Printing on Demand with Amazon: The Definitive Guide

In this article, we’ll delve into how to sell printing on demand Amazon products and guide you through successfully selling your unique products on the platform. 

Key Takeaways

• Printful: It’s an excellent option for customization, and its integration with Amazon’s Merch program provides a seamless way to sell POD products on the platform.
• Printify: With competitive pricing and a wide selection of products, Printify enables sellers to scale their businesses during peak seasons. The platform’s ease of use and integration with major e-commerce platforms make it a compelling choice.
• RedBubble: RedBubble offers a unique approach, focusing on providing artists with a marketplace to showcase their designs. Its integration with Amazon allows for broader reach across multiple channels and a pre-existing audience.
• Teespring: Teespring provides a simplified solution for creators to design and sell products. The platform handles order production, shipping, and customer support, making it an attractive option for those looking for a hassle-free experience.
• Shopify / Amazon Integration with Teelaunch: This route offers a more complex but potentially rewarding path. By combining Shopify’s powerful e-commerce platform with Amazon’s massive marketplace, sellers can maximize their reach and sales potential. However, navigating the integration requires patience and learning.

What are Print on Demand (POD) Products?

POD involves creating products after a customer places an order on your website. Unlike traditional retail, you won’t hold any stock or manage shipping. Instead, you collaborate with manufacturers to fulfill orders.

The critical difference from basic dropshipping lies in customization. Manufacturers can add unique designs to products like T-shirts, mugs, and pillows. This personal touch sets your products apart.

Additionally, you can offer personalized items by partnering with designers. Clients can request specific designs or add names to products handled by your manufacturer. From particular designs to including names, this avenue transforms products into cherished experiences, resonating profoundly with your customer base.

How Can You Sell Print on Demand Products on Amazon?

Selling POD products on Amazon is a relatively straightforward process that offers a lucrative way to showcase your creative designs to a broader audience. 

To get started, you’ll need to follow a few key steps, including partnering with a POD company and setting up a seller account on Amazon. 

There are two types of accounts available:

• Individual Plan: This is a free account suitable for sellers just starting and plan to sell a limited number of products monthly. However, a professional plan is recommended if you’re aiming for more significant sales and scalability.
• Professional Plan: While this plan comes with a monthly fee, it provides several advantages, especially for those looking to build a substantial presence on Amazon. With the professional plan, you can access the Amazon Marketplace, enabling integration with various tools and services, including POD suppliers.

Using Merch by Amazon for POD

Once your Amazon seller account is in place, your next step is to establish an account with a POD supplier. One of the options is to leverage Amazon’s native POD solution, Merch by Amazon.

Utilizing Merch by Amazon for Print on Demand (POD) presents a pathway to integrate your designs into the Amazon ecosystem seamlessly. 

Merch by Amazon Explained

Merch by Amazon, introduced in 2015, provides entrepreneurs an in-house POD platform. A notable distinction is that access to this service is invite-only. The first hurdle is securing approval to participate in Merch by Amazon. Once approved, creative possibilities unfold, allowing you to upload your designs for various products such as shirts and hoodies.

The allure of Merch by Amazon stems from its robust product selection, catering to varying preferences and tastes. Renowned brands have also recognized its potential, contributing to its popularity.

Yet the Application is Complex

Securing a spot within Merch by Amazon entails navigating an application process that spans 3 weeks to a year. This timeframe emphasizes Amazon’s meticulous approach to selecting partners. The application form requires you to complete a questionnaire and share essential information, including banking details, business contact particulars, and a Tax ID.

Upon successful application and entry into Merch by Amazon, you begin to be allowed to sell 10 different designs. This initial phase serves as a proving ground for your capacity to generate sales. With a minimum of ten sales, you ascend to a tiered system that gradually permits uploading more designs.

A set of rules governs the process:

• Thorough copyright and trademark checks before design uploads
• Adherence to Amazon’s sizing guidelines for artwork
• Progression through tiers contingent on demonstrating sales capability

The Value of Merch by Amazon

Products listed through Merch by Amazon adhere to standard pricing. An added advantage is the option to label your items as “Prime eligible,” guaranteeing swiffer shipping for customers. 

Another noteworthy aspect is the cost: launching on Amazon’s merch platform is free, contingent upon the coveted approval status.

Amazon KDP: What is It?

While Merch by Amazon caters to custom products like t-shirts and hats, Amazon KDP offers a way to sell a different type of products: books. It is a distinct service tailored for self-publishing, facilitating selling eBooks, hardbacks and paperbacks. 

