This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission. Read the Disclosure Policy for more information.
Last Updated on April 23, 2025 by Katie
Did you know that over 1.1 million active sellers in the US are making money on Amazon’s various platforms? While most people think of Amazon as just a place to shop, this e-commerce giant has evolved into a goldmine of income opportunities for creative entrepreneurs and side hustlers. If you want to get a piece of this huge and profitable pie, keep reading to learn about the best Amazon side hustles for beginners.
From self-publishing novels to flipping retail products, Amazon offers diverse ways to earn extra income without quitting your day job.
In fact, I have earned a decent amount of side income through Amazon myself from affiliate marketing and by selling low content coloring books.
Whether you have a creative streak, technical skills, or just a keen eye for deals, there’s likely an Amazon side hustle that matches your talents and schedule.
Keep reading to learn about the latest Amazon side hustles worth your time, that might just give you enough extra income to quit your 9-5 this year!
You might also like:
- 13 profitable writing side hustles
- 15 Shopify side hustles ideal for beginners
- 17 best summer side hustles to warm up your wallet
Want to Make Extra Money Right Now?
- Survey Junkie: Earn money by taking surveys and giving your opinion on new products. Over $1.5 million is paid out to members monthly! Join Survey Junkie now.
- American Consumer Opinion: Get paid for your opinion by taking surveys and taking part in research studies. Earn between $1 and $50 per survey. Join ACOP Now.
Proven Amazon Side Hustles You Can Start Today
Are you looking for a flexible side hustle from your phone or one that can be done from home, in just a few hours a week?
Stats show that Amazon has over 1.5 million employees worldwide in 2024 and over 9.7 million sellers, of which 82% use FBA (fulfilled by Amazon) and 58% turn a profit in the first year.
Amazon has a massive global audience which you can tap into to make money from home for yourself.
Let’s take a look at the different options.
1. Amazon KDP Self-Publishing
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers writers a direct path to selling books on the world’s largest online marketplace.
Authors can publish both digital and print books while keeping up to 70% of each sale.
Many writers report making $1,000 to $5,000 from their book launches, though income varies based on marketing efforts and genre popularity.
The process starts with writing and editing your manuscript, followed by creating an eye-catching cover design.
To Get Started
Sign up for a free KDP account, format your book for both digital and print versions, and set your pricing strategy.
Success often comes from building an author platform through social media, connecting with readers, and running targeted promotional campaigns.
Regular book releases and active reader engagement help maintain steady sales.
2. Creating and Selling Digital Products on Amazon
Amazon offers a growing market for digital products like coloring books, digital planners, and printable resources.
Sellers can reach global customers by designing and uploading ready-to-download items through platforms like KDP.
This income stream works well for graphic designers and educators who create high-quality digital content.
Many sellers start with simple planners or coloring pages, then expand their product line based on customer demand.
How to Get Started
Pick profitable niches, create professional designs, and maintain consistent product uploads.
Successful creators often make several thousand dollars monthly by building a varied portfolio of digital downloads.
Testing different product types and prices helps identify what sells best in the marketplace.
Further reading: 23 digital products to make and sell that can be made in an afternoon.
3. Amazon FBA Private Label and Reselling
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) lets sellers run an online business without handling shipping or customer service.
You can start by either creating your own brand ([private label vs reselling] or reselling existing products.
Many sellers earn $2,000+ monthly after establishing their product line and optimizing their listings.
The process begins with finding a profitable niche through market research tools and selecting products with good sales potential.
To Get Started
Sign up for an Amazon Seller account, choose your products, and ship them to Amazon’s warehouses.
Amazon takes care of storage, packaging, and shipping to customers. Your main focus stays on product selection, inventory management, and marketing your listings through Amazon’s advertising platform.
The model works particularly well for those interested in building a scalable ecommerce operation.
Many successful sellers start with one or two products and expand their catalogue as they learn the marketplace.
4. Amazon Merch on Demand
Amazon’s print-on-demand service lets artists sell custom t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel without inventory costs.
