Best States to Register Your Amazon Business LLC

Choosing the right state to register your Amazon business LLC is one of the most overlooked but financially impactful – decisions new and scaling sellers make. While many sellers default to forming an LLC in their home state, others are drawn to popular options like Wyoming or Delaware without fully understanding the long-term compliance, tax, and operational consequences.

Choosing the right state to form your Amazon business LLC can save you thousands in taxes, fees, and compliance. If you’re just getting started with Amazon selling, begin with our Amazon Seller Guides hub to understand the full seller journey.

Before you decide on a legal structure, make sure you understand how to launch your Amazon business successfully – start with our guide on how to start selling on Amazon in 2026.

This guide cuts through the noise. Drawing on real Amazon seller use cases, state-level business regulations, and marketplace compliance realities, we break down the best states to register an Amazon LLC, when each option makes sense, and costly mistakes to avoid.

Best states to register your Amazon business LLC

Whether you’re launching your first private-label product or scaling a multi-brand FBA operation, this article will help you make a legally sound, tax-efficient decision you won’t regret later.

Why Your LLC State Matters for Amazon Sellers

Your LLC’s state of formation affects far more than just a filing fee. It can influence:

Amazon doesn’t require sellers to register in a specific state – but it does require consistency across your legal entity, tax identity, bank account, and Seller Central profile. Choosing the wrong state can mean duplicate filings, unnecessary taxes, or even account verification delays.

The choice between an Individual and Professional seller plan affects whether you need a business entity like an LLC. Learn the difference between account types to make the right choice.

The Home State Rule: When It’s the Best Choice

For most Amazon sellers, registering your LLC in the state where you live and operate is the safest and most compliant option.

Why your home state often wins

If you:

… you are legally considered to be “doing business” in that state.

Registering elsewhere would still require you to file as a foreign LLC in your home state – resulting in:

Bottom line: If your business has a physical or operational presence in your state, forming your LLC there is usually the most cost-effective and legally sound option.

In addition to state fees and taxes, remember Amazon charges referral and fulfillment fees. See how these add up in our Amazon seller fees breakdown and calculator.

Best States to Register an Amazon LLC (When You Don’t Live There)

If you operate a location-independent Amazon business (no office, no employees, no inventory at home), certain states offer structural advantages.

Below are the most seller-friendly states – and when they actually make sense.

Wyoming: Best Overall for Online-Only Amazon Sellers

Why Wyoming stands out
Wyoming has become the top choice for many U.S. Amazon sellers who run fully remote businesses.

Key advantages

Best for:

Watch out:

If you later create physical presence in another state (office, employees, or personal relocation), you’ll likely need to register as a foreign LLC there.

Delaware: Best for Scalable or Investment-Backed Brands

Delaware is often misunderstood. It’s not “better” for everyone – but it is powerful for the right seller.

Why sellers choose Delaware

Best for:

Downsides for small sellers

Florida: Best Low-Tax Option for U.S. Residents

Florida is a strong choice for sellers who live there or plan to.

Benefits

Best for:

Important note

Florida is not ideal if you don’t live or operate there. Out-of-state sellers gain little advantage compared to Wyoming.

Texas: Strong for Growing Amazon Operations

Texas offers a balance of scale, logistics, and business friendliness.

Advantages

Considerations

Texas has a franchise tax threshold, which most small Amazon sellers won’t hit – but scaling brands should plan ahead.

Nevada: Less Attractive Than It Appears

Nevada is often marketed alongside Wyoming – but it’s usually inferior for Amazon sellers.

Why Nevada often disappoints

In practice: Wyoming offers nearly all the same benefits at a lower cost and with less bureaucracy.

Depending on your business structure and registration state, you may need liability coverage – learn more in our Amazon seller insurance requirements explained guide.

Sales Tax Nexus: The Amazon-Specific Factor Many Sellers Miss

Thanks to marketplace facilitator laws, Amazon collects and remits sales tax on your behalf in most states. However, your LLC’s state can still affect:

Your formation state should be chosen with your long-term sales channels in mind – not just Amazon.

Banking, EINs, and Amazon Verification

Amazon Seller Central, U.S. banks, and payment processors expect:

States like Wyoming and Delaware are widely accepted – but mistakes in documentation are a common cause of Amazon verification delays.

As part of registration, you’ll provide legal and tax details – check our guide on required documents for Amazon seller registration so nothing catches you off guard.

Common Mistakes Amazon Sellers Make

  1. Forming an LLC in a popular state without understanding nexus rules
  2. Paying double fees by registering in the wrong state
  3. Choosing Delaware too early without investor needs
  4. Ignoring long-term compliance and exit strategy
  5. Assuming Amazon FBA eliminates all state obligations

So, What’s the Best State for You?

Quick decision framework:

There is no universal best state only the best state for your business model.

Final Thoughts from SwanseaAirport

At SwanseaAirport, we’ve helped thousands of sellers navigate Amazon compliance, brand growth, and operational setup. LLC formation is not just a legal checkbox – it’s a strategic foundation that affects taxes, trust, and scalability.

If you treat your Amazon business like a real company from day one, choosing the right state is a decision you’ll only have to make once – and benefit from for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon Brand Registry: Complete Setup Guide

Amazon Brand Registry is no longer just a brand protection tool – it’s a strategic advantage for serious sellers and brand owners. From unlocking A+ Content and Sponsored Brand Ads to gaining control over product listings and IP protection, Brand Registry has become essential for scaling a legitimate Amazon business in the US.

If you’re starting out, begin with our Amazon Seller Guides hub to build a strategic foundation before exploring brand-level tools.

Amazon brand registry: Complete setup guide

This complete setup guide explains what Amazon Brand Registry is, who qualifies, how to register step by step, common pitfalls, approval timelines, and advanced benefits – with real-world insights from working with US-based Amazon sellers and brands.

