The Best Time to Launch Your Product on Amazon (And When to Avoid It)

Maria,

So, you’ve got a killer product idea, a solid supplier, and a burning desire to crush it on Amazon. But hold up—before you hit that launch button, timing matters more than you think. Launching at the right moment can make all the difference between a slow start and a sales explosion.

The Best Time to Launch on Amazon

While you can launch year-round, these are the prime windows for maximum impact:

January – April: Best time to launch!

  • Lower competition means better visibility
  • Plenty of time to optimize your listing before peak shopping seasons
  • Smooth sailing for logistics (compared to the holiday madness)

April – May: Perfect for Summer Prime Day prep

  • Gives you 2-3 months to build reviews and rankings
  • Time to fine-tune your PPC strategy and pricing

August: Last call for Q4 prep

  • Just enough time to get ready for Black Friday & Cyber Monday
  • Helps with holiday season inventory planning

When NOT to Launch

Q4 (October – December): Bad idea, unless you’re already established

  • Sky-high competition in advertising
  • Increased storage fees (thanks, Amazon!)
  • Logistics are a nightmare with holiday shipping delays

Critical Timing Considerations

Holidays & Delays

  • Chinese New Year (Jan-Feb): Expect factory closures for 3-4 weeks
  • Golden Week (October): Major production slowdowns in China
  • US Holiday Season: Increased shipping delays

Buffer Time = Your Best Friend

  • Add 20% extra time for unexpected delays
  • Consider backup suppliers for emergencies
  • Keep air freight in mind for urgent restocks
  • Build in time for quality control issues

Success Factors

  1. Thorough Planning: Invest time in preparation rather than rushing to market
  2. Quality Focus: Prioritize product quality over speed to market
  3. Flexibility: Maintain adaptable timelines for unexpected challenges
  4. Risk Management: Have contingency plans for each phase

Remember: A delayed launch is better than a failed launch. Focus on getting the product right rather than rushing to meet specific dates. The most successful Amazon sellers prioritize quality and preparation over speed to market.

Got questions? Drop a comment or send me an email.

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