Resolving Amazon Related Account Suspensions

Amazon is a thriving marketplace with over 310 million active accounts, offering retailers expansive opportunities. Often, sellers cooperate and share resources, sometimes triggering a “related account” situation. While this connection can be harmless, it can also lead to suspensions if one account violates Amazon’s rules, leading to all related accounts facing similar consequences.

This guide explores how to avoid and resolve related account suspensions on Amazon and will walk you through the essential steps for unblocking your account.

Can Amazon sellers have multiple accounts?

One of the most common misconceptions is that Amazon bans sellers for owning multiple accounts, but this isn't necessarily true. While it's permitted for a seller to have more than one account, it must be done for legitimate business reasons. What Amazon does require is continuous compliance with their policies. If one account is suspended or flagged for violations, other related accounts can automatically be deactivated as well.

For sellers looking to create a second account, Amazon requires a solid reason and explicit permission. Without proper justification, additional accounts risk being shut down, especially if there’s a policy breach.

What are related accounts and how do they get linked?

Related accounts arise when multiple Amazon seller accounts share certain common details. This might include similar bank details, email addresses, IP addresses, or prep center addresses. When one account is flagged for a violation or policy breach, other accounts sharing this information are automatically suspended. This is known as an "Amazon related account suspension."

Identifying related accounts isn’t always straightforward. It requires careful attention to detail, such as ensuring no overlap in business information, to prevent inadvertent connections.

How Amazon handles related account suspensions

Amazon provides several avenues for resolving related account suspensions. Here’s a breakdown of what sellers can do:

1. If you own all the linked accounts and they were registered under the same identity documents, the primary approach to resolving a suspension is to reactivate the suspended account. The resolution of the issue in one account will generally allow the others to be reactivated as well.
2. Sellers should review all linked profiles carefully. Identifying and resolving the specific issue triggering the suspension is vital.
3. When sellers need more information on which account caused the related suspension, they can contact Amazon’s support team. Amazon provides details such as the name of the account, its registration date, and the marketplace where the deactivation took place.
4. Every suspended seller has the right to submit an appeal. This appeal should comprehensively describe the reasons behind the suspension, include any necessary evidence, and detail the steps taken to rectify the issue and prevent future occurrences.

It's important to act quickly to avoid revenue loss. In some cases, working with legal experts familiar with Amazon’s policies can accelerate the resolution process.

Practical steps for unblocking a suspended account due to related issues

Dealing with a related suspension requires prompt action and strategy. Here’s an example based on a real case handled by SellerSail.

1. Identify the violation

The first step is to understand the cause behind the suspension. Carefully investigate the account for any violations or policy breaches. It's often best to consult an e-commerce legal expert who can interpret Amazon’s policy language and identify the violation.

In the case of our client, the suspension was caused by a prep center address listed as the business address, which was shared among several accounts.

2. Gather information

Collect all correspondence and messages from Amazon. This helps build a comprehensive understanding of the issue and sets the foundation for resolving it.

Take note of any shared information that might have triggered the connection, such as shared bank details, personal data, or IP addresses. Double-check that all account data is accurate and has not been duplicated from another seller.

3. Write to Amazon

The next step is to compose a professional and factual appeal to Amazon. An appeal should cover these key points:

• An explanation of the reason for suspension (if known).
• Detailed steps taken to address the issue and rectify any policy breaches.
• Preventative measures implemented to avoid future violations.
• A clear acknowledgment of Amazon's policies and commitment to following them.

If related accounts have different owners, it's essential to submit documents explaining the relationship between the accounts. In our case, we prepared a formal agreement template between the seller and the prep center, which became the cornerstone of the appeal.

4. Await Amazon’s decision

After submitting the appeal, it typically takes a few days for Amazon to respond. The exact timing depends on the context of the suspension. Amazon may request additional information or clarification. In our client's situation, the account was reactivated shortly after the first appeal, as we provided clear documentation explaining the connection.

Tips for preventing related account suspensions

Prevention is always better than cure. To minimize the risk of an Amazon related account suspension, sellers should follow these best practices:

1. Always stay informed about Amazon’s policies and guidelines. Regularly check for updates and changes to ensure continuous compliance.
2. Only link your account with other sellers when absolutely necessary, and ensure that all necessary agreements and documentation are in place.
3. Regularly review your own and related account activities to ensure full compliance. This includes checking listings, pricing, descriptions, and any other content that may breach Amazon’s rules.
4. Avoid sharing critical information, such as bank accounts and emails, with other sellers. Keep all business data accurate and up to date.
5. Pay attention to any warnings or notices from Amazon. Take swift action to resolve any flagged issues.

By adhering to these preventive measures, sellers can significantly reduce the risk of related account suspensions.

Final thoughts

Amazon related suspensions are typically triggered when multiple accounts share information, and one of these accounts faces a policy breach or verification process.

To resolve a related account suspension, sellers should follow these steps:

1. Identify the cause of the suspension.
2. Collect all relevant information regarding the account.
3. Prepare evidence showing compliance with Amazon’s policies.
4. Submit a well-constructed appeal.
5. Await Amazon’s decision and provide any further required documentation.

If you are facing a related account suspension on Amazon, seeking assistance from an experienced e-commerce expert, like those at SellerSail, can help ensure a faster and more effective resolution, allowing you to resume your business operations quickly and smoothly.