If you’ve ever thought about selling on Amazon, you’re not alone; it’s still the world’s biggest online marketplace, with approximately 86-90 million active users every single day.
But here’s the truth: making money on Amazon isn’t as simple as “list a product and make loads of money.” The platform has grown, competition is way tougher, and the people who succeed in 2025 are the ones who treat it like a real business.
I’ve tried different methods myself, and I’ve seen what works, what burns you out, and what’s worth skipping entirely. So if you’re wondering how to make money on Amazon this year, here’s a realistic breakdown, split into two categories: selling and non-selling.
Table of Contents
How to Make Money Selling on Amazon
These options involve having a product or service listed on Amazon, whether you create it, source it, or let Amazon handle fulfillment. If you’re looking for options to make money on Amazon without selling, scroll down.
1. Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
What it is: You send your products to Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle packing, shipping, returns, and customer service.
Why it works: Amazon Prime customers love fast shipping, and FBA gives you instant access to that market.
Tips for success:
- Use tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout to find products with steady demand but low competition.
- Avoid saturated “easy win” products like generic phone cases or water bottles; margins are too thin.
- Start with small orders so you don’t tie up thousands in unsold inventory.
- Invest in high-quality images and keyword-rich descriptions to help your listing rank.
Potential earnings: Highly variable; anywhere from a few hundred a month for part-timers to six figures for established sellers.
2. Amazon Handmade
What it is: Amazon’s marketplace for artisans and crafters, similar to Etsy but with access to Prime customers.
Why it works: Handmade goods are making a come-back compared to mass-produced products.
Tips for success:
- Personalization sells; add custom engraving, color options, or gift packaging.
- Price your items to cover the time you spend making them; don’t undervalue your work.
- Use lifestyle photos that show your product in use, not just on a white background.
Tip: Keep seasonality in mind. Run promos or push harder during peek seasons.
3. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
What it is: Self-publish ebooks or paperbacks and earn royalties when they sell.
Why it works: You keep up to 70% of ebook sales, and books can keep selling for years without additional work.
Tips for success:
- Target specific niches like “beginner sourdough baking” instead of “baking.”
- Hire a professional cover designer; people do judge a book by its cover.
- Use keywords in your book title and description so readers can find you in search.
- Build an email list to promote future books.
Bonus: You don’t need to be a novelist; how-to guides, planners, and workbooks sell well, too.
4. Merch on Demand
What it is: Upload T-shirt, hoodie, and mug designs; Amazon prints and ships them on demand.
Why it works: No inventory risk, you only make products after a customer orders.
Tips for success:
- Follow trends but don’t copy; put your own spin on popular topics.
- Research keywords like “funny cat T-shirt” or “teacher appreciation mug” to target designs people are already searching for.
- Keep designs simple and easy to read; they should be recognizable from a thumbnail.
5. Sell Wholesale on Amazon
What it is: Instead of creating your own brand, you buy products in bulk at a discount from manufacturers or distributors, then resell them on Amazon at a higher price. You’re essentially acting as a retailer, but on Amazon’s platform.
Why it works: It’s less risky than private labeling since you’re selling products that already have demand and brand recognition.
Tips for success:
- Build relationships with authorized distributors to avoid counterfeit issues.
- Stick to well-known brands that consistently sell.
- Margins are usually smaller than private label, but volume and reliability can make it worthwhile.
Great article from Amazon: https://sell.amazon.com/blog/how-to-find-wholesalers
6. Offer Local Services on Amazon
What it is: List services like furniture assembly, home cleaning, or tech support in your area.
Why it works: Amazon’s customer base trusts the platform, so they’re more likely to book through it.
Tips for success:
- Build a strong profile with clear pricing and reviews.
- Offer fast scheduling; speed often wins service jobs.
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Get StartedHow to Make Money on Amazon Without Selling
Not everyone wants to deal with inventory, shipping, or product research. These income streams let you leverage Amazon without physically selling anything yourself.
1. Amazon Influencer Program
What it is: Create a storefront of recommended products and earn commissions when your followers buy.
Why it works: Short-form video content (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) drives impulse buys.
Tips for success:
- Showcase products you actually use; authenticity builds trust.
- Use demos, unboxings, or side-by-side comparisons instead of just static images.
- Update your storefront regularly; seasonal content sells.
