Amazon Merch on Demand: Is It Still Worth It in 2025?

Key Highlights

• Amazon Merch on Demand offers a low-risk, no-cost way to monetize designs with Amazon handling everything from production to shipping.
• Success relies on standout designs, optimized product listings, and smart marketing. Use keyword research and external traffic to get noticed.
• The tier system rewards consistent sales with more design slots and increased exposure.
• Passive income is possible through royalties, but growth requires attention to design, marketing, and customer engagement.
• Strict content policies and approval processes can slow you down, requiring adherence to IP rules.
• Expanding into profitable categories and leveraging social media platforms are key to scaling your brand and maximizing earnings.
• Amazon’s vast marketplace makes it perfect for creators to scale globally.

beBOLD Digital ensures your success with expert listing optimization, SEO, and PPC strategies to boost visibility and sales.

What Is Amazon Merch on Demand?

Source

Amazon Merch on Demand allows creators to design and sell custom products, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs, on Amazon with no upfront costs. Amazon handles production, shipping, and customer service, while you earn royalties on each sale.

A Quick Overview of the Print-on-Demand Model

Print-on-demand allows creators to design products without any upfront investment. Amazon handles everything: printing, shipping, and customer service, so creators can focus on creating.

There’s zero upfront cost and no need to worry about inventory management or logistics. Simply upload your design, and Amazon takes care of the rest, allowing you to earn royalties on each sale.

However, some sellers might find that customization options are limited in certain cases. It’s a simple way for artists, influencers, and entrepreneurs to monetize their variety of designs globally.

Who Is It For?

Amazon Merch on Demand is ideal for those looking to enter and dominate e-commerce market easily. Whether you're a designer, content creator, influencer, or established brand expanding into merch, it's a perfect fit.

Key target audiences include:

• Designers, content creators, and influencers are seeking to monetize their creativity.
• Side hustlers and passive income seekers are looking for a low-effort income stream.
• Established brands wanting to expand with custom merch.

Simple enough for beginners yet powerful for experienced creators, Merch on Demand enables you to leverage Amazon's reach to sell your merchandise worldwide.

How Does Amazon Merch on Demand Work?

Amazon Merch on Demand lets you turn your creative ideas into profit without any upfront costs. Simply upload your artwork, and Amazon handles the rest, from printing to shipping.

Merch on-Demand Requirements

To get started, you’ll need to meet these simple requirements to enhance your chances of approval:

• Amazon account (if you don't have an account, you need to create one)
• Original designs that are ready to upload
• Basic understanding of graphic design software (like Photoshop or Illustrator)
• Valid tax information for royalty payments

Step-by-Step Process

Getting started with Amazon Merch on Demand is simple. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Request an Invitation

Source

Sign up for Amazon Merch on Demand. It’s easy! Just fill out the application, and once approved, you’ll get access to the platform.

2. Upload Your Designs

Source

Now, the fun begins! Upload your unique designs, ensuring they meet Amazon's guidelines so your merchandise looks great on every product.

3. Choose Your Products

Source

Pick the products you want to feature your designs on, whether it’s trendy t-shirts, comfy hoodies, or cool pop sockets. The options are endless!

4. Set Prices and Publish

Source

Set your sale price and hit publish! Your products are now live on Amazon, ready to reach a global audience.

5. Earn Royalties Per Sale

Every time someone buys your merch, Amazon handles the production and shipping. You sit back and watch the royalties roll in with every sale!

Potential Earnings through Amazon’s Royalty System

With Amazon Merch on Demand, your earnings depend on the product's price and the royalty percentage. Here’s a breakdown of how royalties are calculated:

Royalty Calculation: The royalty is based on the price you set for each product minus the production cost. The higher the price you set, the higher your royalty per sale will be.

Pricing Examples & Profit Margins

Here’s an example of potential earnings based on different products and price points:

Benefits of Amazon Merch on Demand

Amazon Merch on Demand offers a range of advantages for creators, making it an appealing option for those looking to start selling custom merchandise. Here’s why it stands out:

1. No Startup Costs

Start selling on Amazon with zero upfront investment. Upload designs, and Amazon handles everything else: production, shipping, and customer service. No financial risk means an easy entry into the market.

2. Amazon’s Huge Marketplace Exposure

With Amazon's massive global reach, your designs get instant visibility to millions of customers. This makes it easier to expand your audience and grow sales quickly.

3. Amplified Sales with Marketing

Although Amazon handles key operations like shipping and customer service, top sellers often turn to social media channels like Instagram to attract traffic and increase sales. This strategy is vital for businesses aiming to scale.

4. Easy Scalability with Winning Designs

Once you find a popular design, scaling becomes effortless. Amazon Merch allows you to upload more designs and reach larger audiences without worrying about inventory or logistics.

5. Automatic Order Fulfillment & Customer Service

Amazon manages production, shipping, and customer service. This means you can focus on creating, while Amazon takes care of everything else, providing a smooth experience for both you and your customers.

6. Passive Income

Earn royalties every time your designs sell, creating a passive income stream. With Amazon handling all logistics, you can earn money while focusing on creating more designs.

