How Much Money Do You Need to Start Selling on Amazon in 2026?

ALGO™ Team
12 hours ago
5 min read

One of the biggest questions stopping people from getting started is simple: how much money do you actually need to start selling on Amazon?

In 2026, the answer is far more reasonable than most people expect. You do not need a warehouse, a large team, or a massive upfront investment. Whether you plan to sell in the U.S. or sell on Amazon from Canada, the opportunity to start small and scale intelligently has never been clearer.

At ALGO Online Retail, experienced sellers like Tim Hellbusch, Brett Bastian, and Kevin Seely have helped thousands of new sellers understand the real numbers behind starting an Amazon business, not the exaggerated figures often seen online.

The Real Cost to start Selling on Amazon in 2026

Most new sellers begin with $300 to $1,000. This budget range allows you to purchase initial inventory, cover basic Amazon fees, and test the business model without putting yourself in a risky position.

Starting small is not a disadvantage. In fact, sellers who begin with limited capital often make better decisions. They focus on proven products, avoid emotional buying, and learn how Amazon works before scaling.

This approach is especially effective for beginners who want to sell on Amazon in 2026 while minimizing risk.

Why Amazon FBA Makes Starting More Affordable

A major reason selling on Amazon is so accessible today is Amazon FBA.

With Amazon FBA, Amazon handles storage, shipping, customer service, and returns. This removes many of the traditional costs associated with running an online business. You do not need to rent space, manage logistics, or handle customer issues yourself.

For sellers in Canada, Amazon FBA is particularly valuable. It simplifies cross-country fulfillment and allows Canadian sellers to compete effectively without complex logistics.

Where Your Startup Money Actually Goes

When starting an Amazon business, the majority of your budget goes toward inventory. Smart sellers usually start with one carefully researched product instead of spreading money across multiple guesses.

Other costs may include shipping inventory to Amazon warehouses and standard selling fees. By avoiding unnecessary tools and services early on, sellers keep expenses lean and focused.

This is where guidance matters. Many sellers fail not because they lack money, but because they spend it in the wrong places.

Strategy Matters More Than Capital

At ALGO Online Retail, sellers are taught that success is not about how much money you start with, but how you use it.

The ALGO Amazon Method emphasizes buying low, selling high, and selling established brands. Instead of creating demand from scratch, sellers leverage products that customers already trust and search for every day.

This strategy allows beginners to compete without large budgets and aligns perfectly with Amazon FBA’s fulfillment model.

Can You Start Part Time With a Small Budget?

Yes, and many sellers do.

Amazon FBA allows sellers to build their business outside of traditional work hours. Because Amazon handles fulfillment and customer service, sellers can focus their limited time on sourcing products and making strategic decisions.

This flexibility is one of the main reasons people choose to sell on Amazon in 2026 as a way to build additional income while keeping their current job.

How Scaling Works After You Start

Scaling comes after proof, not before.

Once a product shows consistent sales and profitability, sellers can reinvest profits to grow inventory. Some choose to access funding later, but only after the system is working.

Sellers trained by Tim Hellbusch, Brett Bastian, and Kevin Seely consistently follow this pattern: start small, prove the model, then scale with confidence.

The Bottom Line

You do not need a massive budget to start selling on Amazon in 2026. You need a clear plan, disciplined spending, and a proven approach.

Whether you are in the U.S. or looking to sell on Amazon from Canada, starting with realistic expectations puts you in a far better position than waiting for the “perfect” time or budget.

At ALGO Online Retail, beginners are shown step by step how to start selling on Amazon using Amazon FBA, smart budgeting, and data-driven decisions.

👉 Register for the free Amazon selling course and learn how to sell on Amazon in 2026 with confidence

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling on Amazon in 2026

How much money do I need to start selling on Amazon in 2026?

Most beginners can start selling on Amazon in 2026 with $300 to $1,000. This budget allows you to purchase initial inventory, test products, and use Amazon FBA without taking unnecessary financial risk.

Is Amazon FBA worth it for beginners?

Yes. Amazon FBA is one of the best options for beginners because Amazon handles storage, shipping, customer service, and returns. This allows new sellers to focus on sourcing products and growing their Amazon business instead of operations.

Can I start selling on Amazon part time?

Absolutely. Many successful sellers start selling on Amazon part time while working a full time job. Amazon FBA makes it possible to run the business during evenings and weekends since fulfillment is handled by Amazon.

How long does it take to make money selling on Amazon?

Most sellers see their first Amazon sales within 30 to 90 days, depending on product selection, inventory availability, and pricing strategy. Consistency and data driven decisions speed up results.

Do I need an LLC to sell on Amazon?

No. You can start selling on Amazon under your personal name. Many sellers form an LLC later once they have consistent sales and revenue. Amazon allows you to update your business structure at any time.

Is selling on Amazon too competitive in 2026?

Selling on Amazon is competitive, but competition does not equal saturation. Sellers who use data, proven systems, and smart sourcing strategies can still build profitable Amazon businesses in 2026.

Can I sell on Amazon from Canada?

Yes. Many sellers successfully sell on Amazon from Canada by opening a US Amazon seller account and using Amazon FBA to fulfill orders to US customers.

What is the biggest mistake new Amazon sellers make?

The biggest mistake is guessing products instead of using data. Successful sellers rely on proven demand, controlled inventory purchases, and repeatable systems rather than trends or assumptions.

Is Amazon FBA passive income?

Amazon FBA is not completely passive, especially in the beginning. However, it becomes more automated over time as sellers build systems, delegate tasks, and reinvest profits into scalable processes.

Is 2026 a good year to start selling on Amazon?

Yes. 2026 is an excellent year to start selling on Amazon because sellers who begin early can learn the platform, build momentum, and position themselves ahead of peak selling seasons.