What Is Amazon Brand Registry?

Amazon Brand Registry is a program designed to help verified brand owners protect their intellectual property (IP) and gain enhanced control over how their products appear on Amazon.

Once approved, Amazon recognizes you as the authoritative source for your brand’s listings. This reduces hijacking, improves listing accuracy, and unlocks premium brand-building tools.

Key purpose:

Who Is Eligible for Amazon Brand Registry?

To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Registered Trademark (Mandatory)

You must own an active, registered trademark issued by a recognized trademark office.

For US sellers:

Accepted trademark formats:

Expert insight: Sellers using word marks generally experience fewer Brand Registry disputes and smoother catalog control compared to logo-only marks.

2. Brand Name Appears on Products or Packaging

Amazon requires proof that your brand is:

Amazon will request real photos, not mockups.

3. You Are the Trademark Owner or Authorized Agent

You must either:

If you’re an agency or distributor, Amazon may request additional verification.

Amazon Brand Registry Benefits (Beyond the Obvious)

Most guides mention brand protection. Here’s what actually matters in practice:

1. Stronger Listing Control

Brand-registered sellers gain priority in:

This dramatically reduces listing sabotage by competitors.

2. Advanced Brand Analytics

Access Brand Analytics, including:

Strategic value: These insights can guide product expansion, pricing strategy, and PPC keyword selection – far beyond basic Seller Central data.

3. Access to Brand-Building Tools

Once approved, you can unlock:

These tools are not available to non-registered brands.

4. Automated IP Protection

Brand Registry uses machine learning to:

This saves time and legal costs as your catalog grows.

Before diving into Brand Registry, ensure your business is set up correctly. Our guide on how to start selling on Amazon in 2026 walks you through the basics from account setup to your first product launch.

Step-by-Step: How to Register for Amazon Brand Registry

Step 1: Prepare Your Trademark Information

Have the following ready:

Brand Registry benefits are generally available to Professional sellers – learn the difference between Individual and Professional plans if you’re unsure which plan to choose.

Step 2: Log In to Amazon Brand Registry Portal

Visit Amazon Brand Registry and sign in using:

Using different accounts can delay approval or trigger verification issues.

Step 3: Submit Brand Details

You’ll enter:

Accuracy here is critical.

Step 4: Upload Product & Packaging Images

Amazon typically requires:

No stock renders or Photoshop mockups.

Step 5: Trademark Verification Code

Amazon sends a verification code to:

You must retrieve and submit this code within the given timeframe.

Step 6: Approval Timeline

Typical approval time:

If delayed, it’s usually due to:

Common Amazon Brand Registry Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Brand Name Doesn’t Match Trademark Exactly

Even small differences (spacing, punctuation) can cause rejection.

Fix: Ensure your Amazon listings and packaging match the trademark verbatim.

Using a Pending Trademark Without IP Accelerator

Amazon does not approve pending trademarks unless filed through its IP Accelerator program.

Poor Image Quality

Blurry or edited images often result in denial.

Best practice: Take real photos with a smartphone under good lighting.

Registering Too Late

Many sellers wait until hijackers appear.

Pro tip: Register before scaling ads or inventory. Prevention is cheaper than cleanup.

Many sellers stall during Brand Registry because they don’t have all verified documents ready – review our guide on required documents for Amazon seller registration for a smooth process.

Even with Brand Registry, certain categories require additional approval – see how restricted categories and gating works on Amazon.

Amazon Brand Registry vs IP Accelerator (Quick Comparison)

FeatureBrand RegistryIP Accelerator
Requires live trademarkYesNo (fast-track)
Faster approvalNoYes
Legal costLowerHigher
Ideal forEstablished brandsNew brands launching fast

Is Amazon Brand Registry Worth It?

For US-based private label sellers, the answer is yes – almost always.

If you:

Then Brand Registry is not optional – it’s foundational.

Expert Take from SwanseaAirport

At SwanseaAirport, we’ve observed that brands enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry:

Brand Registry isn’t just a compliance step – it’s a growth multiplier when used strategically.

Final Thoughts

Amazon Brand Registry is one of the highest ROI decisions a serious Amazon seller can make. While the setup process is straightforward, success depends on accuracy, preparation, and understanding the long-term strategic benefits.

If you treat Brand Registry as a checkbox, you’ll underuse it. If you treat it as a platform for brand ownership and growth, it can define your success on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Required Documents for Amazon Seller Registration (US Sellers)

Starting an Amazon seller account in the United States is not just a formality – it’s a compliance and identity-verification process designed to protect buyers, brands, and the marketplace itself. Many new sellers get stuck or rejected not because they lack motivation, but because they submit the wrong documents, outdated files, or mismatched information.

If you’re planning to sell on Amazon, gathering your verification documents is one of the first steps. For a full beginner roadmap from setup to launch, visit our Amazon Seller Guides hub.

This guide goes beyond a basic checklist. Drawing on real seller verification patterns, Amazon policy requirements, and common suspension triggers, we’ll explain what documents Amazon actually needs, why they matter, how to prepare them correctly, and how to avoid costly delays.

Required documents for Amazon seller registration

Before you begin assembling paperwork, make sure you’ve reviewed our full guide on how to start selling on Amazon in 2026 – it explains the process end-to-end.

If you’re serious about building a long-term Amazon business, this is the kind of page you’ll want to bookmark.

Why Amazon Requires Seller Verification Documents

Amazon operates under strict Know Your Customer (KYC), anti-fraud, and tax compliance rules in the US. Seller documents are used to:

This is why Amazon increasingly uses manual review, AI cross-checks, and video verification – especially for new sellers when they create an Amazon seller central account.

Insight: Most rejections happen due to inconsistency, not missing documents. A single mismatch (name format, address abbreviation, outdated statement) can delay approval by weeks.

