Amazon Professional Seller Account Requirements

Setting up an Amazon Professional Seller account can be a lucrative move for anyone looking to expand their business or start a new one. To get started, you'll need to meet specific requirements and follow several steps to ensure your account is set up correctly and compliant with Amazon's guidelines. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand what you need to successfully create and manage an Amazon Professional Seller account.

1. Legal Requirements:

Before registering for a Professional Seller account, make sure you meet the legal requirements:

• Business License: You need to have a valid business license. This can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC). Ensure that your business is legally registered according to your local regulations.
• Tax Identification Number: Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you're in the United States. For other countries, check the local tax authority's requirements.

2. Bank Account and Credit Card:

You must have a valid bank account and credit card to manage your Amazon transactions:

• Bank Account: Provide a bank account that can receive payments from Amazon. This account should be under your business name or personal name if you are operating as a sole proprietor.
• Credit Card: A valid credit card is necessary to cover any fees associated with your Amazon account. It should be a major credit card, such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

3. Business Information:

Accurate and detailed business information is crucial:

• Business Name and Address: You need to provide the legal name of your business and a valid address. Ensure that this information matches your business registration documents.
• Contact Information: Include a phone number and email address where Amazon can reach you. This will be used for verification and communication purposes.

4. Product Listings:

Prepare your product listings to meet Amazon’s standards:

• Product Details: You need to provide detailed information about the products you plan to sell. This includes product titles, descriptions, and images.
• Compliance: Ensure that your products comply with Amazon's guidelines and local regulations. This includes safety standards, labeling requirements, and intellectual property laws.

5. Account Fees and Charges:

Understand the fees associated with having a Professional Seller account:

• Monthly Subscription Fee: Amazon charges a monthly subscription fee for Professional Seller accounts. As of now, this fee is $39.99 per month, regardless of the number of items you sell.
• Additional Fees: Be aware of additional fees such as referral fees (a percentage of each sale) and closing fees for certain categories.

6. Verification Process:

Amazon will require you to go through a verification process:

• Identity Verification: Amazon may request documents to verify your identity. This can include a government-issued ID, business license, or utility bills to confirm your address.
• Bank Account Verification: Amazon may also verify your bank account details to ensure that payments can be processed correctly.

7. Compliance with Amazon’s Policies:

To maintain your Professional Seller account, you must comply with Amazon’s policies:

• Seller Code of Conduct: Adhere to Amazon's Seller Code of Conduct, which includes maintaining high standards of customer service, accurate product descriptions, and timely order fulfillment.
• Product Listings Policy: Follow Amazon's policies for listing products, including restrictions on certain categories and adherence to intellectual property laws.

Conclusion:

Setting up an Amazon Professional Seller account requires careful attention to detail and adherence to Amazon’s guidelines. By ensuring you meet all the legal requirements, provide accurate business information, and comply with Amazon's policies, you can successfully launch and manage your Professional Seller account. Keep in mind that maintaining a good standing with Amazon is crucial for ongoing success in the marketplace.