If you’re worried that you’ve missed the e-commerce boat, don’t worry. It’s just getting moving.
While several ecommerce companies like Ebay, Shopify, Walmart, and Etsy can make selling products online easy, in my experience, the best way to make money online is with Amazon.
Amazon is a huge opportunity for those who want to join the world of e-commerce. In 2020, Amazon raked in $386 billion in revenue — over half of which was fueled by third-party sales.
But what can you do to get a piece of the Amazon pie?
There are tons of great ways to earn cash on Amazon, so to help you find what method might work best for you, this article dives into the top ways to make money on Amazon in 2022.
Let’s get to it!
1. Sell your own private label products on Amazon
The best way to make money on Amazon in 2022 is still through private label sales using Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) network. Around 67% of all Amazon sellers run their business using the private label method.
Private label is a process of manufacturing a pre-existing item (preferably, with product improvements), putting your branding and logos on it, and selling it to consumers. Sometimes it is referred to as white labeling or brand creation. (The process has been around for years and is common in countless retail stores; Target’s Mainstays brand and Walmart’s Great Value are two examples of private label brands.)
Thanks to FBA, Amazon is able to deliver your products (typically in two days or fewer — what you likely know as Amazon Prime). This is how e-commerce business owners —l ike you and me — can list goods on Amazon and make money from the sales.
How much money can I make selling private label products on Amazon?
Approximately $625 to $1,875 per month per product.
Over half (56%) of private-label sellers earn $5,000 or more in monthly sales, and nearly two-thirds (59%) have profit margins over 16%. Among private-label sellers who have more than a year of selling experience, 20% have earned over $10,000 in lifetime profits.
Note: To learn more about how much Amazon private label sellers spent to get up and running, how long it took them to become profitable, and what categories they’re selling in, check out Jungle Scout’s The State of the Amazon Seller Report.
2. Publish your own books on Kindle Direct Publishing
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allows you to publish your own books on Amazon.
In addition to digital format, you can print actual copies of your book too.
The only catch with this option is that you usually need to write somewhat prolifically in order to find success. Though it is possible to publish one or two wildly popular books, volume is the true name of the publishing game.
The more you write, the more you make.
How much money can I make writing for KDP?
Up to $40,000 per month.
I’ve heard that some authors make as much as $40,000 per month. These writers, however, tend to be prolific and write topically to gain notice.
Once you write the material, you don’t have to write it again! Nor do you have to worry about inventory.
How can I learn how to make money on Amazon with KDP?
While I don’t know of any specific course I trust for teaching this particular method, I do trust Tim Ferriss.
And, coincidentally, the serial entrepreneur wrote an interesting article on how to become a Kindle millionaire.
It’s definitely worth a read if you want to make money on Amazon with KDP: How to make $1,000,000 selling e-books tactics and case studies.
3. Sell wholesale goods on Amazon
Similar to Private Label, selling wholesale involves purchasing bulk quantities of product to sell using Amazon’s FBA network.
The primary difference, however, is that you are selling other companies’ products. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about manufacturing and branding the products.
For a lot of sellers, it’s one of the most popular ways to make money on Amazon.
How much money can I make selling wholesale goods on Amazon?
Up to $3,000 – $4,000 per month.
While wholesaling on Amazon has become notoriously more difficult in the last few years, it’s still a great way to earn money.
Note that it is a lot more competitive than the private-label market — since you’ll likely be sharing the Buy Box with other resellers. So it can sometimes be a “race to the bottom” on prices where the only “lever” sellers have to compete with each other is through lowering their price relative to their competitors.
Plus, the profit is all in the buy. If you can’t buy your goods for a low enough price, you won’t make money.
Still, 61% of wholesale sellers on Amazon make $5,000 or more in monthly sales — which is nothing to sniff at.
How can I learn to make money on Amazon selling wholesale goods?
Check out our guide to selling wholesale on Amazon. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can use Jungle Scout’s Product Database to sort and find worthwhile products to sell.
4. Deliver goods for Amazon
By now, you probably know that Amazon has its own delivery service. But did you know that you can join Amazon’s delivery fleet as a driver?
Amazon’s Flex program allows you to do just that. All you have to do is answer a quick questionnaire, download their app, and if you’re accepted, you start making money.
Think of it as Uber, but for Amazon deliveries.
How much money can I make on Amazon working as a Flex driver?
Approximately $100+ per day.
According to Flex’s homepage, Amazon pays drivers between $18 – $25 per hour, and the shifts are typically five hours long.
I’ve also read stories that even if drivers finish their shifts early, they still get compensated for the entire five hours.
Not a bad deal for $100+ per day.
How can I learn to make money on Amazon as a Flex driver?
Naturally, the best way to learn how to succeed with Flex is through their site: Amazon Flex.
5. Become a blogger
Ever wanted to start a lifestyle blog, publish how-to videos or recipes, or otherwise get your thoughts and ideas published? You can make money from Amazon while doing that!
