Whether you are a new or established Amazon seller, account suspension is something you may have to deal with. Account suspension is a common issue many sellers face, and reinstating your account can be an overwhelming process. 

While Amazon is pretty upfront about its rules and regulations, many sellers are surprised by their account suspension. Between the inability to sell your products and the continued warehouse costs, Amazon seller account suspension can cost you thousands of dollars in lost revenue. Even worse, the time, energy, and money you invest trying to get your account back in good standing can be draining. 

While skilled Amazon appeals experts like Appeal Wizards can ease the stress of account suspension, you should do your best to avoid a suspension altogether. Before we dive into some practical ways to prevent Amazon seller account suspension, let’s do a quick recap on the basics of account suspension. 

Understanding Amazon Seller Account Suspension

Amazon seller suspensions occur when the eCommerce platform removes your selling privileges because they believe you have violated one of their policies. The primary causes of account suspension are:

• Poor performance
• Policy violations
• Sale of restricted products
• Owning and using multiple seller accounts

Suspension doesn’t just create a headache for sellers — it can result in thousands of dollars in lost sales, employee wages, and wasted storage and supplier fees. As sellers try to handle account suspension and work through the appeals process independently, the amount of lost revenue can be damaging. 

Here’s a quick look at the four types of Amazon seller account interruptions, which escalate in severity:

1. ASIN Suppression

Before Amazon revokes your selling privileges entirely, you may experience an Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) suppression. When your ASIN is suppressed, it’s still in the Amazon database, but you cannot personally sell the product. 

2. Suspension

Amazon suspends your seller account when they feel you have violated their terms and conditions or seller guidelines. Unfortunately, Amazon isn’t always straightforward with your reason for suspension. If they provide a basis for suspension, you can respond with a plan of action letter that details how you will address the issues. While most sellers can get their suspension reversed, some accounts move to the next level of escalation. 

3. Plan of Action Denial

Even the best plans of action (POA) can get denied. If your POA is rejected, don’t panic! You can rewrite your POA and resubmit it to Amazon as an appeal. While there is no set limit for the number of times you can appeal, the longer it takes to reinstate your account, the more money you lose. If your POA is denied, talk to an appeals expert for help before your account moves to the next level of escalation. 

4. Banned

Having your account banned is the worst-case scenario for Amazon sellers. Once you’ve been banned from the platform, Amazon will no longer address your correspondences or accept new appeals. While it may be possible to create a new account, Amazon is typically very good about recognizing new seller accounts from those who have been previously banned. 

Now that you understand how Amazon seller account suspension works let’s explore some tips to help you avoid a suspension altogether. 

Avoid Amazon Seller Account Suspension with These 5 Tips

While countless horror stories circulate the internet about account suspension, Amazon is transparent in its rules and regulations. If you strictly follow these guidelines, you should be safe from account suspension. Still, here are some additional tips to protect your income: 

1. Educate Yourself

We’ve all heard the saying, “the more you know” — this is undoubtedly true with Amazon sellers. An easy way to avoid Amazon seller account suspension is to educate yourself on the rules and regulations the platform sets for sellers. In addition to the rules and regulations you agree to during your account creation, Amazon guidelines are periodically updated. You will receive an email notifying you of any guideline changes. Open any Amazon emails immediately, so you don’t overlook seller account changes and make a catastrophic mistake.

If you breach any Amazon guidelines or policies, you have a high risk of account suspension. Some violations, particularly those that pertain to product safety, can result in account suspension without warning. Educate yourself thoroughly on Amazon’s selling policies and stay on top of updates as you are notified. 

2. Have the Right Documentation

Before you open your seller account, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork. Paperwork needs to be filled out clearly and accurately before you upload it to your Amazon account application. Take time to make sure all documentation is clear and easily visible when you scan it into your computer. Confirm that your business name and address are the same across all documents. Any discrepancies in your paperwork can result in a denial of your application or a suspension in the future. 

3. Watch for Warnings

In most cases, Amazon warns you about your seller status before suspending your account. Don’t ignore Amazon notifications. Respond professionally and respectfully to any buyer complaints. Keep open lines of communication with Amazon when you get an account warning. The more attentive and responsive you are, the less likely you will deal with an account suspension. 

4. Be Proactive and Honest

One of the best ways to measure your Amazon seller account’s success is through customer satisfaction. Remove any products that seem to be creating problems or negative feedback from buyers. Be proactive in notifying customers about potential inventory issues, shipping delays, and out-of-stock items. List your product descriptions, shipping times, and return/exchange policy clearly. If you are selling a used item, double-check that it is not listed as new. Go the extra mile to personalize your customer experience and create positive buyer interactions. 

5. Manage Your Metrics

The Amazon Seller Central dashboard is a fantastic tool for sellers to gain insight into your account health. Metrics are crucial markers that tie your customers’ overall experience to your account success. Pay attention to the data to ensure you consistently meet Amazon’s seller account criteria with the following:

• Negative feedback <5%
• Order defect rate <1%
• Pre-fulfillment cancel rate <2.5%
• Late shipment rate <4%

If you notice your ratings drop, take action immediately. As the leading eCommerce platform in the world, Amazon holds its seller accounts to high standards. When your performance drops, they question your ability to provide the level of service they require. If you keep close tabs on your metrics, you will avoid account suspension and attract more buyers. 

What Happens If My Account Gets Suspended 

Unfortunately, even the most diligent Amazon sellers experience account suspension. If your Amazon seller account is suspended, don’t panic! With the right plan of action, you can quickly get your account suspension lifted. 

The experts at Appeal Wizards can help take the stress out of Amazon account suspension. Their knowledgeable team will work closely with you to create an effective, well-crafted appeals package that’s ready within 24 hours. Contact a dedicated Appeals Wizard team member to protect your income, reverse your suspension, and keep your seller account active.