Amazon Seller Documentation: Protecting Your Business

Introduction:
As an Amazon seller, maintaining proper documentation is crucial for protecting your business and resolving potential issues on the platform. Amazon frequently requests documentation for various purposes, including account reinstatement and safeguarding against fraudulent activities. This comprehensive guide will outline the essential documentation required for Amazon sellers and explain how each document contributes to protecting your business.
Seller Account Verification Docs:
Verification is an ongoing process on Amazon, and sellers may be required to provide documentation when updating account details or facing verification checks. To ensure a smooth verification process, keep the following documents readily available:

1. Identity Verification: Provide a valid identification document such as a passport, driver's license, or national ID that matches the information on your seller account.
2. Business Documentation: If applicable, be prepared to present your business license, bank statements, credit card statements, or utility bills to verify your business entity and address.  If your account is suspended for verification failure, we can help you.
   
   
   

Certificate of Liability Insurance:
For Professional Seller Accounts with monthly sales exceeding $10,000, Amazon requires sellers to maintain Commercial General Liability insurance. Make sure to have a Certificate of Liability Insurance that meets the following criteria:

1. Coverage Amount: The policy must provide at least $1,000,000 in coverage.
2. Coverage Type: Ensure your policy includes Products Liability coverage (Products/Completed Operations) to protect against potential liability arising from the products you sell on Amazon.
3. Additional Insureds: Name Amazon.com Services LLC and its affiliates as additional insured parties on the certificate.
4. Policy Rating and Deductible: The insurance policy should have a company rating of A- or better and a deductible of less than $10,000, if applicable.

Documentation for Anyone Accessing Your Seller Account:
Maintaining control and oversight of your Seller Central account is essential. Document the relationships with individuals or entities that have access to your account to safeguard against any unwanted associations. Keep the following documentation:

1. Contracts and Termination Letters: Have dated contracts and termination letters for employees, service providers, 3PLs, warehouses, software providers, and contractors. Clearly define the scope of their work and ensure proper termination protocols are followed.
2. Change of Ownership: If the ownership of your company changes, document the creation or termination of partnerships and provide clear evidence of when these changes took place. Update all relevant information within your account accordingly.

Documentation for Brand Owners:
As a brand owner, you need to provide specific documentation to protect your brand and intellectual property rights on Amazon:

1. Trademark/Patent Registration: Registering your trademark or patent is crucial for enrolling in Amazon's Brand Registry. Include proof of your trademark or patent registration to strengthen your brand protection and access additional tools offered by the Brand Registry.
2. Copyright Registration: Protect your product descriptions, images, and other copyrighted materials by registering them with the appropriate copyright authorities. Copyright registration helps in asserting your intellectual property rights and acting against infringements.
3. GS1 Certificate: Ensure you obtain GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) from GS1, a globally recognized organization that provides unique identifiers for products. Amazon verifies the authenticity of GTINs through the GS1 database, so having a valid GS1 certificate establishes the credibility of your products.
4. Proof of Relationship: If your company name differs from your brand name, maintain documentation proving the relationship between the two. This can include a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate, a trademark certificate showing your company as the owner, or a licensing agreement.
5. Invoices from Suppliers: Maintain detailed records of your relationship with suppliers and manufacturers, including contracts and invoices. These invoices should demonstrate the authenticity and legitimacy of the products you sell on Amazon.
   
   
   Conclusion:
   Proper documentation is vital for Amazon sellers to protect their businesses, navigate account-related issues, and assert their rights as brand owners. By maintaining the required documentation, you can ensure a smooth verification process, comply with Amazon's policies, and demonstrate the legitimacy of your products.
   
   By having these documents readily available and up to date, you can respond promptly to Amazon's requests, ensure compliance with their policies, and protect your business from potential infringements, suspensions, or unauthorized associations.
   
   Remember that documentation requirements may vary based on your specific circumstances, so it's essential to stay informed about any changes in Amazon's policies and adapt your documentation accordingly.
   
   By prioritizing documentation and maintaining accurate records, you can navigate the Amazon marketplace with confidence, safeguard your business, and demonstrate your commitment to operating within Amazon's guidelines.  
   
   Remember, we are always here for you, 24 hours a day.  Call, chat, email or submit your question for a free consultation anytime.