I’ll spare the anticipation and just come right out and say it – March 2015 marked the best month of my physical product business yet. Continue on reading to see just how well this business performed.
Also – after 6 months of being closed we are finally reopening our Amazon coaching group on April 22nd. Have questions about selling on Amazon? We’re hosting a Q&A session on Thursday, April 16th at 6:30 PM pacific.
Missed the other updates? Read these first:
Month #1, Month #2, Month #3, Month #4, Month #5, Month#6, Month#7
Table Of Contents
- March 2015 Report:
- Ongoing Monthly Amazon Charts:
- 36.5% of the way to my goal
- What’s stopping me from hitting $100,000+ per month and beyond faster?
- Common Question: How did I get started?
- Want Us To Help You Build This Business?
- Here’s A Few Screenshots From Our Coaching Group
- Analysis Of March Results
- My One Thing For April 2015 – (My New Approach)
- My Long Term 2015 Goal:
March 2015 Report:
[yellowbox]BONUS: Click here to access your free video trainingon how to create a 6 figure plus Amazon FBA business in your spare time.
This step by step guide is the exact formula I’ve used to create my Amazon business[/yellowbox]
After taking a small dip in February (and with 3 less days compared to January) we finished even stronger in March with total sales of $36,561.93 – yah that’s a gain of over $15,000 compared to February:
To be completely transparent and for verification purposes I also like to film a quick video walk through of my numbers as well:
I had around 40 percent profit margins on that number (after inventory costs, FBA fees, Amazon ad spend etc) which comes out to roughly $15,000 profit.
Ongoing Monthly Amazon Charts:
36.5% of the way to my goal
My goal has been to hit $100,000+ per month in revenue and with March results I’m 36.5% of the way there. I have another 9 months in the year to make up the other 63.5% of that number.
What’s stopping me from hitting $100,000+ per month and beyond faster?
Selling $36.5k+ worth of physical products with 40% margins gives me close to $15,000 in profit for the month (on a side business!).
You think I’d be pretty pleased right? Of course I am.
But this business could be even bigger if I had more time to devote to it.
In total I spent maybe 5 – 10 hours a week on the business for the month of March.
It will sound like the worst “first world entrepreneur problem” but even though this business made close to $15,000 in profit for the month of March our other businesses did even better (by a lot). So the only solution to keep my family happy so I’m not working too many hours and to continue growing this business will be to cut back on some other things or hire another apprentice.
Perhaps the person I’m looking to hire will be you?
I’ll be recording a more in depth podcast to provide an update on what I need to do about this business very soon and share some updates with you as well. For now feel free to listen to my original podcast here.
Common Question: How did I get started?
The short answer is that I created my own brand of products to sell on Amazon. I recorded a podcast which provides a great overview of the business model and how it works which you can listen to here. But I got started because podcast 17 guest Brian told me about this business model and how he learned how to do it. I went through the same course he learned from and then took action with the information.
Want Us To Help You Build This Business?
I run a mastermind group with a friend where we teach others how to build Amazon businesses (Brian from Podcast 17).
Our coaching group is currently closed but we’ll open the group again for the first time in 6 months on April 22nd, 2015 (Hey that’s this month!). This will be your last chance to join before the group closes down again for an unforeseen period of time.
Here’s A Few Screenshots From Our Coaching Group
Earlier this week I tossed up a quick post asking for people to share their screenshots and here’s what a few people posted. Not everyone is active every single day or even every week so we’re missing a ton of people. But here are just some of who you’d get to rub shoulders with when you join our group on April 22nd:
Full names blacked out for privacy. I only share full names when people have given permission (e.g. this podcast for example)
Here are a couple other earlier shared screenshots:
and another
Our group opens on April 22nd if you’d like help from myself, Brian and all of these fine folks who I’m happy to call friends and helpful colleagues.
Thursday, April 16th 6:30 PM Q&A Session
Note: We are most likely going to cap the number of people we let in this time around as our group keeps growing every time. We had ~50 people in our first group, ~120 in our second group and I expect we’ll have even more this time because what do you think happens each time we open the group?
We get better at teaching people. We get better exclusive software tools etc. etc.
