Amazon Seller Account Suspended? Here's How to Get It Back: Insights from an IP Attorney [Dialogue]
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What Gets Your Amazon Account Suspended + How To Get It Back Reinstated Fast
- Mistakes that Lead to Account Suspensions on Amazon
- Business Verification Documents for Amazon
- How to Avoid Account Suspension on Amazon US and Other Marketplaces
- Do I Have to Inform Amazon Before Making Any Account Changes
- Related and Multiple Amazon Accounts + Rules and Guidelines for Managing Them
- Dropshipping Suspensions on Amazon
- Understanding Review Manipulation on Amazon
- Is It Possible for Amazon Sellers to Use Automated Email Systems
- Why Intellectual Property Matters for Selling on Amazon
- Common Intellectual Property Issues
- The Risks of Selling Inauthentic Items and Misrepresenting Them as Used on Amazon
- How to Contact David Miller
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What Gets Your Amazon Account Suspended + How To Get It Back Reinstated Fast
Hi! Welcome back to my blog.
Today, I'm excited to have a special guest, David Miller, an intellectual property and business attorney, joining me for a captivating discussion on the intersection of intellectual property and the eCommerce industry.
My name is Vova Even - an Amazon seller, eCommerce expert, and content creator who's passionate about sharing valuable insights and knowledge about the eCommerce industry.
If you've been following my Amazon FBA blog or my YouTube / Udemy channels, you already know that I love to bring in experts and have conversations with them about various topics related to eCommerce.
Having an experienced attorney like David Miller with us will allow you to understand the crucial aspects of intellectual property within the eCommerce landscape.
Join us as we unravel the legal considerations, best practices, and strategies for protecting your brand and creations in the ever-evolving world of eCommerce.
David has years of experience working with Amazon sellers, helping them with legal issues, account suspensions, and reinstatements.
David and I have created a detailed Amazon policy and how to deal with it playlist on my YouTube channel.
Over 20+ videos for you!
There's also the website of David Miller for you.
During our conversation, David shared valuable insights about the most common reasons why Amazon accounts get suspended and the steps that sellers can take to get their accounts reinstated.
Essentially, as an Amazon seller, having your account suspended can be a nightmare scenario. It can result in lost sales, revenue, and damage to your reputation.
Unfortunately, account suspensions happen to even the most experienced sellers.
While Amazon is known for its stringent policies and guidelines, it can be challenging to navigate the ins and outs of what can get your account suspended.
In this post, we'll be taking an in-depth look at the reasons why Amazon suspends accounts, how to avoid suspension, and most importantly, what to do if your account gets suspended.
It's based on my recent YouTube video, where I had the pleasure of speaking with David.
He really specializes in helping Amazon sellers navigate through the murky waters of account suspensions.
As an Amazon seller myself, I asked David a lot of questions, making it a very interesting conversation.
So, I've written this post in a dialogue format so you can better assess everything.
To cut short, whether you're a new seller or a seasoned pro, read on to learn everything you need to know about Amazon account suspension and reinstatement. 😉
Want to watch the video instead? It's embedded right below. Enjoy! :)
Vova Even: Hey, everyone! In this blog post, we're going to talk about the things you need to avoid to prevent getting suspended on Amazon.
We'll cover different topics and share tips on how to get reinstated if you do get suspended.
Joining me today is David Miller, an attorney who represents Amazon and e-commerce sellers. David, why don't you introduce yourself?
David Miller: Sure, thank you Vova! Hi, everyone. My name is David Miller. I'm an attorney at The Law Office of David Allen Miller, and I specialize in helping sellers with Amazon suspensions, intellectual property disputes, and business law matters.
Mistakes that Lead to Account Suspensions on Amazon
Vova Even: Thanks for joining us, David. As a seller myself, I know how common account suspensions are on Amazon, and I'm sure our readers will find your insights valuable.
So, David, what are some of the things that can get sellers suspended on Amazon, in your experience?
David Miller: Well, there are several reasons why Amazon may suspend your account, and the bigger your business grows, the more potential problems you may face.
One of the most common issues that sellers encounter is a business verification suspension.
