How to Make Money on Amazon: A Complete Guide

September 26, 2024
make money on amazon
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • Amazon is the world’s largest e-commerce platform, offering numerous opportunities to generate income.
  • Key advantages: Huge customer base, easy setup, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), brand exposure, and access to data analytics.
  • Top 5 methods to make money on Amazon:
    • Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
    • Amazon Affiliate Marketing
    • Amazon Handmade
    • Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
    • Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
  • Potential earnings vary widely, from INR 1,000 per day to over INR 10,00,000+ in lifetime profits for successful sellers.

Table of Contents

Hey there! Have you ever wondered how people make money using Amazon? Well, you’re in the right place! This guide will show you 12 awesome ways to make money on Amazon, especially if you’re in India. Whether you’re a student looking for some extra cash or an adult wanting to start a business, there’s something here for everyone.

Amazon is like a giant online shopping mall where millions of people buy stuff every day. But did you know that you can also use Amazon to make money? It’s true! In India, more and more people are shopping online, and Amazon is one of the biggest online stores. It’s not just a saying there is proof for this. With 12.1% of total new sellers joining Amazon Marketplace from India, it can be said that businesses can make money on Amazon easily. This means there are lots of chances for you to earn money too!

In this guide, we’ll talk about different ways to make money on Amazon. We’ll explain each method in simple words and give you tips on how to get started. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of making money on Amazon!

Top 12 Ways to Make Money on Amazon in India

  1. Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
  2. Amazon Affiliate Marketing
  3. Amazon Handmade
  4. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
  5. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
  6. Amazon Merch on Demand
  7. Amazon Trade-In Program
  8. Amazon Flex
  9. Virtual Assistant for Amazon Sellers
  10. Amazon Influencer Program
  11. Sell Your Services on Amazon
  12. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Consulting

Now let’s explore them one-by-one in detail!

Make Money on Amazon

1. Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)

Amazon FBA is like having Amazon as your personal helper in selling stuff online. Here’s how it works:

  1. You find products to sell.
  2. You send these products to Amazon’s warehouse.
  3. When someone buys your product, Amazon packs and ships it for you.
  4. You get paid, and Amazon takes a small fee for their help.

It’s great because you don’t have to worry about storing products in your house or running to the post office every time you make a sale.

How to start:

  1. Sign up for an Amazon Seller account.
  2. Choose what you want to sell (like clothes, toys, or books).
  3. Buy your products from a supplier or make them yourself.
  4. Create a listing on Amazon with pictures and descriptions of your products.
  5. Send your products to Amazon’s warehouse.
  6. Start selling and watch the money come in!

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
Amazon handles shipping and customer service.You need money to buy products upfront.
You can sell to millions of Amazon customers.There’s competition from other sellers.

2. Amazon Affiliate Marketing

Imagine you’re really good at recommending things to your friends. Amazon Affiliate Marketing is like that, but you get paid for it! Also it’s the answer to your question on how to earn money from amazon at home. Here’s the deal:

  1. You sign up for Amazon’s affiliate program.
  2. You get special links for Amazon products.
  3. You share these links on your blog, YouTube channel, or social media.
  4. When someone clicks your link and buys something, you earn a commission.

It’s a great way to make money if you love talking about products you like.

How to start:

  1. Create a blog, YouTube channel, or grow your social media following.
  2. Sign up for Amazon Associates (that’s what they call their affiliate program).
  3. Choose products that match what your audience likes.
  4. Create content talking about these products and include your special Amazon links.
  5. Encourage people to click your links and buy products.

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
You don’t need to buy or store any products.It can take time to build an audience.
You can start with little to no money.You need to create lots of content regularly.

👉 Related Article :- How to Make Money Blogging: Free Guide for 2024

3. Amazon Handmade

If you’re crafty and love making things by hand, Amazon Handmade is perfect for you! It’s a special part of Amazon just for handmade items. Here’s how it works:

  1. You make awesome handmade products (like jewelry, pottery, or clothes).
  2. You set up a shop on Amazon Handmade.
  3. People from all over India (and even the world) can buy your creations!

How to start:

  1. Apply to sell on Amazon Handmade.
  2. Once approved, set up your shop with photos and descriptions of your items.
  3. Set your prices and shipping options.
  4. Start selling your handmade goodies!

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
You can turn your hobby into a business.You need to make products yourself, which takes time.
Amazon Handmade has fewer sellers than regular Amazon, so less competition.You’ll need to manage inventory and shipping.

4. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)

MTurk is like doing mini-jobs online. Companies post small tasks that computers can’t do well, and you complete them for money. These tasks might include:

  1. Identifying objects in a photo
  2. Transcribing audio clips
  3. Answering surveys

It’s a flexible way to earn some extra cash in your free time.

