Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account: A Quick Guide
Step 1: Prepare Essential Information and Documents
Gather Business Details and Contact Information
Before you begin the registration process, ensure you have all necessary business details readily available. This includes your legal business name, address, and phone number. If you are registering as an individual, use your full legal name and personal address. You will also need a valid email address that you check regularly, as Amazon will use this for all official communications. Additionally, have a chargeable credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) ready, as this is required for the monthly professional selling plan fee, even if you opt for the individual plan initially for verification purposes.
Prepare Bank Account and Tax Information
You will need a valid bank account number and routing number for a US-based checking account where Amazon can deposit your earnings. Ensure the account is in the name of your business or, if registering as an individual, in your personal name. For tax purposes, you’ll need your Tax Identification Number (TIN). This is typically your Social Security Number (SSN) if you are a sole proprietor or individual, or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you are a corporation or LLC. Amazon will guide you through a tax interview process to collect this information and determine your tax status.
Step 2: Initiate Your Amazon Seller Account Registration
Navigate to the Amazon Seller Central Website
Open your web browser and go to the official Amazon Seller Central website. The URL is sellercentral.amazon.com. Look for the “Sign up” or “Register now” button, usually prominently displayed on the homepage. Do not attempt to register through the standard Amazon consumer website, as this is a separate portal dedicated to sellers.
Begin the Registration Process and Select Account Type
Click on the “Sign up” button to start the registration. You will be prompted to create a new Amazon account if you don’t already have one, or sign in with an existing Amazon customer account. It’s often recommended to create a new, dedicated account for your selling activities to keep business and personal Amazon activities separate. During this stage, you will be asked to choose between a “Professional” selling plan ($39.99 per month, no per-item fee, access to advanced features) and an “Individual” selling plan ($0 per month, $0.99 per-item fee, limited features). While you can switch later, consider your sales volume and needs. If you plan to sell more than 40 items per month, the Professional plan is generally more cost-effective.
Step 3: Complete the Account Setup and Verification
Provide Business and Personal Details as Requested
Follow the on-screen prompts to input all the information you prepared in Step 1. This includes your business location, business type (e.g., privately owned, public, individual), legal business name, and contact information. You will also need to provide your personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and a valid government-issued ID number (e.g., driver’s license or passport). Ensure all information is accurate and matches your official documents exactly to avoid delays in verification.
Undergo Identity and Address Verification
Amazon takes verification seriously to maintain a trusted marketplace. You will typically be asked to upload scanned copies or clear photos of your government-issued identification (e.g., passport, national ID card, driver’s license) and a bank account statement or utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet, or mobile phone bill) issued within the last 90 days, showing your name and address. The name and address on these documents must precisely match the information you provided during registration. Amazon may also initiate a video call verification where you’ll need to show your original ID to an Amazon representative. Be prepared for this step, as it’s a common part of the process.
Step 4: Configure Your Seller Account Settings
Set Up Your Payment and Deposit Methods
Once your account is verified, navigate to the “Settings” menu in Seller Central, then select “Account Info.” Under the “Payment Information” section, you will find “Deposit Methods” and “Charge Methods.” For “Deposit Methods,” enter your bank account and routing number where Amazon will disburse your earnings. For “Charge Methods,” ensure your credit card information is up-to-date and valid, as this card will be charged for your monthly subscription fee (if on the Professional plan) and any other Amazon fees not covered by your sales.
Configure Shipping Settings and Return Policies
Within “Settings,” locate “Shipping Settings.” Here, you can define your shipping regions, transit times, and shipping rates. You can choose between a “Per Item/Weight-Based” model or a “Price Banded” model. Carefully configure these settings to reflect your shipping capabilities and costs. Also, review the “Return Settings” under “Settings.” While Amazon has a default return policy, you can set specific return instructions or offer extended return periods if you wish. Familiarize yourself with Amazon’s return policies to ensure compliance and a smooth customer experience.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take for Amazon to approve my seller account?
A: The approval time can vary significantly. Once all documents are submitted, basic verification might take a few days. However, if additional verification (like a video call) is required or if there are discrepancies in your submitted information, it can extend to several weeks. Ensure all details match exactly to speed up the process.
Q: Can I start selling immediately after my account is approved?
A: Yes, once your account is fully verified and approved, you can start listing products. However, it’s highly recommended to first familiarize yourself with Seller Central’s interface, configure your shipping settings, and understand Amazon’s listing policies before going live with your products.
Q: What is the difference between FBA and FBM?
A: FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) means you send your products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and Amazon handles storage, packing, shipping, customer service, and returns for those products. FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) means you store your products and are responsible for packing, shipping, and handling customer service and returns yourself.
Q: Do I need a business license to sell on Amazon?
A: Amazon does not explicitly require you to have a formal business license to open a seller account, especially if you are registering as an individual. However, your local, state, and federal governments may have specific licensing requirements for operating a business, even a home-based one. It is your responsibility to research and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
