Amazon Seller: How to Avoid Suspension for Related Accounts and Better Manage Your Multiple Accounts
One of the most frequent and complex reasons for suspending an Amazon Seller account is the presence of related accounts. According to Amazon's Seller Code of Conduct, each seller can only have one account per geographic area unless there is a legitimate business justification for creating additional accounts. However, operating multiple accounts without proper precautions can lead to the blocking of all related accounts. Let's take a detailed look at why and how to properly manage multiple accounts.
What are related accounts on Amazon Seller?
One Amazon account is considered "related" to another when the same company or person owns, manages, or has access to the credentials of multiple accounts. This can include cases where a seller uses the same device, IP address, or payment information to access multiple accounts. Although it is possible to manage multiple accounts on Amazon, all must comply with the platform's policies, and a problem on one account can cause all other related accounts to be suspended.
Example: A seller creates a second Amazon Seller account to continue selling after his main account is blocked. Amazon detects the correlation between the two accounts (e.g., by IP address or similar payment details) and suspends both accounts.
Common suspension cases for related accounts
There are several scenarios that can lead to suspension for related accounts. Here are some of the most common situations:
Creating a second account after the main account has been blocked: If a vendor tries to circumvent the suspension by creating a new account, both accounts can be blocked.
Use of personal information across multiple accounts: If several accounts share personal information such as cell phone numbers, emails or credit cards, Amazon may consider them related and suspend them.
Access from shared devices: Accessing multiple accounts from the same computer or smartphone, even using the Amazon Seller APP, can trigger a lockout.
Accounts of partners, collaborators, or former employees: If Amazon detects that accounts belong to or have been managed by current or former partners, collaborators, or employees, all accounts may be suspended.
Mismanagement by third parties: If an agency or freelancer mismanages the account or uses information shared on other accounts, this can lead to suspension.
Example: A seller relies on an agency to manage his Amazon Seller account. However, the agency uses the same credentials to access other accounts. When Amazon detects shared access, it suspends all accounts involved.
Exceptions for having multiple accounts on Amazon
There are some exceptions that allow vendors to have multiple accounts, but they must always be justified by specific business needs. Here are some examples:
Separate accounts for distinct brands: If you own multiple brands and run separate businesses for each, Amazon allows for multiple accounts.
Separate management of different business models: A vendor might have one account for direct sales to consumers and another to run a wholesale business if the two activities are separate and managed separately.
Selling in different product categories with separate business logic: For example, one vendor might have a specific account for electronic products and another for selling food and beverages, since the categories require very different marketing and logistical strategies.
Specific product categories: It is permissible to have a second account exclusively for the sale of products in the categories of Books, Music, Videos and DVDs, provided that the payment details are different.
Example: A seller who owns an electronics brand and a clothing brand creates two separate accounts to better manage the two businesses. In this case, Amazon considers it legitimate to have separate accounts.
How to prevent suspension for related accounts
To avoid suspension, it is essential to follow some basic rules:
Don't create duplicate accounts without legitimate justification: If you need multiple accounts, be sure to comply with Amazon's exceptions and keep your payment information separate.
Avoid sharing devices or IP addresses: Using the same computer or network to access multiple accounts can trigger blocking.
Manage data access carefully: If an agency or collaborator manages your account, make sure they do not use the same credentials for other accounts.
Amazon Seller Account Unlocking Assistance
If your account has been suspended due to correlations with other accounts, it is critical to act quickly. Preparing an effective Action Plan, explaining the circumstances and the steps taken to correct the problem, is crucial to achieving unblocking. Our team of experts can help you create a customized plan and ensure you get the support you need to reactivate your account. We offer a service with payment only upon unblocking, so you can focus on restoring your business without worry. Contact us for a free consultation!