Since 2020 there has been a massive wave of people making money online. There seems to be trends of people doing things such as Reselling, Sports Arbitrage, Freelancing and even some crypto trading. The list does go on, but the one I want to focus on today is Amazon, of course!
With Amazon generating over £574 billion in revenue in 2023, and more than half coming from third-party sellers, there’s plenty of room for newcomers to carve out their own success. The platform provides multiple ways to earn income, whether through selling products, publishing books on Kindle, or participating in affiliate programmes.
For those looking to create passive income or develop a profitable side hustle, Amazon’s massive marketplace offers sixteen proven methods to generate money. From selling private label products to earning Amazon gift cards through various programmes, the options suit different skills and investment levels. Even without selling physical items, people can monetise their expertise or content through Amazon’s vast ecosystem of services that continue to expand year after year.
2. Market Your Own Branded Items on Amazon
Private label selling is one of the most profitable ways to build a business on Amazon’s marketplace. About half of Amazon sellers use this approach, where they take existing products, enhance them, add their own branding, and sell them to customers. The process leverages Amazon’s robust Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) network for storing, packaging and delivering products.
How Much Can You Earn From Amazon Private Label Sales?
The income potential for private label selling on Amazon varies widely. Most sellers generate at least £750 monthly in sales, with some top performers exceeding £75,000 monthly. About 40% of sellers fall into the £750-£18,000 monthly revenue range, potentially resulting in annual sales between £9,000 and £216,000.
Profit margins differ based on:
- Product category
- Competition levels
- Marketing investments
- FBA fees
Many successful private label sellers enjoy higher profit margins than those selling other people’s products because they:
- Own the brand outright
- Control pricing strategy
- Can customise products to meet market demands
- Have creative control over packaging and marketing
While nothing is guaranteed, well-executed private label strategies can generate strong profits if you select the right products and manage costs effectively.
Where to Find Information About Amazon Private Label Selling?
Several resources can help you learn about private label selling:
Online Tools and Resources:
- Product research platforms that help identify profitable niches
- Supplier databases for finding manufacturers
- Amazon seller forums where experienced sellers share insights
Step-by-Step Process:
- Research potential products – Look for items with good demand but manageable competition
- Source from suppliers – Connect with manufacturers who can produce your branded items
- Create your brand identity – Develop logos, packaging and marketing materials
- List products on Amazon – Optimise listings with strong keywords and compelling images
- Ship inventory to FBA warehouses – Let Amazon handle storage and fulfilment
- Market your products – Drive traffic to your listings through Amazon ads and external marketing
Learning from Others: Many 8-figure sellers started with private label products as their first Amazon venture. These experienced sellers often recommend beginning with a modest investment to learn the process before scaling up.
When considering private label selling, focus on product improvement rather than simply putting your logo on existing items. The most successful private label sellers identify ways to enhance products based on customer reviews of similar items.
Balanced research, thoughtful product selection, and creative marketing are the foundations of a successful private label business on Amazon.
2. Publish Your Own Books on Kindle Direct Publishing
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers a straightforward path to becoming a published author. Writers can release their work in both digital and physical formats without dealing with traditional publishers.
Success on KDP often comes with writing multiple books. While a single popular title can generate income, most successful KDP authors build a collection of works over time. The simple formula is: more books typically lead to more earnings.
Not a writer? KDP also welcomes “low-content” books such as:
- Journals
- Planners
- Colouring books
- Puzzle books
- Word-search collections
These require minimal text but can sell quite well.
Potential Earnings from KDP Publishing
The income potential with KDP varies widely. Some top performers report monthly earnings of £30,000 or more, though these cases are exceptional. For most authors, earning a few hundred pounds monthly represents a realistic achievement.
KDP offers two significant advantages:
- Passive income – Once uploaded, books can generate sales for years
- No inventory management – Amazon handles printing and delivery
Royalty rates depend on pricing:
| Price Range | Royalty Rate |
|---|---|
| £2.30-£7.70 | 70% |
| Under £2.30 or over £7.70 | 35% |
Learning the KDP Publishing Process
Beginners can master KDP through several approaches:
Online resources:
- Free tutorials
- KDP community forums
- Publishing blogs
Practical steps:
- Research profitable book niches
- Create quality content or hire writers
- Design eye-catching covers
- Format properly for both digital and print
- Write compelling descriptions
Many successful KDP publishers start small, perhaps with a simple journal design, before expanding to more complex projects. The key is to begin and learn through practical experience.
