How to Start a Merch by Amazon Business

March 05, 2025

Starting a Merch by Amazon (MBA) business in 2025 requires strategy, design skills, and a good understanding of Amazon’s marketplace. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

Step 1: Sign Up for a Merch by Amazon Account

  1. Go to Merch by Amazon and apply for an account.
  2. Fill out the application form with your business details and experience.
  3. Wait for approval (this can take weeks or even months, so be patient).
  4. Once approved, you can log in to your dashboard and start uploading designs.

Step 2: Research Profitable Niches

  1. Use Amazon Search
    • Look for bestselling t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts.
    • Analyze customer reviews for ideas.
  2. Use Research Tools
    • Free Tools: Amazon BSR (Best Sellers Rank), Google Trends, Pinterest
    • Paid Tools: Merch Informer, AMZScout, Helium 10
  3. Focus on Low-Competition Niches
    • Find designs with high demand but low competition (e.g., specific hobbies, holidays, or trends).

Step 3: Create High-Quality Designs

  1. Use Design Software
    • Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer (Best for vector graphics).
    • Canva or Photopea (for beginners).
  2. Follow Amazon’s Design Guidelines
    • Image size: 4500 x 5400 pixels (for t-shirts).
    • Use transparent backgrounds (PNG format).
    • Avoid copyrighted/trademarked content.
  3. Outsource Design Work (If you don’t design)
    • Hire freelancers on Fiverr, Upwork, or 99designs.

Step 4: Upload and Optimize Your Listings

  1. Go to the MBA dashboard → Click “Create”
  2. Select a Product Type (T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, etc.)
  3. Write a Compelling Title
    • Example: "Funny Cat Lover T-Shirt | Cute Kitten Gift for Women & Men"
  4. Add Bullet Points with SEO Keywords
    • Example:
      • "Perfect for cat lovers who enjoy funny pet humor."
      • "Great birthday or Christmas gift for cat moms and dads."
  5. Set a Competitive Price
    • New sellers: Price at $15.99 - $17.99 (low to attract buyers).
    • Experienced sellers: Price at $19.99+ (higher profits).

Step 5: Promote Your Designs

  1. Use Amazon Ads (PPC)
    • Start with a low-budget campaign ($5-$10/day).
    • Target relevant keywords (e.g., "funny dog t-shirt").
  2. Leverage Social Media
    • Share on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook.
    • Use trending hashtags (e.g., #funnytshirt, #giftideas).
  3. Create a Website or Blog
    • Use Shopify, WordPress, or Etsy to expand sales.
    • Drive traffic through SEO and content marketing.

Step 6: Scale and Optimize Your Business

  1. Analyze Sales Data
    • Check Amazon Sales Dashboard for best-selling designs.
    • Remove underperforming designs after 60 days.
  2. Expand to Other Marketplaces
    • Sell on Redbubble, Teespring, Spreadshirt, and Etsy.
    • Use Printful or Printify for non-Amazon sales.
  3. Apply for Higher Tiers
    • Merch by Amazon uses a tier system:
      • Tier 10 → Tier 25 → Tier 100 → Tier 500 → Tier 1000+
    • The more sales you make, the faster you unlock more upload slots.

Final Tips

✅ Focus on evergreen niches (e.g., hobbies, jobs, family).
✅ Avoid trends that could get you banned (e.g., celebrity names, brands).
✅ Be patient—it takes time to rank and sell.
✅ Stay updated with Amazon’s policies and new features.

Want to Succeed Faster?

💡 Join Facebook Groups & Forums (e.g., “Merch by Amazon Mastermind”)
💡 Take Merch by Amazon Courses (Udemy, YouTube)
💡 Keep uploading designs consistently (more designs = more chances to sell).