Amazon is one of the most accessible ways to launch a product business online. But “easy to start” doesn’t mean zero investment. If you’re thinking about becoming a seller in 2025, one of the first things you’re probably wondering is: how much will this actually cost me?

The good news? You don’t need tens of thousands to launch. But you do need to budget smartly.

This guide breaks down the typical costs you’ll encounter when starting out on Amazon Australia, and what to expect after you go live.

1. Amazon Seller Account Fees

Amazon offers two types of seller accounts:

Most new sellers start with the Individual plan and upgrade later. If you plan to sell more than 50 items a month, the Professional plan usually pays off.

But what does this mean for you? If you're just testing the waters or trying out your first product, start small. Register as an Individual and keep your overhead low until you know your product is selling. As you grow, a Professional account becomes more cost-effective and unlocks tools like Sponsored Products and bulk listing uploads.

2. Product Costs & Sourcing

This is where most of your budget goes. Your product cost includes everything from raw materials to final packaging.

Wholesale or manufacturing cost: This is what you pay to produce or source your product. It can vary widely depending on the item.
Minimum order quantity (MOQ): Some suppliers require you to purchase a minimum number of units.
Samples: Don’t skip this step. Samples often cost more than your final unit cost but are essential to verify quality.
Freight or shipping: If you're importing goods, international shipping can add up quickly.

So how should you approach this? Start by identifying a product category you’re comfortable with. Then, research suppliers on platforms like Alibaba or connect with Australian wholesalers. Order samples first, then negotiate your MOQ once you’re confident in the quality. Allocate at least $500–$1,500 for your first batch, depending on the product type.

3. Product Listing & Branding

Creating your product listing on Amazon is free. But crafting a high-converting listing may come with optional costs.

GS1 Barcode (UPC or EAN): Required to list products. You can buy legitimate barcodes via GS1 Australia.
Product photography: High-quality images are critical. DIY is possible, but hiring a photographer or using lifestyle mockups can cost $100-$500.
Design tools: If you're using Canva Pro or photo editing software, factor in those subscriptions.

Where should you invest here? Your listing is your online storefront. Even if you're on a budget, invest in at least 2-3 high-quality images and write keyword-rich bullet points and descriptions. If you're unsure about optimising your listing, you can book a free audit with Simple Sellers to get expert feedback.

4. Shipping & Fulfilment

Once your product is ready to go, you’ll need to ship it to customers or let Amazon handle it.

Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)

Inbound shipping to Amazon’s warehouse
Storage fees (charged per cubic metre per month)
Pick, pack, and fulfilment fees (based on size/weight)

Example: A small item might cost $3-$5 to fulfil per order.

Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)

You store, pack, and ship orders yourself
Postage, packaging materials, and labour are your responsibility

Which one should you choose? If you want to save time and maximise Prime visibility, FBA is worth considering despite the added fees. It’s ideal for sellers who value hands-off logistics and faster delivery. FBM can be cheaper for niche or bulky products but demands more time and organisation on your part.

5. Advertising & Marketing

Amazon is pay-to-play especially when you’re new. Expect to invest in Sponsored Products to get your first traffic.

Amazon PPC (pay-per-click): Budgets start at $5–$15/day. You’ll only pay when someone clicks your ad.
External marketing: Optional but helpful. Think Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok promotions.

How much should you budget? Start small and allocate around $150-$300/month in the beginning. Track what’s working and scale from there. Amazon ads give you real-time data on what keywords convert, so you’ll refine as you go.

6. Other Tools & Resources

Optional but recommended tools that many sellers use:

Keyword research tools (e.g. Keyword Tool, Google Trends)
Inventory management (e.g. spreadsheets or apps like Zoho)
Accounting or bookkeeping software

Do you need all of these upfront? Not at all. Stick to free or low-cost tools in the beginning. Google Sheets and free keyword tools are great when you’re just starting. Upgrade later as your business grows.

So... What’s the Total?

Let’s summarise a ballpark estimate of costs to launch:

Estimated startup cost range: $1,000 to $2,500 for most first-time sellers

This will vary based on your product and fulfilment method, but it’s a realistic range for launching a simple, private-label or resell product.

Final Thoughts: Spend Smart, Grow Smart

Selling on Amazon Australia doesn’t require a massive investment but it does require strategic thinking.

Prioritise the essentials: a great product, a well-optimised listing, and enough budget to test ads. From there, reinvest profits into improving your store, scaling ads, or launching new products.

And remember: You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Simple Sellers helps first-time and scaling sellers build better stores, launch with confidence, and avoid costly missteps.

Ready to start smart? Book a free discovery call today and we’ll walk you through the best launch strategy for your budget.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Start Selling on Amazon Australia