Step 1: Prepare Essential Information and Documents
Gather Business Details
Before you begin the Amazon seller registration process, ensure you have all necessary business information readily available. This includes your legal business name, which must precisely match your business registration documents. If you operate as a sole proprietorship, this will be your full legal name. For corporations or LLCs, have your registered company name at hand. You will also need your business address, including street, city, state/province, and postal code, which Amazon will verify. Finally, prepare your business phone number and an active email address that you regularly check, as Amazon will use these for verification and ongoing communication.
Compile Financial Information
To set up your Amazon seller account, you’ll need specific financial details. Have your bank account routing number and account number ready. This is where Amazon will deposit your sales proceeds. Ensure this is a checking account capable of receiving ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers. You will also need a valid, internationally chargeable credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). This card will be used to pay Amazon’s monthly subscription fee (if you choose the Professional plan) and any other seller fees not covered by your sales proceeds. Debit cards are generally not accepted for this purpose, so confirm yours is a credit card.
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 direct URL is sellercentral.amazon.com. Look for a prominent button or link that says “Sign up” or “Register now.” Avoid third-party websites or links from unofficial sources to ensure you are on the legitimate Amazon platform.
Begin Account Creation
Click on the “Sign up” button. You will be prompted to either sign in with an existing Amazon customer account or create a new one. It’s recommended to create a new Amazon account specifically for your seller activities to keep personal purchases separate from business operations. If creating a new account, you’ll need to provide your name, email address, and create a strong password. After entering these details, Amazon will send a verification code to your email. Retrieve this code and enter it on the Amazon website to proceed.
Step 3: Provide Detailed Business and Personal Information
Enter Your Business Address and Contact Details
Once your email is verified, you will be directed to a form to enter your business location. Select the country where your business is registered. Following this, you will input your full business address, including street, city, state/province, and postal code. Ensure this information is accurate and matches any official documents you may have, as Amazon performs verification checks. You will also need to provide your business phone number. Amazon may use this to send a one-time password (OTP) for phone verification; be prepared to receive and enter it.
Supply Your Personal Identification
Amazon requires personal identification to verify the account holder. You will need to provide a valid government-issued ID. Acceptable forms typically include a passport or a driver’s license. Ensure the ID is current (not expired) and that the name on the ID precisely matches the name you provided during the initial setup. You will also need to provide your date of birth and country of birth. In some cases, Amazon may request a bank statement or a utility bill (electricity, water, gas, internet) as proof of address. Ensure these documents are recent (usually within the last 90 days) and show your name and address clearly.
Step 4: Configure Your Selling Plan and Payment Information
Choose Your Selling Plan
Amazon offers two primary selling plans: Individual and Professional. The Individual plan is suitable for sellers who expect to sell fewer than 40 items per month, as it charges a $0.99 fee per item sold. The Professional plan has a monthly subscription fee (currently $39.99 USD, but check Amazon’s current rates) and is ideal for sellers who anticipate selling more than 40 items, as it waives the per-item fee and provides access to advanced selling tools, bulk listing options, and eligibility for the Buy Box. Carefully consider your sales volume projections before making a selection. You can upgrade from Individual to Professional at any time.
Set Up Your Deposit and Charge Methods
You will be prompted to enter your bank account details for deposits. This includes your bank’s routing number and your account number. Double-check these numbers for accuracy to ensure your sales proceeds are deposited correctly. Next, you will need to provide the details of your internationally chargeable credit card. This card will be used to pay your monthly subscription fee (if on the Professional plan) and any other charges or fees that exceed your current Amazon balance. Enter the card number, expiration date, and the name as it appears on the card. Amazon will typically make a small authorization charge to verify the card, which will later be reversed.
FAQ 1: How long does it take for Amazon to approve a new seller account?
The approval process can vary significantly. Some accounts are approved within a few hours or days, especially if all information is accurate and verification documents are clear. However, if Amazon requires additional verification or documents, it can take several weeks. It’s crucial to respond promptly to any requests for information from Amazon to expedite the process.
FAQ 2: Can I change my selling plan after I register?
Yes, you can change your selling plan at any time. If you start with an Individual plan and find your sales volume increasing, you can upgrade to a Professional plan through your Seller Central account settings. Similarly, if you start with a Professional plan and decide to sell less, you can downgrade to an Individual plan. Note that downgrading will stop the monthly subscription fee but will reintroduce the per-item selling fee.
FAQ 3: What if I don’t have a business registered yet? Can I still open an account?
Yes, you can open an Amazon seller account as an individual or sole proprietor without a formal business registration. In this case, you will use your personal legal name, personal address, and personal tax identification number (like a Social Security Number or equivalent) for registration. However, it’s often recommended to operate under a registered business entity for legal and tax purposes as your business grows.
FAQ 4: What documents are most commonly requested for verification by Amazon?
The most commonly requested documents for seller account verification are a government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license) and a bank statement or utility bill (electricity, water, gas, internet). The bank statement or utility bill is typically used to verify your address and must be recent, usually within the last 90 days, and show your name and address clearly matching the information provided during registration.
