Laid Off 61 Year Old Sells $48,000 in Used Books on Amazon as a "Side-Hustle" — How He Did It

Scott, a 61-year-old single dad of a college senior, 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.

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?

The challenge and unpredictability of finding valuable books keeps me going. Every estate sale or thrift store visit feels like a treasure hunt, and the thrill of finding a gem that sells for significant profit never gets old.

Tools and Strategies

What tools do you use, and how have they impacted your business?

Go2Lister has been a game-changer for listing efficiency. It allows me to list books quickly, manage FBA shipments, and track profitability—all in one platform. For sourcing, I rely on Keepa and other scanning apps to evaluate books on the spot.

Do you have any tips for new sellers just starting out?

Start small and focus on learning. Don't be discouraged by slow sales initially—it takes time to understand the market and find reliable sourcing spots. Reinvest consistently, even when it's tempting to spend profits, and always keep track of your expenses to understand your true profit margins.

Scott's story is proof that with determination, the right tools, and a willingness to learn, anyone can build a successful book-selling business on Amazon—even as a side hustle after a life change.