This can happen to new accounts, but it can also affect older accounts that do not meet Amazon's updated requirements.
Business Verification Documents for Amazon
Vova Even: What kind of documents does Amazon typically ask for to verify your business information?
David Miller: Amazon usually asks for a business license bill dated within the last 90 days, a utility bill, a bank statement, and a valid credit card on file.
But even minor discrepancies, such as a name or address mismatch between these documents, can lead to a suspension.
How to Avoid Account Suspension on Amazon US and Other Marketplaces
Vova Even: That sounds pretty strict. So, what advice would you give to sellers to avoid getting suspended for business verification issues?
David Miller: Well, Vova, it's really important to be mindful of business verification issues when selling on Amazon.
At some point, whether when you create your account or down the line, Amazon may ask you to verify your business information.
Typically, they'll ask for a business license bill dated within the last 90 days, a utility bill such as a gas, electric, or water bill, an internet service bill, a bank statement, and a valid credit card on file.
Now, the important thing to remember is that all the information needs to align and match.
If there's any discrepancy between your credit card, bank statement, or utility bill, you're going to have a problem.
For instance, if the name on your credit card doesn't match the bank statement or the utility bill, that's going to raise red flags for Amazon.
Even a slight difference in the company name or address can get you rejected.
This is especially crucial for new accounts, but even older accounts can get suspended if you change any critical information without double-checking that it aligns with other documentation.
Even seemingly minor changes, like your address, can cause problems if not handled properly.
That's why I always advise sellers to be extra careful when changing any account information and only do it if absolutely necessary.
Vova Even: Right. That makes perfect sense!
David Miller: When it comes to avoiding business verification issues, it's important to be extremely cautious when changing the information on an existing account.
And if you're creating a new account, make sure to double, triple, and even quadruple-check that all the information on your documents aligns.
I like to keep hard copies of all my documents on hand to make the verification process easier.
Vova Even: That makes sense for US sellers, but what about sellers in other countries?
For example, in Israel, we verified our account years ago, and I sometimes get questions from new sellers who are having similar problems.
Do you think having an English name on file would be helpful in other countries, like Israel?
David Miller: That's a great question, Vova.
From what I understand, each document you provide for verification should match the others, regardless of the country you're in.
However, it might be helpful to have an English name on file, especially if you can request it from your bank.
And if you're a seasoned seller, it's better to change your information through Seller Central to avoid any potential suspensions.
Vova Even: That's good advice, David. Thank you for sharing that.
David Miller: Yes, no problem. Amazon does accept other languages, but they have a limited list, maybe around 10 to 12 languages or so.
I'm not exactly sure of the exact number, but if your language is one of those that Amazon accepts, then you should be fine.
However, it's always a good idea to have them translated into English because some languages are a bit more difficult, even if Amazon says they accept it.
So, I recommend having your documents translated into English if possible.
Do I Have to Inform Amazon Before Making Any Account Changes
Vova Even: Okay, got it. And what about making changes to my account? Say, if I need to change my address, do I need to notify Amazon beforehand?
David Miller: Yes, exactly. If you need to change any information on your account, I recommend notifying Amazon seller support beforehand.
For example, if your business address changes, you should let them know.
It's important to get something in writing that you can use as evidence in case there are any issues in the future.
I've seen cases where sellers have done something over the phone, and then when their account gets suspended, there's nothing to show for it.
So, when in doubt, get it in writing.
Vova Even: Okay, that makes sense. Thanks for the tip.
David Miller: No problem. Now, let's move on to related accounts that tie to verification.
Related accounts are accounts that are linked to each other. Amazon has a policy that allows only one selling account per person, and having multiple accounts can lead to suspension.
So, it's essential to make sure that you don't have any related accounts or anything that can be considered a related account.
Related and Multiple Amazon Accounts + Rules and Guidelines for Managing Them
Vova Even: So, David, can you explain to me about related accounts on Amazon?
David Miller: Sure, related accounts are when a seller has multiple accounts on Amazon.
Vova Even: And is it allowed to have more than one account on Amazon?
David Miller: Yes, it is allowed to have multiple accounts, but there are rules that sellers need to follow.
