Amazon offers two powerful platforms—Amazon Business and Amazon Seller Central—but they serve entirely different goals. Whether you’re buying supplies for your company or selling products to customers, choosing the right account can make or break your strategy. This article compares both platforms, highlighting what they offer, how they differ, and which one is the right fit for your needs.
What is Amazon Business Account?
An Amazon Business account is designed for companies and organizations that want to purchase items in bulk or manage complex procurement processes. It allows businesses to access exclusive B2B pricing, bulk discounts, tax-exempt purchasing, multi-user accounts, and spending controls.
Think of it as a premium version of a personal Amazon account, but optimized for workplace efficiency. With features like approval workflows, detailed reporting, and integration with procurement software, it’s a game-changer for teams managing large or frequent orders.
This platform doesn’t allow you to sell anything—it’s strictly for buying. Whether you’re a startup founder ordering office supplies, a hospital sourcing medical tools, or a school stocking up on learning materials, Amazon Business helps you do it faster, cheaper, and with more control.
The base version is free, but you can subscribe to Amazon Business Prime for additional benefits like faster shipping and enhanced analytics.
What is Amazon Seller Central Account?
Amazon Seller Central is Amazon’s platform for people who want to sell products on the Amazon marketplace. From side hustlers selling private-label items to multinational brands moving thousands of units per day, this is where it all happens.
You can create an Individual account (no monthly fee, pay per item sold) or a Professional account (monthly fee of $39.99, unlimited listings). Through Seller Central, you manage everything: product listings, pricing, inventory, fulfillment, advertising, customer support, and more.
There are two main fulfillment options:
- Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA): You send your stock to Amazon, and they store, pack, and ship your products.
- Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM): You handle shipping and customer service yourself.
Seller Central isn’t a casual platform. It requires you to understand product research, fees, VAT (if selling in Europe), shipping logistics, and customer expectations. But with millions of shoppers searching every day, the potential rewards are huge.
Similarities between Amazon Business and Amazon Seller Central
While they serve different purposes, these two platforms share a few common traits that reflect Amazon’s overall structure.
1. Access to Amazon’s Ecosystem
Both platforms integrate directly with Amazon’s massive infrastructure. Whether you’re buying through Amazon Business or selling through Seller Central, you operate within Amazon’s vast global network of suppliers, customers, warehouses, and logistics.
Users can benefit from Amazon’s reputation, fast delivery, and customer trust—whether you’re sourcing office chairs or launching a new kitchen gadget.
2. Data and Customization
Amazon provides both platforms with robust analytics. Amazon Business users get detailed reports on spending, top categories, preferred vendors, and purchasing patterns. Meanwhile, Seller Central offers advanced dashboards for tracking sales, conversion rates, ad performance, and inventory levels.
Both accounts can be customized: you can assign user roles, limit permissions, and integrate with third-party tools to improve your experience and results.
3. Multi-User Access
Amazon knows business isn’t a solo game. Amazon Business lets multiple employees use the same account while maintaining control over purchasing roles, approvals, and budgets. Likewise, Seller Central supports different user roles for managing inventory, support, marketing, or finance—all under one seller profile.
This makes both platforms team-friendly and scalable for growing operations.
Differences between Amazon Business and Amazon Seller Central
This is where the paths really split. The core purpose of each platform is completely different—and that shapes every feature they offer.
1. Purpose: Buying vs Selling
The most obvious distinction: Amazon Business is for buying and Seller Central is for selling.
If your company needs to source products like printer ink, furniture, PPE, or laptops—Amazon Business is your tool. If you want to sell handmade jewelry, imported electronics, or branded supplements—Seller Central is where you need to be.
Each platform is built around this core function, so trying to use one for the other will only lead to confusion.
2. Money In vs Money Out
Amazon Business is about spending efficiently. It helps you save time and money when purchasing supplies or managing procurement. You don’t earn anything from having a Business account.
Seller Central is the opposite—it’s all about generating revenue. You earn from each sale, build a brand, and grow a customer base. You also manage returns, advertising spend, shipping costs, and platform fees.
In short: Business account = spend money wisely. Seller Central = make money strategically.
3. Setup Complexity and Compliance
Creating an Amazon Business account is straightforward. Just sign up, verify your business, and you’re good to go. Premium tools are optional.
Setting up a Seller Central account involves more work. You need:
- Tax information and bank details
- Product listings that meet Amazon’s quality standards
- Legal documents if you’re selling as a registered business
- Compliance with Amazon’s product guidelines (especially in regulated niches)
In Europe, you might also need VAT registration and EPR compliance (packaging, batteries, electronics). Seller Central can be a full-time job or a serious side hustle—it’s not just a casual signup.
Which should you open?
Your goal will determine your choice. If you’re:
- A business or institution looking to streamline purchasing and enjoy B2B discounts → Amazon Business
- An entrepreneur or brand aiming to earn income by selling products online → Amazon Seller Central
Some businesses use both platforms. For example, a company might use Amazon Business to buy raw materials and Seller Central to sell finished goods. But most individuals and small teams only need one.
If you just want cheaper office supplies, don’t waste time learning Seller Central. If you want to build a product-based business, don’t sign up for a Business account.
FAQs
1. Can I have both an Amazon Business and a Seller Central account?
Yes, you can have both—but they must be managed separately. You can use an Amazon Business account to purchase items for your company and a Seller Central account to sell different products. However, each account requires its own setup and login credentials.
2. Can I sell using an Amazon Business account?
No, Amazon Business is strictly for purchasing, not selling. If you want to sell on Amazon—even to other businesses—you must register through Seller Central. There is a separate feature called Amazon Business Seller Program, but it’s accessed through Seller Central, not the regular Business account.
3. Do I need a registered business to open either account?
To open an Amazon Business account, you generally need to register your business and provide verification documents. For Seller Central, you can sell as an individual (with limited features) or as a registered business (recommended for scaling). Selling professionally usually requires business documentation, especially for tax purposes.
Final Verdict: Choose Based on Your Goal
Choose Amazon Business if you’re looking to optimize purchases for your organization. Choose Seller Central if you’re ready to build a sales operation and reach millions of Amazon shoppers. Each platform has its own strengths—but neither is interchangeable. Start with a clear objective, and the right choice becomes obvious.