Register for our free Q&A webinar to learn more about selling on Amazon
Analysis Of March Results
March was again a lazy month for me in this business as I was focused on the public release of AmaSuite v4 and other projects. Since I have only recently come to the conclusion that in order to really grow this business I’m going to need to hire someone else onto our team or make some drastic changes personally I didn’t really get a lot done for the month of March.
My objectives for March from last month were:
Objective 1: Find two new suppliers
Didn’t do this yet as I’m trying to decide on a new product line and potential extra pillar of products for the company.
Objective 2: Try something to market my product(s) besides relying on Amazon (round 4)
I could say the same thing I did in my last report, but I’ve literally meant to do something else besides relying on Amazon based marketing for over 150 days now. I’m still just getting traffic from Amazon to drive my sales. I’m just going to remove this from my list of objectives for the month because it’s embarrassing. I’ll share when I have some results.
Obviously not every product release works like this, but I’ve got a long list of unique marketing strategies that I can employ beyond Amazon.
My One Thing For April 2015 – (My New Approach)
Objective 1: Find one new supplier
I’m going to make this goal easier on myself and just go for one supplier because we’re going to be very busy with our new group starting up on April 22nd. I can easily contact some suppliers, get some samples and settle on a new supplier before the end of the month so that’s what I’ll set out to do.
My Long Term 2015 Goal:
I’m still confident that before the end of 2015 I’ll have at least one $100,000 month in sales, but because of the other businesses I’m involved with and the lack of time I have available it’s become clear in the first quarter of 2015 that I’m going to need some help if I want to more quickly grow the business. Looking forward to hiring someone most likely in May.
If you have any questions, comments or feedback I’d love to hear them.
[yellowbox]BONUS: Click here to access your free video trainingon how to create a 6 figure plus Amazon FBA business in your spare time.
This step by step guide is the exact formula I’ve used to create my Amazon business[/yellowbox]
Hi Chris,
How much will the forum cost to join a month?
Hey Rahat, it’s not a “forum” per se and it’s not a monthly cost it’s a one time (although there is a payment plan for 4 months to break it up). It’s not cheap by any means but it’s not meant to be. I want to work with the people that are willing to invest in themselves and their businesses to go big.
We’ll have more on pricing etc soon
Did you do any promotions last month? You doing any amazon ppc?
Nice work
A few small ones. I spend less than $500 a month on PPC. I’d have to log in to check the exact stats but my budget is so low that I frankly don’t even look that often. File that under another “Would like to start doing soon” list of things.
Hello Chris
First of all congratulations on your success in Amazon pvt label biz , you are such a motivation to me since 2 months now. I am regular visitor of your blog , listening to Pod casts , but still I am facing some problems and want you to help me hand by hand to start my own private label product business. Its a great honor for me that I have found my mentor to kick start into this biz. I want to be a part of the mastermind group but I just need to know the cost of it as I am high school student and my father is unemployed past one year , i do part time blogging and manage to pay my tuition fee , also we have undergone huge debts. For this purpose I have collected some cash to invest in my first pvt label product product but without your help and guidance it is not possible. So if there is a special discount for me to join your mastermind group and pay of our debts and live a life without debts , I will appreciate it my whole life.
Thanks
Kind Regards
Muhammad Saqib
Hey Muhammad,
Thanks for reaching out. We don’t have any discounts into our coaching group as it wouldn’t be fair for the people that paid full price. My suggestion would be to focus on getting your cash flow up from another income source which you could use to start this business but it may be a bit early for you.
Chris
been waiting on this update for what feels like forever. great stuff
๐
It is inspiring to see you doing so well on Amazon. I’ve been researching alternative sources to alibaba not that I have a problem with them but to see less competitive products to sell and came across a lot in the US. Definitely a lot of opportunities for you to reach your goal by the end of 2015.
Awesome thanks Moses!
Hey Chris, when will you start your search for an apprentice? Also in May? I am very interested in working with and learning from you. I am 23 years old and an enterprenuer in progress myself. I would love to help you enhance your business and take guidance your mentorship to help me build one of my own. Please keep us updated.
Thanks,
Rob
Hey Rob, unsure on apprenticeship. Right now just focused on opening up our coaching group later this month on April 22nd. Most likely will see if anyone that’s joined our coaching group is interested in taking it first as they’ll already have learned a lot. (But by then they may just want to build their own business hah – that’s the downside of writing a blog to other entrepreneurs).
