Amazon Account Deactivated: Typical Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If you sell on Amazon, the last thing you want is an Amazon seller account suspended notice. This can stop your sales, hold your money, and even end your online business. Many Amazon sellers lose their accounts because of simple mistakes — but these can be avoided.

In this post, we will explain the most common mistakes that cause Amazon account suspensions and show you how to avoid Amazon suspension so you can keep selling, keep earning, and grow your business with confidence.

Why Amazon Deactivate Seller Account

Amazon wants to give buyers a safe, easy, and happy shopping experience. If an Amazon seller account breaks Amazon’s rules, Amazon may suspend it to protect customers.

Amazon suspends accounts to:

• Stop bad customer experiences

• Keep the marketplace fair for all sellers

• Force sellers to correct issues before selling again

Typical Mistakes That Cause Amazon Account Suspensions

1. Poor Order Performance

Amazon checks three main performance metrics:

• Order Defect Rate (ODR): Negative feedback, A-to-Z claims, or chargebacks

• Late Shipment Rate: Orders sent after the promised time

• Pre-Fulfillment Cancel Rate: Canceling orders before shipping

Why it’s a problem:
Bad metrics mean Amazon thinks you are not reliable.

How to avoid Amazon suspension:

• Keep ODR below 1%

• Ship on time or early and add tracking right away

• Closely manage your inventory and FBM orders

• Use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for faster and safer shipping

2. Selling Restricted or Prohibited Products

Some products are banned on Amazon. Others need special approval before you can sell them.

Common mistakes:

• Selling in restricted categories without approval

• Selling unsafe or untested items

• Listing fake or counterfeit products

How to avoid Amazon suspension:

• Check Amazon’s Restricted Products List often

• Get all approvals before listing

• Buy from trusted suppliers and keep invoices for at least 1 year

3. Wrong or Misleading Product Listings

Your product listing must be honest and match the actual product.

Mistakes that cause problems:

• Using wrong keywords or misleading titles

• Adding brand names you do not own

• Showing product photos that are not accurate

• Making false claims like “guaranteed cure”

How to avoid Amazon suspension:

• Follow Amazon’s listing rules and style guides

• Use real photos of the product you sell

• Make sure all claims are true and legal

4. Review Manipulation

Amazon is strict about product reviews. Any action that changes or tricks reviews can get you suspended.

Violations:

• Giving free products for positive reviews

• Asking buyers for only good reviews

• Using fake accounts for reviews

• Leave bad reviews on competitors’ listings

How to avoid Amazon suspension:

• Use Amazon’s Request a Review button

• Join the Amazon Vine program

• Keep all review requests neutral

• Do not review on competitors’ listings

5. Multiple Seller Accounts Without Permission

Amazon allows only one account per seller unless you have permission for more.

How to avoid Amazon suspension:

• Use only one account unless approved

• If approved for more, keep them separate — different emails, bank accounts, and products

6. Intellectual Property (IP) Violations

Selling branded items without permission or copying someone’s brand, logo, or design is an IP violation.

How to avoid Amazon suspension:

• Sell only original products from authorized suppliers

• Keep proof of purchase and permission letters

• If you own a brand, join Amazon Brand Registry

What to Do If Your Amazon Account Is Suspended

If you get an Amazon account suspended email:

1. Stay calm — rushing will hurt your appeal.

2. Read Amazon’s message carefully to understand the reason.

3. Write a Plan of Action (POA) that explains:

   • What happened

   • Why it happened

   • What you fixed

   • How you will prevent it

4. Send the appeal through Seller Central.

In most cases, I recommend hiring an experienced attorney to draft your appeal.

Key Tips to Protect Your Amazon Seller Account

• Treat your account like a long-term business, not a quick sale

• Watch your metrics daily

• Stay updated on Amazon rules

• Keep invoices, receipts, and product documents ready

FAQ: Amazon Account Suspensions

1. How long will my Amazon seller account be suspended?
It stays suspended until Amazon approves your appeal. This may take weeks, months, or even years.

2. Can I open another account if mine is suspended?
No. Amazon will detect and close it.

3. How do I know why my account was suspended?
Amazon sends an detailed email with the reason. You can also check the performance notification on Account Health in Seller Central.

4. What is the difference between suspension and deactivation?
Suspension can be reversed after a good appeal. A deactivation is permanent.

5. Should I hire help for my Amazon suspension appeal?
Yes, if your case is serious, a professional can help improve your chances.

Final Word

Most Amazon account suspensions happen because sellers don’t know or don’t follow the rules. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can protect your Amazon seller account and focus on growing your business.

At FreeBirds Academy, we show sellers exactly how to build a profitable Amazon business, avoid Amazon suspensions, and get faster Amazon account reinstatement if problems happen. Your account is your most valuable asset — protect it.