12 Best Ways to Make Money On Amazon

If you’ve ever dreamt of making money online, there’s a golden opportunity waiting for you on the world’s largest e-commerce platform – Amazon. Whether you’re a creative artist, a savvy bargain hunter, a service provider, or just someone with a desire to earn some extra cash, Amazon has something special in store for you.

In this article, we’re going to dive into the 12 best ways to make money on Amazon in 2023. From selling your own private label products to joining the Mechanical Turk program, each method offers a unique path to success.

So, if you’re ready to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and join the bustling world of e-commerce, keep reading and discover the secrets to thriving in the Amazon jungle! 

1. Sell Your Own Private Label Products on Amazon

If you’re looking for a tried-and-true method to make money on Amazon, selling your own private label products might just be the golden ticket you’ve been searching for. Trust me; I’ve been through the Amazon selling journey myself, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!

What is Private Labeling, Anyway?

So, what exactly is private labeling? Well, it’s a brilliant process where you take an existing product, give it a bit of a makeover (think product improvements and enhancements), slap your branding and logo on it, and voilà – you’ve got your own unique product! It’s like creating your own brand without all the hassle of starting from scratch.

Why Choose Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)?

Now, here’s where it gets exciting. Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service is a game-changer! They take care of everything – from storage and packing to shipping and customer service. It’s like having your very own army of elves working tirelessly to make sure your customers are delighted. Plus, FBA products usually qualify for Amazon Prime, which means faster shipping and more happy customers.

Getting Started with Private Labeling on Amazon

So, you might be wondering, “How do I get started?” Well, fear not! There are tools like Jungle Scout that help you estimate potential sales for your product before you even launch it. How cool is that? And when it comes to sourcing and manufacturing your products, platforms like Alibaba or Jungle Scout’s Supplier Database can be a lifesaver.

The best part? You don’t even have to worry about shipping your own orders. Amazon handles all of that for you, leaving you with more time to focus on growing your business and counting your profits. If you want to learn more about the nitty-gritty, you can check out our list of the best Amazon FBA courses.

So, How Much Can I Make?

Ah, the million-dollar question. While there’s no guaranteed amount, the earning potential is impressive. Many private-label sellers make anywhere from $625 to $1,875 per month per product. And get this – over half of them rake in $5,000 or more in monthly sales! With some experience under your belt, you could even hit lifetime profits of over $10,000. The possibilities are endless!

• Learn more about how to start an Amazon private label business. 

2. Become an Amazon Affiliate through Amazon Associates

If you’re a social butterfly with a knack for recommending awesome products, you can turn your influence into a money-making machine with Amazon Associates. It’s like having a secret superpower that earns you commissions whenever your followers make a purchase.

How Does Amazon Associates Work?

It’s pretty simple, really. You sign up for Amazon Associates, and they give you special links that only you can share. When your followers click on those links and make a purchase, you earn a percentage of the sale. Easy, right?

Earning While Recommending

Now, let’s talk money. While the commission percentages might not sound like a lot (usually 3-5%), the magic lies in the volume. With Amazon’s massive audience, your links have the potential to reach thousands of eager shoppers. So, even though the commission might be small, the earnings can add up quickly!

Building Your Influence

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – to make a lot in sales commissions, you’ll need a decent social media or blog following. But don’t fret! Building your influence takes time and effort, but it’s totally doable with dedication and engaging content. So, go ahead and share your favorite products, and watch the magic of Amazon Associates work its charm.

• Read more: Amazon Associates Review

3. Publish Your Own Books on Kindle Direct Publishing

Calling all writers, wordsmiths, and dreamers! If you’ve ever wanted to see your name on the cover of a book and make money doing it, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is your ticket to literary success. I’ve dabbled in this myself, and let me tell you, there’s something magical about seeing your words come to life.

The Joy of Self-Publishing

Gone are the days when you had to chase after traditional publishers, hoping they’d notice your manuscript. With KDP, you’re the captain of your own publishing ship. You can publish both digital and print books, giving you the freedom to reach a wide audience.

Writing Your Way to Success

Sure, writing one or two bestsellers can lead to great success, but the real key here is volume. The more books you publish, the more potential income streams you create. You can write fiction, non-fiction, or explore the exciting world of low-content books, such as journals, coloring books, and planners.

How Much Can I Earn with KDP?

The sky’s the limit! Some authors have hit the jackpot, making up to a staggering $40,000 per month! Of course, this requires dedication and writing prolifically, but once your book is out there, you earn royalties without any additional effort. It’s like having a money-making machine.

