Amazon Merch on Demand — The Complete Guide to Selling Merch on Amazon

In recent years, online marketplaces like Amazon have revolutionized the way people buy and sell goods. Amazon Merch on Demand is a print-on-demand program that allows sellers to create and sell their own merch on Amazon. This service is available to anyone who has an Amazon account, making it an accessible option for individuals and businesses alike.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about becoming a successful seller of Merch on Demand on Amazon, including:

• How to ensure your application to the program is accepted
• Tips and best practices for skyrocketing your profits
• Fees and costs breakdown
• Pros and cons of starting a Merch on Demand business
• Differences between Merch on Demand and similar services on Amazon, and more

So, let’s buckle up and dive straight in!

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Contents:

1. What is Merch on Demand on Amazon?

2. How do you start selling Merch on Amazon?

3. How to get a positive reply from Amazon when applying for Amazon Merch?

4. Setting Up Merch on Demand on Amazon

5. Is Amazon Print the same as Merch on Amazon?

6. Should I use Amazon Print or Merch on Amazon?

7. Is Merch by Amazon free to use?

8. Fees Amazon charges for selling on Merch

9. What kinds of Amazon merch can you sell on Amazon?

10. What type of merch tends to sell the best?

11. Demand products design ideas

12. How long does it take to create and sell Demand products on Amazon?

13. Marketing and Promotion for Merch on Amazon

14. Best practices for selling Merch on Amazon

15. What income can you expect to make with selling Demand products on Amazon?

16. Amazon Merch alternatives for print-on-demand services

17. Is it worth starting Merch by Amazon in 2023?

What is Merch on Demand on Amazon?

Merch on Demand is a print-on-demand service offered by Amazon that allows individuals and businesses to create and sell their own branded merch on Amazon. With the Merch on Demand program, sellers can upload their own designs onto a variety of products, including shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, phone cases, and more. 

Amazon then handles the printing, shipping, and customer service for the products, which means sellers don’t have to worry about inventory or logistics. Merch on Demand is a great option for anyone looking to sell merch online without the upfront costs and risks associated with traditional methods of selling merch.

How do you start selling Merch on Amazon?

In order to become a seller on Merch on Demand on Amazon, you’ll have to go through an application process. Here are the steps to apply:

Step 1

Sign up for an Amazon account if you don’t already have one. You’ll need a professional seller account to apply for Amazon Merch.

Step 2

Visit the Amazon Merch website and click on “Request invitation” to apply to become a seller on Amazon Merch on Demand.

Step 3

Fill out the application form with your personal information, business information (if applicable), and details about the types of designs you plan to sell.

Step 4

Submit your application and wait for approval. Amazon will review your application and notify you via email within a few weeks if your application has been accepted.

Once your application is accepted, you can start creating and uploading your designs to the Amazon Merch platform.

It’s important to note that not everyone who applies to become a Merch seller on Amazon will be accepted. Amazon looks for sellers who can create high-quality designs that meet their content policy guidelines and have the potential to sell well on their platform. 

Additionally, there may be a waiting period before you can start selling on Amazon Merch, depending on the current demand and availability.

How to get a positive reply from Amazon when applying for Amazon Merch?

When applying to become an Amazon Merch seller, it’s important to follow the guidelines and best practices to increase your chances of getting a positive reply from Amazon. Here are some tips:

Create high-quality designs

Amazon looks for designs that are unique, visually appealing, and relevant to the target audience. Make sure your designs are high-resolution and meet the design guidelines for each product category.

Research the market

Before creating your designs, do some research to identify popular trends and niches in the market. This can help you create designs that have a higher chance of selling well on Amazon Merch.

Follow content policies

Amazon has strict content policies that govern what types of designs are allowed on their platform. Make sure your designs don’t violate any of these policies, or your application may be rejected.

Showcase your experience

If you have prior experience in design or selling merch, be sure to highlight this in your application. This can help demonstrate your skills and increase your chances of getting approved.

