Amazon Merch on Demand
Amazon Merch on Demand lets you publish designs directly to Amazon product pages. You upload artwork, pick products and colors, set the list price, and Amazon prints and ships after a customer buys. Royalties are paid per sale, and listings can benefit from Amazon’s search and Prime shipping. The trade-offs: an application/approval process, strict content & IP rules, competitive niches, and royalties that depend on Amazon’s fees and your pricing. Below you’ll find how it works, key features, pros & cons, best-practice tips, and alternatives.
How Amazon Merch on Demand Works
Apply for an account, then upload print-ready artwork. Choose the product type and colors, set a title, bullets, description, and list price. Your listing goes live on Amazon; when a customer orders, Amazon prints and ships on demand and handles customer service. You earn a royalty per sale based on your list price minus Amazon’s applicable taxes and fees.
Cost: No monthly fee
Payout: Royalties per sale
Prime: Eligible products ship with Prime in supported regions
Markets: Multiple Amazon marketplaces (e.g., US/EU/JP where enabled)
Access: Application required; tiered upload limits
Key Features
Amazon Search Reach
Your listings live on Amazon, benefiting from massive built-in traffic and shopper intent.
Prime Fulfillment
Fast shipping and trusted checkout increase conversion and reviews over time.
Tiers & Limits
Accounts unlock higher upload slots and product counts as you sell and maintain quality.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Huge built-in audience and strong buyer intent
- Prime shipping & Amazon trust boost conversion
- No inventory or customer service to manage
- Multi-market reach from one dashboard (where enabled)
Cons
- Application/approval required; tier limits restrict uploads
- Strict content & IP policies; takedowns risk account status
- Highly competitive niches; keyword research is essential
- Royalties vary by product/price/marketplace; margins can be tight
Best For
Designers who want access to Amazon’s search demand and are willing to play a long game: research keywords, iterate designs, and comply strictly with policies to build steady royalties.
Pricing & Royalties
You set the list price. Amazon calculates the royalty by subtracting applicable taxes and Amazon fees from your price. Use Amazon’s royalty tables/calculators per product and marketplace. Test pricing for conversion vs. earnings and adjust with data.
Content & IP Guidelines
Only upload original or properly licensed content. Avoid trademarks, copyrighted characters, logos, and restricted terms. Keep bullets and descriptions accurate (no misleading claims). Repeated violations can restrict tiers or terminate accounts.
Practical Tips to Succeed
- Do keyword research (long-tail phrases, seasonal & evergreen). Align titles/bullets with buyer intent.
- Design for mockup reality: readable at thumbnail size; avoid colors that print dull on dark blanks.
- Start with proven formats (simple text, clean icons, niche phrases); iterate based on sessions-to-sales.
- Localize where possible (markets, languages, holidays) to expand reach.
- Maintain low return rates by using accurate sizing notes and honest previews.
Where It Fits in Your POD Stack
Use Amazon Merch on Demand for marketplace search and Prime conversion. Pair with other marketplaces (Redbubble, TeePublic) for broader discovery and with fulfillment providers (Printful/Printify) when you want a fully branded Shopify/Woo store.
Alternatives
FAQ
Do I need approval to join?
Yes. Accounts are application-based and new sellers start with limited upload slots (tiers).
Are products Prime-eligible?
Many Merch items ship with Prime in supported regions, which can improve conversion.
Do I need barcodes or inventory?
No. Amazon provides necessary identifiers, prints on demand, and handles fulfillment and support.