Set Up Your Amazon Store: A Beginner’s Guide

Step 1: Register for an Amazon Seller Account

Choose Your Selling Plan

Before you begin, decide which selling plan suits your needs. Amazon offers two main 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, on the other hand, costs $39.99 per month but waives the per-item fee, making it more cost-effective for higher sales volumes. Consider your initial product offerings and sales projections to make an informed choice. You can always upgrade or downgrade later.

Provide Business and Personal Information

Navigate to sell.amazon.com and click on “Sign up.” You will need to provide a valid email address and create a password. Following that, Amazon will request detailed information about your business and yourself. Be prepared to provide the following:

• Business Information: Legal business name, address, and contact number. If you’re selling as an individual, use your personal legal name.
• Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, and a government-issued ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) for identity verification.
• Bank Account Information: A valid bank account number and routing number where Amazon can deposit your sales proceeds.
• Chargeable Credit Card: A valid credit card that Amazon can charge for seller fees or subscription costs. This card must have a valid billing address.
• Tax Information: Your U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes. You will complete a tax interview to provide this.

Ensure all information is accurate and matches your official documents to avoid delays in the verification process. Amazon typically takes 24-72 hours to verify your account, though it can sometimes take longer.

Step 2: Configure Your Seller Account Settings

Set Up Your Deposit Method

Once your account is registered and verified, log into your Seller Central account. From the main dashboard, navigate to “Settings” in the top right corner and select “Account Info.” Under the “Payment Information” section, click on “Deposit Method.” Here, you will enter the bank account details (account number and routing number) where you want Amazon to disburse your earnings. Double-check all numbers for accuracy to prevent failed deposits. Amazon typically processes disbursements every two weeks, though you can request earlier disbursements once you have a sufficient balance.

Configure Your Charge Method

Still within the “Payment Information” section under “Account Info,” locate and click on “Charge Method.” Enter the details of the credit card you wish Amazon to use for charging seller fees, subscription costs (if on the Professional plan), or any other charges. Ensure the credit card is valid, has sufficient funds, and the billing address matches the one on file with your bank. This is crucial for Amazon to be able to process any necessary charges related to your selling activities.

Step 3: List Your First Product

Add a Product via Search or UPC

From your Seller Central dashboard, hover over “Inventory” and select “Add a Product.” You have two primary ways to list your item:

1. Search for an existing product: If your product already exists on Amazon (e.g., a popular brand item), you can search for it using its name, UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number), ISBN (International Standard Book Number), or ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number). Once found, click “Sell yours” and provide your specific offer details (condition, price, quantity, fulfillment method).
2. Create a new product listing: If your product is unique or doesn’t exist on Amazon yet (e.g., a private label product or handcrafted item), click “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon.” You will then be prompted to select the category for your product. Choose the most specific and relevant category to ensure your product is discoverable.

Provide Product Details and Images

After selecting your product or category, you will be taken to the product listing page where you need to input comprehensive details:

• Product ID: Enter the UPC, EAN, or ISBN for your product. If you don’t have one, you may need to purchase them from GS1 or apply for a GTIN exemption from Amazon for certain product types.
• Product Name (Title): Create a clear, concise, and keyword-rich title (max 200 characters) that accurately describes your product.
• Brand Name: Enter your brand name. If you are the brand owner, consider Amazon Brand Registry.
• Manufacturer: The name of the manufacturer.
• Product Description: Write a detailed and engaging description highlighting key features and benefits.
• Bullet Points (Key Product Features): List 5 key selling points or features in bullet format.
• Images: Upload high-quality images (minimum 1000 pixels on the longest side for zoom functionality). The main image should have a pure white background and show only the product. Include multiple angles, lifestyle shots, and images demonstrating scale or use.
• Price: Set your selling price.
• Quantity: Specify how many units you have available.
• Condition: Select the condition of your product (e.g., New, Used-Like New).
• Fulfillment Channel: Choose between FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) or FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant).

Fill out all required fields marked with an asterisk (*). The more complete and accurate your listing, the better its visibility and conversion rates.

Step 4: Manage Your Inventory and Orders

Understand Fulfillment Options (FBA vs. FBM)

Amazon offers two primary methods for fulfilling customer orders:

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): With FBA, you send your products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Amazon stores your inventory, picks, packs, and ships orders, and handles customer service and returns for those products. This option is often preferred for its convenience and eligibility for Prime shipping, which can significantly boost sales. However, it incurs storage and fulfillment fees.
• Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM): With FBM, you are responsible for storing your inventory, packaging orders, shipping them directly to customers, and managing all customer service and returns yourself. This option gives you more control and avoids FBA fees, but requires more hands-on management and may not qualify for Prime shipping.

When listing a product, you select your preferred fulfillment channel. For FBA, you’ll generate shipping labels and send your inventory to an Amazon warehouse. For FBM, you’ll need to set up your shipping settings (transit times, shipping costs) in Seller Central.

Process Your First Order

Once your product is live, you’ll receive a notification in Seller Central when an order comes in. To process an FBM order:

1. Check “Manage Orders”: Navigate to “Orders” > “Manage Orders” in Seller Central. New orders will appear here.
2. Print Packing Slip: Click on the order number, then “Print packing slip.” Include this with your shipment.
3. Package the Item: Carefully package your product to prevent damage during transit. Use appropriate packing materials.
4. Purchase Shipping Label: You can purchase shipping labels directly through Amazon’s “Buy Shipping” service (recommended, as it offers some protection against A-to-Z claims for delivery issues) or use your preferred shipping carrier outside Amazon.
5. Ship the Order: Affix the shipping label and drop off the package with the carrier.
6. Confirm Shipment: Crucially, return to “Manage Orders,” find the order, and click “Confirm shipment.” Enter the carrier name and tracking number. This step notifies the customer, updates the order status, and triggers your payment.

For FBA orders, Amazon automatically handles all these steps once your inventory is received at their fulfillment centers. Your main task is to monitor your inventory levels and replenish as needed.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get approved for an Amazon Seller account?

A: The approval process typically takes between 24 to 72 hours, but it can sometimes extend to a few weeks, especially if Amazon requires additional verification documents or if there are discrepancies in the information provided. Ensure all details match your official documents to minimize delays.

Q: Do I need a business license to sell on Amazon?

A: While Amazon itself does not universally require a business license to open a seller account, specific products, categories, or your local/state regulations might. It’s highly recommended to consult with a legal professional or your local government to determine specific licensing requirements for your business type and location.

Q: What is the difference between ASIN, UPC, and SKU?

A: ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric unique identifier assigned by Amazon to products within its catalog. UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode used to identify retail products worldwide, typically found on product packaging. You usually need a UPC to create a new ASIN on Amazon. SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique code created by you, the seller, for internal inventory management purposes. It helps you track your products within your own system.

Q: Can I sell handmade items on Amazon?

A: Yes, Amazon has a dedicated marketplace called “Amazon Handmade” specifically for artisans to sell their handcrafted goods. To sell on Amazon Handmade, you need to apply and be approved, demonstrating that your products are genuinely handmade. Alternatively, if your handmade items don’t fit the Handmade criteria, you can list them on the main Amazon marketplace by obtaining UPCs or applying for a GTIN exemption.