Amazon Suspension Appeal

An Amazon suspension appeal is a formal request that a seller submits to Amazon in order to have a suspension lifted on their account. When an Amazon seller’s account is suspended, that party’s selling privileges are frozen, preventing them from participating in Amazon’s digital marketplace. When an appeal is successful, a seller can have their privileges reinstated and resume their activities, on the proviso that they commit to compliance with Amazon’s standards and policies.

Why might a seller file a suspension appeal on Amazon?

An Amazon seller can have their account suspended for a variety of reasons. The following are some common reasons why a seller may need to file an Amazon suspension appeal:

• Policy violations: Amazon holds its sellers to strict policies regarding intellectual property, product compliance and authenticity, and fair practices towards customers. Should a seller be deemed to have violated any of these policies, Amazon will impose a suspension on the account, which the seller will need to appeal.
• Performance standards: Sellers on Amazon are required to uphold certain performance standards, and as such, the platform monitors key metrics indicating seller performance, such as those relating to shipments, defects, and customer service. Sellers who do not reach the required threshold on each of these key metrics will incur a suspension, necessitating an appeal for reinstatement.
• Customer complaints: If Amazon notices that a seller has consistently received negative feedback and complaints from customers, the seller’s account will be suspended and they will have to appeal.
• Misunderstandings or unfounded claims: In some cases, Amazon may suspend the account of a seller who has not in fact violated their policies. This may be due to false claims of breaches or unfair practices, or because Amazon requires some clarification as to the legitimacy of the seller. In these instances, the seller will also have to file an appeal to have their account reinstated.

How can a seller appeal an Amazon Suspension?

Sellers who wish to appeal an Amazon suspension decision can do so via the suspension notice in the Performance menu of their Seller Central account. When submitting a suspension appeal to Amazon, sellers must fulfill essential criteria by demonstrating an understanding of the issue and a commitment to compliance. The following are key steps for submitting an Amazon suspension appeal.

1. Assess the cause: The seller should carefully review the suspension notice provided by Amazon. This will provide details as to why the account has been suspended, typically including a reference to relevant policies or performance metrics.
2. Gather supporting evidence: If the seller determines that they have not violated Amazon’s standards or policies and wishes to refute claims, they must gather and supply evidence proving their innocence. This may include performance data, proof of compliance, invoices, correspondence with customers, or any other relevant documentation.
3. Devise a Plan of Action (POA): When submitting a suspension appeal, Amazon sellers must also provide a Plan of Action. This will detail all structured measures being taken to ensure compliance and avoid future suspensions. If the seller has committed a violation, they must also provide supporting evidence of all corrective steps taken to resolve the issue causing their suspension.
4. Submit and monitor the appeal: Amazon typically aims to respond to suspension appeals within 48 hours. However, if a seller has not received a response after 7 days, they can contact Amazon Account Health Support to escalate the appeal. In addition, if a seller’s appeal is unsuccessful, they have the option to revise their appeal and resubmit in hopes of achieving reinstatement. In complex cases, legal consultation may be required to ensure a successful appeal.