>> More: Complete Guide to Becoming an Amazon Influencer in 2025
2. Amazon Associates (Affiliate Program)
What it is: Share affiliate links to products on your website, blog, email, or social media. Earn a commission when someone buys.
Why it works: You get credit for anything the buyer purchases after clicking your link, even unrelated products.
Tips for success:
- Create helpful, search-friendly content like “best camping gear for beginners” or “top kitchen gadgets for meal prep.”
- Don’t just post raw links; give context and explain why you recommend the product.
>> More: Amazon Affiliate Program Review 2025: What You Need to Know
3. Amazon Appstore Publishing
What it is: Developers can publish apps for Fire tablets and other Amazon devices.
Why it works: Amazon’s Appstore still has less competition than Apple’s or Google’s.
Tips for success:
- Target utility apps, games, or niche productivity tools.
- Consider offering a free version with in-app upgrades.
4. Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
What it is: Amazon’s microtask platform for things like surveys, transcription, or categorizing images.
Why it works: Flexible, remote, and requires little skill.
Reality check: The pay is low (often a few dollars an hour), so it’s best as filler income, not a primary job.
5. Amazon Trade-In Program
What it is: Send in eligible items like electronics, games, or books for Amazon gift cards.
Why it works: Fast, no-hassle way to turn unused stuff into buying credit.
Tips for success:
- Check their trade-in page regularly; offers change often.
- Compare to other resale options to make sure you’re getting fair value.
How Is Making Money on Amazon in 2025 Different Compared to Previous Years?
- Standing out is harder. Quality photos, branding, and product positioning matter more than ever.
- Customers expect Prime-level service. Even if you’re not FBA, they’ll compare your shipping speed to Amazon’s own.
- Reviews are currency. A product with no reviews is a tough sell, so focus on providing an exceptional experience early on.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to make money from anywhere, Amazon is still one of the best platforms to use in 2025. The opportunity is still very much real, but so are the challenges unfortunately. Compared to just a few years ago, you’ll face more competition, higher customer expectations, and most likely tighter margins… not to mention the unlimited scams.
With that being said, it’s not impossible. It just means you have to be more strategic. Focus on planning out and building your brand, focus on solving real problems your customers are facing, and choose a model that best fits your skills and budget.
If you’re looking for a “get rich quick” option, Amazon is not the route you want to take. However, if you’re willing to treat it like a real long term business, it can absolutely change your life.
FAQs About How to Make Money on Amazon in 2025
1. Can you really make money on Amazon?
Yes, absolutely, but it depends on your approach. Some people make a few hundred dollars a month with side hustles like Kindle publishing or affiliate links, while others build full-time businesses using FBA or their own product lines. It’s not guaranteed income, but if you treat it like a real business and stay consistent, it can be very profitable.
2. What sells the most on Amazon?
Some of the best-selling categories include electronics, clothing, home goods, beauty products, and books. But “what sells the most” isn’t always what makes the most money. Competing in those categories can be tough, so many successful sellers focus on smaller, niche products that solve specific problems rather than chasing big, oversaturated markets.
3. Do I need a business license in order to sell on Amazon?
In most cases, no; you can start selling on Amazon as an individual. That said, setting up a business entity like an LLC can give you tax benefits and legal protection, especially if you plan on scaling up. Many sellers start small and then register their business once sales become steady.
4. How much does it cost to sell on Amazon?
There are two main types of accounts:
– Individual plan: No monthly fee, but you pay $0.99 per sale.
– Professional plan: $39.99/month, no per-sale fee.
On top of that, Amazon takes referral fees (usually 8–15% of each sale) and, if you use FBA, storage and fulfillment fees. The exact costs depend on your product and business
5. How do I open a store on Amazon?
It’s pretty straightforward:
1. Go to Amazon Seller Central.
2. Create a seller account (choose individual or professional).
3. Provide basic information (ID, tax details, bank account).
4. List your products with descriptions and photos.
5. Decide if you’ll ship items yourself or use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
Once approved, your store is live, and customers can start buying.
Related Resources
Starting an Amazon Store
Step-by-step guidance on launching your own Amazon store and setting it up for success.
⭐Amazon Influencer Guide
Learn how to monetize your audience by becoming part of the Amazon Influencer Program.
🔗Amazon Affiliate Review
An honest breakdown of the Amazon Associates program and how to earn through affiliate links.