3. Sell Wholesale Goods on Amazon
Selling wholesale goods on Amazon involves buying products in bulk from manufacturers or distributors and reselling them on the platform. Unlike private label selling, you’ll be marketing existing brands rather than creating your own. This approach eliminates the need to worry about product development and branding. Many sellers choose this method because it offers a straightforward path to establishing an Amazon business.
To start, you’ll need to build relationships with suppliers and secure wholesale accounts. Initially, focus on a small selection of products—perhaps just 5-10 items—before gradually expanding your inventory to hundreds or even thousands of listings as your business grows.
How Much Money Can I Make Selling Wholesale Goods on Amazon?
Wholesale selling represents the second most common method for Amazon sellers, with about 25% of merchants using this approach. The earnings potential is quite promising:
- 26% of wholesale sellers achieve £5,000 or more in monthly sales
- 34% maintain profit margins exceeding 20%
The wholesale model does present unique challenges. You’ll likely share product listings with other sellers through the Amazon Buy Box system. This can lead to price competition where sellers continually lower prices to win customer visibility.
Key to Success: Your purchasing strategy is crucial. If you cannot negotiate favourable wholesale rates, your profit margins will suffer regardless of sales volume.
How Can I Learn to Make Money on Amazon Selling Wholesale Goods?
Developing wholesale expertise requires both education and proper tools:
- Master the fundamentals – Learn inventory management, supplier negotiations and Amazon’s FBA programme
- Use product research tools – Employ specialised software to identify profitable wholesale opportunities
- Start small and scale – Begin with a handful of products before expanding your catalogue
- Develop supplier relationships – Build strong connections with manufacturers for better terms
Many successful wholesale sellers begin with just a few products and gradually increase their inventory as they gain experience and capital. The model provides flexibility, allowing you to test different product categories without significant upfront investment in product development.
4. Become an Amazon Associate
The Amazon Associate programme offers a unique opportunity to earn money without investing in inventory. Through this affiliate marketing strategy, individuals promote products listed on Amazon and receive commission on resulting sales. This method works particularly well through blogs, YouTube channels, TikTok and other social media platforms.
The concept is straightforward: find interesting products on Amazon, share special affiliate links with potential customers, and earn a percentage when purchases occur. With social media’s wide reach, successful affiliates can connect with thousands of interested buyers.
Potential Earnings as an Amazon Associate
Amazon’s affiliate programme offers varying income potential. Many affiliates earn between £200-300 monthly, while successful ones generate tens of thousands in monthly commissions.
While commission rates typically range from 3-5% depending on product categories, the high conversion rates and sales volume often compensate for these modest percentages.
| Product Category | Typical Commission Rate |
|---|---|
| Electronics | 1-3% |
| Home & Kitchen | 3-5% |
| Books | 4-6% |
| Fashion | 4-10% |
The primary challenge is building an audience. Without a substantial social media following or blog readership, generating significant commission becomes difficult. However, platforms like TikTok have democratised influence, allowing new content creators to build audiences quickly.
Learning the Amazon Affiliate Business
Getting started with Amazon’s affiliate programme requires understanding several key aspects:
- Choose your niche – Focus on product categories you’re knowledgeable about
- Create valuable content – Develop honest reviews and helpful recommendations
- Build your platform – Grow your blog or social media accounts consistently
- Learn basic SEO – Help potential customers find your content
- Track performance – Monitor which products and content drive conversions
Successful affiliates typically follow these best practices:
- Create genuine, helpful content rather than pushy sales pitches
- Test different product promotions to find what resonates with your audience
- Understand your audience’s needs and promote relevant products
- Maintain transparency about affiliate relationships
- Focus on building trust before maximising commissions
With dedication and strategic content creation, the Amazon Associate programme provides a viable income stream for content creators across various platforms.
