Starting your Amazon selling journey is like navigating a maze blindfolded. Trust me, I know because I’ve been there, done that, and finally I have my first product there on sale. Here’s how it all unfolded and, more importantly, how you can avoid some of the wild goose chases I endured.

The Rollercoaster Begins

So, things are finally starting to roll – or at least, I think they are. If you’ve read part one and part two of this series (if not, what are you waiting for? :)), you know my journey to selling on Amazon has been nothing short of chaotic. But Part Three? Oh, this was the real test of my sanity.

I had my products designed and my Printful shop ready to roll. I even had my GTIN exepmtion (Global Trade Item Number), which is essentially a barcode that Amazon requires for each product except for unbranded product like POD (print on demand). Simple, right? HA! Connecting my Printful shop to Amazon should’ve been as easy as pie. Instead, it felt like trying to explain algebra to a goldfish.

I just couldn’t get Printful and Amazon to play nice and let me upload my products.

The Amazon-Printful Ping-Pong Game

First, I spent hours bouncing between customer service from Printful and Amazon. One would say, “Check with the other side,” and the other would basically shrug and say, “Not our problem.” I watched video tutorials, read FAQs, scrolled forums, and probably consumed more coffee than is healthy in a day. Still, no luck.

Then, in a moment of desperation (and maybe caffeine-induced madness), I posted my frustration on X (formerly known as Twitter). Lo and behold, this turned out to be my saving grace.

The Unexpected Hero

Someone from Printful’s customer service saw my cry for help. They didn’t just respond – they gave me the golden nugget of advice I’d been searching for. Turns out, I needed to fill in “Generic” under the “Brand” option in the Printful setup form. Who knew that one word could solve a whole week of confusion?

Seriously, to the nameless person at Printful who saved my sanity, I owe you a coffee!

The First Product Goes Live

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I uploaded my very first product to my Amazon shop: a T-shirt dress. Cue the confetti and applause! I was beyond thrilled. For about five minutes.

Why only five minutes? Because selling on Amazon is never that easy.

The Struggles Are Real

Just when I thought I had conquered the hardest part, a new set of challenges emerged. Listings need to be optimized, listing quality must be improved, more images uploaded, and let’s not even get started on pricing strategies. Amazon also expects you to answer customer inquiries promptly, monitor inventory, and update product pages. Oh, and did I mention the ever-changing algorithms?

But here’s the thing: every step forward is progress. Sure, I’m not making millions yet, but I’ve learned that persistence is key.

Lessons Learned So Far

Here are some nuggets of wisdom from my journey that might save you a headache or two:

1. Don’t Skip the Details

When setting up your shop, triple-check every single field. Missing one little dropdown menu can mean weeks of frustration. (Looking at you, “Brand” field.)

2. Ask for Help

Social media can be your best friend. When I hit a wall, I turned to X and found help faster than I ever could have through customer support tickets. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for advice – it’s amazing how many people are willing to share their knowledge.

3. Patience, Grasshopper

Selling on Amazon is not a “get rich quick” scheme. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of patience. Some days, it feels like you’re running in circles, but every small victory counts.

4. Learn and Adapt

Selling online is an evolving game. You have to stay informed about trends, update your product listings, and be open to trying new strategies. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot.

What’s Next?

Now that my first product is live (yay!), I’m focusing on marketing. From crafting SEO-friendly titles to creating engaging product descriptions, the work never stops. I’m also experimenting with Amazon ads to drive traffic to my listings.

But let me be real with you – it’s not all smooth sailing. There are moments when I want to throw in the towel. Yet, I keep reminding myself why I started: to create something of my own, to connect with customers, and yes, to make some money.

Why Persistence Is Key

Success on Amazon doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about showing up every day, even when things feel impossible. Persistence isn’t just a virtue – it’s a requirement.

And let’s not forget creativity! Innovating your products, optimizing listings, and thinking outside the box are what set you apart from the competition.

My First Product

If you’re curious, here’s the link to my very first Amazon product:

It’s a T-shirt dress, and honestly, I’m pretty proud of it.

Final Thoughts

Selling on Amazon can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s a battle worth fighting. For anyone else on this journey, keep pushing forward. Learn from your mistakes, celebrate your wins (no matter how small), and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Remember, every expert was once a beginner who didn’t quit. So here’s to persistence, creativity, and the exciting road ahead. Stay tuned for Part Four, where I’ll dive deeper into marketing strategies and share more lessons from the trenches.

And at the end, like always – have fun creating!