Awesome report Chris Guthrie..you deserve it and Good luck for your future earnings.
I am from India and already making money via amazon India site. Your Guide helped me a lot.
With Regards
Mohan Raj
Hey Mohan – awesome thanks so much ๐
Wow! That’s really amazing. Amazon is a really powerful source, if you use it correctly!
About time Chris! Since the beginning of April I’ve been waiting for your monthly report update. Pumped Up!
Thanks Travis – think you’ll join us in April?
HECK YEAH!
Congrats with great numbers in march Chris.
I am going to deep in into private labeling soon and will specialize on specific supplements.
What niches are you targeting if it’s not secret ? ๐
Yaro
Hey Yaro, I don’t share my niches. I used to share examples of things I’ve done with past business but surprise surprise 100% of them are copied a lot.
Holy cr.. This is awesome!!!
Waiting for the 22nd
Awesome Alex! Looking forward to working with you ๐
Hi Chris, I’m really interested in your apprentice position. Please let me know.
Most likely would go to someone in our coaching group that is looking to quit their job and be able to spend more time on their / my business and since they already have been in the group they already know about how to build the business.
We shall see though
I would definitely join your coaching group, if I know I’ll be working with you :). I’m an ASM member and already familiar with various aspects of that biz model, plus have experience with Internet marketing in general if needed.
Either way thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
I’ll send you an email
Well, I’m just about on the floor right now. Just found out, about twenty minutes ago, that baby #2 is on the way! So, after I sign up for the class, I’ll have seven months to make this into a viable plan. I would love for that kiddo to be born into a changed family. (So expect me to be questioning you on anything. ๐
I am quite interested in seeing what you’ll be looking at hiring Chris, I contacted you months ago about that when you first mentioned it. Glad that you’ll be looking at someone who will already be in the class. (It will just be the different state problem we discussed.)
Thank you for writing Chris, and I look forward to being in that Mastermind in just about a week and a half!!
Hey Matthew,
Congrats on the news! That’s great. I think the biggest difference between those that succeed and those that don’t is commitment and a willingness to do some outside the box thinking. You can do fine with basics, but crushing it is possible when you think bigger and go after new angles.
Most likely a hire would be for someone already in the coaching group since they know a lot already (less to train)
Chris
Well, I’ll have to see about thinking bigger and new angles when I get through some of the class, “crushing it” is a goal. 10 days to go!
hey chris, just waiting to pull the trigger on april 22nd. what is the difference between the person who made less this month and may have spent more time running his business, but you spent less time and made more. could it be because your knowledge from past 5 years?
Thanks-
Hey Mani you mean like what would I do if I had more time? I think my experience helps sure and that can help me be a better coach for others but please clarify thanks
Sorry. for example if matt also started when you started, but still only makes $6000/month where as you already reached over $15,000 in profit. What are the factors that you are ahead of him?
Hey Mani, to clarify a lot of the people listed above are from our last group that joined 6 months after I did (so I had a 6 month head start) the’s the main factor.
“But this business could be even bigger if I had more time to devote to it.”
The obvious question is that what are you you doing now that is making more than 35K a mth that you cant devote yourself to this full time? I’m not saying this to be sarcastic, but if 35,000 a month isnt worth your full time attention, I want to know what you are doing that I’m not now!
Hey Tim, hah good point. I had pre-existing businesses before I started selling on Amazon that were of course making more money because I was starting with $0 in sales on Amazon when I first began. Those businesses aren’t as easily replicable as the Amazon business so I don’t really talk about them.
Now that I’ve seen the potential first hand on Amazon I’m reconsidering my approach to some of those businesses.
Wow! It’s amazing report. I think it’s not easy for beginner to reach the success like you. You’ve inspired many people.
There are multiple people in our coaching group that started as beginners and are selling more than me – it is doable ๐
Great month Chris !
I am working on sourcing my first product that is pretty customized with my own design on it. Final design looks great but I had a hiccup at the last minute when the manufacturer hit me with $6k in printing costs ! Be a shame to let it go but unless I can find someone else I will need to find easier products and perhaps shelve this one for later. Can I ask do you customize much in your products ? Thanks Manny
Hey Manny – that seems a little crazy… printing books or something heh?