How to start:

  1. Sign up for an MTurk account.
  2. Complete some practice tasks to build your reputation.
  3. Start accepting and completing real tasks.
  4. Get paid through bank transfer or Amazon gift cards.

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
You can work whenever you want.The pay for each task is usually small.
No special skills are needed for most tasks.Some tasks can be repetitive.

5. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

If you love writing, KDP lets you publish your own e-books and sell them on Amazon. Here’s the cool part: you don’t need a big publishing company to help you. You can do it all yourself! Here’s how:

  1. Write your book (it can be a story, a guide, or even a textbook).
  2. Design a cover (or use Amazon’s free tools).
  3. Upload your book to KDP.
  4. Set your price.
  5. Start selling your book to readers all over the world!

How to start:

  1. Write your book and edit it carefully.
  2. Create a KDP account.
  3. Format your book according to Amazon’s guidelines.
  4. Design a cover or use KDP’s Cover Creator tool.
  5. Upload your book and fill in all the details.
  6. Hit publish and start promoting your book!

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
You keep a lot of the money from each sale.Writing a book takes time and effort.
You can write about anything you’re passionate about.You need to market your book to get sales.

👉 Related Read :- Sell Books Online – Best Places to Sell your Old Books

6. Amazon Merch on Demand

Got a knack for creating cool designs? Amazon Merch on Demand lets you put your designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and other items. The best part? Amazon handles all the printing, shipping, and customer service. Also it’s one of the best method to earn money online without investment. Here’s how it works:

  1. You create a design (like a funny slogan or cool artwork).
  2. You upload your design to Amazon Merch.
  3. Amazon puts your design on products like t-shirts.
  4. When someone buys an item with your design, you earn money!

How to start:

  1. Apply for an Amazon Merch account.
  2. Once approved, create and upload your designs.
  3. Choose which products you want your designs on.
  4. Set your prices.
  5. Amazon handles the rest when someone makes a purchase.

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
No upfront costs or inventory to manage.It can be competitive to get designs noticed.
Great for artists and designers.You need to be invited or apply to join the program.
A Part-time Job that Pays like Full-time

7. Amazon Trade-In Program

Did you know you can trade in your old stuff for Amazon gift cards? The Amazon Trade-In Program lets you send in things like:

  1. Old textbooks
  2. Video games
  3. Electronics

Amazon will give you gift cards in return, which you can use to buy other things on Amazon or even start your own Amazon business!

How to start:

  1. Go to the Amazon Trade-In store.
  2. Search for items you want to trade in.
  3. Answer questions about the condition of your item.
  4. If accepted, Amazon will give you a free shipping label.
  5. Send in your items and get Amazon gift cards in return.

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
Easy way to get rid of stuff you don’t need.You get gift cards, not cash.
Free shipping for sending items.Not all items are accepted.

8. Amazon Flex

If you have a car and some free time, Amazon Flex lets you make money by delivering packages. It’s like being a part-time delivery driver for Amazon. Here’s how it works:

  1. You sign up to be an Amazon Flex driver.
  2. You choose when you want to work.
  3. You pick up packages from an Amazon location.
  4. You deliver these packages to customers in your area.
  5. You get paid for each delivery block you complete.

How to start:

  1. Download the Amazon Flex app.
  2. Sign up and complete the background check.
  3. Once approved, choose your delivery blocks.
  4. Start delivering and earning money!

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
Flexible work hours.You need a smartphone and a car.
You can earn extra money using your own car.Availability of delivery blocks can vary.

9. Virtual Assistant for Amazon Sellers

Many Amazon sellers need help running their businesses. As a virtual assistant, you can help them with tasks like:

  1. Answering customer questions
  2. Managing inventory
  3. Creating product listings
  4. Handling social media

It’s a great way to learn about selling on Amazon while making money.

How to start:

  1. Learn about Amazon’s seller platform.
  2. Create a profile on freelancing websites like Upwork or Fiverr.
  3. List your Amazon-related skills.
  4. Apply for virtual assistant jobs with Amazon sellers.
  5. Start helping sellers and earning money!

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
You can work from home.You need good communication and organization skills.
You learn valuable skills about running an Amazon business.Income may not be stable at first.

10. Amazon Influencer Program

If you’re popular on social media, the Amazon Influencer Program lets you earn money by recommending products to your followers. It’s similar to affiliate marketing, but you get your own Amazon storefront. Here’s how it works:

  1. You apply to join the program.
  2. If accepted, you get your own Amazon page.
  3. You choose products to recommend on your page.
  4. You share your page with your followers.
  5. When they buy something through your page, you earn a commission.

How to start:

  1. Have a good following on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
  2. Apply for the Amazon Influencer Program.
  3. If approved, set up your Amazon storefront.
  4. Choose products that your followers would like.
  5. Share your storefront link with your audience.

