In the fast-evolving world of eCommerce, creators and entrepreneurs are constantly seeking new ways to monetize their ideas without upfront costs or inventory hassles. One of the most powerful and accessible tools to emerge in recent years is Amazon Merch on Demand—a print-on-demand program that allows individuals and businesses to sell custom-designed products on Amazon with no inventory risk.
Launched originally as Merch by Amazon, the platform has grown significantly by 2025, offering better tools, expanded product lines, and greater market reach than ever before. Whether you’re an artist looking to sell t-shirts, a content creator building your personal brand, or a small business testing new merch ideas, Merch on Demand provides a seamless way to tap into Amazon’s massive global audience.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Amazon Merch on Demand is, how it works, the requirements to join, and most importantly—how to succeed. From pricing strategy to product types and expert tips, you’ll get everything you need to start generating income through custom merchandise in 2025.
Let’s dive in.
What is Amazon Merch on Demand?
Amazon Merch on Demand (formerly known as Merch by Amazon) is a print-on-demand service that allows creators to design and sell custom-branded merchandise directly on Amazon. Sellers upload their artwork, select products to feature it on (like t-shirts, hoodies, and phone cases), and Amazon handles the rest—printing, packaging, shipping, and even customer service.
Unlike traditional eCommerce models, Merch on Demand requires no inventory investment or upfront production costs. It’s essentially a risk-free way for artists, influencers, small businesses, and even nonprofits to monetize their brand with minimal operational overhead.
Key Features of Amazon Merch on Demand:
No upfront cost: You don’t pay anything to list your designs.
No inventory or fulfillment worries: Amazon prints the product only when a customer places an order.
Global exposure: Your products are listed on Amazon, the world’s largest online marketplace.
Automatic shipping and returns: Amazon handles logistics, customer support, and returns.
Amazon Merch on Demand bridges the gap between creativity and commerce, offering a highly scalable model for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on custom products.
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How Amazon Merch on Demand Works
Sellers—called “merchers”—upload their original designs to Amazon Merch on Demand. These designs can be applied to a range of products like t-shirts, hoodies, and more. Once uploaded, you associate each design with product types, colors, and sizes, making them shopper-friendly.
After setting a price (and optimizing with tools like Helium 10 for discoverability), Amazon creates product listings, handles production, shipping, and customer service. You earn royalties from each sale—without managing inventory or logistics.
What Are the Benefits of Amazon Merch on Demand?
Amazon Merch on Demand offers a low-risk, high-potential opportunity for creators, designers, and entrepreneurs looking to enter the eCommerce space without inventory hassles. Here are the key benefits:
No Upfront Costs or Inventory Management
One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t need to invest in inventory. Amazon handles everything—from printing and storage to packing and shipping. This means you can start your merch business with virtually no capital and scale at your own pace.
Global Reach with Amazon’s Customer Base
Your designs are listed directly on Amazon’s marketplace, which means instant access to millions of potential buyers around the world. You don’t need to build your own audience from scratch—Amazon brings the traffic.
Passive Income Through Royalties
Each time your product sells, you earn a royalty. Once your design is uploaded and optimized, the rest is hands-off. If your products continue to sell, you keep earning without additional effort.
Easy to Scale and Test Designs
You can upload multiple designs, test various niches, and analyze which ones perform best—without financial risk. This flexibility is ideal for testing seasonal products, trends, or even launching new brands.
High-Quality Printing and Fulfillment
Amazon ensures high-quality print-on-demand fulfillment, giving your customers a professional-grade product. This helps maintain your brand’s reputation and reduces refund or return rates.
No Customer Service Hassles
You don’t need to respond to customer inquiries or handle returns—Amazon manages all post-sale support. This is especially beneficial for solopreneurs or creators managing their business alone.
Integration with Amazon Advertising
You can promote your products using Amazon Ads (PPC), giving you access to advanced advertising tools to boost visibility and drive more sales.
Amazon Merch Royalties & Pricing Strategy
Understanding how royalties work and how to price your products effectively is key to succeeding on Amazon Merch on Demand. While the platform removes the burden of production, it’s your pricing strategy that determines how much you earn.
