve product titles and images for better conversion rates.
   • Test ads to increase visibility.
2. Reduce Excess Inventory
   • Identify overstocked items in Seller Central.
   • Remove or liquidate stock that isn’t selling.
3. Fix Stranded Inventory
   • Review stranded inventory weekly.
   • Address listing issues promptly.
4. Keep Popular Items In Stock
   • Use restock recommendations.
   • Maintain a supplier communication plan to prevent shortages.

Troubleshooting Checklist for Account Health Issues

When something goes wrong:

• Check the Account Health Dashboard for red or yellow alerts.
• Read all performance notifications in Seller Central.
• Gather invoices, receipts, or tracking numbers to prove compliance.
• Respond through Amazon’s messaging system clearly and professionally.
• Set a reminder to follow up if you don’t hear back within Amazon’s stated time frame.

Tools to Monitor Account Health Automatically

• Amazon’s Account Health Dashboard – Your first stop.
• Inventory Health Reports – Found under “Reports” in Seller Central.
• Restock Inventory Tool – Helps plan orders.
• Alerts via Email/Text – Turn on notifications so you don’t miss warnings.

Why Staying Healthy Pays Off

When your account is healthy, you unlock more storage space, reduce fees, and keep your listings active. You’ll sleep better at night knowing your income stream is safe. And when problems do pop up, you’ll be confident handling them before they escalate.

We’ve seen sellers go from near-suspension to thriving in just a few weeks—simply by implementing the checks we’ve outlined here.

Account health isn’t the “exciting” side of selling on Amazon… but it’s the foundation everything else is built on.

It’s like oxygen—when you have it, you barely think about it. Lose it, and it’s all you think about.

So build your weekly routine, take action early, and you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

Quick-Action Recap

• Check Account Health weekly – Focus on IP complaints, ODR, and performance notifications.
• Maintain a strong IPI score – Keep sell-through high, inventory lean, and listings active.
• Avoid risky products – Stick with authorized wholesale sources.
• Respond fast – Amazon rewards quick resolution of issues.

Use Amazon’s tools – Automate monitoring to catch problems early.

Over the last 10 years, we’ve built an Amazon presence overseeing $40 million in sales. And today, thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI), running a profitable business online is faster, easier, and more automated than ever before—even for complete beginners.

If you’re just starting out (or thinking about starting), you might feel overwhelmed by product research, supplier outreach, competition, pricing, and logistics. We get it. That’s why we put together this post: to show you how AI tools are making those hurdles easier to clear.

The best part? You don’t need tech skills, a big team, or years of experience to start taking action. You just need to use the right tools—and we’re about to show you five of our favorites.

Why AI Is a Game-Changer for Amazon Sellers

Before we get into our go-to tools, it’s important to understand why AI is such a big deal in the Amazon wholesale space.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to software that can analyze data, make suggestions, and even automate parts of your business. Think of it like having a digital team member that works 24/7, never makes excuses, and costs a fraction of what a human hire would.

For wholesale sellers like us, AI helps:

• Cut research time in half
• Write emails and listings instantly
• Spot profitable products before others
• Analyze competition more accurately
• Streamline repetitive tasks

Let’s dive into the top 5 AI tools we personally use—and recommend to every new seller we coach.

1. Keepa AI Alerts

Estimated Cost: ~$20/month

Keepa is a powerful tool that tracks pricing history, sales rank, and more on Amazon products—but it’s the AI-powered alerts that really save time.

What It Does:

• Tracks pricing trends on specific products over time
• Sends you automatic alerts when a product drops into your ideal pricing window
• Highlights patterns like seasonal dips or sudden price spikes

Why It Matters:
Most new sellers waste hours manually checking if a product is “back in stock” or if the price dropped. Keepa does that for you. It helps you confidently jump on deals before competitors even notice.

Simple Use Case:
Set an alert for a product you’re watching. When it drops below a profitable price point, Keepa pings you—no more guesswork.

2. ChatGPT

Estimated Cost: Free (or $20/month for Pro version)

Yes, you’re reading a blog written by this very tool. ChatGPT is like your personal business assistant—only powered by AI.

