How to Register on Amazon: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, offers a vast marketplace for buying and selling a wide array of products. Whether you’re looking to make your first purchase or set up your own online store, the journey begins with creating an Amazon account. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the registration process, covering everything from choosing the right account type to completing your profile.

Understanding the Different Types of Amazon Accounts

Before diving into the registration steps, it’s important to understand the different types of Amazon accounts available. This choice will impact your experience on the platform and determine your ability to buy or sell products.

• Customer Account: This is the most common type of Amazon account, designed for individuals who want to purchase products. It allows you to browse, add items to your cart, place orders, track shipments, and manage your order history.
• Seller Account: This account is intended for individuals or businesses that want to sell products on Amazon. It comes in two main forms: Individual and Professional. An Individual Seller Account is suitable for casual sellers who plan to sell a small number of products, while the Professional Seller Account is designed for high-volume sellers and offers a range of advanced features and benefits.
• Business Account: Amazon Business accounts are tailored for organizations of all sizes, providing tools and features to manage procurement, streamline purchasing, and optimize business expenses. These accounts also allow purchasing departments to purchase more freely.

For this guide, we’ll primarily focus on creating a Customer Account, as it’s the most frequently used and a prerequisite for selling on Amazon. However, we will touch upon the key differences and requirements for creating a Seller Account later in this article.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Amazon Customer Account

The process of creating an Amazon customer account is relatively straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Visit the Amazon Website or App:

   Start by opening your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) or launching the Amazon mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. In your web browser address bar enter www.amazon.com. If you are on the mobile app simply open the app directly.

2. Locate the Sign-In or New Account Button:

   On the website, hover your mouse over the “Accounts & Lists” option located in the top right corner of the page. A dropdown menu will appear. Click on the “Start here.” option or the “Sign in” button, which will redirect you to another page. On the mobile app, tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) usually located in the top left corner. Tap “Sign in” button. If you already have an account you may be prompted to sign in otherwise click on the “Create your Amazon account” button.

3. Enter Your Information:

   You will be redirected to the account creation page. Here, you will need to provide the following information:

   • Your Name: Enter your full legal name as it appears on official documents. Do not use nicknames.
   • Email Address: Provide a valid and accessible email address. Amazon will use this address for all communication related to your account, including order confirmations, shipping updates, and important security notifications.
   • Password: Create a strong and secure password. Amazon recommends that you use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The password should be at least 6 characters long. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your birthdate or names.
   • Verify Email Address: After filling in the required fields, you may need to verify your email address. Amazon will send you a verification code to the email address you provided. Enter the code on the Amazon website when prompted, to verify your email.
4. Click the “Create your Amazon account” Button:

   After you’ve filled in all the required information and verified your email address, click the “Create your Amazon account” button. By doing so, you are agreeing to the Amazon conditions of usage.

5. Welcome to Amazon:

   Once the registration process is complete, you’ll be logged into your new Amazon account and redirected to your account home page. You can now begin browsing the marketplace, adding items to your cart, and make your first purchase.

6. Set Up Payment Method:

   Before placing your first order, it is essential to set up at least one payment method. To do this, follow these steps:

   • Click on the “Accounts & Lists” option at the top right side of the website (or tap the hamburger menu in the app).
   • Navigate to the “Your Payments” option. You will be prompted to enter your password for security reasons.
   • Click on the “Add a Payment Method” button.
   • Enter the required payment details, such as your credit card number, expiration date, and CVV code.
   • Confirm your details and your payment method is added. You may add several payment methods for your convenience and you may select a default payment method.
7. Add a Delivery Address:

   You’ll also need to add at least one delivery address before making your first purchase. Here’s how to add a delivery address:

   • Click on the “Accounts & Lists” option at the top right side of the website (or tap the hamburger menu in the app).
   • Navigate to the “Your Addresses” option. You will be prompted to enter your password for security reasons.
   • Click on the “Add a New Address” button.
   • Fill in the required fields, including your full name, street address, city, state, and postal code.
   • You have the option to designate a certain address as your primary address.

Securing Your Amazon Account

After completing the registration process, it’s crucial to take steps to secure your account. Here are some essential tips:

• Use a Strong Password: Make sure your password is unique, complex, and not used for other accounts.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Amazon offers 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or authenticator app in addition to your password. This is highly recommended for all accounts. Go to “Account & Lists” then “Login & Security” then select the option “Two-Step Verification”. You will be guided through the process of setting up this feature.
• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Amazon will never ask for your password or other sensitive information via email or text. Always verify the sender before clicking on links in emails and avoid sharing personal information with suspicious websites or senders.
• Update Your Password Regularly: As a general security practice, change your password on a regular basis. This helps to protect your account even if it gets compromised.

Creating an Amazon Seller Account

If you’re interested in selling on Amazon, you’ll need to set up a Seller Account. Here’s a breakdown of the different seller account options and the basic steps for creating one:

Seller Account Types

• Individual Seller Account: Ideal for sellers who plan to sell fewer than 40 items per month, or have a small inventory, this account charges a small fee on each sold item, but no monthly fees.
• Professional Seller Account: Suited for sellers who plan to sell more than 40 items per month, this account charges a monthly fee but offers a variety of advanced features, such as inventory management and more product categories.

Steps to Create a Seller Account

1. Go to Amazon Seller Central: Visit sellercentral.amazon.com in your web browser. If you are already logged in as a customer you may need to sign out first.
2. Choose Your Account Type: Select whether you want to create an Individual or a Professional seller account.
3. Provide Your Information: You will need to provide similar information as for a customer account (your full name, email, address), as well as business information such as tax IDs, and bank account details for payments.
4. Verify Your Identity: Amazon may ask you to verify your identity via phone number or by uploading a copy of an identification document such as your passport or driver’s license.
5. Set Up Your Seller Profile: Fill in your company details, shipping options, and other settings needed to configure your profile as a seller.
6. Agree to the Seller Agreement: Read and agree to the Amazon Seller Agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of selling on the platform.

Creating an Amazon seller account involves a more extensive process, including setting up your payment settings, shipping options, and sales tax requirements. It’s best to be prepared with all the necessary documents and information to make the process as smooth as possible. If you choose to have a professional seller account you will be charged a monthly fee, regardless of your sales. The fee will be debited from your bank account that you specified during the account creation process.

Conclusion

Registering on Amazon is an essential first step to unlock a world of buying or selling possibilities. This detailed guide provides you with all the necessary steps to create an Amazon customer account as well as touch upon the information and requirements to set up a Seller account. Remember to protect your account using strong passwords and activating two-factor authentication. Whether you are looking to purchase your next household item, or build an online business, Amazon provides the tools and services that you need. By following the steps outlined above, you will be well on your way to becoming a confident user of the Amazon platform.