When customers buy products featuring your designs, Amazon handles the printing, shipping, and customer service while you collect Amazon Merch royalties.
Many designers make $1,000 or more monthly by building a portfolio of popular designs. The amount you earn depends on your pricing and how well your designs connect with buyers.
How to Get Started
Sign up for an Amazon Merch account.
Once approved, you can upload your artwork, pick product types, and set your prices. Success comes from creating designs that match current trends and appeal to specific customer groups.
Many sellers promote their products through social media and online communities to increase visibility and sales.
Further reading: How to sell t-shirts print on demand.
5. Amazon Affiliate Marketing
The Amazon Associates Program offers content creators a way to earn money by recommending products from Amazon’s marketplace.
You can make commissions ranging from 1-10% when readers buy items through your unique affiliate links.
This income stream works well for bloggers, YouTubers, and social media influencers who already have an engaged audience.
Top performers often make $2,000+ monthly by creating helpful product reviews, comparison articles, and buying guides.
How to Get Started
Sign up with the Amazon Associates Program, pick products that match your audience’s interests, and add affiliate links to your content.
Many successful affiliates focus on specific product categories and build trust with their readers through honest recommendations.
Regular content updates and tracking your link performance help maximise earnings over time.
Further reading: How to start affiliate marketing with no money.
6. Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade provides artisans a special marketplace to sell their handcrafted items.
The platform connects makers directly with Amazon’s massive customer base, offering a way to turn creative skills into profits.
Sellers typically make $1,000 to $2,000 monthly, with earnings increasing during holiday seasons.
Success comes from making popular items, taking professional photos, setting smart prices, and building connections in craft communities.
How to Get Started
Pass Amazon’s approval process, which checks that products are genuinely handmade.
Once approved, artisans can list their items, manage their shop, and take advantage of Amazon’s trusted shipping and customer service systems.
Many successful sellers focus on unique, high-quality pieces and maintain consistent inventory levels. They often combine their Amazon presence with an Etsy shop to build their brand recognition.
Further reading: 29 profitable craft side hustle ideas you can do from home.
7. Amazon Work from Home Jobs
Amazon work-from-home jobs offer remote workers for various positions across customer service, IT, marketing, HR and content writing roles.
These jobs offer stable income with hourly rates between $15-$45, based on the position and your skills.
To find these opportunities, visit Amazon’s job page and search for “remote” or “work from home” positions.
The application process involves submitting your resume, completing online assessments, and participating in virtual interviews.
Remote jobs at Amazon come with benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and employee discounts and many positions offer flexible schedules, making them perfect for people seeking work-life balance.
8. Retail Arbitrage
Retail arbitrage on Amazon involves buying products at discount stores and reselling them for a profit.
Smart arbitrage sellers scan clearance sections, sales racks, and thrift stores to find items they can mark up on Amazon’s marketplace.
Many sellers make $1,000 or more monthly by spotting good deals and pricing them right.
How to Get Started
The process starts with downloading price comparison apps to check potential profits while shopping. Look for items selling at 50% or more below their Amazon prices.
Next, sign up for an Amazon Seller account and get the Amazon Seller app. Visit local stores like Walmart, Target, and discount outlets to find products.
Scan barcodes to check prices and competition levels and when you find profitable items, buy them, list them on Amazon, and ship them promptly to maintain good seller ratings.
9. Online Arbitrage
Online arbitrage puts a digital spin on traditional retail flipping because, instead of visiting physical stores, sellers find discounted products on websites and resell them on Amazon for higher prices.
Many sellers make $2,000+ monthly by tracking online deals and price differences across shopping sites.
To Get Started
The process starts with researching products using price comparison tools and deal-finding websites to spot items selling below their Amazon market value.
Next, set up an Amazon Seller account and learn which product categories offer the best margins. Many successful sellers use FBA to handle storage and shipping, letting them focus on finding new products to list.
Tracking seasonal trends and maintaining accurate inventory records helps build steady profits over time.
10. Wholesale Selling
Amazon wholesale selling means buying products in bulk from manufacturers and distributors to sell at higher prices.
