* Offer includes one month of subscription fees only (you will be charged other fees, including referral fees, for items that sell on Amazon.com). A credit of $39.99 will be posted to your seller account to offset one month of subscription fees charged. Offer limited to new Selling on Amazon subscriptions only. Other limitations apply. After the trial period we will automatically charge your credit card the monthly subscription fee at the beginning of every month thereafter.
I. Fees for Media Products (Books, Music, Videos, DVDs, Video Games, Software, and Computer Games)
Individual & Professional sellers pay a referral fee and a variable closing fee for each media product sold
The referral fee for media products is a percentage of the product price and the variable closing fee for media products is a fixed dollar amount. Both fees are set by Amazon for each media product category. The referral fee percentages and variable closing fees for media products are shown in the table below.
Amazon also sets the shipping fees charged to buyers for Books, Music, Video and DVD products sold by Professional sellers, and for all media products sold by Individual sellers. We charge these shipping fees based on the product category and the shipping service selected by the buyer, and then we pass that amount on to you. View Shipping Credits by Category.
Shipping Credits for Individual sellers
For Individual sellers, shipping rates and service levels for all product categories are set by Amazon. When you sell your items on Amazon.com, Amazon gives you a shipping credit to help cover your shipping costs. The amount you will receive as a shipping credit for an order depends on the product category and shipping service selected by the buyer.
Here's how to determine the amount of your shipping credit if your item sells:
Category
Domestic Standard
Domestic Expedited
Two Day Domestic
One Day Domestic
Standard International
Expedited International
Books
$3.99
$6.99
$11.98
$17.98
$12.49
$35.98
Music
$2.98
$5.19
$7.98
$11.98
$6.89
$32.98
Videos
$2.98
$5.19
$11.98
$17.98
$12.29
$35.98
DVDs
$2.98
$5.19
$7.98
$11.98
$12.29
$32.98
Video Games
$3.99
$6.99
Not available
Software & Computer Games
$3.99
$6.99
Not available
All other categories
$4.49 + $0.50/lb.*
$6.49 + $0.99/lb.*
Not available
* Refers to the weight of the item, excluding the seller's packaging.
Shipping Credits for Professional sellers
Professional sellers can set their own shipping rates and service levels for all product categories other than Books, Music, Video and DVD. When you sell your Books, Music, Video and DVD items on Amazon.com, Amazon gives you a shipping credit to help cover your shipping costs. The amount you will receive as a shipping credit for an order depends on the product category and shipping service selected by the buyer.
Here's how to determine the amount of your shipping credit if your item sells:
Category
Domestic Standard
Domestic Expedited
Two Day Domestic
One Day Domestic
Standard International
Expedited International
Books
$3.99
$6.99
$11.98
$17.98
$12.49
$35.98
Music
$2.98
$5.19
$7.98
$11.98
$6.89
$32.98
Videos
$2.98
$5.19
$11.98
$17.98
$12.29
$35.98
DVDs
$2.98
$5.19
$7.98
$11.98
$12.29
$32.98
Video Games
Seller has the ability to set their own shipping rate
Software & Computer Games
Seller has the ability to set their own shipping rate
All other categories
Seller has the ability to set their own shipping rate
The following example illustrates how referral fees, variable closing fees and shipping credits are calculated:
Example 1: Individual Seller
An Individual seller sells a book for $10 to a customer in the US who has selected standard shipping.
The seller receives $10.00 for the sale of the book and $3.99 as the standard shipping credit.
The seller is charged $1.50 for the 15% referral fee and $1.35 for the variable closing fee.
Professional sellers are not charged a fixed per-item closing fee since they are charged a $39.99 per month subscription fee.
Credits
Item price
$10.00
Standard domestic shipping credit
$3.99
Amazon Fees
Commission: 15%*$10
($1.50)
Variable Closing Fee
($1.35)
Fixed per-item closing fee
($0.99)
Sale Proceeds $
Net amount credited to you
$10.15
Example 2: Professional Seller
A Professional seller sells a book for $10 to a customer in the US who has selected standard shipping.