What It Does:

• Writes professional supplier emails in seconds
• Refines outreach scripts that actually get responses
• Brainstorms profitable product categories
• Helps troubleshoot selling problems with smart suggestions

Why It Matters:
Writing emails, building scripts, and figuring out what to say to brands is one of the biggest hurdles for new sellers. With ChatGPT, you’re never starting from a blank page.

Simple Use Case:
Paste in a product you want to source. Ask ChatGPT to write an email to the brand that sounds professional and gets to the point. Done in 15 seconds.

3. Helium 10 Listing Analyzer

Estimated Cost: Part of Helium 10 Plans (~$39/month for Starter)

You don’t need to buy or sell every product that “seems” profitable. Helium 10’s Listing Analyzer uses AI to quickly determine whether you should compete—or skip.

What It Does:

• Grades the strength of current Amazon listings
• Shows how optimized (or weak) the current competition is
• Identifies easy wins and red flags before you spend a dime

Why It Matters:
Many new sellers pick products based on gut feeling. AI takes the emotion out of it and shows you data. This helps avoid costly mistakes.

Simple Use Case:
Drop an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) into the tool. Instantly see how strong the listing is and whether there’s room for you to compete and win.

4. Notion AI

Estimated Cost: Free plan with limited AI; ~$10/month for AI access

Running a wholesale business is more than just selling—it’s about organizing suppliers, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), product ideas, and tasks.

Notion AI is your smart workspace to keep it all clean and efficient.

What It Does:

• Writes out SOPs automatically from your notes
• Summarizes long documents or emails
  Helps structure to-do lists and plan weekly workflows
• Can even generate meeting summaries or business plans

Why It Matters:
When your business grows, so does the chaos. Notion keeps your operation smooth, whether you’re solo or scaling up.

Simple Use Case:
Type in “Create a supplier onboarding checklist,” and Notion AI will build one for you.

5. Jungle Scout Opportunity Finder

Estimated Cost: ~$49/month (Basic Plan)

Finding product opportunities is the lifeblood of wholesale—and Jungle Scout’s Opportunity Finder is like your AI-powered treasure map.

What It Does:

• Identifies fast-growing product categories with low competition
• Suggests hidden gems based on market trends
• Sorts opportunities by seasonality, demand, and competition level

Why It Matters:
New sellers often chase the same “popular” products, which leads to price wars. This tool helps you find overlooked winners faster.

Simple Use Case:
Input a few keywords like “pet supplies” or “kitchen gadgets.” The tool instantly shows underserved products with strong demand.

Why This Matters for New Sellers

Let’s be real: starting a wholesale business used to mean long nights, spreadsheets, and cold emails that went nowhere. But with today’s AI tools:

• Research is faster – you can find product data and opportunities in minutes
• Writing is easier – from emails to listings, AI writes like a pro
• Decisions are smarter – because data is easier to understand
• Operations are smoother – SOPs, reminders, and tasks are managed automatically
• Costs are lower – you don’t need to hire a VA or agency to do the work

Most importantly, you don’t need to know everything on Day 1. With the right tools, you can take real steps today—even if you’ve never sold a thing online.

Getting Started: The AI-Powered Seller’s Starter Plan

If we were starting from scratch right now, here’s exactly what we’d do:

1. Use Jungle Scout to uncover untapped product niches
2. Use Keepa to set alerts on products you want to track
3. Use ChatGPT to craft and send supplier outreach emails
4. Use Helium 10 to analyze competition and listing quality
5. Use Notion to build a daily action plan and organize contacts

That’s it. Five steps with five tools. You can literally get started tonight. No need to build a brand or invent a product. Just use data, tools, and proven strategy.

Summary – Top 5 AI Tools for Amazon Wholesale Success

• ✅ Keepa AI Alerts ($20/month) – Get notified when prices hit your targets
• ✅ ChatGPT (Free/$20/month) – Write emails, brainstorm ideas, and research smarter
• ✅ Helium 10 Listing Analyzer ($39/month+) – Assess competition before investing
• ✅ Notion AI (Free/$10/month) – Organize your entire business operations
• ✅ Jungle Scout Opportunity Finder ($49/month) – Find profitable product niches

Final Thoughts: AI Makes Ecommerce Easier Than Ever

What used to take weeks now takes minutes. And what used to feel overwhelming is now automatic.

