Creating an Amazon Seller Account: A Guide for Beginners
Are you interested in becoming an Amazon seller? With the online retail giant's massive customer base and user-friendly platform, it's no wonder why so many people are eager to start their own Amazon business. But before you can start selling, you need to create an Amazon Seller Account.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a seller account on Amazon.com, as well as provide some helpful tips for first-time sellers.
Introduction to Selling on Amazon
Amazon is one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with over 300 million active customers worldwide. A 45% rise from 2019 saw the launch of more than 200,000 new third-party sellers from all around the world on Amazon in 2020.
There are currently 20 Amazon marketplaces worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Australia, India, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Sweden, Poland, Belgium and more.
One of the biggest advantages of selling on Amazon is that you don't need to own a brand to start selling. In fact, many successful Amazon sellers are independent retailers who source products from manufacturers and wholesalers and then sell them on Amazon for a profit.
You do not need to own a brand to sell on Amazon. In fact, many sellers on Amazon are individuals or small businesses who source products from manufacturers or wholesalers and sell them under their own brand or as a reseller.
If a minor wants to sell on Amazon, they may be able to do so with the assistance of a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian would need to create an Amazon seller account and handle all aspects of the selling process, including managing inventory, shipping orders, and handling customer service.
It's important to note that minors should always have the permission and supervision of a parent or legal guardian when selling online or engaging in any business activity.
Requirements to Create an Amazon Seller Account
Before you create an Amazon seller account, there are a few requirements that you need to fulfill:
- Business email address or Amazon customer account
- Internationally chargeable credit card
- Government ID (identity verification protects sellers and customers)
- Tax information
- Phone number
- A bank account where Amazon can send you proceeds from your sales
An LLC, or limited liability company, is a type of business structure that separates the business owner's personal assets from the business assets. This means that if the business is sued or owes debts, the owner's personal assets, such as their home or car, are generally protected.
While it is not required to have an LLC to sell on Amazon, many sellers choose to form an LLC to protect their personal assets. Without an LLC, if the seller is sued, their personal assets could be at risk.
Additionally, having an LLC may make it easier to apply for certain Amazon programs like Amazon Brand Registry. This program allows sellers to have greater control over their brand and product listings, and having an LLC can help provide the necessary legal documentation to apply.
It is important to note that forming an LLC does come with certain costs and responsibilities, such as filing fees and annual reports. It is recommended that sellers consult with a legal or financial professional to determine if forming an LLC is the right decision for their specific business needs.
How to Create an Amazon Seller Account
Creating an Amazon seller account is a simple process. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Go to Amazon Seller Central at sellercentral.amazon.com. Click the “Sign Up” button.
2. Enter your email address and create a password. Then, click “Next”.
3. Fill out your personal and business information. If you don't have a business, that's OK – just fill in your personal info.
4. Provide your tax information and bank account details.
If you're American, you're going to need to enter your SIN and other contact info.
If you're not American, you're going to need to enter your contact info and also swear that you're not American and not subject to U.S. withholding tax.
5. Verify your identity by providing a valid credit card and phone number.
Amazon needs a credit card to charge you for any fees, specifically your monthly professional selling plan if you choose this plan ($29.99/month).
As you sell things, Amazon will deduct your fees from the money you receive, but when your fees are greater than your balance, they'll charge your credit card.
Don't have a credit card? Unfortunately, there's no way around this. You need a credit card.
6. Set up your account preferences and start listing your products.
7. Once you have created your account, you can start listing your products and managing your orders.
How Can Non-American Sellers Sell on Amazon?
Non-American sellers can sell on Amazon.com by creating an Amazon Global Selling account. Here's how:
- Create an Amazon Global Selling Account. To sell on Amazon.com as a non-American seller, you must first create an Amazon Global Selling account. This is a program that allows sellers from around the world to list their products on Amazon's global marketplace.
- Choose Your Marketplace. After clicking the “Start Selling” button, you will be prompted to choose the Amazon marketplace you want to sell on. If you want to sell in the United States, select “Amazon.com.”
- Provide Personal and Business Information. To set up your account, you'll need to provide personal and business information, including your name, address, and contact information. You'll also need to provide your tax details and bank account information so that Amazon can pay you for your sales.
- Verify Your Identity. To ensure that your account is secure, Amazon will ask you to verify your identity by providing a valid credit card and phone number. You may also be required to provide additional documentation depending on the country you are selling from.
- List Your Products. Once your account is set up, you can start listing your products on Amazon.com. You'll need to provide detailed product descriptions, pricing information, and images to help your products stand out to customers.
- Manage Your Orders. As you begin to make sales, you'll need to manage your orders through Amazon's platform. You'll be able to track your sales, manage your inventory, and communicate with your customers directly through Amazon's messaging system.
Note that non-American sellers may need to comply with additional regulations and requirements depending on the products they are selling and the countries they are shipping to.
For example, some products may require special certifications or permits to be sold in certain countries, so it's important to do your research before listing your products for sale.
Conclusion
Creating an Amazon seller account is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By fulfilling the requirements and providing accurate information, you can start selling your products on Amazon and reach millions of customers worldwide.
Remember to always check Amazon's official pages for the most updated information and regulations.
