Ever thought about selling your own designs on Amazon without worrying about inventory, shipping, or upfront costs? That’s exactly what Amazon Merch on Demand offers. In this article, we’ll walk you through how the system works, realistic ways to make money, and proven strategies to stand out from thousands of other sellers.
Quick Summary
- Amazon Merch on Demand is a platform where you upload designs, and Amazon handles printing, shipping, and customer service while you earn royalties.
- Requirements for applying: A valid Amazon account, tax information (W-9 or W-8BEN), payment method, and original design files.
- Step-by-step application: Sign up, accept terms, complete form, submit tax info, add extra details/portfolio, send request, and wait for approval.
- Recommended products: T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, phone cases, and more.
- Benefits for sellers: No upfront costs, access to Amazon’s global marketplace, and the ability to grow a scalable passive income stream.
What Is Amazon Merch On Demand?
Amazon Merch on Demand is a print-on-demand program that allows designers to sell custom artwork on everyday items like shirts, hoodies, or phone cases. Instead of handling inventory, shipping, or customer service, sellers simply upload a design and let Amazon handle production.
For example, if you design a unique slogan t-shirt, Amazon lists it on their platform. When a buyer purchases it, Amazon prints the shirt, ships it directly to the customer, and you earn a royalty from the sale.
On Amazon Merch on Demand, the product catalog isn’t limited to just T-shirts. The platform has grown to include everyday wear like long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, and tank tops, along with lifestyle items such as tote bags and phone cases. Some sellers even expand into accessories like PopSockets, which have become surprisingly popular among younger buyers.
Why Does Amazon Merch On Demand Matter For Creators And Sellers?
For creators, this platform opens the door to passive income without requiring upfront capital. The process is just simple, like you simply upload designs, and Amazon does the rest. A Merch by Amazon creator shared that he uploaded 25 debut designs during his first month on the platform, and earned about $61.65 in commissions in that initial period.
For sellers, it’s an opportunity to tap into Amazon’s global marketplace. With millions of Prime members, your designs can reach customers worldwide with:
- No upfront investment: You don’t need to buy stock or handle shipping.
- Amazon Prime advantage: Products qualify for fast delivery, increasing conversion.
- Tier system growth: As you sell more, your account unlocks higher upload limits.
- Scalable income: Start small, scale up with hundreds of designs.
How Much Can You Earn From Amazon Merch On Demand?
Earnings depend on Amazon’s royalty structure. Every sale subtracts production costs, with the seller keeping the remainder. There are 3 main factors that affect income:
Tier level (higher tiers = more uploads)
Beginners usually start at Tier 10, meaning you can only list 10 designs. As your designs sell and prove successful, Amazon “tiers you up” to higher levels like Tier 25, 100, 500, 1,000, and beyond. The key to moving up quickly is consistent sales because at the highest tiers, some sellers reach thousands in royalties thanks to larger portfolios.
Pricing strategy
Take a basic T-shirt priced at $19.99. With Amazon’s base cost around $13.75, you’d keep $6.24 per sale. At 50 sales per month, that’s $312 in passive Amazon Merch on Demand royalties. Scale to 500 sales across multiple designs, and the numbers add up quickly.
You can check Amazon’s official merch pricing to estimate your potential income.
Niche demand (holiday designs often spike in sales)
Niche choice matters. Halloween-themed shirts might spike in October, while evergreen niches like funny quotes generate sales year-round. Experienced sellers often upload designs across both seasonal and evergreen categories for balanced earnings.
What Do You Need Before Applying?
Before you start your print-on-demand business on Amazon, make sure you meet the Amazon Merch on Demand requirements:
- A valid Amazon account
- Your tax details (W-9 for U.S. or international equivalent)
- An Amazon Merch on Demand payment method for receiving royalties.
- Your original artwork is prepared to Amazon’s specifications. Tools like Canva, Photoshop, or even Procreate on iPad are popular among designers for creating print-ready files.
>>> Read more: Simple Guide to Amazon Ads Specs: Your Ultimate Checklist
One practical tip is to double-check trademarks using Trademarkia or Amazon’s Content Policy. Many beginners face rejection because they unknowingly use copyrighted phrases or logos.
How To Do Amazon Merch On Demand Step-By-Step?
Getting started with Amazon Merch on Demand is simple; following each step carefully will ensure your application is approved smoothly.
Step 1: Sign Up
Begin the Amazon Merch on Demand tutorial by visiting the official page and clicking Sign Up. You’ll need an Amazon account to continue.
Step 2: Accept the Terms
Carefully read and accept Amazon’s terms and conditions. This is mandatory before moving forward.
Step 3: Complete the Signup Form
Fill out all required personal and business details accurately. Missing or incorrect information can delay approval.