Core Documents Required for Amazon Seller Registration (US)

Amazon requests different documents depending on whether you register as an individual or a business entity, but the following are universally required.

1. Government-Issued Photo ID

What Amazon Accepts

Requirements

Expert Tip

Use the passport if you have one. It has fewer formatting variations than state IDs and passes verification faster.

2. Proof of Residential Address

Amazon uses this to confirm that you are a real, reachable person – not a shell account.

Accepted Documents

Key Rules

Common Failure Point: Address abbreviations (St. vs Street, Apt vs #) that don’t match your ID exactly.

3. Valid Credit Card

Amazon requires a chargeable credit card to:

Requirements

Pro Insight

Avoid fintech or temporary cards. Traditional bank-issued cards have the highest approval rate. Understand about amazon seller fees breakdown and calculator to avoid credit card can’t be paid.

4. Active Bank Account (for Disbursements)

Amazon will deposit your earnings into this account.

For US Sellers

Verification Note

Amazon may send micro-deposits or request a bank statement later for confirmation.

5. Tax Information (Critical for US Sellers)

Amazon is legally required to report seller income to the IRS.

Individual Sellers

Business Sellers

You’ll complete this through Amazon’s Tax Interview (W-9 form) inside Seller Central.

Mistake to Avoid: Entering placeholder or incorrect tax info will trigger account limitations later – even if your account is initially approved.

Additional Documents for Business Sellers (LLC, Corporation)

If you register as a business entity, Amazon may request:

6. Business Registration Documents

Examples:

What Amazon Looks For

7. Proof of Business Address (If Different)

If your business operates from a different address than your residence, Amazon may ask for:

Video Verification: The New Gatekeeper

Many US sellers are now required to complete a live or recorded video verification.

What You’ll Need

Amazon Typically Asks

Tip: Treat this like a bank or visa interview. Calm, clear, and honest answers matter more than perfection.

Once your documents are ready, walk through the application process in our guide on creating an Amazon Seller Central account.

Document Preparation Best Practices (Expert Checklist)

To maximize approval speed:

Once you’re registered, you’ll need to choose what to sell. Start by learning how to find your first product to sell on Amazon.

Why Accounts Get Rejected (Even with All Documents)

Based on seller case patterns, rejections usually happen due to:

Insight: Amazon evaluates the entire registration context, not just the documents themselves.

Final Thoughts: Prepare Once, Approve Once

Amazon seller registration is no longer a simple signup – it’s a trust-based verification process. Sellers who treat it professionally from day one face fewer suspensions, faster approvals, and smoother scaling.

At SwanseaAirport, we help sellers think beyond checklists – focusing on compliance, longevity, and platform trust. Preparing your documents correctly is the first step toward a real, defensible Amazon business.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Create an Amazon Seller Central Account 2026

Selling on Amazon starts with one critical step: creating an Amazon Seller Central account. While the signup process may look straightforward, many new sellers run into delays, rejections, or verification issues simply because they don’t understand Amazon’s requirements upfront.

If you’re new to Amazon selling, check out our Amazon Seller Guides for sellers for a complete roadmap from account setup to product launch and scaling.

At SwanseaAirport, we work with Amazon and Walmart sellers every day – reviewing tools, analyzing marketplace policies, and breaking down complex seller workflows into clear, actionable guidance. This guide goes beyond basic instructions to explain why Amazon asks for certain information, how to avoid common approval mistakes, and how to set your account up for long-term success, not just approval.

How to create an Amazon seller central account

If you’re serious about building a real Amazon business in the US, this is the guide you’ll want to bookmark and reference.

What Is Amazon Seller Central?

Amazon Seller Central is Amazon’s official dashboard for third-party sellers. It’s where you manage every aspect of your Amazon business, including:

In short, Seller Central is your operating system for selling on Amazon.

Before You Create an Amazon Seller Central Account (Read This First)

Before starting your application, prepare the necessary paperwork and identity documents – errors here are the most common reason accounts get delayed or rejected. See our full checklist for required documents for Amazon seller registration.

One of the biggest mistakes new sellers make is clicking “Sign up” without preparing the required information. Amazon’s identity verification process is strict – especially for US accounts – and missing or inconsistent details are the #1 reason applications get stuck.

Information You’ll Need

Prepare these before starting:

  1. Business information
    • Legal name (individual or company)
    • Business address (must match documents exactly)
    • EIN (for businesses) or SSN (for individuals)
  2. Government-issued ID
    • US passport or driver’s license
    • Must be valid and clearly readable
  3. Chargeable credit card
    • Visa or Mastercard preferred
    • Must support international transactions
  4. US bank account
    • For Amazon disbursements
    • Can be a traditional bank or approved fintech provider
  5. Phone number
    • Able to receive SMS or voice verification

Expert insight from SwanseaAirport:
Amazon cross-checks every detail – even small address formatting differences (e.g., “St.” vs “Street”) can trigger verification delays.

Step-by-Step: How to Create an Amazon Seller Central Account

Step 1: Go to Amazon Seller Central Signup

Visit Amazon Seller Central and choose “Sign up”.

Create Your Amazon Seller Central Account

You’ll be asked whether you want to sell as:

If you plan to sell more than ~40 items per month, Professional almost always makes financial sense. Be careful when choosing amazon seller account types: Individual vs Professional (You can upgrade or downgrade later)

Step 2: Sign In or Create an Amazon Account

enter email amazon

You can:

Best practice:
SwanseaAirport strongly recommends using a separate email for your seller account to keep personal and business activity cleanly separated.

Step 3: Enter Business & Personal Information

Enter Business & Personal Information on amazon seller

Amazon will ask for:

This information is used for KYC (Know Your Customer) and tax compliance.

Do not guess or “clean up” details – accuracy matters more than presentation.

Step 4: Add Billing & Bank Information

add bank account amazon seller

Amazon will later send a small test deposit to confirm your bank details.

