How to sell art on Amazon step-by-step in 2024

Selling your art on Amazon in 2024 is a great way to show your work to the world and make some money. Whether you're just starting or you're trying to reach more people, we've got you covered with all the info you need to get your art out there on Amazon.

Let's get started.

Main takeaways from this article:

• Amazon provides artists with a vast global platform with millions of customers, lending credibility and visibility to their artwork across diverse categories, enhanced by Amazon's powerful SEO and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for logistical support.

• Create a professional Amazon seller account, understand the fee structure between Individual and Professional plans, and decide on the art type to sell. Consider options like original, digital, or print on demand art for scalability and reduced overhead.

• Create compelling product listings with attention-grabbing titles, high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and engaging stories about your artwork, ensuring proper categorization and competitive pricing to attract the right buyers.

• Drive traffic to your store using marketing tools like SEO optimization, Amazon ads, social media platforms, and email campaigns. Collect and utilize customer feedback for continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing product quality and customer experience.

• Diversify your art offerings through print on demand options, exploring different art styles and mediums and expanding your product range to reach a wider audience.

• Stay ahead of Amazon marketplace trends and updates to maintain a competitive edge, using insights and strategies to adapt and grow your art business.

If you're an artist, creator, graphic designer, or business owner, Amazon offers a phenomenal platform to reach a global audience. However, if you're still considering whether or not to take the leap, here are five compelling reasons to sell your art on Amazon: 

1. Vast customer reach: Amazon has millions of customers globally. This broad reach can significantly increase your artwork's visibility, bringing it to the attention of potential buyers from all over the world. 

2. Esteemed reputation: Being one of the most trusted marketplaces worldwide, Amazon has built an unparalleled reputation. Listing your artwork on such a platform instantly lends credibility to your art business, potentially increasing customer trust and sales. 

3. Varied categories: Whether you create original art, print on demand pieces, or digital masterpieces, Amazon allows you to list in various categories, thereby reaching more niche markets. 

4. SEO advantage: Amazon's powerful search algorithm prioritizes product relevancy and quality, enhancing visibility for sellers who create compelling, high-quality listings. As a result, your art can organically reach a larger audience with the right SEO strategies. 

5. Fulfillment support: With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you can store your artwork in Amazon's fulfillment centers. They take care of storage, packaging, and shipping, reducing your operational hassles and enabling you to focus on creating art.

We've broken down the process of selling art on Amazon into 10 manageable steps.

1. Create a professional selling account on Amazon

Before you can begin selling your art, your first step should be setting up a professional Amazon seller account. While there is also an option for an individual account, a professional one entitles you to a broader range of features, including bulk listing and eligibility for top placement on product detail pages. 

Here are the steps to create a professional selling account on Amazon.

1. Visit the Amazon Seller Central website and click 'Register Now' to start the process.

2. Choose 'Create a new Amazon account', provide your name and email, and set a password.

3. Amazon will then confirm your email, requiring a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to you for verification.

4. After verifying your email, you must enter your legal name or the registered business name.

5. Then, input your mobile number. Amazon will send another OTP for the phone number verification process.

6. Next, provide your business location and select a unique seller's name. This is the name that customers will see on your listings.

7. The following screen will be for 'Billing/Deposit' details. This is where Amazon will deposit your earnings, so verify your information for accuracy.

8. Lastly, you need to submit your tax information. Amazon cannot pay you until these tax details are complete.

9. Once all the necessary details are filled in, your Amazon selling account will be set up.

2. Understand Amazon selling fees and plans

Before you start selling your own art on Amazon, it is essential to understand the platform's fee structure and various selling plans. Amazon charges a nominal fee for each item sold, which typically ranges between 8-15% of the sale price, depending on the category.

Two distinct plans are available: Individual and Professional.

The Individual plan requires no monthly fee and suits sellers anticipating selling fewer than 40 items per month. Be aware, however, that a $0.99 fee is levied on each item sold.

The Professional selling plan, ideal for business-scale sellers, comes with a subscription fee of $39.99 per month but waives the per-item fee. Remember to weigh the cost benefits of each plan before signing up.

In addition to the professional selling fee, consider other costs like shipping fees, return processing fees, and storage fees if you're using Amazon's fulfillment services.

3. Decide what type of art to sell

When you start your art business on Amazon, the first decision to make is the type of art to offer. Your options essentially fall into the following categories.