Vova Even: What are those rules?
David Miller: Well, previously, sellers had to get approval to create a second account, but Amazon has lowered the floodgates for related accounts.
Now, they don't require approval, but sellers have to have a legitimate business reason to create a second account.
Vova Even: And what is considered a legitimate business reason?
David Miller: There are many things that can fall under that category, but one certain requirement is that the products sold on each account must be in separate categories.
Vova Even: And what about Amazon's policies on this?
David Miller: Amazon's policies can be vague, but if a seller has a legitimate business reason to create a second account, they do not need approval.
However, I recommend that sellers get approval anyway as it can help them in case their account is suspended in the future.
The Impact of Related Account Suspension on Amazon Seller Accounts
Vova Even: What happens if a seller's account is suspended for related accounts?
David Miller: In that case, the seller needs to provide a plan of action to Amazon.
If their account was suspended for related accounts, it can be difficult to resolve, but they typically need to get their first account reinstated.
How to Stay Compliant with Amazon's Rules on Related Accounts as a Seller
Vova Even: I see. And what should sellers do to ensure they don't violate Amazon's rules on related accounts?
David Miller: Sellers need to make sure that each account is entirely separate, including separate email addresses, company names, addresses, and bank statements.
They should essentially be operating two entirely different businesses.
This is the best way to ensure they are not in violation of Amazon's policies.
Vova Even: As a seller, I know how frustrating it can be to lose money every day due to suspended or blocked accounts.
It's not just the revenue loss, but the drop in position in the algorithms that can be concerning.
So, for me, the priority is to get my account reinstated as quickly as possible. Of course, it depends on the specific issue.
For simpler problems like a change of address, I can try to handle it on my own.
However, for more complex issues like inauthentic suspensions, intellectual property issues, or cases of forged documents, it's better to seek professional help.
David Miller: That's true. The difficulty in reinstating an account really varies depending on the specific problem.
For instance, inauthentic suspensions can be easier to handle on your own, whereas intellectual property or related account issues can be more challenging.
The urgency of the situation also plays a role, as most sellers want their accounts reinstated as soon as possible.
Therefore, it's essential to weigh the options and decide what's best for your specific situation, whether that's tackling the problem on your own or seeking professional help.
Vova Even: Yes, I agree. It's all about weighing the options and deciding what's best for your situation.
David Miller: Yes, exactly. I'd also like to talk about forged documents and why it's important to avoid them. In my experience as an Amazon seller, forged documents are the hardest suspension to overcome.
They refer to documents that have been manipulated or created fraudulently, like fake invoices or manipulated documents.
If Amazon catches you using forged documents, it's as close to being blacklisted on Amazon as you can possibly get.
Trust me when I say that the risk of using forged documents is not worth the reward.
I highly, highly recommend that you avoid it altogether.
Sometimes Amazon may ask for an invoice, which could be for something very simple like verifying the authenticity of your product.
If you don't have the invoice, don't try to provide a fake one or manipulate an existing one.
I've seen instances where sellers have written brief notes on an invoice and it has triggered a forged document suspension.
To avoid any possible issues, my advice would be to not write on invoices or documents at all if you can avoid it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Amazon doesn't really care about your pricing, so there's no need to redact it or cross it out.
Doing so may actually be seen as a red flag and trigger a suspension.
If you do get suspended for using forged documents, it's going to be difficult to overcome, but the key is to be honest about what happened.
If you've submitted a document where you simply crossed out pricing, be sure to let Amazon know that.
Some sellers may not even know what caused the suspension and it's important to examine the document and figure out what went wrong.
If your plan of action doesn't work, it may be necessary to contact Amazon's outside council to resolve the issue.
In summary, the best way to avoid a suspension for using forged documents is to not use them in the first place.
Be honest and transparent with Amazon and always comply with their policies and guidelines to ensure a smooth selling experience.
Vova Even: In my experience, the most important thing when dealing with Amazon is to be completely honest and not fake anything.
Amazon has a very low tolerance for sellers who try to deceive them in any way, and if they catch you doing it, they may permanently ban you from their platform.