How Do Royalties Work on Amazon Merch on Demand?
When a product with your design sells, Amazon deducts a base cost to cover:
Production (printing)
Fulfillment (packaging & shipping)
Customer service
Platform fees
What remains after these deductions is your royalty—essentially your profit.
Royalty = Sale Price – Amazon’s Costs
The royalty amount varies depending on the product type, sale price, and marketplace (e.g., Amazon.com vs. Amazon.co.uk). For example:
| Product Type | Sale Price | Estimated Royalty |
|---|---|---|
| Standard T-Shirt | $19.99 | ~$5.23 |
| Hoodie | $39.99 | ~$9.67 |
| PopSocket | $14.99 | ~$2.21 |
Note:Exact royalties may change depending on current production costs and marketplace fees.
Amazon provides a royalty calculator in your Merch dashboard so you can see your earnings before publishing a design.
Amazon Merch Pricing Strategy Tips
Pricing too low reduces your profit margin, while pricing too high could lower conversions. Here’s how to find the sweet spot:
1. Research the Competition
Before setting a price, search Amazon for similar designs in your niche. Take note of:
Average prices
Design quality
Product types
If your design is unique or targets a passionate audience (like niche hobbies or events), you may justify a slightly higher price.
2. Use Tiered Pricing
If you’re just starting and want volume to tier up, you might price your products slightly lower (e.g., $16.99–$18.99 for t-shirts). Once you gain traction, gradually increase prices for better margins.
3. Factor in Your Brand Strategy
A high-quality, well-designed brand can command higher prices. Positioning your merch as premium (with elevated design, branding, and listings) allows you to avoid competing solely on price.
4. Test and Adjust
One of the best features of Merch on Demand is flexibility. You can edit product prices anytime, so test different pricing strategies:
Try seasonal discounts
Price bundles or complementary items together
Increase price for best-sellers gradually
5. Monitor Your Royalties
Keep track of which designs are generating the highest royalties per sale—not just in volume. This helps you identify where to focus your design efforts for maximum profitability.
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Merch on Demand Requirements
Before you can start designing and selling products through Amazon Merch on Demand, you need to meet a few key requirements. These ensure you’re a legitimate seller and capable of managing your account effectively.
Invitation or Application Approval
Amazon Merch on Demand is invite-only, meaning you must apply and be approved before you can start uploading designs. The application process includes:
Basic personal/business details
A brief description of your experience with design or selling online
Examples of your previous work or portfolio (optional but helpful)
Tip: If you’re a designer or have a background in ecommerce or print-on-demand, highlight this in your application to increase your chances of approval.
Tax & Banking Information
Once approved, Amazon requires valid tax identification and payment setup:
U.S. sellers need to submit a W-9
International sellers must fill out a W-8BEN form
A valid bank account for receiving royalty payments
A credit card on file (used for identity verification)
Compliance With Content Guidelines
To ensure high-quality and legally sound designs, Amazon enforces strict content policies. Designs that violate these rules will be removed, and repeat offenses can lead to account suspension.
Prohibited content includes:
Trademark or copyrighted material (unless you own the rights)
Hateful, violent, or offensive graphics/text
Adult or explicit content
Political or controversial topics (case-by-case basis)
Be sure to review the Merch by Amazon Content Policy and use Amazon’s Trademark and Copyright Checker before uploading.
Design File Requirements
To maintain print quality across all products, your artwork must meet specific technical standards:
File type: PNG
Dimensions: 4500 x 5400 pixels (for standard t-shirts)
Resolution: 300 DPI
Transparent background
Max file size: 25 MB
Tip: If you’re not a graphic designer, use tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or hire professionals via platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
Tier System (Upload Limits)
Once accepted, you’ll be placed in the Tier 10 level, meaning you can upload 10 designs initially. As you make sales, you move up:
Tier 10 → Tier 25 → Tier 100, and so on.
Advancing tiers unlock more daily uploads and product slots.
To tier up, focus on quality designs and promoting them externally (e.g., social media, blogs).
