Most people think making money on Amazon means selling physical products, managing inventory, or shipping items yourself. Which makes perfect sense, of course, because sometimes that’s exactly what it involves.
But in 2025, that’s only a teeny tiny part of the story. Because Amazon has now evolved into a platform full of passive and low-investment income opportunities that mean you don’t actually have to put your hands on a single product (ever) to make money.
‘How so?’ We hear you ask.
Well, if you’re unsure of the answer, this guide is right up your street, so read on and prepare to be enlightened.
To give you a rough idea of what’s to come, we’ll explore legitimate paths to build income streams on the world’s largest marketplace, with no pesky warehouse required.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it:
1. Amazon KDP: Self-Publish and Earn
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) lets you publish ebooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks with zero upfront inventory. This is actually one of the easiest ways to tap into Amazon’s massive audience and start generating passive income.
Popular formats include:
- Fiction and nonfiction books
- Low-content books (journals, planners, logbooks)
- Educational material or professional guides
Once your book is listed, Amazon handles printing, shipping, and fulfillment. Royalties range from 35% to 70%, depending on the pricing and format. Cool, eh?
Want to delve deeper into this model and maybe give it a go? Check out our post on selling books on Amazon before you get started.
2. Amazon Associates: Affiliate Marketing
If you have a blog, YouTube channel, or social media presence, Amazon’s affiliate program (which is called Amazon Associates) is a great way to earn, without creating your own product.
Here’s how it works:
- You sign up and receive custom affiliate links for Amazon products
- You share those links in your content
- You earn a percentage of the sale every time someone buys through your link
You can promote trending products, seasonal bestsellers, or niche items that align with your content. With the right strategy, affiliate income can grow into a full-time revenue stream.
This method is a go-to for those mulling over how to make money from Amazon without the high startup costs.
3. Merch by Amazon: Sell Custom Apparel
If you’re a designer or content creator, Merch by Amazon is a simple way to monetize your creativity and brilliance. You basically upload artwork and Amazon takes care of production, shipping, and customer service.
You earn royalties on every shirt, hoodie, or tote bag sold (or, whatever it is you choose to sell). Because this is a print-on-demand service, there are no upfront costs or inventory to manage.
This is one of the best low-investment models for creative entrepreneurs. The big hitters in this space focus on trending topics, niche audiences, and seasonal events to drive sales, just as a word to the wise.
4. Amazon Influencer Program
This program is like the Associates program, but tailored for influencers with strong followings on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.
You can:
- Create a custom storefront with product recommendations
- Share shoppable videos and livestreams
- Earn commissions from purchases through your content
This is a strong option if you’re already building (or have built) an audience and want to monetize it in a new way.
5. Amazon Vine Reviewer or Product Tester
If you’re interested in writing reviews, the Amazon Vine program offers a unique way to receive free products in exchange for detailed, unbiased feedback.
While this isn’t direct income as such, it can save money and build influence on the platform. In some cases, reviewers also work directly with brands, which can lead to paid opportunities.
This is an easy entry point into making money with Amazon through community involvement.
6. Virtual Assistant for Amazon Sellers
Amazon sellers need help. That includes tasks like product research, copywriting, keyword optimization, and customer support. Which is where you might want to enter stage left.
If you’ve got digital skills, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) for Amazon businesses is a fast-growing side hustle. VAs often work remotely and can charge hourly or project-based rates.
This option is ideal for freelancers looking to break into eCommerce, without managing products directly.
7. Pricing Still Matters, even for Digital Models
When learning how to make money on Amazon without selling physical products, pricing is still a crucial factor. For example:
- Price your KDP books competitively to attract buyers
- Choose affiliate products with good value to improve conversion
- Ensure your Merch items match customer expectations in both price and quality
Pricing affects discoverability, click-through rates, and ultimately how much money you make. Whether you’re selling a $3 ebook or linking to a $200 kitchen appliance, understanding price psychology is oh-so-key.
8. Can You Really Make $1,000 a Week?
This is a surprisingly common question: ‘how to make $1000 a week on Amazon without products’. The short answer: it’s possible, but it takes strategy, effort, and sometimes multiple income streams. So there’s no silver bullet (sorry).
A mix of affiliate links, KDP books, and Merch sales could get you there over time. So it’s not a get-rich-quick path, but with consistency, it can become a reliable source of income.
If you’re wondering how to invest in Amazon and earn money beyond stock shares, this hands-on approach gives you both more control and scalability.
Start Making Money on Amazon (No Inventory Needed)
From passive income ideas to service-based work, Amazon offers multiple ways to earn without physical products in 2025. Focus on low-investment models that match your skills and audience, and use Amazon’s existing infrastructure to scale your success.
Up and running and curious about how pricing tools can support your digital strategy? We’ve got you covered there, too.
Book a Demo to see how Repricer can help you grow smarter on Amazon, without needing a warehouse.
