If I could send a short list back to my younger self before the first order, this would be it. Fifteen things that would have saved me time, money and a lot of avoidable stress.
- Research the product harder than you research anything else.
- Cheap products mean cheap margins and brutal competition.
- Always order samples before a bulk order.
- Calculate landed cost fully — duty and freight included — before you commit.
- Amazon fees are bigger than beginners expect; model them early.
- A great listing can double the sales of the same product.
- Photos sell more than words; invest in them.
- Reviews take time, so start collecting them honestly from day one.
- Stockouts during launch can erase your momentum.
- Ads are pay-to-learn at first; budget for that learning.
- Cash flow, not profit, is what keeps you alive.
- One winning product beats ten mediocre ones.
- Compliance (BIS/FSSAI) is cheaper handled early than fixed later.
- Most people quit too soon; patience is an edge.
- Get experienced eyes on big decisions before you spend lakhs.
None of these are complicated. They are simply the things you usually learn the expensive way — unless someone tells you first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most important tip?
Research and validate the product before spending anything. It prevents the most expensive mistakes.
Are Amazon fees really that high?
They are higher than most beginners expect. Always subtract them before deciding a product is profitable.
How soon should I think about reviews?
From day one. Genuine reviews compound slowly, so the earlier you start the better.
Why does cash flow matter more than profit?
Because money locked in stock and shipping can leave a profitable business unable to reorder.
✓ Want a second opinion before your first big order? Book a free 15-minute guidance call
Ali Lokhandwala has sold on Amazon India for 7 years, runs 80+ live private-label products with a 35-person team generating Rs.3.5 crore a month, and has trained 15,000+ entrepreneurs whose brands have crossed Rs.160 crore in combined sales. He still runs his Amazon business daily.
