PPlatformAppStores

AWS Marketplace

Cloud

Amazon Web Services, Inc. · Cloud & infra marketplaces

Best for: ISVs selling to enterprises that want to buy against existing AWS commitments and co-sell with AWS.

Overview

AWS Marketplace lets ISVs list SaaS subscriptions, container images, AMIs, and data products that customers can procure directly against their AWS bill. Listings go through a technical and legal validation process, and many enterprise buyers use AWS Marketplace specifically to consolidate procurement and pass software spend through existing cloud commitments.

How to build & ship

  1. 1Register as a seller in the AWS Marketplace Management Portal (AMMP) and submit tax and bank details for verification
  2. 2Choose a delivery method (SaaS, AMI/container, or API) and define your product listing and pricing dimensions
  3. 3Wire up fulfillment: resolve the redirect token via ResolveCustomer, then report usage with BatchMeterUsage and check entitlements
  4. 4Create and stage the product using the AWS Marketplace Catalog API (StartChangeSet)
  5. 5Submit the listing through AMMP for AWS review, then publish once approved

Key APIs & SDKs

AWS Marketplace Catalog API (StartChangeSet)
AWS Marketplace Metering Service (BatchMeterUsage / ResolveCustomer)
AWS Marketplace Entitlement Service
AWS Marketplace Management Portal (AMMP)
Commerce Analytics APIs

Integration types

Connector
Workflow action

Authentication & security

  • Primary auth: API key
  • Also supports: OAuth 2.0
  • Security review: Required
  • Technical validation, legal terms review, and security questionnaire for SaaS listings.
  • AWS validates the listing and technical integration; listing review typically runs about 3-7 business days (SaaS/AMI publication often 7-10), though first submissions usually need a revision cycle.
  • Governed by underlying AWS service quotas, not a marketplace-specific limit.
Auth docs Store policies

Monetization

Usage-based
Paid app
Listing fee
Onboarding
$0 to list; enterprise contracts vary
Commission
AWS marketplace fee (typically 3%) on transacted revenue
Merchant of Record
AWS acts as MoR for Marketplace transactions

Pros & cons for builders

Pros

  • Largest cloud marketplace with deep enterprise buyer reach and AWS co-sell programs
  • Private Offers and consumption through committed AWS spend are strong closing levers
  • Flexible delivery models: SaaS, AMI, container, and API-based products all supported
  • Mature, well-documented metering and entitlement APIs

Cons

  • Integration and Foundational Technical Review work can stretch onboarding to weeks
  • AWS takes a listing fee/percentage and controls the buyer billing relationship
  • Metering correctness is the seller's burden and errors affect billing

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my app approved on AWS Marketplace?

AWS validates the listing and technical integration; listing review typically runs about 3-7 business days (SaaS/AMI publication often 7-10), though first submissions usually need a revision cycle.

What authentication does AWS Marketplace use?

AWS Marketplace apps primarily authenticate with API key, also supporting OAuth 2.0.

How is AWS Marketplace monetized?

AWS Marketplace supports Usage-based, Paid app, Listing fee. Typical commission: AWS marketplace fee (typically 3%) on transacted revenue. Onboarding fee: $0 to list; enterprise contracts vary.

Is a security review required to list on AWS Marketplace?

Yes, AWS Marketplace requires a formal security or listing review before apps go live. Technical validation, legal terms review, and security questionnaire for SaaS listings.