Introduction
Ordering inventory before checking if your Amazon product will sell? That’s the costliest mistake Amazon sellers make.
New sellers often waste thousands on products that never move. These sit in warehouses. They pile up fees. They drain your cash. What was supposed to be a great listing becomes dead weight.
The fix is simple: check demand, competition, profits, uniqueness, and risks with real data first.
This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step process. You’ll know exactly when to say “yes” or “no” to any product idea. No guessing needed.
Follow these steps. Avoid dead inventory. Focus only on products that can actually make you money.
Why Checking Products First Matters
Buying untested products ties up your hard-earned cash. One failed 1,000-unit order can cost $10,000-$20,000. That’s just for the product! Add shipping, FBA fees, and storage charges.
Your cash flow suffers fast. Money stuck in slow-moving stock can’t fund ads or new launches. Many sellers go broke waiting for sales that never come.
Amazon competition is fierce. Most niches are crowded or controlled by big brands. Jumping in without checking almost guarantees failure.
Trendy “viral” products from TikTok rarely sell well long-term on Amazon. Trends fade fast. You’re left with outdated inventory. Data beats hype every single time.
Step-by-Step: Validate Amazon Product Ideas Before Ordering
Step 1 – Check Demand First
No demand means no sales. It’s that simple.
Use tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10 to see monthly searches and estimated sales.
Look for these signs of good demand:
- At least 300 units sold monthly for the main keyword
- Top listings average 200-1,000 sales each month
- Main keyword gets 5,000-10,000+ searches monthly
Quick manual check: Search your main keyword on Amazon. If page one shows unrelated items or products with few reviews, demand is weak.
Pass this test if 6-8 of the top 10 results sell consistently (BSR under 50,000 in their category).
Pro Tip: Want to see how tools like AMZScout work in real validation? Check out this honest AMZScout review with real use cases.
Step 2 – Analyze the Competition
Too much competition sinks new sellers. Find niches where you can actually compete.
Watch these key numbers:
- Page one listings should have under 100-150 reviews on average
- No more than 2-3 listings with 1,000+ reviews
- Avoid niches dominated by Amazon Basics, big brands, or sellers with perfect listings
Look for listing gaps you can fix:
- Blurry or poorly lit main images
- Bullet points missing key features
- Few or no hidden backend keywords
- No video content
If multiple top listings have these issues, you can compete.
Step 3 – Check Pricing & Profits
Will you actually make money? That’s what matters.
Calculate your true cost: product + shipping + duties.
Target price range: $18-$50. This is the sweet spot for impulse buys with good profits.
Use Amazon’s Revenue Calculator for fees:
- Referral fee is about 15%
- Fulfillment fee depends on size/weight
Aim for at least 30-40% gross margin after all costs.
Simple rule: Your selling price should be 3-4x your landed cost.
Pass if you can make $8-$15 profit per unit after ads ($3-$5 in tough niches).
Step 4 – Test for Unique Value
Generic products get lost in the crowd.
Ask yourself:
- Can you improve the product? (Better materials, new features, solve a real problem)
- Can you bundle items? (Include accessories others ignore)
- Can you brand it well? (Custom packaging, logo, helpful inserts)
Good examples of standing out:
- Add a missing accessory everyone needs
- Offer better warranty or clearer instructions
- Target a specific group (eco-friendly version, special color)
If your product is “just like everything else,” skip it.
Step 5 – Check for Hidden Risks
Some products have dangers you might not see.
Look for:
- Restricted categories or gated brands (check Amazon’s list)
- Patent issues (search “product name + patent” or “product name + lawsuit”)
- Fragile or heavy items (more returns, damage claims)
- Hazmat rules (for batteries, liquids, aerosols)
- Oversize pricing that kills profits
If your product has high-risk issues with no easy fix, say no.
Key Numbers That Make or Break Your Decision
Use these as hard limits. Adjust slightly for niche size, but stay strict.
Demand Check:
- Monthly sales (top 10 average): 300+
- Main keyword searches: 5,000+
Competition Check:
- Average reviews on page 1: 150 or less
- Listings with 500+ reviews: 3 or fewer
- Clear listing gaps you can fix: Yes
Profit Check:
- Price range: $18-$50
- Gross margin after fees: 35%+
- Net profit per unit (after ads): $8+
Other Must-Haves:
- Real way to stand out: Yes
- No restrictions or safety issues: Yes
- Low breakage/weight problems: Yes
If a product fails two or more checks, move on.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t trust TikTok or YouTube “viral” products without checking real demand. Most trends vanish in weeks.
Don’t copy top sellers in crowded markets. Competing against listings with 1,000+ reviews is nearly impossible for new sellers.
Don’t ignore true costs. Just using the supplier quote is dangerous. Shipping and duties often add 30-50% more.
Don’t skip safety checks. One patent complaint or hazmat mistake can shut your account.
Don’t rely on just one tool’s sales estimate. Cross-check Jungle Scout with Helium 10 and Keepa data.
Don’t chase cheap products under $15. Fees and returns eat all your profits.
Best Tools for Validating Amazon Products
Amazon itself (free):
- Search keywords to see real demand
- Check Best Sellers Rank for sales estimates
- Use Revenue Calculator for profit checks
Helium 10:
- Black Box searches products with filters
- Xray Chrome extension analyzes listings
- Magnet or Cerebro checks keywords
Jungle Scout:
- Opportunity Finder scores niches
- Product Database filters by sales
- Chrome extension gives quick insights
Keepa:
- Tracks price and sales rank history
- Shows demand spikes or seasonality
- Reveals price wars and hijackers
Always use multiple tools. No single tool gives perfect data.
Final Checklist Before Contacting Suppliers
✅ Demand confirmed: 300+ monthly sales, strong search volume
✅ Competition manageable: 150 or fewer reviews, clear gaps to fix
✅ Profits verified: 35%+ gross margin, $8+ net per unit
✅ Unique angle: Real improvement or bundling option
✅ Risks handled: No restrictions, low safety concerns
✅ History checked: Steady demand, no big drops
Only reach out to suppliers when all boxes are checked. Anything less risks your money.
Validation before ordering isn’t optional. It protects your cash. It cuts your risk. It boosts your chance of real profits.
Skip the hype. Follow the data. Make choices based on numbers—not hope.
Do this right, and Amazon FBA becomes a real business. Not just expensive trial and error.
