University - Getting Started on Amazon
Setting Up a Seller Account
To set up a seller account, one must first create an Amazon account if it does not already exist.
Creating a New Amazon Account
When setting up a new Amazon account, a seller should click on Amazon.com and enters his email address when prompted. Instead of submitting an already existing Amazon.com password, the seller should click the button that says, “No, I am a new customer.”
When prompted, the seller should complete all fields, including name, email address, and phone number (optional). A password for this Amazon.com account must be established, and a strong password that is also easy to remember is highly recommended. Specific steps to create a new account are below. Using an existing account, returning customers who wish to start selling on Amazon.com should enter their account information and navigate the site to create a seller account.
Setting Up an Amazon Seller Account
1. From any page on Amazon, the seller clicks the “Your Account” button, located in the top right corner of the page. Once the account page is displayed, the seller clicks “Your Seller Account”, located under the tab “Your Other Accounts”, on the right side of the page.
2. Since no seller account has previously been established, the page will display this message: “We do not recognize you. Please sign in to view your Seller Account.” The new seller must click to sign in.
3. The seller enters the email address to be associated with Amazon and clicks the link, “I do not have an Amazon.com password.’ The seller then clicks the “Continue” button.
4. After entering his name and password twice, the seller clicks the “Continue” button.
5. The seller must create a username that will appear on the seller’s store page and on all of the seller’s listings. Note: Amazon strongly recommends changing one’s nickname to the company’s name so buyers know the store’s name when making a marketplace purchase. Domain names are not permitted.
6. The seller enters credit card information and the billing address for that specific credit card, and clicks the “Continue” button.
7. At the Confirmation page, the seller must be sure to:
- Review all credit or debit card details, address, and phone number.
- Sign the Participation Agreement, as the account will not be finalized until this agreement is signed.
- Enter banking details (may also be done at a later time). Note: To verify the seller’s identity, Amazon.com will validate the seller’s credit card information with the bank. The seller will not be charged for this validation.
8. The seller must enter an address, as well as work and home telephone numbers, and then click the “Continue” button. Note: A phone number is necessary to finalize the creation of the Seller Account because Amazon verifies the account by telephone. After entering a valid phone number where the seller can be reached, the seller will be given a four-digit PIN and then prompted over the phone to enter the PIN. Once completed, a successful verification will appear on the screen automatically.
9. The seller then clicks “Register and Continue” to finalize the registration.
Creating a Seller Profile
When first setting up an Amazon account, a seller should utilize this guide to build a more in-depth profile that will provide customers with more information about him and what he is selling.
To begin, locate the “Your Info and Policies” link under the Settings tab in Seller Central. From here, the seller can alter the following elements of his profile:
About Seller
This section is all about building the seller’s brand and allows details to be shared with potential customers. Use this space to describe the business’s history, how the business was created, company philosophy, and location. Do not include URLs, e-mail, or web addresses and avoid promoting special offers or advertisements.
Seller Logo
The seller logo will be displayed on the “At a Glance” page, on the seller profile, and on each Offer Listing Page. It must be a .JPG or .GIF file and must be 120×30 pixels in size. It cannot contain a URL, e-mail, or web address.
Returns and Refunds
Although Amazon has general requirements for returns and refunds (a 30-day minimum return policy), this can be expanded upon. A seller can create their own additional policies for returns and refunds. In this section, it is important to be specific on returns for damaged products and whether the seller withholds a fee for refunds. Include specific instructions on how to return the package and with what required paperwork.
Shipping Service and Rates
The seller should describe all shipping information, including when he ships and the carrier he uses. When setting shipping rates, make sure to include the geographical area (the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations) as well as rates for shipping speeds (standard, expedite, overnight). The more information available to the buyer, the less likely he is to encounter complications in completing the transaction.