We talk about product selection a lot in our group.
Hi Chris, I’m based in Australia and I am very keen to set up an on-line business with Amazon (or ebay for that matter), but the business models I have seen to date are based on the assumption that everyone resides in the USA or Canada. Amazon Australia only sells books and electronic readers. Is it possible to sell into the USA using Amazon US from Australia? My IP address determines my location and my default freight options.
Any thoughts?
Hey Tony, you don’t have to be US based. Roughly 20% of all the people in our coaching group are based outside the US.
Hi Chris,
Congrats on your best month.
I’m really interested in your coaching program. In order to get in, do we also have to purchase ASM?
Thanks.
Kai
Hey Kai, yes that’s how you get into our group
Hi Chris
Congratulations for your results and thanks for sharing the journey.
I’ve registered to the Q&A webinar on April 16, yet, I didn’t get an email with the webinar login details.
Please advise
Thanks
Try again and/or use another email? Check spam too
Hi Chris, i’m interested in working with you to help you achieve your 100.000$ goal. I’m a FBA seller too, i’m working right now on growing my first product and launching my second one.
Why i want to work with you?
I learned with my first product that you need to invest money if you want to grow fast. If you buy less than 500 units, you will run out of stock. If you don’t invest money in marketing and amazon ads, it will be hard to boost the sales.
To escalate fast, you need to invest. After running some number, it will be hard for me to escalate fast with the capital i have right now, i need more money. I have 2 options.. borrow some money or invest time in projects that generates the income i need to fund my business (or maybe both). Working with you seems like a good fit
Why i’m a good candidate?
I understand your time is limited, i will not waste it making basic questions or asking for coaching. I have the time to take care of time consuming activities like talking to suppliers, talking to amazon seller support, track shipments, hiring photographers, optimizing amazon ppc campaigns (i will have to do it anyway for my new product)
Just send me an email and let’s talk about your objectives!
Hey Andres, thanks for the interest ๐
I’m near 100% confident I’ll offer the job to someone that’s already in our coaching group though, but I’m not making any decisions on that until May. Right now I’m focused on the reopening of our coaching group and getting in the right kinds of people.
Question: how long after putting up your first Amazon ad(s) did you start seeing sales roll in. I just want to know your experience.
I saw sales pretty quickly
Chris, congrats on the sales this month! Hope I’m not “digging” too much by asking… in your webinar examples, you always reference grill brushes and how you open yourself up to adding more products in the BBQ niche. You currently have just one product for sale, but you have indicated you will be adding more. I’m curious to know if you are following that plan – multiple products in the same niche? Or are you doing a complete 180 with product #2 and exploring other niches? I currently have 2 products “live” in the same niche, but I’ve been debating launching a new product in a new niche. Not sure if that would undermine my “seller brand” or if Amazon is big enough that I could get away with it. Curious to hear your thoughts…. thanks!
Hey Jeff, I have more than one product live now but yah my plan is what I share with others (multiple products in the same niche). I will only move to new niche when I feel I’ve topped out main niche.
hey chris, i noticed your software Amasuite4 is being promoted big time on facebook amazon groups. When we join amazing selling through you, do we get access to this software also?
Thanks-
It’s being promoted a lot in FB groups because it’s awesome. Most of the people that are joining us next are already customers so likely no it’s not going to be a bonus.
Are you investing all of your profits back in to inventory? Are you having problems with keeping inventory in stock? I keep imagining a prolonged feeling of anxiousness, wondering when I would actually be able to start keeping those monthly profits.
Just curious…when the site starts ranking organically, does it just grow on its own for the most part? I’m having trouble trying to wrap my head around what kind of upkeep would actually have to be done once everything is running smoothly and you’re just waiting for profits to finally start leveling out.
Also, how do you handle taxes/write-offs? Does Amazon provide tax forms? Do you have to do anything special with regard to sales tax…or can all of this just be handled by your accountant?
Thank you for any response that you can give.
Hey Josh,
Sorry for delayed reply. I’m investing most profits back into inventory but mainly into new products. It depends on your goals for the business. My goal being $100k+ per month means I’m not going to be taking as much off the table early on.