The truth is, you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to get started. Tools like these don’t just save time, they build confidence. Every email you send, product you research, and step you take brings you closer to real results.

Over the last decade, we’ve sold over $40 million on Amazon. But if there’s one thing that trips up new sellers time and time again, it’s this:

They buy the wrong products.

It’s easy to get excited about a listing that looks profitable… only to realize too late that it barely sells, Amazon itself is your biggest competitor, or you’re just not going to make money.

That’s why we created a simple, reliable process for analyzing any Amazon listing before you buy a single unit of inventory. And today, we’re sharing that exact process with you.

Whether you’re brand new or looking to level up your ecommerce game, this post will give you the exact steps to evaluate a product like a pro—without fancy tools or confusing jargon.

Why Listing Analysis is Your #1 Skill

Too many sellers think success on Amazon starts with finding “hot products.”

It doesn’t.

It starts with understanding which listings are worth your money.

Amazon has millions of products. Your job isn’t to find the flashiest or trendiest ones—it’s to find the ones that give you a consistent, predictable profit with minimal headaches.

Our approach—what we call The Wholesale Formula—is built on data, not hype. And it starts with analyzing each ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) like a detective.

Here’s a quick and simple look at analyzing products. 

The ASIN Analysis Checklist

Before placing a single order, try out this simple five-point checklist. If the listing checks all five boxes, you’re in good shape to move forward.

1. Two or More FBA Sellers

You want proof that third-party sellers are already making money.

Look at the listing and check who’s selling the product. If there are at least two Fulfilled-by-Amazon (FBA) sellers, it’s a good sign.

Why it matters:
This shows the brand isn’t exclusive to just one seller and that other resellers have successfully gotten permission to sell.

How to check:
Scroll down to the “Other Sellers on Amazon” section, or use the “Buy Box” to click and see all offers.

Pro Tip: Avoid listings where only one third-party seller is active. That often means they have an exclusive agreement with the brand, the brand itself, or a private label seller.  

2. Buy Box Price of $14.95 or Higher

You’re here to make a profit, not pennies.

We recommend a minimum Buy Box price of $14.95. That gives you enough room for wholesale costs, Amazon fees, shipping, and a real profit margin.

Why $14.95?
Lower-priced items often carry the same Amazon fees as higher ones, but leave little room for margin.

What’s the Buy Box?
It’s the “Add to Cart” seller. If your price, stock, and performance align, you can rotate into it and make consistent sales.

3. No Amazon Retail Competing

This is huge.

If Amazon Retail is on the listing (and especially if they’re in the Buy Box), run.

They buy at rock-bottom prices directly from the manufacturer. You can’t beat them on price, and they rarely share the Buy Box.

How to tell:
On the seller list, look for “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.” That’s Amazon Retail. Not FBA. Not a third-party.

Pro Tip: If Amazon Retail is present, skip the listing. They dominate with low prices and rarely run out of stock.

4. At Least 40 Sales Per Month

You don’t want slow-moving inventory.

Aim for products that sell a minimum of 40 units/month. That’s just over 1 per day, enough to generate meaningful profit without excessive risk. With that minimum, we are willing to split sales with multiple FBA sellers starting out. 

How to check sales volume:

• Use Keepa (free version works!)
• Look at total reviews as a proxy—more reviews = more sales
• Look at rank history in Keepa’s “Sales Rank” graph—if it’s spiking regularly, sales are happening.

Pro Tip: If the sales rank is flat and high (e.g., above 100,000 in most categories), it’s probably not selling fast enough.

5. US-Based Brands Only (at First)

When you’re just getting started, stick to American brands sold by US companies.

No overseas buying. No risky suppliers.

Why this works:

• Easier communication
• Faster, cheaper shipping
• Safer legal protections
• Better chance of building real wholesale relationships

How to check:

• Google the brand name
• Visit their website
• Make sure they list a U.S. address or distribution

Pro Tip: Skip brands that are private label, generic, or clearly sourced from overseas (especially Chinese marketplaces). They’re often off-limits for new sellers.