1. Original art: If you are a traditional artist, selling original art might be tempting, given its unique value. However, it's important to remember that original art is challenging to scale as each piece is one-of-a-kind, requiring hours of dedication and supply costs. 

2. Digital art: Alternatively, digital art can also be an option. It can be scaled easily without spending on physical supplies. Nevertheless, due to the nature of digital products, it could expose your art to unlicensed use or piracy. 

3. Print on demand art: This is where print on demand (POD) art comes into the picture and, in many ways, offers the best of both worlds. POD art lets you create your artwork once and reproduce it in various formats (like prints, posters, or even on merchandise) without the worry of inventory or overhead costs. The result? More reach, less risk, simplified logistics, and easy scaling.

If you've decided to sell print on demand art, the next step is to identify your medium. You could sell prints on heavy-duty wooden pieces for a rustic feel or go with canvas prints for that classic look. 

Working with posters? These give a modern, accessible feel to your artwork. The choice of medium would largely depend on your art style and the audience you want to cater to.

4. Create compelling product listings

Your product listings are the front runners of your art business on Amazon. They do more than just present your art to a global audience; they romance the customers into buying. 

Here are a few tips for creating compelling product listings: 

• Pay attention to your product titles: These should be simple, descriptive, and have relevant keywords. Also, remember that your product title is the first thing potential buyers will read.

• Quality photos are a must: Images help buyers visualize the artwork. Upload high-quality photographs taken from different angles, showing every intricate detail of your art piece.

• Write out clear product descriptions: Inform potential buyers about the size, materials, colors, and the inspiration behind the piece. Aim for clarity and precision but also try to evoke emotion with your words.

• Include a compelling product story: Storytelling can be a powerful tool. Discuss the making of the art piece and the inspiration behind it. This adds depth to your product and makes it relatable to your audience.

5. Categorize and price your art effectively

On Amazon, your product's categorization is crucial for its visibility. It helps customers discover your artwork easily while browsing or searching. Divide your art into relevant subcategories like 'Abstract', 'Modern', 'Portraits', 'Landscape', etc. Additionally, consider potential applications, like 'Home Decor' or 'Office Decor'. 

Here's how to price your art effectively:

• Research similar artwork prices: Consider factors like size, medium, complexity, and artist reputation.

• Don't undervalue your work: While setting competitive prices is important, cheap pricing might make buyers question your art's quality.

• Factor in material costs: Consider costs related to materials, time, packaging, and shipping while determining prices.

• Consistent pricing: If you're selling prints or digital art, pricing can be more straightforward. Set consistent prices for each medium, adjusting only for size or design complexity.

6. Set up shipping options and store policies

As an artist selling on Amazon, deciding on shipping options is a key part of your business plan. You could opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), where Amazon handles the storage, packing, and shipping of your art. 

Alternatively, you might choose to ship orders yourself, giving you more control but also more responsibility.

Weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose wisely: 

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): FBA is preferred when you have higher sales volumes or if you want to benefit from Amazon's customer service and return operations. The downside is that it comes with additional costs.

• Self-ship: Self-fulfillment gives you more control over your stock and can reduce costs, especially for bulky or fragile art pieces. You can even offer free shipping to attract more buyers. However, you'll need to handle packaging, shipping, and customer service yourself.

Besides shipping, setting up your store policies and warranties is crucial. Ensure these policies align with Amazon’s guidelines and are all customer-oriented. This transparency can foster trust and improve your store's reputation.

7. Employ strategies to drive traffic to your Amazon store

Promoting your Amazon art store requires a strategic approach to drive targeted traffic and increase sales. Here are some key strategies to consider: 

• Optimize your store for SEO: Use keywords accurately in your product descriptions and titles to help potential customers discover your items through search. 

• Run Amazon ads: Amazon offers advertising tools to support sellers in enhancing their product visibility to potential buyers, thus driving more sales. 

• Leverage social media: Promote your art on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Use relevant hashtags and link to your Amazon store for increased exposure. 

• Start an email campaign: Build an email list of interested customers and send them updates about your new artwork, special offers, or discounts.

8. Collect and utilize customer feedback

Gauging your customers' perspectives is integral to refining your online presence, and Amazon provides efficient channels for collecting feedback. 