Be patient

Amazon receives a large volume of applications for Amazon Merch, so it may take some time to hear back about your application. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away.

Setting Up Merch on Demand on Amazon

To get started with Amazon Merch on Demand, you’ll need to create an account. This process is simple and straightforward, and can be completed in just a few minutes. Once you have an account, you can start uploading your designs.

When uploading designs, it’s important to keep in mind the specific requirements for each product. For example, shirts have different size and file format requirements than phone cases. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your designs meet Amazon’s content policy guidelines.

After uploading your designs, you can set your pricing and royalties. This is an important step, as it can directly impact your profitability. It’s important to find the right balance between pricing and royalties to ensure that you’re making a profit while still offering competitive prices to customers.

Is Amazon Print the same as Merch on Amazon?

No, Amazon Merch on Demand isn’t the same as Amazon Print. While both services involve printing products, they have different purposes and features.

Amazon Print is a program on Amazon that allows customers to create and order custom printed products, such as business cards, flyers, brochures, and more. Amazon Print is primarily geared towards businesses and individuals who need custom printing services for marketing or personal purposes.

On the other hand, Amazon Merch on Demand is a program that allows sellers to create and sell their own branded merch, such as shirts, phone cases, and more. Amazon Merch on Demand is geared towards individuals and businesses who want to sell merch on Amazon without the hassle and expense of traditional merchandising methods.

While both Amazon Print and Amazon Merch on Demand involve printing products, they serve different purposes and target different audiences.

Should I use Amazon Print or Merch on Amazon?

The answer to this one will depend entirely on your specific needs, your target audience and business goals.

However, here are some pros and cons of using Amazon Merch on Demand and Amazon Print, which might help you decide:

Merch on Demand Pros

• Low barrier to entry.  Amazon Merch on Demand program has a low barrier to entry, making it easy for individuals and businesses to start selling their own branded merch.

• Access to a wide customer base. With Amazon’s large customer base, sellers can potentially reach a large audience without having to invest in marketing or promotion.

• No upfront costs. Amazon Merch on Demand operates on a royalty system, which means there are no upfront costs or inventory requirements for sellers.

• Flexibility. Amazon Merch on Demand offers a wide range of products that can be customized with your own designs, giving sellers flexibility in product selection.

• Passive income stream. Once you’ve created and uploaded your designs, Amazon takes care of the rest. This means that you can potentially generate passive income from your Amazon Merch on Demand products, which can be a great way to supplement your existing income.

Merch on Demand Cons:

• Lower royalties. The royalty rates for Amazon Merch on Demand products are generally lower than for other print-on-demand services.

• Limited product customization. Some product categories may have design requirements that limit the amount of customization allowed.

• Limited control over shipping. Since Amazon handles the shipping and fulfillment for Merch on Demand products, sellers have limited control over the shipping process.

Amazon Print Pros:

• Wide range of products. Amazon Print program offers a wide range of custom printed products, including business cards, flyers, brochures, and more.

• High-quality printing. Amazon Print uses high-quality printing equipment and materials, which can result in professional-looking products.

• Customizable design options. Amazon Print offers a variety of design options and customization features, giving sellers more control over the final product.

Amazon Print Cons:

• Higher upfront costs. Since Amazon Print operates on a print-on-demand model, sellers may have to invest in inventory or equipment upfront.

• Limited customer base. Amazon Print is primarily geared towards businesses and individuals who need custom printing services, which means the customer base may be more limited.

• Limited product selection. Compared to Amazon Merch on Demand, Amazon Print program offers a more limited selection of products that can be printed on.

Overall, the choice between Amazon Merch on Demand and Amazon Print depends on the specific needs and goals of the seller. While Merch on Demand offers a low barrier to entry and no upfront costs, Amazon Print may be more suitable for businesses or individuals who need custom printing services for marketing or personal purposes.

Is Merch by Amazon free to use?

You’ll be happy to know that the Merch on Demand program is completely free to use on Amazon.

You won’t have to pay any upright subscription fees or similar costs, which is excellent for small businesses or individuals who just want to get their toes wet with selling online.