The seller receives $10.00 for the sale of the book and $3.99 as the standard shipping credit. Seller is charged $1.50 for the 15% referral fee on the product price of $10, and $1.35 as the variable closing fee.
Professional sellers are not charged a fixed per-item closing fee since they are charged a $39.99 per month subscription fee.
Credits
Item price
$10.00
Standard domestic shipping credit
$3.99
Amazon Fees
Commission: 15%*$10
($1.50)
Variable Closing Fee
($1.35)
Sale Proceeds $
Net amount credited to you
$11.14
Example 3: Professional Seller
A Professional seller sells a video game for $30 to a customer in the US who has selected gift-wrap services and standard shipping. Seller charges the buyer $5.00 for gift-wrapping and $4.00 for domestic standard shipping.
Seller receives the item price of $30.00, the $5.00 gift-wrap fee and the $4.00 shipping fee, and is charged $5.25 for the 15% referral fee on the product price plus gift-wrap, and $1.35 as the variable closing fee.
Professional sellers are not charged a fixed per-item closing fee since they are charged a $39.99 per month subscription fee.
II. Fees for Non-Media Products (For products other than Books, Music, Videos, DVDs, Video Games, Software, & Computer Games)
For Professional sellers the referral fees are applied to the total proceeds from sales of products other than media products
Media Products
- Books
- Video Games
- Music
- Software & Computer Games
- Videos VHS
- Video Game Consoles
- DVD
, which includes the product price and all shipping and handling, gift-wrap and other charges, but excludes any taxes and customs duties. Individual sellers are charged the same types of fees on the sale of non-media products as they are on media products; that is, a referral on item price, a variable closing fee, and a fixed per-item closing fee. View variable closing fee schedule
Below are the referral fees applied to sales by Professional and Individual sellers of non-media products, by category.
Variable Closing Fees Schedule for Other Categories
The following are the variable closing fees charged to individual sellers on the sale of products other than media products:
The following examples illustrate how fees are calculated for non-media items:
Example 4: Professional Seller
A Professional seller sells a camera that weighs 3lbs for $200 to a customer in the US who has selected standard shipping, for which seller charges $7.
Seller is charged the Camera and Photo category referral fee of 8% on the total sales proceeds of $207 (item price + shipping fee).
Credits
Item price
$200.00
Standard domestic shipping credit
$7.00
Amazon Fees
Commission: 8%*($200+$7)
($16.56)
Sale Proceeds $
Net amount credited to you
$190.44
Example 5: Individual Seller
An Individual seller sells a camera that weighs 3lbs for $200 to a customer in the US who has selected standard shipping.
Seller receives the $200 for the sales of the camera and $5.99 as the standard shipping credit. Seller is charged the Camera and Photo category referral fee of 8% on the item price, $.60 as the variable closing fee and $0.99 as the fixed per-item closing fee.
2Effective September 20, 2010 we won�t be accepting any new, non-FBA Toys & Games sellers for the holiday season (Which begins November 15). See details
3Effective June 5, 2009, we are not accepting new applications from sellers to list products within the Clothing & Accessories category. We are also not accepting requests for UPC exemptions in Clothing & Accessories. The Amazon Clothing & Accessories category is committed to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible, and is currently working on enhancements to the Clothing & Accessories customer experience. While that work is underway, we will not be accepting new sellers in the category. We do not have a completion date for this work but expect it will be ongoing through 2010. When the Clothing & Accessories category reopens to new sellers, we plan to reactivate the approval request process so sellers may submit their information to category management for review.Read More
How it Works
Upload Your Product Inventory
With Selling on Amazon, it's easy to upload your inventory. Once you've registered use the Web-based tools, a free desktop software application, or text files to get up and running fast.
Customers See Your Products on Amazon.com
Amazon.com is a leading web site and is a stop for millions of online shoppers. By listing your products on Amazon.com, reach millions of potential customers every day.
