If you’ve been exploring side hustle opportunities, you may have heard of Merch by Amazon. This print-on-demand platform allows you to upload designs, have them printed on products like shirts, hoodies, and mugs, and earn royalties when they sell. But is it worth your time and effort in today’s saturated market?
I recently answered this question on my YouTube channel, and in this blog post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Merch by Amazon, from how it works to my personal experience over the years. Whether you’re just starting or trying to optimize your existing account, this guide is packed with tips and insights.
What Is Merch by Amazon?
Merch by Amazon is a print-on-demand service where designers can create and upload their designs to Amazon’s marketplace. Once your design is uploaded and listed, Amazon takes care of the rest—printing, shipping, and customer service. For every sale, you earn a royalty based on the product’s price.
This simplicity makes it an attractive option for those who don’t want to deal with inventory, shipping, or customer management. However, as I explain in my video, there are some important things to consider before diving in.
Pros of Merch by Amazon:
- Low Barrier to Entry: You don’t need a large upfront investment or inventory.
- Hands-Off Fulfillment: Amazon handles production, shipping, and customer service.
- Access to Amazon’s Marketplace: Your products are listed on one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.
Cons of Merch by Amazon:
- Highly Competitive: The platform is flooded with designs, making it harder to stand out.
- Strict Policies: Copyright and trademark violations can result in account suspension.
- Slow Growth: Building up your account takes time, especially with tier restrictions.
My Personal Experience on Merch by Amazon
I’ve been on Merch by Amazon since 2017 and currently operate at Tier 2000, meaning I can upload up to 2,000 unique designs. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—on this platform.
Earnings Over Time
Here’s a quick snapshot of my journey:
- All-Time Royalties: Over $10,000
- Monthly Average: Around $200–$300 (sometimes more during peak seasons)
- Effort: I now spend about 1 hour per week uploading new designs.
While I’ve seen moderate success, it’s worth noting that the platform has changed significantly since its early days. Back then, fewer people were on the platform, and it was easier to make quick sales. Now, competition is much steeper, and new sellers start at Tier 10, limiting how many designs they can upload initially.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
- Copyright and Trademark Compliance: Make sure your designs don’t violate intellectual property laws. Amazon enforces these rules strictly, and violations can lead to account suspension.
- Saturation: With so many sellers, it’s harder to get noticed unless you create unique, high-demand designs.
- Slow Tier Advancement: New accounts must sell a few designs to advance to higher tiers, which allow more uploads.
Tips for Success on Merch by Amazon
- Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: Create designs that stand out and cater to specific niches.
- Understand Trends: Use tools like Merch Informer or Pinterest to research popular trends and keywords.
- Leverage Analytics: Monitor your sales data to identify which designs perform best and double down on similar styles.
- Be Patient: Success on this platform takes time. Keep uploading consistently, even if initial sales are slow.
A Final Note on Merch by Amazon
Is Merch by Amazon worth starting in 2024? My answer is yes, but with a caveat: it requires patience, consistency, and realistic expectations. You’re unlikely to make thousands overnight, but over time, it can become a nice source of passive income.
If you’re serious about building a print-on-demand business, Merch by Amazon is a great starting point, especially if you use it as a testing ground for designs you can later expand to other platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
Conclusion:
Merch by Amazon isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but with effort and persistence, it can pay off. I’ve found it to be a solid side hustle that generates an extra $200–$300 a month on average. For me, that’s money I can use for family dinners or extra savings, and I only spend about an hour a week managing it.
If you’re considering Merch by Amazon, start small, learn the ropes, and focus on creating unique, trend-driven designs. It’s not easy, but it can be rewarding if you stick with it.
Have questions about getting started? Drop a comment below or shoot me an email—I’d love to help you with your side hustle journey!