5. Become an Amazon Influencer
The Amazon Influencer Programme offers a brilliant way to monetise your social media presence through product recommendations. Participants receive their own dedicated storefront on Amazon where they can showcase products they love and use. The programme has gained significant popularity among content creators on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
What makes this opportunity particularly accessible is that one needn’t have millions of followers to join. Even those with modest followings can qualify. Individuals can apply using their Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube accounts. For Instagram and Facebook applications, it’s important to have either a business or creator profile active.
How much money might I earn as an Amazon Influencer?
Earnings through the Amazon Influencer Programme vary widely based on effort and engagement:
- Monthly earnings typically range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand
- Commission rates fluctuate between 1% and 20% depending on product categories
- Higher traffic to your storefront generally correlates with increased earnings
The programme’s growing popularity with both brands and creators makes this an opportune moment to begin. Many successful influencers supplement their income meaningfully through these commissions.
How can I begin earning as an Amazon Influencer?
Getting started involves several key steps:
- Set up your account in Associates Central
- Familiarise yourself with the Operating Agreement
- Build your Storefront featuring your favourite products
- Create video reviews that can be featured on product listings (through Onsite Commissions)
- Share your storefront URL across your social media channels
An additional revenue stream involves creating product review videos that Amazon may display directly on product pages. When viewers purchase after watching your video, you earn a commission through the Onsite Commissions feature (which requires separate approval).
For optimal results, focus on recommending products you genuinely use and appreciate. Authentic endorsements typically generate better conversion rates and build stronger trust with your audience.
6. Selling High-Value Retail Items Through Price Differences
Buying products from shops at lower prices and selling them on Amazon for profit has become quite popular. This method ranks as the third most common selling approach on Amazon, with a quarter of sellers using it to make money.
The process involves visiting retailers like Tesco, Argos, or John Lewis to find discounted goods. Then, sellers list these items on Amazon at higher prices to earn a profit.
What Earnings Can I Expect from Amazon Retail Price Differences?
While this method can be competitive and challenging to grow, it remains a quick and affordable way to start earning on Amazon. About 21% of sellers using this approach generate £3,800 or more monthly, with a quarter of them enjoying profit margins exceeding 20%.
Patience is essential for this business model. Many sellers spend entire days searching shops for profitable items and sometimes find nothing worthwhile. However, this shouldn’t discourage new sellers.
The potential earnings breakdown might look like this:
| Monthly Sales | Percentage of Sellers |
|---|---|
| Over £7,500 | 10% |
| £3,800-£7,500 | 11% |
| £1,500-£3,800 | 19% |
| Under £1,500 | 60% |
How to Begin Earning on Amazon Through Retail Price Differences?
Getting started requires understanding a few key elements:
- Product research – Learn which items sell well on Amazon
- Price checking – Use the Amazon app to scan barcodes whilst shopping
- Profit calculation – Factor in Amazon fees, shipping and other costs
Many successful sellers begin by focusing on clearance items, seasonal products, or shop-specific deals. These often provide the best margins when resold.
Tools that help identify profitable products can make the process more efficient. The Amazon seller app allows you to scan barcodes in shops to immediately see potential profits.
Regular visits to different retailers increases your chances of finding good deals. Experienced sellers typically develop routes that include several shops to maximise their sourcing time.
7. Flip products from online shops using e-commerce arbitrage
E-commerce arbitrage involves purchasing items from online shops and reselling them on Amazon for profit. Unlike traditional retail arbitrage, which requires visiting physical shops, e-commerce arbitrage lets sellers source products from anywhere with internet access.
The advantage is clear: instead of being restricted to local shops, sellers can find deals across countless online retailers like eBay, Walmart, Target, CVS and Home Depot. This vastly expands inventory options and potential profit opportunities.
How much money can traders earn with e-commerce arbitrage?
Earnings from e-commerce arbitrage depend largely on the seller’s dedication and product selection skills. Those who struggle to identify profitable items will naturally see limited returns.