Customers Purchase Your Products
Amazon.com makes buying your products a snap. With features like 1-Click and a brand millions of consumers trust, we help customers make quick, easy, worry-free purchases.
You Ship Products to Customers
Amazon notifies you by email when an order has been placed. You simply pack and ship your item to the customer (unless you let Fulfillment by Amazon do the work).
Amazon Transfers Payments to You
Amazon deposits payment into your bank account, and sends you an email notifying you that your payment has been sent.
Ready. Set. Sell!
Welcome to Selling on Amazon. You're about to embark on a venture that can put your products in front of tens of millions of customers. Be prepared to enter a selling channel focused on world-class customer service, fast and efficient fulfillment, and great products at great prices.
At Amazon, customer experience is always our top priority. When you become an Amazon Seller, we ask that you, too, put the customer first. Present your products according to our approved format. Ship products on time. Give customers the experience that Amazon (and all Amazon Sellers) must provide to maintain a safe and trusted online retail environment. Be "customer-obsessed." We think you'll find that it's not only good for customers, it's good for business.
Selling on Amazon - Dos and Don'ts
To help you get started, we're sharing a few tips and best practices-and a few rules-so you can hit the ground running.
When you sell on Amazon be prepared to:
Provide an Amazon-tailored Seller Profile Customers want to buy from a business they know and trust. So when you put together your Selling on Amazon profile, don't simply cut-and-paste information from other locations. Create specific business practices and customer-facing information related to Selling on Amazon.
Make Sure Your Listings Meet Amazon Requirements Our successful sellers have found that listing products in the right categories and with the correct information is the best start for good customer service and strong sales. Correct listings and maintaining inventory to be able to fulfill orders is critical. Amazon customers expect to receive the product they selected, packaged well, and shipped quickly. Set up shipping charges, sale pricing, and promotions with Amazon tools; don't include any of this information in your product listings.
Align Your Shipping and Fulfillment Policies The best way to avoid disappointing customers, is to set expectations and then meet them. When you set up your account, you'll find information about shipping expectations that you will integrate into your existing systems. You'll also find that you're required to confirm product shipments to keep customers informed about the progress of their orders.
Handle Returns and Refunds Gracefully No one looks forward to taking returns and making refunds, but it is part of retailing and a requirement of the Amazon sales process. Taking returns gracefully can lead to better feedback about your customer service.
Communicate with Amazon Customers Appropriately Selling on Amazon requires less communication with customers than most other channels. Establish a communications plan that meets Amazon guidelines. (Note that e-mail communications-other than as necessary for order fulfillment and related customer service-are handled by Amazon.) Of course, all communications must be courteous, relevant, and appropriate.
Monitor Performance and Metrics Amazon will measure your performance on the platform. We'll look at customer service, feedback, A-to-z claims, chargebacks, order cancellations and refunds, late shipping and policy compliance. Great sellers find these metrics help them manage and monitor their business on Amazon and beyond.
When you Sell on Amazon you must not...
Register for Multiple Seller Accounts When registering, you will be creating a single selling account for your company. Operating and maintaining multiple seller accounts is prohibited.
Divert Amazon Customers Do not include URLs on any listings, images or supporting information, and do not hyperlink to your site from any part of the Amazon process.
Market to Amazon Customers Your company must not market or advertise to Amazon customers, nor divert them in any way from the Amazon sales processes-not even in otherwise permitted communications. Make sure everyone on your team, from marketing to fulfillment, is aware of these requirements.
Bribe Customers for Positive Feedback Bribing customers to leave positive feedback or to remove negative feedback is not permitted.
Help Along the Way
Ready to get started? Once you register, you'll get access to Seller Central, our web-based seller tool. There you'll find lots of additional information-tutorials, webinars, FAQs and other resources-to help you make the most of your Selling on Amazon business.