Tools That Help You Analyze

You don’t need to spend money on expensive software. But a few free tools go a long way.

 Keepa (Free Version)

We recommend installing Keepa as your first browser extension. It adds sales rank and price history charts directly to Amazon listings.

Here’s what to look for:

• A consistent Sales Rank graph (spikes down = sales happening)
• A stable Buy Box price (no huge swings or undercutting)
• A product that stays in stock across sellers without crashing the price

Want to see Keepa in action? Check out our free training where we break it down in real time.

Download Our ASIN Analysis Cheat Sheet

We created a simple one-pager that walks you through the steps above for every listing you analyze.

Are you dreaming of starting an Amazon business, but feel overwhelmed by the thought of where to even begin?

We get it. 

When we first started over a decade ago, we were working full-time jobs and trying to figure out how to launch a side hustle that wouldn’t take over our lives. Fast forward to today, we’ve sold and managed over $40 million on Amazon and taught thousands of people how to do the same.

The truth is: you don’t need to quit your job, have endless free time, or be a tech wizard to build a successful Amazon business. You just need a smart plan and the discipline to stick to it.

This post will show you how to:

• Manage your time effectively as you get started.
• Use simple tools to save hours each week.
• Balance your new business with your current job and life.
• Follow a weekly planner designed for beginners.

Let’s dive right in!

Why Time Management Matters When You’re Starting Out

Many people never start selling because they’re afraid they don’t have enough time. Between work, family, and everything else, it can feel impossible.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need 40 hours a week. With as little as 30-60 minutes a day, you can start laying the foundation for your Amazon business.

We’ll show you how to focus on the right steps in the right order.

The 4 Core Steps to Get Started (and How to Prioritize)

When you’re new, there are four major tasks to learn and practice:

1. Learning Seller Central
   • This is Amazon’s dashboard for sellers. Get familiar with it now so it’s not intimidating later.
   • Solution: Watch beginner tutorials for 15 minutes a day and explore the features.
2. Researching Products
   • Start identifying products that could sell well. Don’t overthink it; this is about practice.
   • Solution: Dedicate short blocks of time twice a week to look at Amazon’s bestseller lists and note interesting items.
3. Reaching Out to Brands
   • Building supplier relationships is key. You can start by learning how to craft simple, professional emails.
   • Solution: Write draft outreach emails now so you’re ready when you’re approved to sell.
4. Scouting Leads
   • Once you understand the basics, spend time finding potential wholesale suppliers and products.
   • Solution: Block an hour on the weekend for research when you’re fresh.

A Simple Weekly Planner for Beginners

Here’s a sample schedule to help you build momentum without burning out:

Monday

• Evening (30 min): Explore Seller Central and watch a beginner tutorial.

Tuesday

• Evening (30 min): Research 2-3 potential products.

Wednesday

• Evening (30 min): Draft practice outreach emails to brands.

Thursday

• Evening (30 min): Read an Amazon success story or case study for inspiration.

Friday

• Evening (30 min): Review your progress and set simple goals for next week.

Saturday/Sunday

• Block 1-2 hours for scouting suppliers or watching workshop videos.

Remember: consistency matters more than intensity.

Simple Tools to Save You Time

Here are a few beginner-friendly tools that can save you hours:

• Task List Apps: Use free tools like Todoist to track your action steps.
• Calendar Blocks: Schedule Amazon work sessions on your calendar to stay accountable.
• Learning Platforms: Bookmark free Amazon resources or sign up for our workshop to avoid getting lost in YouTube rabbit holes.

How to Balance Your New Business With Life

Starting something new takes effort, but it shouldn’t consume you.

• Set Realistic Expectations: Start with small daily goals instead of aiming for perfection.
• Block Focused Time: Even 30 focused minutes beats 2 distracted hours.
• Communicate With Family: Let them know you’re dedicating time to building a future income stream.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is progress.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Start

We didn’t know everything when we started. We made mistakes, learned from them, and kept going.

What matters most is that you start.

• Watch tutorials.
• Explore Seller Central.
• Research your first few products.

