Learn how to handle a blocked seller account in 2023
Log in… Error… Repeat. Again, the same result.
Oh, no. Your Amazon sales account must be blocked. Now what? And how did this happen? We will show you 6 reasons for a blocked account. Additionally, we will present you some solutions as well.
It can happen that your Amazon seller account is suspended – a situation that can be both frustrating and potentially threatening to your business. This problem often hits both consumers and sellers unexpectedly, and Amazon is usually not very communicative when it comes to the reasons for the suspension. In this article, we’ll look at why Amazon accounts get suspended and how you can reactivate your account.
To reactivate your Amazon Seller Center account, start by reviewing Amazon’s policies to make sure you haven’t committed any violations and contact Amazon support for more information. It is also advisable to gather any relevant documentation and evidence that could support your innocence. Finally, it is advisable to thoroughly review your business practices and correct any problem areas.
If your Amazon seller account is blocked, it’s not the end of the world… It’s just a huge problem if your seller account is going to be deleted…
But don’t worry, we will figure it out before you face your blocked account.
Reason 1 for a blocked account: Poor seller performance
Maybe this one is the most frequent reason that your Amazon seller account is blocked. This can be complaints or ratings from buyers. Another part, for example, is that delivered goods are not as described or there are defects. Moreover, it could be that your delivery is too late and customers complain.
Furthermore, a high cancellation rate (should not be higher than 2.5% of all orders) by the seller can have negative impacts and your Amazon seller account will be blocked. A possible solution is to keep an eye on bad reviews and do everything that your delivery won’t be too late.
Reason 2 for a blocked account: Usage of logos or trademarks
You simply put a logo of a competitor and say it’s yours? You can’t do that! Otherwise, the consequence will not only be a blocked account, but your seller account deleted. The reason: There are some product categories on Amazon that have specific certifications.
These can be medical equipment… And if you violate this rule, you simply face a blocked account. So in this case, go ahead and contact Amazon support at first. This will save you a lot of stress and nerves.
Reason 3 for a blocked account: Too many accounts
Always remember: You cannot just have several Amazon seller accounts. One for each seller is enough. And believe us, Amazon is good at finding duplicate accounts. And in that case, your Amazon seller account will be blocked, or your seller account will even be deleted.
Therefore, simply create one good Amazon seller account, and you won’t need many more just to be ahead of your competitors…!
Reason 4 for a blocked account: Buying customer reviews
A good seller won’t even need to buy reviews. And additionally, it isn’t worth the effort. Because Amazon will find that out quickly, and the results are clear: Your Amazon seller account is blocked, or your seller account is deleted.
If you have a good product, you will get the reward you deserve! And many positive reviews will flutter into your virtual inbox. Therefore, better spend your time on enhancing your products and not in buying customer reviews.
Reason 5 for a blocked account: Not communicative enough…
For Amazon, it is really important to respond fast to customer concerns. As a good seller, you have to respond within a day. And remember: Weekends or holidays won’t count because you have to be always there for your customers…
Amazon will check if you ignore customer E-Mails. And as a result, your Amazon seller account is blocked or your seller account is deleted.
Reason 6 for a blocked account: Infringements
Another cause for a blocked account are legal infringements. In almost every marketplace, there are legal infringements. And as a marketplace operator, Amazon is liable to the rights’ holder when it becomes aware of such illegal offers by the sellers.
Amazon has installed a system that allows rights holders to report such (suspected) cases. If this happens, the result is a blocked account. But at first, Amazon blocks the affected items. In the worst case, not only your Amazon seller account is blocked, but your seller account will be deleted.
So, be aware that this can happen if Amazon finds out about.
Reason 7: Violation of sales guidelines
Amazon Marketplace has strict sales guidelines that every seller must adhere to. Violations of these guidelines can lead to Amazon suspending your account.
Reason 8: Selling counterfeit or fake products
Amazon seller account blocked? The online giant attaches great importance to the authenticity of the products sold on its platform. Selling counterfeit or fake products can lead to your account being blocked.
Reason 9: Poor customer service
Poor customer service can have a negative impact on your Amazon Seller Performance and can also lead to your account being suspended. Amazon expects its sellers to maintain a high standard of service to ensure customer satisfaction. Customer service is a calling card for the company.
Reason 10: Failure to meet performance standards
There are certain performance standards within Amazon Seller Performance that sellers must meet. Failure to meet these standards can result in your Amazon seller account being suspended.
Reason 11: High return rate
A high number of returns can be an indicator for Amazon that your products do not meet customer expectations. To ensure customer satisfaction, this can affect your Amazon Seller performance and lead to the suspension of your account.
