How to Start Amazon Print-on-Demand in 2025

Launching a print-on-demand (POD) business on Amazon in 2025 is a smart way to tap into Amazon’s massive customer base without holding inventory. This step-by-step guide will walk you through choosing the right Amazon POD platform, setting up your accounts, integrating with suppliers like Printful or Gelato, creating winning product listings, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re an experienced e-commerce seller or an influencer looking to monetize your designs, this guide covers everything you need to get started globally in 2025. For an overview of how this business model works in general, read our full breakdown of Print on Demand Dropshipping and why it's ideal for beginners.

1. Amazon Merch on Demand vs. Amazon Seller Central – Choosing Your POD Platform

Amazon offers two main avenues for POD: (a) Amazon Merch on Demand (formerly Merch by Amazon) and (b) Amazon Seller Central with third-party POD fulfillment. It’s crucial to understand their differences before you start:

• Amazon Merch on Demand is Amazon’s in-house POD program. You upload designs for products (like T-shirts, hoodies, etc.), and Amazon prints and ships them when ordered. You earn a royalty on each sale​.Key features:No upfront costs or monthly fees, but you must apply and be approved to join (invitation-only)​. Amazon handles production, shipping, and customer service under the Amazon brand​. Product range is limited to around 14 categories (mostly apparel and accessories)​, and new sellers start with a tier limit (e.g. 10 designs) until they prove sales and can upload more​.
• Amazon Seller Central (Third-Party POD) means you register as an Amazon seller and list your own products, using a POD supplier (like Printful, Gelato, Printify, etc.) to fulfill orders.Key features: Open to anyone worldwide (after completing registration verification), with a Professional seller plan fee of $39.99/month (needed to use integrations)​ or an Individual plan ($0.99 per item sold). You have full control over your listings and branding, and can offer a much broader product range – basically any item your POD partner provides (hundreds of products from shirts and mugs to wall art)​. Want to compare platforms before committing? Check out our list of the Best Print on Demand Sites in 2025 to find the right fit for your strategy. However, you are responsible for setting up fulfillment via a third party and handling customer service as the seller of record. Profit comes from your pricing minus production cost and Amazon fees (15% referral fee on most categories) rather than a fixed royalty.

To clarify these differences, here’s a comparison table of the two approaches:

Pros & Cons Summary: Amazon Merch on Demand is excellent for a low-effort start – no fees, Amazon does the heavy lifting, and your products get Prime eligibility. However, it has a competitive application, limited product scope, and less control over branding and pricing​. Amazon Seller Central with POD offers far more flexibility(any product, any design, your own brand) and immediate start, but requires more work: you must maintain your seller account health, pay monthly fees, and coordinate with your POD provider. It’s also not “free” – you cover fulfillment costs out of your sales.

Tip: If you’re just starting and get accepted, Merch on Demand is a low-risk way to test designs on Amazon’s platform. If you want to sell a wider array of products or build a distinct brand (or if you can’t get into Merch), using Seller Central with a POD integration is the way to go. Some sellers even use both: leveraging Merch for T-shirts while using Seller Central for other items like mugs or posters. If you're an artist, our guide on Print on Demand for Artists shows how to turn your art into income on platforms like Amazon.

2. Setting Up Your Amazon Merch on Demand Account (2025)

If you choose the Merch on Demand route, you’ll need to apply to Amazon’s program. Here’s how to set up your Merch on Demand account step by step:

• Request an Invitation: Go to theMerch by Amazon website and sign in with your Amazon account to apply for an invitation. You’ll need to provide business/contact information, bank account details for payouts, and tax information during the application​. Amazon will ask whether you’re an individual or business and which country you live in (Merch on Demand accepts creators from multiple countries, provided you can complete the tax and banking requirements)​. Merch on Demand sign-up requires your business type, country, bank, and tax info.
• Complete Tax and Bank Info: As part of the application, fill in your bank account (for receiving royalties) and tax forms (e.g. W-9 for U.S. individuals or W-8BEN for non-US persons).No business license is required to start on Merch on Demand – you can register as an individual, but accurate tax info is necessary to get paid​.
• Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, be patient. Amazon’s approval process can take several weeks (sometimes up to a few months) and the exact criteria are not publicly disclosed​. In 2025, Amazon typically provides an estimated wait time and will email you once a decision is made​. While you wait, use the time to familiarize yourself with Merch on Demand content policies and best practices (Amazon provides a resources section for new creators). Ensuring your design ideas won’t violate guidelines (no copyright/trademark infringements, etc.) will help you hit the ground running if approved.
• Account Access and Dashboard: Upon approval, you’ll get access to the Merch on Demand dashboard. From here, you can start uploading designs. Amazon may start you at the Tier 10 level (meaning you can have up to 10 live designs at first). As you sell and your designs prove themselves, Amazon will “tier up” your account allowing more live designs (e.g. Tier 25, 100, and so on). This tiered system encourages new sellers to focus on quality over quantity​.
• Upload Your First Design: Using the Merch dashboard, select a product type (e.g. Standard T-Shirt), color options, and upload your artwork. You’ll enter a title, brand name, and description/bullet points for the listing. Amazon must approve each design upload for content compliance. Once approved, Amazon creates the product listing on the marketplace for you​. You can set your price (within Amazon’s allowed range) – the system will show you the royalty you’d earn at that price. For instance, a $19.99 t-shirt might yield around $5 in royalty, whereas a lower price yields a smaller royalty.
• International Markets: With Merch on Demand, you can enable your design for multiple marketplaces (Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc.) as available. Amazon handles printing in the appropriate region and international shipping. Curious about what’s hot right now? Discover Top Print-on-Demand Trends 2025 to find design ideas that sell globally. Keep in mind you may need to set prices separately for each region’s currency and your royalty will vary. Ensure your bank account can receive payments in your preferred currency or use Amazon’s Currency Converter for payouts if you’re outside the U.S. (Amazon will automatically convert USD royalties to your local currency if applicable).

