7 Smart Ways to Make Money on Amazon in 2026

If you’ve ever wondered how to make money on Amazon in 2026, you’re far from alone. The world’s biggest marketplace has evolved into a full-blown ecosystem - one where anyone can earn income, often without even selling a physical product. From publishing your own eBooks to launching custom merch or handmade goods, the opportunities keep expanding.

This guide breaks down some of the smartest, most realistic ways to build an Amazon income stream this year, whether you’re a complete beginner, side hustler, or ready to scale a full business.

Amazon isn’t just a store - it’s a full-blown platform for earning online, whether you want to start a side hustle or a serious business. The opportunities span physical products, digital creations, and even affiliate programs, giving sellers countless ways to find their niche and grow. Here are seven of the most effective methods to build income on Amazon this year.

Selling private label products remains one of the most reliable ways to make money on Amazon. The concept is straightforward: find a proven product, create your own version under a unique brand, and sell it through your Amazon storefront. Many sellers use Amazon FBA to handle storage, shipping, and customer service, making it easier to scale a storefront. It’s less about invention and more about smart positioning in a marketplace that already rewards what sells.

While it can sound complex, private labeling is beginner-friendly when you start small and focus on research. Many sellers earn a few hundred dollars monthly at first, with some scaling to six figures once they master product selection, inventory management, and listing optimization.

To streamline your product launch, Sellerhook now offers the Launch-Ready Opportunity Bundle – a complete blueprint designed to take your private label products from concept to market with confidence. This all-in-one package includes three validated product ideas, a supplier check to ensure reliability, an SEO-optimized listing creation, and a custom A+ content strategy. With this bundle, you’ll receive a curated selection of trending products ready for branding, a verified supplier matched to your needs, a compelling product listing built to convert, and enhanced content that elevates your brand presence. In short, everything you need to launch your private label products efficiently and set them up for long-term success.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a published author, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) makes it more accessible than ever and it’s a surprisingly lucrative way to make money on Amazon. The concept is simple: you write an eBook, format it for Kindle, and publish it directly on Amazon’s marketplace. Unlike traditional publishing, there’s no gatekeeper, no lengthy wait, and no need to invest in printing physical books.

Publishing on KDP is beginner-friendly but still requires thoughtful preparation. You’ll want to identify a topic that sells, design a compelling cover, and optimize your listing with strategic keywords so readers can find your book. Once your eBook is live, it can generate passive income month after month, with earnings ranging from a few dollars for niche hobbies to several thousand per month for well-marketed titles in popular categories.

Getting started is straightforward: write your book, upload it to KDP, set your price, and hit publish. From there, you can experiment with promotions, Kindle Unlimited, and Amazon ads to increase visibility. For beginners, the key is consistency, so publishing multiple eBooks over time often leads to a sustainable online income.

Digital products are one of the most flexible ways to make money on Amazon without selling inventory or shipping. Think printable planners, templates, graphics, or even digital courses: you create the product once, and it can sell endlessly on the marketplace. Unlike physical products, there’s no storage or logistics, which makes it an easy entry point for beginners looking to start an online business.

While creating digital products requires creativity and a bit of technical know-how, the complexity is manageable. Tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or simple PDF software make designing professional-looking products accessible even for non-designers. Earnings vary depending on the niche and marketing, but many sellers earn $200–$2,000 per month, and top creators can scale to several thousand dollars monthly with multiple products.

Starting is simple: identify a demand or niche, create your product, and upload it to a suitable Amazon storefront or digital platform. Optimizing your listing with the right keywords and attractive visuals can significantly boost visibility and sales.
For anyone looking to sell online without the headaches of a physical product, digital goods offer a scalable, low-investment business opportunity with real income potential.

Reselling is one of the most straightforward ways to make money on Amazon, especially for beginners. The idea is simple: buy products at a lower cost (whether from clearance sales, wholesalers, or other marketplaces) and resell them on Amazon for a profit. You don’t need to create a product from scratch, and you can start small, testing different items to see what sells.

In terms of complexity, reselling is relatively easy to learn, but it does require careful research. You need to understand Amazon fees, shipping logistics, and demand trends to make sure your investment turns into profit. Many sellers earn $300–$1,500 per month when starting, while experienced resellers with smart sourcing strategies can generate several thousand dollars monthly.

Getting started involves finding profitable products, setting up an Amazon seller account, and listing items with clear, keyword-rich descriptions. Tools like AMZScout make it easier to identify high-demand products and analyze market trends, while Seller Central helps track inventory and pricing, simplifying the management of multiple products at once.

For those who enjoy hunting deals and spotting trends, reselling combines the thrill of treasure hunting with the potential for a steady online income, all without the complexity of creating a brand or managing large inventory.

