Selling Partner API Onboarding Overview

Before you onboard to the Selling Partner API (SP-API), it's important to understand which onboarding path to follow.

Developers

Developers build software applications that automate tasks for sellers. Developers can:

• Create software tools: Developers create applications that call the SP-API to automate selling partner tasks.
• Build technical integrations: Connect seller data to external systems or create new functionality.
• List apps in the Selling Partner Appstore: Some developers, called public developers, make their applications available in the Selling Partner Appstore for sellers to install. Private developers create internal apps specific to a business.
• Examples: Inventory management software, repricing tools, analytics dashboards, order management systems.

If you're a developer, follow Onboarding as a Developer.

Service providers

Service providers are service-focused businesses that help sellers through manual account management and consulting. Service providers can:

• Provide hands-on services: Account management, advertising optimization, inventory planning, business consulting.
• Access Seller Central directly: Work through the web interface that sellers use to manage their businesses
• Focus on expertise and strategy: Offer specialized knowledge and manual optimization rather than automated tools.
• Get listed in Service Provider Network: Amazon's marketplace where sellers discover and hire service providers.
• Examples: Marketing agencies, account management consultants, inventory specialists, business strategists.

If you're a service provider, follow Onboarding as a Service Provider.

Can you be both?

Yes! Some companies offer both services and software solutions. If you want to build SP-API applications in addition to providing services, complete both onboarding processes: the developer onboarding tutorial for the application side, and the service provider tutorial for the service side.