Tips for Merch on Demand: Focus on making unique, high-quality designs and use the right keywords in your listing (more on that in Section 5). Because you have a limit on live designs initially, research niches carefully and upload your strongest ideas first. Also, consistently follow Amazon’s Content Policy – designs with prohibited content or IP infringement will be rejected, and too many rejections can jeopardize your account.

3. Setting Up Your Amazon Seller Central Account (2025)

If you opt for the Seller Central route (to sell via your own Amazon seller account with POD fulfillment), the setup is a bit more involved but still straightforward. Here’s how to create your Amazon Seller account in 2025:

• Register as an Amazon Seller: Visit Amazon’s selling portal (sell.amazon.com) and click “Sign Up” to create a seller account​. You can use an existing Amazon customer login or create a new account for your business. During registration, Amazon will ask for a verification code sent to your email to confirm your address​.
• Prepare Required Documents: Make sure you have the following on hand for a smooth signup: government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license), bank account and routing number (to receive deposits), a credit card (for charging fees), and tax information (SSN/EIN for U.S. or equivalent tax ID for your country)​. Amazon will prompt you to enter these details. You’ll specify your business type and location – you can register as an individual/sole proprietor if you don’t have a company (select “None, I am an individual” during business information step)​.
• Business & Personal Information: Fill out your business address and personal contact information. This includes your legal name, address, and phone number. You’ll need to verify your phone via an OTP (one-time passcode) SMS or call​. Ensure the address matches your ID or bank statement to avoid issues in verification.
• Billing and Plan Selection: Amazon will ask for a credit card to charge your seller fees. Enter a valid credit/debit card and billing address​. You will also choose your selling plan (Individual vs Professional). As a POD seller planning to integrate with services like Printful or use bulk listing tools, you’ll almost certainly want the Professional Plan ($39.99/month) for full access to APIs and tools​. (If you truly plan to sell under 40 units a month to start, you could begin as Individual, but note that integrations like Printful require a Professional account​.)
• Identity Verification (2025 Process): New Amazon sellers must complete a Verification Interview to authenticate their identity. After submitting your info, Amazon will prompt you to schedule or join a live video call​. You’ll typically show your ID to an Amazon representative and perhaps a bank statement to verify address. This is a security step Amazon introduced to prevent fraud. Once the short interview is done and your documents are reviewed, Amazon will activate your seller account – this can be immediate or take a few days if manual review is needed.
• Account Activation and Dashboard: After approval, you can log into Seller Central (sellercentral.amazon.com) and access your dashboard. Enable 2-step verification on your account for security​. Now you’re officially an Amazon seller! Before listing products, you may want to set your default shipping settings (for FBM – Fulfilled by Merchant – since you’ll be shipping via your POD partner) and any return settings. However, many POD integrations will handle shipping configuration for you automatically.
• Global Selling Setup: If you plan to sell beyond the Amazon marketplace you registered on, you can expand via Amazon’s Global Selling program. In 2025, Amazon has over 19 marketplaces worldwide and unified seller accounts for regions (e.g., one European account covers UK, Germany, France, etc.)​. From your Seller Central dashboard you can go to Inventory > Sell Globally to add international marketplaces. For each additional region, you may need to provide extra information (like VAT number for selling in Europe, or local bank details). Be mindful of local regulations: for example, Europe may require you to register for VAT once your sales grow, and some categories might have restrictions in certain countries.

Important: Even as a new Seller Central user, you can start selling on Amazon US from outside the U.S. Amazon Global Selling allows sellers “anywhere in the world” to list on other countries’ Amazon sites​. You’ll still need to comply with your home country’s laws (e.g., register your business if required locally) and Amazon’s requirements. Amazon will disburse your earnings to your bank in your local currency if you wish – just add your local bank account and use Amazon’s built-in currency converter (note there’s a small conversion fee). Many international sellers use services like Wise or Payoneer to get a U.S. bank account equivalent for easier USD withdrawals, but this is optional.

With your Seller Central account set up and verified, you’re ready to connect a print-on-demand fulfillment service and create your product listings.