• Monitor reviews: Regularly monitor your product reviews and customer feedback. You can respond to bad reviews, rectify issues, and appreciate positive comments to foster a positive customer relationship.

• Request reviews: Post-sale, politely ask your customers to leave a review. Be sure you're adhering to Amazon’s policies while soliciting reviews, though.

• Embrace criticism: Don't shy away from negative feedback. Instead, use it to improve your products and services. Negative feedback can unveil vital areas for improvement that you might otherwise overlook.

• Implement changes: Make sure you act on the feedback received. Understand the common concerns and find ways to rectify them in your product or service offerings. Implementing changes based on customer feedback demonstrates that you value their input.

9. Expand your product range to reach a larger audience

Boosting your product range can often be the key to reaching a broader audience on Amazon. More diverse product offerings will undoubtedly attract more customers with various preferences, so let's outline some strategies: 

• Print on demand (POD) art: Expand your selection with different formats of your art, such as posters, canvases, or framed prints. This gives customers the flexibility of choosing the format that best suits their needs and preferences.

• Variety in styles: Experiment with different art styles or themes. Some customers might prefer minimalist designs, while others might gravitate towards bold, vibrant pieces.

• Diversify your medium: Consider taking your digital artwork and transforming it into physical forms like stickers, t-shirts, or mugs. Such products are in high demand on Amazon.

10. Stay updated with Amazon marketplace trends

Staying current with Amazon's ever-evolving marketplace is crucial for sustaining your art business online. 

Here are some strategies to help you keep on top of the game: 

• Regular updates check: Stay informed by regularly checking Amazon Seller Central for updates, reports, and valuable resources on the latest trends.

• Join forums and groups: Benefit from the rich experiences and advice in Amazon seller forums and social media groups.

• Algorithm insights: Dive into Amazon's algorithms and updates to boost your visibility and sales.

• Observe successful strategies: Explore the methods of top-selling artists for insights that could refine your approach.

• Participate in Amazon webinars: Attend Amazon-sponsored webinars and workshops to catch up on trends and learn how to apply them effectively.

Scaling your art business on Amazon is even simpler with Gelato. This innovative print on demand platform lets you leverage its diverse range of products, from t-shirts and mugs to wall art, phone cases, and photo books. 

By integrating Gelato with your Amazon store, you can effortlessly diversify your art offerings while avoiding the burden of extensive inventory. Gelato is a strategic partner in your artistic journey, empowering you to unlock untapped potential and reach a broader audience.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to scale and diversify your art business effectively and efficiently. Sign up for Gelato today!

Can you make money selling art on Amazon?

Yes, you can make money selling art on Amazon. Numerous artists have found considerable financial success by tapping into Amazon's vast customer base. However, success requires strategy, such as choosing the right types of art to sell, effective pricing, and promoting your art effectively to increase visibility among potential buyers.

What is the best platform to sell art on?

There are numerous online platforms for selling art, including your own website, but Amazon stands out due to its vast customer base and accessibility. It offers various options like Amazon Handmade for unique creations and print on demand services. Its flexibility, along with user-friendly tools, make it an ideal platform for artists looking to reach a larger audience and maximize their earnings.

Is it hard to sell on Amazon Handmade?

Selling on Amazon Handmade may seem daunting initially due to its competitive nature and stringent criteria. While the application process and maintaining high-quality listings can be challenging, once you get the hang of it, navigating Amazon's platform can become more manageable. In any undertaking, patience, perseverance, and strategy are key to success.

What is the most profitable art to sell online?

Profitability varies largely based on the demand, quality, and uniqueness of your artwork. However, in recent years, print on demand art and digital art, such as NFTs, have seen impressive commercial success due to low overhead costs and the rising popularity of digital platforms and virtual art spaces.

How do I sell my art for the first time?

For first-time sellers, begin by identifying your unique style and understanding what appeals to your target audience. Next, create a professional Amazon selling account. Ensure you have quality images of your art, write compelling descriptions, and price it effectively. Lastly, familiarize yourself with Amazon's fees and policies for a smooth selling experience.

How to sell digital paintings on Amazon?

Selling digital paintings on Amazon involves uploading your digital artwork files, creating compelling product descriptions and images, picking your preferred print on demand options, and setting competitive prices. Aim to optimize your listings for visibility and appeal, use customer feedback to continuously improve, and capture a broader audience with your unique creations.