How do I know what products will sell?
Research Tools and Metrics
On Amazon, the Best Sellers Rank (BSR) indicates how well an item sells in its category. A lower rank means better sales. Generally, a BSR under 100,000 in most categories is considered decent, but it varies by category.
Tools like Keepa, CamelCamelCamel, and Jungle Scout show price and rank history. You want products with stable or rising demand, not fads. Also check the number of sellers on a listing—too many sellers can mean price wars.
- Check Best Sellers Rank (BSR) on Amazon
- Use Keepa or CamelCamelCamel for price history
- Look for consistent demand, not spikes
- Avoid listings with too many sellers
- Consider seasonality and trends
Market Research Beyond Amazon
If you sell on eBay or other platforms, look at completed listings to see what actually sold and for how much. On Etsy, check bestsellers and reviews. For any platform, read customer reviews to spot unmet needs or common complaints.
You can also test small quantities before committing to bulk. Sell a few items to gauge interest, then scale up if they move quickly. Keep an eye on social media and news for emerging trends.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a low price guarantees sales—demand matters more than price alone.
- Ignoring competition; if 50 sellers are on a listing, your profit margin will likely be thin.
- Relying on gut feeling instead of data; always check sales rank and price history.