How to Start Selling on Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok Shop from Scratch

A complete guide for new e-commerce entrepreneurs entering multi-channel selling across the USA and UK.

The world of e-commerce offers endless opportunities—but figuring out how to start can feel overwhelming. If you’re dreaming of launching a brand on Amazon, Walmart Marketplace, or TikTok Shop, you’re in the right place.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to get started as a first-time seller—from business setup to product listings and platform approvals.

✅ Step 1: Set Up a Legally Registered Business

Before you can sell on any major marketplace, you’ll need a registered business entity.

▶ USA Sellers:

• Choose between LLC (Limited Liability Company) or Corporation

• Register your company with the Secretary of State

• Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS

▶ UK Sellers:

• Register a Limited Company (Ltd) with Companies House

• Set up a business bank account

• Apply for a UK VAT number if needed

💡 Need help? iFiler can handle your company formation in the USA or UK—fast and affordably.

💳 Step 2: Open a Business Bank Account

You’ll need a dedicated business account to:

• Receive payments from platforms

• Pay suppliers

• Track income and expenses separately from personal finances

Recommended banks for e-commerce sellers include:

• Mercury (USA, fintech, remote-friendly)

• Payoneer (ideal for Amazon/Walmart payouts)

• Wise (multi-currency, non-resident friendly)

• Tide or Revolut (UK-based sellers)

iFiler helps you open a business account—even if you’re a non-resident.

🧾 Step 3: Get Marketplace-Ready Documents

Each platform requires:

• Company formation certificate

• EIN (or ITIN if you’re non-resident)

• Business address (virtual address is acceptable)

• Valid photo ID

• Bank statement in company name

• Utility bill or lease agreement (sometimes)

With iFiler, you receive all documents in the proper format for platform onboarding.

🛒 Step 4: Choose Your Platform(s) to Sell On

▶ Amazon Seller Central

• Best for established product brands or resellers

• Requires brand approval for restricted categories

• Monthly fee for professional sellers (~$39.99/month in USA)

• Global customer base, logistics via FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)

▶ Walmart Marketplace

• Best for U.S.-based or U.S.-registered businesses

• Stricter application review than Amazon

• No monthly fee, but commission on sales

• Access to Walmart’s customer base and reputation

▶ TikTok Shop

• Ideal for trending products, influencers, and visual brands

• Fast growth for fashion, beauty, gadgets, and impulse buys

• Requires consistent content strategy + live selling option

• Low barriers to entry (especially for UK sellers)

📦 Step 5: Source or Create Your Product

You can:

• Buy wholesale and resell

• Private label your own branded products

• Manufacture from scratch (via Alibaba or local supplier)

• Dropship (but ensure quality and delivery timelines)

Consider product research tools like:

• Helium 10 (for Amazon)

• Jungle Scout

• TikTok Creative Center (for trending products)

🖼 Step 6: Create Your Product Listings

Each platform has different listing requirements.

Tips for all platforms:

• Use high-quality product images (preferably lifestyle shots)

• Write clear, benefit-focused titles and bullet points

• Use keywords your customers are searching for

• Add trust elements: warranties, returns, certifications

🛠 iFiler can connect you with content creators, product photographers, or listing optimization experts if needed.

📦 Step 7: Set Up Fulfillment

Choose how you’ll handle shipping:

• Amazon FBA (Amazon stores and ships for you)

• Self-fulfillment (you pack and ship manually)

• Third-party logistics (3PL) companies

• TikTok Fulfilled or dropshipping partners

Each has pros and cons in terms of cost, control, and scalability.

💰 Step 8: Receive Payments & Track Sales

• Amazon and Walmart pay to your linked bank account (usually every 2 weeks)

• TikTok Shop may pay more frequently, depending on region

• Use Payoneer, Wise, or Stripe for cross-border payments

• Track income and expenses using tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave

iFiler helps you set up your tax ID and financial infrastructure for smooth operations.

📈 Step 9: Monitor Performance & Scale

• Check your seller dashboards daily

• Improve listing performance with A/B testing

• Use advertising (Amazon PPC, TikTok Ads, etc.) to boost visibility

• Expand to new regions or platforms when ready

🧠 Bonus: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using personal bank accounts for business income

• Skipping tax registration (VAT, sales tax, etc.)

• Ignoring platform rules (can lead to suspension)

• Not verifying documents during application

• Choosing the wrong product niche without research

🚀 Start Your Multi-Channel Journey with iFiler

At iFiler, we specialize in helping e-commerce entrepreneurs:

• Register LLCs or Ltd companies

• Get EINs or ITINs

• Open business bank accounts

• Prepare documents for Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok

• Stay compliant with tax filings and annual reports

Whether you’re in Bangladesh, India, UK, or anywhere globally—we’re here to support your entry into the U.S. and UK markets.

👉 Ready to launch? Start with iFiler today