Selling on Amazon is like stepping into the world’s biggest shopping mall. Millions of buyers browse daily, and thousands of sellers compete to grab their attention. But here’s the truth: not all products are equal when it comes to profits. Some categories are overcrowded and cutthroat, while others—less popular ones—quietly reward sellers with higher margins.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What should I sell on Amazon to make the most money?”, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll break down the most picked categories, the underrated but highly profitable ones, and why sometimes it pays to go where fewer sellers dare. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of where to focus your energy and inventory.
Items Mostly Picked by Sellers on Amazon
When you’re new to selling on Amazon, it’s natural to gravitate toward categories that look familiar and safe. These are the categories most sellers go after because they’re in high demand. But as you’ll see, high demand usually equals high competition.
Here’s what the survey from Jungle Scout uncovered:
Amazon Category | Percentage of Sellers |
Home & Kitchen | 35% |
Beauty & Personal Care | 26% |
Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry | 20% |
Toys & Games | 18% |
Health, Household & Baby Care | 17% |
Baby | 16% |
Electronics | 16% |
Sports & Outdoors | 16% |
Pet Supplies | 13% |
Office Supplies | 13% |
Let’s go deeper into why these categories are so attractive—and what the hidden challenges are.
Home & Kitchen
No surprise here. Everyone buys something for their home. From air fryers to coffee makers, storage boxes to throw pillows, this category has endless products.
The advantage? Evergreen demand. People are always upgrading or replacing home items.
The downside? Heavy competition. Standing out means offering something unique, like eco-friendly materials, stylish designs, or bundling products (for example, a complete kitchen tool set instead of a single spatula).
Beauty & Personal Care
This category is massive, and it just keeps growing. Skincare, haircare, and grooming tools are hot sellers.
The beauty of this category (pun intended) is repeat purchases. Once someone finds a product they love, they’ll buy it again and again. That means loyal customers.
The challenge is trust. Buyers are cautious with what they put on their skin or hair. Sellers need to provide high-quality products, clear ingredients, and even certifications to win buyers’ confidence.
Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
Fashion will never die, but it’s a tough battlefield. Sizes, returns, seasonal trends—all of these add complexity.
That said, the rewards are huge if you catch a trend early. Think of minimal jewelry, organic cotton clothing, or niche fashion like yoga wear. If you can brand your store and offer something stylish yet affordable, this category can work wonders.
Toys & Games
The fun never stops here, but it’s seasonal. Holiday seasons like Christmas see a sales explosion.
Parents and gift buyers look for creative, educational, or collectible toys. The trick is inventory planning. Stock up before holidays, but avoid overstocking after the rush.
Health, Household & Baby Care
From vitamins to cleaning supplies, this category sells like clockwork. These are everyday items, so demand is consistent.
But here’s the challenge: regulations and big competitors. Big brands dominate health products, so small sellers must carve out niches—like natural supplements or eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Baby
Parents want the best for their kids. Diapers, toys, and baby care products sell steadily.
It’s a high-trust category, though. Parents won’t compromise on quality. Safety certifications, BPA-free labels, and solid reviews matter here.
Electronics
This category is always buzzing. From headphones to smart home devices, the demand is constant.
But with electronics, expectations are high. Customers want warranties, top-notch quality, and reliable support. The sweet spot lies in accessories—phone cases, chargers, or Bluetooth gadgets—where competition is easier to handle.
Sports & Outdoors
Fitness is booming, and so is this category. Yoga mats, resistance bands, hiking gear—the possibilities are endless.
Quality and branding matter. Fitness enthusiasts won’t settle for flimsy gear. Sellers who create strong brands and offer durable products win here.
Pet Supplies
Pet owners treat their furry friends like family. Toys, grooming kits, and even pet costumes fly off the shelves.
This category thrives on emotional buying. If your product solves a problem (like shedding brushes) or looks cute (like pet outfits), you’ll build repeat buyers.