Picture this. You find a cool product on Amazon, send your friends the link, and – if they buy it – you get paid a commission. On your blog (or social media page or even in email), that link goes out to quite a few more folks, so you can make quite a bit more money in commissions.
That’s how Amazon’s Associates program works.
Amazon Associates is an affiliate program where you sign up to get special links that only you can share.
Once you share the link and a purchase is made, you earn a percentage of the sale.
How much money can I make as an Amazon affiliate?
This money-making method varies greatly in its returns.
The Amazon Associates program is probably the most popular affiliate program on the internet.
While the commission percentages aren’t particularly high – usually only 3-5% – the conversion rates and volume you receive from sharing those links make up for it.
The downside is that you need to be an internet influencer. If you don’t have a decent social media following (or blog), making a lot in sales commissions will be difficult.
How can I learn to make money on Amazon as an Amazon affiliate?
Check out our comprehensive guide on How to Make Money as an Amazon Affiliate.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about the Amazon Associates program and how you can get started making money promoting Amazon products.
6. Flip store-bought products with retail arbitrage
If you used to watch the U.S. version of “The Office,” you might remember the episode where Dwight bought up all the Princess Unicorn dolls around Christmas time. His plan was to sell them for $200 (or more) to last-minute shoppers.
And that, in a nutshell, is how retail arbitrage works.
For arbitrage, you go to a retail store like Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, etc. to find and buy discounted products. Then, you resell those items on Amazon at a mark-up.
How much money can I make doing retail arbitrage on Amazon?
The earning potential for this method varies.
Retail arbitrage can be competitive and difficult to scale but is still a fast and low-cost way to start making money on Amazon You can make as much or as little as you want with retail arbitrage.
Though to be an arbitrage seller, you need to have patience. Many times, sellers can spend the better part of a day or weekend searching retail stores for products only to come up empty-handed.
But don’t let that deter you—A lot of people start their Amazon selling journey using this method.
How can I learn how to make money on Amazon with retail arbitrage?
Frank Wealth has a great guide on selling retail arbitrage that goes over how to get started finding great products to flip on Amazon.
7. Flip online retail store products using online arbitrage
With online arbitrage, you’re buying products to flip on Amazon from other e-commerce stores, versus buying products in-store as you would with retail arbitrage.
With retail arbitrage, you’re limited to physical stores in your area but with online arbitrage, the possibilities for purchasing inventory are nearly endless. There are opportunities to flip products from many online retailers such as eBay, Walmart, Target, CVS, Home Depot, and so on.
How much money can I make on Amazon with online arbitrage?
The earning potential for this method varies.
The amount you can make with online arbitrage really depends on how much effort you put into the business. If you have trouble finding products online that will return a profit, you obviously won’t make any money.
There are profitable deals out there, you just have to go find them!
8. Work from home as an Amazon rep
Make money on Amazon while working from home.
Amazon is quickly becoming one of the largest employers in the world. Following their purchase of Whole Foods in 2017, Amazon now has approximately 650,000 employees.
Naturally, not all of those employees work at Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington.
In fact, many of Amazon’s employees are remote employees who work from the comfort of their own home.
How much money can I make on Amazon as a work-from-home employee?
Around $30,000 per year, as a full-time rep.
The income you make as a work-from-home employee with Amazon depends on the position.
Doing a quick look on Google, it looks like most of the jobs offered are in data entry and customer service.
Furthermore, Amazon established a $15 minimum wage in 2018. So, at the very least, you could make $30,000 per year as a full-time, work-from-home Amazon rep.
How can I learn how to make money on Amazon as a work-from-home employee?
A Google search will help you find Amazon jobs. But, if you prefer, you can also go straight to the source: Amazon jobs
9. Join the Mechanical Turk program
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a crowdsourcing marketplace.
Amazon has a little program with a funny name called Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Whether it’s data validation, research, or participating in surveys, Mechanical Turk works as a hub for outsourced tasks.
While the name might imply artificial intelligence, Mechanical Turk is actually the combined efforts of hundreds (and thousands) of remote workers like you.
How much money can I make on Amazon with the Mechanical Turk program?
Approximately $120 – $200 for a 20 hour workweek.
Mechanical Turk is a little more low-maintenance than some of Amazon’s work programs, so it pays a little less.
Nonetheless, online reports say that Mechanical Turk workers can still expect to make between $6 to $10 per hour.
How can I learn to make money on Amazon with the Mechanical Turk program?
Just like their jobs and Flex program, the best place to learn more about Amazon’s Mechanical Turk program is through Amazon itself: Amazon Mechanical Turk.
10. Handcraft your own items to sell on Amazon through Amazon Handmade
If you’re creative, Amazon Handmade may be the spot for you!
By invitation only, Amazon Handmade allows artisans to craft and sell their own goods using Amazon’s platform.
Obviously, this method takes a bit more work to stay on top of your orders, since you would be producing them yourself. But, the exposure Amazon offers your brand is massive.
Amazon Handmade can really help a large audience discover your unique products.
How much money can I make selling handmade products on Amazon?
