Amazon Merch on Demand (Merch by Amazon): How It Works (Beginner Guide)
Amazon Merch on Demand (Merch by Amazon) is Amazon’s built-in print-on-demand program: you upload designs, Amazon creates the product listings, prints and ships each order, and you earn royalties—no inventory, no fulfillment, no customer support.
If you’re brand new to the model, start with this primer: What is print-on-demand? (Beginner guide).
Requirements (2026)
Before you can publish anything, you’ll need:
- Location + tax & payout details: you must be able to provide the required tax information and a valid payout method.
- Account basics: keep it to one Merch account per creator (duplicate accounts can create problems).
- Content rules (IP + trademarks): your designs and listing text must not infringe trademarks/copyright, or use names/likenesses you don’t have rights to.
Is it worth it in 2026?
Yes, if you’ll publish consistently and you’re strict about IP safety. If you’re planning to upload a few low-effort designs or you’re “not sure” about trademarks, it usually isn’t worth risking time (or an account).
Quick alternative if you can’t get approved: you can still do POD on Amazon via Seller Central + fulfillment partners. (See How to start Amazon print on demand and POD companies that integrate with Amazon)
How Amazon Merch on Demand works (step by step)
Step 0: Apply + get accepted
Amazon Merch on Demand isn’t the same as “sign up and start selling.” You request access, then wait for approval. Once accepted, you’ll set up tax and payout details.
Step 1: Create an IP-safe design
Create original artwork (or use properly licensed assets with the right permissions). Avoid trademarks/copyrighted material, and avoid names/likenesses you don’t have rights to.
Step 2: Upload your design to Amazon Merch on Demand
Upload your design file in the dashboard, pick a product type (e.g., T-shirt/hoodie) and available colors, and use the provided templates to ensure the print fits properly.
Start with proven basics like print-on-demand t-shirts and print-on-demand hoodies. If you’re choosing what to publish first, this can help: Best-selling print-on-demand products on Amazon.
Step 3: Add listing details + publish
You provide the listing info (title/brand/bullets where applicable), set your price, and publish. Amazon creates the product page on the marketplace.
Step 4: Customer buys (you don’t fulfill)
When a customer orders, you don’t take payments, print anything, or handle shipping. Amazon takes it from here.
Step 5: Amazon prints, packs, and ships
Amazon prints on-demand after the purchase, packages the product, ships it, and handles customer service and returns.
Step 6: You earn money (royalties)
After fulfillment, you earn a royalty on the sale. In simple terms: your earning depends on the product price and Amazon’s costs.
Step 7: Royalty payout timeline
Royalties are typically paid on a monthly schedule (timing depends on the program’s payment cycle and any thresholds).
Approval time + common rejection reasons
Typical approval time ranges
Approval times vary. Don’t plan around a specific date—apply early and treat approval as “it happens when it happens.”
Common reasons people get stuck (applications)
- Incomplete or inconsistent account/tax/payout details
- Attempting to create multiple accounts
Common reasons designs get rejected/removed
- IP issues (trademarks/copyright) in designs or listing text
- Using a person’s name/likeness without rights
- Low-quality or misleading listing metadata
If you want other routes (and how they compare), see: Top Merch-on-Demand platforms for Amazon and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Amazon Merch on Demand free?
There are no upfront listing costs and you don’t buy inventory. Amazon produces items only after a customer orders; you earn royalties from sales.
How long does Amazon Merch on Demand approval take?
There’s no fixed timeframe. It can be fast for some people and slow for others, so it’s best to apply early and keep plans flexible.
How much can you make with Merch on Demand?
It depends on niche demand, design quality, listing CTR/conversion, and royalty per sale. Most beginners should focus on publishing consistently and improving listings rather than chasing “big income” claims.
Can you do print on demand on Amazon without Merch on Demand?
Yes. You can sell via Amazon using a third-party POD supplier that integrates with your Amazon workflow. Start here: POD companies that integrate with Amazon.
What if you want your own store (not just Amazon)?
If you’d rather sell from Shopify/WooCommerce (and use POD fulfillment behind the scenes), see: POD providers for your own e-commerce business.