How to Change Your Selling Plan on Amazon

If you are selling on Amazon and find that your current selling plan no longer suits your needs, changing your plan is a straightforward process. Whether you are a professional seller looking to downgrade to an individual plan or an individual seller ready to upgrade to a professional plan, this guide will walk you through the steps. We'll explore how to adjust your selling plan, the benefits of each plan, and some considerations to keep in mind during the process.

Understanding Amazon's Selling Plans

Amazon offers two primary selling plans: the Individual plan and the Professional plan.

• Individual Plan: This is ideal for sellers who plan to sell fewer than 40 items per month. There's no monthly subscription fee, but Amazon charges a $0.99 fee per item sold, along with additional selling fees.

• Professional Plan: This plan is better suited for sellers who anticipate selling more than 40 items per month. It comes with a $39.99 monthly subscription fee but does not include the per-item fee, though other selling fees still apply. The professional plan also offers additional tools and features like bulk listings, inventory management, and access to Amazon Marketplace Web Service (MWS).

How to Change Your Selling Plan

Changing your selling plan on Amazon is a simple process that can be done from your Seller Central account. Follow these steps:

1. Log into Seller Central: Start by logging into your Amazon Seller Central account using your credentials.

2. Navigate to Account Settings: In the top-right corner of the Seller Central dashboard, click on the “Settings” gear icon, and from the dropdown menu, select “Account Info.”

3. Manage Your Selling Plan: In the “Your Services” section, find the “Selling Plan” option. Click on the “Manage” link next to it.

4. Choose Your New Plan: You will see options to either upgrade or downgrade your selling plan. If you are on the Individual plan and want to upgrade to the Professional plan, select the Professional plan option. Conversely, if you wish to downgrade from the Professional plan to the Individual plan, select the Individual plan.

5. Confirm Changes: After selecting your desired plan, follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your changes. Be sure to review the terms and any applicable fees before finalizing your decision.

6. Wait for Confirmation: Amazon will typically process the change immediately, but in some cases, it might take a few hours. You will receive a confirmation email once the change has been successfully applied.

Considerations Before Changing Your Plan

Before switching your selling plan, there are a few important factors to consider:

• Monthly Sales Volume: If you consistently sell more than 40 items per month, the Professional plan will save you money in the long run, even with the $39.99 monthly fee.

• Access to Features: The Professional plan provides access to advanced features like advertising tools, promotional tools, and in-depth business reports. If these are important for your business, upgrading to the Professional plan could be beneficial.

• Inventory and Fulfillment: For sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), the Professional plan allows for easier inventory management and access to bulk listing tools, which can streamline operations.

• Downgrading Considerations: If you choose to downgrade to the Individual plan, remember that you will lose access to certain features, such as the ability to create new listings in certain categories and the use of Amazon's APIs for bulk listing and order management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I switch back to my original selling plan if I change my mind?
A: Yes, you can switch between the Individual and Professional plans at any time. However, keep in mind that the Professional plan’s monthly fee will apply as soon as you upgrade, and you won’t be refunded for the unused portion of the month if you downgrade.

Q: How will changing my selling plan affect my current listings?
A: Your existing listings will remain active after you change your plan. However, if you downgrade to the Individual plan, you may lose access to certain features that help optimize those listings.

Q: Will my account status or performance metrics be affected by changing my selling plan?
A: No, changing your selling plan will not directly affect your account status or performance metrics. However, losing access to tools available in the Professional plan could impact how effectively you manage your business.

Conclusion

Changing your selling plan on Amazon is a decision that should be based on your business needs, sales volume, and the tools you require to manage your operations effectively. The process is simple, and Amazon provides the flexibility to switch plans as your business evolves. Whether you're scaling up and need more advanced tools or scaling back to save on costs, understanding how to manage your selling plan can help you make the best decision for your business.

By carefully considering the benefits and costs associated with each plan, you can ensure that you're using the plan that aligns best with your selling strategy. If your needs change over time, you can always adjust your plan accordingly, giving you the flexibility to grow your Amazon business on your terms.