How to Open an Amazon Seller Account
Step 1: Prepare Essential Information and Documents
Gather Business Information
Before you begin the registration process, ensure you have all necessary business information readily available. This includes your legal business name (as registered with your local government, e.g., LLC, sole proprietorship), your business address, and a valid business email address that you check regularly. If you operate as a sole proprietorship, your legal business name will be your full legal name. For registered entities, ensure the name matches your official registration documents. You will also need a contact phone number that you can access for verification purposes.
Prepare Financial Details
You will need a valid, internationally chargeable credit card with a billing address. This card is used for monthly subscription fees (if applicable, for a Professional selling plan) and other charges. Ensure the card is not expired and has sufficient credit. Additionally, prepare your bank account details for Amazon to disburse your earnings. This includes the bank name, account holder name (which must match your business or personal name on file with Amazon), routing number, and account number. If you are an international seller, you may consider a service like Payoneer or Wise for a US or European bank account.
Step 2: Start the Registration Process on Amazon Seller Central
Navigate to Amazon Seller Central
Open your web browser and go to the official Amazon Seller Central website. The URL is typically sellercentral.amazon.com. Look for a prominent button or link that says “Sign up,” “Register now,” or “Sell on Amazon.” Do not navigate to the regular Amazon shopping site; ensure you are on the dedicated seller portal to avoid confusion.
Begin Account Creation
Click on the “Sign up” or “Register now” button. You will be prompted to either sign in with an existing Amazon customer account or create a new one. It is generally recommended to create a new Amazon account specifically for your seller activities to keep personal and business transactions separate. If creating a new account, you will need to provide your name, email address, and a strong password. If using an existing account, be aware that it will be linked to your seller account.
Step 3: Provide Detailed Business and Personal Information
Enter Business Details
Once you’ve started the registration, you’ll be asked to provide your legal business name, as gathered in Step 1. Select your business type from the dropdown menu (e.g., Privately-owned business, Publicly-owned business, Sole proprietor, None, I am an individual). If you select “Sole proprietor” or “Individual,” you will primarily use your personal legal name and information. For registered businesses, input your exact legal business name. You will also need to provide your business address, ensuring it matches any official documents you may need to submit later.
Input Personal Information and Address
Next, you will be prompted to enter your personal information, including your full legal name (as it appears on your government-issued ID), date of birth, and country of birth. Provide your residential address, which must be a physical address and not a P.O. Box. This address will be used for verification purposes, and Amazon may send a postcard with a verification code to this address. Ensure all details exactly match the identification documents you intend to use for verification.
Step 4: Complete Verification and Launch Your Account
Undergo Identity and Address Verification
Amazon’s verification process is rigorous. You will typically be asked to upload scans or photos of a government-issued identification document (e.g., passport, driver’s license) and a bank statement or utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet, or mobile phone bill) issued within the last 90 days, showing your name and address. Ensure the documents are high-resolution, clear, and all four corners are visible. The name and address on the utility bill/bank statement must precisely match the information you provided during registration. Amazon may also conduct a video call verification where you show your ID in real-time.
Configure Payment and Tax Information
After successful identity verification, you will need to input your credit card details for charges and your bank account details for disbursements. Double-check all numbers for accuracy. Finally, you will be directed to complete the Amazon tax interview. This involves answering a series of questions to determine your tax identity (e.g., W-9 for U.S. persons, W-8BEN for non-U.S. persons). Provide your Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Tax Identification Number (TIN) as required. Once all steps are completed and approved by Amazon, your seller account will be active, and you can begin listing products.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take for Amazon to approve a seller account?
A: The approval process can vary. While some accounts are approved within a few days, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a month, especially if there are issues with document verification or if additional information is requested. Promptly responding to Amazon’s requests and providing clear, matching documents can significantly speed up the process.
Q: Can I open an Amazon seller account without a registered business?
A: Yes, you can open an Amazon seller account as an “Individual” or “Sole Proprietor.” In this case, you will use your personal legal name and Social Security Number (for U.S. individuals) for tax and identification purposes. However, a Professional selling plan is often recommended for serious sellers due to lower per-item fees and access to advanced tools.
Q: What is the difference between an Individual and Professional selling plan?
A: The Individual selling plan costs $0.99 per item sold, plus referral fees, and has limited features. The Professional selling plan costs $39.99 per month (subscription fee) regardless of how many items you sell, plus referral fees. Professional sellers gain access to bulk listing tools, inventory management, order reports, advertising options, eligibility for the Buy Box, and more. If you plan to sell more than 40 items per month, the Professional plan is generally more cost-effective.
Q: What if my documents are rejected during verification?
A: If your documents are rejected, Amazon will typically provide a reason (e.g., blurry image, mismatching address, expired ID). Carefully read the rejection notice and address the specific issue. Double-check that the names and addresses on your submitted documents exactly match the information you entered in your seller profile. Resubmit corrected documents promptly. If you continue to face issues, contact Amazon Seller Support for clarification.