However, the potential is substantial:
- 19% of e-commerce arbitrage sellers report monthly sales between £5,000 and £10,000
- 12.5% achieve monthly sales ranging from £10,000 to £25,000
These figures demonstrate that profitable opportunities exist for those willing to seek them out. Success requires:
- Regular market research
- Understanding price fluctuations
- Identifying items with healthy profit margins
- Building efficient processes for sourcing and listing
The best e-commerce arbitrage sellers develop systems to quickly spot price disparities between different online platforms and Amazon’s marketplace.
8. Create and sell your own handcrafted items through Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade offers creative individuals a platform to showcase and sell their handcrafted products to millions of customers worldwide. This programme specifically caters to artisans who make unique items by hand. Sellers can establish their brand on a trusted marketplace while working from home.
The application process may take up to two weeks, as Amazon requires proof that products are genuinely handcrafted. Once approved, artisans can set up their shop and begin listing their handmade creations.
How much profit can artisans make with handcrafted products?
Most artisans selling through Amazon Handmade achieve substantial monthly earnings:
- 63% of Handmade sellers earn over £1,000 monthly
- 33% maintain profit margins exceeding 20%
The fee structure is straightforward:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Shop setup | Free |
| Listing products | Free |
| Referral fee | 15% per sale |
Professional selling accounts typically cost £39.99 monthly, but Amazon Handmade may offer promotional periods with reduced fees.
How to begin earning with Amazon Handmade?
To start selling handcrafted products successfully:
- Identify your craft speciality – focus on what you make best
- Research top-performing categories – some crafts sell better than others
- Take quality photographs of your handmade items
- Create detailed product descriptions
- Set competitive yet profitable prices
Joining the maker-only community requires no monthly subscription, making it accessible for artisans at any level. With Amazon’s vast customer base, talented craftspeople have significant potential to grow their handmade businesses.
9. Sell Your Own Custom Merchandise Through Amazon’s Print Service
Amazon’s print-on-demand service allows creators to design and sell personalised merchandise without holding inventory. This service enables individuals to upload their unique designs, which Amazon then prints onto various products when customers place orders.
Potential Earnings from Amazon’s Print-on-Demand Service
The royalty structure for Amazon’s merchandise service offers creators between 13% and 37% commission on each sale. The exact percentage depends on the product’s selling price—higher-priced items typically yield larger royalty percentages.
For example:
- Lower-priced items: Closer to 13% royalty
- Premium-priced items: Up to 37% royalty
This tiered structure rewards creators who can command higher prices for their designs. The actual earnings will vary based on:
- Number of sales generated
- Types of products offered
- Pricing strategy
- Design popularity
- Seasonal trends
Creators can review the complete royalty schedule on Amazon’s official resources page to calculate potential earnings for specific product categories.
Learning the Merchandise Creation Process
Beginners can quickly learn this business model through several approaches:
- Start with basic research on marketable designs and product types
- Study successful sellers to understand effective pricing strategies
- Create simple designs using free or paid graphic design tools
- Test different niches to find your most profitable market segment
Many successful creators focus on trending topics, seasonal themes, or evergreen niches with dedicated followings. The platform’s analytics help sellers understand which designs perform best, allowing for data-driven decisions about future products.
10. Sell Products Without Inventory Through Dropshipping
Dropshipping offers a brilliant way to enter the Amazon marketplace with minimal financial risk. This business model allows sellers to list products without physically stocking inventory. When a customer places an order, the seller purchases the item from a supplier at a lower cost and arranges direct shipping to the customer.
This hands-off approach means sellers can operate their Amazon business without warehouse space, packaging materials, or logistical headaches. The supplier handles product storage, packing, and delivery, whilst the seller focuses on marketing and customer service.
How Much Money Can One Make Through Amazon Dropshipping?
The profitability of dropshipping hinges largely on finding dependable suppliers. With reliable partners, the earning potential becomes quite substantial.
Typical Amazon Dropshipping Statistics:
- 25% of Amazon dropshippers generate £750-£3,800 ($1,000-$5,000) in monthly sales
- Average profit margins range between 16-20%
- Lower initial investment compared to private label or wholesale models
Keys to Success:
- Building relationships with trustworthy suppliers
- Selecting products with healthy profit margins
- Managing customer expectations regarding delivery times
- Regular monitoring of competitor pricing
For those with limited starting capital, dropshipping presents a practical entry point to Amazon selling. The business can be scaled gradually as profits allow, without the burden of inventory management or significant upfront product investments.