Moreover, even Amazon’s fees system is pretty straightforward, as we’ll see in the next section.

Fees Amazon charges for selling on Merch

Amazon Merch on Demand has no upfront fees or costs for sellers. There are no costs for uploading designs or creating a listing, and Amazon handles the printing, shipping, and customer service for each sale.

Instead, Amazon Merch on Demand operates on a royalty system. Sellers set the selling price for their products, and Amazon takes a portion of the sale price as commission. The remaining amount is paid out to the seller as a royalty.

The royalty rate varies depending on the product category, selling price, and other factors. Generally, the royalty rate for Amazon Merch on Demand ranges from 10% to 20% of the sale price.

It’s important to note that there may be additional fees associated with selling on Amazon, such as referral fees or fulfillment fees. These fees vary depending on the product category and can affect your overall profitability. It’s necessary to factor in all fees when setting your selling price and determining your profitability.

What kinds of Amazon merch can you sell on Amazon?

The merch Amazon enables you to create and sell on Amazon Merch on Demand includes a wide range of products, such as:

• Fashion: Shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, tank tops, and other kinds of clothing
• Phone cases: For a variety of phone models and brands
• Accessories: Tote bags, backpacks, hats, and more
• Home decor: Pillows, posters, canvases, and more
• Drinkware: Coffee mugs, water bottles, and more

Amazon is constantly expanding the range of products available for Merch on Demand, so it’s a good idea to keep checking back for updates. Additionally, each category of Amazon product may have specific design requirements that sellers should take into account when creating their designs.

What type of merch tends to sell the best?

The best-selling products on Merch on Demand can vary depending on the current market trends and consumer preferences. However, some of the most popular products on the platform include:

Shirts

Shirts, and especially T-shirts, are a classic merchandising item and one of the most popular products on Merch on Demand. Shirts can be customized with a wide range of designs and are available in different colors, styles, and sizes.

Hoodies and sweatshirts

Hoodies and sweatshirts are a popular clothing category for the fall and winter seasons. They’re comfortable and versatile, making them a great canvas for a variety of designs.

Phone cases

Phone cases are popular accessories and are available for a wide range of phone models. They can be customized with different designs, patterns, and colors.

PopSockets

PopSockets are small accessories that attach to the back of a phone and can be used as a grip or stand. They can be customized with different designs and colors.

Stickers

Stickers are a fun and inexpensive way to showcase designs and can be used on a variety of surfaces, such as laptops, water bottles, and notebooks.

It’s important to remember that the popularity and the demand for different products can change over time. Conducting market research and staying up-to-date with current trends can help an Amazon seller identify which products are likely to sell well in their niche.

Demand products design ideas

In order for your Merch on Demand business to thrive, you’ll need to have fresh design ideas for demand products at hand at all times.

Here are a few evergreen design ideas that might help you come up with unique and attractive solutions for the products you’ll sell and keep them in high demand:

Trending topics

Stay up-to-date with current events and pop culture trends and create designs around them. For example, if a particular movie or TV show is popular, consider creating designs that reference it while the demand for it is high.

Niche interests 

Think about designs that cater to specific niche interests or hobbies. For example, if your target audience is fans of a particular sport or activity, create designs that reference that interest.

Humor

Funny designs can be popular, engaging, and are pretty much always in demand. Choose designs that incorporate puns, witty sayings, or humorous illustrations.

Typography

Typography-based designs can be simple yet effective. Consider experimenting with different fonts and lettering styles to create unique designs.

Inspirational quotes

Inspirational quotes on shirts, mugs, etc., can be interesting as well. Consider creating a shirt design, or any other kind of design, that features uplifting sayings or words of encouragement.

Of course, always remember to keep your target audience and the current demand in mind when creating designs, and ensure that your designs are original and don’t violate any intellectual property rights.

How long does it take to create and sell Demand products on Amazon?