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Setting Up Your Amazon Merch Account
Amazon Merch on Demand is one of the few POD (print-on-demand) platforms where you don’t have to manage inventory, fulfillment, or even customer service—but here’s the catch: you can’t just sign up like any other Amazon service.
To ensure sellers bring value and creativity to their platform, Amazon requires a formal invitation to join. And that’s where your Merch journey begins.
Request an Invitation (And Actually Get Approved)
You don’t just create an account—you apply for one. Here’s what to expect:
Go to:
https://merch.amazon.com/landing
Click “Request Invitation” and log in with an Amazon account (or create a new one).
You’ll see a 3-part form:
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Organization name (Use your name if you’re a freelancer or your business name if you’re registered)
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Industry Type: Pick from “Individual,” “Small Business,” “Artist/Designer,” or “Brand”
-
Website/Portfolio (optional but HIGHLY recommended)
🔍 PRO TIP: Amazon receives tons of requests. If you leave this field blank or write something like “I just want to try this out,” chances of approval drop dramatically.
Instead, try this:
“I’m a graphic designer with experience creating apparel designs for Etsy and Redbubble. I run a small Shopify store and I’m now looking to scale my brand by reaching Amazon’s global audience.”
Add your portfolio links—Instagram, Behance, even Canva folders—to showcase real work. Bonus points if your designs are niche-specific (think pets, outdoors, gaming, etc.).
Wait time?
Typically 7–21 days. Sometimes longer. You won’t be notified of rejection—just silence.
Get Approved? Good. Now Read the Fine Print (Seriously)
Once accepted, you’ll get an email and access to your Merch dashboard.
But before uploading anything, you MUST review:
-
Design guidelines (No copyrighted material, violence, hate speech, or drug-related content)
Amazon is strict. A single policy violation can delay uploads or even suspend your account permanently.
Complete Tax & Bank Setup
This is where many first-time sellers mess up or delay their account going live.
What You’ll Need:
-
A valid bank account (U.S. preferred; international sellers can use Payoneer or Wise)
-
Taxpayer Identification (SSN for U.S., or a foreign tax ID + W-8BEN form for others)
Use Amazon’s Tax Interview Tool to determine your classification and complete the process online. It only takes 10–15 minutes.
Bank Info:
Go to Settings → Bank Info
Input your account details for monthly royalty payments.
Royalty payments are sent 30 days after the month closes (e.g., sales in January are paid end of February).
Understand the Tier System Before You Upload
Amazon Merch isn’t unlimited. You start in what’s called Tier 10, meaning you can only upload 10 designs total (not per day—total).
Here’s how the tier system works:
| Tier | Upload Limit | Unlock Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 10 | 10 | Upload 10 designs + make a few sales |
| Tier 25 | 25 | Continued sales + positive account health |
| Tier 100+ | More uploads | Scales based on performance |
Pro tip: Even if you’re a great designer, bad titles, poor keywords, or low-quality mockups will stall you in Tier 10 forever. We’ll cover tips later on success strategies.
Prepare Your First Designs (Don’t Upload Garbage)
Amazon requires your designs to be pixel-perfect and in the right format.
Design Specs:
-
File type: PNG (transparent background)
-
Dimensions: 4500 x 5400 px (standard)
-
Resolution: 300 DPI
-
Max file size: 25MB
Use tools like:
-
Canva Pro (easy)
-
Photoshop/Illustrator (advanced)
-
Kittl / Placeit (for professional mockups)
-
Creative Fabrica (for licensed fonts & vectors)
Avoid using free Google images or logos. Copyright infringement = account termination.
Upload Your First Product (Your Launchpad)
Once your account setup is complete and your designs are ready, click:
Dashboard → Create → Add Product
Choose:
-
Product type: T-shirt, hoodie, tank top, phone case, etc.
-
Colors: Select 5–10 max per product
-
Fit type: Men, Women, Youth
-
Brand name: Create a unique brand for your products
-
Title & Description: Think SEO – what will customers search?
