Starting an Online Business for North American Consumers via Amazon

To start an online business selling to North American consumers via Amazon, you need to follow these key steps:

1. Set Up a Legal Business Entity
   Register a legal business entity in your home country with a valid business registration number and tax ID. This is essential for Amazon account verification and tax compliance.

2. Create a North America Unified Selling Account
   Register for a unified selling account that covers both the US and Canadian marketplaces. This requires a US bank account to receive payments.

3. Choose the Right Selling Plan
   For higher volume sellers (more than 40 items per month), the Professional Selling Plan at USD $39.99/month is recommended. It offers no per-item fees, advanced selling tools, inventory management, and bulk listing capabilities.

4. Select and List Products
   Research product categories and compliance requirements carefully. Each product must have a unique identifier (UPC, EAN, or ISBN). Some categories require Amazon approval or have restrictions (e.g., jewelry, health supplements).

5. Ensure Product Compliance and Safety
   Products must meet US safety and regulatory standards. Prepare and provide documentation proving compliance to avoid listing removal or account suspension.

6. Fulfillment and Shipping
   Decide on fulfillment methods such as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or self-fulfillment. For FBA, prepare and ship inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers following their packaging and shipping guidelines.

7. Tax and Legal Considerations
   Understand tax obligations in the target market. Income tax depends on whether you have a physical presence or branch in the selling country. Consult tax experts to ensure compliance with local and international tax laws.

8. Account Setup Details
   Provide accurate personal and business information during Amazon registration, including government-issued ID, business details, and bank account information in your name or your business’s name.

By following these steps, you can establish a compliant and efficient Amazon business targeting North American consumers. It is crucial to stay updated on Amazon policies and local regulations to maintain smooth operations.