Introduction
Amazon is the largest online marketplace in the world, with millions of buyers and sellers. It offers several ways for ordinary people to make real money online. Whether you’re in Pakistan, India, the USA, or any part of the world, you can start an Amazon-based business with little investment and earn a decent income from home.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make money on Amazon, step by step, even if you’re a beginner. From selling physical products to promoting Amazon items through affiliate marketing — we’ll cover it all.
1. Sell Products on Amazon (Amazon FBA)
One of the most popular and profitable ways to make money on Amazon is through Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon).
What is FBA?
You send your products to Amazon’s warehouse. When a customer places an order, Amazon handles the packaging, shipping, and customer service — and you earn the profit.
Steps to Get Started:
- Find a product to sell (use tools like Jungle Scout, Helium 10)
- Buy the product in bulk from a supplier (Alibaba or local wholesaler)
- Create an Amazon seller account
- Send the items to Amazon’s warehouse
- Amazon lists your product, delivers it to customers, and sends you payment.
Why It’s Great:
- You don’t need to manage storage or delivery
- Amazon handles most of the work
- Global audience and trust factor
However, you need some investment to buy inventory and run ads.
2. Amazon Affiliate Marketing (Amazon Associates)
If you don’t want to sell anything yourself, you can promote Amazon’s products and earn commission — this is called affiliate marketing.
How It Works:
- Join the Amazon Associates program (it’s free)
- Choose any product listed on Amazon
- Get your affiliate link from the dashboard
- Share the link through:
- Your blog
- YouTube videos
- Instagram or Facebook
- When someone clicks your link and buys something, you earn a percentage
Commissions:
- Vary from 1% to 10% depending on product category
- Example: If someone buys a $200 item, you might earn $5–$20
This method is beginner-friendly and requires no investment.
3. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Do you enjoy writing or have knowledge in a particular field? You can publish ebooks and paperbacks on Amazon using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
How to Start:
- Write an ebook (1000+ words)
- Format it for Kindle (PDF or Word)
- Design a simple cover (use Canva or Fiverr)
- Create a KDP account and upload your book
- Set your price (e.g., $2.99) and publish
Amazon will list your ebook on its marketplace. When someone buys it, you earn up to 70% royalty.
You can write:
- Fiction stories
- Educational books
- How-to guides
- Motivational content
This is a passive income method — publish once, earn for months or years.
4. Merch by Amazon (Sell T-Shirts and Designs)
If you’re creative and love graphic design, you can earn money by uploading t-shirt designs on Merch by Amazon.
How It Works:
- Sign up for Merch by Amazon (free, but approval may take time)
- Upload a simple design (for t-shirt, hoodie, mug)
- Set your price (e.g., $19.99)
- When someone buys your item, Amazon prints and ships it
- You earn a royalty (e.g., $3–$8 per sale)
You don’t need to hold stock, print anything, or manage shipping. It’s great for students and artists.
5. Self-Publishing Audiobooks with ACX
If you’re a good speaker or have a voice recording setup, you can create and sell audiobooks on Amazon’s Audible platform using ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange).
Steps:
- Turn your ebook or script into an audiobook
- Upload it on ACX and set pricing
- Sell it on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes
Audiobooks are growing in popularity, and creators can earn long-term royalties.
6. Retail Arbitrage and Online Arbitrage
This method involves buying products at a low price and reselling them on Amazon at a higher price.
Two Types:
- Retail Arbitrage: Buy products from physical stores like Walmart, Target, or local markets.
- Online Arbitrage: Buy products from online stores and resell them on Amazon.
You’ll need:
- A barcode scanner app
- An Amazon seller account
- Some startup capital
Profit margins vary, but many people earn steady monthly income using this method.
7. Dropshipping on Amazon (Not Recommended for Beginners)
Some sellers use dropshipping to earn money — selling products without keeping inventory. When someone places an order, you buy the item from a third-party supplier who ships it directly to the customer.
Amazon has strict dropshipping policies, and this method can get your account banned if not done correctly. It’s best for experienced e-commerce sellers.
8. Earn as an Amazon Virtual Assistant (VA)
If you don’t want to sell or promote anything, you can still earn by helping other Amazon sellers. This is known as becoming an Amazon Virtual Assistant (VA)