4. Integrating Printful, Gelato, or Other POD Services with Amazon

One of the advantages of using Seller Central for POD is the ability to integrate third-party fulfillment services that will automatically print and ship your products when orders come in. In 2025, several major POD platforms offer direct integration with Amazon, including Printful, Gelato, and Printify. Here’s how to get your Amazon store connected:

• Choose a POD Fulfillment Partner: If you haven’t already, decide which POD supplier(s) to use. Printful and Printify are popular for their wide product range, quality, and global fulfillment centers. Gelato is another growing platform known for its network of local print providers around the world (which can speed up delivery to international customers). All these services now have official Amazon integrations or guides:Printful: Offers a direct integration app for Amazon. It’s a well-tested solution where Printful will publish products to Amazon and handle order fulfillment automatically​.Printify: Introduced a direct integration for Amazon as well, letting you connect your Amazon seller account through the Printify interface​.Gelato: Launched Amazon integration in late 2024 for Amazon US sellers​, enabling you to connect and list Gelato products on Amazon. (As of early 2025, Gelato’s Amazon integration is for Amazon.com, but they plan to expand it to other regions​. You can still use Gelato to fulfill international orders by routing them to local production hubs.)
• Ensure Amazon Account is Eligible: You must have a Professional Seller account (not Individual) to use any API integration​. Also, Amazon typically requires Brand Registry or GTIN exemptions for custom products without UPCs. The easiest path for POD sellers is to apply for a GTIN Exemption for your product category under your brand. This allows you to list products without a UPC code by indicating your brand is exempt (common for print-on-demand items). For example, if your brand is “MyCustomTees” in the Clothing category, you request a GTIN exemption for brand MyCustomTees in the Clothing & Accessories category. Amazon usually grants these quickly if you provide the info.Note:You need to do this for each category you plan to sell in​(e.g., Clothing, Home Decor, etc. each separate). Printful’s help center provides step-by-step instructions on requesting this exemption​.
• Connect the Integration: The process will vary slightly by provider, but generally:In Printful, go to your Printful Dashboard -> Stores -> Choose Amazon -> click “Connect” and follow the prompts. You’ll be directed to Amazon to grant Printful API access to your seller account (Printful is an authorized developer). Once authorized, your Amazon store appears in Printful​.In Printify, log in and navigate to Manage Stores -> Add new store -> Amazon. You’ll be asked to log into Amazon and give Printify permissions as well​. Printify will only connect if you have the Pro account active​.For Gelato, you would use Gelato’s dashboard. Gelato might ask for your Amazon Seller ID and an Auth Token (which you obtain by authorizing Gelato in Seller Central under “Apps & Services”). Their interface then links your Amazon store in minutes, similar to Printful/Printify.
• Create and Publish Products: After integration, you can create your product listings through the POD platform’s interface. For instance, using Printful’s product push:In Printful, choose a product (say, a T-shirt), upload your design, generate mockups, and write the product title, description, etc.“Push” or publish it to Amazon – the integration will send the product data to Amazon Seller Central automatically. If you have your GTIN exemption in place and all required fields filled, the listing will be created as Active on Amazon within a short time.Double-check on Amazon Seller Central -> Inventory that the new listing appears. You should see it with a SKU and price you set. At this stage, your product is live for customers to buy.
• Automation of Fulfillment: Once connected, these integrations will automate order handling. When a customer orders your product on Amazon:Amazon collects the payment from the customer and notifies you of the order in Seller Central.The integration (Printful/Printify/Gelato) automatically pulls the order details and begins fulfillment. They will print the product and ship it directly to the customer on your behalf​.They’ll also usually update the Amazon order with the tracking number once shipped. This is critical for Amazon’s metrics – it will mark the order as shipped within your account.Amazon will later disburse the payment to you (on your regular payout cycle), and you in turn pay the POD supplier for their product cost. Printful/Printify charge your credit card on file or account balance for each order as it’s fulfilled.
• Supported Tools and Settings: In 2025, Amazon’s API (now called SP-API) allows more seamless integrations. Be aware of a few settings:Handling Time: Amazon’s default handling time might be 1-2 days, which is often too short for POD production. Many integrations set an automatic handling time (e.g., 3-5 days) on your listings to account for production. Printful’s integration, for example, suggests using their automated handling time adjustment to stay compliant with Amazon’s shipping expectations​. Make sure your listings reflect realistic fulfillment times so you don’t get penalized for late shipments.Inventory: Your POD products are essentially always in stock (since they’re made on demand). Some integrations list a high quantity or use Amazon’s “zero inventory” fulfillment mechanism. Printful’s integration typically shows products as in stock (they manage inventory via the integration) and will not display an “out of stock” status since each order is made to order​.Pricing & Shipping: When publishing a product, you decide if the price includes shipping or if you’ll charge a separate shipping fee. Often, sellers build shipping cost into the product price and mark it as free shipping on Amazon for attractiveness. Alternatively, you can set a shipping profile in Seller Central (e.g., $x per item). Printful can sync live shipping rates for some platforms, but Amazon’s integration does not use live rates​ – you’ll likely use flat rates or build it into price. Decide your approach and configure it during listing creation.

Pro Tip: Test everything. After setting up an integration and pushing a product, consider doing an internal test order (perhaps at a low price or in a sandbox mode if available) to ensure orders flow correctly from Amazon to your POD provider. It’s better to iron out any integration kinks (like missing size variants or branding info) before customers start ordering.

