Are you wondering how to sell on Amazon as an individual? That's exactly what we explore in this guide!
Discover the prerequisites and key steps to start your seller journey on the world's most famous marketplace. From creating your account to promotion techniques, choosing products and tax obligations, you'll know everything about creating an individual seller account on Amazon!
Can you sell on Amazon as an individual?
Selling on Amazon does not necessarily require being a formally established business. Aspiring entrepreneurs can begin their commercial journey as individuals to test their skills and their e‑commerce project.
The differences between an individual and a professional account
Seller accounts on Amazon are divided into two categories: individual and professional.
Choosing an individual account removes monthly subscription fees. It is therefore aimed at people who want to sell products occasionally. In any case, individual seller stores are limited to 40 items per month.
If you have many products to sell regularly, you will need to opt for a professional account. This latter allows unlimited sales and gives access to advanced analytical tools.
Tax obligations for online selling as an individual
Selling on Amazon as an individual must be done within the tax framework. Depending on the nature and frequency of your sales, certain rules apply:
Occasional sale of personal goods
If you are organizing a wardrobe clear-out, selling your old DVDs, books, furniture… or disposing of items you want to get rid of (after an inheritance, for example), then these sales are considered management of your private assets.
There is no need to declare them for tax purposes or to register with the trade register.
However, there are two exceptions:
- Precious metals, jewelry, works of art, collectibles, or antiques with a sale price over €5,000 are subject to the contribution to the repayment of the social debt (CRDS) at a rate of 0.5%.
- All other goods with a sale price over €5,000 (excluding appliances or automobiles) are subject to social contributions on property income at a rate of 15.5% on the realized capital gain.
Buying and reselling for profit
As a private individual, you cannot buy products with the intention of reselling them afterwards. The same applies to your own creations (jewelry, paintings, customized furniture, printed T-shirts…). These activities are considered professional.
You must register either as a micro-entrepreneur or as a self-employed worker on the formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr website.
How to create an account to sell on Amazon as an individual?
How to sell on Amazon as a private individual? By signing up through the Amazon Seller Central platform.
You will be asked to provide information such as your contact details, bank details for transactions, and a valid proof of identity.
The decision to open an individual or professional account is guided by your business goals and the expected volume of your transactions. Refer to our previous advice to choose the option that suits you.
Allowed products and the limits of selling as an individual
On Amazon, private sellers can offer a wide range of products, whether new or used. However, there are restrictions that apply to certain product categories, such as fine art, stamps, collectibles, jewelry, large household appliances, health products…
Some items in these categories require prior approval from Amazon to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Regarding costs, selling as a private individual on Amazon involves fixed fees of €0.99 per item sold, as well as a commission on the sale price, which generally ranges from 6% to 45%, depending on the product category. These fees cover transaction handling and access to Amazon's large customer networks.
Subscribe to Amazon's delivery service as an individual
The “Fulfilled by Amazon” (FBA) service offers private sellers a logistics option which can be attractive. By using FBA, you store your products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, which then handle packing, shipping, and customer service. It's an outsourcing solution that relieves sellers of many logistical responsibilities. However, like any service, FBA has a cost!
Associated fees include monthly storage charges and per-item handling fees, which can vary depending on the volume and dimensions of the products. While the “Fulfilled by Amazon” service can increase the visibility and credibility of your listings—particularly through Prime eligibility—these benefits must be weighed against the operational costs.
As an individual seller, it will almost certainly be more cost-effective to ship your products yourself in order to control shipping expenses.
How to promote your Amazon shop as an individual?
How to successfully sell on Amazon as an individual? Here are different methods to promote your shop and quickly move your inventory:
"Family" social networks
Facebook and Instagram are ideal platforms to showcase your products to people you know. This strategy is especially effective if you sell cultural items or clothing, since your friends likely share your tastes.
Moreover, your family and close circle will be inclined to share your listings with their networks, greatly increasing your shop’s visibility without costing you a cent!
Word of mouth
The word-of-mouthefamily remains a powerful tool to sell on Amazon as an individual. Talk about your products to those around you—colleagues, friends, teammates… If your items interest them, they’ll take a look at your e-commerce store. If appropriate, they can recommend your offers to their contacts.
Also, after the first sales, encourage your customers to share their positive experiences on Amazon. Marketplace visitors often consult reviews to ensure product quality and seller reliability.
Online forums and niche groups
Look for forums or Facebook groups that bring together potential customers. For example, if you sell games for old consoles, find sites where vintage console and game enthusiasts exchange tips and deals.
These discussion spaces are perfect for presenting your products, increasing your visibility with a targeted audience, and selling your items faster.
How to sell on Amazon as an individual? Our bonus tip!
Starting and thriving on Amazon without being a professional requires a clear understanding of the registration procedures, tax obligations, and effective promotion strategies.
However, if you want to boost your sales, post your needs on Codeur.com and find a marketing professional ready to effectively answer the question: how to sell on Amazon as an individual?
