A step-by-step guide to start selling on international marketplaces

In the digital era, selling on international marketplaces such as Amazon, Mercado Libre, Walmart and others has become one of the most effective ways to expand a business globally. However, the process of getting started on these e-commerce giants can be complex, especially for companies in Latin America that face different regulations, tools and operating practices.

In this blog, we offer a detailed guide with the step-by-step process for opening accounts on international marketplaces, optimizing your listings, and avoiding the common mistakes new sellers tend to make.

1. How to Open an Amazon Seller Account from Latin America

Selling on Amazon, one of the largest marketplaces in the world, can be an excellent opportunity to take your products international. However, opening a seller account from Latin America requires meeting some specific requirements.

Key steps:

• Basic requirements: You'll need an email address, a valid credit card, a bank account that can receive payments in US dollars, and documents that verify your identity (such as your RUT, CNPJ or another tax ID).
• Choose your account type: Amazon offers two types of seller accounts: Individual and Professional. The right choice depends on the sales volume you expect.
• Verification: Once you've completed registration, Amazon will ask you to verify your identity and your bank account.

Once your account is active, you can start listing your products and selling them on Amazon.com, Amazon Mexico or Amazon Brazil, depending on your target markets.

2. Guide to Opening a Mercado Libre Cross-Border Account

Mercado Libre is one of the most popular marketplaces in Latin America, and selling on its platform lets you reach a massive audience across several countries in the region. If you're a seller based outside Latin America, the cross-border program lets you sell to countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico from your home country.

Key steps:

• Registration: Create a seller account on Mercado Libre and complete identity verification.
• Required documentation: In addition to identity verification, you'll need the documents required for international sales, such as a Certificate of Origin and tax documents.
• Logistics and shipping: Mercado Libre offers Mercado Envíos to manage logistics. Even so, it's crucial to research the international shipping options that best fit your business.
• Payment method verification: Mercado Libre requires a valid payment method to process international transactions.

3. Document Checklist for Opening Accounts on International Marketplaces

When registering a seller account on international marketplaces, you'll need a set of key documents to comply with the tax and customs regulations of different countries.

Essential documents:

• Tax ID (RUT, CNPJ or an equivalent identification)
• International bank account or PayPal account
• Commercial invoice or certificate of origin (depending on the destination country)
• Proof of address (some platforms may request it)
• Tax return (depending on the country where you register your account)

4. Bulk Product Uploads: Best Practices

Once your account is open, the next step is uploading your products to the marketplace. If you have a large catalog, you can use the bulk upload tools offered by platforms such as Amazon and Mercado Libre.

Best practices:

• CSV files: Prepare your inventory in well-structured CSV files for an efficient upload.
• Check the details: Before bulk uploading, make sure all product details are correct, including prices, quantities, descriptions and photos.
• Optimization: Be sure to include relevant keywords in product titles and descriptions to maximize their visibility.

5. Initial Listing Optimization for Marketplaces

Optimizing your listings is crucial to making your products stand out among thousands of options. Here are some suggestions to improve your marketplace presence:

• Clear, detailed titles: Make sure the title is accurate and includes relevant keywords for your product.
• High-quality photos: Use clear, attractive images that show your product from multiple angles.
• Complete descriptions: Provide a detailed description of the product's benefits and features, focusing on what matters most to shoppers.

6. Common Mistakes When Opening Seller Accounts and How to Avoid Them

New sellers often make common mistakes when registering on marketplaces. Here are some of them and how to avoid them:

• Not verifying documents properly: Make sure you have all the required documentation before starting the registration process.
• Not researching local policies: Each marketplace has different policies on shipping, returns and customer service. Get familiar with them before you start.
• Uploading products without optimization: Many sellers upload products without optimizing them for search. Remember that marketplace SEO is crucial.

7. Which Model Is Right for Me: 1P or 3P on Marketplaces?

When selling on marketplaces, you'll need to choose between two business models: 1P (First Party) or 3P (Third Party).

• 1P (First Party): This model means selling directly to the platform (for example, selling to Amazon), which then resells your products. This generally requires more control over pricing, but Amazon handles the logistics.
• 3P (Third Party): Here, you sell your products directly to consumers through your seller account. This model gives you more control over pricing and logistics, but it also requires you to handle order fulfillment.

Conclusion

Selling on international marketplaces can open new doors for your business, but it's crucial to understand the steps needed to get started successfully. From opening accounts to optimizing your listings, every step is essential to ensuring your products sell effectively on global platforms. With this step-by-step guide, you'll be ready to take the next step toward internationalizing your business.