The hardest part of any big venture is getting started and, we’ll admit, Amazon can definitely be intimidating. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed guide to help you navigate the initial account setup process to ensure you don’t miss anything along the way!
What You'll Need
Before you get started, you’ll need a handful of info in order to successfully open your Professional Seller account. Make sure you have the following information handy and available.
- Tax ID
- State Tax ID
- A Copy of Your Driver’s License or Passport
- Legal Business Name
- Address
- Contact Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Credit Card
- Payment Info (Business Account Info & Routing Number)
It’s important to note that you use a business entity, credit card and tax IDs that have never been used to open an account. Though Amazon now permits more than one seller account for separate business entities, don’t create complications for yourself by trying to create an account with a business that has been used in the past.
Also, in terms of your credit card, consider using a payment method that has a strong rewards program as you will wrack up a lot of valuable points as your brand scales.
Things to Consider
In addition to the basic information you’ll need to get started, you’ll also need to have a gameplan for your basic Amazon operational procedures before you start selling. Here are the top things to ask and discuss before you get started.
Customer Service
- Do you have a dedicated person who can handle customer service inquiries?
- Are there any common concerns with your products that your customer service rep should be aware of?
- How will you handle dissatisfied customers? Will you offer a complimentary product or refund through the “Customer Reviews” tool?
- Will your CS rep be able to meet Amazon’s 24-hour response time expectation, including on weekends?
Category Restrictions
- Have you checked Amazon’s Restricted Categories to ensure that you will be able to list your product once you open your account?
- If your product does fall into one of these categories, are you prepared to apply to sell in the category and provide the necessary documentation?
Fulfillment
- Do you plan to use Fulfillment By Amazon, Fulfillment By Merchant, or Both?
- If FBA, do you have a point person who can oversee inventory and handle FBA replenishment?
- If FBM, have you negotiated best rates with your carrier and can you accomplish fast shipping (preferably 2 days or less) from your location?
Returns
- If you plan to use FBM, where do you intend to have customers return products?
Reviews
- Do you have a strategy in place for gathering initial reviews?
- How do you plan to address negative feedback?
How to Set Up Your Account
After you have had a chance to gather the necessary information and get some basic operational plans in place, you’ll need to get your account set up. To do this visit Amazon and click “Sign Up”.
Next, click “Create Your Amazon Account”.
Enter your Name, Email Address, Password, and click “Next”.
Enter the OTP sent to your email address and click “Create your Amazon account”.
Select your Business Location and Business Type. Enter your Business Name, check next to the confirmation, and click “Agree and continue”.
On the following page, enter your Business Registration Number, Business Address, Phone Number, and Primary Contact Person. After validating your Phone Number, click “Next”.
Enter all required information for beneficial owners of the store and click “Save”.
Next, you will need to enter your payment information. Click “I Understand” to proceed.
Enter your Financial Institution Name, Routing Number, Account number, and click “Verify Bank Account”.
Enter your Credit Card Number, Expiration Date, Cardholder’s Name, and click “Next”.
Enter the necessary Store information and click “Next”.
Complete the Identity Verification and click “Submit”.
You will then be prompted to set up a Video Verification Call and Address Verification to complete the process. After you have completed the verifications, you will be able to access your account.
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