/How to Use an Amazon Sales Estimator to Grow Your Business
How to Use an Amazon Sales Estimator to Grow Your Business
When you’re reselling on Amazon, one of the biggest challenges is predicting demand. Which products will sell quickly? How many units should you order? How many sales will you make this month? What’s realistic when it comes to sales volume?
That’s where an Amazon sales estimator tool comes in. This powerful tool helps sellers estimate product demand, forecast revenue, and make smarter inventory and pricing decisions. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your reselling business, learning how to use a sales estimator effectively can give you a serious competitive edge.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What an Amazon sales estimator is and how it works
- Why sales estimators are important for third-party sellers
- Key benefits and limitations to know
- How to use a sales estimation tool
- Tips for choosing the right Amazon sales estimator
- Top Amazon sales estimator tools
- Best practices for applying sales estimates to your business strategy
Let’s dive in.
What Is an Amazon Sales Estimator?
An Amazon sales estimator is a tool that predicts the number of units a product sells per month based on data such as:
- Amazon Best Sellers Rank (BSR)
- Product category and subcategory
- Historical sales data
- Marketplace location (U.S., U.K., Canada, etc.)
For example, if you find a kitchen gadget with a Best Seller Rank of 5,000 in the Kitchen & Dining category, an estimator can tell you that similar products typically sell around X units per month.
Since Amazon doesn’t publish sales figures, it won't give an exact number. But, it provides a reliable estimate to guide purchasing and pricing decisions.
Why Sales Estimators Matter for Amazon Sellers
As an Amazon seller, your profits depend on buying the right products in the right quantities. Misjudge demand, and you’ll either: overstock and tie up cash in slow-moving inventory, or understock and miss out on sales opportunities.
An Amazon sales estimator helps prevent both scenarios. It allows you to:
- Gauge demand before investing – You’ll know whether a product has steady sales potential or is just a short-term trend.
- Forecast cash flow – Estimators let you anticipate how quickly your money will cycle back into the business.
- Optimize FBA inventory planning – Sending too much or too little to Fulfillment by Amazon can be costly. Estimates help balance stock levels.
- Evaluate competition – See how well competing products are performing in your niche.
- Prioritize product sourcing – Focus on the most profitable and in-demand items instead of wasting time on poor performers.
How Amazon Sales Estimators Work
While every tool uses its own formulas, most estimators follow the same principle:
Input data – Typically, you enter the product’s Amazon Best Sellers Rank (BSR) and select the category. Some tools pull this automatically if you paste in the product’s ASIN.
Calculation – The estimator compares that BSR against sales history from similar products and categories.
Output – It provides a monthly sales estimate, predicting the number of units sold per month.
Sales velocity differs across product categories. A good Amazon sales rank in one niche may mean something entirely different in another. For example:
- A product with a sales rank of #500 in Toys & Games might sell around1,200 units/month.
- A product with a sales rank of #500 in Patio, Lawn & Garden might sell around 200 units/month.
5 Benefits of Using an Amazon Sales Estimator
1. Smarter Product Research
Sales estimators eliminate guesswork. Instead of relying on hunches, you’ll have data-driven insights into product demand.
2. Better Inventory Control
By knowing average monthly sales, you can order the right amount of stock, reduce storage fees and avoid stockouts.
3. More Accurate Revenue Forecasting
Data-backed sales estimates allow you to calculate potential monthly revenue and profit margins more precisely before investing.
4. Reduced Risk
Launching new products always carries risk. However, the more data you have to calculate sales potential and estimate sales performance, will minimize the chance of choosing a dud.
5. Competitive Advantage
Many Amazon sellers still rely on instinct. Using a data-driven sales estimation tool to make more informed decisions puts you ahead of sellers who don’t.
Pro Tip: Aura's performance dashboard shows how you rank against other sellers. No more guessing - just real time data.
Limitations of Sales Estimators
While helpful, sales estimators aren’t perfect. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Estimates, not guarantees – Sales can fluctuate due to seasonality, promotions, or competitor activity.
- Data delays – Some estimators only update weekly or monthly, meaning fast-moving trends may not be reflected in real time.
- Category sensitivity – Accuracy depends heavily on the product’s category and search results. Niche products may have less reliable estimates.
- External factors – Sudden demand spikes (e.g., viral social media trends), supply chain disruptions and other factors won’t always show up in the estimates.
That’s why it’s best to use sales estimators as guides, not as the only factor in your decision-making.
How to Use an Amazon Sales Estimator Step-by-Step
Here’s a simple process to follow when using a sales estimator for reselling:
Step 1: Identify a Product
Find a product you’re considering sourcing, either through retail arbitrage, wholesale suppliers, or online research.
