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They finally let the kid in. I should probably explain what it's all about, why being approved is an accomplishment and why it's such a great opportunity.

What is Merch by Amazon?

Merch by Amazon is Amazon's print on demand service. They allow companies and individuals the ability to create and upload designs that can be printed onto t-shirts and long-sleeved tops. The creator receives royalties for each sale, once Amazon's fees (such as the raw materials and manufacturing costs) are deducted.

What makes print-on-demand so attractive is that there no inventory for the individual. In this case, Amazon print the designs themselves on they sell and ship them straight out afterwards. Note that at present, products created through Merch by Amazon can only be listed and sold on their US site.

What Took Me So Long to Get Approved?

The approval thing is partly my fault and partly Amazon's. I heard about this service in 2016 and delayed on getting started, because I was working on some other things (like this blog) and an ecommerce brand that would require print-on-demand elements, but was for the UK market (so Merch wouldn't be any use).

Over the course of 2017, I came up with absolutely loads of t-shirt designs for all kinds of niches. I tried to convince myself that I would make websites for the mini-brands I'd created in my head but soon realised how overstretched I would be. They had to go on Merch.

In July 2017, I applied for Merch by Amazon and just waited to get accepted. By this point, the device was notorious for long approval times, so I knew I had time to prepare before I could start selling. They're scaling up slowly and we have to let them figure things out. Even so, I was itching to get going, and my t-shirt concepts lists was ever-increasing. In September I even met someone in the UK that got accepted and hadn't put the account to use yet!

In the months since then, of course I've been distracted by a myriad of other things. I couldn't think about Merch because it was up to Amazon when I could start that, not me. There are plenty of other project I and can and did do instead. I could have turned to other print-on-demand services but I didn't think it would be worth it; Merch will be the place I list some bad boy designs. I'll let Amazon tell me when to get to action.

So the New Year comes. I'm out here full steam with the projects I've been building since last year and then – BAM! Amazon accepts me in the latest bulk batch of Merch sellers. I was caught completely off-guard, as I had another big break through with something else I was working on.

What Should You Do When You Get Approved for Merch by Amazon?

  • Read the FAQs
  • Input your tax information
  • Upload one shirt
  • Take a step back and figure things out

When that approval came through, I really had some big things I had to sort out first. If you're an entrepreneur of some sort, I'm sure you'll be in a similar situation. However, you need to make sure you keep your account. They're sought after and Amazon will take it from you if it isn't put to use.

It took about an hour to do the top three points, and then get myself together. Make sure you do the same. Fast. You have 180 days, but you know how far distractions can take you.

What Next?

I am going to start actively growing my Merch by Amazon account. It won't be my main priority, but I can see how easily a few designs can generate passive income. The only way to do that is to tier up, so I'm able to upload more shirts and get to the stage where I'm getting a steady flow of sales.

Merch by Amazon Hoody - Probably Busy

Designs

Conceptualising, I can do. Designing, no. I'm going to whip a few things together on Canva and/or Photoshop for the concepts that suit it. For the ones that need a bit more effort, I have a handful of reliable designer and illustrators I know will do a good job.

I've also come across a service that claims they turn concepts into t-shirt designs in 24 hours for $10, so I'm going to see whether that's worth doing. I'm going to need as much help as possible if it's going to grow in the way I'd like.

All of my other creative projects are things I can say I was proud to be a part of. I've had a “Nowt Bait” motto from the beginning of time, because I cannot stand this form of leechery. Merch is a different game though. I can finally ‘sell out' through a comfort of a private account that I don't need to and shouldn't show to anyone else. (Update note: I've advanced to an unlimited design service).

Promotion

I've got my head around Amazon SEO and now I just need to apply it to the US market. Being one of relatively few UK sellers on Merch by Amazon puts me at an advantage, because I'll come up with niches and ideas that they wouldn't have considered.

Besides organic promotion, I'm down put a little budget behind my products. Amazon don't allow sponsored listings for Merch designs, so it might have to be a Facebook and Instagram ads job. I'll make sure I can sell for free before I try this, but I know it will speed up the tiering process.

Update

Now I'm in and very active, I've got a few different tools you may find helpful over here. Also, if you've been approved and still haven't done anything with your account, just take the time to figure out a strategy and get on it. You're privileged to be in it so early.

Chiino
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