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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.

When you’re running your wholesale business solo, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “I’ll just do it myself.” After all, that mindset got you this far. But at some point, you hit a wall—not because you’re not capable, but because your time becomes the bottleneck.

That’s when you know it’s time to level up.

Not to a giant company.

Just a small, smart team that helps you grow without driving you crazy.

Here’s how to build that team—simply, affordably, and without giving up control.

1. Tap Into the Global Talent Pool (Without Breaking the Bank)

Hiring help doesn’t mean bringing on a full-time employee.

You can start small. Think task-by-task solutions, not all obstacles have the same solutions!

• Fiverr.com: Great for one-time jobs like any Amazon value prop, logo design, product images, or copywriting.
• OnlineJobs.ph or Upwork: Hire virtual assistants overseas for $2–$5/hour on average.
  Many of these VAs have years of Amazon experience already—and they’re hungry to help.

Concerned about language barriers or trust?

Start with one simple task. Communicate clearly. You’ll be amazed how much easier life becomes when someone else handles repeatable tasks for you.

2. Use Simple Tools to Keep Everyone on Track

Even if your “team” is just you and one part-time VA, you’ll want a place to stay organized.

That’s where free task and workflow tools come in.

• Asana or Basecamp: These are like digital to-do lists on steroids.
• Assign tasks. Set deadlines. Track progress. Make incremental changes to dial in efficiency over time.
• No tech skills required—just drag, drop, and delegate.

These tools replace back-and-forth emails and keep your brain free for the big-picture stuff.

3. Don’t Overlook the People Around You

Sometimes the best “first hires” are people you already know.

• A college student who wants flexible income
• A retired family member with time on their hands
• A friend who loves organizing and spreadsheets

They don’t need to know Amazon. You can teach that. What matters is reliability and a willingness to help.

You’ll be surprised how many people around you are happy to pitch in—especially when they see you’re building something real.

4. “But I’m Scared to Let Go…”

Totally normal. Handing off tasks is hard when you built the business.

But here’s the truth:

If you want to grow, you must stop doing everything yourself.

The best part? You don’t have to let go of the important stuff.

Just start by handing off the repetitive stuff:

• Customer emails templates
• Scouting new products
• Reordering products
• Tracking shipments
• Seller Central maintenance tasks

When you do, your business grows without your hours growing alongside it.

Takeaways: Scaling Without Burnout
Start small—hire help for tasks, not roles
Use global marketplaces to find affordable talent
Lean on tools like Asana to stay sane
Don’t ignore the people already in your corner
Hand off repeatable tasks first—keep the critical ones yourself

Final Thoughts from Us

We didn’t build a $40M business by working 100-hour weeks.

We built it by learning to build systems and trust people.

Is entrepreneurship scary sometimes? Absolutely.

But the fear fades when you realize you’re not alone—and that every growing business has to face this same moment.

You don’t need to hire a big team.

Just take the next small step toward freedom.

You did it.

You reached out to a brand. You showed them how you could help. You explained your value. And they said yes.

Now what?

For most new sellers, this is the point where excitement turns to overwhelm. That first “yes” is everything—but it comes with responsibilities. You’re not just buying inventory; you’re becoming a trusted partner. And how you handle the next steps can determine whether that brand works with you long-term or walks away.

The good news? There’s a simple, repeatable workflow that removes the guesswork. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Get the Price List

Once the brand agrees to work with you, request their wholesale price list. You’ll often receive a spreadsheet or PDF with product names, SKUs, and pricing.

What to look for:

• Minimum advertised price (MAP) policies
• Case pack or order minimums
• Product popularity and reviews (spot-check on Amazon)
• SKU consistency (Are these ASINs already live? Are there variations?

If anything looks confusing, don’t be afraid to ask. Brands respect clarity.

Step 2: Analyze and Select Test Products

Don’t go all in right away. Even if the brand is strong, every SKU is different.

This is where a fractional volume test buy can be your best friend. Instead of placing a $5,000 order off the bat, test buy only a few weeks’ sales volume per ASIN.

This lets you:

• Evaluate real sales performance
• Identify potential listing issues
• Reduce your upfront risk
• Keep cash flow healthy

Even more importantly, it builds trust with the brand. You’re not just a seller—you’re a responsible buyer.

Step 3: Place a Purchase Order

Once you’ve picked your test SKUs, submit a formal purchase order (PO). Most brands will provide a template, or you can make your own from Google Sheets templates.

Include:

• SKU, product name, and quantity
• Price per unit
• Shipping terms (who pays, and where it’s going)
• Billing and delivery addresses

This is your first “official” transaction. Make it clean and professional.

