Most new Amazon sellers fail for the same reason. They pick products with obvious demand but ignore the competition. This guide shows you how to find products where you can actually win. No guesswork. Just a clear, step-by-step method.
When validating product ideas, having the right tools prevents inventory disasters. My AMZScout review for 2026 details its validation strengths, while my FBA Toolkit analysis shows how it helps with quick checks. Both resources help you avoid costly mistakes.
Table of Contents
What “Low Competition” Really Means
Low competition isn’t about few reviews or small niches. It’s simpler than that.
It means the top search results have weak spots you can beat. Think about it this way: Can your listing outrank those on page one within 3-6 months? If yes, you’ve found real opportunity.
Competition happens at the keyword level—not the whole category. When buyers search something specific, that’s where the battle happens.
Look for these signs of weak competition:
- Poor listings: Bad photos, weak descriptions, missing A+ Content
- Unknown brands: Generic sellers without loyal customers
- Missing optimization: Weak titles, few images, no videos
True low competition means most top listings have clear weaknesses you can fix.
Common Myths That Wreck Your Chances
Let’s clear up some dangerous ideas:
❌ Myth 1: “Fewer than 100 reviews means low competition”
This traps many sellers. Few reviews could mean low demand—not opportunity. If no listing has many reviews AND sales are tiny, skip it.
❌ Myth 2: “Small niches are always safer”
Wrong. A niche with only 100-200 monthly sales won’t pay your bills. It’s not worth the effort.
❌ Myth 3: “Private label means creating new demand”
Nope. You’re capturing existing demand better than others. You’re not inventing need—you’re solving known problems.
These myths sound easy but lead to wasted time. Don’t fall for them.

Step 1: Start With What Buyers Search
Forget random product ideas. Begin with actual buyer searches.
Most sellers fail by thinking “I want to sell kitchen gadgets.” Smart sellers ask: “What specific problem are buyers searching for right now?”
Look for longer search phrases (4+ words) like:
- “stainless steel garlic press with cleaner”
- “yoga mat bag with shoe pocket”
- “iphone screen protector anti blue light”
These show real buyer intent. Type words into Amazon’s search bar. See what autocomplete suggests. These are actual searches real people use.
Broad terms like “garlic press” attract big brands with huge budgets. Long-tail keywords? That’s your sweet spot.
Step 2: Check Page-One Competition Right
Don’t just glance at page one. Study it carefully.
Here’s what real low competition looks like:
- Top 10 listings average under 300 reviews (under 200 is better)
- No single listing has over 1,000 reviews in top 3 spots
- Most listings gain fewer than 15 reviews monthly
- Fewer than 4 strong brands in top 10 results
- Multiple listings have weak photos or descriptions
Ask yourself these quick questions:
- Do at least half the top listings look poorly made?
- Are most sellers unknown brands?
- Is no single seller dominating with thousands of reviews?
- Can your better listing realistically reach top 10 quickly?
If you answered yes to most, you’ve found real opportunity.
Step 3: Find Just-Right Demand
You need sales, but not too many. Look for:
- 300-1,000 total monthly sales across top listings
- Top sellers moving 10-50 units daily
- Steady sales (no crazy spikes or drops)
Big demand (2,000+ monthly sales) means big competition. That’s not for beginners.
Your sweet spot? Steady demand with neglected listings. Big brands often ignore these specific needs. That’s your opening.
Step 4: Best Product Types for New Sellers
Some products naturally have less competition. Try these:
- Functional accessories: Solve one specific problem (like a special phone holder for treadmills)
- Replacement parts: Things people buy again and again (filters, blades, batteries)
- Variation-neglected items: Main products missing certain sizes or colors buyers want
- Smart bundles: Combine related items (garlic press + cleaner + case)
- Compliance-barrier products: Items needing certifications (only if you can meet requirements)
These work because they target precise needs. Fewer sellers compete for specific solutions.
Step 5: Use Tools Wisely
Tools help, but don’t trust them blindly. Use them as helpers—not decision makers.
Good tools to try:
- Helium 10 or Jungle Scout for keyword data
- Keepa for sales history charts
- MerchantWords for search volume
Always double-check what tools tell you. They miss important details like:
- Poor image quality
- Weak product descriptions
- Common complaints in negative reviews
Tools speed up research. But your eyes make the final call.
Step 6: Must-Do Final Check
Before you spend money, run through this quick checklist:
- ✅ Average reviews under 300 on page one?
- ✅ At least 4-5 weak listings you can beat?
- ✅ 300-1,000 monthly sales total?
- ✅ At least 30% profit after all costs?
- ✅ Clear way to stand out from others?
- ✅ Suppliers available with small orders (300-500 units)?
- ✅ No patent or legal issues?
- ✅ Can create full optimized listing (7+ images, video, A+ Content)?
If any answer is no, walk away. This saves you from wasting time on bad ideas.
Mistakes That Kill Good Opportunities
Even great products fail when sellers make these errors:
- Copying competitors instead of improving
- Competing only on price (never works long-term)
- Ignoring long-tail keywords
- Launching without real differences
- Underestimating ad costs for first sales
- Missing what negative reviews reveal
Fix these before you start. Plan your optimization and launch strategy first.
📚 Amazon Product Research Resource Hub
Your comprehensive guide to mastering Amazon product research
How Long Should Amazon Product Research Take?
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Read GuidePrivate Label Product Research Checklist
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Get ChecklistAmazon Niche Research Beginner Guide
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Start HereEstimate Amazon Sales Without Seller Central
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Learn MethodsAmazon Product Research Mistakes & Tools
Eight critical errors and the tools to fix them, ensuring more informed product decisions.
Avoid ErrorsAmazon Product Demand Check Accurately
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Validate DemandAmazon Product Research for Beginners
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Learn BasicsValidate Amazon Product Ideas Before Ordering
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Validate NowHow to Find Profitable Amazon Products Guide
A straightforward guide focusing on finding products with strong margins and steady demand.
Find WinnersFinal Thoughts: Create Your Own Opportunity
Here’s the truth: Perfect low-competition products rarely exist. You create them.
How? Through better listings, smart positioning, and solid execution.
The winners aren’t those finding “untapped” markets. They’re the ones who:
- Study competitors carefully
- Fix what others miss
- Launch with clear advantages
Follow this method consistently. You’ll find products others overlook. It takes work, but it’s the surest path to Amazon success.
Start small. Validate properly. Execute well. Your competition will thank you later.