11. Sell Unused Items from Your Home
Many people have valuable items gathering dust at home that could generate extra income through Amazon’s marketplace. Unlike platforms such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace, Amazon has specific rules about which used products can be listed, but this remains a practical way to earn money.
It’s important to note that Amazon prohibits selling used items in several categories including clothing, baby products, beauty items, and groceries. However, books are particularly well-suited for resale on Amazon, with thousands of sellers specialising in this area. This approach essentially functions as book-focused retail arbitrage.
How Much Money Can I Make by Selling Unused Items?
Earnings potential varies based on the time and effort invested in sourcing quality used products. Even clearing out a few unwanted household items can generate several hundred pounds with minimal effort.
The financial opportunity can be substantial. Many sellers have earned thousands of pounds from selling non-fiction books alone. Consider these potential income levels:
| Effort Level | Potential Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| Casual | £50-£200 |
| Part-time | £200-£500 |
| Dedicated | £500-£1000+ |
How Can I Learn to Sell Used Products Successfully?
To succeed with this method:
- Research permitted categories for used items on Amazon
- Start with books, especially non-fiction titles which often retain value
- Price competitively by checking current marketplace rates
- Create detailed listings with accurate condition descriptions
- Package items carefully to avoid damage complaints
The learning curve is relatively gentle compared to other Amazon selling methods. Begin with items from your own home to understand the process before potentially expanding to source additional inventory from charity shops, car boot sales, or estate clearances.
How to Earn Money on Amazon Without Selling Products
There are several profitable ways to make money with Amazon without selling physical items. These opportunities include:
- Joining the Amazon Affiliate Programme to earn commissions
- Becoming an Amazon Influencer if you have a social media following
- Creating content through Kindle Direct Publishing
- Working as an Amazon Flex delivery driver
- Using Amazon Merch on Demand to sell designs without inventory
These methods offer flexibility and require different skills. Some provide passive income potential whilst others need more active participation.
12. Provide Services Through Amazon’s Professional Platform
Amazon offers more than just a place to sell products. The platform now connects service providers with customers who need specific skills and expertise.
Professionals like plumbers, gardeners, dog walkers, and tutors can list their services on Amazon. This creates opportunities to reach new customers who already trust the Amazon brand.
The process is straightforward. Service providers create a profile, list their offerings, and connect with people seeking their specific skills.
How Much Can One Earn Through Amazon Services?
Earnings vary widely based on the service offered, location, and market demand. Providers set their own rates, giving them complete control over pricing.
The competitive marketplace requires:
- Quality service delivery
- Positive reviews
- Reliable scheduling
- Professional communication
With dedication and excellent service, providers can build a strong reputation and client base through Amazon’s platform.
To begin offering services, interested professionals should visit Amazon’s service provider portal where application forms and detailed guidelines are available. The platform offers tools to manage bookings, payments and customer communications efficiently.
13. Work in an Amazon Fulfilment Centre
Working in one of Amazon’s large fulfilment centres has become a common job option in recent years. These workers help with picking, packing, storing and shipping products for Amazon and its various sellers.
How Much Can One Earn in an Amazon Fulfilment Centre?
Amazon warehouse associates typically earn about £15 per hour, which translates to roughly £31,000 annually for full-time employees. The compensation package also includes:
- Health benefits
- Paid time off
- Employee discounts
- Potential for overtime pay
- Career advancement opportunities
How to Secure a Position as an Amazon Warehouse Associate
Getting a job at an Amazon warehouse is relatively straightforward. Interested candidates should:
- Visit the Amazon jobs website
- Search for “warehouse associate” or “fulfilment centre” positions
- Filter by location preferences
- Submit an application online
- Prepare for a basic interview process
Many positions don’t require previous experience, making these roles accessible entry points into the company’s workforce.
14. Join the Mechanical Turk Programme
Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) offers a unique way to earn money online. This crowdsourcing marketplace connects remote workers with various small tasks that need human intelligence. Tasks might include data validation, research participation, or completing surveys. Despite its robotic-sounding name, MTurk relies on real people like you working remotely.
