Did you know that over 10% of Amazon sellers face account suspensions at some point in their selling journey? The disruption can be devastating, but with the right approach, you can get back on track quickly. As an Amazon seller, maintaining a healthy account is crucial for continued success. However, even minor missteps can lead to a suspended Amazon seller account, disrupting your business operations. Understanding the common reasons behind these suspensions and knowing how to effectively reinstate your account can save you from prolonged downtime and financial loss.

In this blog, we will explore the typical causes of such suspensions and provide a detailed roadmap for getting your account reinstated, ensuring you stay on track with your e-commerce journey.

Common Reasons for Amazon Seller Account Suspension.

Policy violations: Many sellers often overlook the details of Amazon’s policies including selling policies, code of conduct, terms of use and conditions of use. Engaging in practices like artificially boosting product reviews can quickly get your account into hot water.

Copyright problems: Selling items without proper authorization. For instance, listing products with trademarked logos without permission could lead to copyright infringement claims. Always ensure you have the right to sell your products legally.

Restricted items: It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with Amazon’s list of restricted items to avoid unintentional violations.

Inaccurate information: Even a small mistake like entering the wrong billing address can lead to big trouble on Amazon. There have been instances where Amazon mistakenly saves a shipping address as a business address. This mix-up becomes problematic if linked to another seller account, leading directly to an account block.
Refund issues: Increase in refund requests might indicate potential product quality issues and can raise red flags with Amazon. Too many refunds or incomplete documentation can signal problems that might lead to account suspension.
Poor performance metrics: Crossing amazon’s thresholds on Order Defect Rate which tracks orders with chargeback, Late Shipment Rate which tracks seller-fulfilled orders shipped past the due date, and Valid Tracking Rate which tracks shipments with a valid tracking number.

Identity verification: Small oversights such as forgetting to verify your email or confirming your account setup can delay your selling process and even trigger suspicion from Amazon's end.
Payment details mismatch: Your payment details need to align perfectly. Any mismatch can raise doubts about the authenticity of your business. This is an easy fix but crucial for maintaining your account’s credibility.
Opening a new account post-suspension: Amazon can link accounts and recognize this action, which could lead to another suspension.

What happens when your Amazon seller account is suspended

The moment your Amazon account gets suspended, you can't list new products, fulfill pending orders, access your funds or access essential sales data. An email from Amazon Seller Performance outlines exactly why you've been suspended—maybe it’s policy violations, performance issues, or customer complaints.

Amazon can impose various restrictions on your account: Account suspension is a temporary time-out requiring you to contact Amazon for resolution. Account deactivation is more severe, ending your selling privileges unless you successfully appeal within 90 days; attempting to create a new account can lead to being flagged. If your appeal is denied, you can revise your Plan of Action and try again. An account ban permanently revokes your selling privileges, with no possibility for further appeals.

How to get your suspended Amazon seller account reinstated

Now all this may seem daunting, but with the right approach you can get your account reinstated. Here is a roadmap used by thousands of sellers to reinstate their Amazon account.

Understanding your suspension: Why did Amazon suspend your account? Check your email or account notifications carefully. Was it due to late shipments, repeated customer complaints, or policy violations? Understanding the root cause is the first step towards crafting an effective Plan of Action (POA).
Assess account health metrics: Review key performance indicators such as order defect rate, late shipment rate, and customer feedback. Identify potential shortcomings that could have led to the suspension and compile the necessary data.

Study Amazon's guidelines: It's crucial to thoroughly understand the policies and regulations that pertain to your suspension on Amazon. Make sure your appeal comprehensively covers each violation, demonstrating your awareness of the rules and your dedication to adhering to them.

Learn from others: Spend time on Amazon seller forum and reddit where other sellers have explained how they have handled similar suspensions. Learning from fellow sellers can provide invaluable insights and even inspire new strategies for your appeal.

Create your Plan of Action (POA): Create a detailed and thorough action plan to resolve the issues that caused the suspension. Clearly outline the specific actions you have implemented to correct policy violations, enhance performance metrics, and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Compose an effective appeal letter: Draft a succinct and persuasive letter clearly outlining the reasons for the suspension. Acknowledge any mistakes made and highlight the corrective measures implemented. Maintain honesty and professionalism throughout your communication. Here is a template to write an Amazon appeal letter.
Submit supporting documents: Please attach relevant documentation such as invoices, shipping records, or other evidence to substantiate the corrective actions described in your appeal, demonstrating your adherence to Amazon’s standards.
Consulting health support: Once you've drafted your new appeal, if possible, consult with health support for a review before resubmitting. Remember, the number of appeals you can make is limited, so ensure your appeal is thoroughly prepared and robust before proceeding.
Communicating to Amazon: Ensure you submit your appeal through the specific channels mentioned in the suspension notice. Adhere to Amazon’s guidelines on the proper submission process and location to guarantee your appeal is directed to the correct department for assessment.
Hearing from Amazon: Consistently monitor your email and Seller Central account for any updates from Amazon. During the review process, you may be asked to provide additional information or clarifications. Make sure to respond promptly and comprehensively to any requests.
Patience and persistence: Reactivating a suspended Amazon account requires time and perseverance. Remain patient during the process and consistently engage in constructive dialogue with Amazon's Seller Performance team. Ensure all communications are professional and transparent, and consider escalating your case if needed.

Dealing with an Amazon seller account suspension can be a daunting experience, but with the right knowledge and approach, it is possible to navigate this challenge successfully. By understanding the reasons behind suspensions and following a systematic plan of action, you can not only reinstate your account but also strengthen your business practices for the future.

Ben Mathew, Amazon Expert

Ben Mathew is a co-founder at Superfuel, a sales assistant for Amazon sellers. In the past, Ben and his team of e-commerce specialists and software engineers have launched 40+ new brands on Amazon, taking them from zero to bestsellers. In his free time, he is either learning from other top sellers or encouraging his 3 daughters in their love for reading. He is reachable at ben [at] superfuel.io.