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
Great for social media influencers.You need a significant social media following to join.
You can earn money from your existing followers.Requires consistent engagement with your audience.

11. Sell Your Services on Amazon

Did you know you can sell services on Amazon too? If you’re good at things like:

  1. Home repairs
  2. House cleaning
  3. Tech support
  4. Music lessons

You can offer these services through Amazon Home Services.

How to start:

  1. Check if Amazon Home Services is available in your area.
  2. Apply to become a service provider.
  3. Pass Amazon’s background check and other requirements.
  4. List your services and set your prices.
  5. Start getting customers through Amazon!

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
Amazon helps you find customers.Not available in all areas of India yet.
You can set your own schedule.You need to meet Amazon’s quality standards.

12. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Consulting

For the tech-savvy folks out there, becoming an AWS consultant can be a great way to earn money. AWS is Amazon’s cloud computing platform, and many businesses need help using it. As a consultant, you can:

  1. Help companies set up their AWS accounts
  2. Solve AWS-related problems
  3. Teach others how to use AWS

How to start:

  1. Learn about AWS (there are many free online resources).
  2. Get AWS certifications to prove your knowledge.
  3. Gain experience by working on personal projects or internships.
  4. Create a profile on freelancing websites or start your own consulting business.
  5. Find clients who need help with AWS.

Pros and Cons:

ProsCons
High earning potential for skilled consultants.Requires technical knowledge and continuous learning.
Growing field with lots of job opportunities.Can be challenging to get started without experience.

Comparison of Amazon Money-Making Methods

Let’s compare all 12 methods to help you choose the best one for you:

MethodStartup CostsEarning Potential (Monthly)Difficulty LevelTime Investment
Amazon FB₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000₹20,000 – ₹5,00,000+HighFull-time
Affiliate Marketing₹0 – ₹10,000₹5,000 – ₹1,00,000+MediumPart-time/Full-time
Amazon Handmade₹5,000 – ₹50,000₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000+MediumPart-time/Full-time
MTurk₹0₹3,000 – ₹20,000LowFlexible
Kindle Direct Publishing₹0 – ₹10,000₹1,000 – ₹50,000+MediumFlexible
Merch on Demand₹0₹5,000 – ₹50,000+MediumPart-time
Trade-In Program₹0₹500 – ₹5,000LowMinimal
Amazon FlexCar costs₹10,000 – ₹40,000LowFlexible
Virtual Assistant₹0₹15,000 – ₹50,000+MediumPart-time/Full-time
Influencer Program₹0₹5,000 – ₹1,00,000+HighPart-time/Full-time
Selling ServicesVaries by service₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000+MediumFlexible
AWS Consulting₹10,000 – ₹50,000 (for certifications)₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000+HighFull-time

Remember, these earning potentials are estimates and can vary widely based on factors like your skills, effort, and market conditions.

Success Story: Indian Amazon Entrepreneur

Meet Priya Sharma, a 28-year-old from Mumbai who started her Amazon journey three years ago. Priya began with Amazon FBA, selling handmade jewelry.

Starting Out:

Priya invested ₹1,00,000 from her savings to create her first batch of products. “I was nervous at first,” she admits. “But I believed in my designs and knew there was a market for unique, handcrafted jewelry.

Challenges Faced:

  • Learning the FBA system
  • Managing inventory
  • Dealing with competition
  • Balancing quality and pricing

Strategies for Success:

  • Product Research: Priya spent hours studying successful products and identifying gaps in the market.
  • Quality Control: She personally inspected each piece before sending it to Amazon’s warehouse.
  • Customer Service: Priya made sure to respond quickly to all customer queries and concerns.
  • Diversification: After six months, she expanded into other product categories like home decor.

Growth and Expansion:

By her second year, Priya’s business was making over ₹5,00,000 per month. She hired two assistants and rented a small workshop.

Advice for Beginners:

Start small, learn constantly, and don’t be afraid of mistakes,” says Priya. “Every challenge is a chance to improve your business.

Today, Priya’s Amazon business supports her family and employs five people. She’s also started mentoring other aspiring entrepreneurs.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to start your Amazon money-making journey? Here’s a general guide to get you going:

1. Assess Your Resources:

  • How much time can you commit?
  • What skills do you have?
  • How much money can you invest?

2. Choose Your Method:

  • Based on your assessment, pick the method that fits you best.
  • Consider starting with a low-investment option to learn the ropes.

3. Research and Learn:

  • Study Amazon’s policies and guidelines for your chosen method.
  • Take free online courses about your selected approach.
  • Join Facebook groups or forums to learn from others’ experiences.

4. Set Up Your Accounts:

  • Create an Amazon account if you don’t have one.
  • Sign up for the specific program you’ve chosen (e.g., Seller Central for FBA).

