When people think about making money on Amazon, selling physical products is usually the first thing that comes to mind. While this is a proven path, it’s far from the only one. Amazon has created an entire ecosystem of services and opportunities that allow individuals to earn income without ever touching inventory, handling shipping, or managing customer service. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, a full-time business, or passive income streams, there are several ways to leverage Amazon’s vast platform without selling a single product.

If you want to explore even more ways to make money on Amazon—both with and without selling—there are numerous strategies that cater to different skills and lifestyles.

Below, we’ll explore eight main strategies—from creating content to offering services—that allow you to earn money through Amazon without direct selling.

1. Amazon Associates (Affiliate Marketing)

The Amazon Associates Program is one of the most popular affiliate marketing platforms in the world. It allows you to earn a commission for referring customers to Amazon.

How it works:

• You create an Amazon affiliate account.
• You get unique tracking links for Amazon products.
• You promote these links via your website, blog, YouTube channel, social media, or email.
• When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase (of any product, not just the one you linked), you earn a commission.

Advantages:

• No need to store products.
• Huge selection of items to promote.
• Passive income potential when paired with evergreen content.

Tips for success:

• Build a niche content site or social channel.
• Focus on high-converting, relevant product recommendations.
• Write in-depth reviews, comparison guides, and “best of” lists.

2. Amazon Influencer Program

If you have a following on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, you may qualify for Amazon’s Influencer Program. This is essentially a specialized affiliate program designed for content creators.

How it works:

• You get your own Amazon storefront.
• You curate product recommendations for your audience.
• Followers shop directly from your storefront, and you earn commissions.

Advantages:

• Builds on your existing influence.
• Allows video and live streaming for product demos.
• Your curated store stays live, earning commissions long after the initial promotion.

3. Merch by Amazon (Print-on-Demand)

If you’re a designer or creative, Merch by Amazon lets you upload artwork for t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and other apparel. Amazon handles production, shipping, and customer service.

How it works:

• Apply to join the Merch by Amazon program.
• Upload your designs, set your prices, and create listings.
• Amazon prints and ships the product when a customer orders.
• You earn royalties from each sale.

Advantages:

• Zero upfront costs.
• No inventory or printing equipment needed.
• Passive income after initial design upload.

Pro tips:

• Research trending niches.
• Use keyword-optimized titles and descriptions.
• Create seasonal designs for peak demand.

4. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)

Amazon Mechanical Turk is a platform for completing small online tasks that require human input, known as HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks).

Examples of tasks:

• Data entry
• Categorization
• Content moderation
• Transcription

Advantages:

• Work from anywhere.
• Flexible hours.
• No special skills required for most tasks.

Considerations:

• Pay per task is generally low, but volume can add up.
• Best for supplemental income, not a full-time job.

5. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Without Writing a Book Yourself

Kindle Direct Publishing allows anyone to publish eBooks and paperbacks on Amazon. But you don’t have to be an author—you can outsource the writing.

How it works:

• Hire freelance writers to create eBooks or low-content books (journals, planners, coloring books).
• Format and publish via Amazon KDP.
• Earn royalties from each sale.

Advantages:

• Passive income potential.
• No inventory—books are printed on demand.
• Opportunity to build a brand in a niche.

Pro tip: Research keywords with high demand but low competition before creating your book.

6. Amazon FBA Prep or Virtual Assistance Services

You can make money serving Amazon sellers instead of competing with them.

Examples of services:

• FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) prep and labeling.
• Product listing optimization.
• Product photography.
• PPC campaign management.
• Customer service outsourcing.

Advantages:

• B2B business model with higher earning potential.
• Work remotely (for many services).
• Build long-term client relationships.

7. Amazon Flex (Package Delivery)

If you prefer something offline, Amazon Flex lets you earn money delivering packages.

How it works:

• Sign up as a driver.
• Use your own car to deliver Amazon packages.
• Get paid based on time blocks you commit to.

Advantages:

• Flexible scheduling.
• Competitive pay for short shifts.
• No passenger interaction (unlike ridesharing).

8. Amazon CamperForce (Seasonal Work)

If you’re location-flexible and own an RV, Amazon CamperForce offers seasonal work in Amazon warehouses, primarily during peak holiday seasons.

Advantages:

• Short-term contracts with decent pay.
• RV site included in some roles.
• Opportunity to travel and work.

Key Tips for Maximizing Earnings Without Selling

1. Choose the right model for your skills and lifestyle.
2. Focus on scalable methods like affiliate marketing, KDP, or Merch for long-term passive income.
3. Leverage Amazon’s reach—it already has the traffic; you just need to capture it.
4. Stay updated on Amazon’s terms and commission structures to avoid surprises.
5. Diversify—combine multiple income streams for stability.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to manage inventory, worry about shipping, or compete in the crowded product-selling space to make money on Amazon. From affiliate marketing and influencer promotions to publishing and service-based roles, there’s an option for almost every skill set and lifestyle. The key is to pick a method that aligns with your strengths, commit to learning how the system works, and take consistent action.

If done right, these strategies can provide a steady income—some even passively—while leveraging one of the biggest marketplaces in the world.