With Amazon KDP, authors and publishers gain unprecedented control over their literary creations. You dictate everything, from the cover design to the marketing strategy. The platform extends its support by allowing immediate distribution of eBooks to eReaders, tapping into Amazon’s extensive array of tools and resources.

Setting up a KDP account opens the doors to a world of literary entrepreneurship. Adding products to your portfolio becomes seamless once you’re up and running. Furthermore, KDP’s flexibility enables you to publish books that might exist elsewhere, provided you retain the rights to the content.

Alternative Options to Merch by Amazon

Let’s discover alternative platforms offering unique expression and success avenues.

1. Printful Integration with Amazon

Printful is a dynamic platform that empowers you to craft and sell custom products that embody your unique style. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a passionate entrepreneur, or an established brand, Printful offers a seamless pathway to transform your ideas into tangible creations.

It’s worth noting that Printful’s product assortment goes beyond the offerings of Amazon Merch, providing you with an expansive canvas to bring your visions to life.

To embark on this journey, ensure you follow these steps:

1. Professional Seller Plan: Embrace the Professional seller plan on Amazon, priced at $39.99 monthly. This unlocks the gateway to advanced selling capabilities.
2. GTIN Exemption: Employ the GTIN exemption on Amazon to ensure a smooth path forward.
3. Linking Accounts: Seamlessly connect your Amazon and Printful accounts, allowing seamless data interchange.
4. Product Sync: Add and sync your products with your Amazon store, aligning your offerings across platforms.

With these steps completed, you’ll access Printful’s user-friendly graphic design services and stringent quality control measures and gain the advantage of selling on a reliable and trusted marketplace.

Pros:

• Diverse Product Range: Printful offers access to over 800 high-quality products, allowing you to curate a varied and unique product lineup that resonates with your target audience.
• Customization: The platform empowers you to add your designs to products, enabling you to create a distinct brand identity and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
• Global Reach: With Printful’s expansive global print network, you can efficiently cater to customers worldwide, enhancing customer satisfaction and expanding your market reach.
• Efficient Fulfillment: Printful’s automated fulfillment process ensures that once an order is placed, the printing, packaging, and shipping logistics are handled seamlessly, saving you time and effort.
• Reliable Integration: Printful seamlessly integrates with major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, streamlining the process of listing and managing your products.

Cons:

• Monthly Cost: To access the integration features, you’ll need the Amazon Professional Seller plan with a monthly subscription fee of $39.99 in addition to referral fees.

2. Printify Integration with Amazon

Printify is a powerhouse in the realm of Print on Demand, offering a multitude of benefits that can transform your business. Printify’s commitment to providing some of the most competitive prices in the industry stems from the continuous competition among print providers striving to earn your business. This translates to increased profitability for you.

With an expansive assortment of over 800 products and top-tier brands, Printify empowers you to handpick the products that best align with your business strategy, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.

While Printify doesn’t offer a native integration for Amazon, there’s a straightforward route to selling Print on Demand (POD) products crafted with Printify on the Amazon platform. Here’s how to make it work:

1. Sign Up for a Free Printify Account: Embark on your journey by registering for a Printify account with no initial service charges. This step serves as your gateway to exploring Printify’s array of offerings.
2. Connect Your Shopify Store: Seamlessly link your existing Shopify store to the Printify platform or set up a new store. This pivotal step lays the foundation for a streamlined selling process.
3. Create and Showcase Your Designs: Unleash your creative prowess by crafting and showcasing your unique designs within your Shopify store.
4. Leave Printing and Shipping: Once orders start flowing in, Printify takes the reins. Printify handles the intricate tasks of printing your designs onto chosen products and efficiently shipping them to your eagerly awaiting customers.

For a seamless experience, consider the Shopify Starter plan, available at a minimal fee of $5 per month. This package provides the tools to launch and manage your online store.

This route can prove immensely valuable for discerning business owners despite the associated complexities and the subscription cost. The benefits of enhanced reach, efficient management, and potential revenue growth make this a strategic investment.

Pros:

• Higher Profit Potential: Printify’s competitive pricing model allows you to maximize profits by offering products at attractive prices to your customers.
• Diverse Scaling: With a vast network of partners and automatic routing, Printify allows you to easily navigate peak seasons and sudden surges in demand.
• Product Selection: With over 800 products and renowned brands, you can choose the best-fit items for your business, catering to your target audience’s preferences.
• Seamless Customization: The platform provides intuitive design tools, enabling you to effortlessly infuse your unique designs onto a wide range of products.
• Membership Benefits: Depending on sales performance, you might qualify for Printify Growth or Business memberships, unlocking product discounts, sample order savings, and more.