It's almost like being on a blacklist, and you definitely don't want to end up there.
David Miller: Yes, I completely agree. Amazon is very strict about this, and they have good reason to be.
As a seller, you need to be aware of all the rules and regulations they have in place, and make sure you follow them to the letter.
However, sometimes even if you are following the rules, things can still go wrong, and you may get suspended for reasons that are not immediately clear.
Vova Even: Exactly. For example, I recently had a problem with Amazon losing some of my products, and they asked me to provide an invoice.
They told me I could cross out the pricing, but I didn't do that because I don't want to deceive them in any way.
However, I know that some other sellers may try to hide the pricing, and they may cross it out with a marker or something similar.
But if you do that, and there are any smudges or marks on the invoice, Amazon may reject it and your account could get suspended.
David Miller: Good point! And unfortunately, even if you do everything right, Amazon may not always give you a clear reason for why you got suspended.
They are a massive company with millions of sellers, and they simply don't have the time or resources to go into detail about every single suspension.
In my experience, Amazon employees usually only spend a minute or two reading through your plan of action, so it's important to make sure you highlight the most important details and reasons why you should be reinstated.
Emotional appeals usually don't work, and you need to provide clear and specific information about what went wrong and how you plan to fix it.
Vova Even: That's an interesting point, David. I've never really thought about that before.
I think you're right that people on the other side of the screen may not fully understand what it takes to be an Amazon seller.
It's a pretty interesting job and it requires a lot of time and effort. But, at the end of the day, they still have to go through the motions of their work.
Dropshipping Suspensions on Amazon
David Miller: Yes, exactly. It's important to keep that in mind.
So, moving on to another topic, I wanted to talk about dropshipping suspensions on Amazon.
This is something that Amazon has been cracking down on for quite some time now.
Vova Even: I've also heard about that. It seems like there are way fewer drop shippers on Amazon these days compared to a few years ago.
David Miller: That's right. The main issue with dropshipping on Amazon is that Amazon wants sellers to be the "seller of record."
You can technically dropship on Amazon, but you can't simply have a third-party retailer ship a product for you. Amazon doesn't want anyone else to be identified as the seller of record.
Vova Even: I see what you mean. So, for example, if anyone other than the seller appears on packing slips, invoices, or external packaging, that would be a violation of Amazon's drop ship policy, right?
David Miller: Exactly. And one big example of this is Walmart. A lot of sellers use Walmart for dropshipping.
Once Amazon orders a product from the seller, Walmart ships the product directly to the seller.
If Walmart is identified as the shipper, which they usually are, the customer can get confused about where the product is coming from, and it can be an issue with returns.
Also, if the product isn't currently in Walmart's inventory, it could cause a delay in delivery, which Amazon is very particular about.
Vova Even: Hmm, I can see how that could be a problem.
So, basically, to follow the rules, you need to make sure that you're the only one identified as the seller and that you're responsible for customer returns.
David Miller: Right. And if you're not sure if you're within the dropshipping policy, you need to reach out to Amazon and let them know that you have complied with the policy.
You can provide photos or other evidence to support your case.
And if you made a mistake, you need to be upfront and let Amazon know what happened and what you're doing to prevent it from happening in the future.
Vova Even: That makes sense. Thanks for explaining that to me, David.
I had no idea that dropshipping on Amazon was so complicated.
David Miller: No problem, Vova. It's definitely a complicated topic, but it's important to understand if you're selling on Amazon.
Vova Even: I'd love to learn more about Amazon's dropshipping model. It sounds like it's undergone some changes - can you tell me more about that?
David Miller: Sure. Yes, the basic dropshipping model, where you order from a retail store like Walmart and ship it to an Amazon customer, doesn't work anymore.
Amazon has essentially updated its policies to prevent customers from being misled or confused about where their products are coming from.
In the past, it was common for drop shippers to simply order products from a retailer like Walmart and have them shipped directly to the customer without any indication that the product was coming from a third-party seller.
Now, as I said earlier, you have to relabel the product and make it appear as if it's coming from Amazon, otherwise, it's a violation.