7. Competitive Royalty Rates

Amazon offers competitive royalties based on product pricing. You can set your price, giving you control over your profit margins while maximizing earnings with each sale.

Limitations You Should Know

While Amazon Merch on Demand offers excellent opportunities, there are some limitations to keep in mind:

1. Invite-Only Platform

Getting started can take time, as the platform is invite-only, meaning you’ll need to wait for approval before uploading designs.

2. Limited Design Uploads (Tier System)

As a new user, you’ll have a limited number of design uploads. Once you gain more experience, you’ll unlock higher tiers with more upload capacity.

3. Heavy Competition

The platform is crowded with numerous creators, making it difficult to stand out. With heavy competition, gaining visibility and attracting customers can be a significant challenge.

4. Creative Control Restricted by Amazon’s Content Policies

Amazon enforces strict content policies, which may limit some of your creative freedom when designing merchandise. For example, you can’t use logos, trademarks, or branded elements without permission, and designs that include hate speech or inappropriate content will be rejected.

Amazon Merch Tier System Explained

The tier system determines the number of items you can upload. Initially, you can only display 10 different designs. As you achieve higher sales volumes, your upload limits increase accordingly. This helps people keep track of their items. You can also see what people like.

What Are the Tiers?

Amazon merch tiers have different levels that let you upload more designs as you go:

• 10 Tier: New sellers can put up to 10 designs.
• 25 Tier: At this level, you get to upload up to 25 designs.
• 100 Tier: If you have more experience, you can have 100 uploads.
• 500+ Tier: This is for top creators who consistently achieve high sales.

Moving up the Amazon merch tiers is about making steady sales, and uploading high-quality designs is key. Amazon prioritizes sellers who generate steady sales and positive customer feedback. The more successful your designs, the faster you can progress to higher tiers with more upload capacity and better exposure.

Best-Selling Product Categories on Merch

Some product types consistently perform well on Amazon Merch on Demand:

• T-Shirts – A top seller across Men’s, Women’s, and Youth categories.
• Hoodies & Sweatshirts – Popular in colder months and offered at premium pricing, especially during the winter season.
• PopSockets – Great for quick buys and trending designs.
• Tote Bags & Phone Cases – Available in select regions; ideal for niche or lifestyle designs.
• Trends That Sell – Seasonal themes, pop culture references, and evergreen designs drive consistent sales.

Merch on Demand Fees

Ready to start selling without the hassle? Amazon Merch on Demand has no upfront costs. Signing up is free, with no subscription fees or initial investments required. Amazon handles everything from printing to shipping, taking care of production and distribution costs. You simply earn royalties based on your sales, making it an accessible, low-risk way for creators to turn designs into profit, without worrying about inventory or logistics.

How to Succeed on Amazon Merch On Demand?

The success of your merchandise begins with thorough market research and innovative product ideas. By staying current and consistently refining your approach, your brand can grow and thrive over time.

Types of Merch That Sell Well

Not every product on Merch sells like hotcakes, but some categories consistently lead the pack. Here’s what tends to move and why:

1. T-Shirts That Speak to Your Audience

Source

T-shirts are the backbone of Merch on Demand. They’re versatile, always in demand, and perfect for everything from viral slogans to niche community pride. Styles for men, women, and youth mean a broader reach with less effort.

2. Hoodies & Sweatshirts Built for Repeat Sales

Source

Cold-weather classics with higher list price points. Hoodies and sweatshirts give you space to feature bolder, seasonal, or premium designs that turn one-time buyers into loyal fans.

3. PopSockets That Ride the Trend Wave

Source

Small, affordable, and ideal for trend-driven designs, PopSockets allows you to test ideas quickly and capitalize on viral moments with minimal risk.

4. Phone Cases & Tote Bags That Go Beyond Apparel

Source

While availability may vary by region, accessories like phone cases and tote bags let you diversify your catalog and connect with lifestyle buyers beyond clothing.

5. Designs That Tap into Real Trends

Whether it’s a seasonal theme, meme moment, or global event, timing matters. Staying nimble and relevant with your design choices can drive serious volume.

6. Niche Merch That Builds Micro-Fandoms

Sometimes, the riches are in the niches. From gaming and anime to pickleball or plant parents, specific sales. Don’t underestimate the power of speaking directly to a subculture.

Source

7. Humor Merch

Funny designs are a big hit. From witty puns to pop culture jokes, humor-driven merch can attract a wide audience. The key is to create designs that make people laugh and feel connected, ensuring your humor resonates with your target market.

Source

8. Typography Merch

Typography-based designs are all about the font. Bold, edgy fonts work well for modern, trendy designs, while softer, flowing fonts are perfect for inspirational or feminine-themed products. The right typography can elevate your message and make your merch stand out.

9. Quote Merch

Inspirational or clever quotes are evergreen and always in demand. This type of merch works best when the quotes feel authentic and align with your target audience’s values or current trends. Avoid generic phrases and focus on what truly resonates with people.

