1. How much does it cost to start selling on Amazon? You’ll need $2,000-$5,000 minimum to get started properly. This covers initial inventory ($1,000-$3,000), Amazon’s Professional seller plan ($39.99/month), product photography ($300-$500), and advertising budget ($500-$1,000). Many successful San Diego sellers start smaller and reinvest profits to grow.

2. How long does it take to see results on Amazon? New products typically take 3-6 months to gain meaningful traction. You might see your first sales within weeks, but building consistent rankings and reviews takes time. Most San Diego sellers don’t see significant profits until months 6-12. Amazon rewards patience and consistency over quick schemes.

3. What’s the biggest mistake new Amazon sellers make? Running out of inventory during peak sales periods. Stock-outs kill your momentum and rankings. Always plan 8-12 weeks ahead for inventory replenishment.

4. Should I start with one product or multiple products? Start with one product line with 1-2 variants and master it before expanding. Focus on getting that first product line profitable, understanding Amazon’s advertising system, and building your processes. Once you’re consistently profitable with one product family, then consider launching complementary items or expanding into related categories.

5. How do I know if my product idea will sell? Use Amazon’s search data and tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout to validate demand before investing. Look for products with 300+ monthly searches but fewer than 50 reviews on the first page – that suggests demand without oversaturation. Also check if similar products are selling well in San Diego’s key demographics.