So you’ve been thinking about starting your own business or side hustle, and the idea of tapping into Amazon’s massive customer base sounds like a dream come true. Whether you’re a creative who makes handmade goods or someone looking to resell popular items, Amazon offers powerful platforms designed just for you—Amazon Store and Amazon Handmade.
If you’re based in Anchorage, great news: there’s a workshop series that was tailor-made to help locals like you learn how to start selling on Amazon. Don’t worry if all this sounds a bit intimidating—we’ll walk you through it in easy, bite-sized steps.
Why Sell on Amazon or Amazon Handmade?
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why should you consider becoming an Amazon seller? It all comes down to reach, convenience, and opportunity.
- Massive reach: Amazon gets over 2 billion visits each month. That’s a lot of potential customers!
- Trust: Consumers trust Amazon, which means they’re more likely to trust you if your items are on the platform.
- 24/7 selling: Your store is always open, even while you’re sleeping.
If you’re an artist, crafter, or small-time maker, Amazon Handmade gives you a space to showcase your one-of-a-kind products to the world. It’s Amazon’s answer to Etsy, and it’s built to support handmade creatives.
What’s the Difference Between Amazon Store and Amazon Handmade?
Let’s break it down simply:
- Amazon Store is for just about anything—books, electronics, home goods, clothing, pet supplies—you name it. You can be a reseller, manufacturer, or private label seller.
- Amazon Handmade is a curated section of Amazon designed specifically for artisans who create handcrafted goods.
So if you make jewelry, knit hats, or design custom prints, Handmade is your best bet. If you want to sell retail products or develop your own brand, consider Amazon Store.
Introducing the Workshop Series in Anchorage
If you’re wondering, “Where do I even begin?”—you’re not alone. That’s where the Amazon workshop series in Anchorage comes in. Held at the UAA Business Enterprise Institute, these free in-person events are designed to give you all the tools you need to launch your Amazon venture.
The workshops offer a step-by-step guide on:
- How to set up your Amazon seller account
- How Amazon Handmade works compared to the main Amazon Store
- Best practices for listing products and optimizing them for search
- Understanding fulfillment options: Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) vs. Fulfillment By Merchant (FBM)
- Marketing and growing your business
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, this hands-on series can make a world of difference.
Who’s Behind These Workshops?
The series is a collaboration between the U.S. Small Business Administration Alaska District Office, Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Business Enterprise Institute. It’s Amazon’s first time hosting these events in Anchorage—and they’re bringing expert trainers who know exactly what it takes to be successful on the platform.
The presenters break things down into simple, doable steps. No tech wizardry required!
What Will You Learn?
Here’s a sneak peek into some of the key sessions:
- Build Your Brand with Amazon Tools: Learn how to make your product stand out with visually appealing images and powerful branding that speaks to your customers.
- Product Pricing Strategies: Find out how to price your products competitively without cutting too much into your profits.
- Shipping Simplified: We’ll cover shipping logistics, including handling returns and different fulfillment options.
- SEO for Amazon Listings: Use keywords that help your products get found more easily. Think of it as Google, but just within Amazon.
Have you ever wondered how those top sellers always seem to be at the top of the search results? There’s a method to the madness—and you’ll learn exactly what it is.
Why This Matters for Alaskan Entrepreneurs
Living in Alaska presents some unique challenges to business owners. High shipping costs, limited local markets, and logistical constraints can all be a hurdle. But Amazon changes that game completely.
By selling online, you expand beyond the borders of Anchorage, Juneau, or Fairbanks. Suddenly, you’re not just a local seller—you’re shipping to California, Texas, maybe even internationally.
And Amazon helps with those tricky logistics. FBA, for example, lets Amazon handle warehousing, packing, and shipping for you. Less work on your end, more time to do what you love.
Getting Started: A Quick Guide
Can’t make it to the workshop? No worries. Here’s an overview to help you start selling on your own.
Step 1: Choose the Right Platform
- For most sellers: Start with Amazon Store
- For handmade artisans: Apply to Amazon Handmade (this process requires approval)
Step 2: Open Your Seller Account
You’ll need basic info like:
- Your business name and address
- Bank account number for deposits
- Tax identification info
Go to sellercentral.amazon.com to begin.
Step 3: Create Product Listings
Take quality photos, write clear product descriptions, and use the right keywords. The better your listing, the easier it is for people to find and buy your stuff.
Step 4: Choose a Fulfillment Option
- Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA): Send inventory to Amazon and they ship it when people buy
- Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM): You pack and ship yourself
Step 5: Launch and Promote
Once you’re live, share your store on social media, start gathering reviews, and consider using paid ads to boost visibility.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips from current Amazon sellers:
- Start small: Focus on a few products so you don’t get overwhelmed.
- Customer service is key: Fast replies and quick issue resolution go a long way.
- Photos matter: A good image is worth a thousand words—and possibly a thousand dollars, too.
- Keep learning: Amazon updates often. Stay in the loop with seller resources and forums.
One Anchorage local, Lisa—an artist who sells handmade earrings—attended one of the first workshops and is now shipping items all over the country. “I didn’t think an Alaska-based artist like me would have much reach,” she said, “but Amazon Handmade changed that.”
How to Join the Next Workshop in Anchorage
If you’re serious about starting your seller journey and live in or near Alaska’s biggest city, these workshops are a no-brainer.
- Where: University of Alaska Anchorage, Business Enterprise Institute
- Cost: Free
- What to bring: Just yourself and maybe a notebook!
Keep an eye on the Alaska Business events page for upcoming dates and registration links.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your online business, this is it. Selling on Amazon or Amazon Handmade is easier than you think—and the tools, training, and support are all available to help you succeed.
Whether you’re a hobby crafter or a full-time entrepreneur, now’s the time to turn that passion into profit. And with resources like Anchorage’s workshop series, you won’t have to do it alone.
Remember, every successful Amazon seller started where you are right now—with an idea, some courage, and a desire to create something amazing.
So what are you waiting for? Your first sale could be just a few clicks away.