Upwards of $30 per day.
63% of Handmade artisans earn over $1,000 per month in sales, though with Amazon’s massive audience to market to, your earning potential with Amazon Handmade is limitless.
Even with Amazon’s fees, Handmade sellers are profitable. 33% of Handmade sellers have seen profit margins above 20%.
How can I learn how to make money on Amazon with Amazon Handmade?
Jungle Scout has a great article on this topic. We go over in-depth on how to get started selling on Amazon Handmade, along with the best categories to sell in.
11. Sell your own shirts, hats, coffee mugs, and more through Merch by Amazon
Have a clever idea for a shirt or coffee mug, but don’t want to spend the money to create hundreds of them?
Then Merch by Amazon is for you.
Merch is a print-on-demand service that allows you to upload designs into Amazon’s database. Then, those designs can appear on shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, hats–whatever you want!
When a sale is made, Amazon creates the item for you, ships it, and you make money.
How much money can I make on Amazon through Merch by Amazon?
This money-making method varies greatly in its returns.
When you sell an item with Merch by Amazon, Amazon will pay you a royalty fee on that sale. The royalty you earn will be anywhere from 13% to 37%—depending on the product’s price. Basically, the higher the sold price, the higher the royalty you earn.
You can see Amazon’s full schedule of Merch royalties by viewing the Royalties resource page.
How can I learn how to make money on Amazon through Amazon Merch?
To learn more about how you can get started selling Merch on Amazon, check out our in-depth guide: What is Merch by Amazon? A Step-by-Step Guide.
12. Sell items without owning any inventory by dropshipping
If you don’t have much money to start with but want a way to earn money with Amazon, dropshipping may be that way!
Dropshipping allows you to list products for sale without ever taking ownership of the inventory. Meaning, you simply list products for sale and once a customer places an order, you buy the product from your supplier at a lower price and have them ship the order to your customer.
You as the seller earn money without ever touching or seeing the product! Your supplier will handle all of the logistics for you.
How much money can I make on Amazon through dropshipping?
This money-making method varies greatly in its returns.
The trick with dropshipping is finding a reliable supplier. Without one, it will be difficult to consistently make money with dropshipping though it is possible.
How can I learn how to make money on Amazon through dropshipping?
To learn more about dropshipping and how you can get started, check out our Dropshipping on Amazon in 2022 guide.
13. Offer your services through Amazon Services
Amazon isn’t just a platform for e-commerce. They’re jumping on board the gig economy, too.
Essentially, Amazon Services allows entrepreneurs to sell their services online.
So, if you’re a plumber, a lawn care specialist, a dog walker, or a piano teacher, Amazon Services can help connect you to people who want your help.
How much can I make through Amazon Services?
This money-making method varies greatly in its returns.
The sky is the limit! What you make is what you ask for, if the market is willing to pay it.
Yes, it is competitive. But with the right attitude and determination, you can scale your service-based business quickly using the Amazon services platform.
To learn how to make money with Amazon Services, check out their homepage.
It gives you the information you need to get started, as well as all the requisite application forms: Selling your professional services on Amazon.
14. Do seasonal work for Amazon with CamperForce
Did you know that Amazon has a force of full-time RVers who help with seasonal rushes?
It’s called CamperForce, and it brings together a community of enthusiastic RV-ers. Long story short, you can drive around the country, work a quick job in an Amazon warehouse, get paid, and then head to your next RV vacation destination.
As a CamperForce associate, you’ll be able to choose your assignments based on your availability, and from a variety of locations. As for responsibilities, they fall into the categories of picking, packing, stowing, and receiving.
How much money can I make as an Amazon CamperForce associate?
Around $600 per week, as a full-time seasonal associate.
All of Amazon’s warehouse associates earn a minimum of $15 per hour. But for CamperForce workers, Amazon also pays for RV campsites.
And because they are Amazon employees, CamperForce associates benefit from Amazon’s 401k, health insurance, and other bonuses, too.
How can I learn to make money on Amazon as a CamperForce associate?
Amazon’s CamperForce homepage tells you everything you need to know about the program: Amazon CamperForce.
15. Work in one of Amazon’s fulfillment/distribution centers
Finally, this is one that’s been in the news a lot lately: working in one of Amazon’s massive fulfillment centers.
Amazon associates pick, pack, store, and ship products for Amazon and its first- and third-party sellers.
How much money can I make working in an Amazon fulfillment center?
Around $30,000 per year, as a full-time associate.
Amazon’s warehouse associates earn a minimum of $15 per hour. They also receive benefits from the company.
How can I get a job as an Amazon warehouse associate?
You can learn more about becoming an Amazon warehouse associate and apply on their jobs page: Amazon jobs
Make that money this year!
So there you have it. Fifteen fantastic ways to make money on Amazon.
I’d go as far to say that there are probably even more ways than the 15 I have listed (for example, dropshipping might be more your style), but for now, this list should get you started on the right path.
If you know of additional ways to make money on Amazon, be sure to let us know in the comments below. Good luck!
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