Category Style Guide
At Amazon, we do our best to provide a consistent look and feel for our customers. However, each category has slight nuances regarding style of product listings. To provide you with additional information we've prepared category specific style guides. You can review your category style guide by clicking on drop-down below:
*Category requires approval
**Effective June 5, 2009, we are not accepting new applications from sellers to list products within the Clothing & Accessories category. We are also not accepting requests for UPC exemptions in Clothing & Accessories. The Amazon Clothing & Accessories category is committed to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible, and is currently working on enhancements to the Clothing & Accessories customer experience. While that work is underway, we will not be accepting new sellers in the category. We do not have a completion date for this work but expect it will be ongoing through 2010. When the Clothing & Accessories category reopens to new sellers, we plan to reactivate the approval request process so sellers may submit their information to category management for review.Read More
A Small Business Gets Big Business Benefits with Amazon Services The Uber Shop, a Texas-based apparel retailer, began selling online in 2000. After six years of trying different third party tools, they decided to use Amazon as their selling platform. "Amazon allowed us to switch from a survival strategy to a growth strategy," says Uber Shop president, Diana Kinsey. "They have a better strategic marketing plan, better customer retention and a cost structure that provided better opportunity for thin margin small business." Read Seller Success Story
You can sign-up now to sell items in the following categories: Books, Music, DVD, Video/VHS, Baby, Beauty, Camera & Photo, Electronics, Grocery & Gourmet Food, Health & Personal Care, Home & Garden, Musical Instruments, Office Products, Personal Computers, Software, Sports & Outdoors, Toys & Games, Tools & Hardware, Video Games and Wireless Antennas & Boosters 1.
Prior approval is required to sell in the following categories: Automotive, Cell Phones & Accessories, Clothing & Accessories 2, Jewelry & Watches and Shoes. To request approval, contact us.
1Valid October 7, 2009, through April 5, 2010. Amazon Wireless Antennas & Boosters team is reducing the Referral Fee on sales of Wireless Antennas & Boosters for an initial 6-month test period. We will lower the customary referral fee from 15% to 12% for orders received between Oct 7, 2009 and April 5, 2010. We anticipate this change will enable Amazon Sellers to continue to offer our customers a broad selection of their favorite consoles at competitive prices. The new, lower referral fee will be applied to existing and new listings of eligible ASINS of Wireless Antennas & Boosters as identified on a Seller Central Help page. Read More 2Effective June 5, 2009, we are not accepting new applications from sellers to list products within the Clothing & Accessories category. We are also not accepting requests for UPC exemptions in Clothing & Accessories. The Amazon Clothing & Accessories category is committed to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible, and is currently working on enhancements to the Clothing & Accessories customer experience. While that work is underway, we will not be accepting new sellers in the category. We do not have a completion date for this work but expect it will be ongoing through 2010. When the Clothing & Accessories category reopens to new sellers, we plan to reactivate the approval request process so sellers may submit their information to category management for review.Read More
These include: Magazines and Newspapers, Adult Toys, Gift Cards and Gift Certificates, Guns and Ammunition, Photo Processing, Prescription Medication, and Tobacco and Alcohol.
The A-to-z Guarantee Program is designed to handle situations where a customer either never received a product or received a product that is materially different from what was ordered or expected. We ask customers to first contact the merchant when they have a problem. If the merchant fails to resolve the problem, the customer can file an A-to-z claim. When Amazon.com receives the claim, we send the merchant an automated email detailing the claim which requests a response with basic information about the order and the fulfillment process. Amazon.com will then determine how the claim will be settled which may include reimbursement of the order to the customer, at the merchant's expense.
Seller Central is the Web interface used to manage all aspects of selling on Amazon.com. You can add product information, make inventory updates, manage orders, and manage payments though a suite of Web-based and downloadable tools.
You have three options for submitting product-related data:
Use the Add a Product feature on Seller Central to create one product at a time
Use the Seller Desktop, which is a free, easy-to-use desktop application that can be used to manage and upload inventory one product at a time or in bulk.