Step 5: Identity Verification (Critical Step)

verify identity on amazon seller

Most US sellers must complete identity verification, which may include:

Behind the scenes:
Amazon uses automated risk systems. Accounts that pass verification smoothly often get access to advanced features faster, including brand tools and advertising.

Step 6: Tax Interview (IRS Compliance)

Amazon requires sellers to complete a tax interview:

This determines:

Incorrect tax info can delay payouts – don’t rush this step.

Step 7: Account Approval & Dashboard Access

Once approved, you’ll land inside Seller Central, where you can:

Congratulations – you’re officially an Amazon seller.

With your Seller Central account active, your next steps are product research and validation. Start with our guides on evaluating product opportunities and launching successfully on Amazon.

Common Amazon Seller Central Signup Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Based on SwanseaAirport’s analysis of hundreds of seller cases:

MistakeWhy It HappensHow to Avoid
Address mismatchFormatting differencesCopy exact address from bank statement
Failed ID verificationBlurry or expired IDUse high-resolution scans
Bank rejectedUnsupported accountUse US-based checking accounts
Duplicate accountsPersonal + business confusionOne account per seller

Many sellers get unwanted surprises because their product or business setup clashes with Amazon’s policies. Learn how to navigate Amazon’s restricted categories and gating requirements to avoid early hurdles.

Individual vs Professional Seller Account (Quick Comparison)

FeatureIndividualProfessional
Monthly fee$0$39.99
Per-item fee$0.99/itemNone
Buy Box eligibilityLimitedYes
AdvertisingNoYes
Bulk listingsNoYes

For most serious sellers, Professional is the long-term choice.

Once your account is active, you’ll start seeing referral and fulfillment fees appear in your Seller Central dashboard. It helps to understand the full fee structure before you list your first item.

Why Trust This Guide?

This guide is written and reviewed by the SwanseaAirport editorial team, a digital commerce brand focused on:

We don’t just summarize Amazon documentation – we test processes, analyze seller outcomes, and translate platform policies into actionable insights that help sellers avoid costly mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Creating an Amazon Seller Central account is more than a signup form – it’s the foundation of your entire Amazon business. When done correctly, it sets you up for smoother approvals, faster scaling, and fewer compliance headaches down the road.

At SwanseaAirport, our mission is to help sellers not just start, but succeed on Amazon and Walmart with clarity, confidence, and data-backed guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon Seller Fees Breakdown and Calculator (2026 Guide)

Selling on Amazon can be extremely profitable – but only if you fully understand Amazon seller fees before launching or scaling a product. Many new sellers fail not because of poor demand, but because they miscalculate fees and margins.

If you’re just getting started, explore our comprehensive Amazon Seller Guides hub for a roadmap from setup to growth.

This guide provides a complete, transparent breakdown of Amazon seller fees, explains how to calculate them accurately, and shows you how to use a fee calculator to forecast real profit, not guesses.

Amazon seller fees breakdown and calculator

Written by SwanseaAirport, a digital commerce brand helping sellers succeed on Amazon and Walmart, this article goes beyond surface-level summaries and delivers practical, seller-tested insights you can rely on.

Why Understanding Amazon Seller Fees Matters

Amazon’s fee structure is not complicated – but it is layered. Sellers who focus only on referral fees or FBA costs often miss:

Insight: Most unprofitable Amazon listings fail at the planning stage, not the execution stage.

If you want a product you can confidently scale, you must calculate true landed cost + Amazon fees + ad spend before you source inventory. Before you worry about fees, make sure you know how to launch your Amazon business properly

Overview of Amazon Seller Fees

Amazon fees generally fall into six main categories:

  1. Seller account fees
  2. Referral (commission) fees
  3. Fulfillment fees (FBA or FBM)
  4. Storage fees
  5. Additional service & penalty fees
  6. Advertising fees (optional but realistic)

We’ll break each down in detail.

1. Amazon Seller Account Fees

Amazon offers two seller account types in the US:

Individual Plan

Professional Plan

Expert Tip: If you plan to sell even 50 units/month, the Professional plan is already cheaper.

2. Amazon Referral Fees (Commission)

Amazon charges a referral fee on every sale, calculated as a percentage of the product’s sale price (including shipping).

Typical Referral Fees (US)

CategoryReferral Fee
Most categories15%
Electronics8% – 15%
Apparel & Accessories17%
Beauty8% – 15%
Grocery8% – 15%

Original Insight: A 2 – 3% difference in referral fees can completely change whether a product is viable at competitive pricing.

Always verify your exact category fee inside Seller Central before sourcing. You can see all fee charges and reports inside your Seller Central dashboard.

3. Fulfillment Fees: FBA vs FBM

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

With FBA, Amazon handles:

FBA fees depend on:

Example (Standard-size product, ~1 lb):

Insight: Amazon FBA fees increase gradually every year – pricing products with thin margins is risky long-term.

Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)

With FBM:

FBM can be cheaper for:

Reality Check: FBM looks cheaper on paper but often loses Buy Box eligibility, reducing conversion rates.

Fulfillment options influence your fee structure significantly, particularly when comparing FBA with self-fulfillment.

4. Amazon Storage Fees (Often Overlooked)

Amazon charges monthly storage fees based on:

Typical Monthly Storage Fees (US)

PeriodStandard-size
Jan – Sep~$0.87/cu ft
Oct – Dec~$2.40/cu ft

Long-Term Storage Fees

Expert Advice: Inventory age is a silent profit killer. Storage fees punish poor forecasting more than bad ads.

5. Additional Amazon Fees to Watch For

These fees don’t apply to every seller – but when they do, they hurt.

Original Insight: Sellers who rely only on Amazon’s default replenishment suggestions often overstock – and pay for it later.

6. Amazon Advertising Costs (Not a Fee, but Real)

While optional, Amazon PPC is unavoidable in competitive categories.