Taxes = I pay accountants so I can focus on what I do best.
Selling a physical product on Amazon…..I would have never guess that the margins could be that high. It would appear as if I’ve got some research to do! Thanks for all the great information and for being a constant source of inspiration.
what a nice revenue chris! I was really impressed by your monthly amazon report, hopefully i can learn a lot from your blog!
Hey Chris, congrats on the big sales numbers! Now, I’m absolutely not trying to figure out what your product or niche is, but just want to know, how many search results are there for the keyword or keywords in Amazon that you are targeting? And does that number of search results factor into how competitive that product or niche is? Thanks!
Search results = don’t matter
Such a Shame I only discovered this Site Today!! Think you’ll open up in March for Azonmasters? More than thrilled to join your group ๐
The concept of Amazon Affiliate Marketing is exciting as I’ve never pondered its realms throughout my 7 years of Internet Marketing!
P.s. I even like you more for your halo craze! add me mastochristz when you’re ever game for a matchmaking sesh ;D!
Hi Chris, very inspirational stuff! There’s a problem I’m having with the video at the top of the homepage though. After I click “Watch this free training GO” and inserting my email address and going back to the homepage, nothing happens. I still can’t play the video.
Thanks!
Hey Gerald,
I’m working with the designer and this is the last thing on the list to fix. Should be done soon.
Search results don’t matter? So if someone searches 10 times a month for something you can make the same amount of money as a product that’s searched for 200,000 times a month?
Ooook.
Mike, would you rather pick a product that you know is selling thousands of units (emphasis on the word selling) or pick a product that is getting a lot of search traffic?
Note: There are services that provide estimates into search volume but they aren’t 100% accurate.
Sales volume is most important (as I’ve said multiple times). So looking at the product best seller rank is what matters most.
Hi Chris,
Congrats on your product success! I recently found your site, so please forgive me if my questions have already been answered. Could you please clarify a few points:
1) Are you creating and manufacturing a product from inception ( involving patents, trademarks, etc) and branding, OR, are you finding a competitive product that is already being manufactured and then striking a deal with the manufacturer to put your brand name on it? If the latter, how do you know 50 people haven’t done the same with that product? How do you differentiate?
2) Does the manufacturer provide labeling and packaging as well or do you avoid products that require this extra expense?
3) Are you building a business where your products (products line) will all be within the same category? Is that best?
4) As a newbie to Amazon, what’s the best way to get up to speed about how they work in general?
5) Where do you find the sales volume on products selling on Amazon?
6) Will you offer another course this year?
TIA!
Hey Chloe,
Check out this podcast as it covers a lot of the basics: https://upfuel.com/podcast22/
Course = maybe
Chris
Hi Chris, great blog by the way. I just have one question : How does one interpret the BSR on amazon? The higher the number the more units they’ve sold in that particular category. Thus, there’s a demand. Or if the BSR rank is low, does it mean the seller is the # 5th ranked, meaning that they’re in the top #5 of best sellers? Do die example being #1 would be the best seller of that product within that category. I how I’m making sense?
I look forward to your response. Many thanks.
Wayne.
Lower the number = more sales
Top 100 products on Amazon can* literally be six figures a month (for one product)
Higher the number = less sales
That’s the simplest way to put it ๐
Cheers Chris, I literally just got the answer the day after I posted the question. Many thanks for your reply.
I’m new to this, as I’ve just joined ASM via Rapid Crush.
I’m learning the ropes slowly, as I’m in the UK. Trying not to get overwhelmed with all the content.
Love to be part of your mastermind group, but just missed out. Oh Shoot!!
If you have any product tips that you know for sure that’s a winner, I’d love to hear it.
Cheers from the UK.
Hey Wayne, thanks for the comment will try to record another podcast update ๐
Chris,
I’ve been following you for a while, and I am so impressed with this business model but it’s definitely harder than you make it seem!
In my exploring, I came across a road block that most freight forwarders only do business with another registered business. How early in the process did you register your business and was that difficult/expensive?
Thanks!!
Tara
Hey Tara, sorry for delayed reply.
All business is harder than it seems in my opinion hah, but my suggestion would be to just form an actual company (using a structure you like). Generally that’s done well ahead of when you’d need to be shopping for shipping quotes.
