How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Merch by Amazon?

Merch by Amazon is one of the best ways to get your designs recognized and sold online, but getting approved for Merch by Amazon and setting up your account is likely to take some time. If you read the online Amazon forums, more and more sellers seem to be asking the same question: how long does it really take to get approved to sell on Merch by Amazon?

This is a loaded question, as Amazon itself will not give a definite timeline on any account request. With so many interested sellers, it often takes about six months to get invited to sell your unique designs on the #1 marketplace in the world. But that doesn’t mean you should just sit back and wait—there are lots of things you can do in the interim to build your business and start gathering a following of dedicated supporters and loyal customers.

What to do while you wait for your Merch by Amazon Account

Do Your Research

Since it does take several months to get invited to the marketplace, it’s a good idea to have your ducks in a row so that you’re ready to go the moment you get approved. In addition to creating amazing artwork and perfecting your graphic skills, you should also spend some time honing in on the niche audience that you want to target.

Research keywords, shop your competitors, and scour Amazon for designs similar to yours. You may know who your target audience is, but do you know how to reach them? Have a list of keywords ready to incorporate into your product titles and bullet points. You can find those keywords by using research tools such as MerchantInformer, Merchant Words, Keyword.io, and the Google Keyword Planner.

Tap Into Your Niche

Don’t stop once you’ve done your online keyword research—visit online forums, look for buzzwords, and formulate a list of keywords that really hit home with your niche audience. Once you’ve been invited to the marketplace, you can incorporate those keywords into your listings in order to make your products appear in customer search results. Since it can take several months for Amazon to invite you as a seller, it’s a good idea to spend that time doing the legwork and SEO research you’ll need to get your products found once you launch your designs online.

Study Our Guide

While you’re waiting to be invited to Merch by Amazon, take some time to read our informative Guide To Selling On Merch By Amazon. With this guide, you’ll learn how to ensure you have the best designs and how to capture your audience through your title and product description. You can also learn how maximize your business outside of the Amazon marketplace and utilize social media to build your audience and create a loyal following.

Set Up Other Accounts

Merch by Amazon will certainly give your products the most online exposure, it isn’t the only avenue for print-on-demand accounts. Shopify, Teespring, and Woocommerce all offer print-on-demand options that allow you to make your unique designs available online. Merch by Amazon designs are not exclusive, so you can sell your designs on a variety of different sites.

Know Your Options

While you’re waiting for that Merch by Amazon invitation, read the MerchReadyDesigns blog to learn valuable tips and tricks on everything from creating your first design to ordering custom design packs. Learn the best practices, start to formulate a plan as to what niche you want to target, and get your designs in order so that once the invitation arrives, you’re ready to go.

Use your time wisely while you’re waiting to get approved for Merch by Amazon. If you’re serious about selling on Merch by Amazon, you can get a leg up on the competition before you even make your first design available for purchase. Research your niche audience, get a list of keywords together, and shop the Amazon marketplace to see what your competitors are doing. The more you know before you launch your designs online, the more likely you are to see some real success.