Most people think of Amazon as a place where you have to sell products to earn money. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Amazon allows you to make money in other ways, by writing and publishing books through Kindle Direct Publishing, creating designs for Merch by Amazon, narrating audiobooks via ACX, promoting products as an affiliate, or even completing small online tasks on Amazon Mechanical Turk.
But these aren’t the only options either. In this guide, you’ll uncover seven practical, lesser-known ways to make money on Amazon without being a seller. We’ve broken each method down in detail, covering how it works, what you’ll need to get started, how much you can expect to earn, and who it’s best suited for. Let’s have a look:
Can You Really Make Money on Amazon Without Selling?
Yes, and it’s more common than you might think. While most associate Amazon with selling physical products, the platform supports several earning models that require no inventory or customer service.
These include digital content creation, affiliate promotion, gig work, and creative licensing. If you have skills in writing, design, speaking, or even data entry, Amazon offers entry points that can turn your time or creativity into income.
Let’s walk through seven proven ways to generate income on Amazon without being a traditional seller.
7 Proven Ways to Make Money on Amazon Without Selling
Here are the proven seven ways to make money on Amazon without selling:
1. Join the Amazon Affiliate Program (Associates)
The Amazon Associates Program allows you to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products through unique referral links. When a user clicks your link and buys something, you receive a percentage, typically ranging from 1% to 20% (for gaming niches), depending on the product category.
Where to promote:
- Niche blogs and review sites
- YouTube videos with product mentions
- Pinterest boards or other social platforms
Tips:
- Focus on products with recurring interest (tech gadgets, household items, books)
- Use short links and disclosure disclaimers to stay compliant
- Use tracking IDs to monitor performance by channel
If you’re planning to promote Amazon products, it’s helpful to understand what an ASIN number is. This unique code helps you find and share the right products easily
2. Publish eBooks Using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Amazon KDP lets you self-publish eBooks and paperbacks for free and earn up to 70% royalties. You don’t need to be a novelist; short guides, recipe books, low-content journals, and how-tos all perform well.
How to start:
- Choose a niche with apparent demand (e.g., budgeting, fitness logs, language guides)
- Format your book using Amazon’s templates or tools like Kindle Create
- Upload your manuscript and cover design, then set your pricing and royalties
Key facts:
- Royalty rates: 35% or 70%, depending on pricing and region
- Books remain live for years, building passive income streams
Want to publish books or digital content without storing any stock? There are more methods you can try. Check out this guide on how to sell on Amazon Without Inventory.
3. Design for Merch by Amazon
Merch by Amazon is a print-on-demand service that sells your custom designs on shirts, hoodies, and more. You upload artwork, set a price, and Amazon handles production, shipping, and customer service.
How to start:
- Apply for an account (approval may take time)
- Use tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator for designs
- Research trending niches like memes, holidays, or hobbies
Earnings:
- Royalties range based on price point (typically $2–$7 per item)
- Best for designers or creatives looking for hands-off income
Once you start selling designs, you might want to create a storefront to showcase your work. See real Amazon storefront examples for inspiration.
4. Perform Microtasks via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
MTurk is a crowdsourcing platform where businesses post simple online tasks: image labeling, data validation, surveys, and more. While not passive, it can offer small payouts per task and flexibility.
What to expect:
- Pay varies widely, from $0.01 to $5 per task
- Some requesters are consistent and high-paying; others less so
Tasks often require attention to detail and speed
Who it suits:
- Freelancers, students, or anyone looking for supplemental online income
Whether you’re completing small tasks or researching sellers, knowing how to search for a Seller on Amazon properly can help.
5. Create Audiobooks for Audible via ACX
Through the Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX), you can either narrate books or hire narrators to produce audiobooks. These are then distributed on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
How to get started:
- Choose a royalty-share or flat-fee arrangement
- Use a good microphone and free software like Audacity for recording
- Polish narration with noise reduction and pacing adjustments
Payouts:
- 40% royalty if exclusive to Audible/Amazon/iTunes
- Long-term passive income from every listen
Curious about how Amazon handles packages and product tracking? Learn what an LPN number is and how it works.
