Is Amazon SAS Core Right for Your Business?
Amazon sellers, whether they’re new to the platform or seasoned, often find themselves needing extra guidance. From listing optimization and logistics to product launches and technical troubleshooting, challenges arise at every stage.
One option for established sellers is Amazon Strategic Account Services (SAS) Core, a program that gives third-party sellers access to a dedicated account manager directly within Amazon.
If you’re a beginner seller, however, this service might not be the right fit just yet.
In this blog, we’ll break down what Amazon SAS Core offers, who it’s designed for, how much it costs, and its main pros and cons.
What is Amazon SAS Core?
Amazon SAS Core is a premium account management service provided by Amazon itself. It pairs sellers with a dedicated account manager who helps them scale their business, grow sales, and reach more customers.
Enrolled sellers work with a trusted Amazon advisor who understands their business goals and creates tailored strategies to achieve them.
Support includes listing optimization, preparation for major sales events, spotting new growth opportunities, assistance with merchandising and promotions, and ongoing operational guidance.
Who is Amazon SAS Core for?
SAS Core is intended for brand owners and resellers selling in Amazon’s U.S. marketplace. You don’t need to be enrolled in Brand Registry to qualify.
Eligibility requires having a Professional Selling Account and actively selling products on Amazon.com.
Amazon also notes that SAS is “recommended” for sellers with accounts older than 12 months. While newer sellers aren’t excluded, Amazon generally focuses on working with more experienced businesses.
There’s no official revenue threshold, but considering the cost, the program is most suitable for sellers generating multiple six or seven figures in annual sales.
What does Amazon SAS Core cost?
Having direct access to an Amazon account manager doesn’t come cheap.
The cost structure is:
- $1,600/month
- + 0.3% of your previous month’s total sales
- + applicable taxes
Fees are capped at $5,000 per month.
For example: if your sales in the previous month totaled $100,000, the SAS Core fee would be $1,900 ($1,600 base fee + 0.3% of $100,000).
Whether the program is worth it depends on your business size, revenue, and growth goals. Let’s weigh the advantages and drawbacks.
Pros and cons of using Amazon SAS Core
Like any Amazon service, SAS Core comes with both benefits and limitations. While the value can be significant, the cost is also substantial.
Pros of Amazon SAS Core
- Dedicated account manager: Sellers get access to an insider at Amazon who can assist with sales growth, advertising, merchandising, fulfillment, conversion optimization, and even international expansion.
- Global expansion opportunities: The program offers tools and guidance to help sellers enter new markets worldwide.
- Direct communication: Sellers can connect with their account manager by phone or email and have monthly check-in calls to review performance and strategy.
- Merchandising support: Account managers provide insights on promotional opportunities like Coupons, Lightning Deals, 7-Day Deals, Deal of the Day, and Prime Exclusive Discounts. Amazon also covers one Lightning Deal or 7-Day Deal fee per week for SAS Core members.
- Access to new programs: Members are often notified about upcoming pilots or beta programs within Amazon, sometimes gaining early access.
Cons of Amazon SAS Core
- High cost: The price tag makes this program unrealistic for smaller or newer sellers, and there is no free trial.
- Minimum 3-month contract: Sellers must commit for at least three months, making it important to fully engage during that period to maximize results.
- No preferential policy treatment: While you’ll get better support, Amazon’s selling policies still apply equally to all sellers, whether enrolled or not.
- Shared account managers: Account managers usually handle multiple clients. While communication is better than standard Seller Support, response times can still vary.
How to enroll in Amazon SAS Core
If you’re interested in SAS Core, you’ll need to fill out an application form and speak with a sales representative.
The representative will explain program details, answer questions, and guide you through the enrollment process.
To get started, visit Amazon’s Strategic Account Services page and click “Contact Us.” From there, you’ll be directed to a form, after which an Amazon representative will reach out.
Final Thoughts
Amazon SAS Core is designed for established sellers looking for tailored support, insights, and tools to take their business to the next level. With dedicated account management, merchandising guidance, and expansion opportunities, the program can provide real value — but at a significant cost.
For sellers already generating strong revenue and aiming to scale further, SAS Core could be a worthwhile investment. For newer or budget-conscious sellers, it may make more sense to focus on organic growth before considering this service.
