Open an Amazon Seller Account: 2025 Guide

Open an Amazon Seller Account: 2025 Guide

Step 1: Prepare for Registration

Gather Necessary Information and Documents

Before you begin the registration process for your Amazon Seller account, ensure you have all required information and documents readily available. This will streamline the setup and prevent delays. You will need:

• Business Email Address: A dedicated email address that you actively monitor.
• Chargeable Credit Card: A valid, non-expired credit card with a billing address, capable of international charges if you plan to sell globally. Amazon will charge a monthly subscription fee (for Professional accounts) and may use it for other fees.
• Valid Government ID: A clear, unexpired copy of your government-issued national ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license). The name on the ID must match the name on your bank account and business registration documents.
• Tax Information: For US sellers, your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). For international sellers, your country’s equivalent tax identification number.
• Phone Number: A phone number where you can receive a verification call or SMS.
• Bank Account Information: A bank account where Amazon can deposit your sales proceeds. This must be a checking account, not a savings account, and domiciled in an Amazon-supported country. You will need the account number and routing number (or equivalent international bank codes).
• Business Registration Documents (if applicable): If you are registering as a business entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.), have your business registration certificate, Articles of Incorporation, or other official business formation documents ready.

Understand Amazon Seller Account Types

Amazon offers two primary seller account types: Individual and Professional. Understanding the differences is crucial for choosing the right fit for your business model and avoiding unnecessary costs.

• Individual Seller Account:
  • Cost: No monthly subscription fee. You pay $0.99 per item sold.
  • Best For: Individuals selling fewer than 40 items per month, or those just starting out and wanting to test the waters.
  • Limitations: Limited access to advanced selling tools, reports, and advertising options. You cannot use FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) for all product categories, and you cannot create product listings for new products that don’t already exist on Amazon.
• Professional Seller Account:
  • Cost: A monthly subscription fee (currently $39.99 in the US, subject to change). No per-item fee.
  • Best For: Businesses planning to sell more than 40 items per month, or those looking to scale their operations.
  • Benefits: Full access to Amazon’s selling tools, including bulk listing tools, inventory management, business reports, advertising campaigns (Sponsored Products, Brands, Display), eligibility for the Buy Box, and the ability to create new product pages. Essential for serious sellers.

You can switch between account types at any time, but it’s advisable to start with the Professional account if you are serious about building a business, as the tools and features are invaluable.

Step 2: Start the Registration Process

Navigate to Amazon Seller Central

To begin your Amazon seller journey, you need to access the Amazon Seller Central portal. This is the main hub for managing your Amazon business.

Open your web browser and go to sellercentral.amazon.com. If you are in a different region (e.g., Europe, Japan, Australia), ensure you navigate to the correct regional Seller Central domain (e.g., sellercentral-europe.amazon.com). On the homepage, look for a button or link that says “Sign Up,” “Register now,” or “Sell on Amazon.” Click this to initiate the registration process.

Begin Account Creation and Provide Business Details

After clicking “Sign Up,” you will be prompted to create a new Amazon account or log in with an existing Amazon customer account. It is highly recommended to create a new, dedicated Amazon account for your seller business, separate from your personal shopping account. This helps maintain clear separation and security.

1. Create Your Amazon Account: If creating a new account, you will be asked for your name, email address, and to set a password. Ensure this email address is the dedicated business email you prepared in Step 1.
2. Select Your Business Location: You will then be asked to select the country where your business is located. Choose this carefully as it determines the specific regional requirements and marketplaces you’ll initially be registered for.
3. Choose Business Type: Amazon will present options for your business entity type. Common options include:
   • State-owned business: For government-owned entities.
   • Publicly listed business: For publicly traded companies.
   • Privately-owned business: For most small to medium-sized businesses, including LLCs, Corporations, and Partnerships.
   • Individual: For sole proprietors or individuals registering without a formal business entity.

   Select the option that accurately reflects your legal business structure.

4. Provide Business Name: Enter the legal name of your business exactly as it appears on your official registration documents. If you are registering as an individual, enter your full legal name.
5. Agree to Terms and Conditions: Read through Amazon’s Business Solutions Agreement. It’s extensive, but understanding the terms is crucial. Check the box to agree and proceed.

Step 3: Provide Required Information and Verification

Enter Billing and Deposit Information

This is a critical step where you provide the financial details necessary for Amazon to charge you fees and pay out your earnings.

1. Chargeable Credit Card Information: Enter the details of the credit card you prepared. This includes the card number, expiration date, cardholder name, and billing address. Amazon will perform a small authorization charge (which is usually reversed) to verify the card’s validity.
2. Bank Account for Deposits: Provide the bank account details where Amazon will disburse your sales proceeds. This includes the bank account holder’s name, bank name, account number, and routing number (for US accounts) or IBAN/SWIFT code (for international accounts). Ensure the bank account is a checking account and is domiciled in a country supported by Amazon for disbursements. The name on the bank account must typically match the name of the seller account holder or the registered business name.

Complete Identity and Business Verification

Amazon has a rigorous verification process to ensure the legitimacy of its sellers and prevent fraud. This step is crucial and can take some time.