6. Become an Amazon Influencer
If you have a strong social following, the Amazon Influencer Program allows you to create a storefront and earn from product recommendations.
What you need:
- A decent following on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook
- Approved Amazon account
- Consistent content style (tech reviews, home hacks, beauty tips)
Perks:
- Create a personalized Amazon storefront
- Link products in posts, bios, and videos
If you’re recommending products, it helps to know about the Buy Box it affects who gets credit for the sale. Here’s a simple guide on what the Buy Box is on Amazon.
7. Deliver Packages Through Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is a gig-based delivery program. You use your own vehicle to deliver packages to local customers. It’s similar to ride-share work but for parcels.
Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and car
- Background check
- Smartphone with Flex app
Pay:
- Typically $18–$25 per hour, depending on location and shift
- Great for those wanting flexible, local work
If you’re delivering for Amazon Flex, it’s good to know how shipping works. Find out if USPS delivers for Amazon on weekends.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Methods
| Method | Passive/Active | Start Cost | Time Required | Avg. Monthly Income |
| Amazon Associates | Passive | $0 | Low | $20–$500+ |
| Kindle Publishing (KDP) | Passive | $0–$50 | Medium | $50–$1,000+ |
| Merch by Amazon | Passive | $0 | Medium | $20–$700+ |
| Mechanical Turk | Active | $0 | High | $30–$300 |
| ACX (Audiobooks) | Passive | $50–$200 | High (initial) | $100–$1,500+ |
| Influencer Program | Passive | $0 | Medium | Varies widely |
| Amazon Flex | Active | Vehicle | High | $300–$1,000+ |
Which Method Should You Start With?
Choosing a starting point depends on your available time, skills, and income goals. Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decision:
- Want passive income with little upfront cost? Start with Amazon Associates or KDP. These take effort up front but generate ongoing income over time.
- Have a creative side? Merch by Amazon and ACX are perfect if you enjoy design or voice work.
- Need immediate payouts? Amazon Flex and Mechanical Turk pay quickly, though they require active effort.
- Already have a social audience? The Amazon Influencer Program is ideal if you want to monetize your following without selling products.
Think about your weekly schedule. Can you spare 5 hours? Start with a simple affiliate website. More time? Consider writing your first eBook or recording a short audiobook. Want no learning curve? Deliver with Amazon Flex and start earning by the weekend.
Final Tips to Start Earning on Amazon
- Pick one method and go deep. Many fail because they try everything and master nothing. Choose based on your strengths.
- Stay consistent. Especially with content-based models like blogging or publishing, consistency is key.
- Use Amazon’s resources. All programs have guidelines, training, and forums; read them.
- Track performance. Use spreadsheets or apps to monitor what works best.
- Don’t rush. Sustainable income on Amazon takes patience, not tricks.
If you’re managing multiple Amazon income streams, reports can help you stay organized. Here’s How Amazon Seller Central Reports Can Help Grow Your Business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to make money on Amazon without selling?
The Amazon Associates Program is often considered the easiest. It requires no upfront cost, and you can start by linking to products in your blog or social media posts.
Can I really make passive income with Amazon?
Yes. Kindle Direct Publishing, Merch by Amazon, and ACX are all designed to generate income over time without requiring constant effort once set up.
Do I need a website to join Amazon’s affiliate program?
While having a website helps, you can also use YouTube, TikTok, or other platforms to qualify, as long as you have original content and traffic.
How much can beginners earn on Amazon without selling?
Income varies. Some methods might earn $50–$100/month at first, while others, like KDP or ACX, could grow into $1,000+/month with consistent effort.
Is there any cost involved in these methods?
Most are free to start, but some, like ACX (microphone, recording software) or KDP (optional design tools), might require minimal investment.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be a seller to profit from Amazon’s reach. Whether you prefer writing, designing, or task-based work, the platform offers multiple entry points.
Choose a method aligned with your skills and schedule. Start small, stay consistent, and use this guide to revisit or expand your approach as you grow.
Explore further by diving into the Amazon program that best matches your long-term goals.