Use keyword research tools like:
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Helium 10 (Cerebro)
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MerchantWords
-
Amazon’s own auto-suggestions
Example:
Title: Funny Cat T-Shirt – “I Work Hard So My Cat Can Have a Better Life”
Description: A quirky cat-themed graphic tee perfect for cat moms, cat dads, or any pet lover. Lightweight and soft cotton.
Submit & Let Amazon Review
Once submitted, Amazon reviews your product before it goes live. Typical turnaround is 24–48 hours.
Your live listing will appear on Amazon.com, just like any other product.
Track Sales and Royalties
Inside your dashboard, you’ll get access to:
-
Live unit sales
-
Royalties earned
-
Design rejections
-
Best-selling products
You’ll also get access to analytics and reports to help you scale your winning designs and retire underperformers.
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Types of Amazon Merch Products You Can Sell
One of the biggest advantages of Amazon Merch on Demand is the wide variety of print-on-demand products you can sell. You’re not limited to just t-shirts—Amazon has expanded its Merch catalog to include a diverse set of apparel and accessories, allowing creators to reach broader audiences with niche-specific merchandise.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the product types available on Amazon Merch as of 2025:
T-Shirts (Men, Women, Youth)
Still the most popular and competitive category. T-shirts are your entry point into Amazon Merch. You can upload your designs to:
Standard t-shirts
Premium t-shirts (higher-quality fabric, higher price point)
V-neck t-shirts
Tank tops
Long sleeve t-shirts
Ideal For: General niche targeting (funny quotes, hobbies, lifestyle, pets, holidays)
Pro Tip: Focus on underserved niches or micro-niches rather than generic slogans to get traction in this saturated category.
Sweatshirts & Hoodies
Sweatshirts and hoodies have a higher price point, which means higher royalties per sale. These products are especially popular during colder seasons or in regions with cooler climates.
Options include:
Crewneck sweatshirts
Pullover hoodies
Zip hoodies (less common)
Ideal For: Seasonal trends (Christmas, Halloween), fandoms, sports, streetwear, or motivational quotes
Trend Hack: Use a product research tool like Merch Informer or Helium 10 to find winter designs that spike every Q4.
PopSockets
These are collapsible phone grips with printed tops. PopSockets may not seem like high-ticket items, but they sell in huge volumes, especially among younger audiences.
Small, circular printable area
Great for minimalist or pattern-based designs
Ideal For: Teen audiences, gifts, trendy slogans, aesthetic visuals (boho, retro, kawaii)
Mobile-first designs work best—don’t overload them with text.
Phone Cases
Amazon Merch supports phone cases for a variety of iPhone and Android models. These are slim, glossy cases that allow full-color prints.
Ideal For: Custom illustrations, humor, pop culture designs, initials, quotes
Use vertical orientation designs that naturally fit a phone’s shape.
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Tips to Succeed with Amazon Merch on Demand
Success with Amazon Merch on Demand is like assembling a business puzzle—each piece must fit perfectly to complete the big picture. While uploading designs is easy, turning it into a scalable income stream requires creativity, patience, data, and discipline.
Here are the essential “puzzle pieces” to focus on if you want to build and grow a successful Merch business in 2025:
High-Quality, Original Designs
Your designs are the face of your brand. Avoid generic or low-effort templates and invest time in creating high-quality, eye-catching, and audience-relevant artwork.
Focus on bold typography, clean graphics, and readable messages.
Make sure your designs are properly sized (4500 x 5400 px) and uploaded in high-resolution PNG format.
Study what top-selling products look like in your niche—and find a way to make yours stand out.
Niche Down, Then Expand
Targeting a broad audience rarely works. It’s much more effective to start with a specific, passionate niche—think dog moms, science teachers, or horror movie fans.
Use keyword tools for inspiration.
Validate niches with steady demand but low competition.
Build collections or product lines around your niche to create authority.
Optimize Your Listings Like a Pro
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-written product listing. It’s your silent salesman.
Title: Include primary keywords naturally and clearly state what the design is about.
Bullets: Highlight use cases (gifts, occasions), comfort, material, or humor.
Description: Write to the customer—what’s the emotional benefit of wearing this?
Promote Beyond Amazon
While Amazon does bring traffic, giving your product extra visibility boosts traction and ranking.
