Amazon Seller Onboarding Checklist for Agencies

Helping sellers get started on Amazon can feel like juggling ten things at once. From paperwork to product listings, there’s a lot that needs to be handled right from the start. If you’re running an agency, having a proper onboarding checklist can make things a whole lot smoother for both you and your clients.

In this article, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to onboard Amazon sellers efficiently. Whether you’re onboarding a brand-new seller or someone shifting from another platform, this guide has you covered.

Key Phases in the Amazon Seller Onboarding Process for Agencies

Getting a new client selling on Amazon is more than just hitting “create account.” It’s a strategic partnership where every detail counts. Here are the essential phases I always follow to ensure a seamless and successful start for my clients.

Client Preparation and Document Collection

This first step is crucial, and honestly, it’s where a lot of agencies can stumble if they’re not meticulous. I always tell my clients, “Think of me as your personal document bloodhound!” We need everything neat and tidy, because Amazon, bless their hearts, are sticklers for detail.

Obtain a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID).
Collect legal business registration documents relevant to the client type (LLC, Corporation, GST certificate, PAN card, business registration certificate, etc.).
Get bank account details for payouts and a credit card for fees (credit card is preferred by Amazon).
Collect proof of residential or business address dated within the last 180 days (utility bill, bank statement, canceled check).
Ensure all documents match exactly in names and addresses to avoid verification delays.

Account Setup in Seller Central

Once we’ve got our document ducks in a row, it’s time to actually build the command center: the Seller Central account. I always guide my clients through this step-by-step, making sure they understand what they’re doing.

Go to sellercentral.amazon.com (or country-specific URL).
Create an account with accurate business and contact details.
Choose the correct seller plan: Individual (pay-per-sale) or Professional (monthly fee, required for bulk listing and ads).
Set the storefront display name and user roles if agency members will manage the account.

Identity and Business Verification

Ah, the dreaded verification stage. This is where Amazon puts your documents to the test. My job here is to make this as painless as possible.

Upload scanned copies of government-issued ID and address proof in high-quality format.
Complete identity verification through options Amazon provides: video call with an associate or by uploading a selfie with ID.
Upload additional tax-related forms if applicable (GST, VAT, EIN, SSN).

Billing and Bank Details Configuration

Now, let’s talk about getting paid and paying Amazon. This part is super important because without it, well, things just don’t move.

Add a valid credit/debit card for Amazon fee payments.
Enter bank account details for receiving payouts, ensuring account holder name matches business or seller registration.

Product Catalog and Fulfillment Setup

This is where the magic of selling actually begins! We’re talking about getting those products live and ready for customers.

Assist in preparing optimized product listings (clear titles, descriptions, keywords, and images).
Decide fulfillment method:
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) – coordinate inventory labeling, packaging, and shipment to Amazon warehouses.
- Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) – client manages inventory, packaging, and shipping.
Register and configure FBA services via Seller Central where applicable.

Brand Registry Enrollment (If Applicable)

For clients with a brand that’s serious about growth and protection, Amazon Brand Registry is a must. This is where they get to truly own their brand on Amazon.

Help clients with trademark ownership apply for Amazon Brand Registry to protect their brand and unlock enhanced marketing tools.

Security and Compliance

Amazon takes security and compliance incredibly seriously, and so should we. My agency makes sure our clients are set up for success from day one.

Set up Two-Step Verification for account security.
Ensure tax compliance fields are configured properly (GST, VAT, tax interview completed).
Understand and comply with Amazon seller policies and marketplace codes.

Education and Resource Introduction

My philosophy isn’t just to do things for my clients, but to empower them. So, education is a huge part of the onboarding process.

Provide clients access to Amazon Seller University materials and resources.
Train on account health monitoring, performance metrics, and customer communication best practices.

Ongoing Account and Performance Support

Onboarding isn’t a one-and-done deal; it’s the beginning of a beautiful partnership. My agency provides continuous support to ensure long-term success.

Establish communication channels for periodic reviews and updates.
Set up alerts/tools for inventory management, pricing changes, reviews, and competitor analysis.
Support launch campaigns, advertising setup, and scaling strategies as needed.

FAQs

What kind of documents does Amazon require for Seller Central registration?

Amazon typically requires a government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license), legal business registration documents (if applicable), bank account details for payouts, a credit card for fees, and proof of address dated within the last 180 days (such as a utility bill or bank statement). It’s super important that all names and addresses on these documents match exactly.

Is it better to choose FBA or FBM for a new Amazon seller?

It really depends on your business! FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is great if you want Amazon to handle storage, packing, and shipping, which can save you a lot of time and effort. However, there are fees involved. FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) gives you more control over your inventory and shipping, but you’re responsible for all the logistics. For most new sellers, FBA is often recommended for its simplicity and the Prime eligibility it offers.

Why is Amazon Brand Registry important for sellers?

Amazon Brand Registry is a fantastic program for sellers who own a registered trademark for their brand. It offers brand protection tools to fight against counterfeits and unauthorized sellers. Plus, it unlocks enhanced marketing features like A+ Content, Brand Stores, and more powerful advertising options, which can significantly boost your product listings and overall brand presence on Amazon.

Conclusion

Onboarding Amazon sellers the right way isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about laying a foundation that sets your clients up for long-term success. Each phase, from document collection to performance monitoring, plays an important role in avoiding headaches and helping your clients grow confidently on the platform.

Whether you’re onboarding your first client or your fiftieth, having a structured process saves time, builds trust, and keeps things running smoothly. Take your time, follow each phase, and always keep your clients informed and empowered.