Online Arbitrage : Realistic Guide for Beginners

Online arbitrage is buying products cheap from one online store and selling higher on Amazon or eBay. Low risk entry to e-commerce.

1. Understand the Model  

Buy low on Walmart/Target — sell high on Amazon. Amazon FBA handles storage/shipping.

2. Set Up Basics  

Amazon seller account. Start Individual (free) to test, upgrade Professional (£29/month) later.

3. Find Profitable Products  

Use Keepa (price history) or Jungle Scout lite. Look for 30–100% ROI after fees.

4. Source from Retail Sites  

Walmart, Target, Costco online during sales. Avoid gated brands.

5. Calculate Real Profit  

Sale price - cost - Amazon fees (15%) - shipping = margin. Aim £5–£10 per unit.

6. Buy and Prep  

Order 10–50 units to test. Prep labels if needed (or FBA service).

7. Ship to Amazon FBA  

Amazon stores, packs, ships. You monitor sales.

8. Reinvest Profits  

First £500 profit — buy more winners. Scale to £2,000–£10,000/month.

9. Avoid Common Mistakes  

No restricted brands. Check sales rank (under 100,000). Don’t buy slow movers.

10. Stay Consistent  

Source 2–5 hours/week. Most quit early — winners keep scanning.