Getting suspended from selling on Amazon can be devastating for ecommerce businesses driving revenue through the marketplace. However, there are steps sellers can take to get their accounts reinstated. This article explores why sellers get suspended, how to appeal the suspension, and tips for avoiding suspensions in the future.
Common Reasons for Amazon Seller Suspensions
Amazon suspends seller accounts to protect customers from illegal, unsafe, or poor quality products. Here are some common reasons sellers get suspended:
- Policy Violations – Violating Amazon policies like selling inauthentic goods, inappropriate product descriptions, poor packaging, late shipments, etc.
- Customer Complaints – Accumulating too many negative reviews, A-to-Z claims, or return rates above industry averages.
- Intellectual Property Issues – Listing products that infringe on IP like trademarks, copyrights, or patents.
- Prohibited Products – Attempting to sell dangerous, illegal, or restricted products.
- Inaccurate Information – Providing false or misleading business name, contact information, or financial details.
- Unfulfilled Orders – Too many cancelled orders, refunds issued, or orders that go unshipped.
- Amazon Payments Fraud – Suspicious activity with Amazon Payments like unauthorized claims or chargebacks.
Suspensions can range from temporary account holds to permanent bans depending on the severity and frequency of offenses.
Appealing an Amazon Suspension
If your account is suspended, you can appeal by emailing [email protected]. Include key details like:
- Account Information – Your Seller Central name, email, and seller ID number.
- Suspension Details – The notification you received explaining your suspension.
- Appeal Rationale – Explain why you feel the suspension is unjustified, or share any mitigating circumstances. Provide evidence if possible.
- Corrected Issues – If possible, show how you’ve already taken steps to resolve the problems mentioned in the suspension notice.
- Plan for Compliance – Share your detailed plan for adhering to Amazon’s policies moving forward.
- Request for Reinstatement – Politely request that they reconsider and reinstate your account.
You may need to go through multiple appeal emails before Amazon agrees to reinstate your account. Be patient yet persistent.
Tips for Successful Amazon Suspension Appeals
To increase your chances of getting your seller account reinstated, keep these tips in mind:
Act Quickly
Appeal the suspension as soon as possible. Amazon is more likely to overturn newer suspensions than those left to linger.
Be Polite and Professional
A rude or aggressive tone will not help your case. Take a polite and constructive approach in your appeal emails.
Explain Your Side
Don’t just make requests or demands. Take time to explain why you believe the suspension was unwarranted or too harsh.
Correct Any Issues
If possible, show Amazon you’ve already taken steps to resolve the problematic behavior that triggered the suspension.
Offer Reassurances
Show specifically how you will maintain compliance moving forward if reinstated. Amazon wants to know the issues won’t persist.
Share How Suspension Impacts Your Business
Explain how the suspension is negatively impacting your business and livelihood. Tug on the heartstrings a bit.
Provide Missing Information
If suspended for incomplete account information, quickly supply the missing details needed to resolve compliance issues.
Seek Assistance from Seller Support Groups
Other sellers who have successfully appealed suspensions often share their templates and advice online. Leverage their expertise.
Consider Legal Assistance
For permanent suspensions, it may be worthwhile to have a lawyer review your appeal and make sure you have solid legal grounds.
Stay Calm and Persistent
Amazon may uphold the suspension at first. Stay calm, revise your appeal, and politely keep trying. Many sellers eventually get reinstated.
Preventing Future Amazon Suspensions
If you successfully appeal amazon suspension, it’s crucial to then take ongoing steps to prevent getting suspended again. Here are some best practices:
Carefully Review All Amazon Policies
Read and understand Amazon’s detailed Seller Code of Conduct, listing policies, shipping policies, restrictions on prohibited products, and more. Follow them meticulously.
Configure Account Settings Carefully
Take time to carefully set up your Seller Central settings, product listings, shipping profiles, account information, and payment methods to ensure full compliance.
Ship Orders on Time with Proper Packaging
Consistently ship all orders within your stated handling time in appropriate packaging. Late shipments are grounds for suspension.
Resolve Customer Issues Quickly
Bend over backwards to quickly resolve any customer complaints, negative reviews, A-to-Z claims, or returns. High rates result in suspensions.
Monitor Inventory Levels
Don’t let listings remain active if inventory is out of stock. This leads to order cancellations and upset customers.
Pull Prohibited Products Quickly
If Amazon flags a listing as prohibited, remove it immediately. Don’t try to sell banned, illegal, or unsafe items.
Maintain Accurate Account Information
Double check all your business information on Seller Central is correct. Inaccuracies suggest shady business practices.
Review IP Policies
Never sell trademarked or copyrighted products without approval. Research competitors’ brands. Stay clear of IP violations.
Seek Assistance When Needed
If struggling with certain policies or best practices, seek help from other experienced sellers, online forums, or Amazon support.
In Summary
Getting suspended from Amazon is a significant setback for sellers, but those who take the right steps can successfully appeal and get reinstated. This involves acting quickly, being polite yet persuasive in your appeal, explaining your side of the story, detailing your compliance plan, and seeking assistance when needed. If you get reinstated, preventing future suspensions then becomes an ongoing priority through careful account management, strict policy adherence, and commitment to pleasing customers. With dedication and effort, you can move past temporary suspensions and achieve long term selling success on Amazon.