Stumbling Blocks That You May Encounter on Amazon

Cindy Jackson
Jun 30, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Nov 14

*Part of the Mrs Prime Classics series – early seller experiences, revisited and refreshed for 2025.* First published December 2021. Updated for the new Mrs Prime site, November 2025.*First published July 2021. Updated for the new Mrs Prime site, November 2025.

🔗 Quick link: Skip to the TL;DR ↓

The Early Hurdles Every Seller Faces

When I first started selling on Amazon, I thought the biggest challenge would be finding profitable products. I was wrong. The real challenge was me - my nerves, my doubts, and that sense of stepping into a completely new world.

The good news is that every “stumbling block” can be tackled one at a time. Once you break them down, they’re not scary at all - just part of the learning curve that turns a beginner into a confident seller.

1. Yourself

The biggest stumbling block you’ll ever face as a seller is your own mindset.

When I began, I compared myself to everyone else - seeing their wins, their screenshots, their big numbers - and wondering why I wasn’t there yet. The truth is, everyone starts somewhere.

Instead of comparing, use other sellers’ success as proof that it’s possible. Their journey shows what can happen when you stay consistent and put the work in.

2. Learning to Use Seller Central

When I first logged into Amazon Seller Central, it looked like the control panel of an airplane. Buttons everywhere, half of them doing the same thing, and a layout that felt anything but user-friendly.

If you’ve felt the same, don’t panic - it gets easier. Take your time, click through safely, and learn one section at a time. Before long, you’ll know exactly where everything lives.

3. Sourcing

Sourcing is where most beginners hit a wall. Finding profitable products can take ages at first, and it’s easy to feel like you’re getting nowhere.

If that’s you, try using a free trial of a sourcing deal sheet or research tool. It helps you understand what to look for and which products actually sell.

👉 Check out my software review blog to see what I currently use.

4. Gated Products

You’ll quickly notice that you’re “gated” (restricted) from selling certain brands or categories. That’s totally normal.

There are still plenty of ungated products to sell while you build your account history. Start there - focus on what you can sell, not what you can’t. Once you make consistent sales, Amazon gradually opens more categories to you.

5. Which Software to Use

Over time, I’ve tested dozens of Amazon tools: deal sheets, profit calculators, repricers, and analytics dashboards. Some were great, others… not so much.

The trick is not to give up. Try a few, stick with the one that fits your workflow, and don’t be afraid to ask other sellers for recommendations.

If you’re not sure where to start, my reviews cover what I’m currently using and why.

Final Thought

Every seller stumbles at first. The difference between those who succeed and those who quit is simple - persistence. Keep learning, keep testing, and keep moving forward.

So tell me - what’s been your biggest stumbling block?

(Editor note November 2025: Still very active on Mrs Prime Facebook so why not join us here→)

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

What’s a TL;DR?It’s a quick-read summary for busy sellers and voice-search users - a short recap that gives you the main points fast.

Summary:Every Amazon seller faces a few key challenges at the start: self-doubt, learning Seller Central, sourcing products, gated categories, and choosing software. Take them one at a time, stay curious, and remember - every seller you admire once felt exactly like you do now.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get ungated?

A: It varies by category, but consistent sales and a good account record help you unlock more brands and categories over time.

Q: What’s the best tool for beginners?

A: Start with a deal analysis tool like Buy Bot Pro and pair it with a sourcing deal sheet or database that fits your budget.

Q: Is Seller Central really that confusing?

A: At first, yes! But once you learn where everything is, it becomes second nature. Take it slow and explore safely.

Tools and Resources Mentioned

Amazon Seller Central - The main dashboard for managing your listings, inventory, and account health.
Buy Bot Pro - Deal analysis and profit calculation software for Amazon sellers.
Mrs Prime Software Review Blog - Honest reviews of tools I use and recommend for sellers.

Note (November 2025): This post reflects experiences from 2021. Amazon’s systems and software tools change often, so always double-check that any advice or tool recommendations are still current before acting on them.