Step 1: Prepare Essential Information and Documents
Gather Business and Personal Details
Before you begin the Amazon seller account registration, compile all necessary business and personal details. This includes your legal business name, address, and contact information (phone number, email address). If you are registering as an individual, have your full legal name, residential address, and a valid government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license) ready. For businesses, ensure you have your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or equivalent tax identification number. You’ll also need a valid, internationally chargeable credit card, as Amazon uses this for verification and monthly subscription fees.
Obtain Necessary Financial Information
You will need a bank account for Amazon to disburse your earnings. Ensure you have the bank account number and routing number readily available. This bank account must be located in one of the countries supported by Amazon for disbursements. It’s advisable to use a checking account rather than a savings account for this purpose, as some savings accounts have limitations on electronic transfers. Double-check that the name on your bank account matches the legal entity name you are registering with Amazon to avoid delays in verification and payouts.
Step 2: Initiate the Registration Process on Amazon
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.” Click this to begin the registration process. Avoid navigating to third-party sites or unofficial links to ensure the security of your information.
Begin Account Creation and Verification
Once you click “Sign up,” you will be prompted to create an Amazon account or sign in with an existing one. If you already have an Amazon customer account, you can use it, but it’s often recommended to create a new one specifically for your seller business to maintain clear separation. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your email address and create a secure password. Amazon will then guide you through a series of steps, asking for the business and personal information you gathered in Step 1. Be precise and enter all details exactly as they appear on your official documents to prevent verification issues.
Step 3: Configure Your Seller Account Settings
Set Up Your Business Information and Payment Methods
After the initial sign-up, you’ll enter the Seller Central dashboard. One of the first tasks is to complete your business information. Navigate to ‘Settings’ and then ‘Account Info.’ Here, you will input your legal entity name, business address, and contact details. Crucially, you’ll also set up your deposit method (bank account for payouts) and charge method (credit card for fees). Ensure the credit card is valid and has sufficient funds for the first monthly subscription fee (if applicable for a Professional account). Verify all details carefully before saving.
Define Your Product Categories and Shipping Options
Within Seller Central, explore the ‘Inventory’ and ‘Settings’ sections to define your selling preferences. Consider what types of products you plan to sell. Some categories are “gated” and require Amazon approval before you can list items in them. You can apply for category approval directly through Seller Central. Additionally, configure your shipping settings under ‘Settings’ > ‘Shipping Settings.’ Here, you can set your shipping regions, transit times, and shipping rates. You can choose between a weight-based, price-banded, or per-item/weight-based model. If you plan to use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you will configure those options later when creating listings, but understanding your shipping strategy upfront is beneficial.
Step 4: Complete Identity Verification and Launch
Undergo Amazon’s Identity Verification Process
Amazon takes identity verification very seriously to ensure a secure marketplace. After providing your initial details, you will often be required to undergo a video call verification or upload scans of documents. Be prepared to show your government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license) and potentially a bank statement or utility bill matching the address you provided. Ensure the documents are clear, unexpired, and show all four corners. During a video call, be in a well-lit area and have your physical ID ready. Amazon will compare the information on your documents with the details you entered during registration. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Review and Launch Your Seller Account
Once your identity and business information have been successfully verified by Amazon, you will receive a notification. Before launching, take the time to review all your account settings, including your business information, payment methods, and shipping preferences. Ensure your product listings (if you’ve started creating them) comply with Amazon’s policies. Familiarize yourself with the Seller Central dashboard, its various reports, and tools. Once you are confident that everything is set up correctly and you understand the basics, you can begin listing products and officially launch your Amazon seller account. Monitor your performance metrics and customer messages regularly after launch.
FAQ: How long does it take to open an Amazon seller account?
The time it takes to open an Amazon seller account can vary significantly. The initial sign-up and information input can be completed in about 30 minutes to an hour. However, the identity verification process, which often involves document submission and sometimes a video call, can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, or even a couple of weeks in some cases, depending on Amazon’s current verification queue and the accuracy of your submitted documents.
FAQ: What is the difference between an Individual and Professional seller account?
An Individual seller account is for those who expect to sell fewer than 40 items per month. It has no monthly subscription fee, but Amazon charges a $0.99 per-item fee in addition to referral fees. A Professional seller account is for those who expect to sell more than 40 items per month. It has a monthly subscription fee (currently $39.99), but no per-item fee. Professional accounts also gain access to advanced selling tools, bulk listing options, and eligibility for the Buy Box, which is crucial for sales.
FAQ: Can I use my personal bank account for my Amazon seller account?
Yes, you can use a personal bank account for your Amazon seller account, especially if you are registered as an Individual seller. However, it is generally recommended for businesses to use a dedicated business bank account for better financial tracking, tax purposes, and to maintain a clear separation between personal and business finances. The name on the bank account must exactly match the legal entity name you registered with Amazon.
FAQ: What if my Amazon seller account application is rejected?
If your Amazon seller account application is rejected, Amazon will usually provide a reason, such as mismatched information, unreadable documents, or issues with the credit card provided. Carefully review the rejection notice for the specific reason. Correct any discrepancies, re-upload clear and valid documents, or update your information as requested. You can typically re-apply or appeal the decision. If you’re unsure, contact Amazon Seller Support for clarification on the specific issue preventing your approval.
