Start your online business · Amazon · 3 min read
How to Set Up an Amazon Seller Account
Short answer
Go to sell.amazon.com, choose the Individual plan ($0.99 per item sold) or Professional plan ($39.99 per month), and register with a business email, a chargeable credit card, a government ID, tax information and a bank account. Amazon then verifies your identity, often with a video call, before you can list products.
Amazon gives you access to a huge audience of buyers ready to purchase. Getting in is straightforward if you prepare properly, and frustrating if your documents don't line up. This guide covers the US marketplace; other Amazon marketplaces follow a similar process with local requirements.
Step 1: Pick a selling plan
According to Amazon's pricing page:
| Individual | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | None | $39.99/month |
| Per-item fee | $0.99 per item sold | None |
| Referral fees | Yes, by category | Yes, by category |
| Ads, bulk listing, automated pricing | No | Yes |
Referral fees apply to both plans and vary by category. Amazon's page shows most categories between 8% and 20%, with a few outliers. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees are extra if you use it.
The break-even is simple: at roughly 40 sales a month, the $0.99 fees match the Professional subscription. You can switch plans later.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Before you start, have these ready:
- Business email or the email you want tied to the account
- Chargeable credit card (international cards work in many cases)
- Government-issued photo ID (passport or driving license)
- Tax information: SSN or EIN in the US, plus details for the tax interview
- Bank account for payouts
- Phone number
- Recent bank or credit card statement showing your name and address, if requested
The most common reason for delays is mismatched details. The name on your ID, card, bank account and registration should be identical. The address on your statement should match what you enter.
Step 3: Register
- Go to sell.amazon.com and click Sign up.
- Create or sign in to an Amazon account. Many sellers create a separate account from their personal shopping account.
- Enter your business type, location and legal name.
- Add personal and business details, ID, payment card and bank account.
- Complete the tax interview.
- Enter store information: your store name, whether you have UPCs, and whether you own a brand.
Step 4: Identity verification
Amazon typically asks for a video call with a verification associate, where you show your ID and documents. Some sellers are asked to verify their address with a postcard code. Prepare by having the original documents in front of you, a quiet place and stable internet.
Step 5: Set up your account
Once verified, log in to Seller Central and:
- Add your shipping settings and return address.
- Set up two-step verification (required).
- Review your notification preferences.
- Decide on FBA vs FBM (fulfilled by Amazon vs fulfilled by merchant).
Step 6: List your first product
You either match an existing listing (if you sell the same product someone else does) or create a new one with its own detail page. New listings usually need a GTIN such as a UPC, unless you qualify for an exemption or are enrolled in Brand Registry.
Some categories are gated and need approval before you can sell: certain grocery, health, beauty and branded items, among others.
Tips for a smooth start
- Start small with one or two products you understand well.
- Calculate fees before buying stock. Amazon's Revenue Calculator shows referral and FBA fees per item.
- Read the policies. Account health matters. Late shipments and policy violations can suspend new sellers fast.
- Think about pricing early. Our guide to Amazon pricing strategy explains how competition and the Buy Box work.
Not sure what to sell yet? Read what to sell on Amazon to make money at home. And if you're weighing Amazon against your own store, compare it with the best ecommerce platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Which Amazon seller plan should I choose?
If you expect to sell fewer than about 40 items a month, the Individual plan is usually cheaper. Above that, Professional costs less per sale and unlocks ads, bulk tools and the Buy Box eligibility features most serious sellers need.
How long does Amazon seller verification take?
It varies. Many sellers are verified within days, but document mismatches can stretch it out. Make sure every name and address matches exactly.
Do I need a business to sell on Amazon?
No. Individuals can register, though you'll still provide tax information. Many sellers form an LLC or company later for liability and tax reasons.
Sources and further reading
Platform features, prices and policies change. Check the official help pages linked above before you act on a detail that matters to your store.