Cons:

• No Native Amazon Integration: While Printify offers integrations with various platforms, direct integration with Amazon is unavailable. This may require utilizing third-party solutions or other integrations to sell on Amazon.
• Monthly Costs: Utilizing the full potential of Printify may involve subscription fees, depending on the chosen plan and integrations, which could impact your bottom line.
• The complexity of Integrations: Integrating with other platforms, such as Shopify and Amazon, can involve intricate steps, requiring some technical understanding.

3. RedBubble Integration with Amazon

In print-on-demand, RedBubble stands out by offering a distinctive approach that diverges from its counterparts. This solution is tailored for those seeking a convenient route to swiftly bring their products to market, capitalizing on an existing pool of potential customers. 

RedBubble positions itself as a gateway to expedite your sales journey. It grants you access to a pre-existing audience, eliminating the need to cultivate your customer base from scratch painstakingly.

RedBubble’s integration with Amazon is geared to facilitate your journey. It enables you to tap into a broader audience while streamlining and managing multiple channels. With RedBubble’s artist showcase feature, you can position your creations distinctively, enhancing your online visibility and brand recognition.

Pros:

• Access to Established Audience: RedBubble provides ready access to a pre-existing audience of potential customers, saving you the effort of building your customer base from scratch.
• Diverse Product Range: With over 70 customizable products, RedBubble empowers you to offer various items, catering to diverse customer preferences.
• Marketplace Exposure: RedBubble’s artist showcase feature allows you to stand out online, helping you gain visibility and recognition among potential buyers.
• Simplified Growth: RedBubble’s user-friendly interface and existing marketplaces streamline your growth journey, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking expansion.

Cons:

• Integration Complexity: While RedBubble offers seamless integration with Amazon, mastering the intricacies of the integration process may require a learning curve.
• Shipping Delays: One potential drawback to keep in mind when utilizing print on demand services is the possibility of shipping delays. While these platforms offer convenience and customization, there is a chance that shipping times may not always meet immediate expectations.

4. Teespring  Integration with Amazon

Teespring, in its current form, presents a straightforward and effective solution tailored to creating and selling products that not only captivate your fan base but also offer a means to monetize your content. 

The platform boasts a user-friendly experience without costs, complications, and risks, making it an attractive choice for various individuals and entities seeking to tap into the print-on-demand market.

Teespring facilitates integrations with critical platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Streamlabs, and significant marketplaces like Amazon. This integration-rich environment empowers you to establish custom product lines, stores and leverage tools like promo codes and buyer messaging. 

Pros:

• Profit Control: Creators can set their profit margins for each product. This gives them control over their earnings per sale and allows for flexible pricing strategies.
• User-Friendly Platform: Teespring provides an intuitive and user-friendly platform that simplifies creating and customizing products. The mockup generator and design tools make it accessible even to those without design experience.
• Integrated Marketplaces: Teespring integrates with various platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, Ebay, and Amazon. This integration expands the reach and enables creators to sell products directly to their audience.
• Global Audience: With millions of users and a presence on multiple marketplaces, Teespring offers access to a vast global audience, potentially leading to higher sales and brand visibility.
• Handling Logistics: Teespring handles critical aspects of the sales process, such as order production, shipping, and customer support. This frees up creators from the operational burden.
• Integration Benefits: Creators can leverage integrations with platforms like YouTube and Twitch, enhancing their engagement with fans and making it easier to sell products through these channels.

Cons:

• Shipping Speed: Some users have reported slower shipping times, which can lead to customer dissatisfaction, particularly when compared to faster fulfillment options offered by other platforms.
• Learning Curve for Integrations: While Teespring offers integrations with various platforms, mastering the integration process can be challenging for some users, requiring a learning curve.
• Amazon Approval Process: Teespring’s integration with Amazon requires creators to go through an approval process. This process may involve additional steps and requirements.

5. Shopify / Amazon integration with Teelaunch

Selling products on Amazon using the Shopify/Amazon integration alongside the Teelaunch app for Shopify is a more advanced but effective strategy for POD. This approach allows you to build your own online store on Shopify and tap into the vast customer base of Amazon. By selling across multiple channels, you can maximize your potential for profits.