Step 2: Locate the ASIN and BSR
- Scroll down the product’s listing on Amazon.
- Find the ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number).
- Look at the Best Sellers Rank (BSR) under Product Details.
Step 3: Enter the Data Into the Estimator
- Select the country or Amazon marketplace
- Select the correct category.
- Input the ASIN or Amazon BSR into the tool.
Step 4: Analyze the Sales Estimate
Review the predicted monthly sales volume. Consider whether you could capture enough of that demand given existing competition. If there is low competition, you have a better opportunity to gain a higher percentage of market share.
Step 5: Calculate Profit Potential
Use an FBA calculator or profit margin tool to see if the numbers make sense after fees, shipping, and sourcing costs. Be sure to understand the difference between ROI and profit margin when making inventory and pricing decisions.
Step 6: Make Your Decision
If the product shows strong, sustainable demand and good margins, move forward. If not, keep researching.
Choosing the Right Amazon Sales Estimator
There are several sales estimators on the market. When choosing one, look for:
- Accuracy – Does the tool regularly update its data?
- Ease of Use – Can you quickly input ASINs or BSRs?
- Category Coverage – Some tools are stronger in certain categories.
- Marketplace Support – Do you sell only in the U.S., or internationally as well?
- Extra Features – Some estimators also include profit calculators, keyword research, review insights, or competitor tracking.
Examples of popular Amazon sales estimators include:
Best Practices for Applying Sales Estimates
Once you have the data, here’s how to use it effectively:
- Combine With Other Research - Don’t rely solely on sales estimates. Check reviews, ratings, and keyword demand to ensure the product has long-term potential.
- Account for Seasonality - Look at whether the product’s category has seasonal spikes (e.g., toys in Q4, patio furniture in summer). Adjust inventory accordingly.
- Test Small Before Scaling - Instead of going all-in on a product, start with a smaller test order to validate the sales estimate.
- Track Competitor Activity - Keep an eye on competitor pricing, promotions, and stock levels. Sales can shift quickly.
- Recheck Estimates Regularly - Update your estimates every few weeks to spot changes in demand.
Example: Using a Sales Estimator in Action
Let’s say you’re considering reselling a Bluetooth speaker ranked #3,000 in Electronics.
- You enter the BSR and category into the sales estimator.
- The tool predicts 500 sales per month.
- Your supplier can provide the product for $15 per unit, and you can sell it for $39.99.
- After FBA fees and shipping, your net profit is about $10 per unit.
- Capturing just 10% of the market share could mean 50 sales per month = $500 profit.
This simple calculation shows whether the opportunity is worth pursuing.
Common Mistakes Sellers Make With Sales Estimators
- Ignoring Competition – Even if the sales volume is high, strong competitors with thousands of reviews can make it tough to gain traction.
- Overestimating Market Share – Just because a product sells 1,000 units per month doesn’t mean you’ll grab 500 of those sales immediately.
- Forgetting About Fees – Always factor in FBA fees, referral fees, and shipping costs.
- Not Updating Estimates – Market trends change fast. A great product this month may slow down next month.
- Treating Estimates as Certainties – Remember, these are predictions, not guarantees.
FAQs About Amazon Sales Estimators
1. Are Amazon sales estimators free?
Some tools, like AMZ Scout's free estimator, offer limited access. Others require a paid subscription for more accurate, detailed results.
2. How accurate are sales estimators?
Accuracy varies, but most high-quality tools are within 10–20% of actual sales. They’re best used as a guide to give you a better idea on the estimated number of sales, not exact figures.
3. Do I need a sales estimator if I already use an FBA calculator?
Yes. An FBA calculator helps with profit margins, while a sales estimator helps with demand forecasting. They complement each other.
4. Can sales estimators work for any Amazon marketplace?
Many tools support multiple Amazon marketplaces (U.S., U.K., Germany, Canada, etc.), but check coverage before subscribing.
5. Should new sellers use sales estimators?
Absolutely. They’re especially valuable for beginners who want to avoid wasting money on products with low demand.
Final Thoughts
An Amazon sales estimator is an essential tool for third-party sellers who want to make data-driven decisions. By estimating sales volume, you can better predict demand, manage inventory, and reduce risk.
Remember, though, estimators aren’t perfect. Use them alongside other research methods—like competitor analysis, keyword trends, and profitability calculators—for the best results.
At the end of the day, selling on Amazon is about balancing opportunity with risk. A sales estimator helps tip the balance in your favor by providing the insights you need to confidently choose products, set realistic goals, and grow your business sustainably.