Post your designs on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok (especially for apparel).
Create a free site or landing page to showcase your brand.
Use relevant hashtags or influencers to gain organic attention.
Research Trends
Merch on Demand is seasonal and trend-driven. Be prepared to pivot quickly.
Use Google Trends and Amazon Movers & Shakers to monitor hot topics.
Align your designs with holidays, events, or viral themes (while staying within Amazon’s content policies).
Don’t forget evergreen designs—they generate consistent sales all year.
Price for Growth, Not Just Profit
Amazon pays you royalties based on the sale price minus their costs, but don’t price too high too soon.
Set competitive entry-level prices to attract initial sales and reviews.
Gradually increase pricing for proven bestsellers.
Consider offering bundle variations (same design across hoodie, tank, long sleeve).
Ask for Reviews (Within Guidelines)
Social proof is powerful. A few positive reviews can dramatically increase your conversions.
Amazon doesn’t allow direct review requests for Merch, but you can:
Add review-friendly phrases in your description (e.g., “If you love this design, we’d appreciate your feedback!”)
Promote to your audience and encourage them to share their experience
Track, Analyze, Improve
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Use your Merch dashboard or third-party tools to track:
Click-through rates (CTR)
Conversion rates
Royalties per product
Best-performing niches
Expand Product Range
Once a design performs well, scale it by offering it on:
Hoodies
V-necks
Sweatshirts
Phone cases
Tote bags
This increases the chances of conversions and lets customers choose how they want your artwork.
Adhere to Guidelines
Last but never least—don’t get banned.
Avoid copyrighted slogans, characters, logos, or celebrity names.
Always double-check your design content against Amazon’s Merch guidelines.
Monitor your account health regularly to stay compliant.
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Conclusion
Amazon Merch on Demand is one of the most accessible and scalable ways to monetize your creativity in 2025. Whether you’re a graphic designer, entrepreneur, or someone with a great idea for a t-shirt, this platform lets you tap into Amazon’s global reach—without the hassle of inventory, shipping, or upfront costs.
By understanding how it works, following the application guidelines, creating high-quality designs, and optimizing your listings, you can build a passive income stream that grows over time.
Treat it like a business. Stay up-to-date with trends, follow Amazon’s rules, and constantly refine your strategy—and Amazon Merch can become a significant income channel for your brand.
FAQ's
What Is Amazon Merch on Demand and How Does It Work?
Amazon Merch on Demand is a print-on-demand service that lets you upload custom designs to be printed on products like t-shirts, hoodies, and phone cases. Once your design is uploaded and approved, Amazon creates a listing, handles printing, packing, and shipping. You earn royalties every time your product sells—no upfront costs or inventory management required.
Is Amazon Merch on Demand Still Invite Only?
Yes, as of 2025, Amazon Merch on Demand still requires an application and approval before you can access the platform. You’ll need to provide basic information about your experience, brand, or design background. The review process can take days or even weeks, and acceptance is not guaranteed.
Can You Get Rejected for Amazon Merch on Demand?
Yes. Amazon can reject your application for various reasons such as incomplete information, lack of design experience, or violating content policies. However, many applicants are accepted after reapplying with a stronger portfolio and clearer purpose. Make sure to present yourself professionally and explain why your designs will add value to the platform.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Featured in Amazon’s Search Results?
To boost visibility:
Use relevant, trending keywords in your titles and descriptions.
Optimize listings with strong bullet points and high-quality mockups.
Sell consistently and maintain high customer satisfaction.
Promote your listings on social media or via your website.
Focus on evergreen niches and trending designs to stay competitive.
Amazon’s algorithm rewards engagement, relevance, and performance—so keep refining your approach.
What Types of Products Can I Sell on Amazon Merch?
With Merch on Demand, you can sell a variety of products including:
T-shirts (standard, premium, v-neck)
Hoodies and sweatshirts
Tank tops
Long sleeve shirts
PopSockets
Phone cases
Tote bags
Pullover hoodies
Amazon may expand product offerings over time, and successful sellers often diversify their catalog to reach more customers.
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