The time it takes for Amazon Merch on Demand to complete a sale can vary depending on several factors, including the product type, the complexity of the design, and the shipping method selected by the customer. Here’s a breakdown of the typical time frames:

1. Design creation. This depends on the Amazon seller and can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of revisions required.

2. Product review and approval. After a seller submits a design, it goes through a review process to ensure that it meets Amazon’s content policies and product guidelines. This process typically takes 24-48 hours.

3. Printing and production. Once a sale is made, Amazon Merch on Demand takes care of the printing and production process. This can take anywhere from 1-3 business days, depending on the product type.

4. Shipping. The shipping time depends on the shipping method selected by the customer at checkout. Amazon offers several shipping options, including standard shipping, two-day shipping, and next-day shipping.

In general, the time it takes for Amazon Merch on Demand to complete a sale can range from a few days to a week or more, depending on the product type and shipping method selected. It’s important to consider this timeline when setting customer expectations and planning your marketing and promotion strategies.

Marketing and Promotion for Merch on Amazon

Once you’ve set up your Amazon Merch on Demand account and uploaded your designs, it’s time to start marketing and promoting your products. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Use social media: Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting your products and boosting the demand for them. Consider creating social media accounts on different platforms specifically for your Amazon Merch products and use them for content and video marketing, promote sales, and engage with your audience.

2. Create a website: In addition to social media, having a website can be an effective way to promote your products and build your brand. You can use your website to showcase your products, offer promotions, and provide additional information about your brand.

3. Make the most of Amazon advertising: Amazon offers a variety of advertising options, including sponsored products and sponsored brands. These ads can help increase visibility and drive sales for your Amazon Merch on Demand products.

Best practices for selling Merch on Amazon

To ensure the success of your Amazon Merch on Demand products, it’s important to follow best practices. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Regularly update designs: Keeping your designs fresh and up-to-date can help keep your products relevant and appealing to your audience. Consider adding new designs or updating existing designs on a regular basis to raise the demand for your products.

• Monitor sales and trends: Keep an eye on your sales and analyze trends and changes in demand to identify opportunities for improvement. This can help you make informed decisions about pricing, product selection, and marketing strategies.

• Continuously improve design and marketing strategies: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Continuously improving your design and marketing strategies can help you stay ahead of the competition and maximize your profits.

What income can you expect to make with selling Demand products on Amazon?

When starting any kind of online business, the first question everyone asks is: Is it going to be profitable? 

So, naturally, you’ll want to know what the average income you can earn by selling on Amazon Merch is. However, there’s no one simple answer to this question, as the specific income you can make by selling Merch on Demand products on Amazon can vary widely.

Your prospective income is largely dependent on a number of things, such as the quality of your designs, the products you choose to sell, the pricing strategy you use, and the level of competition in your niche. 

Here are some factors that can strongly affect your income potential:

• Quality of designs: High-quality designs that are unique and appeal to a specific audience can help you stand out from the competition and potentially lead to more sales.

• Product selection: Choosing popular products with high demand can help increase your sales and profitability. It’s important to do research to identify products that are likely to sell well in your niche.

• Pricing strategy: Setting competitive prices that are in line with market trends can help you attract customers and generate sales. When deciding on the price for your products, you’ll have to take the royalties into account. That way, you’ll ensure that you’ll be making profit and offering products at competitive prices to prospective customers.

• Competition: The level of competition in your niche can affect your income potential. If there are many other sellers offering similar products, it may be more difficult to generate sales and stand out.

While it’s difficult to predict exactly how much income you can expect to make with Merch on Demand, as it depends on many things, it’s worth saying that some sellers have reported making thousands of dollars per month through Merch on Demand sales.

Others, on the other hand, may make much less, so there’s no rule of thumb that can tell you whether you’ll be successful and how much you’ll make.

The key is to create high-quality designs, choose popular products, monitor the ebbs and flows of demand, and implement effective marketing and promotion strategies to maximize your sales and profitability.

Amazon Merch alternatives for print-on-demand services

Amazon Merch is just one of many platforms available for businesses looking to expand their offering to print-on-demand. 