Product Relabeling in Dropshipping
Vova Even: That's interesting. So what do you mean by relabeling the product?
David Miller: Essentially, you need to make sure that you're the seller of record and that you're responsible for any returns or customer service issues.
If a customer can tell that the product is from Walmart, for example, that's a violation.
In addition to relabeling products, you also need to provide additional information to customers to ensure that they are aware of the situation.
This could include explaining the shipping process and delivery times, as well as any differences in the return policy between the retailer and the seller.
Consequences of Violating Amazon's Policies and Guidelines
Vova Even: Got it. And what if you violate Amazon's policy? What happens then?
David Miller: If you violate Amazon's policy, you will receive a plan of action that requires you to acknowledge the violation and explain what you're going to do to fix it and prevent it from happening again in the future.
Vova Even: Okay, that makes sense. And what are some common corrective actions that sellers take?
David Miller: Refunding a customer's money is one common corrective action. If a shipment is delayed, for example, it could flag Amazon that the seller is dropshipping.
It's important to speak with your employees and train them to ensure that you're not violating any rules.
Preventing future violations involves staying on top of returns and communicating effectively with your third-party drop shippers.
An agreement between you and the drop shipper can also help to ensure that everyone is aware of Amazon's policy and what needs to be done to avoid violating it.
The Importance of Proactive Measures to Avoid Violations of Amazon's Policies and Guidelines
Vova Even: Thanks for explaining that, David. Sounds like it's important to stay on top of things and be proactive in preventing violations.
David Miller: Exactly. It's always better to be proactive than to be reactive, especially when it comes to avoiding policy violations on Amazon.
Understanding Review Manipulation on Amazon
David Miller: Now, I want to talk to you about review manipulation, which has been a hot topic in the last month or two.
As you know, many customers rely on reviews, whether it's from an online store like Amazon, or even for services like getting a haircut.
In fact, nine out of every 10 people read reviews before they conduct business with somebody.
This means that reviews are crucial for your Amazon business, but it's important to follow Amazon's strict policies to ensure that the reviews are genuine and not manipulated in any way.
Amazon's policies prohibit offering any incentive for reviews, including discounts, free products, or any form of compensation.
Amazon doesn't want it.
You also cannot offer refunds in exchange for reviews, or use third-party services that offer discounts for reviews.
Be careful when hiring third-party services, as they may inadvertently violate Amazon's policies, and ultimately, you'll be held responsible for any policy violations.
Do not insert any review request in your packaging or ask for reviews from family or friends.
Amazon wants genuine reviews that are not incentivized in any way.
You should also avoid reviewing competitor products, as it is a manipulation tactic that Amazon is worried about.
Lastly, do not review your own products using a customer account or any other means.
Amazon wants to maintain the integrity of its review system and ensure that reviews are from genuine customers, not from the seller or anyone connected to the seller.
As your lawyer, I strongly advise that you follow Amazon's policies strictly to avoid any potential consequences, including the suspension or termination of your Amazon seller account.
Is It Possible for Amazon Sellers to Use Automated Email Systems
Vova Even: I see. So, you're saying we should not manipulate reviews, correct? But what if we ask for a review in a neutral way, such as sending an email that says, "Thank you for using our product. We would be happy to hear your feedback"? Or can we use Amazon's automated email system without violating any rules?
David Miller: As a lawyer, I would advise you to stay clear of any activity that could be construed as review manipulation. Amazon has strict policies against this, and if caught, your account could be suspended or even terminated.
While using Amazon's internal system is probably okay, you need to be careful with the message you send.
It's essential to be neutral and not offer any incentive or exchange for a review.
However, any message you send outside of Amazon's system puts you at risk, and I would not recommend it.
Vova Even: And if we do get caught, what happens?
David Miller: If you get caught, you will need to provide a plan of action to Amazon, explaining what happened and how you plan to prevent it from happening again.
If any reviews are found to be inauthentic, Amazon will remove them.
The best defense is to follow Amazon's guidelines closely and not take any risks that could compromise your account.
If you are unsure about anything, it's always better to ask for expert advice and err on the side of caution.
Vova Even: That makes sense. Thank you for explaining everything clearly.