If creating or selling products isn’t your thing, Amazon’s Influencer and Affiliate programs offer another way to make money online. Instead of managing inventory, you earn commissions by promoting products through your own content - social media, blogs, or YouTube channels. Every time someone buys through your referral link, you earn a percentage of the sale.

The complexity here is relatively low, especially for those who already have an audience. Success depends on content quality, audience engagement, and selecting things that resonate with your followers. Beginners often start earning $50–$500 per month, while seasoned influencers or affiliates with large, targeted audiences can make $1,000–$5,000+ per month.

Getting started is straightforward: sign up for the Amazon Influencer or Affiliate Program, create a personalized storefront or link library, and start sharing product recommendations. Pairing your links with honest reviews, tutorials, or curated lists can significantly boost clicks and conversions.

For anyone looking to monetize influence or content creation without the overhead of inventory or shipping, Amazon’s affiliate opportunities provide a flexible, low-investment path to building a scalable online business.

For creatives and designers, Merch by Amazon is a unique way to make money on Amazon without holding inventory. You upload your custom designs for t-shirts, hoodies, or other apparel and Amazon handles production, shipping, and customer service. Every time someone buys an item with your design, you earn a royalty, turning your creativity into a steady income stream.

The process is beginner-friendly but competitive. Designing compelling graphics and understanding trends are key to standing out. Earnings vary widely: some sellers make $100–$500 per month initially, while popular designs and consistent uploads can bring in $1,000–$5,000+ monthly. The potential grows with a larger portfolio of designs and targeted marketing through social media or niche storefronts.

Getting started is simple: request access to Merch by Amazon, upload your designs, set your prices, and create listings optimized with relevant keywords. The platform’s print-on-demand model eliminates inventory headaches, making it an easy, low-risk entry point into selling physical products online.

For designers looking to transform creativity into cash, Merch by Amazon is an elegant, hands-off way to earn, scale, and showcase your work to a global audience.

For artisans and crafters, Amazon Handmade offers a marketplace to sell unique, handcrafted products to millions of buyers worldwide. From jewelry and home décor to custom gifts, this program allows you to turn your passion into a thriving online business without competing directly with mass-produced items.

The complexity is moderate as success requires high-quality craftsmanship, appealing product photos, and thoughtful pricing, but it’s very approachable for beginners willing to dedicate time to creating standout items. Many sellers earn $200–$1,000 per month initially, while skilled artisans with popular products can generate $3,000–$7,000+ monthly, particularly during peak seasons or with strong social promotion.

Getting started involves applying to Amazon Handmade, setting up your artisan profile, and listing your products with clear, keyword-rich descriptions. You control inventory, branding, and production pace, while Amazon takes care of the marketplace logistics, making it easier to focus on creating and selling.

For anyone looking to combine creativity with commerce, Amazon Handmade transforms hobbies into a legitimate business, providing a low-risk, high-reward path to making money on Amazon while sharing your craft with a global audience.

Making money on Amazon in 2026 isn’t just about selling products. It’s about finding the approach that fits your skills, interests, and investment style. Whether you’re publishing eBooks, designing merch, reselling, or building a full private label brand, there’s a path for every beginner or seasoned seller.

Tools like Sellerhook can give you a head start, offering research, supplier guidance, and listing strategies to turn ideas into real revenue. The key is to pick a method, start small, and iterate because in Amazon’s vast marketplace, opportunity rewards action.

What’s the best way to make money on Amazon with no budget?
The easiest way to start earning on Amazon with little to no budget is through programs like Kindle Direct Publishing, Merch by Amazon, or the Affiliate Program. These options let you create digital products or promote items without upfront costs, making them ideal for beginners who want to start an online business without investing in inventory or physical products.

How much does it cost to start selling on Amazon?
Starting on Amazon can cost as little as $0 for programs like KDP or the Affiliate Program, but selling physical products requires a Professional Seller account at $39.99/month. Additional costs may include inventory, shipping, and marketing. Overall, beginners can start small and scale, keeping upfront investment flexible depending on the business model.

Can I sell on Amazon without inventory?
Yes, you can sell on Amazon without holding inventory by using print-on-demand services like Merch by Amazon, dropshipping, or digital products such as eBooks. These models allow you to list and sell items online while Amazon or third-party partners handle production, shipping, and fulfillment, reducing upfront costs and business risk.

Is Amazon still profitable in 2026?
Yes, Amazon remains profitable in 2026 for sellers who choose the right business model. With options like private label, reselling, digital products, or affiliate programs, beginners and experienced entrepreneurs alike can earn steady income. Success depends on product research, listing optimization, and consistent marketing to capture visibility in Amazon’s competitive marketplace.