How to Sell on Amazon: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understand Amazon Seller Options and Requirements
Choose Your Selling Plan
Amazon offers two primary selling plans: Individual and Professional. The Individual plan is suitable for sellers who anticipate selling fewer than 40 items per month, as it charges a $0.99 fee per item sold. The Professional plan, conversely, has a flat monthly subscription fee of $39.99, regardless of the number of items sold, and is ideal for higher-volume sellers. Consider your projected sales volume carefully before making a choice. You can upgrade from an Individual to a Professional plan at any time through your Seller Central account settings.
Familiarize Yourself with Amazon’s Seller Policies
Before listing any products, it’s crucial to thoroughly read and understand Amazon’s extensive seller policies. These policies cover everything from product authenticity and intellectual property rights to prohibited product categories and returns/refunds. Key policies to review include the “Amazon Services Business Solutions Agreement,” “Restricted Products,” and “Product Authenticity and Quality.” Non-compliance can lead to account suspension or termination. Access these policies directly within your Seller Central account under the “Performance” tab, then “Account Health,” and navigate to “Policy Compliance” for links to relevant guidelines.
Step 2: Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account
Gather Necessary Information and Documentation
To register your Amazon seller account, you’ll need several pieces of information and documentation readily available. This typically includes: a valid credit card (that can be charged internationally), a phone number, your tax information (e.g., Social Security Number for individuals, EIN for businesses), and a bank account for Amazon to deposit your sales proceeds. For business accounts, you may also need your business name, address, and legal entity type. Ensure all documentation is current and matches the information you provide during registration to avoid delays.
Complete the Registration Process
Navigate to services.amazon.com and click “Sign up.” You will be prompted to create an Amazon account if you don’t already have one, or sign in with an existing Amazon customer account. Follow the step-by-step instructions, entering the information gathered in the previous substep. This includes your business location, business type, full name, address, and phone number. Amazon will perform a verification process, which may involve a postcard with a verification code sent to your physical address or a video call. Be prepared for this verification step to finalize your account setup.
Step 3: List Your Products Effectively
Create High-Quality Product Listings
A compelling product listing is vital for attracting buyers. When creating a new listing in Seller Central (Inventory > Add a Product), focus on high-quality images (at least 1000 pixels on the longest side for zoom functionality, white background for the main image), a clear and concise product title (up to 200 characters, including brand, product name, key features), and detailed bullet points (5 key features, benefits, or uses). The product description should elaborate further, providing a comprehensive overview. Ensure your product category is accurate, as this affects search visibility and applicable fees.
Optimize Your Listings for Search
To ensure customers can find your products, optimize your listings for Amazon’s A9 search algorithm. This involves strategic keyword placement. Research relevant keywords using tools like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, or even Amazon’s search bar suggestions. Integrate these keywords naturally into your product title, bullet points, and product description. Utilize the “Search Terms” field in Seller Central (under the “Keywords” tab when editing a listing) to add additional relevant keywords that don’t fit organically into other fields. Monitor your listing’s performance and adjust keywords as needed based on sales data and search term reports.
Step 4: Manage Orders and Customer Service
Fulfill Orders Efficiently
Once an order is placed, you have two primary fulfillment options: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). With FBA, you send your inventory to Amazon’s warehouses, and Amazon handles storage, picking, packing, shipping, and customer service for those orders. This is often preferred for scalability and eligibility for Prime shipping. With FBM, you are responsible for storing, packing, and shipping products directly to the customer. If using FBM, ensure you have a reliable shipping carrier, appropriate packaging materials, and a system to track orders and provide tracking information promptly. Maintain your stated handling time to avoid late shipments.
Provide Excellent Customer Support
Proactive and responsive customer service is paramount for maintaining a healthy seller account and positive feedback. Respond to customer inquiries (via Buyer-Seller Messaging in Seller Central) within 24 hours, even if just to acknowledge receipt. Address issues like product defects, shipping delays, or return requests professionally and promptly. Aim to resolve problems to the customer’s satisfaction. Regularly monitor your “Customer Service Performance” metrics in Seller Central, including Contact Response Time and Customer Service Dissatisfaction Rate, to identify areas for improvement. Positive customer experiences lead to better reviews and repeat business.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to start selling on Amazon after registration?
A: The registration process itself can be completed in about 15-30 minutes if you have all information ready. However, Amazon’s verification process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, especially if they require additional documentation or a video call. Once verified, you can immediately start listing products, but your first payout will typically be held for a period until your account establishes a sales history.
Q: What are the main costs associated with selling on Amazon?
A: The main costs include: 1) Selling plan fees ($0.99 per item for Individual, $39.99/month for Professional). 2) Referral fees (a percentage of the sale price, varying by product category, typically 8-15%). 3) Fulfillment fees (if using FBA, these include storage fees and fulfillment fees per unit). 4) Advertising costs (optional, if you run Amazon PPC campaigns). 5) Shipping costs (if using FBM).
Q: Can I sell used items on Amazon?
A: Yes, you can sell used items on Amazon, but it depends on the product category and condition. Categories like books, movies, music, and video games commonly allow used sales. However, many categories, especially clothing, beauty products, and groceries, are restricted to new items only. Always check Amazon’s “Condition Guidelines” for specific product types to ensure compliance and avoid listing violations.
Q: What is the best way to get product reviews on Amazon?
A: The most effective and compliant ways to get product reviews include: 1) Providing an excellent product and customer experience, which naturally encourages reviews. 2) Using Amazon’s “Request a Review” button in Seller Central for each order (available 5-30 days after delivery). 3) Enrolling in Amazon’s Vine program (for brand-registered sellers) which provides free products to trusted reviewers. Avoid incentivizing reviews or asking for positive-only reviews, as this violates Amazon’s terms of service and can lead to penalties.
