Overview

Two recent graduates from Barcelona, Joan and Albert, quit their university studies in 2022 to launch Amazon‑based e‑commerce ventures. Their rapid ascent—from a single kitchen tool to a six‑figure Amazon store—highlights why the marketplace is becoming the go‑to channel for ambitious sellers. Understanding their decisions gives other merchants a roadmap for scaling profitably on Amazon.

Key Points

• University exit — In early 2022 both founders dropped out of their degree programs, convinced that Amazon could deliver returns faster than a conventional career path.
• Barcelona ecosystem — Their base in a city renowned for design, logistics, and a pool of digital‑marketing talent gave them easy access to local manufacturers and cost‑effective advertising expertise.
• Data‑driven product selection — They identified a high‑search‑volume kitchen accessory, confirming a keyword gap of roughly 3,200 monthly searches before committing capital.
• Eight‑month growth — After launching, the duo’s Amazon storefront posted about $150,000 in gross sales, largely thanks to Prime eligibility and tightly targeted Sponsored Products campaigns.
• Brand diversification plan — Looking ahead, they intend to broaden their private‑label portfolio with nutritional supplements and home‑office accessories within the next 24 months.
• Lean capital model — Instead of a €120,000 brick‑and‑mortar investment, they allocated roughly €15,000 for inventory and initial advertising, achieving revenue in weeks rather than months.

How Choosing Amazon Works

1. Market research with analytics tools — Joan leveraged Helium 10’s Black Box to filter for products that posted at least 1,000 monthly searches, under 500 competitor reviews, and a projected profit margin above 30 %. For instance, a silicone spatula met every criterion, prompting a deeper profitability analysis.
2. Supplier vetting and prototype testing — Albert traveled to a manufacturing hub in Valencia, ordered three sample units, and enrolled them in Amazon’s Early Reviewer Program for a 30‑day trial. The prototypes earned an average rating of 4.8 stars, confirming both quality and market appetite.