Source

Tips for Better Designs

To create merch that sells, your designs need to be eye-catching, relevant, and compliant. Here are a few key tips to make your creations stand out:

• Use Professional Tools: Tools like Canva, Photoshop, and Illustrator give you the precision and flexibility needed to create high-quality, scalable designs that stand out.
• Follow Current Trends and Niche Markets: Stay informed about popular trends or delve into niche markets. Tailoring your designs to these areas increases your chances of connecting with the right audience.
• Avoid Copyright Violations: Always create original designs or use licensed assets that are correctly attributed. Stay clear of any designs that could infringe on trademarks, as it can lead to account suspension or legal trouble.

Keyword Optimization for Listings

To get your designs noticed, keyword optimization is key. Use tools like Ahrefs and Merch Informer to research high-traffic keywords that align with your designs.

Focus on these critical areas:

• Title: Create a clear, descriptive title with your top keywords.
• Bullet Points: Highlight key features and selling points while naturally incorporating relevant keywords to enhance search engine visibility.
• Backend Keywords: Don’t overlook these! Use all available space to add synonyms, related terms, and popular searches.

Promote Your Products Outside Amazon

To boost sales beyond Amazon, leverage these powerful marketing tactics:

• Social Media Marketing: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to showcase your designs and engage with potential customers.
• Email Newsletters: Keep your existing followers updated on new products and promotions through regular newsletters, driving repeat traffic and sales.
• Etsy, Blogs, or Niche Community Shoutouts: Collaborate with niche blogs, Etsy sellers, or community influencers to expand your reach and promote your merch to highly targeted audiences.

Tools That Help Merch Sellers Win

Having the right tools makes all the difference when scaling your Amazon business. Here are a few essentials:

• Merch Informer – Great for trend spotting, niche research, and competition analysis tailored to Merch on Demand.
• Canva & Adobe Suite – Design tools like Canva, Photoshop, and Illustrator help create polished, high-converting artwork.
• Semrush – Ideal for finding high-volume keywords and optimizing your listings to boost visibility and sales.
• Analytics & Royalty Tracking Tools – Monitor performance, spot Amazon trends, and plan your next winning design based on real royalty data.

Is Amazon Merch On Demand Worth It in 2025?

In 2025, Amazon Merch remains a viable option for individuals seeking to monetize their designs. As people's preferences and purchasing habits change, those who adapt their work approach can thrive. You need to consider your plan for the market and ensure your designs are effective if you want the best results with Amazon Merch.

For Beginners

For beginners, Amazon Merch on Demand is a low-risk way to test your design ideas without any upfront costs, as long as you respect intellectual property rights. Upload your creations, and let Amazon handle production and shipping while you focus on creativity.

With passive income potential, you earn royalties every time your designs sell, making it an easy way to generate income with minimal effort and no inventory hassle.

For Serious Designers

For serious designers, Amazon Merch on Demand works best as part of a broader POD strategy. It’s a great platform to scale your designs but to stand out truly, you need to drive external traffic and establish a strong brand presence beyond Amazon.

When you combine Amazon’s reach with your own marketing and branding efforts, you can take your merch to the next level and see greater sales success.

Ready to Win with Amazon Merch on Demand? Here’s How.

Amazon Merch on Demand gives you access to Amazon’s massive customer base, but standing out takes more than uploading cool designs. You need sharp keyword research, trend-driven creativity, and awareness of best practices, from avoiding copyright infringement to riding waves of popular culture references. Whether it’s a hoodie or the back of a phone, success means mastering the review process, staying consistent, and making every listing count.

That’s where beBOLD Digital steps in. From optimizing your demand account and listings to guiding you through the Amazon Merch dashboard, our team helps you drive traffic, boost visibility, and increase sales. Think of us as your complete guide to Merch on Demand domination, so you can grow faster, smarter, and bolder. Reach out to us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get accepted into Amazon Merch?

Acceptance time varies. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the account verification process and the volume of applications.

Can I use copyrighted material in my designs?

No, using copyrighted material can result in legal issues or account suspension. Stick to original designs or properly licensed images.

What’s the difference between Merch by Amazon and other POD platforms like Redbubble or Teespring?

Merch by Amazon focuses on apparel with a large audience, while platforms like Redbubble and Teespring offer more product variety but a smaller reach.

How much can I earn on Amazon Merch?

Royalties typically range from $1 to $5 per sale, depending on product, pricing, and design performance.

Do I need a business license or tax ID to join Amazon Merch on Demand?

No, a business license or tax ID is not required, but consult a tax expert if you earn significant income to understand your obligations.

What file format and dimensions should my designs be in?

Use PNG files with a transparent background. Recommended dimensions for apparel are 4500 x 5400 pixels.

What happens if my design gets rejected?

You’ll receive an email explaining why your design was rejected. You can revise and resubmit, but failure to comply may lead to restrictions or further rejections.

Can I sell merch internationally through Amazon Merch on Demand?

Yes, Amazon Merch on Demand allows you to sell globally, but be aware of shipping fees and potential regional limitations.

Is there a way to advance my tier more quickly?

Consistent uploads with optimized designs, relevant keywords, and external promotion will help you progress through the tiers more quickly.

Ready to boost your Merch sales? Contact beBOLD Digital today!