• Read more: A Guide to Kindle Direct Publishing

4. Become an Amazon Influencer

Calling all creators and trendsetters! If you’ve got a knack for creating engaging content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, you can elevate your game and become an Amazon Influencer. It’s like having your own dedicated storefront on Amazon, showcasing products you love and recommend.

What’s an Amazon Influencer?

Imagine this – your followers trust your opinions, and they’re eager to know what products you swear by. With the Amazon Influencer Program, you can curate your very own storefront on Amazon, filled with products you recommend. You can even create review videos that get displayed on the actual product listings, giving your followers an inside scoop.

Influence + Amazon = Profit

Now, here’s where it gets exciting. The more effort you put into your storefront and the more traffic you drive to the products you recommend, the more money you can make. Commissions earned can range from 1% per sale all the way up to 20%, depending on the product category.

And the best part? You don’t need to have a massive following to get approved. Even with a couple of hundred followers, you can still join the ranks of Amazon Influencers and start earning money while doing what you love.

5. Sell Wholesale Goods on Amazon

Are you a savvy negotiator with a keen eye for the next big thing? If so, selling wholesale goods on Amazon might be right up your alley! This method allows you to tap into existing products, eliminating the need for manufacturing and branding headaches.

What is Wholesale Selling?

Unlike private labeling, where you create your own brand, wholesale selling involves purchasing bulk quantities of products from other companies and reselling them on Amazon. It’s like being a middle-person, connecting great products with eager customers.

Finding the Perfect Products

Now, I won’t lie to you – wholesale selling can be more competitive than a heated game of Monopoly. You’ll likely be sharing the Buy Box with other resellers, which means it can sometimes turn into a “race to the bottom” on prices. But fear not! The key here is to find reliable suppliers and secure favorable pricing, so you still make a sweet profit.

How Much Can I Make with Wholesale Selling?

Ah, the million-dollar question again! While the potential earnings can vary, many wholesale sellers make around $3,000 to $4,000 per month. With 61% of them hitting $5,000 or more in monthly sales, you’ve got the potential to turn this into a thriving business.

6. Flip Store-Bought Products with Retail Arbitrage

If you’re a pro at finding hidden gems and spotting great deals, retail arbitrage might be your path to Amazon success. It’s like being a treasure hunter, scouring retail stores for discounted products and turning them into profit on Amazon.

How Does Retail Arbitrage Work?

Picture this – you walk into a retail store like Walmart or Target, and there it is – a discounted product with massive potential. You swoop in, buy it at a bargain price, and then list it for sale on Amazon at a mark-up. It’s like a real-life version of “The Office” episode where Dwight bought up all the Princess Unicorn dolls and planned to resell them for a hefty profit!

The Thrill of the Hunt

Now, I won’t lie to you – retail arbitrage can be competitive and challenging to scale. But for many Amazon sellers, it’s the fast and low-cost way to get started. You might spend a day or a weekend hunting for products, and sometimes you might come up empty-handed. But when you strike gold, the feeling of accomplishment is unbeatable.

7. Work from Home as an Amazon Representative

Hey there, remote worker! If you’ve been longing for a job that allows you to work from the comfort of your own home, Amazon has got your back. With over 1.5 million employees worldwide, they offer a plethora of work-from-home opportunities. It’s like having the best of both worlds – a stable job with the flexibility to work in your PJs!

Amazon’s Remote Work Opportunities

Believe it or not, Amazon isn’t just about e-commerce. They’ve jumped on board the work-from-home trend, offering a variety of remote positions. From data entry to customer service, there’s something for everyone.

How Much Can You Earn?

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “How much can I actually make working from home for Amazon?” Well, the income varies based on the position, but here’s the exciting part – Amazon established a $19 minimum wage in 2022. So, as a full-time remote rep, you could be looking at roughly $40,000 per year. Not bad at all, right?

The Perks of Being a Remote Amazon Rep

Imagine skipping the daily commute, having a flexible schedule, and having your pets as your co-workers. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Working from home for Amazon allows you to strike the perfect work-life balance while still being part of a massive global team.

8. Handcraft Your Own Items to Sell on Amazon through Amazon Handmade

Calling all artisans and crafters! If you’ve got a flair for creating unique, handcrafted products, Amazon Handmade is the platform for you. It’s like having your very own online boutique, showcasing your one-of-a-kind creations to a massive audience.

What is Amazon Handmade?

By invitation only, Amazon Handmade is a haven for artisans like you. It’s a place where you can proudly showcase your craftsmanship and connect with customers who appreciate the beauty of handmade products.

Your Handcrafted Masterpieces

From personalized jewelry to hand-stitched leather goods, the possibilities are endless. Amazon Handmade allows you to share your creativity with the world and build a loyal customer base.

