Last Updated: January 23, 2025
Facing an account suspension is the worst thing that can happen to an Amazon seller. The stress of submitting appeals and waiting for account reinstatement can feel overwhelming.
Furthermore, lost sales during suspension can be financially damaging. However, the biggest nightmare is finding out that your account cannot be reinstated at all.
But there’s good news: even if your account is permanently suspended, there is still a way to continue selling on Amazon. To help you out, in this guide, our Amazon agency will share how to open a new seller central account after suspension.
Table of Contents
Understanding Amazon Account Suspension
An Amazon account suspension means your selling privileges are temporarily revoked. You lose access to critical features like listing products, managing orders, and receiving payouts. In short, you can no longer sell on Amazon.
What are the Reasons an Amazon Account Gets Suspended
Knowing why your Amazon seller account was suspended is the first step toward fixing the issue. Without understanding the reason, how can you resolve it effectively?
So, here are 10 common reasons why Amazon suspends seller accounts and what you need to know about each one.
1. Selling Inauthentic Items
If your products are damaged, expired, or don’t match their descriptions, Amazon may flag them as inauthentic and suspend your account.
6. Selling Counterfeit Items
Amazon strictly prohibits counterfeit products and permanently bans sellers caught distributing them.
2. Excessive Negative Feedback
Too many customer complaints about late shipments, poor quality, or bad service can put your account at risk.
7. Duplicate Accounts
Having multiple seller accounts without Amazon’s approval can result in all linked accounts being suspended.
3. Selling Prohibited Items
Amazon banned certain items, such as CBD, weapons, and recalled goods, and selling them could lead to immediate suspension.
8. High Late Shipment Rate
Consistently missing shipping deadlines can lead to account suspension due to poor customer experience.
4. Selling Used Items as New
Listing used or refurbished products as new violates Amazon’s policies and can lead to complaints and suspension.
9. Items Not as Advertised
Providing incorrect product details in your Amazon listing or sending the wrong items can lead to account suspension.
5. Opening an Account After Suspension
Amazon detects and suspends new accounts created to bypass a previous suspension.
10. Rights Owner Complaints
Brand owners can report you for trademark or copyright violations, which results in account suspension.
What are the Three Phases of Account Suspension on Amazon
There are three phases to an Amazon account suspension, and understanding them is crucial for determining your next steps. Each phase offers varying degrees of course of action, so tackling them effectively can make a significant difference in the outcome.
- Phase 1 Suspension:
Your account is temporarily deactivated. You can submit an appeal to reinstate it. - Phase 2 Denied:
Your appeal has been rejected. You cannot submit another appeal at this stage. - Phase 3 Banned:
Your account is permanently deactivated. You cannot sell on Amazon again.
How to Open a New Seller Account After Suspension
Once your Amazon account gets suspended it can lead you to feel lost and unsure of what to do next. While avoiding suspension is crucial, it’s important to understand your options if it does happen.
While not recommended by Amazon, creating a new seller account after a ban is technically possible. This allows you to continue selling on the platform, albeit with increased risk.
Method 1: Create a New Account
While Amazon’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit creating multiple accounts without permission, some sellers may explore this option after a permanent account ban. This method involves establishing a separate legal entity for your Amazon selling business.
- Form a New LLC
- Create a new LLC for your business. This new LLC can be a subsidiary of your existing business. For example, if “Business 1” was suspended, create “Business 2” as a subsidiary of “Business 1”.
- Ensure the new LLC operates independently from the suspended account.
- Obtain Unique Identifiers
- Bank Account: Open a new bank account exclusively for the new LLC.
- Credit Card: Get a new credit card for business expenses.
- Phone Number: Use a new phone number (or a Google Voice number) for business communication.
- Email Address: Create a new dedicated email address for the LLC.
- Tax Information: Get a new Employer Identification Number for the LLC.
- Address IP Address Concerns
- Static IP: If you were using a static IP address associated with the suspended account, consider using a different internet connection or a VPN to avoid IP-based detection.
Note: There is a potential risk of getting your new account suspended if Amazon finds out that the account is connected to the previous account that got suspended.
Method 2: Buy an Existing Amazon Seller Account
This method involves acquiring an existing Amazon seller account from another seller. It may seem unconventional, but it offers a potential path back to the Amazon marketplace for those with sufficient resources.
- Find a Reputable Seller
- Research online marketplaces or connect with business brokers specializing in Amazon businesses.
- Carefully vet potential sellers and their accounts.
- Request thorough documentation of the account’s performance, including sales history, customer feedback, and any past suspensions or violations.
- Conduct Due Diligence
- Financial Review: Analyze the seller’s financial records, including income statements, balance sheets, and tax returns.
- Account Health: Thoroughly examine the account’s health metrics, such as order defect rate, late shipment rate, and customer satisfaction ratings.
- Inventory Assessment: If applicable, conduct an inventory assessment to evaluate the quality and value of the existing inventory.
- Negotiate and Close the Deal
- Negotiate the purchase price and terms of the transaction with the seller.
- Consult with an Amazon agency to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.
For more tips on how to buy and transfer an Amazon account, watch our video guide:
Method 3: Appeal Directly to Jeff Bezos
With this method, you will directly reach out to the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, to explain your suspension situation. Although it has a low success rate, it can be a last resort attempt for those who have exhausted other options.
- Create a Compelling Email
- Briefly explain your situation and the reason for the account suspension.
- Focus on highlighting any extenuating circumstances or misunderstandings.
- Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the email.
- Send the Email
- Address the email to jeff@amazon.com.
- Be aware that you may not receive a response.
Best Practices in Opening an Amazon Account After Being Suspended
Smoothly launching a new Amazon seller account after a suspension requires careful planning and meticulous execution. To minimize risks and increase your chances of success, follow these best practices:
1. Do Your Best to Get Reinstated
Before creating a new account, exhaust all avenues to reinstate your suspended Amazon account. Check our video guide on how to correctly appeal an Amazon account suspension:
If you need more information on how to unban your account, enroll in MAG School’s Amazon Reinstatement course.
2. Strictly Follow All the Policies
Thoroughly familiarize yourself with all of Amazon’s selling policies and adhere to them strictly. This includes product authenticity, order fulfillment, and customer service standards.
3. Perform Proactive Monitoring
Continuously monitor your account health metrics, such as order defect rate, late shipment rate, and customer satisfaction. This proactive approach helps identify and address potential issues before they lead to another suspension.
4. Use New Information for New Account
Ensure complete separation from your previous account by using entirely new and unique information for your new account, including business structure, bank accounts, contact information, and tax information.
5. Get Help from Professionals
Consider seeking help from an experienced full-service Amazon agency. An agency’s expertise can streamline your account creation process and minimize the risk of future suspensions.
FAQs About Opening a New Seller Account After Suspension
Successfully Open a New Seller Central Account After Suspension
Getting permanently suspended on Amazon is a significant setback. While appealing the suspension should be your first course of action, exploring alternative options, such as creating a new account, may be necessary.
By knowing the next course of action, following the best practices, and getting professional assistance when needed, you can increase your chances of successfully resolving this challenging situation and returning to the Amazon marketplace.
Do you need help with opening a new seller account after suspension? Contact our Amazon agency today!
