Getting accepted by Merch by Amazon is a bit of a lottery, but there are some key things that an applicant can do in order to maximize their chances of success.
What is Merch By Amazon?
Amazon Merch on Demand, more commonly known as Merch by Amazon (MBA), is Amazon’s print on demand platform. In theory it is open to anyone. It differs from other Amazon seller platforms such as FBA in that you have no interaction with physical products.
A MBA “seller” produces and uploads designs which Amazon can print on products such as T-shirts and hoodies. Amazon makes those products available on its website and takes care of orders and customer service.
In reality, MBA sellers are not sellers at all. Amazon is the seller, and you are simply a designer who licenses their work to Amazon and are paid a royalty for every sale that Amazon makes on your behalf.
Why is Merch the best POD platform?
This simple business idea plus the vast global reach of the Amazon brand makes MBA the number one print on demand platform for most people looking to build an online income. Of course, you can make good money with other platforms such as Redbubble and Etsy etc. but the earning potential of MBA is massive.
The only problem is that unlike most other pod platforms, getting a Merch by Amazon account is not an automatic. Applications are vetted and acceptance can appear to be totally random.
For those with an MBA account this high barrier of entry helps prevent the platform from becoming completely saturated. On the flip side it can be extremely frustrating for anyone wanting to get into the platform. Amazon does not publish its criteria for acceptance…mainly because it is changing from day to day..
Why has Merch rejected my application?
To anyone who searches print on demand message boards, it is instantly obvious that getting accepted by Merch is becoming more difficult. Amazon’s criteria for acceptance is in constant flux depending on supply and demand. Which markets Amazon is trying to promote at the time you apply can also be a factor.
Applicants report being rejected despite having prestigious design qualifications and years of experience. Other applicants get accepted despite admitting to being complete artistic novices.
This randomness means gurus claiming that they have the magic formula to guarantee acceptance, is not telling the truth. Do not buy an account. This is a breach of Amazon’s rules, which could see your account terminated in the future.
That being said, there are a few key things that you can do to give yourself the best chance of your application being approved.
Step 1 Preparation
Before you start the application process, ensure you have the following information readily to hand in order to fill in the application form correctly:
1. Your Amazon buying account details:
If you don’t have an account already, I suggest setting one up a few weeks before you apply and purchasing a few cheap items. This is not essential, with some successful applicants reporting that they signed up during application. However, Amazon will want to check you are a real person rather than a bot and a recently active Amazon account can help confirm your identity and address.
2. Your business details:
If you are using a registered company name then use that, otherwise use your own name which should match the details of your normal Amazon account. It may also help if your business address matches your Amazon account too. Make sure you include the zip/post code and a contact telephone number. Mobile is best here as Amazon may use it to send you one time passcodes (OTP). Finally, your business email, though again, your normal Amazon email could be used, and you can always change it once you are accepted.
3. Your bank details:
This is the business or personal bank account that you want your future royalties paid into.
4. Your tax information:
This is dependent on your country of residence. If you live outside of the USA, you will need to provide this information or up to 30% of your royalties will be withheld by Amazon as per IRS rules.
5. A draft of your “additional information” statement and the web address of any relevant website you have:
We’ll go into detail on these later in the article.
Step 2 Filling in the form
Section 1
1. Open your browser and visit https://merch.amazon.com/landing.
2. If you have not already done so, check out the FAQ section to make sure you understand Amazon’s Terms and Conditions.
3. Enter your Amazon account details. Create a new account if you have not got one yet.
4. Click “begin application”
5. Click on the “country” drop down list. If your country isn’t listed, then you may not be able to continue with the application.
6. Enter your business information as described in step one of Preparation.
7. Enter your banking details.
8. Complete the tax questionnaire as per Step 1. When I applied this section was not compulsory to complete during the application. However, we would advise filling it in as it is another way Amazon can check you are genuine.
9. Check your answers then click “Save and Continue”.
Section 2
10. Select your industry type. Choose the “small business” option if you have a company. Choose “novelty T-Shirts” if you used your real name in the business info section.
11. Now the key bit…Or is it? This section is of great debate among Merch gurus. They are split between it being of critical importance or of no importance at all!
Many people have been accepted with zero design skills, including myself, I still recommend filling in this section. If you have relevant skills, list them. If you are already on other print on demand platforms, then state that too.
Whatever you put in the more info box, I would add this sentence, in your own words of course:
“I have read the Merch by Amazon T&Cs and FAQs and fully understand that any designs I submit must not contain material that is subject to trademark or copyright, or that infringes on the intellectual property of a third party”.
Add your website or Redbubble etc. URL if have one. Only add if it is genuine and does not contain any designs that would not be allowed by Amazon. Before I applied, I started a Redbubble shop and added 20 “safe” designs so Amazon could check them.
12. Complete the anti-bot test and press submit.
And that’s it! It could take hours, days or even months to get a response, so please be patient.
Do not make multiple applications as that will likely trigger a rejection.
Good luck in getting accepted and please let me know if this article helped you. I have a video on my YouTube channel on this subject which you can view here. My channel also features multiple videos about Merch by Amazon and other passive income opportunities, so be sure to check them out too.