How Much Money Can I Earn Through the Mechanical Turk Programme?
The Mechanical Turk programme provides flexible income, though earnings are modest compared to other Amazon work options:
- Typical hourly earnings: £4.50 to £7.50
- Weekly earnings (20 hours): £90 to £150
- Pay varies based on task complexity and your efficiency
Most workers complete simple tasks that take only minutes each. Your earnings increase as you build reputation and qualify for higher-paying tasks.
How Can I Start Earning with the Mechanical Turk Programme?
Getting started with MTurk is straightforward:
- Visit Amazon’s official Mechanical Turk website
- Create an account as a worker
- Complete your profile
- Browse available tasks (called HITs)
- Start with simple tasks to build your approval rating
Amazon provides comprehensive resources for new workers. The platform shows task descriptions, estimated completion times, and payment amounts so you can choose tasks that match your skills and payment expectations.
15. Work from Home as an Amazon Representative
Working from home as an Amazon representative offers a flexible career option with one of the world’s largest employers. Many people don’t realise that Amazon employs more than 1.5 million people globally, with numerous positions available for remote work.
How Much Can You Earn as a Remote Amazon Employee?
The salary for remote Amazon positions varies based on the specific role. Most available remote positions focus on customer service and data entry tasks. Since 2022, Amazon has implemented a minimum wage of £19 per hour for its employees. This means full-time remote representatives can expect to earn approximately £40,000 annually as a starting wage.
Key benefits include:
- Minimum wage of £19 per hour
- Full-time annual salary around £40,000
- Various positions available beyond customer service
- Flexible working arrangements
How to Find Remote Work Opportunities with Amazon
Finding remote work with Amazon is straightforward. The most direct approach is visiting Amazon’s official careers website. The company maintains a dedicated jobs portal where candidates can:
- Search specifically for remote positions
- Filter by department or specialty
- Apply directly through the platform
- Set up job alerts for new openings
Alternatively, standard job search engines often list Amazon’s remote positions. When searching, use terms like “Amazon remote” or “Amazon work from home” to find current openings that match your skills and experience.
16. Deliver Packages for Amazon
Amazon offers a way for people to earn money by delivering packages using their own vehicles. This service, called Amazon Flex, works similarly to ride-sharing services but for package delivery instead.
How Much Can You Earn as an Amazon Flex Driver?
Amazon Flex drivers typically earn between £14 – £18 per hour in the UK. Most delivery blocks last about five hours, which means drivers can make approximately £70 – £90 per block. The pay can vary based on:
- Your location
- Time of year (holiday seasons often pay more)
- Type of deliveries
- Time of day
Drivers receive payment twice weekly through direct deposit. Many drivers appreciate the predictable income and flexibility to choose their own schedules.
How to Begin Working as an Amazon Flex Driver
Getting started with Amazon Flex involves a straightforward process:
- Application process: Complete an online questionnaire to determine eligibility
- Download the app: The Amazon Flex app is essential for scheduling blocks and managing deliveries
- Vehicle requirements: Ensure your car meets minimum requirements (usually a 4-door vehicle)
- Background check: Pass a standard background verification
- Training: Complete basic online training through the app
The Amazon Flex app is the hub for all driver activities. Drivers use it to reserve delivery blocks, navigate to destinations, and confirm deliveries.
Many successful Flex drivers recommend starting with shorter blocks to learn the system before committing to longer shifts.
We hope this helps!
Amazon offers 16 excellent ways to earn money, with selling products being a particularly promising method. Anyone interested can begin their selling journey by visiting sell.amazon.com. During registration, some businesses might qualify for personal account management depending on the information provided.
Jungle Scout provides valuable Amazon intelligence tools for sellers at all stages. These tools can support new sellers just starting out as well as established businesses looking to expand their operations.
Beyond selling products, the other methods mentioned can also provide viable income opportunities on the Amazon platform. Each approach has its own advantages depending on one’s skills, resources and business goals.
For those ready to take the next step, the registration process is straightforward and user-friendly. The platform offers extensive support to help new sellers navigate the marketplace successfully.