Redbubble and Merch by Amazon are the two most popular print-on-demand platforms for Australians — but they work very differently and suit different types of sellers. Here's the honest comparison to help you choose where to focus your effort.
Redbubble vs Merch by Amazon: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Redbubble | Merch by Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Open to everyone — sign up and start | Invite/application system — wait for approval |
| Your royalty per sale | You set markup (typically 15–25%) | Fixed royalty ($2–$8 per item) |
| Built-in audience | Redbubble marketplace | Amazon's massive buyer base |
| Product range | 70+ products | ~20 products (mostly apparel) |
| Australian market | Good (global + AU audience) | Limited (ships from US/UK) |
| Shipping to Australia | Ships locally where possible | International shipping, longer times |
| Passive once listed | Yes | Yes |
| Design requirements | More flexible | Strict content guidelines |
Which Has the Better Audience for Australians?
Redbubble has a stronger Australian audience for most sellers. The platform has a genuine Australian buyer base, ships to Australian addresses efficiently, and Australian-themed designs (native animals, slang, landmarks) sell consistently well because there's a dedicated local market for them.
Merch by Amazon has an enormous global audience but is primarily US-centric. For Australian sellers creating Australian-themed content, the US audience is less relevant. However, globally appealing designs (humour, pop culture, generic niches) can reach millions of potential buyers through Amazon's platform.
Which Pays More Per Sale?
Merch by Amazon typically pays higher royalties per item — a t-shirt selling for $25 USD pays roughly $5–$8 royalty. The same shirt on Redbubble at your set markup of 20% on a $30 USD base price pays roughly $6.
However, Redbubble gives you control over your markup percentage — if you set a 40% markup on popular designs, you earn more per sale than Amazon's fixed royalty structure.
In practice, Amazon's conversion rate is often higher due to buyer trust and Prime shipping, so lower-margin items can generate more total income.
Getting Started: Which Is Easier?
Redbubble is significantly easier to start — create an account and upload designs immediately. No application, no waiting, no tier system. Start selling today.
Merch by Amazon requires an application and many applicants wait weeks or months for approval. Once approved, you start at "Tier 10" (maximum 10 designs) and must make sales to unlock higher tiers with more design slots. Building to 100+ designs takes months of consistent sales.
For most Australians starting out, begin with Redbubble to learn the POD process, then apply to Merch by Amazon once you have designs that are proving popular.
Australian-Themed Designs: Where They Sell Better
For genuinely Australian content — kangaroos, koalas, "Yeah Nah" slang, Vegemite references, state pride — Redbubble is the better platform. The platform has an established Australian buyer community actively searching for local content.
On Merch by Amazon, Australian-themed designs compete with US content for a predominantly American audience. Unless your Australian design has broad global appeal, Redbubble will convert better.
Other Print-on-Demand Options for Australians
Beyond Redbubble and Merch by Amazon, Australian sellers also use:
- Printify + Etsy: More control, higher effort, but better margins and direct customer relationships
- Redbubble + Teepublic: Teepublic (owned by Redbubble) is a complementary platform — upload once, sell on both
- Spreadshirt: Good for European audience, less relevant for Australian sellers
Which Should You Choose?
- Start with Redbubble if you're new to POD, want to create Australian-themed designs, or want instant access without an application process
- Add Merch by Amazon once you have proven designs and have been approved — particularly for globally appealing niches where Amazon's massive audience adds significant reach
- Use both long-term — the platforms don't compete for the same buyers and your designs can perform differently on each
Realistic Earnings Expectations
| Catalogue Size | Redbubble Monthly Earnings | Merch by Amazon Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 10–50 designs | $0–$100 | $0–$50 (if approved) |
| 50–150 designs | $50–$500 | $50–$300 |
| 150–500 designs | $200–$2,000 | $200–$1,500 |
| 500+ designs | $500–$5,000+ | $500–$5,000+ |
These are ranges — actual earnings depend heavily on niche selection, design quality, and SEO optimisation of your listings. Seasonal designs (Christmas, Valentine's Day, Australia Day) often spike significantly above monthly averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redbubble or Merch by Amazon better for Australians?
Redbubble is generally better for Australian sellers, particularly those creating Australian-themed content. It has a local audience, easy access, and more product variety. Merch by Amazon is worth adding for globally appealing niches once you've been approved.
How long does it take to earn money on Redbubble?
Most sellers see their first sales within 2–8 weeks of uploading designs. Consistent income ($100+/month) typically requires 50–150 designs and 3–6 months of building. Significant passive income ($500+/month) usually requires 6–18 months.
Do you need an ABN for Redbubble income in Australia?
Redbubble earnings are taxable income in Australia and must be declared to the ATO. An ABN is recommended once earnings are consistent. Redbubble issues 1099 forms for US tax purposes — Australian sellers should speak to an accountant about their specific obligations.
Our Verdict
Start on Redbubble — easier access, Australian audience, and better for local-themed content. Apply to Merch by Amazon in parallel for the longer-term gain of Amazon's enormous marketplace. Use both once established for maximum reach and passive income.