Amazon is a company recognized worldwide for online selling of services and products to individuals. Not only that, but Amazon also offers individuals the opportunity to sell products on this platform. The Middle East region is popularly known for its exponential growth in the use and interest of online media and services. UAE, in particular, has been very receptive to this online marketing boom; in 2018, more than $10 billion in online sales.
More than 63% of internet users in the UAE are known to participate in online purchases. The pandemic further contributed to an increase in online sales. Such an opportunity is not to be missed, which is why more and more people are now setting up online stores on websites like Amazon. If you’re interested in selling on Amazon in the UAE, you’re at the right place. Here, we will help you learn more about setting up your online store and selling products on Amazon to grow your business and increase your sales.
UAE Enterprenuers; Its Time
If you are in search of such a lifestyle where you can get the perfect work-life balance, it’s time to start selling on Amazon. As businesses in the Emirates grow, there has been a significant shift to the modern age of online trading, e-commerce, and entrepreneurialism. As a beginner in entrepreneurship, there will be some hurdles along the way because gaining a reputation and respect amongst the long-standing businesses and companies is not easy.
Yet, with some basic business knowledge, you can eventually and gradually make your way through. You must learn to increase your sales with the power of social media. Here’s everything you need to know about selling on Amazon in the UAE.
Product Categories in Amazon UAE Market
Several products are performing well in the Amazon market in UAE and are well in demand too. These product categories include the following.
- Fashion
- Electronics
- Beauty
- Pet
- Skincare
- Automotive
- Kids and Toys
- Apparel and Accessories
Benefits of Selling on Amazon
Amazon is amongst the most popular and most visited in the UAE. It offers a significant revenue stream and excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs and online sellers. Amazon recently added souq.com, and according to Amazon UAE, it is rebranded. This has led to a boost in e-commerce business opportunities, making the industry more attractive. Here are some of the benefits of Amazon selling.
- Getting access to multiple online buyers and the global market.
- Gaining the trust of potential buyers.
- Increased brand or product visibility.
- Benefits of multiple promotions.
- Multiple options for payment, e.g., bank transfers, credit cards, invoices, e-wallet, and direct debit.
- You aren’t required to have your infrastructure.
- Teaching centers are present on Amazon.
- The costs of a startup are also very minimal.
- The minimum requirements to start are a good internet connection and a laptop. Based on your management, other things may be required, but these are the minimum to get started. You don’t need a lot to make a start.
- Amazon sellers have affordable and accessible web tools and enterprise e-commerce access.
What is Needed to Start Selling on Amazon in the UAE?
Want to start selling on Amazon? Here’s the information and documents you require to establish yourself on Amazon.
1. Contact Information and Business Name
The first thing you require is your business name and contact. Make sure to follow the naming criteria of the UAE.
2. E-Commerce License
After this, apply for a mainland or free zone e-commerce license. You can take help from business setup consultants. After registering your company name, decide the license you want to get. Then complete the application form and give in your ID to get your approval.
3. Visa (For a foreigner)
As a foreigner in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other region, you will need your valid residence visa to make an Amazon account online. Go for biometrics testing in an immigration center. For the residence visa application, you’ll need to get a fitness test, blood test, and chest x-ray.
4. Corporate Bank Account (Valid)
Using your visa and license, you can open your corporate bank account. You will need this bank account to receive your sales of services and goods. Find a bank that meets your needs since many banking institutions in UAE. Make sure to understand your needs to find one that is best suited for you.
5. Valid Billing Address
You need to give in all the necessary documents that work as the address proof. Amazon needs this for validating your identity and determining your location.
6. Your Phone Number
You need your phone number so Amazon in UAE can reach out to you during the process of registration.
7. National Identity
Amazon also needs you to upload your valid government national ID for identity verification.
Process to Start Selling on Amazon
If you wish to sell your products on Amazon, you must follow the process below.
1. Get a Basic Understanding of the Market
Before taking a step into online selling, you must select a business line that you want to get into. Develop a basic understanding of the market. Some popular product categories include electronics, textiles and apparel, and handmade products. Also, understand that UAE shopping preferences favor cash on delivery, with most purchases being made in this case. This payment mode is beneficial in boosting sales.
At this stage, you need to decide the type of business you want to do. You may either sell your products being a “brand owner” by making your own products with a private label or become a reseller, selling popular existing products and listing them on Amazon. For the first option, you’ll need a logo maker to create a professional logo, use branding elements, and add company information.
2. Get a License
After deciding on the business model, you need to implement the plan. To sell on Amazon, you need a trade license. Get your e-commerce trade license before moving forward with setting up your business. You can get a free zone license or mainland license. With e-commerce, the license can help you quickly start your business.
3. Set Your Amazon Seller Account
Next, you need to complete the registration process of setting up your Amazin account. Just enter the details, your business details, along with the seller plan. You can choose between an individual plan or a professional plan. A personal plan is suited for those needing add-on programs or additional selling tools. A professional goal is for those individuals who need to sell in huge quantities and need Amazon’s selling tools for conducting business.
A professional plan offers the advantage of not needing to pay anything to use the service. After making a sale, some percentage of this goes to the professional plan payment. This eases the entrepreneur’s financial burden based on a conditional-installment payment system.
After having the documents at hand, you’re ready to make your Amazon seller account. Here is the step-by-step process of making a seller account.
- Visit the site https://services.amazon.ae.
- From here, click the button “sign up.”
- Fill in the required details, password, email, and name, and then click submit.
- Fill in all the business information required.
- Upload the necessary documents for verification of identity
- And that’s all you need to do! Your account will be reviewed, and you will be ready to start selling once that’s done. The period of reviewing may be from 24 hours to some weeks. After the activation, your seller account will be operational.
4. List Your Products with Seller Central
Seller central is the portal where you may add information about your products, update your inventory, manage your payments, and much more. Furthermore, you will list your products here.
5. Make your Own Product Detail Page
After completing the above steps, you need to create a page for your product details. Here your product details will be mentioned. The page should include the page title, 3 to 4 images, product variation (if any), and other necessary information about your product. This should be in bullet points.
6. Deliver Your Company Products
The final step is delivering your products. Now you’re all set to deliver and transport your products.
7. Cost for Opening Seller Account on Amazon
Setting up a basic Amazon seller account does not require any charges. Conveniently enough, it is free of charge. The cost only is for the Amazon Prime accounts. The paid subscription program offers users many more additional services and perks.
The Verdict
If you are enthusiastic about setting up your Amazon account and selling on the platform, there is no better time! With the ever-growing Middle East shopping situation, now is the perfect time to join the online shopping platform. While using Amazon is a great way to boost your business and company sales, you must understand the working of the market; otherwise, your efforts could be wasted. With the simple guide above, you are all set to start selling on Amazon in the UAE.
