The rise of Amazon is one of the great business success stories. From a humble online bookseller to a multinational conglomerate in little over a decade.
And its success is shared by many of its sellers, from large organisations to solo entrepreneurs trading in everything from electronics to food, clothes, and office supplies.
The company’s UAE marketplace amazon.ae is a relative newcomer to our e-commerce space, officially renamed in 2019 after the acquisition of Souq.com two years earlier. However, thanks to its strong brand recognition and existing Souq.com infrastructure, it has quickly made an impact in the Emirates.
Last year, the site generated sales in excess of USD 350m. And this figure is only expected to increase in the coming years.
There’s more great news for the budding entrepreneurs in this part of the world too, getting set up to sell on Amazon.ae is incredibly straightforward. When you work with a local company formation expert, you could be selling within days.
Can I sell on amazon.ae?
In most cases, the answer is yes. But you will require a license to do so. To trade online from the UAE, you’ll required an e-commerce license.
You can apply for either a mainland or free zone license. Most e-commerce businesses are better suited to the free zone model. Free zone businesses benefit from 100% customs tax exemption and zero currency restrictions, making them ideal setups for online trade.
Many free zones also offer onsite warehousing, storage facilities, and great transport links via land, air, and sea.
How to get an e-commerce license
When you work with a company setup agent such as Trade License Zone, the formation process takes just four simple steps.
Step 1
First, we’ll help you choose and register your company name, ensuring that it complies with the UAE’s naming criteria.
You cannot include any offensive or blasphemous language, nor any references to Allah or Islam in your company name. If you wish to include your name in your company name, you must use it in full rather than just your surname or initials. You must also check that your chosen name is available to be registered.
Step 2
Once you are happy with your company name, you can begin the process of applying for your UAE e-commerce license.
You can make your application to your chosen free zone or we can manage this entire process for you. As free zones are self-regulated, you do not require additional approvals to trade, making the process faster and more efficient.
At this stage, you will be asked to provide some basic documentation, including passport copies, along with your completed application form.
Step 3
If you’re intending to live and work in the UAE, you’ll need a visa too. You will need to visit an immigration centre during the process to provide biometric information. The visa application also includes a fitness test, blood test and chest x-ray.
Providing you meet the salary criteria, it is also possible to sponsor others for their UAE visas, such as your children, partner, or parents.
A company setup agent can manage this step for you, along with your trade license application.
Step 4
With your license and visa in hand, you can now apply to open a corporate bank account.
Dubai is home to a wide range of banking institutions, both local banks and international brands. However, bank account opening can be a complicated process for overseas business owners, so it is best to make your application with the help of an expert that is well-versed in the process and its requirements.
How to set up as an Amazon seller
Setting up as a seller on amazon.ae is both fast and easy. All you need to do is visit https://services.amazon.ae/ and click ‘Start Selling’.
Just follow the simple on screen instructions and your online shop will be up and running in no time.
How long will it take to open my store on amazon.ae?
There is no set time to open a store. The application itself takes minutes but the review period can take anywhere from 24 hours to a number of weeks.
What documents are required to become a seller on amazon.ae?
As part of the online, self-service registration process, you will be asked to submit:
• Your business name, address, and contact information.
• A valid bank account and a valid billing address.
• A phone number where you can be reached during this registration process.
What are the advantages of becoming a seller on amazon.ae?
There are plenty of great reasons to sell on amazon.ae. The biggest, perhaps, is the access it affords to a large global market. Take a few minutes to set up an account and you are instantly in front of millions of potential customers.
The site’s readymade infrastructure is another huge benefit. Amazon sellers get easy and affordable access to enterprise-grade ecommerce and web tools. Then there are the startup costs, which are minimal.
Depending on how you manage your fulfilment, you may only require a laptop and internet connection to start selling.
Ways to make money from Amazon UAE
As with most business ventures, when it comes to selling on amazon.ae, it pays to follow your research. You’ll find several tools online that will help you identifying top selling items. From here you should research the competition, see what they are doing that works, and what you could do to gain an edge.
Once you have chosen your product, or products, it’s time to stand out. Use your own experience as a buyer to create listings. What catches your eye? What makes you choose one similar product over another?
Finally, focus on your aftersales. Reviews are often the deciding factor for buyers. Encourage yours to leave their feedback to help your reputation grow.
Get ready to sell on Amazone.ae with Trade License Zone
The company formation process in the UAE has been designed with simplicity in mind. That said, it does take some in-depth knowledge of the region and its many customs and regulations.
That’s why it’s always advisable to acquire the services of a business setup company who can not only advise on the process but also seek out the most suitable license and setup type for your business, based on your needs and your budget.
When you use business setup services, you also gain peace of mind that your license and visa applications are free from errors and omissions – both of which can lead to delays and rejection.
When you work with a company formation specialist, all you need to provide is some basic documentation and a little information about the nature of your business. Then, sit back and let the experts take care of the rest – managing your license and visa applications, communicating with all relevant departments and authorities, and reporting back when you’re ready to start trading. It really is that simple.