Top Reasons Amazon Seller Accounts Get Suspended (and How to Fix Them)

Posted on February 9th, 2026


Selling on Amazon can be highly profitable, but it also comes with strict rules. Many sellers wake up to the shocking email: “Your Amazon seller account suspended.”

If you’ve ever faced an Amazon Account Suspended notice—or want to avoid one—this guide explains the top reasons accounts get suspended and exactly how to fix them.

We’ll also cover how to stay updated with amazon policy news sellers must follow and when to work with seller account audit consultants or services like Amazon Appeal Pro.

Why Amazon Suspends Seller Accounts

Amazon’s top priority is customer trust. If your account threatens that trust—intentionally or not—Amazon may suspend it immediately.

A suspension usually happens because of:

 

  • Poor performance metrics 
  • Product authenticity concerns 
  • Restricted or prohibited items 
  • Linked accounts 
  • Intellectual property complaints 

Let’s break each one down.

1. Policy Violations

Amazon constantly updates its policies. Many sellers get their amazon seller account suspended simply because they didn’t stay updated with new rules.

Common Policy Violations:

  • Listing restricted products 
  • Making false claims in product descriptions 
  • Manipulating reviews 
  • Offering incentives for positive feedback 
  • Using copyrighted images 

Amazon does not excuse ignorance. If you don’t follow policy, suspension can happen fast.

How to Fix It:

  1. Carefully read the suspension notice. 
  2. Identify the exact policy violated. 
  3. Remove or correct the problematic listings. 
  4. Submit a strong Plan of Action (POA). 

Staying informed through amazon policy news sellers updates is critical. Amazon frequently changes compliance rules, especially in high-risk categories like supplements, electronics, and beauty products.

2. Poor Account Health Metrics

Amazon tracks seller performance closely. If your metrics drop below acceptable thresholds, you may see an Amazon Account Suspended message.

Key Metrics That Trigger Suspension:

  • Order Defect Rate (ODR) above 1% 
  • Late shipment rate above 4% 
  • Pre-fulfillment cancel rate above 2.5% 
  • High A-to-Z claims 
  • Negative feedback trends 

Even a short-term spike can lead to action.

How to Fix It:

  • Identify root causes (supplier issues, shipping delays, poor packaging). 
  • Implement operational improvements. 
  • Improve customer communication. 
  • Provide refunds proactively when appropriate. 

Your appeal should clearly explain:

  • What went wrong 
  • Why it happened 
  • What did you change to prevent it 

Amazon wants corrective actions—not excuses.

3. Inauthentic or Counterfeit Product Complaints

One of the fastest ways to get your amazon seller account suspended is through authenticity complaints.

Even if your products are genuine, Amazon requires strong documentation.

Common Causes:

  • No invoices 
  • Retail receipts instead of wholesale invoices 
  • Inconsistent supplier information 
  • Brand gating violations

How to Fix It:

  • Provide valid wholesale invoices (last 180 days). 
  • Ensure supplier details match your inventory. 
  • Remove high-risk listings. 
  • Strengthen supplier verification processes. 

This is where seller account audit consultants can help. They review your documentation, inventory sourcing, and risk exposure before you submit an appeal.

4. Listing Restricted or Prohibited Products

Many sellers unknowingly list restricted products.

Examples:

  • Hazardous materials 
  • Certain supplements 
  • Medical devices 
  • Trademarked items 
  • Seasonal restricted products 

Amazon frequently updates its restricted list—another reason why following amazon policy news sellers updates is essential.

How to Fix It:

  • Immediately remove restricted listings. 
  • Provide compliance documentation if applicable. 
  • Implement listing review procedures moving forward. 

Prevention is key. Always verify product eligibility before listing.

5. Related or Linked Accounts

Amazon prohibits operating multiple seller accounts without approval. If Amazon detects related accounts—through IP addresses, devices, banking info, or shared login details—you may get an Amazon Account Suspended notification.

