Sell Products on Amazon Without Inventory

TL;DR 

• You can sell on Amazon without holding any inventory using methods like dropshipping, Kindle Direct Publishing, Merch on Demand, or the Amazon Associates Program.

• This approach lowers startup costs, reduces financial risk, and lets you work from anywhere.

• Dropshipping lets you list products and have a third-party supplier ship directly to your customers.

• Merch on Demand allows artists to sell custom designs on apparel without any upfront investment.

• KDP helps you self-publish books and sell them as eBooks or paperbacks directly on Amazon.

• Amazon Associates lets content creators earn commission by promoting products without selling anything directly.

More than 60% of new Amazon sellers worry about the cost of storing and managing inventory. Honestly, it can be stressful paying for storage, handling returns, and keeping track of stock adds up fast. But here’s the good news: you can sell on Amazon without holding any inventory.

That means no storage fees, no shipping boxes, and no big upfront costs. Amazon has a few smart ways for you to make money without ever touching a product. From dropshipping and selling digital products to using platforms like Merch on Demand or Kindle Direct Publishing, the options are real and beginner-friendly.

In this blog, we’ll explain the best ways to sell on Amazon without inventory, why it’s a great option and tips to help you start. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a low-risk business idea, this guide will show you how to get started the easy way.

Can I sell on Amazon without inventory?

Yes, many successful sellers operate with zero inventory on hand. Amazon offers built-in tools and partnerships that let you sell products, designs, and even content all without holding physical stock. So whether you're strapped for cash, tight on space, or simply want a lean business model, going inventory-free is a smart option.

What are the benefits of selling in the Amazon store without inventory?

• Low startup costs: You don’t need to buy stock upfront, rent a warehouse, or handle shipping. This makes it cheaper to get started.

• Less financial risk: No inventory means no risk of buying too much or ending up with products you can’t sell.

• Quick and easy setup: You can start selling quickly once you pick your product and know your market, you’re good to go.

• Sell on multiple platforms: If you're dropshipping, you can sell not just on Amazon, your website, or even social media.

• Work from anywhere: You don’t need to be tied to one location. You can manage your business from home, a café, or even traveling.

• Easier to grow: You don’t have to worry about warehouse space or inventory limits. That makes it easier to take more orders and grow faster.

• Flexible product options: Not sure what to sell? Try different products to see what works without worrying about being stuck with leftover stock. You can also follow trends and update your product list easily.

• Reach global buyers: Some no-inventory models let you sell to customers around the world through the Amazon store.

Method to sell products on Amazon without inventory

#1 Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a type of eCommerce business where you, the seller, don’t need to keep any products in stock. Instead, when a customer places an order, you pass that order to a third-party supplier, usually a wholesaler or manufacturer who then ships the product directly to your customer.

This means you don’t have to buy products upfront, rent storage space, or pack and ship orders yourself. You focus on running the online store, handling marketing, and providing customer support, while your supplier takes care of the rest.

How does dropshipping work on Amazon? 

Step 1: Create your Amazon Seller account
To start selling, you need to sign up for an Amazon Seller account. This gives you access to all the tools and dashboards you’ll need to run your online business.

Step 2: Find a reliable dropshipping supplier
Look for a supplier you can trust. It’s best to choose one that has experience working with Amazon Sellers. Ask important questions like:

• Where do their products come from?

• Do they have permission (authorization letters) from brands or manufacturers to sell these products?

Step 3: List your products on Amazon
Once you’ve found the right supplier, start listing the products you want to sell. You can either create new product listings or match your products to existing ones. Here, you need Amazon product listing optimization for better visibility.

#2 Amazon Merch on Demand

If you're an artist or graphic designer, you can use Merch on Demand by Amazon to sell your designs on t-shirts, mugs, bags, and more. All you have to do is upload your artwork and set a price. When someone buys your item, Amazon prints it and ships it for you. You’ll earn royalties (money) every time one of your designs is sold.

How does it work?

• Sign up: Use your current Amazon Seller account or create a new one to join Merch on Demand.

• Upload your design: Add your original artwork. Make sure it’s high-quality and doesn’t break any copyright or trademark rules.

• Pick your product: Choose what you want to sell like a t-shirt, hoodie, or mug. Select the colors, write a short description, and set your price. Make sure your price is attractive to buyers and still lets you make a profit.

• Get approved: Once Amazon reviews and approves your product, they’ll create a product page for it on the Amazon store.

