The holiday season brings exciting sales opportunities for Amazon sellers, but it can also bring a host of potential issues that sellers, especially those in the midst of the peak season, need to avoid. What’s worse? Some of these issues can land your Amazon seller account in a full-on freeze, stopping sales dead in their tracks during a critical time. As we approach Thanksgiving, we call these “Turkey Traps,” and they’re account-killers. Here’s a closer look at each of these pitfalls and what you can do to avoid them, ensuring smooth and successful operations this season.
Why is my Amazon seller account not working?
If you’re here, it’s likely because something has gone sideways in your Amazon seller account at the worst possible time of year. With Thanksgiving and the big holiday sales season staring you in the face. There’s no time to waste on account errors, blocked listings, or, a full account suspension. We get it: the holiday rush is when you expect your biggest sales and the thought of missing out is overwhelming.
Many of these issues stem from simple, preventable mistakes—often linked to overlooked policies or mismanaged practices that creep in during the holiday hustle. But don’t worry. There’s plenty you can do to protect your Amazon seller account and keep sales flowing. Let’s dive into the top traps you’ll want to sidestep this season, with a little guidance to keep you in the clear.
7 Turkey Traps every Amazon seller should avoid
The following Turkey Traps are Amazon seller account issues that frequently trip up sellers, especially now. Let’s explore each one and consider how to prevent them.
Turkey trap # 1 Improper drop shipping
Drop shipping can be a great way to run a lean operation, but improper drop shipping can quickly lead to Amazon seller account suspension. Amazon has strict guidelines on drop shipping, requiring control over the customer experience and avoiding anything that looks like “retail arbitrage.”
- Common turkey trap: Listing items as “in stock” when your supplier hasn’t confirmed inventory.
- How to avoid it: Confirm your supplier’s stock before listing items and set realistic ship-by dates. Regularly communicate with your drop shipping suppliers, particularly before and during peak sales times, to confirm availability and shipping estimates.
- Riverbend expertise: If your account faces suspension due to a drop shipping violation, our experts will work with you to create a clear and compliant action plan. We’ll identify where the issues arose, document corrective measures, and prepare a comprehensive appeal that details how you’ll prevent future occurrences.
Remember, an ounce of prevention saves you from a world of hurt later on. One suspended listing can put your entire account at risk.
Turkey trap # 2 Overreporting IP Claims (overusing the ‘Report A Violation/IP Tool’)
Amazon provides you with some tools to help protect your intellectual property, but overuse can backfire. Overreporting IP violations often leads to Amazon reviewing your account, which can become a headache if you’ve made mistakes.
- Common turkey trap: Reporting competitors for minor infringements without understanding Amazon’s policies thoroughly.
- How to avoid it: Only report valid violations and understand the guidelines for a legitimate claim. Excessive or improper IP complaints can look suspicious to Amazon, and they take misuse of the Report A Violation tool seriously. Stick to reporting significant infringements only and ensure you have evidence to back up each claim.
- Riverbend expertise: Riverbend Consulting helps you recognize genuine IP violations and avoid unnecessary complaints that could draw unwanted attention to your account. If you’ve already overused the Report A Violation tool and are now facing a potential suspension, we’ll guide you through crafting a carefully worded appeal backed by evidence and clear corrective actions. Our experience with similar cases helps us anticipate Amazon’s response, so we can help you make a strong case for reinstatement.
Turkey trap # 3 Not verifying account permissions
Amazon takes linked accounts seriously. If your account permissions are set incorrectly, it can appear as though you’re managing multiple seller accounts—something Amazon prohibits without prior approval.
- Common turkey trap: Failing to audit account permissions, especially when multiple team members or freelancers have access.
- How to avoid it: Regularly review and verify who has access to your account, especially if you’ve recently added new team members. Double-check that access levels are appropriate, and be cautious about sharing your login credentials. Linked accounts can be a nightmare to undo, and Amazon is quick to shut down accounts it suspects of cross-use.
- Riverbend expertise: We offer audits of your account permissions to ensure they’re appropriately set, protecting you from accidental links that Amazon could misinterpret. We provide guidelines on secure sharing of credentials and team access to reduce the risk of linked accounts. If you’re dealing with a linked account suspension, our team will investigate to understand the connection and explain to Amazon how it might have been a misunderstanding. We work with you to make a compelling case that your accounts are unrelated or that no policy violation has occurred.
