Opening an Amazon Seller Account: A Quick and Easy Guide

So, you’ve got a product idea, done your homework, and started chatting with suppliers—things are looking great! But before you dive headfirst into the world of Amazon selling, there’s one crucial step you can’t skip: opening an Amazon seller account. You have to do this early in the process to make sure that you are eligible and verified to sell on Amazon.

The process is pretty straightforward and can be completed quickly, but let’s be honest—many sellers hit roadblocks during the verification stage. Why? Usually, it boils down to incomplete or unclear documents.

When I opened my seller account, I didn’t encounter any issues. I simply provided all the required documents, attended the video call, and breezed through the process. The key is to ensure everything you submit is accurate, clear, and legitimate. If your paperwork is dodgy or poorly prepared, the verification process can quickly turn into a headache.

Here’s what you’ll need to get it right the first time:

• Valid ID or passport: Make sure it’s up-to-date and matches the name on your account.
• Bank account details: For those sweet payouts.
• Tax information: Depending on your country, this may vary, so double-check Amazon’s requirements.
• Phone number: You’ll need this for account verification and future communications.
• Proof of address: You’ll need this for account verification. A utility bill or credit card statement will do.

And don’t forget about the video call! Amazon often requires a quick meeting to confirm your identity and review your documents. It’s nothing to stress over—just make sure you’re prepared and have everything ready to show.

If your documents are legit and clear, the verification process should be a breeze.

To get you started, here’s a quick rundown to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 1: Pick Your Plan

Amazon offers two types of seller accounts: Individual and Professional.

• Individual Plan: Perfect if you’re testing the waters or selling fewer than 40 items a month. There’s no monthly subscription fee, but Amazon charges you $0.99 per item sold, plus referral fees and closing fees.
• Professional Plan: Ideal for serious sellers or anyone selling 40+ items monthly. It costs $39.99/month (plus referral and closing fees), but you save on the $0.99/item fee and unlock powerful tools like advanced reports, advertising options, and bulk listing.

My personal recommendation would be to start a professional plan. Don’t worry about the subscription fee because Amazon will only start to charge you once you’ve created a listing.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents and Get Verified

I don’t need to put in detail here the step-by-step process because you will find tons of information online. But if you’re lazy to Google it, here’s the full information (and more) about starting a seller account.

Once you’ve created a seller account and got verified, you can move forward with your product launching. Also, don’t forget that as a new seller, you’re entitled to a handful of incentives.

Got questions? Drop a comment or send me an email.