Hey Chris,
Thanks for the tip to listen to Podcast 22 to answer my q’s.Really helpful and well done. It sounds like you guys aren’t going to have another course open this year. ๐
Problem is I’m ready to do this now!! Is the ASM course software I can purchase and pursue on my own? (considering there is no alternative.) Or is there another way I can get started through you guys? From your pod casts I’ve got the basics, but the value is in absorbing and following the steps to learn the business model and learn from the doers. Could your new software program help guide me? Any suggestions would be helpful. TIA.
Hey Chloe, check out: http://getamasuite.com that’s our software that will help you quite a bit and we do have a mini course in there as well.
Hi Chris
“In total I spent maybe 5 ๏ฟฝ 10 hours a week on the business for the month of March.”
What is your weekly routine? 80/20 rule . You say that if you spend more time you can hit the 100k mark soon
My question is more about focus, and your daily task for hit the goal 6 figures in a month with one product (That is … get better rank in Amazon,more traffic (for sell your inventory more fast and buy more inventory…)
Hi Chris,
I really like the video summary. I’m collecting income report data from many sources and yours is the first one I’ve come across that has a video summary of the income report – nice one!
I’d love to feature your reports on my regular roundup post but I can’t see your April and May reports.
Are you still going to be publishing them Chris?
Potentially ๐
I have affiliate website. But never make sales. The traffic is not above 10 per day. Your articles make me to start focus again at my amazon affiliate… thanks Chris
Hey Chris, how can I join your facebook group (or your group)?… I registered for ASM through your link……..I know, it has been 2 months since I joined.
Email me
This is so impressive! I found these Amazon businesses so interesting. It’s definitely something I’m interested in learning more about.
Hi Chris,
thanks a lot for sharing all that information about the FBA Programme.
While following you here and on your podcast too I still miss some information:
What about all the legal stuff?
I live in Germany…how can I sell stuff on Amazon.com? What do I have to be careful of? What legal steps have to be done first before searching for a products that will sell on Amazon?
And:
Does Amasuite work for Amazon Germany too?
Thanks in advance and cheers from Germany!
Well, being a starter in affiliate marketing field, specially the Amazon Affiliate, this income report data really inspires. Really loved watching Video Summary. Being an intermediate blogger, I know benefit of inspiration in any field, whenever we are going to start a new thing, inspiration push us up in that field. And in Amazon affiliate field, You are being one, not only for me, but for many others too.
congrats on your success. i tried joining the amazing selling machine but it was closed and no idea when it will open again. are you planning on opening up your coaching at some point in the near future?
thanks
Michael
Hey Michael – opening soon. Check out AzonMasters.com to get on the wait list.
thank you for posting your income report. i was seriously looking for people to show me their income reports from doing amazing selling machine. looks like you are killing it. congrats
Thanks
Chris, when are you guys doing another group? Just curious, as well as the pricing, so I can start saving my funds now.
We just closed our last group but we may reopen again with some option before the end of the year or early 2016 though. Right now focused on our last group.
I want to know what your other business is that is bringing in way more money that doesn’t allow you time to focus enough time on this one, since this is the one you’re teaching people how to emulate. Are you teaching people how to emulate your other business too? What is the business model of that other venture?
I have 3 other businesses. Software products, buying and selling websites, running websites that I rank on Google and monetize via ads / affiliate marketing etc
Chris, congrats on the sales.
I am looking to start a selling business on Amazon also. I was wondering how you obtain product samples? If I remember correctly in your BBQ grill brush example you talk about receiving a 250 unit sample order. Would you ship this via FBA and then use fulfillment orders to send a few to yourself? I live in an apartment building and don’t know if they would be very happy if I had a delivery of 250 grill brushes show up.
Thanks,
Hey Tom, to clarify you’d get a single individual sample but your trial order is just an order that’s for a reduced quantity compared to what a supplier typically offers at. You’d still have that trial order sent to FBA warehouses. I’ve never received a box of product before.
Wow you have incredible profts with Amazon.
Chris… Excellent overview and write up! Your story of where you came from and where you are today with this type of monthly revenue is outstanding! You’ve inspired me to start a journey to self fulfillment with my own sites. Please keep this updated as it’s a great motivational tool. Thanks for sharing!