How to Get Approved to Sell Products on Amazon

Selling products on Amazon can be a lucrative venture, but getting approved to do so involves a series of steps. This guide will walk you through the process of getting approved to sell on Amazon, covering everything from setting up your account to meeting Amazon’s requirements and tips for a smooth approval process.

To start selling on Amazon, you first need to create an Amazon Seller Account. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get through this process:

1. Create Your Amazon Seller Account

To begin, go to the Amazon Seller Central website. You’ll need to choose between two types of accounts:

• Individual Account: Best for those who plan to sell fewer than 40 items per month. There are no monthly fees, but you’ll pay a $0.99 fee per item sold.
• Professional Account: Ideal for those selling more than 40 items a month. This account comes with a monthly fee of $39.99, but you won’t have to pay the $0.99 fee per item.

Choose the account type that best suits your needs and click on “Register now”. You’ll be prompted to enter details such as your name, business name (if applicable), and email address.

2. Provide Required Documentation

Amazon requires certain documents to verify your identity and business. Have the following ready:

• Business Information: If you are registering as a business, provide your business name, address, and contact details.
• Bank Account Information: Amazon needs your bank account details for payments. Ensure that your bank account is active and has your name associated with it.
• Credit Card Information: Amazon will use this to charge fees and verify your identity. Make sure your credit card is valid and has sufficient credit.
• Tax Information: Depending on your location, you may need to provide tax identification details. For U.S. sellers, this will be your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).

3. List Your Products

Once your account is set up, you can start listing your products. You’ll need to provide details such as:

• Product Title: Create a clear and concise title that includes relevant keywords.
• Product Description: Write a detailed description highlighting the features and benefits of your product.
• Product Images: High-quality images that show the product from different angles.
• Price: Set a competitive price for your product.
• Shipping Options: Decide how you will handle shipping. You can choose Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), where Amazon handles storage, packaging, and shipping, or Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM), where you handle these aspects yourself.

4. Understand Amazon’s Policies

Amazon has specific policies and guidelines that sellers must follow. These include:

• Product Compliance: Ensure that your products meet all legal and safety standards. Amazon has guidelines on restricted products, which include items that are prohibited or require special approval.
• Customer Service: Amazon expects high standards of customer service. This includes responding to customer inquiries promptly and handling returns and refunds according to Amazon’s policies.
• Performance Metrics: Amazon monitors seller performance through metrics such as order defect rate, cancellation rate, and late shipment rate. Maintaining good performance metrics is crucial for continued selling privileges.

5. Getting Approval for Restricted Categories

Certain categories on Amazon are restricted and require additional approval. If you wish to sell in these categories, you must apply for approval by providing additional documentation and meeting specific criteria. Examples of restricted categories include:

• Health and Personal Care: Requires compliance with health regulations and proof of product safety.
• Automotive Parts: Requires proof that you are authorized to sell auto parts.
• Jewelry: Requires verification of authenticity and quality.

6. Optimize Your Listings

Once approved, focus on optimizing your product listings to enhance visibility and increase sales. Here are some tips:

• Use Relevant Keywords: Research and use keywords that potential buyers are likely to search for.
• Create Compelling Product Descriptions: Highlight the key benefits and features of your product.
• Maintain High-Quality Images: Use professional-quality images that clearly show your product.

7. Monitor Your Account

After your products are live, keep an eye on your Amazon Seller Central dashboard. Monitor sales, customer feedback, and performance metrics regularly. Address any issues promptly to maintain a positive selling experience.

Conclusion

Getting approved to sell on Amazon involves several key steps, including setting up your seller account, providing required documentation, and adhering to Amazon’s policies. By following these steps and optimizing your product listings, you can successfully start selling on Amazon and reach a broad customer base.

Remember: The process can be detailed and sometimes complex, but staying organized and attentive to Amazon’s requirements will help ensure a smooth approval process.