Start with the listing match
Confirm the exact product, EAN or ASIN, pack quantity, variation, condition, brand, dimensions and included parts. Amazon says a listing uses product identifiers, SKU and offer details to describe the exact product.[3] If the retailer item does not match the detail page, stop before calculating.
Check your selling eligibility
Review category, brand and product approval in Seller Central. Amazon explains that some categories are restricted, some require approval and some products cannot be sold by third-party sellers.[3] FBA restrictions can also apply separately.
Review demand evidence
Look at current price, price history, sales-rank context, offer count, Buy Box behaviour, Amazon presence and likely sell-through. Ask whether the current price is normal or temporary. A historical price is not a promise of a future sale.
Assess competition
Count relevant offers and distinguish new, used, merchant-fulfilled and FBA offers. Consider whether a seller with a large stock position, Amazon retail presence or a lower cost base could change the price. The deal should still make sense if competition increases.
Build the complete cost model
Include purchase price, delivery, preparation, labels, inbound freight, referral fee, fulfilment, storage, returns, advertising, VAT, import costs, removals and the selling-plan allocation where relevant. Use the FBA profit calculator as a starting point, not as proof of profit.
Check VAT and cross-border issues
Choose a VAT-inclusive or net basis and apply it consistently. VAT registration and reporting can depend on turnover, business establishment, transaction type and stock location.[5][11] Imports may require an EORI number and customs checks.[6][7] If you cannot explain the treatment, ask an accountant before relying on the margin.
Check product and account risk
Review IP, authenticity, Hazmat, batteries, expiry, safety documents, category approval, condition restrictions and packaging. UK businesses that sell consumer products have product-safety responsibilities, so do not treat a software or spreadsheet result as a compliance decision.
Set the buying decision
Record the maximum buy price, expected sale price, lower-price case, quantity, expected ROI, expected margin, risk flags and recheck date. A sensible outcome can be buy, buy a smaller test quantity, wait and recheck, or reject. “Positive spreadsheet result” is not the only valid decision.
Keep evidence
Save the supplier or retailer source, order confirmation, invoice, product photographs where permitted, calculations, assumptions and decision. Keep the evidence connected to the product identifier and stock quantity.