Bit by bit, you’ll build confidence and momentum.

You can do this.

Quick Recap: Beginner’s Checklist for Amazon Success

• ✅ Spend 30 minutes a day learning and researching.
• ✅ Explore Seller Central and get comfortable.
• ✅ Draft sample outreach emails to practice.
• ✅ Block time on your calendar to stay consistent.
• ✅ Use simple tools to stay organized.
• ✅ Keep your work-life balance intact.
• ✅ Join our free workshop for step-by-step guidance.

Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step. Just start taking small actions each day.

By Dan & Dylan, The Wholesale Formula

Over the past decade, we’ve helped thousands of people take their first steps into wholesale. 

Many started as busy parents, full-time employees, or even college students. 

Yet, with as little as an hour a day, they’ve built thriving ecommerce businesses that have changed their lives. Together, we’ve managed over $40 million in Amazon revenue using systems that work, even if you’re strapped for time.

But we know what it’s like to be where you are. Dylan and Dan were there once.

Dylan’s Story: From Comfortable to Committed

When Dylan first started exploring ecommerce, he was working what many in his small Kentucky town considered a “dream job.” 

He had a secure position at a local college, earning more than most of his friends and neighbors. For a rural area, it was great pay. 

It felt safe, predictable, and easy to justify staying put.

The idea of starting an Amazon business seemed exciting, but it also felt risky. Nearly everyone around him thought so too. 

His family told him to stay in his 9-to-5. “You’ve got benefits,” they reminded him. “Don’t mess that up by chasing some online thing.” 

Even friends warned him not to rock the boat. It was tempting to agree, especially since his job wasn’t awful. In fact, the steady paycheck made it even harder to imagine stepping outside his comfort zone.

Dan’s Story: From Crisis to Commitment

Dan’s journey was different. 

Right before Christmas one year, he unexpectedly lost his job. With a baby daughter at home and his wife staying home to care for her, he felt a wave of fear and uncertainty. 

The timing couldn’t have been worse, and the weight of providing for his family sat heavy on his shoulders.

Instead of scrambling for another job, Dan made a bold decision. He committed 100% to building his fledgling Amazon business. 

It wasn’t easy in the beginning. There were long nights, mistakes, and moments of doubt. But he kept going, driven by the vision of creating a better life for his family.

In time, his dedication paid off. 

What started as a desperate move turned into a thriving business, giving him the freedom to work on his terms and provide more than he ever imagined. Today, Dan helps others take that same leap with confidence.

Why One Hour a Day Works

The biggest misconception in ecommerce is believing you need 12-hour days to make real progress. You don’t. 

What you need is focus.

When you dedicate one focused hour each day to the right tasks, you create momentum. Progress compounds. Before long, you’ll find yourself with a business that feels less like a side hustle and more like a serious venture.

We’ve seen countless sellers take small daily actions and grow into six- and seven-figure businesses. It’s not about doing everything. 

It’s about doing the right things.

The 7-Day Power Hour Plan

Here’s how to break your time into focused sessions for maximum growth.

Day 1: Scouting Products (60 min)

Your business starts with what you sell. On day one, focus your hour entirely on research.

Look for brands you already know and trust. Spend your hour browsing store shelves, online listings, or even your own pantry. Aim to find 10-15 potential brands that make products people buy over and over again. Consumables like vitamins, pet supplies, or kitchen staples for example.

Log your findings in a spreadsheet and note products that already perform well online. Check their reviews, their rank, and competition. Resist overthinking—your goal is progress, not perfection.

Quick Tip: A product that solves a problem and sells consistently is a great starting point.

Day 2: Emailing Brands (60 min)

Now that you have a list of potential winners, it’s time to make contact. Draft a simple email introducing yourself and your ecommerce business. Keep it professional yet approachable.

Use your hour to send outreach emails to 5-10 brands, asking about wholesale opportunities. Track your communications in your spreadsheet so you can follow up later.

What if they don’t respond? Don’t assume rejection. Follow up politely within 5-7 days. Many sellers give up too soon, but persistence pays off.

