“Your handmade business deserves a platform that values your creativity — not one that makes you jump through hoops.” - Amy Lineberry

Amazon Handmade Application: How to Get Approved Fast

If you’ve been thinking about selling on Amazon Handmade, you might’ve heard the application process sounds intimidating. But trust me — it doesn’t have to be. I was approved and making sales within weeks, and today, I’m walking you through exactly how to make that happen for you.

Before we dive into the details, here’s the big thing to know: you’ll need a Professional Seller Account first. This step unlocks the Amazon Handmade application, and while it costs $39.99/month, that fee is waived once you're approved as a Handmade seller.

Step 1: Confirm You’re Truly a Handmade Seller

Amazon Handmade is designed for creators who make or handcraft their products — not resellers. That means you (or your team) must do most of the work by hand. Using light machinery or hand tools is fine, but mass production or assembly-line automation isn’t allowed.

Amazon’s goal isn’t to make things difficult — it’s to protect the handmade community so that when shoppers browse “Amazon Handmade,” they know they’re supporting genuine makers.

Step 2: Share Your Work and Process

Next, the application will ask questions about your products and process. This is your chance to shine!

You’ll explain:

• What materials you use

• What tools or techniques are part of your process

• How long it takes to create one product

• Any extra details you’d like the Handmade team to know

Each answer box is limited to 500 characters, so be concise but specific. You’re showing Amazon that your products are made with care — not fluff. Think: “I use a Silhouette machine to cut vinyl and assemble each design by hand” instead of “I work hard on all my pieces.”

Step 3: Add Photos of Your Handmade Process 📸

This section includes three photo uploads that highlight your products and process. Don’t stress about perfect lighting or fancy edits — Amazon actually prefers work-in-progress photos showing your hands or workspace.

👉 Include a simple shot with your business name visible (a printed card works fine).

🚫 Avoid photos of copyrighted or trademarked designs unless you’re licensed to sell them.

Pro tip: Amazon reduces rejections when applicants show themselves actively creating — it gives authenticity and confirms your products are truly handmade.

🧾 Want to make sure your application gets approved fast?

Grab my free Amazon Handmade Checklist — it walks you through the exact steps (and details!) you’ll need to prepare before you apply.

Step 4: Choose Your Product Category

Once you’ve uploaded your photos, you’ll select your product category — like jewelry, home décor, or stationery.

You’re not locked into this choice later; it just helps Amazon understand what you sell. If your main product doesn’t neatly fit one of the existing categories, consider tweaking it slightly so it aligns.

Amazon Handmade currently supports around 20 categories (with more coming soon — digital products may even join in the future 👀).

Step 5: Add Business & Brand Information

In the final application section, you’ll include:

• Links to your social media or online shop (Etsy, Shopify, etc.)

• Your website, if you have one

• Optional boxes for things like FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) info and how you heard about Handmade

These details give Amazon a full picture of your brand and establish credibility — especially if you already have a small online presence.

Step 6: Agree to the Guidelines & Submit 🎉

Once you’ve completed each section, you’ll check the box agreeing to Amazon’s Handmade guidelines. Click submit, and that’s it!

You’ll typically hear back within a few days (sometimes sooner). While you wait, use that time to get ready for your shop setup — gather your product info, finalize packaging, and brainstorm your first listings.

Payments & Payouts

• Etsy: Choose daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly payouts. But frequent small deposits can be frustrating to track.

• Amazon Handmade: Payouts every two weeks by default, with the option to request faster transfers. Amazon also offers Amazon Lending (and various lending partners) —a financing option that allows sellers to borrow capital based on shop performance.

👉 If you prefer predictable income and reinvestment options, Amazon has the edge.

💌 Ready to Launch Your Handmade Business on Amazon?

Get your free Getting Started Checklist for Amazon Handmade and make sure you’ve got everything covered before you apply!

👉Grab the Free Checklist Here

Final Thoughts

The Amazon Handmade application might look detailed, but it’s really just Amazon’s way of protecting authentic makers like you. With a little prep and clear answers, you can move through the process smoothly — and open the door to a huge new customer base.

Remember, you only need one handmade listing to maintain your Handmade status, but from there, your possibilities are endless.

Your creativity deserves the right audience — and Amazon Handmade can help you find it. 🌿

👉 Ready to dive in? Grab my free Getting Started Checklist for Amazon Handmade and start setting up your shop today!