Step 4: Submit Tax Information
Even if you’re registering as an individual, you must submit a tax form. For U.S. applicants, the required details include:
- Full legal name
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Residential address
Amazon accepts applicants from many countries around the world. In case you’re outside the U.S., you must complete a W-8BEN form instead of the U.S. W-9.
Step 5: Add Additional Information
This section is crucial because it will increase your chances of standing out. You only have 500 characters, so use them wisely.
After submission, approval speed can vary. Some sellers are approved within 24 hours, while others may wait up to 2 – 3 weeks. During this time, keep checking both your inbox and spam folder so you don’t miss Amazon’s decision email.
How to Create Products on Amazon Merch on Demand?
Once you’re approved, the fun begins. Here’s how to launch your first product:
Step 1: Open the Dashboard
Log in to your Merch dashboard and click on Create to start a new listing.
Step 2: Choose Your Product
Pick from items like t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, or PopSockets. Amazon updates their catalog frequently, so check for new opportunities.
Step 3: Upload Your Artwork
Upload your original design in the right format: PNG file, 300 dpi resolution, under 25MB. Amazon has detailed sizing guides for each product, so double-check before submitting.
Tips to Get Accepted by Amazon Merch on Demand Easily
A powerful way to strengthen your application is by showcasing a professional portfolio in the “Additional information” section. Not just designs, a small online gallery (for example, on Behance, Dribbble, or even Google Drive) that highlights your best work can make you stand out because Amazon sees proof of quality and consistency before granting approval.
It’s also smart to add links to social media profiles. If you can prove you already have an active audience, Amazon sees you as someone who can drive traffic to their marketplace. Sellers with engaged followers often get approved faster because they bring extra visibility.
Finally, highlight any niche expertise you may have. If you’ve created trending designs, worked with specific themes like gaming, pets, or motivational quotes, include this in your application to make your profile more appealing.
Amazon Merch on Demand Strategies for Success
To succeed with Amazon Merch on Demand, sellers need not only creativity but also proven strategies that balance research, design quality, and smart promotion.
1. Do market research. Use Amazon research tools like Google Trends or paid platforms like Merch Informer to find keywords that people are already searching for.
2. Focus on simple, quality designs. A clean design often wins. The famous “World’s Okayest Brother” shirt went viral for its humor and simplicity, outselling many detailed artworks. Similarly, motivational quotes like “Hustle Hard” consistently rank high.
3. Optimize with keywords. Don’t just write “Shirt for dog lovers.” Instead, you can go with: “Funny Dog Lover T-Shirt – Original Amazon Merch on Demand Design.” This helps with Amazon SEO while sounding natural to buyers.
4. Promote outside Amazon. The most successful sellers don’t wait for organic traffic. They post TikTok videos, run low-budget Amazon Ads, or collaborate with micro-influencers. Even a single viral Instagram Reel can push a new design into Amazon’s bestseller list.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling on Amazon Merch on Demand
A common mistake many beginners make is uploading designs that contain copyrighted content, such as Disney characters or NFL logos. Amazon is strict about intellectual property, and even a single violation can result in a permanent ban from the platform. To avoid this costly error, always double-check your ideas before hitting upload.
Another mistake is pricing too low. Sure, a $12.99 shirt might sell, but your royalty could be under $2. Instead, aim for a price that balances competitiveness while still earning $5 – $7 per sale.
Timing is critical, too. Ignoring seasonal demand spikes such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl, etc, means losing big opportunities. So, smart sellers should prepare designs 2 – 3 months in advance so they’re live when shoppers start searching.
Lastly, don’t depend only on Amazon traffic. Many successful designers cross-list their work on Etsy or promote on Pinterest to multiply exposure. This approach not only increases sales but also builds a stronger, long-term brand presence.
FAQ About Amazon Merch on Demand
Approval varies, usually between two weeks and several months, depending on applications.
Designs must be PNG, 4500 × 5400 pixels, 300 dpi, with transparent backgrounds.
No. It’s free to join. Amazon only deducts production costs when sales happen.
Yes. Designs can appear in multiple marketplaces, including the US, UK, Germany, France, and Japan.
As of 2025, Merch supports most North American, European, and Japanese marketplaces.
T-shirts are the top sellers, but hoodies and PopSockets often bring higher royalties.
Get Professional Help from Megaficus
Amazon Merch on Demand is one of the easiest ways to turn creative designs into real income. With no upfront investment, sellers gain access to Amazon’s massive customer base, Prime benefits, and a scalable tier system.
Focus on quality designs, smart keyword use, and external promotion to maximize results. Avoid shortcuts like copyrighted material or underpricing. By combining creativity with strategy, Merch on Demand can evolve from a side hustle into a meaningful revenue stream.