5. Creating Successful Product Listings on Amazon POD

Once your accounts and integrations are set, the real key to success is creating compelling product listings that customers can find and will want to buy. In 2025, Amazon’s marketplace is highly competitive, so you should devote time to keyword optimization, niche research, and quality content for each listing. Below are tips for each element of an effective product listing:

Conduct Keyword Research and Amazon SEO (2025 Tools)

Amazon is essentially a search engine for products. Optimizing your titles and descriptions with the right keywords will help your POD products appear in customer searches. Start by researching relevant keywords for your design or niche:

• Use Amazon-specific keyword tools like Helium 10 and Jungle Scout – which remain among the top picks for Amazon sellers in 2025 – to discover popular search terms​. Helium 10’s Cerebro tool lets you input an ASIN (a competitor’s product) and see what keywords it ranks for, while Magnet suggests related keywords​. Jungle Scout’s Keyword Scout provides search volume and competitiveness data.
• Look at Amazon’s auto-suggest: start typing a phrase related to your design in the Amazon search bar and note the suggested completions (these are things people commonly search). For example, if you sell a frog-themed shirt, typing “frog shirt” might show “frog shirt funny”, “frog shirt for kids”, etc. These clues can be golden for niche long-tail keywords.
• Amazon Brand Analytics (if available): If you eventually register a brand (which you can once you have a trademark, though not required for POD), you gain access to Brand Analytics, which includes a Search Query Performance dashboard – useful for advanced keyword data. This might be beyond a beginner scope, but it’s good to know as you grow.
• Trending keywords: Stay on top of current trends via Google Trends or social media to catch trending phrases (but avoid trademarked trends – see Pitfalls!). For example, a viral meme or event might have people searching for related merch on Amazon; being timely can give you a low-competition window.

In your listing, incorporate your main keywords naturally in the title and bullet points. For instance, a title for a POD shirt might be: “Funny Frog T-Shirt for Kids – Cute Amphibian Lover Gift, Unisex Youth Tee”. This title hits keywords (frog t-shirt, for kids, gift) while still describing the item. Amazon recommends keeping titles under 200 characters and avoiding keyword stuffing that makes no sense to the reader. Aim for a balance: human-readable but rich in relevant search terms​.

Choose High-Potential, Low-Competition Niches

One of the biggest determinants of POD success is what you decide to sell. With print-on-demand, you have virtually unlimited design possibilities – but you’ll have the best chance if you find a niche that isn’t already saturated with thousands of similar products. Here’s how:

• Focus on Niche Markets: Rather than generic designs, target specific interests or subcultures. For example, instead of a general “funny quote shirt”, you might create a design specifically for hobbyist beekeepers or fans of a niche indie game. Niche designs face less competition and attract a more enthusiastic audience. Amazon experts often suggest this strategy: “target specific hobbies, professions, or communities (e.g., vintage car enthusiasts, dog agility trainers, etc.)” to capture a dedicated audience and stand out​. Use tools like Jungle Scout’s Opportunity Finder or Helium 10’s niche score to gauge niches with good demand but moderate competition.
• Validate Demand: Check if people are searching for your niche. Use keyword research to see search volume for niche terms. Also, browse Amazon – how many results and how well are they selling? A quick method: search your potential niche keyword and look at the Best Sellers Rank (BSR) of the top listings. If a few have decent BSRs (indicating sales) but there are only a handful of relevant results, that’s a good sign. For instance, if “axolotl coffee mug” yields only 50 results and some have BSR in the top 50k for kitchen, that niche might be worth entering.
• Avoid Over-Saturated Themes: It might be tempting to design for broad, popular themes (like “funny cat t-shirt”), but these are extremely competitive and often dominated by thousands of Merch on Demand listings. As a new seller, your product would be buried. Instead, maybe you do “funny Sphynx cat lovers hoodie” – a more specific angle.
• Ride Trends Carefully: If you notice a cultural trend or event (say a popular TV show quote) that isn’t yet flooded on Amazon, you can be quick to market. But be very careful with IP here – don’t use protected names or imagery (more in Pitfalls section). Generic trends (like interest in space telescopes, new year 2025 jokes, etc.) can be great short-term niches.

Craft Effective Titles, Bullet Points, and Descriptions

Your listing content needs to both satisfy the Amazon algorithm and convince the shopper. Here’s how to make each element count:

• Product Title: As mentioned, include top keywords and a clear description. For POD apparel, Amazon’s format often is “[Design or Theme] [Product Type] – [Key qualities]”. Example: “Retro Sunset Beekeeping T-Shirt – Funny Save the Bees Graphic Tee for Beekeeper”. Front-load the most important words (Amazon search weights early words a bit more). Do not include unnecessary punctuation, all-caps words (except brand names), or promotional language (“free shipping” etc. are not allowed in titles).
• Bullet Points (Key Product Features): Amazon allows up to 5 bullet points on standard listings. Use them! Each bullet is an opportunity to highlight features or uses and sneak in secondary keywords. For a T-shirt, common bullet points might cover:Material and Fit (e.g. “Comfortable Fabric: Made of 100% ringspun cotton, soft and breathable for daily wear.”).Design Story or Use Case (e.g. “Bee Lover Gift: Perfect funny present for beekeepers, apiary farmers or nature enthusiasts – great for birthdays or Christmas.”).Care Instructions if relevant (“Machine washable, vibrant direct-to-garment print won’t fade easily.”).Sizing or Quality note (“Available in sizes S-3XL; unisex fit for men and women. Professionally printed in the USA for high quality.”).Any unique selling point (“Original artwork not sold in stores – stand out with a unique design!”).Write in sentence case (not all caps), and try to naturally work in some keywords you couldn’t fit in the title​. For example, if “beekeeping hoodie” is a keyword, maybe one bullet says “Cozy beekeeping hoodie design to wear at the bee farm or honey harvest festival.” Make sure the info is truthful and helpful; avoid just dumping keywords. Amazon may suppress listings that look too spammy.
• Product Description: This is a longer text (HTML allowed in Seller Central description, while Merch by Amazon uses a simpler paragraph format). Many shoppers on Amazon mobile will see the bullets but have to click to expand the description, so bullets are usually more critical. Still, use the description to tell a bit more story about the design or brand. You can repeat some features, add a call-to-action or lifestyle scenario. Since it’s indexed for search, sprinkle in any remaining relevant keywords (e.g., synonyms or British spelling variants if targeting multiple regions).
• Brand Name: When creating a listing, you specify a brand. For Merch on Demand, you might use a creative brand name (or your artist name) – this shows above the title on the product page. For Seller Central, if you are not brand registered, the brand name mainly helps with GTIN exemption and catalog grouping. Choose something professional and not infringing (don’t use “Amazon” or a famous brand in your brand name). Consistency in brand name across your listings is recommended, so you build an identifiable portfolio on Amazon.