5. Start Small:

  • Begin with a few products or a limited service offering.
  • Focus on quality over quantity.

6. Monitor and Adjust:

  • Keep track of your sales, customer feedback, and profits.
  • Be ready to make changes based on what you learn.

7. Scale Gradually:

  • As you gain experience and see success, slowly expand your offerings.
  • Reinvest some of your profits to grow your business.

8. Stay Compliant:

  • Keep accurate records for tax purposes.
  • Stay updated on Amazon’s policies and any legal requirements.

Remember, success on Amazon doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient, persistent, and always keep learning!

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

  1. Tough Competition
    • Solution: Find a unique niche or offer exceptional quality/service.
    • Tip: Use tools like Jungle Scout to research less competitive products.
  2. Initial Investment
    • Solution: Start with low-cost methods like affiliate marketing or MTurk.
    • Tip: Gradually reinvest your earnings to grow your business.
  3. Understanding Amazon’s Rules
    • Solution: Thoroughly read Amazon’s policies and guidelines.
    • Tip: Join Amazon seller forums to learn from experienced sellers.
  4. Managing Inventory (for FBA)
    • Solution: Start with a small, manageable inventory.
    • Tip: Use Amazon’s inventory management tools to track stock levels.
  5. Getting Initial Reviews
    • Solution: Focus on providing excellent products and customer service.
    • Tip: Use Amazon’s “Request a Review” button to encourage feedback.
  6. Handling Returns and Customer Service
    • Solution: Create clear policies and respond promptly to issues.
    • Tip: Consider using FBA to let Amazon handle some of these tasks.
  7. Standing Out in a Crowded Marketplace
    • Solution: Invest in high-quality product images and detailed descriptions.
    • Tip: Consider using Amazon’s advertising options to increase visibility.
  8. Balancing Pricing and Profitability
    • Solution: Regularly review your costs and adjust prices accordingly.
    • Tip: Use Amazon’s automated pricing tools to stay competitive.

Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve your business!

👉 Check here for :- Amazon Money Earning App

Start Earning Today

There you have it – 12 fantastic ways for students on how to earn money from Amazon. From selling products through FBA to writing and publishing your own books, Amazon offers a wealth of opportunities for enterprising students to earn extra income.

Remember, the key to success on Amazon is to choose a method that aligns with your interests, skills, and schedule. Start small, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to try different approaches until you find what works best for you.

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So, what are you waiting for? Pick a method, do your research, and start your journey to make money on Amazon today. With dedication and perseverance, you might just turn your Amazon side hustle into a thriving business!

Innovative, low-investment ideas for the hidden entrepreneur in you! Explore our guide on Business Ideas.

Limitless learning. Limitless Earning with Chegg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I earn money from Amazon?

Yes, there are multiple ways to earn money from Amazon, including selling products, affiliate marketing, publishing books, delivering packages, and completing small tasks on Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Q: Can you really make a lot of money on Amazon?

Yes, many people have made significant income through Amazon. However, the amount you can earn depends on various factors such as the business model you choose, the effort you put in, and market demand.

Q: Can I make $1000 a month on Amazon?

It is possible to make $1000 a month on Amazon, especially through selling products or affiliate marketing. Success depends on your strategy, product selection, and marketing efforts.

Q: What can I buy and sell to make money?

Popular items to buy and sell include electronics, books, clothing, and handmade goods. Retail arbitrage, where you buy discounted items and resell them, is also a common strategy.

Q: How much does the average person make selling on Amazon?

Earnings vary widely. Some sellers make a few hundred dollars a month, while others make thousands. According to some reports, the average Amazon seller earns around $1,000 to $25,000 per month in sales, but profits depend on expenses and margins.

Q: Can I start selling on Amazon for free?

You can start with an Individual Seller account, which has no monthly fee but charges a per-item fee. For higher volume sellers, a Professional Seller account with a monthly subscription fee might be more cost-effective.

Q: What percentage of Amazon sellers make money?

A significant percentage of Amazon sellers are profitable. According to some surveys, around 60-70% of sellers report making a profit, though the exact percentage can vary.

Q: How to make money on Amazon as a student?

As a student, you can make money on Amazon by selling products, joining the Amazon Affiliate Program, publishing eBooks on Kindle Direct Publishing, or completing small tasks on Amazon Mechanical Turk. These are easy and effective ways to earn extra income while studying.

Q: How to make money on Amazon without selling?

You can earn money without selling products by participating in Amazon’s affiliate program (Amazon Associates), publishing eBooks through Kindle Direct Publishing, or completing tasks on Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Q: How to earn money from Amazon without investment?

You can earn money from Amazon without investment by joining the Amazon Affiliate Program, writing Kindle eBooks, or working as an Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) worker. These options allow you to earn commissions or payments without needing upfront capital.

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