Shopify’s integration with Amazon offers a new sales channel, which, while promising, can also come with challenges due to the intricacies of Amazon’s platform. However, the potential for profitability and access to a massive marketplace make it a compelling option for entrepreneurs.

There are two main approaches to integrating Shopify and Amazon. You can either create products in Shopify and then push them to Amazon, or you can create products in Amazon and link them to existing Shopify products. The recommended approach is to start with Amazon and then connect them to Shopify products.

Pros: 

• Multiple Sales Channels: This strategy allows you to sell your products on both your Shopify store and Amazon, increasing your reach and potential for higher sales.
• Brand Building: Leveraging Shopify, Teelaunch, and Amazon together enables you to build a more substantial and compelling brand presence than relying solely on Amazon.
• Customization Options: Teelaunch offers a wide range of product customization options, allowing you to create unique and personalized items for your customers.
• Flexibility: You have control over how you create, manage, and market your products on both platforms, allowing you to adapt to changing market demands.
• Diversified Revenue Streams: By selling on Shopify and Amazon, you can diversify your revenue streams and reduce the risk of relying on a single platform.

Cons:

• Complexity: Integrating Shopify, Amazon, and Teelaunch can be complex and may require a learning curve, especially for newcomers to e-commerce.
• Technical Challenges: Technical challenges may be involved in syncing products, managing listings, and ensuring a seamless customer experience across platforms.
• Time-Consuming: Setting up and managing integrations, listings, and products on multiple platforms can take time and may divert your attention from other aspects of your business.
• Fulfillment Challenges: Coordinating order fulfillment between Teelaunch, Shopify, and Amazon requires careful management to ensure orders are processed accurately and promptly.

Sell POD Products on Amazon Using a Third-Party POD Company 

Selling on Amazon using a third-party Print-on-Demand (POD) company can be a lucrative way to offer unique and customizable products to a wide audience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:

1. Create a Professional Amazon Account:

To embark on your journey of selling on Amazon using a third-party Print-on-Demand (POD) company, your first step is establishing a Professional seller account on Amazon. This account type is the foundation for your e-commerce business, offering advanced features and capabilities.

When you opt for a Professional account, you unlock access to various tools and benefits that empower you to manage your business more effectively and professionally. Unlike a Basic version, which is suitable for casual or individual sellers, a Professional account is tailored for entrepreneurs and companies committed to growth and success.

2. Select Your Third-Party POD Company:

Once you’ve established your Professional Amazon seller account, selecting the right POD partner is the next pivotal step in your journey to selling on Amazon using a third-party Print-on-Demand (POD) company. This decision significantly influences the quality of your products, your operations’ efficiency, and your venture’s overall success.

Assess the POD company’s product catalog. Look for diverse products that align with your niche and target audience. From apparel and accessories to home decor and more, the broader the product selection, the better the chances of catering to diverse customer preferences.

Your chosen POD partner should offer a robust platform for customizing products. This includes uploading designs, adjusting colors, adding text, and personalizing items according to customer preferences.

Evaluate the pricing structure of the POD company. Consider the base prices of products and any associated fees for printing, fulfillment, and services. Ensure that your pricing strategy aligns with your profit goals.

3. Create and Customize Your Designs:

Designs are at the heart of your POD products. Take the time to create appealing and unique designs that resonate with your target audience. Analyze current market trends, gather inspiration, and ensure your arrangements reflect your brand identity. 

Creating and customizing designs is where your creativity shines. With the right balance of innovation and strategic thinking, your designs will capture the attention of potential customers and set the stage for a successful POD venture on Amazon.

4. List Your Products on Amazon:

Once you’ve created and customized your designs with the help of your chosen third-party Print-on-Demand (POD) company, the next step is to list your products on Amazon. This crucial stage brings your creations to the forefront of one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, allowing you to reach a vast audience and generate sales.

Amazon offers various product categories, each tailored to specific goods. Choose the category that aligns with the kind of POD products you’re selling. For instance, select the relevant clothing category if you’re offering custom apparel.

By meticulously crafting compelling listings and adhering to Amazon’s requirements, you can increase the visibility of your products and engage potential buyers. Regularly monitor your listings, respond to customer inquiries, and adapt your strategy based on sales data to optimize your success in Amazon’s dynamic marketplace.