Example of optimized content:
Title: Vintage Beekeeping T-Shirt – Funny Save The Bees Graphic Tee for Beekeeper Dad

Bullets:

• Vintage-Inspired Design – Features a retro sunset behind a cute bee and bold “Save the Bees” text, perfect for bee lovers and apiarists.
• Soft, Premium Fabric – 100% cotton unisex t-shirt, lightweight and breathable. Solid colors; machine wash for easy care.
  
• Great Gift for Beekeepers – A fun present for any beekeeper, bee farmer, or nature conservationist. Ideal for Father’s Day, birthdays, or Christmas.
  
• Perfect Fit – Available in Men’s sizes S-3XL. Classic fit with a little stretch for comfort. (Women can order a size down for a tighter fit.)
  
• Printed On Demand – Amazon Merch on Demand prints this tee when you order. Proudly printed in the USA with eco-friendly inks.
  

This example packs in keywords (“beekeeping t-shirt”, “bee lovers”, etc.) and valuable info.

Use High-Quality Images & Mockups

On Amazon, images sell the product. With POD, your challenge is to show a product that doesn’t exist until it’s printed, so using realistic mockups is essential:

• Main Image: Follow Amazon’s image requirements – the main image must have a pure white background and show the product clearly, typically filling ~85% of the frame. For apparel, this often means a model or mannequin wearing the shirt, or a flat lay of the shirt. Services like Printful provide mockup generators; you can get a clean product image from there. Ensure the design is easily visible in the thumbnail – use a high-resolution image (Amazon recommends at least 1000px square). No additional text or graphics on the main image aside from the product.
• Additional Images: You can usually upload 5-9 images. Use this to your advantage:Show the product from different angles or variants (front/back if you have a back design, different shirt colors, a close-up of the print).Lifestyle images: Place the product on a model in a real-life setting. For example, a person wearing the t-shirt while tending a beehive (if available) or a casual outdoor scene. If you don’t have real photos, you can use realistic mockup scenes via graphic tools or hire a service. These images help customers imagine using the product.Size chart or detail shots: For apparel, include a size chart image so customers can choose the right fit. Also consider a detail shot highlighting the fabric or a zoom-in of the printed design so they can see texture/print quality.If your product is not apparel (say, a coffee mug or poster), show it in use (a hand holding the mug, the poster framed on a wall) and perhaps a dimensional image or infographic if needed.
• Infographics and Text on Images: Amazon now allows some text/additional graphics on secondary images (not the main). You could create an infographic highlighting features (e.g., “100% Organic Cotton”, “Printed in USA”, arrows pointing to a design detail). Keep it clean and not too busy.

Using all image slots can significantly increase conversion. Many POD sellers overlook this, but remember: online, customers can’t touch your product, so images must do all the talking. A compelling set of images can set you apart from a competitor with just one generic picture.

Set the Right Price and Profit Margins

Pricing your POD product correctly is a balancing act: too high and you deter buyers, too low and you might make no profit (or even a loss after costs). Follow these steps:

• Calculate Your Costs: Determine your base cost from the POD supplier. For example, Printful might charge ~$12 for a printed T-shirt (including printing and basic shipping to the customer, if you use their flat rate). Amazon will take a referral fee (usually 15% for clothing). If you’re on the Professional plan, remember the $39.99 monthly fee (treat it as part of your business overhead and factor it into overall profit expectations). Don’t forget transaction costs (a few percent) and any tax/VAT obligations. Summing this up tells you the minimum price where you break even.
• Research Competitor Pricing: Look at similar products on Amazon. What price points do you see? If most shirts in your niche are $17–$22, that’s the consumer expectation. You might price on the lower end initially to attract sales (especially with a new listing, a slightly lower price can encourage those first few buyers to take a chance on an unknown brand). According to Printful’s 2025 T-shirt guide, analyzing top-selling shirt prices on Amazon is a key step to find that sweet spot​. Aim to strike a balance between profitability and competitiveness​.
• Set a Profit Margin: A common strategy is aiming for around a 30-50% profit margin on POD items. For example, if the total cost (POD + fees) of a mug is $7, you might price it at $13.99 (giving you roughly $6.99 profit, minus some Amazon fee). For a shirt that costs you $12 total, pricing at $19.99 yields roughly $5–$6 profit after the 15% fee (which would be $3 on $19.99, leaving ~$4.99). That’s about a 25% margin. You could go to $21.99 to get a bit more, but would customers pay that if similar ones are $18.99? Always gauge against the market.
• Consider Shipping Fees: If you charge the customer for shipping (instead of free shipping), account for that in the total price the customer sees. Many Amazon shoppers have Prime or expect free shipping. Since you likely can’t offer Prime on a seller-fulfilled POD item, one tactic is to set free shipping and bake a few dollars into the price to cover your POD’s shipping charge. For example, Printify might charge $4 to ship a shirt; you raise your item price by $4 and mark it Free Shipping on Amazon. The customer sees one price and might be more inclined to buy than seeing “+$4.00 shipping” at checkout.
• Volume Pricing and Promotions: As a new seller, focus on a simple pricing strategy. But note that Amazon allows you to run Coupons or Promotions (e.g., “Buy 2 save 10%”). These can help boost sales later. Also, if you plan to run Amazon PPC ads (a common practice once you have some traction), factor ad spend into your margins. You might accept a smaller profit per unit initially, knowing that reviews and sales velocity will improve your organic ranking.

