Your seller account was suspended. How to get it back

For a business that sells through Amazon, Shopify, eBay or a payment processor, a suspension can stop income overnight.

Read the notice closely

The reason given decides the response. Common ones are intellectual property complaints, product authenticity doubts, linked accounts, policy breaches and poor performance figures.

Do not open a new account

Marketplaces link accounts through bank details, devices and addresses. A second account usually leads to a permanent ban.

Write a plan of action

Amazon and most others expect three things: what caused the problem, what you did to fix it, and what you changed so it does not happen again. Keep it short and specific. Attach invoices, supplier letters and other proof.

If a rights owner complained

A complaint from a brand or copyright owner is often solved fastest by contacting that owner. If they withdraw it, the listing normally returns. If the complaint is false, say so with evidence.

Your money

Platforms often hold a seller's balance for 90 days or more after a suspension. The seller agreement sets out when it must be released.

When appeals fail

Most seller agreements send disputes to arbitration, not court. A lawyer's letter to the platform's legal department, or an arbitration demand, can move a case that the appeals queue will not.

This article is general information about the law. It is not legal advice and reading it does not make you a client of the firm. Laws change, so speak to a lawyer about your own situation.