Scott, a 61-year-old single dad of a college senior (obviously the picture above was quite some time before senior year, LOL), started his journey selling books a year and a half ago. He has already reached $48,000 in sales in the last 12 months! After being laid off earlier this year, selling books on Amazon became the perfect side hustle to generate the extra income he needed. In this article, he shares how he transitioned from a complete beginner to a successful Amazon seller making thousands each month.
Starting Out
How did you feel when you sold your first book?
The very first thing I sold was a textbook, and I was so pumped—I couldn’t believe it sold!
What were your biggest fears or concerns when you started, and how did you overcome them?
My main concern was whether I’d be able to find good books to sell. I watched countless videos and began scanning books at thrift stores like Goodwill. Once the books started selling, I knew I was on the right path.
What inspired you to start selling books on Amazon?
Initially, I heard books were a great way to start selling on Amazon before transitioning to larger items like shoes and clothing. Then, I stumbled upon an interview where Joji talked about selling books exclusively and doing very well. Inspired, I dove deeper by watching Joji’s content and interviews with other successful booksellers like Victor Gallegos. Victor introduced me to the concept of seasonal books, and I knew this was the right niche for me. Eventually, I joined Victor's group to learn even more.
Challenges and Learning
What was the biggest challenge you faced in the beginning, and how did you solve it?
My biggest hurdle was capital. I didn’t have much extra money, so I reinvested every dollar back into the business. Sometimes, I even had to withdraw Amazon payments early because my credit card was maxed out, and I had no other way to pay it off. It was a tough balancing act, but it taught me the importance of disciplined reinvestment.
How did you learn the ropes of book sourcing and listing?
I learned by doing—scanning books at garage sales, estate sales, and thrift stores. I didn’t even know websites listed estate sales at first, so I drove around looking for signs. Although I eventually found online resources, that early approach gave me a competitive edge and helped me develop a sharp eye for profitable books.
Can you share a tough moment in your journey and how you pushed through?
Before focusing solely on books, I received two IP violation letters. Despite my best efforts to vet the products, some slipped through the cracks. After apologizing and removing the listings, I realized books offered a safer and more straightforward path.
Success and Motivation
What has been your biggest success so far in selling books on Amazon?
August was my best month ever, with $8,900 in sales! This success came from a mix of estate sale finds and textbooks. Over the past four months, I’ve maintained steady sales of $5,000 per month.
How has selling books on Amazon impacted your life?
While I’m between full-time jobs, selling books has provided much-needed income. More importantly, it’s given me a productive outlet, keeping me motivated and positive during a challenging time.
What keeps you motivated to continue growing your Amazon book business?
Seeing others successfully turn bookselling into a full-time career motivates me to aim higher and continue scaling my business.
Tactics and Advice
What strategies have worked best for you in finding profitable books?
Estate sales have been a game changer. I’ve refined my approach by adjusting acceptable rankings for the books I buy—starting with 7 million and now down to 5 million. I’ve also learned to ignore ScoutIQ’s “buy” suggestion if Amazon is also selling the book at a low price. Quality over quantity is key.
How do you stay efficient with listing and shipping books?
A prep center has been invaluable, especially for books I buy online. This allows me to focus on listing estate sale finds. I dedicate weekends to listing and drop off shipments on Monday mornings, ensuring a smooth workflow.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out who feels overwhelmed?
Start small, set realistic goals, and learn from both wins and losses. Celebrate small victories, like selling a $1 book for $20, as they add up over time. Mistakes will happen—analyze them and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Transformation
How has your perspective on entrepreneurship changed since you started selling books?
Starting something new always comes with doubts. However, proving the concept to myself has boosted my confidence immensely.
Looking back, what would you tell your beginner self?
Understand tools like ScoutIQ and Keepa from the outset. Focus on fair profits rather than chasing the highest possible margins.
What’s the most rewarding part of being an Amazon bookseller?
The sense of community. Sharing knowledge and helping others succeed, like at the Books and Beyond conference, has been incredibly fulfilling.
If you’re inspired by Scott’s story and want to try your hand at bookselling, join our free community. Gain access to weekly coaching calls, a step-by-step "5-Day Bookselling Workshop" course, and support from like-minded individuals. Join here to start your own bookselling journey today!
