Welcome back to another blog post on Print on Demand! Today, I'm sharing my best tips to help you get accepted to Amazon Merch on Demand. When it comes to selling print-on-demand t-shirts online, Amazon is the biggest platform out there. However, you need to apply to become a seller.
Understanding Amazon Merch on Demand
If you want to sell print-on-demand products on Amazon's marketplace, you need to apply to Amazon Merch on Demand. This is not to be confused with an Amazon Seller Central account used for Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA). With Merch on Demand, you can sell print-on-demand t-shirts without any monthly fees.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Finding the Application Page
First, go to the Amazon Merch on Demand application page. You can do this by visiting merch.amazon.com or by searching for "Amazon Merch on Demand" on Google.
Signing Up
Once on the page, sign in using your Amazon account. This can be your personal account; no need for a designated business account. If you don't have an account, create one for free.
Accepting the Services Agreement
Read through Amazon's services agreement. It covers important terms and conditions, ensuring you retain the rights to your designs and that you won’t infringe on copyrights. Accept the terms to proceed.
Providing Logistical Information
You'll need to provide:
- Contact information
- Bank details for payment
- Social Security or tax information
Select "individual" if you don't have a business entity. Fill in your full name, address, phone number, and email address. For banking, Amazon pays via direct deposit, so use your personal bank account. If your bank isn’t supported, use Payoneer for a US-based account.
Completing Tax Information
Provide tax information to help Amazon track payments for tax purposes. You can use your Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Save and preview your information before submitting.
Additional Information Section
This is the most critical part of your application. Here’s how to optimize it:
- Industry Type: Select "novelty T-shirt business."
- Organization Name: Use your first and last name.
- Experience: Mention any other platforms you sell on to show you understand print-on-demand.
- Following: Highlight any social media or community following to demonstrate potential traffic to Amazon.
- Agreement Compliance: State that you’ve read and agree to Amazon’s services agreement.
- Copyright Awareness: Emphasize your awareness of copyright and trademark laws.
- Design Quality: Describe yourself as an artist who creates high-quality designs.
- Grammar: Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors.
- Confidence: Avoid begging; instead, present yourself as a legitimate print-on-demand seller.
Submitting the Application
Double-check your information, then click "submit request." You'll receive an email if you're accepted. This can take from 24 hours to several weeks, so check your spam folder regularly. Alternatively, refresh the Merch on Demand page daily.
After Submission: What to Expect
- Acceptance Email: If accepted, congratulations! You'll start with 10 design slots. Increase your sales to move up tiers and unlock more slots.
- Reapplying: If denied, you can reapply with a different email. Copy and save your application content for future use.
Boosting Initial Sales
To maximize your chances of success:
- Trends and Holidays: Focus your initial designs on current trends or upcoming holidays.
- Purchasing Your Own Products: Buy your own designs to quickly achieve the first 10 sales and get samples of your work.
Finding Low-Competition Niches
As you tier up, target low-competition sub-niches for better visibility and sales.
Final Thoughts
Getting accepted to Amazon Merch on Demand requires careful attention to detail and quality in your application. By following these steps and optimizing your additional information, you can increase your chances of acceptance and start selling your print-on-demand products on the largest platform available. Good luck!