Pricing example: Suppose your POD cost for a hoodie is $20, and Amazon’s 15% fee on your price. If you price the hoodie at $39.99, Amazon takes ~$6, your POD charges $20 + ~$5 shipping = $25, so you’d get $39.99 - $6 - $25 = ~$8.99 profit. That’s a decent margin. If competitors sell similar hoodies for $45, you have room to price higher; if they’re at $35, you may need to go lower or highlight why yours is premium.

Finally, remember you can adjust pricing anytime. Many sellers will start slightly lower to gain sales, then raise the price by a dollar or two once the product has some positive reviews and momentum. Monitor your sales – if something is selling like hotcakes at $19.99, you might test $21.99 and see if sales hold. Conversely, if weeks go by with no sales, price might be a factor – consider a temporary drop or a coupon to entice buyers.

6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid in 2025

Starting an Amazon POD business is easier than many ventures, but it’s not foolproof. New sellers often run into mistakes that can hurt their progress or even get their accounts suspended. Here are some common pitfalls in 2025 and how to avoid them:

• Intellectual Property (IP) Violations: This is the number oneAmazon dream-killer for POD sellers. Using copyrighted images, trademarked phrases, or famous logos/slogans in your designs without permission can lead to immediate takedowns and even account termination. Amazon is strict about IP compliance, especially on Merch on Demand​. Avoid any designs that even resemble existing brands or characters. Do thorough trademark searches for any slogans or words you put on a shirt (the USPTO database is a good start). For example, that catchy meme phrase might be trademarked by someone – if you list a shirt with it, Amazon could receive a complaint and shut you down. When in doubt, stick to original content. Also, don’t use brand names in your listing keywords to piggyback (e.g.“Cool Disney-style font design”– no!). Many Merch accounts have been banned due to “unintentional” infringements​, so triple-check your work. When you do want to capitalize on trends, be creative and generic: e.g., instead of putting a movie character on a shirt, do a clever text phrase that fans would get (but that doesn’t use protected names). If you want to do fan art or officially licensed content, you must obtain a license – otherwise, steer clear.
• Poor Design Quality or Mockups: In POD, your design is your product. Low-effort designs (blurry images, badly removed backgrounds, or just text slapped on with no design sense) will result in poor sales and possibly bad reviews if the print looks subpar. Also, ignoring Amazon’s design guidelines (image size, safe print area, etc.) could lead to printed products that look off-center or low-resolution, upsetting customers. Always upload high-quality artwork at the recommended resolution for the product. Follow the print file guidelines from your POD provider (for example, a standard t-shirt might require a 4500 x 5400 px image at 300 DPI). Test your own designs by ordering samples when possible – seeing the real product can help you improve quality. Additionally, make sure your mockup or listing image accurately represents the final product. Don’t misleadingly photoshop a super shiny gold effect if the print will actually be a flat yellow, for instance. Customers should get what they expect from your images. A common mistake is using a mockup with an unrealistic size of the graphic – be mindful of how big the design actually prints and represent it correctly. Good design and accurate representation lead to good reviews, which boost your listing, creating a positive cycle.
• Weak Listing Content & SEO Neglect: Simply creating a listing with a title like “Cool T-Shirt, cotton, comfortable” and no further info is a mistake. It will be hard for customers to find (due to lack of keywords) and those who do find it won’t be convinced to buy because you’ve told them nothing. Avoid weak product descriptions that miss key details and benefits, as they fail to communicate value​. Put effort into your titles and bullets as described in Section 5. Similarly, neglecting SEO (search optimization) by not doing keyword research means you miss out on a lot of traffic​. Every listing is an opportunity – optimize it or it might as well be invisible. Don’t keyword-stuff in a nonsensical way (Amazon might suppress the listing), but do make use of all fields (including the hidden “search terms” field in Seller Central) to maximize your reach.
• Overpricing or Underpricing Products: Pricing was covered above because it’s so important. As a pitfall, overpricing is common when sellers calculate their costs but don’t check the marketplace. You might think a $30 price on a mug gives you a great margin, but if all similar mugs are $15, you’ll likely sell nothing. On the flip side, some sellers underprice to the point of losses, especially forgetting to account for shipping or fees. Amazon will charge you a referral fee regardless – if you set a $10 price on an item that costs you $9 to make and $3 in fees, you’re losing money per sale. Avoid these mistakes by doing the research and math as discussed. If unsure, start with a modest margin and adjust as you learn the demand.
• Slow Fulfillment and Missed Ship Dates: Amazon customers are used to fast shipping. If you’re fulfilling via POD, you must ensure your providers can print and ship within the time frame you promise on your listing. Late shipments can hurt your account metrics. Amazon measures your Late Shipment Rate and Pre-fulfillment Cancel rate. If Printful, for example, takes 7 days to fulfill an order but your handling time was set to 3 days, that order will be late in Amazon’s eyes, and a few of those can trigger warnings or even suspension. To avoid this, set realistic handling times (5 days or more if needed) and communicate with your POD provider. Most integrations will mark orders as shipped as soon as the label is created to inform Amazon on time. Monitor your orders – if you see an order hasn’t been fulfilled in the expected time, be proactive: reach out to your provider or, in worst case, contact the buyer via Amazon to apologize for any delay. Consistent delays or cancellations (like if your POD suddenly runs out of a product color and you have to cancel orders) are red flags for Amazon. Try to use POD providers with reliable fulfillment times and keep your catalog manageable so you can keep an eye on things early on.
• Ignoring Customer Service and Reviews: Even though with POD you outsource production, you are the seller, so customer messages and reviews are your responsibility. A pitfall is to ignore buyer messages (e.g., a buyer asks “Can I get this design in blue?” or “I put the wrong address, can you update?”). Amazon expects a response within 24 hours to buyer messages. Be attentive and helpful – good customer service can prevent negative feedback. Also, watch your product reviews once you start selling. If you get a bad review complaining about print quality or sizing, take it as feedback to improve (maybe switch POD provider for that item, or adjust your description to clarify sizing). You cannot directly remove or argue a review unless it’s abusive or irrelevant, but you can comment publicly on reviews as the seller to apologize or address issues, which shows future shoppers you care. Avoid the pitfall of complacency – actively managing these aspects keeps your account healthy and customers happy.
• Not Complying with Amazon Policies: Beyond IP, Amazon has other rules – for instance, content guidelines (no hate speech, explicit content, etc. on designs), communication guidelines (don’t try to take the transaction off Amazon or send promotional materials in the package that violate terms), and tax compliance. In 2025, Amazon in many jurisdictions is a Marketplace Facilitator, meaning they handle sales tax collection for you in most US states and some countries – but you must ensure you’ve provided the required tax info. For international sellers, neglecting to fill out thetax interviewin Seller Central (for US, that’s usually a W-8 form for foreign entities to avoid 30% withholding) can result in Amazon holding your payouts. So complete all those setup steps. Additionally, account security is often overlooked – enable 2FA, keep your account contact info up to date, and be cautious of phishing emails pretending to be Amazon. A suspended or compromised account is devastating; avoid risky behavior and follow Amazon’s rules closely​.

