How To Sell Print On Demand T Shirts On Amazon

Introduction.

Selling print-on-demand (POD) T-shirts on Amazon has become a solid way to make money online, whether you’re looking for a side hustle or want to create a full-time income stream.

With the ease of creating custom designs, the broad reach of Amazon’s marketplace, and no need to hold inventory, print-on-demand has opened up new possibilities for entrepreneurs and designers. You can sell your designs without worrying about upfront costs or shipping logistics.

In this article, I’ll break down the essentials of selling print-on-demand T-shirts on Amazon, including the step-by-step process, tips for designing profitable shirts, key benefits and drawbacks, and a FAQ section to cover any questions you might have.

So if you’re considering jumping into the world of POD T-shirts on Amazon, here’s a complete guide to get you started.

What is Print on Demand (POD) and How Does It Work?

Print-on-demand is a business model where products—like T-shirts, hoodies, or mugs—are printed only after an order is placed.

With print-on-demand, you don’t need to keep any inventory or invest in equipment. When a customer buys a T-shirt, your POD partner prints it and ships it directly to the customer.

Amazon offers a POD service called Merch by Amazon. Here’s how it works in a nutshell:

1. Upload Your Designs: You create your designs and upload them to Merch by Amazon.
2. Set Your Price: Determine how much you want to sell the T-shirts for.
3. Get Paid Royalties: Amazon handles the production, shipping, and customer service. You earn a royalty on each sale.

How Do I Sell Print On Demand T-Shirts On Amazon?

1. Sign Up for Merch by Amazon.

To sell T-shirts on Amazon, start by signing up for Merch by Amazon. This requires applying to join the program, and there might be a waiting period as Amazon reviews applications. Once approved, you can start uploading your designs.

2. Create Unique T-Shirt Designs.

The success of your POD T-shirts depends largely on the uniqueness and appeal of your designs. Research popular trends or use design tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Procreate to create designs that resonate with your target audience.

3. Optimize Your Listings.

After uploading your designs, you’ll need to optimize your listings to help potential customers find your T-shirts.

Pay attention to the title, bullet points, and product description. Use relevant keywords to improve visibility in Amazon’s search results.

4. Set a Competitive Price.

Pricing your T-shirts can be tricky. Consider Amazon’s royalty structure, which can vary based on the sale price.

For example, if you sell a T-shirt for $19.99, you might earn around $5 in royalties. Study your competitors’ prices and adjust accordingly to stay competitive while still earning a decent profit.

5. Promote Your T-Shirts.

While Amazon’s marketplace provides high visibility, promoting your T-shirts can help increase sales.

You can use Amazon Advertising, and social media platforms, or even collaborate with influencers who align with your brand’s style.

6. Track Your Sales and Adjust.

Regularly check your sales data to understand what’s working and what isn’t. Experiment with different designs, prices, and promotions to optimize your profits over time.

Pros and Cons of Selling POD T-Shirts on Amazon

Pros

• No Inventory Needed: With POD, Amazon handles the inventory, printing, and shipping, so you can focus solely on creating great designs.
• Access to Amazon’s Customer Base: Amazon’s marketplace has millions of potential customers, offering you massive reach.
• Low Upfront Costs: You don’t need to invest in stock or manufacturing; just design and upload.
• Simple Payment Structure: Amazon pays you a royalty per sale, so you can easily estimate your potential earnings.

Cons

• Application Process: Getting approved for Merch by Amazon can be competitive and requires waiting.
• High Competition: Amazon’s POD marketplace is competitive, making it essential to create unique, eye-catching designs.
• Royalty Cuts: Amazon takes a portion of each sale, so you need to set your prices wisely to earn a meaningful profit.
• Limited Customization: Compared to other POD platforms, Merch by Amazon has fewer customization options for products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much can I make selling print-on-demand T-shirts on Amazon?

Earnings vary widely. Most sellers earn around $2 to $7 per T-shirt, depending on the price point and sales volume. Successful sellers who develop popular designs and build a following can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars monthly.

2. Do I need any special equipment or software?

No, you don’t need equipment. For design creation, software like Canva (free and paid versions), Adobe Illustrator, or Procreate is useful for creating high-quality images, but even basic design tools can work if you’re creative.

3. How can I stand out among so many sellers?

The key is to understand your niche and audience. Rather than general designs, create T-shirts targeted toward specific interests or themes. Use SEO-friendly titles and descriptions, and promote your listings on social media to increase visibility.

4. What happens if my T-shirt doesn’t sell?

Amazon doesn’t charge for unsold items in the Merch program, so if a design doesn’t perform well, you’re not financially impacted. You can remove it and try a new design.

5. Can I sell other products besides T-shirts?

Yes, Merch by Amazon offers various products, including hoodies, long-sleeve shirts, tank tops, and more. Diversifying your product line can help attract different buyers.

Conclusion

Selling print-on-demand T-shirts on Amazon offers a straightforward way to build a profitable online business, especially if you have a knack for design or are passionate about a particular niche.

It combines Amazon’s reach with a low-risk business model, making it accessible to beginners and experienced sellers alike.

Success depends on your ability to design eye-catching T-shirts, understand your audience, and use Amazon’s marketplace strategically.

So, what’s your plan for starting a print-on-demand T-shirt business on Amazon?