How to Sell on Amazon – Seller Central, FBA, Merch and KDP

Ready to sell on Amazon in 2025? Whether you’re into physical products, custom print-on-demand designs, or digital eBooks, Amazon’s got a platform for you. Seller Central powers physical goods sales with flexible fulfillment, Merch on Demand offers a zero-cost way to sell t-shirts, and KDP turns your writing into passive income. Dive into our beginner-friendly guide to uncover each platform’s perks, costs, and top YouTube tutorials to kickstart your Amazon selling journey!

Overview of Amazon platforms

Amazon Seller Central

Amazon Seller Central is ideal for businesses selling tangible goods, whether handmade, resold, or dropshipped. It’s suitable for entrepreneurs with physical inventory who want to leverage Amazon’s vast marketplace. For example, selling electronics, clothing, or artisanal products fits well here, especially if you’re comfortable managing logistics or prefer FBA for scalability.

• Best for selling physical items like electronics or handmade goods.

• Offers flexible fulfillment options: handle shipping yourself or use Amazon’s FBA service.

• Costs: Individual plan at $0.99 per item sold, or Professional plan at $39.99/month, plus potential FBA fees.

  
  

Amazon Merch on Demand

Amazon Merch on Demand is particularly advantageous for creative individuals or businesses focusing on custom designs without the financial burden of inventory. It’s perfect for graphic designers or brands wanting to sell merchandise like apparel or phone cases, with Amazon handling the backend, making it a low-risk entry for print-on-demand ventures.

• Perfect for selling custom-designed print-on-demand products like t-shirts without inventory.

• No upfront costs; earn royalties per sale, varying by product.

• Unexpectedly, it’s low-risk as Amazon handles production and shipping, reducing financial barriers.

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Kindle Direct Publishing caters to authors and publishers, offering a platform to self-publish books in digital and print formats. It’s suitable for writers of e-books, novels, non-fiction, or educational materials, providing access to Amazon’s massive reader base without traditional publishing barriers. The platform supports niche genres, making it appealing for authors seeking global reach and earn royalties.

• Best for authors selling e-books and print books.

• Free to start; royalties are 70% for e-books priced $2.99–$9.99 (with conditions) or 35% otherwise, and 60% for print books minus printing costs.

• It seems likely that KDP suits writers looking to reach a global audience without traditional publishing hurdles.

If you research for selling on Amazon, you’ve likely come across the term FBA. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is one of the most popular options for Amazon sellers—and for good reason! This program makes selling on Amazon more convenient, scalable, and profitable for both new and experienced sellers. In this guide, we’ll break down what FBA is, how it differs from traditional selling on Amazon, and how to get started by opening your Amazon seller account.

What is Amazon FBA?

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service offered by Amazon that allows sellers to store their inventory in Amazon's fulfillment centers. When an order is placed, Amazon takes care of everything—from picking, packing, and shipping to customer service and returns. Essentially, Amazon becomes your logistics partner, handling the operational side of your business so you can focus on sourcing and selling products.

How is FBA Different From Traditional Selling on Amazon?

When you sell on Amazon without using FBA (often called FBM—Fulfillment by Merchant), you’re responsible for storing, packing, and shipping your products directly to customers. While FBM gives you full control over your inventory, it can be time-intensive and harder to scale.

With FBA, Amazon does the heavy lifting for you. Here are some key advantages of FBA:

1. Prime Eligibility: FBA products are automatically eligible for Amazon Prime, giving your customers access to fast, free shipping and increasing your chances of making a sale.

2. Customer Service & Returns: Amazon handles customer inquiries, refunds, and returns on your behalf.

3. Time-Saving: You don’t have to worry about logistics and can focus on growing your business.

4. Trust Factor: Shoppers are more likely to trust and buy products fulfilled by Amazon.

Amazon FBA is an excellent option for sellers who want to simplify logistics and scale their business. By leveraging Amazon’s vast infrastructure and customer base, you can increase your sales potential and grow your brand. Before you start, it’s important to understand the fees involved, such as storage, fulfillment, and referral fees, which vary depending on your product’s size, weight, and category. You can find detailed information about fees and requirements to become a seller on the Amazon Seller Central Pricing Page. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, Amazon provides all the tools and resources you need to build a successful online store.