Entering the expansive Amazon marketplace through a Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) account opens big opportunities.
As of 2024, Amazon hosts over 9.7 million sellers worldwide, with nearly 33% choosing FBM to maintain control over storage, packaging, and shipping.
Unlike FBA, FBM puts fulfillment entirely in the seller’s hands, offering more flexibility and cost control. This guide will show you how to open an Amazon FBM account, helping you start strong and build a scalable business.
Creating your Amazon FBM account requires preparation and attention to detail . Here's a comprehensive guide to get you started:
Before beginning the registration process, gather these essential items:
Amazon offers two selling plans :
Individual Selling Plan :
Professional Selling Plan :
For serious FBM sellers, the Professional plan usually offers better value once you're selling more than 40 items monthly.
Amazon requires verification to prevent fraud:
Create a professional presence:
Unlike FBA, you'll need to establish your fulfillment parameters :
Pro tip: While Amazon requires shipping within two business days, setting a longer handling time (3-5 days) in your settings gives you a buffer period to avoid late shipments, which can negatively impact your account health.
Around 1 in 3 new Amazon sellers run into delays during setup. Use this checklist to make sure you’re not one of them.
After your account setup is complete, you'll need to create product listings .
For a small catalog:
For larger inventories:
When orders come in, you'll need an efficient process for fulfillment :
Amazon closely monitors seller performance. For FBM sellers , these metrics are crucial:
While this guide focuses on FBM, it's worth understanding the differences to ensure you're choosing the right fulfillment method .
Experienced FBM sellers quietly use backup shipping templates to protect their metrics during delays. These templates have slightly longer handling times and fewer shipping zones.
If issues arise like supply delays or staffing problems, you can quickly switch to the backup without hurting your Order Defect Rate or Late Shipment Rate. It’s a smart safety net that keeps your account health intact during peak seasons or unexpected hiccups.
Opening an Amazon FBM account is a flexible, low-cost way to enter one of the world’s largest marketplaces.
With full control over fulfillment and no FBA fees , FBM gives sellers a strategic edge. While setup takes attention to detail, this guide equips you to start strong.
Success on Amazon requires constant optimization. Track your metrics , adapt to market shifts, and consider expanding into trending categories.
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