In short, treat your Amazon POD venture professionally. Pay attention to details (both in design and logistics), play by the rules, and always put the customer experience first. This will help you steer clear of most pitfalls that new sellers encounter.

7. Selling Globally: Tips for International Sellers and Marketplaces

One of the exciting aspects of selling on Amazon in 2025 is the global reach you can achieve. Whether you are based outside the U.S. and want to sell on Amazon.com, or you’re in the U.S. looking to expand to Europe, Amazon provides the infrastructure to make it possible. Here’s what to consider for international POD selling:

• Amazon Seller Account Locations: Amazon allows sellers from over 100 countries to register and sell on its marketplaces​. You do not necessarily need to form a U.S. company to sell on Amazon.com; you can register as an individual from say, India or Australia, and sell globally. Check Amazon’s list of accepted countries for Seller registration (as of 2025, most regions are covered). If your country is not supported, you might use a workaround like establishing a business in a supported country, but that’s complex – fortunately, major markets are supported. Merch on Demand is similarly available to creators in multiple countries (just ensure you can receive payments via Amazon’s methods in your region)​.
• Receiving Payments Internationally: When you’re selling on a foreign Amazon marketplace, you’ll get paid in that marketplace’s currency. Amazon can deposit to many local bank accounts around the world now. For example, a seller in Europe can receive Amazon US payouts in Euros to their European bank via Amazon’s Currency Converter. Be aware of currency conversion fees (~3.5% usually). Some sellers use services like Wise, Payoneer, or WorldFirst to get a virtual bank account in the marketplace currency (USD, GBP, etc.) to avoid Amazon’s conversion fees and then convert at a better rate. It’s worth researching once volumes grow, but initially using Amazon’s default payout method is simplest. Make sure to complete the tax interviews for each marketplace (e.g., a non-US person must complete a W-8BEN for Amazon US; EU sellers need to provide VAT details or claim small seller exemption if applicable).
• Selling on Multiple Marketplaces: Amazon’s Global Selling program (AGS) lets you expand easily. Amazon has unified accounts for North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) and for Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, etc.)​. This means if you register in one of those regions, you can use the same account to sell in all the marketplaces in that region. For example, if you sign up on Amazon UK, you can list products on Germany and France through the same seller account (you might need to add translations and set up VAT). In Asia-Pacific, accounts are separate (Japan, Australia, etc., each would need adding). You can manage multi-marketplace from the “Sell Globally” dashboard. Amazon even offers tools like Build International Listings which can copy your listings from one marketplace to another and auto-translate them – use with caution and always proofread translations.
• Fulfillment Considerations for International Orders: If you list products on multiple Amazon marketplaces or allow international shipping, think about where your POD partner has fulfillment centers:Printful has facilities in the US, Canada, Europe (Spain, Latvia), and partnerships in other regions. If an EU customer orders from your Amazon.com listing, you could have Printful fulfill from Europe to reduce shipping time, but only if the order was placed on an EU marketplace or you set up some routing – generally, if you sell on Amazon US, you’ll likely ship from US to global which can be slow/costly for overseas buyers. A better approach is to list on the local Amazon site (like Amazon.co.uk) and have Printful’s Europe facility fulfill UK orders, etc. Printful will route orders to the nearest facility if you set up multiple warehousing – check their settings.Gelato is strong in international, since they route orders to a network of local print providers in 33+ countries. If you integrate Gelato on Amazon US, any order from Amazon US (even if the buyer is international) can be routed to a production center near the buyer. For example, a customer in Australia buying from Amazon.com could have their item produced in Australia via Gelato, speeding up delivery. Gelato’s integration aims to produce and deliver via local hubs, which can drastically cut shipping times and costs​. This is great for providing a Prime-like experience even when you self-fulfill.Printify isn’t a single fulfiller but a platform with many print providers worldwide. When you create a product, you select a specific print provider (some in US, some in UK, China, etc). To leverage this, you might create separate Printify listings for each region (advanced strategy). For instance, one listing for US using a US print provider, and another listing (on Amazon UK) using a UK print provider for the same design, ensuring local fulfillment.
