Amazon FBA UK: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Profitable Business
Amazon FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon) is one of the most popular ways to start an online business in the UK. But with so much information out there, it’s easy to get lost.
This guide will break down what Amazon FBA UK is, how it works in the UK, the fees involved, and the pros and cons—plus the exact steps to get started.
And if you want to skip the trial and error? Our Deal Hunters FBA Wholesale Programme gives you access to 200+ vetted UK wholesale suppliers and coaching so you can source profitably from day one. 👉 Join here
What is Amazon FBA (UK)?
Amazon FBA stands for Fulfilment by Amazon. It means:
- You buy stock → ship it to Amazon’s warehouse (Fulfilment Centre).
- Amazon stores, picks, packs, and ships to customers when they order.
- Amazon also handles customer service and returns.
For UK sellers, FBA is attractive because it removes the need for your own warehouse or staff. You focus on sourcing products, and Amazon handles the logistics.
Why Amazon FBA is Popular in the UK
- Huge customer base: Amazon.co.uk has 500M+ monthly visits.
- Prime trust: Products with Prime badge sell more.
- Hands-off logistics: No need to store, pack, or ship yourself.
- Scalable: Whether you sell 10 units a week or 10,000, Amazon’s system handles it.
Amazon FBA UK Fees Explained
It’s not free—Amazon charges for its service. Key fees include:
- Selling plan – £25 + VAT/month for a professional seller account.
- Referral fees – typically 8–15% of each sale, depending on category.
- Fulfilment fees – per unit fee for picking/packing/handling.
- Storage fees – monthly fee for warehouse space (higher in Q4).
👉 Use Amazon’s FBA Revenue Calculator to estimate exact fees for a product.
Is Amazon FBA worth it in the UK?
Pros:
- Easy to scale without your own warehouse
- Trusted by customers (Prime badge)
- Amazon handles customer service/returns
- Can be run from anywhere
Cons:
- Amazon fees cut into profit
- Highly competitive
- Cashflow management is crucial
- Risk of account suspensions if policies ignored
Verdict: FBA is worth it if you treat it as a real business—source products with stable demand, manage margins, and avoid risky shortcuts.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Amazon FBA UK
1. Set up an Amazon seller account
- Register at Amazon Seller Central UK.
- Choose “Professional Plan” (£25 + VAT/month).
2. Choose your business model
- Retail/Online Arbitrage – buying discounted products to resell.
- Private Label – creating your own brand (higher risk, higher reward).
- Wholesale – buying direct from UK wholesalers and brands (stable, scalable).
👉 We recommend wholesale for long-term growth—less risky than private label, more scalable than retail arbitrage.
3. Find products to sell
- Use Amazon’s Best Seller Ranks (BSR) and tools like Keepa to check demand.
- Calculate ROI after FBA fees + VAT.
- Avoid fragile/high-return items early on.
4. Source suppliers
This is where most beginners fail. Directories and random “wholesale” websites are full of middlemen and scams.
That’s why we built the Deal Hunters FBA Wholesale Programme:
- 200+ vetted UK wholesalers (VAT-checked, Amazon-friendly)
- Outreach scripts & templates to secure accounts
- Coaching to analyse price lists & avoid bad buys
5. Send stock to Amazon
- Create a shipping plan in Seller Central.
- Label products (or use Amazon’s label service).
- Ship cartons to the designated Amazon Fulfilment Centre.
6. Launch & scale
- Price competitively (but profitably).
- Reorder winners, cut losers.
- Expand product range.
Common Mistakes UK FBA Beginners Make
- Skipping product research → ends in slow-moving stock.
- Ignoring VAT → cuts profit margins in half.
- Chasing “get rich quick” gurus → they sell dreams, not results.
- Buying from unverified suppliers → risks scams, bad invoices, or account issues.
How to Scale with Wholesale (The Safer UK Path)
Wholesale FBA means buying recognised brands from official UK distributors. Benefits include:
- Predictable sales velocity.
- Valid VAT invoices (needed for ungating & compliance).
- Easier to negotiate discounts once you prove yourself.
But finding suppliers is tough—unless you start with a vetted list.
👉 That’s why our Wholesale Programme gives you the suppliers, the system, and the support to scale.
Final Thoughts
Amazon FBA in the UK is still one of the best online business opportunities—but only if you source properly and treat it like a business.
Stop wasting hours hunting dodgy suppliers. Start with 200+ vetted UK wholesalers, outreach scripts, and coaching to help you succeed faster.