Typical ad spend:

Important: Any fee calculator that ignores ad spend is not showing true profit.

Amazon Seller Fee Calculator: How to Calculate Profit Correctly

Basic Profit Formula

Selling Price
– Referral Fee
– FBA/FBM Fulfillment Fee
– Storage Fees
– Product Cost
– Shipping to Amazon
– Advertising Cost
= Net Profit

Realistic Margin Targets (US Market)

Seller StageTarget Net Margin
Beginner25 – 30%
Scaling30 – 40%
Brand-led40 % +

Expert Rule: If your product can’t hit 30% net margin on paper, don’t launch it. Some products are easier to profit from once you know where costs come from.

Common Fee Calculation Mistakes Sellers Make

  1. Ignoring ad costs during research
  2. Assuming referral fees are always 15%
  3. Forgetting Q4 storage increases
  4. Underestimating returns
  5. Pricing too close to competitors with better fee efficiency

These mistakes compound and usually show up after inventory is stuck in FBA.

Why Trust SwanseaAirport?

This guide is written and reviewed by SwanseaAirport, a digital commerce brand dedicated to helping sellers succeed on Amazon and Walmart marketplaces through:

Our content is built from real marketplace data, seller experience, and ongoing platform changes, not generic summaries.

This is the type of resource we’d expect to see referenced in a business handbook or eCommerce textbook – and one sellers bookmark before spending their first dollar.

Final Thoughts: Fees Decide Profit Before You Launch

Amazon seller fees are not something you “figure out later”. They determine:

The most successful sellers don’t guess – they calculate everything upfront.

If you want more step-by-step guidance:

Explore more expert resources on SwanseaAirport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find Your First Product to Sell on Amazon

Finding your first product to sell on Amazon is the most important decision you’ll make as a new seller – and the one that determines whether your business becomes profitable or frustrating.

Finding the right product is one of the most important steps in building a profitable Amazon business. If you’re still setting up your foundation, explore our complete Amazon Seller Guides for help with account creation, fees, and fulfillment decisions.

At SwanseaAirport, we work with Amazon and Walmart sellers every day, and one pattern is consistent: successful sellers don’t start with “what’s popular” – they start with structured product research, real demand data, and clear profit logic.

How to find your first product to sell on Amazon

This guide walks you through a repeatable, beginner-friendly framework to find your first Amazon product with confidence. It’s based on real marketplace behavior, seller economics, and practical risk management – not hype or shortcuts.

Why Your First Amazon Product Matters More Than Anything Else

Many new sellers assume they can fix a bad product with better ads, branding, or pricing. In reality:

Your first product sets your learning curve, cash flow, and risk exposure. Choosing wisely lets you:

Step 1: Start With Demand, Not Ideas

One of the most common beginner mistakes is starting with a product idea instead of market demand.

What Real Demand Looks Like on Amazon

Demand means:

How to Validate Demand (Without Guesswork)

Use Amazon itself as your primary data source:

Insight: If only one listing sells well and the rest barely move, that’s brand dominance – not healthy demand.

Step 2: Choose the Right Product Category for Beginners

Not all Amazon categories are beginner-friendly.

Best Categories for First-Time Sellers

These categories tend to have:

Recommended:

Categories to Avoid at the Start

Unless you have experience or certifications:

Step 3: Apply the “Beginner Product Filter”

Before moving forward, your product should pass all of these filters.

1. Price Range: $20 to $50

2. Lightweight & Compact

3. No Fragile or Complex Parts

Avoid:

Rule of thumb: If you’d hesitate to ship it to a friend without bubble wrap anxiety, skip it

Before committing to a product, make sure you understand how Amazon calculates commission, fulfillment, and storage charges.

Step 4: Analyze Competition the Right Way (Not Just Review Count)

Many guides say “avoid products with more than 1.000 reviews”. That’s overly simplistic.

What Actually Signals Beat-Able Competition

Look for:

Red Flags to Walk Away

Step 5: Validate Profitability With Real Numbers

A product that sells well but doesn’t profit is not a business.

Calculate Your True Profit

You must account for:

Target minimum: 30% net margin after ads
Ideal first product margin: 35 – 40%

This margin buffer protects you while learning Amazon Pay Per Click and ranking mechanics.

Step 6: Improve the Product – Don’t Just Copy It

Successful first products are rarely new inventions. They are better versions of existing demand.

Smart Ways to Differentiate

Example: Instead of “yoga mat”, position it for “home physical therapy” or “senior balance training”.

This is how small sellers compete with large brands.

Step 7: Validate Suppliers Before You Commit

Before placing any large order:

Never rely on photos alone. Once you’ve identified a promising opportunity, the next step is finding a reliable manufacturer.

Step 8: Start Small and Test the Market

Your first product is a learning investment, not a home-run attempt. Many sellers rely on keyword and trend data tools like helium 10 to evaluate search volume and competition.

Smart Launch Strategy

Scaling comes after validation, not before.

Common First-Product Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

MistakeWhy It Fails
Chasing viral productsShort lifespan, extreme competition
Copying influencers blindlyTheir success ≠ your margins
Ignoring fees & adsPaper profits disappear fast
Over-ordering inventoryCash flow traps beginners
Competing on price aloneRace to the bottom

Final Thoughts: Think Like a Business Owner, Not a Gambler

Finding your first product to sell on Amazon is not about luck – it’s about structured decision-making.

If you can:

You give yourself the best possible chance to succeed.

