Introduction

In recent months, there has been a notable increase in Amazon seller account deactivations resulting from insufficient supply chain documentation during In-Person Interviews (IPIs). This article delves into the reasons behind this trend, the specific documentation Amazon requires, and strategies sellers can employ to safeguard their accounts.

Understanding In-Person Interviews (IPIs)

Amazon conducts In-Person Interviews (IPIs) to verify the authenticity and legality of products sold on its platform. During these interviews, sellers are expected to provide comprehensive supply chain documentation, including invoices, receipts, and supplier information. Failure to furnish adequate documentation can lead to account deactivation under Section 3 of Amazon's Business Solutions Agreement.

Common Reasons for Account Deactivation

Several factors contribute to account deactivation during IPIs:

• Incomplete Documentation: Sellers often fail to provide all necessary documents, such as detailed invoices or receipts, which are crucial for verifying product authenticity. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Unverifiable Suppliers: If a supplier's information cannot be confirmed, Amazon may question the legitimacy of the products, leading to deactivation. This particularly impacts sellers who use retail arbitrage, as retailers usually will not provide documentation from their suppliers. We have even see wholesale suppliers refuse to provide documentation of their supply chain, citing trade secrets as a reason.
• Forged or Manipulated Documents: Submitting altered or counterfeit documents is a serious violation that results in immediate account suspension.

Steps to Protect Your Amazon Seller Account

To mitigate the risk of account deactivation, sellers should:

• Maintain Detailed Records: Keep comprehensive and up-to-date invoices, receipts, and supply chain documents readily available.
• Verify Supplier Credibility: Ensure that suppliers are legitimate and willing to provide necessary documentation upon request.
• Ask for Letters of Authorization (LOA): Always ask your supplier to give documentation that they are an authorized wholesaler of the brands you are buying from them and always ask for a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the brand ensuring they have wholesale rights. Go the extra mile and ask for an LOA for your Amazon store.
• Prepare for IPIs: Familiarize yourself with the IPI process and gather all required documents in advance to present during the interview.
• Seek Professional Assistance: If faced with potential deactivation, consult with experts to navigate the appeals process effectively.

Conclusion

The surge in account deactivations we have seen due to inadequate supply chain documentation underscores the importance of thorough preparation and compliance with Amazon's policies. By maintaining detailed records and ensuring supplier credibility by obtaining not only proper invoices, but suppliers' invoices ahead of time (before an IPI), sellers can protect their accounts and continue to thrive on the platform.

Need Assistance?

If you're facing account deactivation or need guidance on compliance, contact AMZ Sellers Attorney® for a consultation. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the complexities of Amazon's policies and safeguard your business.