Reason 12: Lack of data security
If your account is compromised by a hacker attack on Amazon, this poses a security risk. Amazon may suspend your account to protect its customers until the problem with the Amazon account hack is resolved. In the event of an Amazon hacker attack or if your Amazon account has been hacked, it is unclear who is liable, but the security of customer data is a top priority.
Reason 13: Incorrect verification
Problems with verification with regard to processing payments via the Amazon seller account can also lead to account blocking. As a payment service provider, Amazon is obliged to collect information about its customers. Until the verification process is completed, Amazon may block your Amazon seller account.
Reason 14: Selling counterfeit or unauthorized products
If you sell items that are deemed counterfeit or unauthorized, Amazon may suspend your account. It is important that you ensure that all your products comply with Amazon guidelines and avoid your Amazon banned status.
Reason 15: Poor customer service
Poor customer service can also lead to an account suspension. Amazon places great importance on Amazon Seller Performance and customer satisfaction and may suspend your account if you are unable to provide adequate customer service.
Reason 16: Infringement of copyrights or trademark rights
If you sell products that infringe copyrights or trademark rights, this can also lead to an account suspension. Amazon takes these violations very seriously and may suspend your amazon account to protect its customers and brand owners.
Possible Solutions
Before you face a blocked account, there are some possible fixes. At first, be aware that reinstatement will be a slow process. Therefore, you shouldn’t be too fast and hope that everything will be back in a blink of an eye. You need some strategic steps to lift your suspension.
Do not try to contact the Amazon support again and again. At first, they will give you the basic advice. And, it takes the support 24 hours to respond to your appeal. Furthermore: Use a decent language and a professional style. Then, Amazon will help you with your problem. The best possible result: Your Amazon seller account is no longer blocked or your seller account isn’t deleted anymore. But be patient with it!
In addition, never hurry to send an appeal or an action plan. Because, Amazon rarely reinstates an account on the first appeal. It takes many days, weeks or months that your account is not blocked anymore. And it also takes a long time to be back in place, if your seller account is deleted.
Moreover, never open a new account on Amazon. The reason: Amazon will find it out and block your new account as well… Therefore, the best you can do is to support Amazon and be patient afterwards.
In your message, you should describe exactly what happened and ask for activation of the account. Usually, you will then receive a request from Amazon to submit an action plan. This is a document that is supposed to give Amazon detailed information about the incident and the planned changes to avoid further problems, and on the basis of which Amazon then decides on the activation of the account.
If Amazon rejects the action plan, it still doesn’t necessarily mean the end. You now have the opportunity to submit a revised version of the action plan. Often, Amazon also gives clues as to what information was still missing.
At this point at the latest, however, it may also make sense to call in a lawyer. Otherwise, your Amazon seller account will stay blocked, or your seller account will stay deleted.
We offer you a backup solution for your seller account so that you can rest assured that you can keep on selling.
Other ways to unlock a blocked Amazon account
Create an action plan
To restore your account, you need to create a detailed action plan that shows how you plan to fix the issues and avoid future violations. This plan must be submitted via Amazon Seller Central.
File an appeal
If you are convinced that your account has been unfairly suspended, you can appeal the suspension. It is important that you are clear and concise in your appeal and include evidence for all items to strengthen your appeal.
Take legal action
If all else fails, you can take legal action against Amazon. Outside help from a lawyer can help you strengthen your case and possibly get a ruling in your favor. This should be the last step if your Amazon seller account is suspended.
How to avoid future suspensions
To avoid future suspensions and succeed as an Amazon Marketplace Seller, you should strictly adhere to the Amazon Selling Guidelines and proactively respond to customer complaints and inquiries. Furthermore, it is crucial to keep your data security up to date as part of the Amazon FBA program and to carefully go through all required verification processes for your Amazon FBA account.
Strategies for success and customer satisfaction in the Amazon FBA program
It is also advisable to conduct regular compliance training and ensure that your team and all employees understand and follow Amazon policies within the Amazon FBA program. Additionally, it is important to monitor the quality of your products and ensure that they meet customer expectations. Finally, you should always be open to feedback and be willing to make necessary changes to improve customer satisfaction.
In addition to complying with Amazon guidelines, it is also important that you build a strong relationship with your customers. A positive customer relationship can help minimize complaints and increase customer satisfaction. Remember that a satisfied customer is a returning customer.
Conclusion
The worst case scenario: A blocked account. This can happen because of many reasons, and not only the 6 we presented. Therefore, it makes sense to first contact the Amazon support, if you are not sure if you behave right.
Amazon regularly checks whether each guideline is complied with. And if not, your Amazon seller account is blocked, or your seller account will be deleted.
But don’t worry, we also presented you some possible solutions.