Why Intellectual Property Matters for Selling on Amazon
David Miller: Now let's talk about the importance of intellectual property when it comes to selling on Amazon.
There are four main areas that you need to be aware of: counterfeits, trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
Let's start with counterfeits.
To avoid selling counterfeit products, it's important to thoroughly vet your suppliers.
In today's online world, many people order products from suppliers they have never met or spoken to in person.
However, you should still do your due diligence by researching their online presence.
If a supplier has no online presence and you need to provide invoices, Amazon may not accept them.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Review the invoices and ask for a sample invoice before making a purchase.
If you're unsure, ask someone who is experienced in that area to verify the supplier's authenticity.
If a supplier does not have an online presence, the likelihood that the products they sell are genuine is slim.
Be cautious and always double-check before making a purchase.
Moving on to trademarks, one of the main issues that sellers face is using well-known brand names in their listings when they are not selling that brand.
You need to ask yourself if using a well-known brand name will create confusion among buyers.
If you're unsure, it's best to avoid it.
However, if you're merely describing your product, using descriptive terms is allowed.
For example, if you're selling ice cream and you describe it as "cold and creamy," or if you're selling a TV and you call it "crystal clear," you can use those terms as a defense because you're describing your product. v
Keep in mind that each case is unique, so it's important to be cautious when using well-known brand names.
If you're caught violating trademark rules, you could be suspended from selling on Amazon.
Vova Even: David, I wanted to share a situation I had with a listing where we used the term "4Life lifetime warranty."
It was memorable, but then we received a letter from 4Life saying we were using their brand name, which we didn't realize.
Amazon then suppressed our listing, but we changed it and got it back.
David Miller: Yes, that's a common situation. It sounds like the term "lifetime warranty" is not a strong trademark, but it's important to be careful when using brand names or terms that could cause confusion.
Copyright is another area where Amazon sellers can face issues.
The three main areas are photographs, verbiage, and designs. If you copy something without permission, you could be infringing on someone's copyright.
My Related Blog Post With David: Counterfeit Complaint on Amazon: Its Reality & How to Resolve It
Patents are also complex, especially when it comes to inventions.
If you're buying a product from a manufacturer or distributor, make sure they don't have a patent on it.
Common Intellectual Property Issues
Vova Even: That's helpful to know. Is there anything else we should be aware of when it comes to intellectual property on Amazon?
David Miller: I'll just say that intellectual property issues on Amazon can be quite complex, particularly with regard to counterfeits, trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
Each case is unique and requires a thorough review to determine the best course of action to resolve any disputes.
It is important for Amazon sellers to be vigilant and cautious when creating their listings and to be mindful of any potential infringements on intellectual property.
By understanding these issues and taking the necessary steps to address them, sellers can help protect their business and reputation on Amazon.
Vova Even: I totally understand what you're saying, David.
Intellectual property issues on Amazon can be quite complex, especially when it comes to trademarks, counterfeit, copyrights, and patents.
As you know, my listing got suppressed because of the 4Life keyword that I used, and I was able to get it back.
However, if something like that happened again or if I got suspended due to infringement, I'm not sure what steps I should take to reinstate it.
I understand that I can try to do it on my own, but if Amazon finds that I'm still using any intellectual property that belongs to someone else, then it could lead to a suspension.
And, it's not always easy to navigate through the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) code and understand if a patent applies to my product or design.
Would you recommend trying to resolve it on my own by changing the listing or is it better to talk to a lawyer like yourself who can guide me through the process?
David Miller: Yeah. So for all of them, for all four intellectual property issues - copyright, trademark, counterfeit, and patents – the first thing you should do is reach out to the rights owner who filed the complaint.
This will help you better understand the reason for the suspension. It's also important to review your listings to see what caused it.
Sometimes it's easy to identify the issue, while other times, it may be more challenging.
Overcoming the Challenges of Patent and Copyright Searches for Amazon Sellers
Vova Even: That makes sense. But what do I do if I can't find the information I need, such as a patent or copyright registration number?
David Miller: Trademarks and patents almost always give you the registration number, which you can use to look up the information on the USPTO website.