Even if a family member had a previously suspended account, it can affect you.

How to Fix It:

  • Identify the linked account. 
  • Explain the relationship honestly. 
  • Provide documentation showing separation (different business entity, IP, devices). 
  • Ensure complete account isolation moving forward. 

This is a highly technical suspension type. Many sellers use services like Amazon Appeal Pro for complex related-account reinstatements.

6. Intellectual Property (IP) Complaints

IP complaints include:

  • Trademark violations 
  • Copyright infringement 
  • Patent violations 

Multiple complaints can trigger automatic suspension.

How to Fix It:

  • Contact the rights owner. 
  • Request retraction if appropriate. 
  • Provide proof of authorization. 
  • Remove infringing listings. 

Never ignore IP complaints. One unresolved issue can escalate quickly.

7. Review Manipulation or Feedback Abuse

Amazon aggressively monitors review behavior.

Prohibited activities include:

  • Offering discounts for positive reviews 
  • Using review groups 
  • Asking customers to change negative feedback 
  • Posting fake reviews 

Amazon uses advanced detection tools. Violations can lead to permanent suspension.

How to Fix It:

  • Stop all questionable review strategies immediately. 
  • Remove automated messaging that violates policy. 
  • Submit a detailed corrective action plan. 

Prevention: Stick to Amazon-approved review request tools only.

8. Dropshipping Violations

Dropshipping is allowed—but only if:

  • You are the seller of record. 
  • Your business name appears on invoices. 
  • No third-party branding is visible to customers. 

Using retail stores like Walmart or eBay for order fulfillment often results in suspension.

How to Fix It:

  • Change suppliers to compliant wholesale vendors. 
  • Update your shipping workflow. 
  • Submit documentation proving compliance.

How to Write a Strong Amazon Appeal

How to Write a Strong Amazon Appeal

When your amazon seller account suspended notice arrives, your response must be strategic.

Your appeal should include:

1. Root Cause

Be specific. What exactly caused the problem?

2. Corrective Actions

What did you fix immediately?

3. Preventive Measures

How will you ensure this never happens again?

Keep it:

  • Clear 
  • Professional 
  • Concise 
  • Evidence-based 

Avoid:

  • Emotional language 
  • Blaming Amazon 
  • Long stories

If your appeal is rejected multiple times, consider professional help like Amazon Appeal Pro or experienced seller account audit consultants who specialize in suspension recovery.

How to Prevent Future Suspensions

Prevention is always easier than reinstatement.

Here are smart strategies:

  • Monitor Account Health Daily

    Check performance metrics consistently.

  • Stay Updated with Policy Changes

    Follow amazon policy news seller’s updates, and review Seller Central announcements weekly.

  • Conduct Regular Account Audits

    Proactively work with seller account audit consultants to identify risks before Amazon does.
  • Strengthen Supplier Verification

    Keep clean invoices and verify every supplier.
  • Improve Customer Service

    Fast responses reduce A-to-Z claims and negative feedback.

When to Seek Professional Help

Some suspensions are straightforward. Others are complex and require advanced knowledge.

You should consider professional help if:

  • Your appeal was rejected multiple times.
  • You have related-account issues.
  • You face counterfeit or IP claims.
  • Your account has been deactivated for over 30 days.

Experienced reinstatement services like Amazon Appeal Pro can craft stronger appeals and improve your chances of recovery.

Final Thoughts

Getting an Amazon Account Suspended notice can feel overwhelming—but most suspensions are fixable with the right approach.

Understanding why your Amazon seller account suspended is the first step. Staying updated with Amazon policy news sellers must follow, conducting regular audits with seller account audit consultants, and acting fast with a structured appeal can make all the difference.

Amazon rewards sellers who:

  • Take responsibility
  • Correct mistakes
  • Improve systems
  • Protect customers

If you focus on compliance and operational excellence, you’ll not only recover—but build a stronger, more sustainable Amazon business moving forward.


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