1. Identity Verification:
   • Upload Government ID: You will be prompted to upload clear, high-resolution scans or photos of your government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license). Ensure all four corners of the document are visible, and there is no glare. The name, date of birth, and expiration date must be clearly legible.
   • Proof of Address: In some cases, Amazon may request a recent utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet) or bank statement (not a credit card statement) issued within the last 90 days, showing your name and address. The address on this document must match the address provided during registration.
2. Business Verification (if applicable):
   • Upload Business Registration Documents: If you registered as a business entity, you may need to upload your business registration certificate, Articles of Incorporation, or other official documents that prove your business’s legal existence and the names of its beneficial owners.
3. Video Call Verification (New Requirement): Amazon has increasingly implemented video call verification. You may be scheduled for a video call where an Amazon representative will ask you to show your original government ID and answer questions about your business. Ensure you have the physical ID ready for this call.
4. Tax Interview: Complete the online tax interview. This determines your tax reporting obligations. For US sellers, you will typically provide your SSN or EIN. For international sellers, you will provide your country’s tax ID and certify your tax status.

Be patient during this phase. Verification can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Amazon will communicate updates via your registered email and within Seller Central. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Step 4: Configure Your Seller Account

Set Up Your Storefront and Product Categories

Once your account is verified, you can begin configuring your seller account and preparing to list products.

1. Seller Profile Information: Access your “Settings” in Seller Central and navigate to “Account Info.” Here, you can update your business address, contact information, and display name for your storefront. Your “Display Name” is what customers will see as the seller of your products. Choose a professional and relevant name.
2. Set Up Your Storefront (Brand Registered Sellers): If you have a registered brand with Amazon’s Brand Registry, you can create a customized Storefront. Go to “Stores” > “Manage Stores” in Seller Central. This allows you to design a multi-page shopping experience for your brand on Amazon, showcasing your products and brand story.
3. Understand Product Categories and Gating:
   • Browse Categories: Familiarize yourself with the product categories available on Amazon.
   • Restricted Categories (Gated Categories): Some product categories (e.g., Jewelry, Collectible Coins, Fine Art, certain health products) are “gated,” meaning you need Amazon’s approval to sell in them. To request approval, go to “Inventory” > “Add a Product,” search for an item in the restricted category, and click “Apply to Sell.” You will likely need to provide invoices from legitimate suppliers, certifications, or other documentation.
   • Ungating Process: The ungating process can be stringent and requires careful attention to Amazon’s specific requirements. Ensure your documentation is impeccable.

Understand and Configure Shipping Settings

Properly configuring your shipping settings is crucial for customer satisfaction and managing your fulfillment operations.

1. Navigate to Shipping Settings: In Seller Central, go to “Settings” > “Shipping Settings.”
2. Choose Your Shipping Model:
   • Seller-Fulfilled (FBM – Fulfillment by Merchant): You are responsible for storing, packing, and shipping products directly to customers. You set your own shipping rates and transit times.
   • Amazon-Fulfilled (FBA – Fulfillment by Amazon): You send your inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Amazon handles storage, picking, packing, shipping, customer service, and returns for these products. This is generally recommended for most sellers due to its convenience and eligibility for Prime shipping.
3. Configure Shipping Templates (for FBM): If you choose FBM, you will need to create shipping templates.
   • Create New Templates: Click “Create New Shipping Template.”
   • Shipping Options: Define your shipping options (e.g., Standard, Expedited, Two-Day).
   • Shipping Regions: Specify which regions you will ship to (e.g., contiguous US, Alaska/Hawaii, international).
   • Shipping Rates: Set your shipping rates, either based on price (per-item or per-pound) or weight. You can offer free shipping or charge flat rates.
   • Transit Times: Accurately set your handling time (time to prepare the order) and transit time (time in transit). Underestimating these can lead to late deliveries and negative feedback.
4. Set Up FBA (if applicable): If you plan to use FBA, you don’t configure shipping rates in the same way. Instead, you create FBA shipping plans when you list products, and Amazon handles the rest. You will need to understand FBA fees (storage, fulfillment, etc.) and prepare your products according to Amazon’s strict FBA packaging and labeling guidelines.
5. Return Settings: While in “Shipping Settings” or “Account Info,” review and configure your return settings. You can choose to have Amazon authorize returns automatically or manually. Understand Amazon’s return policies, as they are generally very customer-friendly.

FAQs

How long does it typically take to get an Amazon seller account approved?

The approval process can vary significantly. While some accounts are approved within a few days, others can take several weeks or even longer, especially if Amazon requires additional documentation or a video verification call. The key is to provide accurate and complete information from the start and respond promptly to any Amazon requests.

Can I sell on Amazon without a business license?

In many regions, particularly for Individual seller accounts, you can start selling without a formal business license, operating as a sole proprietorship. However, it is highly recommended to consult with a legal professional to understand the specific business registration and licensing requirements for your location and the type of products you plan to sell. As your business grows, forming a legal entity like an LLC or Corporation often becomes necessary for liability protection and tax benefits.

What are the common reasons for Amazon seller account suspension during registration?

Common reasons for suspension during registration include:

• Information Mismatch: Discrepancies between the information provided and the supporting documents (e.g., name, address, business name).
• Poor Document Quality: Blurry, incomplete, or unreadable scans of IDs or utility bills.
• Duplicate Account Issues: Attempting to open a new account when a related account (even if previously closed) already exists or was suspended.
• Non-Compliance with Policies: Any indication of attempting to circumvent Amazon’s policies.
• Unacceptable Bank Account/Credit Card: Invalid, expired, or non-chargeable payment methods, or bank accounts not matching the seller’s details.

If suspended, carefully read Amazon’s notification and appeal with a clear plan of action addressing the specific issues.

Can I change my seller account type (Individual to Professional) later?

Yes, you can easily change your seller account type at any time. To do this, log into your Seller Central account, go to “Settings” > “Account Info,” and look for the “Your Services” section. There, you will see an option to “Manage Your Services” or “Upgrade/Downgrade Your Account.” Clicking this will allow you to switch between Individual and Professional plans. Be aware that upgrading will immediately incur the monthly Professional subscription fee.