Use inventory files to create multiple products simultaneously.
You can use the Web-based Manage Your Orders tool on Seller Central.
You can download the daily order report, a tab-delimited file that provides a summary of the orders you received, and includes customer and shipping information so you can fulfill those orders.
You can use the Amazon Services Order Notifier (ASON), which is a desktop application for computers running Microsoft Windows. It is designed to make managing your incoming orders quick and easy.
Yes. Our Gift Messaging service allows customers to write gift messages for individual items or for entire orders, and our Gift Wrap service allows customers to select and pay for gift-wrapping for each item in their order. As an Amazon Services merchant, you can make either or both of those services available to buyers of your items.
Yes customers can leave feedback. Maintaining a high feedback rating is a critical factor for success on Amazon.com.
It's the best way for shoppers to identify you as a trustworthy merchant. Your rating appears on the Offer Listing Page and is one of the first things that customers see.
Customers are more likely to purchase products from merchants with higher ratings.
Your feedback rating is a key metric used by Amazon.com to measure your performance.
Amazon first settles your account 14 days after you register. Subsequently, the settlement process repeats every 14 days. It normally takes 5 business days from the settlement until the money is available in your bank account. For a settlement to take place, you must
Have a positive or zero Selling on Amazon account balance. Commission fees and customer refunds, if any, can affect your balance.
Have entered valid information in Seller Central for your U.S. bank checking account.
If you are looking to sell only a few products or expect to have less than 40 orders a month, click here to sign up as an Individual seller with Amazon which has no monthly fee but instead a per product sold fee of $0.99.
Sellers can sell on Amazon.com with an Individual account or a Professional account. The differences between the two types of accounts are outlined in the table below.
Seller Account Type:
Individual
Professional
Monthly Subscription Fee
N/A
$39.99
Per Sale Closing Fee
$0.99
N/A
Ability to create new products and add them to the Amazon catalog
No
Yes
Use of feeds, spreadsheets, and other tools to load inventory
No
Yes
Access to order reports and order-related feeds
No
Yes
Eligible for featured seller status; this is necessary to win the Buy Box on product detail pages
No
Yes*
Listings automatically expire after 60 days
Yes
No
*does not apply to Books, Music, Video & DVD products
Yes. You can use Amazon Product Ads to list your products on Amazon.com and pay a cost per click each time a customer clicks on your product. Amazon Product Ads is different from Selling On Amazon because the customer clicks through to your website to purchase your product. Also, there are no minimum fees or minimum spend required to list with this program. Learn More.
Whether you're new to Amazon, or just want to take your sales to the next level, we want you to see the benefit of teaming up with the world's leading internet retailer and unlocking the potential of your business. Running time: 1min 42sec
Webinars
Sell on Amazon.com: Tips for getting started right this holiday season This webinar is for sellers who are just getting started Selling on Amazon or want to learn about best practices for managing their business on Amazon.com. In this webinar we will cover the following:
About Amazon: How Selling on Amazon works and listing on the Product Detail Page
Getting Started Right: What to consider when setting up your account, Best practices for managing your account, and Amazon Policies and Procedures Overview
Tips: Managing at the holidays and best practices for maintaining good seller performance metrics
Resources: Getting Started Guide, Seller Central Help, Tutorials and Seller Support Blog
Learn How to Sell Your Stuff on Amazon.com this Holiday Season This webinar is for who are just getting started Selling on Amazon. In this webinar we will cover the following:
About Amazon: How to Think About Your Business on Amazon, How Selling on Amazon works and the Single Detail Page.
Getting Started Right: What to consider when listing products, Best practices for Getting Set Up and Amazon Policies and Procedures Overview.
Tips: Managing at the holidays and best practices for seller performance metrics.
Resources: Getting Started Guide, Listing Recommendation Tool, Seller Central Help, Tutorials and Seller Support Blog.
What is Selling on Amazon?
