In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital business, establishing a presence on Amazon is no longer just an option—it is a necessity for retail growth. As we move into 2026, the process of onboarding as a seller has become more streamlined, yet it requires precise attention to detail regarding documentation and logistics.
At Sprite Genix, we understand that launching an e-commerce venture can be daunting. This comprehensive guide walks you through the exact process of setting up your Amazon Seller Central account, ensuring you navigate the technicalities of GST, shipping, and verification with ease.
The Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start
Before navigating to the website, preparation is key. A common mistake many aspiring entrepreneurs make is having mismatched documentation. To create a seller account, you must have three specific documents:
1. PAN Card
2. GST Certificate
3. Bank Account
Crucial Tip: All three documents must belong to the same entity. You cannot use your personal PAN card mixed with your father's GST certificate and a friend's bank account. Ownership must be consistent across all paperwork to avoid rejection during the verification process.
Step 1: Registration and Account Security
To begin, search for "Amazon Seller Registration" on Google. Ensure you are accessing the correct domain for your region (e.g., sellercentral.in for India) rather than the US site (.com).
Once on the homepage, click the orange "Start Selling" button. You will be prompted to "Create your Amazon Account" rather than signing in.
• Basic Details: Enter your name, mobile number, and choose a password.
• Robot Verification: You will likely encounter a puzzle to prove you are human (e.g., selecting specific images like "three stones").
• Two-Step Verification: This is mandatory for account security. You will receive an OTP on your mobile number. Following this, you must enter your email address, which will also require OTP verification. This dual-layer security ensures no unauthorized person can access your seller dashboard.
Step 2: Tax and Business Details
Once your contact information is verified, the core business setup begins.
GST Configuration
If you have a GST number, enter it now. The system will ask you to upload a PDF of your GST certificate. You will need to add the proprietor’s name and email address associated with the certificate.
What if you don't have GST? If you do not have a GST certificate yet, you can technically start the registration for specific non-GST categories (like books). However, for a standard e-commerce business, GST is standard practice. If you select the non-GST option, you will still need to provide your PAN number and upload a photo of the PAN card.
Note: PAN verification can take up to five days, but you can usually continue with the rest of the registration process while this happens in the background.
Step 3: Storefront Creation and Pickup Address
Now comes the branding. You need to assign a Store Name (e.g., "DK & Company"). If your desired name is taken, you will need to modify it until you find a unique identifier. Don't worry too much about this—you can change your store name in the future if your branding strategy evolves.
Next, define your Pickup Address. This is where Amazon will collect your products.
• Location Flexibility: Your pickup address does not strictly have to match the address on your GST certificate. For example, if your GST is registered in Ahmedabad, you can have a pickup address in a different area of Ahmedabad.
Step 4: Shipping Logistics (Easy Ship vs. Self Ship)
This is a critical decision for your operations. Amazon offers two primary fulfillment models during setup:
1. Amazon Easy Ship (Recommended): Amazon’s team picks up the product from your location and delivers it to the customer. They also handle returns.
2. Self Ship: You handle the logistics and delivery yourself.
Why choose Easy Ship? If you choose "Self Ship," you may be limited to receiving only Prepaid orders. By selecting Easy Ship, you unlock both Prepaid and Cash on Delivery (COD) orders. Given the high preference for COD in many markets, Easy Ship is essential for maximizing sales volume.
Understanding Shipping Costs
Amazon charges based on distance and weight (per 500g):
• Local Orders: ~₹49
• Regional Orders: ~₹56
• National Orders: ~₹77
If a package exceeds 500g, fees increase by approximately ₹20-25 per tier.
Pricing Strategy: You will see an option regarding who pays for delivery. It is highly recommended to select "Free Delivery for Customer." This means you incorporate the shipping cost into your product's selling price. Customers are psychologically more likely to buy a product with "Free Delivery" than one with a separate shipping fee.
Step 5: Banking and Financial Setup
The final step is linking your bank account to receive payments.
Pro Tip: While you can technically start with a savings account, it is strongly advised to open a Current Account in the name of your firm.
• Why? Savings accounts often have transaction limits. High-volume business transactions in a savings account can attract penalties or scrutiny.
• Cost: Many banks offer current accounts with a minimum monthly average balance (MAB) of ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
Enter your Account Number and IFSC code, then click "Save and Continue." Your account is now created!
Conclusion
Creating an Amazon Seller account is the first step toward e-commerce independence. By ensuring your documents match, selecting the right shipping partner (Easy Ship), and setting up a professional Current Account, you lay a solid foundation for your business.
At Sprite Genix, we encourage you to take this leap. The interface is user-friendly, and the potential for reaching a national audience is unmatched.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a GST certificate to sell on Amazon?
Yes, for the majority of products, a GST certificate is required. However, there are exceptions for specific categories, such as books, which can be sold without GST by providing just your PAN card details.
2. Can I use a Savings Account for my Amazon payments?
While possible initially, it is not recommended. You should open a Current Account to avoid penalties associated with high transaction volumes in personal savings accounts.
3. What is the difference between Easy Ship and Self Ship?
In "Easy Ship," Amazon collects the parcel from your location and delivers it. In "Self Ship," you must arrange delivery. Crucially, Easy Ship allows you to accept Cash on Delivery (COD) orders, whereas Self Ship is often limited to prepaid orders.
4. Can I change my Amazon Store Name later?
Yes, the store name you choose during registration is not permanent. You can change it in the future through your seller dashboard settings.
5. Does my Pickup Address have to match my GST Address?
Not exactly. While they should generally be in the same region (e.g., the same city), the pickup address can differ from the registered office address mentioned on your GST certificate.
Category: E-commerce Growth