Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account: A Beginner’s Guide
Step 1: Gather Essential Information and Documents
1.1 Prepare Your Business Information
Before you begin the registration process, ensure you have all your business details readily available. This includes your legal business name (which must match your registration documents), your business address, and contact information. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor, this will typically be your personal legal name and address. For LLCs, corporations, or partnerships, have your official registration documents handy as Amazon may request them during verification. Decide on a clear, concise display name for your store that potential customers will see. This can be different from your legal business name but should be professional and relevant to your products.
1.2 Collect Financial and Tax Details
You will need specific financial and tax information. Have a valid, internationally chargeable credit card on hand. This card is used for monthly subscription fees (if you choose the Professional selling plan) and other charges, as well as for identity verification. Ensure the card has sufficient funds and is not expired. For tax purposes, you’ll need your Tax Identification Number (TIN). For U.S. sellers, this is typically your Social Security Number (SSN) if you’re a sole proprietor or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses. Non-U.S. sellers will need their equivalent tax identification from their country of origin. Also, prepare your bank account details (account number and routing number for U.S. accounts, or equivalent international bank details) where Amazon will deposit your sales proceeds. This account must be a checking account, not a savings account, and must be in the name of your business or the primary account holder.
Step 2: Initiate the Registration Process on Amazon
2.1 Navigate to Amazon Seller Central
Open your web browser and go to the official Amazon Seller Central website. For most regions, this is sellercentral.amazon.com. Look for the “Sign up” or “Register now” button, typically found on the homepage. Do not attempt to sign up through your regular Amazon customer account, as this is a separate portal specifically for sellers.
2.2 Begin the Account Creation Workflow
Clicking “Sign up” will prompt you to either sign in with an existing Amazon account or create a new one. Even if you have a customer account, it’s often recommended to create a new Amazon account specifically for your seller activities to keep them separate. You’ll need to provide an email address and create a secure password. Ensure this email address is one you check regularly, as Amazon will use it for critical communications regarding your account and sales. After entering these initial details, you’ll be guided through a series of screens to input the information you gathered in Step 1.
Step 3: Complete Business and Payment Details
3.1 Provide Your Business Address and Contact Information
Carefully input your legal business address, ensuring it matches any official documents you may need to provide. Select your business type from the dropdown menu (e.g., Privately-owned business, Publicly-listed business, State-owned business, Charity, or None, I am an individual). If you select “None, I am an individual,” you will be prompted to enter your full legal name. Provide a primary contact phone number where Amazon can reach you for verification purposes. This number should be active and accessible as you might receive a verification call or SMS.
3.2 Enter Your Bank Account and Credit Card Details
On the payment information page, accurately enter the details for your internationally chargeable credit card. This card will be used for Amazon’s fees. Next, provide your bank account details where Amazon will disburse your earnings. Double-check the account number and routing number (or international equivalent) to avoid delays in receiving payments. Amazon may perform a small test deposit (and subsequent withdrawal) to verify the bank account, so monitor your bank statements for this transaction.
Step 4: Verify Your Identity and Launch Your Account
4.1 Complete the Identity Verification Process
This is a critical step. Amazon requires robust identity verification to ensure the security and legitimacy of its marketplace. You will typically be asked to upload scanned copies or clear photos of specific documents. This usually includes a government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license) and a bank statement or utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet) that clearly shows your name and address, matching the information you provided during registration. Ensure the documents are recent (usually within the last 90 days for bank statements/utility bills), high-resolution, and all four corners of the document are visible. The name and address on the documents must precisely match what you entered in your seller account. In some cases, Amazon may also schedule a video call for live identity verification.
4.2 Finalize Your Account Setup and Begin Selling
Once you’ve submitted your documents, Amazon will review them. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, or even weeks in some cases, depending on the volume of applications and the clarity of your submitted documents. You will receive an email notification once your identity has been successfully verified. At this point, your account will be activated, and you can log into Seller Central. From here, you can begin listing your products, setting up shipping options, and configuring your store settings. Familiarize yourself with the Seller Central dashboard and its various tools and resources before launching your first product.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take for Amazon to approve a new seller account?
A: The approval process can vary. While some accounts are approved within a few days, others might take several weeks, especially if there are issues with document verification or if Amazon requires additional information. It’s best to have all documents ready and accurate to expedite the process.
Q: What is the difference between an Individual and Professional selling plan?
A: An Individual plan charges a $0.99 fee per item sold, suitable for sellers with fewer than 40 sales per month. A Professional plan costs a flat monthly subscription fee (around $39.99 in the U.S.) but offers access to advanced selling tools, bulk listing options, and eligibility for the Buy Box. If you plan to sell more than 40 items a month, the Professional plan is more cost-effective.
Q: Can I use a P.O. Box as my business address?
A: Generally, no. Amazon requires a physical street address for your business registration and verification. A P.O. Box is typically not accepted for the primary business address, especially for identity and business verification purposes.
Q: What if my documents are rejected during verification?
A: If your documents are rejected, Amazon will usually send you an email detailing the reason (e.g., blurry image, mismatching address, outdated document). Carefully read the rejection notice, correct the issue (e.g., provide a clearer photo, an updated bill, or ensure addresses match precisely), and resubmit the requested documents through Seller Central. You may need to try different types of utility bills if one particular type is consistently rejected.