• Start selling: When someone buys your merch, Amazon takes care of printing, packing, shipping, and customer service with no upfront costs to you.

#3 Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a free and easy way to publish your book on Amazon. You can publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers without needing a traditional publisher. Just upload your book file, create a cover, set your price, and hit publish. 

Your book will be available to millions of Amazon readers around the world. You keep control of your book and can earn up to 70% in royalties. You can also make changes anytime and track your sales. KDP is a simple way for anyone to become a published author and start selling books online.

How does it work?

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) lets you self-publish your book and sell it on Amazon. 

• First, you create an account on KDP. Then, upload your book file and cover, and add the title, author name, and book details. 

• Next, choose your pricing and royalty options. Once you publish, your book will be live on Amazon as an eBook, paperback, or hardcover. 

• You don’t need to print or ship anything Amazon handles that for you. You can update your book anytime, and you’ll get paid royalties based on your sales. 

• It’s a simple and cost-effective way to publish and sell books.

#4 Amazon Associates Program

The Amazon Associates Program is Amazon’s official affiliate marketing platform. It allows bloggers, influencers, and website owners to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products. Once you join the program, you can create special tracking links to products on Amazon.

When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a small percentage of the sale. It’s free to join and doesn’t require you to sell anything yourself. You can use these links in blogs, social media posts, or websites. It’s a simple way to earn passive income by recommending products you already love and trust.

How does it work?

If you're a blogger, content creator, or publisher, you can join the Amazon Associates Program by applying. Your website or social media account must meet Amazon’s content guidelines.

• After signing up, you’ll get access to tools that let you create product links you can share on your site or social platforms. You can also track your clicks and earnings.

• To get approved, you need to make at least three qualified sales within 180 days of joining. If you meet all the program rules, Amazon will accept your application and you can continue earning commissions.

#5 Selling digital products on Amazon 

Selling digital products on Amazon is an easy way to reach more people and earn money. You can sell eBooks using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), music through Amazon Music, or apps and games in the Amazon Appstore. 

Once you upload your product, Amazon takes care of delivering it to customers. You get paid each time someone buys your product. There’s no need to ship anything, and your product is always available online. Just make sure your files are good quality and follow Amazon’s rules. It’s a simple way to start selling online with low effort.

How does it work?

Selling digital products on Amazon is simple and offers great earning potential. You can sell eBooks through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), or offer digital items like software, music, or online courses through Amazon’s Digital Services.

• To start, create an Amazon Seller account or sign up for KDP if you're selling eBooks. Upload your digital product, add a title, description, and price, then publish it.

•  Once live, customers can instantly download the product after purchase.

• You earn royalties or a set sale price, depending on the product type.

• Amazon handles the delivery, so you don’t need to manage inventory.

Tips for selling without inventory

If you want to try selling on Amazon without managing inventory (like dropshipping), here are some simple tips to follow:

• Know the rules: Even if you’re dropshipping, Amazon has product restrictions and compliance rules. Make sure you follow them to keep your account safe. You can choose an Amazon Seller consulting agency for product ranking and SEO services. 

• Be honest with customers: Since a third party is handling your products and shipping, inform customers about any delays or stock issues so they know what to expect.

• Work closely with suppliers: Stay in touch with your suppliers to ensure good product quality and avoid issues with inventory or delivery.

• Respond to feedback: If a customer leaves a bad review, try to understand their concerns and fix the issue. Good customer service can turn unhappy buyers into loyal ones.

• Use automation tools: Automate order fulfillment, shipping updates, and tracking to give customers a smooth experience and reduce your workload.

• Follow trends: Keep an eye on what’s popular on social media, in books, or online. Trends can help you find products that people want to buy.

• Do product research: Use tools like Amazon’s Product Opportunity Explorer to find high-demand products and profitable niches. Don’t just rely on trends—look at real data.

Ready to sell on Amazon with zero inventory?

Selling on Amazon without inventory is not only possible, but it's also a smart way to start a business with less risk. Whether you choose dropshipping, Merch on Demand, Kindle Direct Publishing, or the Amazon Associates Program, you can earn money without storing products. These methods help you save on upfront costs and give you more flexibility to test and grow your business.

But to succeed, you still need the right setup and strategy. That’s where our Amazon consultants can help. We’ll guide you through each step from picking the right model to setting up your account and improving your listings. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow faster, we’re here to support you.