How to Start Amazon FBA in the USA with Only $500 (2026 Guide)

The $500 Challenge!

Step 1: Market Research (Cost: $0)

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Step 2: Product Selection

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Step 3: Sourcing (Cost: $250)

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Step 4: Amazon Seller Account (Cost: $40)

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Step 5: Branding & Packaging (Cost: $50)

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Step 6: Shipping to FBA (Cost: $100)

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Step 7: Optimized Listing (Cost: $0)

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Step 8: Launch & PPC (Cost: $60)

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The Secret Sauce: Reinvest!

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Common Mistake to Avoid

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Need Expert Help?

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The $500 Challenge!

Can you start an Amazon FBA business with just $500? Yes! Here is your step-by-step roadmap.

Step 1: Market Research (Cost: $0)

Use free tools to find "Low Competition, High Demand" products. Look for items priced between $15-$30.

Step 2: Product Selection

Focus on small, lightweight items (under 1lb) to save on shipping and storage fees. Think home office or kitchen gadgets.

Step 3: Sourcing (Cost: $250)

Use platforms like Alibaba or 1688. Order a small batch (20-50 units) to test the market first.

Step 4: Amazon Seller Account (Cost: $40)

Sign up for a Professional Seller account ($39.99/mo) to access FBA features and advertising tools.

Step 5: Branding & Packaging (Cost: $50)

Use Canva for a simple logo. Ask your supplier to add a basic "Thank You" card to build brand loyalty.

Step 6: Shipping to FBA (Cost: $100)

Ship your products directly to Amazon’s warehouse. Let Amazon handle the picking, packing, and shipping!

Step 7: Optimized Listing (Cost: $0)

Write a killer title and bullet points. Use high-quality photos (even from your phone!) with a white background.

Step 8: Launch & PPC (Cost: $60)

Spend your remaining budget on Amazon PPC (Ads) to get your first few sales and reviews.

The Secret Sauce: Reinvest!

Take your first profits and buy more inventory. Scale slowly but surely.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Don't pick fragile or electronic items for your first product. Keep it simple to avoid returns!

Need Expert Help?

Scaling on Amazon is hard. Let S4U Services manage your account while you grow!