However, for copyright, it's often not included, so you may need to reach out to the rights owner for more information.
One other thing, finding information on the USTPO website can be quite challenging as it isn't very user-friendly.
But don't worry, if you're unsure about what you're infringing upon, you can always reach out to the rights owner and ask for more details.
For instance, with copyright issues, even if you don't have the registration number, you can ask the rights owner to explain the basis of their complaint.
This can help you better understand the issue and take appropriate steps to resolve it.
What to Do When a Rights Owner is Unresponsive on Amazon
Vova Even: Okay, so what if the rights owner doesn't respond or doesn't provide a satisfactory response?
David Miller: If that happens, you can file a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) counter notice, which is specific to copyright infringement complaints.
When you file a counter-notice with Amazon, they're supposed to reinstate the content within 10 business days. However, keep in mind that there is a risk involved in this process as the other party has the option to file a lawsuit within those 10 days.
Aside from copyright and DMCA, you can also appeal an intellectual property issue on Amazon.
This option carries much lower risk. If the rights owner is not willing to resolve the issue directly with you, you can appeal and make your case to Amazon.
The Risks of Selling Inauthentic Items and Misrepresenting Them as Used on Amazon
Vova Even: Perfect! David, what was the last point you mentioned earlier?
David Miller: The last point was about selling inauthentic items and misrepresenting them as used products.
It's a common issue that can easily be avoided by thoroughly vetting your suppliers, making sure they have a legitimate online presence and invoices, and monitoring customer feedback for negative comments about your product.
You should also review your entire listings before joining them to ensure that your product matches exactly what you're selling.
And if your account or listing does get suspended, you can always submit a plan of action to Amazon, explaining what happened, the root cause, and the corrective and preventative measures you'll take.
Vova Even: Great point! I think it's also important to conduct regular product inspections, even if you have a good relationship with your supplier.
I remember we had an order of grill brushes in the past, and some of them were damaged.
Luckily, we caught it during the inspection before we shipped them out. If we hadn't caught it, we could have potentially received a lot of negative reviews and feedback.
How to Contact David Miller
David Miller: Absolutely, inspections are crucial to catching issues before they become bigger problems.
And for anyone who needs legal advice, can contact me at David@dmlawfirm.com or visit my website www.dmlawfirm.com.
Vova Even: Perfect. So here comes this long but information-rich post to an end and to sum it up for our fellow sellers out there, it's highly important to stay within the rules and regulations of Amazon and maintain a white hat approach.
Before taking any actions, it's always a good idea to double-check and be more conservative, rather than rushing into things.
And if something does happen, don't panic, take a deep breath, and assess the situation before taking any action.
If you find that resolving the issue is relatively easy and can be done within a day or two, go ahead and do it yourself.
However, if you have a lot of volumes and the situation is urgent, then it might be best to contact a lawyer like David or do your own research and talk to different people.
Remember, it's better to take a little extra time and effort to ensure that everything is done correctly, rather than rushing into something and risking account suspensions or other consequences.
Thank you for joining us today, David. Your insights have been truly valuable.
David Miller: Thanks for having me, Vova. Take care!
Until we meet again,
Warmly,
Vova :)
P.S. - Another post with David is about Price Gouging on Amazon and one more is about 5 tips for avoiding suspension on Amazon.
-
What Gets Your Amazon Account Suspended + How To Get It Back Reinstated Fast
- Mistakes that Lead to Account Suspensions on Amazon
- Business Verification Documents for Amazon
- How to Avoid Account Suspension on Amazon US and Other Marketplaces
- Do I Have to Inform Amazon Before Making Any Account Changes
- Related and Multiple Amazon Accounts + Rules and Guidelines for Managing Them
- Dropshipping Suspensions on Amazon
- Understanding Review Manipulation on Amazon
- Is It Possible for Amazon Sellers to Use Automated Email Systems
- Why Intellectual Property Matters for Selling on Amazon
- Common Intellectual Property Issues
- The Risks of Selling Inauthentic Items and Misrepresenting Them as Used on Amazon
- How to Contact David Miller
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