Many established sellers make $5,000+ monthly after setting up their supplier networks and optimising their product listings.
To Get Started
Research product categories with steady demand and good profit margins. Connect with legitimate suppliers through trade shows, online directories, and business networks.
You’ll need capital to purchase inventory and maintain stock levels.
Create your Amazon Seller account, list your products with clear descriptions and high-quality images, and price competitively.
Focus on building relationships with reliable suppliers while monitoring your inventory turnover. Success often comes from mastering inventory management and identifying products with consistent sales patterns.
11. ACX Voice Over Acting
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) connects narrators with authors and publishers who need audiobooks produced.
Working as a voice actor, you can earn money through per-hour payments or ongoing royalties from audiobook sales.
To Get Started
Firstly, set up a home recording space with quality equipment and creating demo samples that show your vocal range.
Many narrators begin by practicing with public domain books before auditioning for paid projects.
Next, sign up on ACX, build your profile, and upload voice samples and once approved, you can start auditioning for books that match your voice style (check these no-experience voice-over jobs).
Successful narrators often specialize in specific genres like romance, non-fiction, or children’s books to build their reputation and attract more work.
12. Dropshipping Using Amazon
Dropshipping is one of the best Amazon side hustles that involves selling products without keeping physical inventory.
When customers place orders, suppliers ship items directly to buyers. This business model attracts sellers looking for low start-up costs and minimal risk.
Many dropshippers earn over $2,000 monthly after setting up efficient systems. However, Amazon has specific rules about dropshipping – sellers must be listed as the official seller on packing slips and invoices.
To Get Started
Pick products with steady demand and find reliable suppliers who meet Amazon’s shipping standards.
Set up your Amazon Seller account, list your items, and use automation tools to track orders and inventory. Many successful sellers focus on specific product categories and build relationships with multiple suppliers to avoid stock issues.
Keep close watch on your supplier performance and customer feedback. Quick response times and proper order tracking help maintain good seller ratings and steady sales.
13. Amazon Mechanical Turk
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) offers a simple way to earn money by completing small online tasks.
Workers can take on data entry jobs, image tagging, text validation and survey taking jobs that pay per completed assignment.
The platform suits people who want flexible work hours and the ability to pick tasks that match their skills.
Most MTurk workers make a few hundred dollars monthly, making it better suited for supplemental income rather than full-time earnings.
To Get Started
Create an account on MTurk and look for tasks called HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks).
Begin with basic assignments to build your approval rating, then access higher-paying opportunities.
Many successful workers focus on specific task types and use browser extensions to find the best-paying jobs quickly.
Payment goes directly to your bank account or Amazon gift card balance.
Extra Ways to Make Money On Amazon
Amazon offers several additional income streams beyond the main selling platforms.
Product testing programs let you try items and write honest reviews, though you’ll need to follow Amazon’s strict guidelines about disclosure.
And, if you have a decent-sized media following, you can sign up for the Amazon Influencer Program.
Using this, you will get a customisable storefront on Amazon where you can create content and recommend products to your audience.
Just like affiliate marketing, you will make a commission when someone buys through your unique link.
Furthermore, passionate gamers can make money playing games by broadcasting their games on Twitch.tv, which is owned by Amazon.
Using this, streamers can make money from:
- Donations
- Selling merch to fans
- Paid adverts on their channels
- Receiving a share of subscription fees
Reportedly, some players with a huge fan base earn over $300,000 a year!
Further reading:
- 7 remote game tester jobs no experience
- 21 profitable gaming business ideas worth starting this year
The Best Amazon Side Hustles: Your Next Steps
The beauty of Amazon side hustles lies in their accessibility and scalability.
Whether you start with self-publishing a book, creating digital products, or exploring retail arbitrage, the key is to choose a method that aligns with your skills and available time commitment.
Remember that success on Amazon rarely happens overnight. Start with one side hustle, master its nuances, and gradually expand your income streams.
With dedication and strategic planning, these Amazon side hustles can grow from supplemental income into substantial revenue sources.
