Starting as an Amazon seller was one of the most exciting steps I took in my business journey. I had spent months researching products, finding trustworthy suppliers, and carefully investing in inventory. For a while, everything went smoothly; sales were coming in, customer feedback was positive, and I was genuinely optimistic. But then, one night, everything changed.
The Unexpected Deactivation
Without any warning, Amazon suddenly deactivated my account under their Section 3 policy. Confused and desperate for answers, I combed through their guidelines, trying to understand what might have led to this decision. I’d heard of account suspensions, but to have my account deactivated entirely was a shock. After multiple reviews and reading other sellers' experiences, I knew I was in for a long wait. Amazon's policy meant that I wouldn’t have access to any funds for at least 90 days.
The 90-Day Wait and Beyond
Those 90 days were agonizing. I relied on my earnings not only to sustain my business but also to manage personal expenses. However, I trusted the process, waiting patiently, hoping that at the end of the 90 days, I’d receive my hard-earned funds.
But when 90 days came and went with no update, my heart sank. I reached out to Amazon, hoping to finally get my money and a resolution to my account status. Instead, I was informed that I needed to go through additional verification steps.
Verification Hurdles and Accusations
They asked me to provide documentation for my supply chain and undergo a video call. Although the request felt sudden and excessive, I complied immediately. I provided Amazon with everything they asked for: invoices, supplier contacts, and any paperwork that could support my business's legitimacy. I also completed the video verification call, hopeful that these steps would finally bring closure.
Just two days later, I received another email. Instead of unlocking my account or returning my funds, Amazon declared that my funds would be held indefinitely because they alleged I was involved in fraudulent activities. No specific details, no evidence — just an accusation that I couldn’t dispute. In the same email, Amazon stated they wouldn’t respond to any further communication regarding this case.
The Impact: Financial and Emotional
I was in disbelief. With one email, Amazon had taken $26,000 from me — funds I needed to pay suppliers, settle invoices with shipping companies, cover my bank loans, and, most importantly, care for my mother’s medical bills. The financial impact was devastating, but the emotional toll was even worse. This wasn’t just about money; it was about my livelihood, my family, and my life plans.
Amazon’s refusal to provide any concrete reasons left me feeling trapped, powerless, and unheard. I had followed every rule, provided all necessary documents, and jumped through every hoop. Yet here I was, labeled a “fraud” with no explanation and no recourse. I could no longer sustain my business, and my debts only grew. Each day since has felt like a struggle just to keep going.
A Plea for Change
I share my story not out of bitterness but as a call to action. How many other sellers are facing the same fate? Amazon’s system may be designed to protect customers, but at what cost to the people working hard to build businesses on their platform? The vague accusations, lack of transparency, and finality of their decisions leave sellers with no path forward, trapped in debt and despair.
To those who are still selling on Amazon, I urge you to protect yourselves, know your rights, and push for fair treatment. And for Amazon, I hope they recognize the impact of these policies and work toward a system that treats sellers as partners, not just potential risks.
Pinned by community manager