How Much Can You Make with Amazon Handmade?

Now, let’s talk money! While the income potential depends on your products and sales, 63% of Handmade artisans earn over $1,000 per month in sales. With Amazon’s vast audience and global reach, your earning potential is limitless.

9. Sell Your Own Shirts, Hats, and More through Merch by Amazon

Hey, creative soul! If you’ve ever dreamed of having your designs on shirts, hats, coffee mugs, and other awesome products, Merch by Amazon is your ticket to turning those dreams into reality. It’s like having your very own fashion line, without the hassle of inventory and shipping.

What is Merch by Amazon?

Picture this – you create unique designs, upload them onto Amazon’s platform, and voilà – your designs can appear on shirts, mugs, hats, and more! When customers make a purchase, Amazon handles the production and shipping, leaving you with more time to brainstorm your next creative masterpiece.

Unleash Your Creative Side

With Merch by Amazon, the creative freedom is all yours. Whether you’re into trendy slogans, inspiring quotes, or eye-catching illustrations, you can turn your artistic passion into profit.

Earning Royalties with Merch by Amazon

Now, you’re probably wondering, “How much can I make with Merch by Amazon?” Well, here’s the exciting part – Amazon pays you a royalty fee for each sale. The royalty you earn can be anywhere from 13% to 37% of the product’s price, depending on the category. So, the higher the price, the higher the royalty.

10. Sell Items Without Owning Any Inventory by Dropshipping

Hey there, entrepreneur on a budget! If you want to dip your toes into the world of e-commerce without the financial burden of holding inventory, dropshipping might be your Amazon money-making avenue. It’s like having an online store without the hassle of managing inventory or shipping.

How Does Dropshipping Work?

Let me break it down for you. You list products for sale on Amazon, and when a customer places an order, you purchase the product from a supplier at a lower price. Then, your supplier handles the shipping and logistics, delivering the product directly to your customer’s doorstep.

The Low-Cost, Low-Risk Path

Dropshipping is an excellent way to start an online business with minimal investment. You don’t have to worry about buying products upfront or storing them in your garage. With a reliable supplier, you can focus on building your brand and customer base.

The Key to Success

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – finding a reliable supplier is essential. Without one, it’s challenging to consistently make money with dropshipping. However, with a bit of research and perseverance, you can build a profitable dropshipping business on Amazon.

• Learn more about how to do Amazon dropshipping.

11. Offer Your Services through Amazon Services

Hey, skilled professional! If you have a talent or expertise that you want to share with the world, Amazon Services can connect you with customers who need your help. It’s like having your very own online storefront for your services!

What are Amazon Services?

Think of Amazon Services as a hub for entrepreneurs like you. Whether you’re a plumber, a lawn care specialist, a dog walker, or a piano teacher, Amazon Services can help you find clients who are eager to avail your services.

Your Skills, Your Rates

As a service provider on Amazon, you have full control over your rates and availability. You set your prices and decide when you’re available to take on new clients. It’s like having your own business, but with the added benefit of tapping into Amazon’s massive customer base.

Scaling Your Service-Based Business

With the right attitude and determination, you can quickly scale your service-based business using the Amazon Services platform. Yes, it’s competitive, but with your expertise and Amazon’s reach, the sky’s the limit!

12. Join the Mechanical Turk Program

If you’re looking for a flexible way to make some extra cash, Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) program might just be your secret weapon. It’s like having a virtual marketplace where you can take on various tasks and get paid for your efforts.

What is Amazon Mechanical Turk?

Okay, I know the name sounds a bit quirky, but trust me, it’s not about robots and artificial intelligence. In fact, Mechanical Turk is a platform that connects businesses and individuals with remote workers like you. You’ll be participating in tasks like data validation, research, and surveys, becoming part of a vast crowd of eager contributors.

Crowdsourcing for Cash

The beauty of MTurk lies in its simplicity. You don’t need special skills or qualifications; all you need is a computer and some time to spare. With a wide range of tasks available, you can pick and choose what suits you best and earn money while doing it.

How Much Can You Earn with Mechanical Turk?

Now, let’s talk money. While Mechanical Turk may not pay as much as some of Amazon’s other work programs, it’s a great option for those seeking flexibility. Online reports suggest that MTurk workers can expect to make between $6 to $10 per hour.

Final Words

Amazon is the largest ecommerce platform in the world. It’s a waste of opportunity if you don’t sell on Amazon.

If you follow the tips in this article, I’m sure that you’ll see some results.

Personally, I’ve tried building a business on Amazon and sold it for $600k. So, I know all the details about being an Amazon seller.

If you need more guidance, sign up for my online business coaching.