• Customs and Import Duties: When shipping internationally, keep in mind the customer may have to pay import fees if the item ships cross-border. For Amazon orders, if you ship an item from the US to a UK customer (without using Amazon’s marketplace), that UK customer might be upset by a surprise customs bill. This is why it’s generally better to sell on the Amazon marketplace of the buyer’s country – Amazon will include VAT in the price for EU/UK if you’ve set it up, and with local fulfillment or Amazon’s Global Logistics programs, customers get a smoother experience. If you do ship internationally from your home marketplace, consider using Amazon’s Global Shipping settings where you can charge a bit extra for international shipping and mark who handles customs (often DDU – Delivered Duty Unpaid, meaning customer pays on delivery). But the best practice for POD: try to fulfill within the region of the customer whenever possible.
• Localizing Your Listings: If you expand to non-English marketplaces, invest in proper translation of your titles and descriptions. Don’t rely solely on machine translation as nuance can be lost (though Amazon’s Build International Listings auto-translations can be a starting point). You want your keywords to be in the local language too – for example, in Germany, a shirt might need “T-Shirt” and German descriptive keywords to rank on Amazon.de. It might be worth hiring a freelance translator or using translation tools that you then have a native speaker review. Also note, some humor or cultural references in designs may not translate across markets.
• Regional Regulations: Each country has its own rules. In Europe, selling apparel might require a valid address for returns in the EU and compliance with EU consumer laws (Amazon.co.uk and EU have return policies you must honor, typically 30-day returns). VAT tax: Amazon will ask for a VAT ID if you store goods in Europe, but with POD you typically ship from outside on a per-order basis – even then, if you exceed a certain revenue, you may need to register for VAT in the destination country to collect and remit VAT. Amazon’s new OSS (One-Stop Shop) integration can simplify VAT for EU-wide sales if you register for it. For Canada/Australia and others, be mindful of GST. This sounds complex, but when starting, volumes are small and often below thresholds – just keep an eye and consult a tax advisor as you scale.
• Customer Service Across Time Zones: As an international seller, you might get customer messages at odd hours. Plan how you will handle that – perhaps set aside a time each day that overlaps with your main customer region’s business hours to check messages. Amazon requires replies within 24 hours, no matter what time zone, so you may be answering emails at 11pm if needed. Good communication is key to global success.
• Global Expansion Strategy: You don’t have to expand to every marketplace at once. A sensible path might be: start on one (e.g., Amazon.com). Once you have a formula, consider launching on Amazon in your home country (if different) or another English-speaking market like Canada or UK (less barrier with language). Then branch to Europe or elsewhere if you see demand. You can also use your Amazon success to inform where else to go (e.g., if you get a lot of orders from Australia on your US listing, maybe Amazon Australia is worth listing on with local fulfillment).

Selling globally can significantly boost your sales – Amazon’s various sites give you access to millions of additional customers. As SellerMetrics notes, Amazon’s global network and programs allow sellers to reach overseas markets fairly easily, provided you navigate each region’s requirements​. By leveraging POD providers with international fulfillment, you effectively turn this into a distributed business without much extra overhead. Always stay informed on the latest Amazon global selling policies, and you’ll steadily grow beyond borders.

Conclusion: Starting an Amazon print-on-demand business in 2025 is an exciting opportunity. By choosing the platform that fits your goals (Merch on Demand for simplicity or Seller Central for flexibility), setting up your accounts properly, integrating reliable POD partners, and optimizing your listings with strong SEO and design, you set the stage for success. Remember to keep an eye out for pitfalls and focus on delivering value to customers. With dedication and continuous learning, you can tap into Amazon’s global customer base and build a thriving POD venture.

Looking into other marketplaces too? Our guide to the Best POD Providers for Etsy Sellers gives you more options to diversify your income streams.