Key Takeaways
- Merch by Amazon lets you sell custom products without any upfront cost—Amazon handles printing and shipping.
- Getting started is easy upload your design, choose a product, and publish it on Amazon.
- Follow the rules use original artwork and stick to Amazon’s content policy to avoid issues.
- You keep the rights to your designs and can sell them on other websites too.
Have you ever thought about turning your ideas into something people can wear? Maybe a funny quote, a cool graphic, or a simple design that others would love?
With Merch by Amazon, you can do just that without buying inventory or handling shipping. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how it works and how you can get started, even if you’re totally new to this.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Is Merch by Amazon?
Merch by Amazon is a print-on-demand service. That means you can upload your design, choose the type of product you want it on, and Amazon takes care of the rest.
They’ll create a product listing, print your design when someone places an order, and ship it to the customer.
Why Use Merch by Amazon?
There are a bunch of reasons why creators love Merch by Amazon.
First, it’s super easy. You don’t need to build a website or figure out how to print t-shirts.
Second, there are no upfront costs. You can start with $0 in your pocket.
Third, your products are listed on Amazon. That’s huge. Millions of people shop there every day, which means more chances for your designs to sell.
Lastly, you earn money (called royalties) whenever someone buys your product. It’s a great way to make passive income over time.
How Does Merch by Amazon Work?
The process is pretty simple. Here’s how it works, step-by-step:
- Request to join – First, you’ll need to request an invitation to join Merch by Amazon. It can take a little time to get approved, so be patient.
- Upload your artwork – Once you’re in, you can start uploading your designs. The files should be PNGs, 300 DPI, and around 15 x 18 inches in size.
- Choose your product – Pick what you want to sell. T-shirts are the most popular, but there are also hoodies, tank tops, and more.
- Add a description – You’ll need to write a product title, description, and brand name. Make sure it’s clear and catchy.
- Publish – Once everything looks good, you can publish your product. Amazon will make it live on their site.
- Earn money – Every time someone buys it, Amazon prints it, ships it, and pays you a royalty.
That’s it! Simple, right?
Tips for Creating a Great Design
You don’t have to be a pro designer to do well with Merch by Amazon. Some of the best-selling shirts are super simple.
Here are a few tips to help you out:
- Keep it clean – Don’t make your design too busy. Simple and clear works best.
- Use the right size – Your image should be around 15 x 18 inches and saved as a 300 DPI PNG with a transparent background.
- Avoid copyright – Only use designs you’ve created yourself. Don’t copy logos or images you don’t own.
- Test it – Once your design is uploaded, you can order a sample to see how it looks on an actual shirt.
It’s always a good idea to test before you start promoting your product.
Follow the Rules
Merch by Amazon has a content policy, and it’s important to follow it.
If you upload something that breaks the rules like a copyrighted image, offensive content, or anything misleading Amazon can remove your product. In some cases, they might even suspend your account.
So always double-check your designs and make sure they follow Amazon’s guidelines. You can find the full content policy on their website.
Setting the Right Price
When you publish your product, you’ll get to set the price.
Amazon shows you how much you’ll earn (your royalty) based on the price you choose. Higher prices give you more royalty, but they might not sell as well.
It’s a good idea to start with a fair price. For example, a t-shirt priced at $19.99 will give you a decent royalty and still look affordable to buyers.
You can always adjust prices later if you want to test what works best.
How Much Can You Make?
Every time your product sells, you get a royalty. That’s your share of the profit after Amazon handles printing, shipping, and customer service.
The royalty depends on the product type, price, and country. You can find the full breakdown on Amazon’s Royalty Calculation page.
Some people make a few dollars a month, while others earn hundreds or even thousands. It depends on your designs, pricing, and how well your products connect with customers.
Managing Your Products
Once your product is live, you can see everything in your Merch by Amazon dashboard.
You’ll be able to track sales, make changes to your listings, and upload more designs.
If a design isn’t selling, don’t be afraid to change it. Try a different title, tweak the description, or choose another product type or color.
The key is to keep testing and improving.
Can You Sell Your Designs Elsewhere?
Yes! One cool thing about Merch by Amazon is that it’s non-exclusive.
That means you can sell the same design on other platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, or even your own store.
You own your work, and you’re free to use it wherever you want. Just make sure to check each platform’s rules when uploading.
What About Shipping?
Shipping is handled by Amazon—just like they do with other items on their site.
That means fast delivery, especially for Prime members who get free two-day shipping.
For everyone else, Amazon offers regular ground and expedited shipping options. Your customers get the same experience as they would with any Amazon purchase.
This makes things easier for you and builds trust with your buyers.
What Happens After You Sign Up?
After you request to join Merch by Amazon, you’ll get a confirmation email.
Amazon will review your application, which can take a few days or even weeks. Once you’re approved, you’ll get access to your account and can start uploading designs.
It’s worth the wait—so hang in there!
Final Thoughts
Merch by Amazon is a great way to turn your creativity into income, especially if you don’t want to deal with inventory, shipping, or customer service.
You focus on the fun part creating and Amazon takes care of the rest.
If you’ve got ideas for t-shirts, hoodies, or even simple text designs, this is your chance to get started. It’s low risk, easy to use, and totally beginner-friendly.
So what’s stopping you? Open up your design tool and give it a try. Your first sale might be just around the corner.
