Amazon is not just a marketplace for shopping—it’s also a powerful platform for making money.
Whether you want to earn a side income or build a full-time business, there are many ways to tap into Amazon’s vast network to generate revenue.
From selling physical products to offering services, Amazon provides numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to make money on Amazon and how you can get started today.
1. Sell Products on Amazon
One of the most popular ways to make money on Amazon is by selling physical products through Amazon’s marketplace. There are different ways to do this:
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): With FBA, you send your products to Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle the packing, shipping, and customer service for you. This service allows you to focus on sourcing and marketing products while Amazon manages logistics. It’s a great option if you want to scale your business without the hassle of handling every order.
- Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM): With FBM, you sell products on Amazon but handle the shipping and customer service yourself. This option gives you more control but requires more time and effort to manage the logistics.
- Private Labeling: Private labeling involves sourcing generic products, adding your own branding or packaging, and selling them as unique items. Many sellers use platforms like Alibaba to find products that they can customize and resell on Amazon.
- Retail Arbitrage: This strategy involves buying products at a discount from physical stores (like clearance items or sales) and reselling them on Amazon at a higher price. It’s a quick way to get started but requires time spent hunting for deals.
2. Become an Amazon Affiliate
Amazon’s Affiliate Program, known as Amazon Associates, allows you to earn a commission by promoting products sold on Amazon. When someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you earn a percentage of the sale. This is a great option if you have a blog, YouTube channel, or social media presence where you can share product recommendations.
Here’s how to get started as an Amazon affiliate:
- Sign up for the Amazon Associates Program.
- Choose products relevant to your audience.
- Share your affiliate links on your website, blog, or social media platforms.
- Earn commissions every time someone buys through your link.
The commission rates vary depending on the product category but typically range from 1% to 10%. While this may seem small, it can add up quickly, especially if you have a large or highly engaged audience.
3. Publish eBooks on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
If you enjoy writing, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a great way to make money by self-publishing your own eBooks. With KDP, you can publish your books in digital format and sell them on Amazon’s Kindle store. It’s an excellent option for writers, educators, or anyone with valuable knowledge to share.
Steps to publish with KDP:
- Write your eBook.
- Create a professional cover and format your book for Kindle.
- Upload your eBook to Kindle Direct Publishing.
- Set your price and choose your royalty option (you can earn 35% or 70% royalties, depending on your pricing).
- Promote your eBook to reach more readers.
The beauty of KDP is that it allows you to retain control over your content, pricing, and marketing. Plus, you can reach a global audience through Amazon’s marketplace.
4. Work as an Amazon Flex Driver
If you prefer a more active way to make money, you can sign up to become an Amazon Flex driver. This program allows you to deliver Amazon packages using your own vehicle, similar to services like Uber or Lyft but for deliveries.
Here’s how it works:
- Sign up for Amazon Flex on their website or app.
- Choose your delivery blocks (you can select the hours you want to work).
- Pick up packages from an Amazon warehouse and deliver them to customers.
Amazon Flex drivers can make between $18 and $25 per hour, depending on your location and the number of deliveries. It’s a flexible way to make money on your own schedule.
5. Offer Freelance Services on Amazon Mechanical Turk
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a platform where businesses post small tasks that freelancers can complete for a fee. These tasks, known as HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks), range from data entry and transcription to surveys and simple research.
While MTurk tasks don’t pay much individually, the platform can be a quick way to earn money during your spare time. It’s particularly useful if you’re looking for a way to make extra money without committing to long-term projects.
6. Start an Amazon Handmade Store
If you’re a crafter or artisan, you can sell your handmade goods through Amazon Handmade, a marketplace dedicated to handmade products. It’s similar to Etsy but with the backing of Amazon’s massive customer base.
How to get started:
- Apply to become an Amazon Handmade seller.
- List your handmade products, such as jewelry, art, clothing, or home decor.
- Choose between FBA or FBM to fulfill orders.
Amazon Handmade charges a referral fee on each sale, but it provides access to millions of potential customers, making it a powerful platform for artisans to grow their business.
7. Sell Professional Services on Amazon
If you offer professional services like home repairs, cleaning, or tech support, you can sign up for Amazon Home Services. This program connects professionals with customers in need of various home services.
How to join:
- Apply to become a service provider through Amazon.
- List your services and set your rates.
- Get booked by customers in your local area through Amazon’s platform.
This is an excellent option for local businesses or individuals looking to grow their customer base through Amazon’s trusted platform.
8. Join Amazon’s Influencer Program
If you have a large following on social media, you can join the Amazon Influencer Program. This program is similar to the affiliate program but offers influencers their own custom Amazon storefront where they can curate and recommend products to their audience.
Once approved, you’ll receive a unique URL that leads to your Amazon storefront. Anytime someone makes a purchase through your storefront, you earn a commission.
To join, you’ll need to apply and provide information about your social media channels. Amazon looks for influencers with strong engagement and a loyal following.
9. Trade-In Items for Amazon Gift Cards
Amazon’s Trade-In Program allows you to trade in eligible items like electronics, video games, and books in exchange for Amazon gift cards. While this won’t give you cash, it’s a great way to declutter and earn money to spend on future purchases.
To use the program:
- Check if your item is eligible for trade-in on Amazon’s website.
- Submit your item for review.
- Ship your item to Amazon for free.
- Receive an Amazon gift card once your item is accepted.
Whether you want to sell products, offer services, or tap into Amazon’s affiliate programs, there are plenty of ways to make money on Amazon.
The key is to choose a method that aligns with your skills, interests, and time commitment.
From selling products via FBA to becoming an Amazon affiliate, the platform offers opportunities for everyone, no matter your experience level.