When it comes to managing an Amazon seller account, ensuring your account’s health is crucial to maintaining a thriving business. However, many sellers may not be aware of the risks associated with operating multiple selling accounts. Amazon maintains strict policies on operating multiple seller accounts, and a single misstep could lead to a suspended account that jeopardizes any other Amazon seller accounts that you own or operate. In other words, getting one account suspended can result in getting multiple accounts or all your other accounts suspended.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about operating multiple Amazon seller accounts and related account deactivations – including what triggers them and how you can protect all your Amazon seller accounts.
Understanding Amazon’s Data Tracking for Seller Accounts
Amazon tracks everything! Amazon monitors various data points for all Amazon seller accounts, including:.
- Name
- Physical Address
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
- SSN (Social Security Number)
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) or Tax ID
- Credit Card Number/Bank Account
- IP Address
A related account deactivation occurs when one or more of these data points are shared across multiple seller accounts. For example, if you have two accounts that share the same IP address or credit card number and one account is deactivated, the other account may also be at risk of deactivation. It’s important to understand that even though Amazon allows sellers to have multiple seller accounts, the interconnectedness of these accounts can lead to a suspended account simply if one of your other accounts falls into a deactivated status.
Amazon’s Policy on Multiple Seller Accounts
Amazon’s policy allows sellers to have multiple seller accounts if the seller has a legitimate business need. For instance, one account might be used to sell apparel while the other account is used to sell electronics. While this is permissible, it’s critical to understand the risks associated with operating multiple seller accounts. Each Amazon seller account must adhere to Amazon’s policies and guidelines and must be in good standing. Failure to maintain all accounts in good standing can trigger a deactivated account.
If one of your accounts becomes suspended then Amazon may suspend any related accounts – even if the related accounts are in good standing.This is because Amazon deems seller accounts “related” if the accounts share any of the aforementioned data points. The consequences of an account suspension can be devastating, particularly if Amazon is your main source of income.
Contrary to popular belief, a buyer account cannot trigger a related account deactivation. Buyer (Prime) accounts are completely unrelated to Amazon Seller Accounts.
Common Examples of when Accounts are Deemed Related
The most common examples of suspended accounts occurs when:
- Multiple Amazon Seller Accounts in one Household: Multiple seller accounts within the same household that share an IP address, physical address, or other key data points.
- Multiple Amazon Seller Accounts in a Shared Business Spaces: Operation of multiple Amazon seller accounts from a shared business space, such as a co-working environment where IP addresses and physical addresses are shared among different businesses.
- Third-Parties Accessing Multiple Amazon Seller Accounts: Third-party vendors, agencies, or virtual assistants who access multiple seller accounts (usually from the same networks or devices).
- Accessing Amazon Seller Accounts from Public Wi-Fi: Accessing your seller central account from public Wi-Fi networks.
- Sale of an Amazon Business Without Notification: (1) Sale of an Amazon business/seller account, (2) failure to notify Amazon of the transaction, and (3) subsequent creation of a new Amazon account. The new seller account can be deemed related to the old seller account, thereby triggering a related account deactivation.
- Prohibited Creation of New Amazon Seller Accounts: Instead of appealing a policy violation or deactivation of an existing account, some sellers attempt to create a new account to circumvent Amazon’s policy enforcement mechanism. This is strictly prohibited by Amazon and the new account will likely be deemed related to the old account.
How to Resolve Amazon Related Account Deactivation
Resolution of a related account deactivation is fact and circumstance specific. The following steps can be viable depending on the facts and circumstances of your case:
- Verify Amazon’s Allegations: Conduct a thorough investigation to determine if you recognize the related account identified by Amazon and whether you know of any shared data points between your account and the related account.
- Address Links caused by Third-Parties: If the related account deactivation was triggered by a third-party service provider, agency, or virtual assistant, gather all evidence of third-party responsibility (i.e., contracts or communications) and present the evidence to Amazon.
- Document Transactions: If you’ve sold a business or undergone a major change in ownership, keep detailed records of all contracts. This documentation can be crucial – especially if Amazon was not notified of the transaction as required under the terms of the Business Solutions Agreement.
- Affidavits: Some related account deactivations can be resolved by providing Amazon with an affidavit. To ensure the affidavit contains the requisite information, the affidavit should be prepared by a law firm like Amazon Suspension Lawyer.
- Former Business Partner Issues: If a former business partner’s IP address is still linked to your old account, you’ll need to address this with Amazon. A termination agreement or contract can resolve the related account deactivation.
FAQ: Amazon Related Account Suspension
What is an Amazon related account deactivation?
An Amazon related account deactivation occurs when Amazon deactivates a seller account that shares one or more data points with another deactivated seller account. Actionable data points include IP address, bank/credit card number, or other identifying information. Once an account is deactivated, all related accounts may become deactivated as well.
Why was my Amazon account deactivated?
Your Amazon account may have been deactivated for a variety of reasons, including policy violations, suspicious activity, or connections to another Amazon seller account that has been deactivated. It’s essential to review your account health and address any issues promptly to avoid further complications.
Can shared bank accounts trigger an Amazon related account deactivation?
Yes, using the same bank account across multiple Amazon seller accounts can lead to an Amazon related account deactivation. Amazon closely monitors financial information to ensure compliance with their policies. To avoid deactivation, it is recommended to use separate bank accounts for each Amazon seller account.
How can I prevent an Amazon related account deactivation?
To prevent an Amazon related account suspension, it’s important to keep each seller account distinct. Avoid using shared resources like IP addresses, and maintain distinct information such as bank accounts, SSN/EIN, or other identifying information.
What should I do if my account is deactivated for having a related account?
If your account is suspended for having a related account, you should first investigate the allegation to determine if you own or recognize the related account identified by Amazon, or if you’re aware of any shared data points. Determine if there is a genuine connection to the related account or if Amazon made an error. You may need to provide evidence or documentation to resolve the issue and get your account reinstated.
Can having multiple Amazon seller accounts affect my account health?
Yes, managing multiple Amazon seller accounts can affect your account health if they are not properly maintained and separated. Any issues with one account, such as a suspension or policy violation, could potentially impact your other accounts. It’s crucial to keep each account compliant and independent to maintain optimal account health.
What are the consequences of an Amazon related account deactivation?
The consequences of an Amazon related account deactivation can be severe, including the deactivation of all linked accounts, destruction of FBA inventory, and withholding of funds. It’s important to address any issues quickly to minimize the impact and work towards getting your account reinstated.
Conclusion: Protect Your Amazon Seller Account with Expert Help
Navigating the complexities of Amazon’s policies regarding related accounts can be overwhelming. If your account has been deactivated or you’re concerned about a potential related account deactivation, taking immediate action is essential to getting your account reinstated or preventing future deactivation.
Don’t leave your Amazon seller account’s future to chance. Contact Amazon Suspension Lawyer today for expert guidance and support in resolving your related account suspension. Protect your livelihood and ensure your account is reinstated as quickly as possible.