Day 3: Placing Test Orders (60 min)

Once you get a positive response, it’s time to take action. Use this hour to place small test orders with 1-2 brands. A test order could be as little as 10-25 units.

This is where you confirm product quality and demand. Set reminders for when the inventory arrives, and prepare to monitor performance.

Pro Tip: Start small to minimize risk, but don’t hesitate to scale up once you see results.

Day 4: Maintaining Your Seller Account (60 min)

Now shift your attention to your Amazon account. Spend your hour ensuring your storefront is healthy and functioning.

Log into Seller Central and check for:

• Stranded or suppressed listings
• Pricing adjustments for products that aren’t moving quickly
• Customer messages or alerts needing immediate attention

Focus only on urgent or high-priority notifications. Avoid going down unnecessary rabbit holes.

Solution: Streamline by handling only the essentials until you have more time or can outsource.

Day 5: Reorders and Supplier Growth (60 min)

Time to double down on what works. Review your sales data from test buys and reorder top performers before inventory runs out.You will repeat this every 4-6 weeks with your highest ROI products. 

Also, look at your current suppliers—are there other SKUs they offer that could be profitable? Use the remaining time to email a few additional brands to expand your supplier network.

This is how you scale intentionally without overwhelming yourself.

Day 6: Strengthening Brand Relationships (60 min)

Your relationships with suppliers are your greatest asset. Spend an hour following up with brands you’ve already ordered from. Share positive results from your test buy, like how quickly you sold through your initial stock.

Ask about new products or exclusive opportunities. Building trust and rapport can lead to better pricing and priority stock.

Can’t meet in person? A friendly phone call or Zoom meeting can create a personal connection that most sellers overlook.

Day 7: Delegation and Planning (60 min)

As your business gains momentum, you’ll need to free up your time. Use your hour today to identify tasks you could outsource, like data entry, product research, or email follow-ups.

Research virtual assistants (VAs) who can take these off your plate. Even 5-10 hours of VA support a week can let you focus on strategy.

End your session by planning your next week based on what’s working and where you need to focus.

What If You Only Have 20 Minutes?

Some days, even an hour is a stretch. When that happens, use this simple prioritization system:

Focus First On:

• Checking Seller Central for urgent account or inventory issues
• Reordering top-selling products
• Sending one quick outreach email to a new brand

If Time Allows:

• Scout 1-2 new products
• Follow up with brands from last week

Save For Later:

• Organize spreadsheets or documents
• Research virtual assistants

Even 20 minutes a day can move your business forward when spent on the right things.

A Sample Weekly Calendar

Here’s what a full week could look like for someone growing their business part time:

Monday: Scout 10-15 potential products (60 min)
Tuesday: Email 5-10 brands about wholesale opportunities (60 min)
Wednesday: Place test orders and track them (60 min)
Thursday: Maintain Seller Central account (60 min)
Friday: Reorder top performers and email 2 new suppliers (60 min)
Saturday: Build relationships with existing brands (60 min)
Sunday: Plan your next week and research VAs (60 min)

Remember, consistency is far more important than intensity.

Overcoming Common Roadblocks

You might hit challenges along the way, but there’s a solution for each one.

“I don’t know which products to sell.”
Start with brands you use and love. Focus on items people buy repeatedly, like supplements, snacks, or pet products.

“Brands aren’t responding to my emails.”
Follow up 2-3 times. If that fails, try calling—the personal touch sets you apart.

“I’m overwhelmed by Amazon details.”
Handle critical tasks first. As soon as possible, delegate repetitive work to a VA.

“I don’t have time.”
Use the prioritization matrix for 20-minute days. Schedule your daily “Power Hour” like an appointment.

Why Now Is the Time to Start

Dylan and Dan both could have played it safe, but they chose to act. You can too. 

The wholesale landscape is evolving, but the opportunity has never been better for sellers willing to take consistent action. There is no “perfect time” to start. The sellers who succeed are the ones who act.

Think of it as Ready. Fire. Aim. 

Don’t wait to have it all figured out. Start now, and adjust as you go.

One of the most common questions we hear from new sellers is:

 “Can I really get started with wholesale if I don’t have thousands to invest?”

The answer is a resounding yes.