5. Set Pricing and Profit Margins:

Once you’ve created and customized your designs, chosen a third-party Print-on-Demand (POD) company, and listed your products on Amazon, setting appropriate pricing and profit margins is the next crucial step. Strategic pricing helps cover your costs and ensures profitability and competitiveness within your chosen niche. 

Pricing your POD products requires a careful balance between covering production costs, factoring in Amazon’s referral fees, and maintaining competitive pricing. Consider your target audience’s price sensitivity and evaluate competitors’ pricing strategies. 

6. Manage Listings and Inventory:

Regularly monitoring your product listings ensures they remain accurate and relevant. If a product becomes unavailable, update your listings promptly to avoid negative customer experiences. Many POD platforms offer features for automatic inventory management, simplifying the process of keeping your listings up-to-date.

7. Fulfillment and Shipping:

The beauty of POD lies in its on-demand fulfillment model. Once a customer orders on Amazon, the POD company takes care of production, printing, and shipping directly to the customer. 

This eliminates needing to store inventory, manage production facilities, or handle shipping logistics. It lets you focus on marketing, customer engagement, and business growth. By delivering products promptly and professionally, you’ll enhance your brand’s reputation, earn customer loyalty, and contribute to the growth of your POD business on Amazon. 

8. Monitor Performance and Adjust:

Consistently monitoring customer feedback, reviews, and ratings on your Amazon listings is essential for continuous improvement. Positive reviews can bolster your credibility, while negative feedback offers opportunities for enhancement. Use customer insights to make iterative adjustments to your designs, product offerings, and customer experience.

9. Marketing and Promotion:

Selling on Amazon using a third-party Print-on-Demand (POD) company involves creating and listing products and effectively marketing and promoting them to reach a wider audience.

Positive customer reviews, and ratings significantly influence purchasing decisions. Encourage customers to leave reviews by providing excellent products and customer service. Respond to customer feedback, both positive and negative, to show your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Leverage your social media platforms to promote your Amazon store and POD products. Share engaging content, behind-the-scenes stories, product launches, and promotions to attract and engage your followers.

10. Stay Compliant and Informed:

Understanding Amazon’s policies, guidelines, and terms of service is crucial to maintaining a successful selling relationship. Stay updated on any policy changes or updates that may impact your listings. Compliance with Amazon’s rules ensures your products remain visible to customers and helps avoid potential account suspension.

By meticulously navigating each step, you can capitalize on the potential of Amazon’s vast customer base while utilizing the creative freedom offered by third-party POD companies. Your ability to provide unique, customized products in an efficient and customer-centric manner can set the stage for long-term success in the e-commerce landscape.

Top Tips to Sell POD on Amazon

Selling POD products on Amazon requires a thoughtful approach to ensure your products stand out and attract buyers. Here’s a closer look at key strategies for success:

• Choose the Right POD Partner: Carefully evaluate POD providers like Printful, Printify, RedBubble, Teespring, etc. Consider factors such as product variety, quality, shipping options, and integration with Amazon.
• Niche Research and Target Audience: Thoroughly research your target market to understand their preferences, needs, and buying behavior. This insight will guide your design choices and help you connect with potential customers effectively.
• Unique and Eye-Catching Designs: Create original, visually appealing designs that are relevant to your niche. Strive for uniqueness to set your products apart from competitors and resonate with your audience.
• Optimize Product Listings: Craft compelling product titles and descriptions with relevant keywords to improve search visibility. Include detailed product information, benefits, and usage instructions to help customers make informed decisions.
• Utilize Amazon’s Advertising Tools: Leverage Amazon’s advertising options, such as Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands, to boost product visibility. Allocate a budget to promote your best-selling or newly launched products.
• Competitive Pricing: Set competitive prices based on production costs, shipping fees, and market trends. Balancing affordability with perceived value is crucial for attracting price-conscious Amazon shoppers.
• Monitor Trends and Seasons: Stay informed about seasonal trends and holidays that align with your niche. Create designs and promotions that cater to these occasions to capture increased demand.

• Excellent Customer Service: Provide prompt and helpful responses to customer inquiries. Positive interactions with customers enhance their buying experience and contribute to repeat business.
• Monitor and Adapt: Regularly analyze sales data, customer feedback, and market trends. Use this information to adjust your strategies, refresh your product offerings, and optimize your approach.

Printing On Demand Amazon: FAQs

Summary: Print on Demand on Amazon

This article provides comprehensive insights and guidance on successfully selling printing on demand Amazon products. It aims to help individuals and businesses navigate the world of POD selling on Amazon and make informed decisions to succeed in this business model.