Smith 
Amazon is unbelievably huge, pulling in $514 billion in sales in 2022 alone. While it might not have the best reputation, there’s no denying that you can make extra cash with Amazon. There are plenty of ways to earn money through this online giant. Although not all are high-paying, some can be quite lucrative, like software engineering. Most Amazon gigs fit nicely around your day job and are perfect for side hustles. Let’s dive into some of the best options.
Amazon FBA
If you love thrift shopping, Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) could be your go-to. It’s like a digital marketplace where you grab cheap, in-demand products and sell them for a profit. People typically find deals at stores like drugstores or Target. Using third-party apps, you can quickly check an item’s price and popularity on Amazon before deciding to buy. Clean up any stickers, send the products to an Amazon warehouse, and they handle the rest. It’s super flexible and popular; most people spend less than 10 hours a week on it and earn between $1,000 and $25,000 monthly. Keep in mind that a Professional seller account costs $49/month plus fees, and if you use a paid app for price checking, that’ll be an extra $10/month.
Sell Your Own Items
Got a scalable product to sell? Many people use Amazon to sell their unique items like beauty products, shelf-stable foods, or imported goods. Take Bumblebee Linens, for instance. Steve and Jennifer Chou started importing fancy napkins to sell on Amazon after being inspired by their wedding favors. It worked so well that Jennifer could quit her job, and now they teach others how to start their own ecommerce businesses.
Merch by Amazon
If you’re creative and have cool t-shirt ideas, Merch by Amazon might be for you. Upload your design, and when someone orders it, Amazon handles the production and shipping. You’ll just collect a cut of the profits. Your income will vary depending on the product and pricing. For example, a $17.99 tank top might net you $2.07, but a $21.99 tote bag could get you $5.35.
Amazon Handmade
For those who are crafty and can produce items quickly, Amazon Handmade is an option. It’s like Etsy but has a more stringent approval process. You won’t pay the $39.99 monthly fee required for general sellers, but there is a 15% referral fee. It’s ideal for scalable products, rather than time-consuming crafts like hand-knitted sweaters.
Publish Kindle Ebooks
If you enjoy writing, publishing ebooks on Kindle can be a fun way to make money. Popular genres include romance and fan fiction. However, marketing is key; without a good marketing plan, your book might go unnoticed. But if you stick with it and build a following, it can pay off better than traditional publishing.
Amazon Associates
For bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and social media influencers, the Amazon Associates program offers a way to earn commissions by recommending products. After applying and being accepted, you can create custom referral links for products and earn 1-10% of the purchase price when people buy through your link.
Amazon Mechanical Turk
If you want to make small amounts of cash through quick online jobs, try Amazon Mechanical Turk. You can pick up tasks like transcribing audio or filling out surveys. While the pay isn’t great—around $2 per hour—it’s worth a look if you need some quick cash and lack marketable skills.
Deliver Packages
If you don’t mind driving, delivering packages for Amazon could be a good fit. There are two options: a full-time job with one of Amazon’s Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) or a part-time gig with Amazon Flex. DSP roles start around $15 per hour and provide a van, while Flex pays $18-$25 per hour, requiring you to use your own vehicle.
Don’t solely rely on Amazon for side hustles. Consider your skills and interests, and explore other platforms like Etsy or Ravelry if they suit you better. Amazon is just one of many opportunities out there.