Don’t risk an Amazon seller account suspension because of a simple oversight. Keep a tight grip on account access and permissions.
Turkey trap # 4 Failing to monitor FBA reimbursements
Amazon’s updated 60-day reimbursement policy means that if you don’t track your inventory closely, you could lose money for lost or damaged items. Overlooking FBA reimbursements can add up to thousands in losses if left unchecked.
- Common turkey trap: Relying solely on Amazon’s reimbursement reports and not checking your inventory discrepancies independently.
- How to avoid It: Set a routine to review inventory regularly and request reimbursements for lost or damaged items within the 60-day window. Don’t let Amazon’s reporting be your only check; take matters into your own hands and make sure you get back what you’re owed.
- Riverbend expertise: If you’ve overlooked reimbursements or are past due on several claims, we’ll help gather the necessary documentation to submit late reimbursement appeals. Our knowledge of Amazon’s reimbursement guidelines means we know exactly what to include for a strong, effective submission.
Every dollar counts, especially in a business where margins can be tight. Protect your revenue by staying on top of your reimbursements. Enlist the help of Riverbend Consulting to help you manage your reimbursements and put money back into your growing business.
Turkey trap # 5 Backed-up books
Keeping up with your finances isn’t just about taxes; it’s about making informed decisions that help your business stay competitive and compliant. Waiting until the end of the year to close your books can lead to a backlog of data that’s tough to handle all at once.
- Common turkey trap: Relying on a last-minute tax scramble instead of closing your books monthly.
- How to avoid it: Schedule monthly bookkeeping sessions to ensure all your financial data is current and complete. Not only will this make tax season easier, but it’ll also give you an accurate picture of your finances throughout the year.
Stay on top of your finances and avoid the year-end rush that could land you in hot water with the IRS.
Turkey trap # 6: Delayed product testing
If your inventory includes toys, personal care items, or ingestible products, then safety testing is an absolute must, particularly before the holidays when sales skyrocket. Failing to keep certifications current can lead to account suspensions or removal of your listings.
- Common turkey trap: Delaying safety checks and documentation updates.
- How to avoid it: Prioritize testing for all children’s products, supplements and topical items before peak seasons. Make sure you have current CPSIA, HRIPT, or other necessary documentation. For any new products, initiate safety tests well in advance to avoid shipping delays.
- Riverbend expertise: If Amazon has flagged your product for missing or incomplete testing, we assist in gathering the necessary documents and drafting appeals demonstrating your commitment to compliance. This way, you can reinstate your listings and avoid repeat issues in the future.
When it comes to safety compliance, the sooner, the better.
Turkey trap # 7: Shipping shortcuts
The holiday season can make it tempting to cut corners in order to keep up with demand, but rushed shipping can lead to tracking errors, customer complaints and even account suspension if Amazon sees too many violations.
- Common turkey trap: Confirming shipments in Seller Central before they’re actually shipped can lead to the dreaded “shipped but not received” issue.
- How to avoid it: Double-check your shipment details before confirming them in Seller Central. For drop-shippers, ensure your suppliers can handle holiday volumes without delays. If you’re self-shipping, proof every shipment before it goes out.
- If you’re already dealing with a suspension or complaints due to shipping issues, we’ll assist in submitting an Amazon POA (Plan of Action) that outlines your improved process. We know what Amazon wants and will guide you in implementing the correct changes to keep your account in good standing.
Precision protects your account and your bottom line.
Riverbend Consulting can help you turn Amazon Turkey Traps into growth opportunities
As the holiday season ramps up, the risks associated with Amazon’s policies and performance expectations increase. At Riverbend Consulting, we’re here to help you sidestep these traps before they become problems. If your account does get tangled up, don’t panic. We’re ready to guide you through to a resolution.
Our mission is simple: help Amazon sellers like you avoid unnecessary risks, recover from setbacks and ultimately run successful businesses with confidence. With Riverbend Consulting, you have a team that understands Amazon’s systems, policies and requirements inside-out. Focus on growing your sales and let us help keep your account healthy and your business on track.
Contact us for expert help with these 7 Turkey Traps and other complex Amazon seller account issues.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Seller Account Health. Solved.
