Did you receive a message like this? 

For many Amazon sellers out there, an account suspension poses a risk to both revenue and reputation. If that is your case, first take a deep breath and remember it is not the end of the world. 

The reality is that Amazon may somehow have linked your account to other accounts that aren’t necessarily yours. This is especially the case for the Canada and Mexico marketplaces. You are now faced with the unenviable and difficult task to prove you’re not associated with those accounts. 

And Amazon is not very helpful with that either. They only give you the first three letters of the associated “violating” account and you are now playing a guessing game to find out to whom this account, or accounts, belongs to.

Although this seems unfair, it is Amazon’s house and they play according to their rules. You have no choice but to follow those rules. 

The good thing is that Amazon is happy for you to send them an appeal under the guise of a POA, or Plan Of Action, so be sure to take advantage of that. First of all, check your accounts thoroughly and try finding out if you are indeed connected to some different selling account which violates Amazon’s terms and conditions, which is what the famous “section 3” is all about. 

Here are a few situations that other sellers came across:

• You created another seller account a few years ago, maybe in a different marketplace, and you have forgotten all about it.
• A seller account is used by another family member in the same household.
• You helped a friend with their seller Amazon account and logged into their account from your home using your own computer or mobile device. Their account was suspended for whatever reason, and your account is now associated with it.
• You’ve attended a seminar or workshop with other sellers where you’ve all shared the same IP address in the same room or convention center.

If you can’t find any connection to accounts you’ve worked with in the past, then try to find out an association using the first three letters of the offending account name, which Amazon gave you with the suspension notice. 

If you did not get the three letters, contact Amazon seller support. Talk to the Sellers Health department and explain to them that your account has been suspended under section 3. Let them know you have no idea what related accounts have been tied with your account and request their help. If you have been courteous and professional in your discussion, the Sellers Health rep will likely provide you with the following information:

• The first 3 letters of the name of the associated account (not the 3 letters of their email address, but the account name).
• The year this account was opened.
• If you still have doubts about a specific account they might also provide the last 4 digits of the phone number associated with this account.

While trying to obtain that information, keep in mind that your communication style is crucial in reactivating your Amazon account. That means – be polite! But at the same time try to be as precise, professional and concise as possible. 

Share the steps you intend to take to resolve the problem with the Amazon representatives. If you did once try to open an account but failed and Amazon has linked you to that account – admit it and delete that account immediately. m