Many sellers have found Amazon performance growing rapidly compared to any other platforms and now many sellers who I have met have experienced 70% – 80% of their online revenue from Amazon. We hear concern on a regular basis about account suspension and this does prevent sellers to try out malpractices. However, many do end up in suspension and this could be due to multiple reasons. This post explains how to prevent it and what to do to get your account reinstated.
So what can cause Amazon account suspension?
#1 Selling counterfeit items. Please be aware even if you are not selling one but Amazon reacts very quickly when customer complains about your product as counterfeit. We have noted SKU suspension rather that account in this case.
#2 Poor account performance. Amazon clearly lays out expectations and shows you metrics on your account by default. This is automated and suspension triggers when your account is not performing well after several yellow and red warnings. Take action immediately when you start seeing warning. If you are expecting issues not to resolve soon, it worth setting your listings inactive until you are certain to resolve the issue. Prevention is much much better !
#3 Multiple accounts. Amazon allows you to have multiple accounts when you are selling different categories of products. Simply contact Amazon to get second account and they will guide you through.
#4 Third party software errors: We have found in many instances that a simple glitch with third party software such as failing to send timely dispatch notification has caused suspension. To avoid this, please keep a regular practice to check live Amazon dashboard on a weekly basis.
So how to react if you get a suspension email ?
First and probably the most important thing is to not to react immediately. We have seen many sellers react immediately with an incorrect appeal. It is wise to find out where the issues are first. There will always be a reason for suspension so, think before you contact Amazon. Here are few things that can help your account reinstated.
#1 Find out probable cause of issue occurred in your account.
#2 Admit if there are any operational issues. This does not go against you.
#3 Get something done / changed immediately to show that you are serious about the issue and keen on resolving them. If there is issue with order cancellation, get your stock removed from the system, get in touch with your customer via phone to assure them this will not happen again, if it is counterfeit products remove the SKU whilst your review supplier.
#4 Write a long term plan that aims to prevent similar issues. If there is a delivery problem plan to use FBA, if there is counterfeit product issue, change your supplier. If your product is not counterfeit be prepared to send your supplier’s invoice with any contract documents.
We are here to help !
We audit Amazon accounts on a regular basis to prevent suspensions and we create bespoke appeal emails to help you reinstate your account. Get in touch to discuss more.