You do not need a huge budget, a business loan, or a pile of savings to launch a successful Amazon wholesale business. In fact, many of our most successful students started with less than $1,000 and a focused approach.

Having a smaller budget can actually work to your advantage. It pushes you to be more thoughtful, more selective, and more careful with every decision. These are the exact habits that help sellers thrive over time.

Start Small, Think Smart

When you are working with limited capital, the best thing you can do is test wisely. Wholesale is not about gambling on one product. It is about gathering data, learning what works, and building up your wins.

Your first $1,000 is not meant to turn you into a millionaire. Its job is to help you understand how to evaluate suppliers, how to spot a good listing, and how to build a repeatable process. This is how you start laying the foundation for long-term growth.

The goal at the beginning is not to scale quickly. It is to take smart, low-risk steps that give you valuable experience.

How to Use Your First $1,000 Effectively

We always recommend spreading your investment across multiple test buys. This helps you minimize risk and gives you more chances to find a winner.

Here is one way to break it down:

• Test 5 to 10 products or brands
• Spend about $100 to $200 on each one
• Work with suppliers who allow small minimum orders
• Choose listings that already show steady sales

This approach lets you dip your toes in the water without diving in headfirst. You get to see which suppliers communicate well, which brands ship on time, and which products actually sell.

It is a bit like dating. You are not trying to commit forever. You are just learning what kind of partnerships you want to build.

The $1,000 Seller’s Risk Checklist

If your budget is tight, your margin for error is small. That means every decision matters. Use this checklist to protect your investment and make smart moves:

1. Avoid listings where Amazon is a seller more than 25% of the time
   When Amazon is on a listing, they usually win the Buy Box. You want to avoid direct competition with them whenever possible.
2. Look for at least three other FBA sellers
   A healthy listing usually has several sellers sharing the Buy Box. If you are the only seller, there may be a hidden restriction or limited demand.
3. Check for price stability
   Use a tool like Keepa to make sure the price has not dropped more than 10 percent over the last 90 days. Stable prices lead to more reliable profits.
4. Stick with products priced between $17.99 and $49.99
   These items are affordable for customers but still allow you to earn a solid return. They also require less capital to test.

Following these guidelines will not eliminate all risk, but they can help you avoid the biggest mistakes and give you a better shot at success.

Three Starter Product Ideas That Fit a Tight Budget

You do not need to chase trendy products or get into competitive categories to start strong. Some of the best beginner-friendly items are simple, practical, and often overlooked.

1. Kitchen and Dining: Branded Silicone Baking Mats

These are easy to source and lightweight, which means low shipping costs. They usually sell in the $20 to $30 range and tend to be reordered regularly.

2. Sports and Outdoors: Resistance Band Sets

Compact, profitable, and popular all year. Many brands offer versions you can bundle or improve slightly to stand out. These make great starter items for testing demand.

3. Industrial and Scientific: Blue Nitrile Disposable Gloves

High reorder potential and consistent demand from small businesses and labs. Focus on brands that are not already dominated by Amazon or large sellers.

All of these product types avoid common issues like expiration dates, hazmat labels, and meltable storage requirements. That means fewer headaches for you as a beginner.

Tips to Stretch Your Budget Even Further

If you want to get the most out of your initial investment, here are a few additional tips that can make a big difference:

• Negotiate lower minimums. Many suppliers are open to small test orders if you explain that you are just getting started.
• Use prep centers wisely. Depending on where you live, outsourcing prep work can actually save money and time.
• Ask for payment terms. Some suppliers may offer Net 15 or Net 30 options, which gives you time to sell inventory before paying.
• Keep detailed notes. Track your spending, profit margins, shipping times, and seller communication. This helps you double down on what works.

Final Thoughts

Starting a wholesale business with $1,000 or less is not only possible—it is often the smarter path. A smaller budget forces you to focus on what really matters. You will learn to make decisions based on data, not emotion. You will prioritize small wins that add up instead of chasing a single big score.

The students we have seen succeed are not the ones who spend the most. They are the ones who make the most of what they have.

If you take a smart, step-by-step approach and commit to learning through action, that first $1,000 could be the beginning of something much bigger.