While Amazon Merch does have some unique advantages, there are several other print-on-demand (POD) providers that offer similar services. 

In this section, we’ll shortly review 3 other popular POD platforms and discuss the pros and cons of each. 

By the end of it, you’ll have a better understanding of which platform may be the best fit for your business needs.

Amazon Merch on Demand vs. Printful

Printful is one of the most widely used print-on-demand (POD) services. 

Its wide range of products, high-quality printing technology, and customization options made Printful into a popular choice for those looking to get their toes wet with creating and selling customized products.

Printful Pros:

• High-quality printing.Printful uses advanced printing technology and high-quality materials, resulting in professional-looking products.

• Integration with multiple platforms. Printful integrates with several e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, making it easy for sellers to sell on their own websites or online marketplaces.

Printful Cons:

• More limited number of products to begin with. Printful doesn’t offer such a wide selection of products like Amazon Merch.

• Higher pricing. Printful’s prices may be higher than other print-on-demand services due to the high-quality materials and printing technology used.

Amazon Merch on Demand vs. Lulu Xpress

Lulu Xpress is a POD service provided by Lulu.com, a platform for self-publishing.

As such, it allows individuals and businesses to create and sell their own custom merchandise, such as books, calendars, and photo albums. 

Lulu Xpress offers a variety of customization options, including cover design, page layout, and paper quality, giving sellers more control over the final product.

Lulu Xpress Pros:

• Ideal choice for authors, teachers, illustrators, etc. Lulu Xpress’s focus on merchandise such as books, comic books, calendars and the like, makes it the perfect platform for literary creatives of various sorts.

• Allows creating and selling paper covers and e-books alike. This means you can reach a wider audience than by opting for just one or the other.

Lulu Xpress Cons:

• Limited range of products:This is a viable option only for businesses looking to create and sell books of all sorts and/or calendars. 

Amazon Merch on Demand vs. Printify

Printify is a POD platform notable for having a wide network of global print providers and fast turnaround times.

As a result, businesses have a higher number of products to choose from in addition to having the freedom to shop around for the most affordable print provider.

Printify Pros:

• Gives you access to more print providers than most platforms. Consequently, you can find the most cost-effective provider based on your location, needs, and country you want to sell in.

• Offers one of the largest product selections. This is in direct correlation with Printify’s number of print providers, as you’ll be able to find providers for all sorts of products, from clothing to backpacks, shoes, and everything in between

Printify Cons:

• The product and print quality can vary a lot. Depending on the provider you opt for you can end up with great or terrible products and print quality. However, it’s one of the inherent risks of dealing with so many potential providers.

Is it worth starting Merch by Amazon in 2023?

Building a successful Amazon Merch business in 2023 requires a keen eye for design, a knack for selecting the right products, and a savvy pricing strategy. With competition in the niche heating up, staying on top of Amazon’s policies and algorithms is crucial for success.

Thankfully, Merch by Amazon is a low-risk and low-cost way to enter the e-commerce market. It’s the perfect platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses, or those without the resources to invest in inventory or equipment upfront.

While success may not come overnight, with dedication and hard work, it’s possible to carve out a profitable niche on the platform. Staying up-to-date with market trends, consumer preferences, and changes in Amazon’s policies can help businesses stay ahead of the curve.

So, if you’re considering starting a Merch by Amazon business in 2023, it’s essential to approach the venture with realistic expectations and a well-constructed strategy. With the right mindset and approach, you could be well on your way to building a thriving business in the exciting world of e-commerce.

Learn more about the biggest challenges of starting an e-commerce business on Amazon and how to overcome them in our blog that goes super in-depth on the subject.

Selling Merch by using Amazon on Demand: The bottom line

Merch on Demand on Amazon is a powerful tool for anyone looking to sell merch online. With its low barrier to entry, flexibility, and access to Amazon’s massive customer base, it’s a great option for individuals and businesses alike. 

By following best practices and utilizing effective marketing strategies, you can maximize your profits and build a successful online business with Merch on Demand.