Overview

Launching a private‑label brand on Amazon does not require a six‑figure investment. By tightly managing each expense, a seller can introduce twelve distinct products with a total outlay of roughly $5,000. This lean approach keeps cash tied up for a short period and allows rapid testing of multiple ideas.

Key Points

• Total capital required — About $5,000 covered product research, sourcing, shipping, listing creation, and the first round of advertising.
• Number of SKUs introduced — Twelve separate products were launched, giving the new brand immediate diversification.
• Average spend per SKU — Roughly $416 per product, a level low enough to test, iterate, and discard under‑performing items quickly.
• Tool reliance — All product concepts were validated with Helium 10’s research suite, removing costly guesswork.
• Inventory sizing — Initial orders were limited to 100 units per SKU, minimizing the risk of unsold stock and preserving cash for early marketing.

How the Launch Process Works

1. Market validation — The seller runs Helium 10’s Xray and Black Box tools to locate niches with steady demand, modest competition, and price points that support healthy margins. For instance, a search in “kitchen organization” may reveal a sub‑category selling 1,200 units per month with fewer than 50 competing listings.
2. Supplier outreach — Multiple manufacturers on Alibaba are contacted for quotes on a 100‑unit sample run. A typical reply lists unit cost, minimum order quantity, and lead time, enabling the seller to compare price against projected profit.
3. Sample testing — Physical samples are ordered and examined for build quality, packaging, and compliance with Amazon’s standards. A seller might receive a single silicone spatula, test its heat resistance, and verify FDA approval before committing to larger quantities.
4. First inventory order — After a sample passes, the seller places a modest order—often just enough to cover the first two to three weeks of sales. This keeps capital locked in inventory low while still providing enough units to generate meaningful performance data.