1 week ago
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A reader from Westmoreland who wrote to me recently shared a question that many people across the western parishes are now asking as they try to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Melissa.
“Hey Yaneek, can you consider a question for me? Do you have resources or can direct me to where I might be able to learn and implement an Amazon seller account? Trying to get in it so I can rebuild myself and create passive income, especially with the tourism industry on pause,” the reader enquired.
It is a heartfelt question. With many hotels in the west closed until September 2026 and entire communities dealing with loss of income, people need options that are viable, low risk and fast reward. Before turning to Amazon as the answer, it helps to understand what the platform demands and what is possible for beginners.
Becoming an Amazon seller is not as simple as it may seem. Amazon opened its seller platform to Jamaicans in 2021. We tested the process in detail at the time. The registration accepted Jamaican TRNs and passports, and required additional verification checks, business information and a chargeable credit card.
The main obstacle was that Amazon did not deposit earnings into local Jamaican bank accounts, which is their usual mode of payment for other sellers. That has not changed. Sellers still find it challenging to navigate receipt of payments locally, especially while preventing the leakage and losses from exchange rates and fees.
Beyond the technicalities, selling on Amazon in 2025/2026 will be a serious undertaking. It requires buying inventory in advance, shipping products to US warehouses or direct to customer, meeting strict packaging rules, managing returns, paying multiple fees and spending on advertising to be seen.
Profit margins are thin. Returns are a major challenge for many sellers, and Amazon generally. Also, the flow of cash can break the back of a new seller. Payouts are slow and new sellers often wait several weeks or more before seeing proceeds from the sales.
The company has also added new labelling rules and product disclosures which experienced sellers describe as burdensome. For someone recovering from a natural disaster, this may create more financial pressure than relief.
However, there are safer and more practical ways for Jamaicans to earn. Amazon has other programmes that allow Jamaicans to earn online without buying products or dealing with shipping, returns and other major seller risks, such as the Amazon Affiliate Program and the Amazon Influencer Program. Both are open to locals living in Jamaica. These paths rely on recommending products, not trading them.
Amazon Affiliate Programme
This is the entry point for many. You apply to the Amazon Associates Program, and once approved, you can create and share your unique affiliate links to products. When someone uses your link to buy an item, you earn a commission. In fact, if they follow your link and buy other products at the same time, you may earn commission on all eligible items in that sale.
Most people share links through social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube and their own personal blogs. Everyday items such as home tools, school supplies, kitchen gadgets, personal care products and tech accessories tend to perform well.
The upside is that you bear minimal risk and enjoy the rewards. You don’t need to buy inventory, manage back office and customer service.
There is a major caveat, however, which is that payments are slow. Affiliates are usually paid 60 days after the month in which the sale took place. So, commissions earned in January tend to be paid at the end of March.
It takes patience and consistent effort, but this remains one of the lowest risk ways for Jamaicans to enter the online space. From my own experience, it is the path with the least resistance. Not easy, but accessible! Over time, the possibilities are significant.
Amazon Influencer Programme
This programme goes a step further. You create short videos reviewing products you use. Amazon places these videos on product pages. When a shopper watches your review and purchases the item, you earn a commission. Your earnings do not depend on your number of followers. Amazon provides the traffic, and your video clinches the sales. This is a practical option for beginners with a smartphone and basic editing skills. Many creators around the world now earn steady income doing simple, honest product reviews, sometimes from things they already have at home and use consistently. Of note is that the learning curve is manageable and the start-up cost is near zero.
Depending on your risk tolerance, international connections and online sales experience you can decide if selling is ideal for you. I encourage you to consider the options that require no upfront capital, carry few financial risks, and can be done entirely from Jamaica. It may be better to make becoming an Amazon seller a long-term goal, but it is not the best starting point for someone who needs stability now.
The easiest first step is the Affiliate Program. It teaches the basics of online earning and helps build confidence without financial strain. After gaining some experience, the next step is the Influencer Program where income can grow more meaningfully with time. Ultimately, consistency and urgency matter more than perfection. Honest recommendations build trust and trust earns commissions.
Lastly, it’s important to give yourself grace and set realistic expectations as you try new potential sources of income. Amazon income may not replace everything at once, but it may provide meaningful support while the tourism sector recovers.
One love!
Yaneek Page is the programme lead for Market Entry USA, and a certified trainer in entrepreneurship.yaneek.page@gmail.com
English (US) ·