At SwanseaAirport, we believe sustainable Amazon businesses are built with data, discipline, and long-term thinking – not shortcuts. Your first product doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be well-chosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon FBA vs FBM: Complete Comparison for Sellers in 2026

Selling on Amazon is no longer just about finding the right product – it’s about choosing the right fulfillment strategy. One of the first and most important decisions sellers must make is whether to use Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) or FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant)

Choosing between FBA and FBM is one of the most important decisions new sellers face. If you’re building your foundation, explore our complete Amazon Seller Guides hub for step-by-step help with account setup, fees, compliance, and product selection

At SwanseaAirport, we work closely with Amazon and Walmart sellers at every stage – from first-time entrepreneurs to established brands scaling across marketplaces. This guide is designed to give you a clear, honest, and comprehensive comparison of Amazon FBA vs FBM, so you can choose the model that best fits your business goals, margins, and operational capacity

This isn’t a surface-level summary. It’s a practical decision guide you can bookmark, reference, and share

What Is Amazon FBA?

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) means Amazon stores your inventory, picks and packs orders, ships products to customers, and handles customer service and returns on your behalf.

How FBA Works

  1. You send inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers
  2. Customers place orders on Amazon
  3. Amazon handles shipping, delivery, returns, and customer support
  4. You pay fulfillment, storage, and service fees

Why Sellers Choose FBA

SwanseaAirport Insight:
For US shoppers, Prime is often the default filter. In competitive categories, FBA isn’t just a convenience – it’s a conversion advantage.

What Is Amazon FBM?

Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) means you store inventory, pack orders, ship them to customers, and handle customer service and returns.

How FBM Works

  1. You list products on Amazon
  2. Orders are routed to your warehouse, 3PL, or dropship partner
  3. You manage shipping, tracking, customer service, and returns

Why Sellers Choose FBM

SwanseaAirport Insight:
FBM is often misunderstood as “manual” or “beginner-level”. In reality, many seven-figure brands use FBM strategically, especially when margins matter more than speed.

Amazon FBA vs FBM: Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureAmazon FBAAmazon FBM
FulfillmentAmazon handles everythingSeller handles fulfillment
Prime BadgeYesNo (unless Seller Fulfilled Prime)
Buy Box AdvantageStrongModerate
FeesHigher, predictableLower, variable
StorageAmazon warehousesSeller or 3PL
Customer ServiceAmazonSeller
ReturnsAmazon-managedSeller-managed
Branding ControlLimitedFull
ScalabilityEasyRequires logistics planning

Cost Comparison: FBA vs FBM (Beyond the Obvious)

Many articles stop at “FBA costs more”. That’s incomplete.

Amazon FBA Costs Include:

Amazon FBM Costs Include:

SwanseaAirport Analysis:
The true cost difference depends on:

For example:

FBA includes storage and fulfillment fees in addition to referral fees. See our complete Amazon seller fees breakdown and calculator to estimate total costs.

Buy Box & Conversion Impact

Amazon’s algorithm heavily favors:

FBA Advantage

FBM Reality

Expert Tip from SwanseaAirport:
If you’re launching a new product in a saturated category, FBA often accelerates traction. FBM works best when you already have demand or differentiation.

Inventory Control & Risk Management

FBA Risks

FBM Advantages

SwanseaAirport Insight:
Advanced sellers often use a hybrid strategy – FBA for bestsellers, FBM for long-tail SKUs. And if you don’t know how to start, you can check how to start selling on Amazon to know more tips about it!

Customer Experience & Brand Control

If brand building matters to you, this section matters.

FBA Limitations

FBM Advantages

This is especially important for:

If you’re scaling with FBA, forming an LLC may offer liability protection. See our guide on the Best states to register your Amazon business LLC.

Which Is Better: Amazon FBA or FBM?

Choose FBA If:

Choose FBM If:

Best Option for Many Sellers:

👉 Use both.
Many successful sellers optimize profitability by mixing FBA and FBM based on SKU performance. Both fulfillment methods are available under the Professional plan. If you’re unsure which plan to choose, read our guide to Amazon seller account types: Individual vs Professional

Expert Perspective: How SwanseaAirport Helps Sellers Decide

At SwanseaAirport, we don’t recommend FBA or FBM blindly. We help sellers:

Our guides, tools, and product reviews are designed to help sellers make confident, data-driven decisions – not follow trends.

Final Thoughts

Amazon FBA vs FBM isn’t about which model is “better”. It’s about which model is better for your business at this stage.

A well-informed fulfillment decision can:

If this guide helped clarify your strategy, it’s doing exactly what it was designed to do.

Frequently Question Asked?

Amazon Seller Account Types: Individual vs Professional

Choosing the right Amazon seller account is one of the first – and most underestimated – decisions new sellers make. While it may seem like a simple pricing choice, the difference between Amazon Individual and Amazon Professional seller accounts directly affects your margins, scalability, brand control, and long-term growth potential.

Choosing between the Individual and Professional plans is one of the first decisions new sellers face. If you’re just getting started, explore our complete Amazon Seller Guides hub for a step-by-step roadmap covering registration, fees, fulfillment, and product selection.

At SwanseaAirport, we’ve worked with first-time sellers, private-label brands, and multi-channel operators across Amazon and Walmart. One recurring pattern is this: sellers who understand account types early make better operational decisions – and avoid costly switches later.

If you’re completely new, start with our guide on How to start selling on Amazon in 2026, which walks you through the entire launch process.

This guide goes beyond surface-level comparisons. We’ll break down fees, features, real-world use cases, hidden trade-offs, and provide a decision framework you can actually apply in 2026.

Amazon Seller Account Types: Individual vs Professional

What Is an Amazon Seller Account?

An Amazon seller account allows individuals or businesses to list and sell products on Amazon.com. Amazon offers two account types:

Both allow you to sell products, but they are designed for very different seller profiles.

See more: how to start selling on Amazon

Amazon Individual Seller Account: Who It’s Really For

Key Characteristics

Best Fit Scenarios

An Individual account works best if you are:

Practical Example

If you sell 20 items per month:

Once you pass roughly 40 units per month, the math starts working against you.

Limitations That Matter

Most guides mention “fewer tools” but here’s what that actually means in practice:

For sellers serious about growth, these limitations become blockers – not inconveniences.

