How Often Do Amazon Pay Sellers?

When selling on Amazon, understanding the payment schedule is crucial for managing your cash flow and planning your business finances. Amazon pays sellers on a bi-weekly basis, which means payments are made every two weeks. However, there are a few key details and conditions that sellers should be aware of:

1. Payment Schedule: Amazon generally processes payments every 14 days. The payment is made to the seller's bank account on the first business day after the end of the two-week period. For instance, if your account is paid on a Wednesday, the payment covers sales from the previous two weeks up until the Tuesday before.

2. Payment Holds and Disbursements: Amazon retains a reserve balance to cover potential chargebacks and refunds. This reserve can affect the timing of your payments. Typically, Amazon holds about two weeks’ worth of sales as a reserve. Once this reserve is established, payments are disbursed more regularly.

3. Settlement Reports: Amazon provides detailed settlement reports to sellers. These reports outline the transactions, fees, and other details related to the payment. Sellers can access these reports through their Seller Central account.

4. Payment Methods: Payments are typically made via direct deposit. Sellers must ensure their bank account information is correctly entered and verified in their Amazon Seller Central account to avoid payment delays.

5. Impact of Seller Account Status: If there are issues with your account, such as policy violations or payment disputes, Amazon might delay or hold payments. It’s crucial to maintain a good standing to avoid disruptions in your payment schedule.

6. International Sellers: For sellers outside the United States, payments are still made bi-weekly, but they might be subject to different processing times and fees depending on the bank and country. Amazon offers various payment options for international sellers, including wire transfers.

7. Fee Deductions: Amazon deducts various fees from your sales proceeds before making the payment. These include referral fees, fulfillment fees, and any other applicable charges. Understanding these fees is essential for accurate financial planning.

To sum up, Amazon pays sellers every two weeks, but sellers should be aware of potential reserves, payment holds, and fee deductions that can affect the timing and amount of their payments. Keeping track of settlement reports and maintaining a good account status are key to ensuring a smooth payment experience.