Step 4: Receive the Invoice and Make Payment

The brand will then send you an invoice, typically net terms (e.g., pay in 30 days) or due upfront.

Pro tip: If you don’t have net terms, ask about them after your first order goes smoothly. Many brands are open to it once you build rapport.

Step 5: Track the Shipment

Once payment is confirmed, the brand ships the product. Usually you need to go into Seller Central, input their info to create labels, and attach via email for the Brand’s warehouse team. Then Amazon and UPS take it from there.

Keep an eye out for:

• Delivery times
• Damages or shortages
• Carrier info for check-ins if needed

If you’re using a prep center, arrange shipping with the brand’s accounts and add the price to the invoice if able. Then make sure they know the PC knows a shipment is coming and how to handle the goods when they arrive.

Step 6: Go Live, Track, and Prepare for Reorders

Once your inventory is live, monitor it daily.

What you’re looking for:

• Sell-through rate (How fast are units moving?)
• Buy box consistency
• Customer feedback or product issues

Use this data to make smarter decisions on your reorder timing and quantity. Reordering too late = out of stock. Too early = cash tied up.

And always keep the brand updated. Share wins. Ask for suggestions. Offer to improve their listings if you spot problems.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick summary of what to do after you get a “yes” from a brand:

• ✅ Request the wholesale price list and study the SKUs
• ✅ Choose a handful of products for a small test buy
• ✅ Submit a clear purchase order
• ✅ Pay invoice promptly and track the shipment
• ✅ Monitor sales and prepare for your first reorder
• ✅ Keep communication strong with the brand

If you’ve ever felt like starting an Amazon business means betting the farm, we’re here to tell you—that’s not true in 2025.

Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen $30 million+ sales on Amazon. And if there is one recent takeaway, sellers are chasing the “big fish” too much: start smaller and simpler. That’s the exact path we now recommend to new sellers, and we’re going to walk you through it step-by-step.

This post is all about how to find your first 5 profitable wholesale products—without overthinking, overspending, or overcommitting. We’ll show you what to look for, how to track it, and how to build momentum the smart way.

Why 5 Products?

We’ve taught over a thousand people how to succeed with wholesale on Amazon. The ones who win? They don’t try to find 50 “home run” products out of the gate. They start with just a few solid ASINs.

Here’s what those early wins do:

• Give you confidence and proof of concept
• Generate real profit you can reinvest
• Teach you how the model works firsthand
• Help build real relationships with brands

Let’s dive into the criteria you need to find those first 5 products.

What to Look For in a Starter Product

These filters help you avoid common pitfalls while keeping things simple and profitable:

Ideal Product Criteria:

• Buy Box Price: $20–$50
  Less than $20 and you may struggle with price instability or margins. More than $50 often means higher risk or slower sales initially.
• Monthly Sales: 20+ per competitive seller
  This tells you the product is moving. You’re not looking for viral hits—just steady, predictable sellers.
• At least 2 FBA sellers (not including the brand)
  This proves the brand allows resellers. If there’s only 1 seller and it’s the brand, move on.
• No Amazon Retail competing in the Buy Box
  If it says “Ships from and sold by Amazon,” that’s a red flag. Amazon Retail often prices aggressively and rarely loses a buy box.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

We see new sellers fall into these traps all the time—but they’re easy to avoid:

• Mistake: Falling in love with the wrong product.
  Solution: Use data, not emotion. If it doesn’t meet the above criteria, skip it.
• Mistake: Thinking you need a massive budget.
  Solution: Start small. With 5 products, you can test the waters with just a few hundred dollars per ASIN. Each test buy then builds a bigger reorder month to month.
• Mistake: Worrying about perfection.
  Solution: Focus on progress. Your first 5 products won’t make you rich—but they will grow your capital in weeks.

Where to Go from Here

Once you’ve found 5 solid products that meet the criteria, the next step is outreach. You’ll contact the brands (or their distributors), open wholesale accounts, and start placing small test orders.

But for now, your only job is to build your scouting list. Treat this like you’re building your first portfolio—low risk, steady potential, and lots to learn from. Input the info from each ASIN in a table like this one:

Keep Track with This Simple Spreadsheet

ASIN Title	ASIN Link	BuyBox Price	Monthly Sales	# of Competitive Sellers	No Amazon Retail (Yes/No)

You can fill this out using tools like Keepa, Amazon’s own data, or research software like SmartScout or Jungle Scout. Keep adding rows as you scout new products. Don’t overcomplicate it—just stick to the filters above.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be an Expert

You don’t need a warehouse, a team, or a massive budget to get started. You just need to know how to pick the right products, and be willing to take the first few steps.

We’ve helped thousands of people launch wholesale businesses from scratch—and we’re dedicated to helping you. 

Keep checking back for more updates