Amazon Professional Seller Account: Built for Scale

Key Characteristics

Who Should Choose Professional?

You should strongly consider a Professional account if you:

Why Serious Sellers Upgrade Early

At SwanseaAirport, we often advise sellers to upgrade before hitting volume thresholds. Why?

Because Professional accounts unlock:

In other words, this is not just a pricing tier – it’s a business infrastructure decision.

Side-by-Side Comparison (What Actually Matters)

FeatureIndividualProfessional
Monthly Fee$0$39.99
Per-Item Fee$0.99/item$0
Amazon Ads❌ No✅ Yes
Buy Box Tools❌ Limited✅ Full
Bulk Listings❌ No✅ Yes
Brand Registry❌ No✅ Yes
Sales ReportsBasicAdvanced
Automation Tools❌ No✅ Yes

In addition to the monthly subscription fee, sellers also pay referral and fulfillment fees. See our full Amazon seller fees breakdown and calculator to understand your total cost structure.

Cost Analysis: The Break-Even Point Most Sellers Miss

The commonly cited break-even is 40 items/month, but that’s only considering subscription vs per-item fees.

Here’s the deeper analysis:

In practice, many sellers become more profitable with a Professional account before hitting 40 monthly sales.

Your plan type also affects how you manage fulfillment. Learn the differences in our detailed Amazon FBA vs FBM comparison guide

Account Type Signals Seller Intent

From Amazon’s perspective, Professional accounts signal:

While Amazon does not officially rank sellers by account type, access to tools like PPC, Brand Registry, and A+ Content creates indirect ranking advantages that Individual sellers simply can’t replicate.

This is why nearly all successful private-label brands operate Professional accounts – even during early stages. If you’re forming a business entity, see our guide on the Best states to register your Amazon business LLC for tax and compliance insights.

Common Mistakes We See at SwanseaAirport

Based on seller audits and consultations:

  1. Waiting too long to upgrade, missing early ad momentum
  2. Choosing Individual to “save money”, then overspending on inefficiencies
  3. Not aligning account type with business goals
  4. Treating Amazon as a marketplace, not a marketing channel

Account type should reflect where you want your business to be in 6–12 months, not just today.

Which Amazon Seller Account Should You Choose?

Choose Individual if:

Choose Professional if:

If you’re unsure, Amazon allows you to upgrade at any time, making it reasonable to start Individual – but only with a clear upgrade plan.

Once you’ve chosen your plan, follow our tutorial on How to create an Amazon Seller Central account for step-by-step setup instructions.

Why This Matters Beyond Amazon

Many SwanseaAirport readers sell on multiple marketplaces. Walmart Seller Center, for example, does not offer a “casual seller” tier – every seller operates at a professional level.

If multi-channel growth is your goal, starting with a Professional mindset on Amazon creates consistency across platforms.

About SwanseaAirport

SwanseaAirport is a digital commerce brand providing tools, guides, product reviews, and insights to help sellers succeed on Amazon and Walmart marketplaces. Our content is built from hands-on seller experience, platform analysis, and ongoing research into marketplace policy, advertising, and growth strategies.

We focus on practical decisions that impact real revenue, not generic advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Start Selling on Amazon in 2026

Selling on Amazon in 2026 is no longer about simply listing a product and waiting for sales. The marketplace has matured into a highly competitive, algorithm-driven ecosystem where data quality, brand trust, and operational excellence determine success

If you’re new to eCommerce, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to start selling on Amazon in 2026 – from choosing the right account type to understanding fees and compliance requirements.

For a complete roadmap covering every stage of the journey, explore our Amazon Seller Guides hub, where we break down account setup, product research, fulfillment models, and growth strategies.

At SwanseaAirport, we work closely with Amazon and Walmart sellers, analyzing marketplace trends, product data, and real seller outcomes. This guide is built from that hands-on experience – not recycled advice – to help new sellers enter Amazon the right way in 2026

Whether you are launching your first product or transitioning from another platform, this article will walk you through what actually matters today, what has changed, and how to build a business Amazon rewards long-term

Why Selling on Amazon in 2026 Is Different Than Before

Many guides still describe Amazon as it was in 2018 – 2020. In reality, three major shifts now define selling on Amazon:

1. Amazon Prioritizes Brand Signals Over Listings

Amazon’s algorithm increasingly favors:

This means brands outperform resellers, even when prices are similar.

2. Advertising Is No Longer Optional

In 2026, Amazon PPC is not a growth lever – it’s table stakes. Successful sellers treat ads as:

3. Compliance and Policy Enforcement Are Stricter

From product claims to IP protection, Amazon has tightened enforcement. Sellers who don’t understand compliance risk account suspensions – often without warning

Bottom line: Amazon rewards sellers who operate like real businesses, not side hustles

Step 1: Choose the Right Amazon Seller Account

Before product research or sourcing, you must choose your seller account type

Individual vs Professional Seller (2026 Update)

👉 Our recommendation at SwanseaAirport:
If you plan to sell more than 40 units per month – or run ads – start with a Professional account from day one. If you don’t know where to start, check this Amazon seller account types explained

Step 2: Product Research That Works in 2026 (Not Guesswork)

Most beginners fail because they choose products based on outdated criteria like “low competition” or “high BSR”.

What We Look for at SwanseaAirport

We analyze products using three layers:

1. Demand Quality (Not Just Demand Volume)

Ask:

Customer reviews are a goldmine of unmet demand. Product selection determines long-term success. Read our guide on How to find your first product to sell on Amazon before investing inventory.

2. Margin After Reality Costs

In 2026, you must factor:

A product with 30% gross margin on paper often ends up with 10 – 15% net margin. If you don’t know about amazon fees, you should check this Amazon seller fees breakdown and calculator article to know more.

3. Brand-Ability Score

We ask:

Amazon increasingly favors sellers who build brands, not single SKUs.

