Merch by Amazon

Merch by Amazon (now Amazon Merch on Demand) is arguably the most coveted print-on-demand platform in the world. It allows creators to upload artwork for t-shirts, hoodies, and PopSockets, which are then sold directly on Amazon.com with Prime shipping. Because the products are listed on the world's largest marketplace, the organic traffic potential is massive.

Amazon handles everything: production, shipping, and customer service. Creators simply earn a royalty on every sale. However, the platform works on an invitation-only basis (application required), and acceptance is competitive. It is a legitimate passive income juggernaut for those who get approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get accepted?

You must submit an application form detailing your design background and experience. Amazon does not publish specific criteria, but a high-quality portfolio and no history of copyright infringement help. Approval can take months, and rejection is common.

2. How much are royalties?

Royalties are fixed based on the product type and the list price you set. For a standard t-shirt sold at $19.99, the royalty is typically around $5.23. You can see the full royalty schedule on their resources page.

3. Do I need to buy inventory?

No, this is a print-on-demand service. Amazon only prints the shirt when a customer buys it. You hold zero inventory and pay zero upfront costs.

4. Can I sell copyrighted designs?

No, Amazon has extremely strict content policies. You cannot use trademarked characters, logos, or phrases (like Disney or Nike) without a license. Violating this will lead to an immediate ban.

5. What is the tier system?

New accounts start at Tier 10, meaning you can only have 10 designs live at once. As you make sales, you are "tiered up" (e.g., to Tier 25, Tier 100, Tier 500), allowing you to list more products.