Opening a wholesale account is how you get brand-name products at wholesale prices to resell on Amazon. Most suppliers will open an account for you once they see three things: a registered business, the right tax documents, and a clear plan for what you want to buy.
We are a US wholesale supplier that sells to Amazon FBA sellers, so we see these applications from the supplier’s side. This guide walks you through the seven steps in order, from setting up your business to placing your first order, and shows you what suppliers like us look for at each step.
Quick answer: To open a wholesale account for Amazon FBA, register your business, get an EIN, get a seller’s permit or resale certificate, find a supplier that works with Amazon sellers, check that it is legitimate, submit its application, and place a first order that meets its minimum.
What You Need Before You Start
Have these ready before you contact a single supplier. Missing documents are the most common reason an application stalls.
- A registered business (sole proprietorship, LLC or corporation)
- An EIN from the IRS
- A seller’s permit or resale certificate for your state
- A business email address and phone number
- An Amazon seller account (helpful, not always required)
- A budget for a first order that meets the supplier’s minimum
Every supplier sets its own rules. Ours are listed on our wholesale account requirements page.
Step 1: Register Your Business
Wholesale pricing is for businesses that resell, so suppliers need to see a registered business. You do not need an LLC to start. Many Amazon sellers begin as sole proprietors and form an LLC later for liability protection. The SBA’s guide to business structures compares the options.
Not sure which one fits? Read do you need an LLC to sell wholesale on Amazon.
Step 2: Get an EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business’s federal tax ID. Most wholesale suppliers ask for one, and you need it for most state tax registrations. It is free from the IRS, and the online application takes minutes. Never pay a website to get one.
If you are forming an LLC or corporation, register it with your state first, then apply for the EIN. More detail: EIN for Amazon wholesale.
Step 3: Get a Seller’s Permit or Resale Certificate
A seller’s permit (also called a sales tax permit) registers your business to collect sales tax in your state. A resale certificate is the form you give a supplier to show you are buying to resell, so the supplier does not charge you sales tax on the order.
You usually need the permit before you can issue a resale certificate. Both come from your state’s tax agency, and the rules differ from state to state. Start with the SBA’s page on state licenses and permits.
- How to get one: resale certificate for Amazon sellers
- How the two differ: seller’s permit vs resale certificate
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check your state’s rules or talk to an accountant.
Step 4: Find a Supplier That Works With Amazon Sellers
Not every wholesaler wants Amazon sellers. Some brands restrict who can sell their products on Amazon, and some distributors only sell to physical stores. Save time by looking for suppliers that say up front that they work with Amazon sellers.
Common ways to find them:
- Start from Amazon listings. Pick products that already sell well, note the brand, then find out who distributes it.
- Contact brands directly. Many brands will tell you their authorized distributors if they do not sell direct.
- Use directories and trade shows to build a longer list, then check each name carefully.
Our full guide covers each route: how to find wholesale suppliers for Amazon FBA.
Step 5: Check That the Supplier Is Legitimate
Before you send money, confirm you are dealing with a real business. A legitimate wholesale supplier will have:
- A physical business address and a phone number that someone answers
- Proper invoices with its business name and address
- Clear terms: minimum order, payment methods, shipping and returns
- Products from real brands, not prices that look too good to be true
Be cautious with suppliers that only accept wire transfers or gift cards, or that pressure you to order fast. Use our checklist: how to vet wholesale suppliers.
Step 6: Apply for the Wholesale Account
Most suppliers have an online application or a short form to email back. Fill in every field, attach the documents they ask for, and use your business email.
If a supplier has no form, send a short email. From the supplier’s side, the messages that get a quick yes include:
- Your business name, state and EIN
- What you sell and where (for example, “Health & Household products on Amazon FBA”)
- The brands or categories you want
- A realistic first order size
Copy-ready versions are in our wholesale account email templates.
Step 7: Place Your First Order
Once approved, you will get the supplier’s price list. Check each product against its Amazon listing before you buy: demand, competition, Amazon’s fees and whether the product needs approval in your account.
Start small. Order enough to meet the minimum, test a few products, and reorder what sells. Keep every invoice: Amazon may ask for them if you apply to sell in a restricted category, or if a buyer questions a product’s authenticity.
Our minimum order is $1,000, and we can label, prep and ship your order directly to Amazon FBA. Ready to start? Apply for a wholesale account.
Why Suppliers Say No (and How to Get a Yes)
A “no” is rarely personal. These are the reasons we see most often, and the fix for each:
| Reason for a no | What to do |
|---|---|
| Missing EIN or resale certificate | Get both before you apply (Steps 2 and 3) |
| Personal email, no business details | Apply from a business email with your business name and state |
| The brand restricts Amazon sales | Ask which brands they can sell to Amazon sellers, or try another brand |
| Worry about price-cutting | Say you will respect any minimum advertised price (MAP) policy |
| First order below the minimum | Plan your budget around the supplier’s minimum before you apply |
We explain each reason in more depth in why wholesale suppliers reject Amazon sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a wholesale account to sell on Amazon?
Register your business, get an EIN and a seller’s permit or resale certificate, then apply with a supplier that works with Amazon sellers. Most approve you once your documents check out and you can meet the minimum order.
How do I open a wholesale account with a distributor?
The same way as with any supplier: complete the distributor’s application, send your business documents and agree to its terms. Distributors often carry many brands, so one account can cover several product lines.
Can I open a wholesale account without a business?
Not with most legitimate suppliers. Wholesale pricing is for businesses that resell. See our wholesale account requirements.
Do I need an Amazon seller account first?
Not always. It helps, because suppliers like to see where you will sell, but many approve new sellers who are still setting up.
How long does it take to open a wholesale account?
Getting an EIN online takes minutes. A seller’s permit can take from the same day to a few weeks, depending on your state. Supplier approval usually follows once your documents are in order.