How to Set Up Your E-commerce Seller Account

Introduction

Starting your e-commerce journey is exciting—but before you can list products and make sales, you’ll need a seller account. Think of it as your “business passport” that gives you permission to sell on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, or TikTok Shop.

The good news? Setting up a seller account is not complicated. You just need the right documents, some basic information, and a clear understanding of the process. In this guide, I’ll explain it in simple, beginner-friendly steps so you can confidently open your account and start selling.

1. Individual vs Professional Accounts

Most platforms offer two types of seller accounts:

• Individual Account

  • No monthly subscription fee.

  • Pay a small fee for each item sold.

  • Best for beginners who want to test selling with a few products.

• Professional Account

  • Monthly subscription fee (e.g., Amazon charges around $39.99/month).

  • Access to advanced tools like bulk listing, advertising (PPC), and reports.

  • Best for serious sellers who plan to sell multiple products.

Tip for Beginners: If you’re just starting, choose the Individual Account. You can always upgrade later.

2. What You Need Before You Apply

Before you hit “Sign Up,” gather the following documents. Having these ready will save you time and prevent account rejection:

• Government-issued ID (Passport, CNIC, or Driver’s License).

• Bank account details (to receive payments).

• Credit or debit card (for paying marketplace fees).

• Email address (use a professional one, not your personal Gmail if possible).

• Phone number (for verification).

• Tax information (e.g., VAT/GST or local tax number, depending on country).

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Account

Step 1: Go to the Marketplace Website

• Example: If you want to sell on Amazon, go to sellercentral.amazon.com.

• For eBay, visit ebay.com/sellercenter.

• For TikTok Shop, go to seller.tiktokglobalshop.com.

Click on “Sign Up” or “Start Selling.”

Step 2: Choose Account Type

Decide whether you want an Individual or Professional account.

Step 3: Enter Your Basic Information

You’ll be asked for:

• Name (must match your ID).

• Email address and password.

• Business name (if you have one, otherwise use your legal name).

Step 4: Add Your Bank and Card Details

• Add your bank account for receiving payments.

• Add a credit/debit card for paying selling fees.

Don’t worry—platforms like Amazon or TikTok only charge after you start selling or if you have a professional plan.

Step 5: Verify Your Identity

Upload your ID and sometimes a bank statement or utility bill.

• Make sure the documents are clear scans.

• The name and address must match exactly with what you entered.

Step 6: Complete a Video Verification (Amazon/TikTok)

Some platforms ask you to do a short video call or submit a short verification video to confirm your identity.

• Keep your ID card ready.

• Make sure you’re in a quiet, well-lit place.

Step 7: Approval & First Login

Once approved, you’ll receive an email. You can now log in to Seller Central (Amazon), Seller Hub (eBay), or the respective dashboard of your marketplace.

Congratulations …. you now have a seller account!

4. Common Mistakes Beginners Make

• Using mismatched information (e.g., different names on ID and bank account).

• Uploading blurry ID scans.

• Skipping important fields like tax details.

• Not checking emails regularly for verification requests.

Always double-check details before submitting—most account rejections happen due to small errors.

5. Tips for a Smooth Start

• Use a professional email dedicated to your business.

• Keep all your documents in one folder (digital and hard copy).

• Respond quickly to any requests from the marketplace.

• Start with a few products first—learn the system before scaling up.

Conclusion

Setting up a seller account may sound intimidating, but once you know the steps, it’s actually very simple. With the right documents and careful attention to detail, you can get approved quickly and start selling in just a few days.

Now that your account is ready, the next step is finding products to sell. Stay tuned for our next blog: “How to Find Winning Products for Your E-commerce Store.”