Step 3: Sourcing Products With Long-Term Risk in Mind

Whether sourcing from the US, China, or elsewhere, risk management is now critical.

Key Sourcing Mistakes New Sellers Make

SwanseaAirport Sourcing Framework

We advise sellers to:

In 2026, compliance issues cause more account suspensions than poor sales.

Step 4: Create Listings Amazon’s Algorithm Actually Rewards

Amazon listings are no longer just marketing pages – they are structured data assets.

What Matters Most in 2026 Listings

Why Product Data Quality Is a Ranking Factor

Amazon uses structured data to:

At SwanseaAirport, we see listings with better data completeness outperform competitors, even with fewer reviews.

Step 5: Brand Registry Is No Longer Optional

If you are serious about Amazon in 2026, you need:

Benefits Beyond Protection

Brand Registry unlocks:

More importantly, Amazon trusts registered brands more.

Step 6: Amazon FBA vs FBM in 2026

FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)

Best for:

FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant)

Best for:

👉 Our insight:
Many successful sellers know FBA vs FBM comparison and now use a hybrid model – FBA for fast movers, FBM as backup during stockouts.

Step 7: Launch Strategy That Doesn’t Burn Cash

The days of “launch giveaways” are over.

Sustainable Launch Tactics

A strong launch is about data collection, not aggressive discounting.

Step 8: Advertising Strategy for New Sellers

Amazon PPC in 2026 requires structure.

What New Sellers Should Focus On

At SwanseaAirport, we advise new sellers to optimize listings first, then scale ads – not the other way around.

Step 9: Measure What Amazon Actually Cares About

Beyond sales, Amazon tracks:

These metrics influence:

Common Mistakes New Amazon Sellers Still Make

Amazon rewards operators, not spectators.

Final Thoughts: Is Selling on Amazon in 2026 Still Worth It?

Yes – but only for sellers willing to:

At SwanseaAirport, we believe Amazon is still one of the most powerful digital commerce platforms in the world – but success now belongs to educated, strategic sellers.

If you approach Amazon in 2026 with the mindset of a brand builder, not a shortcut seeker, the opportunity is still very real.

Questions Frequently Asked

What Is PPC? A Practical, Expert Guide for Amazon and Walmart Sellers

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising is one of the fastest ways to generate traffic, sales, and data in digital commerce – but it’s also one of the easiest ways to lose money if misunderstood. For sellers on Amazon or selling on Walmart marketplaces, PPC is not just an optional marketing channel; it’s a core growth lever that directly affects visibility, ranking, and profitability.

At SwanseaAirport, we work with marketplace sellers who rely on PPC not as a buzzword, but as a measurable business system. This guide explains what PPC is, how it actually works, and how sellers can use it strategically – especially on Amazon and Walmart – without wasting ad spend.

what is ppc and what is it used for?

What Is PPC (Pay-Per-Click)?

PPC (Pay-Per-Click) is a digital advertising model where advertisers pay only when a user clicks on their ad. Instead of paying for impressions or exposure, you pay for intent – someone actively engaging with your listing, product, or offer.

In practical terms:

This model is used across platforms like Google Ads, Amazon Ads, Walmart Connect, and social networks – but its strategic role differs significantly between search engines and marketplaces.

PPC in Marketplaces vs Traditional Search Ads

Many sellers assume PPC works the same everywhere. It doesn’t.

Traditional PPC (e.g., Google Ads)

Marketplace PPC (Amazon & Walmart)

On marketplaces, PPC is not just advertising – it’s a ranking accelerator.

Why PPC Matters So Much for Amazon and Walmart Sellers

Marketplace algorithms reward products that sell consistently. PPC helps trigger that momentum.

Key reasons sellers rely on PPC:

  1. Launch Visibility
    New listings have no sales history. PPC is often the only way to get immediate exposure.
  2. Keyword Data You Can’t Get Elsewhere
    PPC search term reports reveal exactly how shoppers describe your product.
  3. Organic Rank Improvement
    Profitable PPC campaigns often improve organic placement over time.
  4. Defense Against Competitors
    Without PPC, competitors can advertise directly on your product pages.
  5. Scalable Growth
    Once a campaign is profitable, budget – not traffic – is the only real limit.

How PPC Actually Works (Behind the Scenes)

Understanding the mechanics separates strategic advertisers from sellers who “just turn ads on.”

1. Keyword or Placement Targeting

You choose:

2. Auction System

Each time a shopper searches:

3. Ad Placement

Your ad may appear:

4. Click → Cost → Conversion

This is why PPC is not about clicks – it’s about economics.

See more: optimize product data to improve PPC performance

Key PPC Metrics Sellers Must Understand

Many sellers fail because they focus on the wrong numbers.

Essential metrics that actually matter:

At SwanseaAirport, we emphasize profit-weighted decision-making, not vanity metrics.

Common PPC Types on Amazon and Walmart

Amazon PPC

Walmart Connect PPC

Each format serves a different role in a mature ad strategy.

Strategic PPC: Beyond “Turning Ads On”

The biggest misconception is that PPC is a set-and-forget tactic.

High-performing sellers:

In this sense, PPC becomes a research engine, not just an ad channel.

Common PPC Mistakes Sellers Make

From reviewing hundreds of accounts, these are the most damaging errors:

PPC amplifies whatever foundation you have – good or bad.

Is PPC Worth It for Every Seller?

PPC is not magic – and it’s not optional either.

PPC works best when:

If those conditions aren’t met, PPC will expose weaknesses quickly.

Final Thoughts: PPC as a Business Tool, Not a Hack

So, what is PPC really?

For serious Amazon and Walmart sellers, PPC is:

At SwanseaAirport, we view PPC not as advertising – but as controlled experimentation backed by numbers. Sellers who adopt that mindset don’t just spend on ads; they build predictable, scalable growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)