Office Supplies
With remote work rising, this category has new life. Desk organizers, ergonomic chairs, stationery—people are setting up home offices.
To succeed, you need creativity. Instead of generic pens, think stylish planners. Instead of plain chairs, think ergonomic yet affordable ones.
Least Item Picked by Sellers but Can Generate More Profits
Here’s where things get interesting. While everyone crowds into the popular categories, some sellers are quietly raking in profits in less saturated niches.
These categories may not look attractive at first, but fewer competitors mean you can stand out more easily.
Amazon Category | Percentage of Sellers |
Appliances | 12% |
Garden & Outdoor | 11% |
Cell Phone & Accessories | 10% |
Apps & Games | 8% |
Automotive | 8% |
Handmade | 6% |
Computers | 5% |
Industrial & Scientific | 5% |
Collectibles & Fine Art | 5% |
CDs & Vinyl | 4% |
Luggage & Travel Gear | 4% |
Video Games | 4% |
Musical Instruments | 2% |
Let’s break these down:
Appliances
Think beyond big fridges. Smaller appliances like blenders, air fryers, and coffee machines are in demand.
With fewer sellers in this category, it’s easier to make your product visible. Pair that with great reviews and clear descriptions, and you can attract a steady stream of buyers.
Garden & Outdoor
Seasonal but profitable. As more people garden at home, tools, planters, and outdoor furniture are booming.
Offer durable products with a stylish edge, and you’ll stand out. Eco-friendly gardening products are especially hot right now.
Cell Phone & Accessories
You’d think this category is crowded, but only 10% of sellers are here. That’s surprising given how often people upgrade phones.
Cases, protectors, cables, and stands are small, cheap to ship, and always in demand. New phone launches open new opportunities every year.
Handmade
This is the land of creativity. Personalized gifts, jewelry, candles—buyers love unique items.
What makes Handmade special is loyalty. Customers often return to the same seller for gifts or special occasions. If you can craft quality and create an emotional connection, profits can soar.
Industrial & Scientific
Not glamorous, but highly profitable. Items like lab supplies, measuring tools, and safety gear sell steadily.
The big plus? Bulk orders. Businesses often buy in large quantities, which means higher order values.
Collectibles & Fine Art
This category thrives on uniqueness. Rare coins, paintings, and vintage items attract passionate buyers.
While the customer base is smaller, the willingness to pay more is high. Authenticity and storytelling are key here.
Musical Instruments
Just 2% of sellers are here, yet demand is constant. From guitars to keyboards, people of all ages buy instruments.
Bundles work great—like selling a guitar with a case and tuner included. Beginners especially love ready-to-use packages.
Why Less Popular Can Be More Profitable
The numbers don’t lie: more sellers in a category doesn’t always mean higher profits. In fact, crowded markets often cut margins thin.
Take this example:
- Home & Kitchen: 35% of sellers are here, but only 2% report 51%–100% net profit.
- Arts, Crafts & Sewing: Only 10% of sellers are here, yet 10% report 51%–100% net profit.
The takeaway? Profitability is about more than demand. It’s about competition, product uniqueness, and positioning.
Less crowded categories give you breathing room. You won’t need to slash prices just to compete. You can focus on branding, quality, and delivering value—things buyers truly care about.
Conclusion
Selling on Amazon isn’t just about following the crowd. Yes, categories like Home & Kitchen and Beauty & Personal Care attract huge demand, but they’re also battlefields where thousands of sellers fight for visibility. On the flip side, less popular categories like Handmade, Industrial & Scientific, and Musical Instruments may have fewer buyers, but they also have fewer competitors. That gives you space to shine, build a brand, and earn higher profits. The secret is balance. Don’t just chase what looks “hot.” Look for gaps, listen to customer needs, and offer products that add real value. Whether you choose a crowded category or a hidden niche, success depends on research, creativity, and consistency.