I am reaching out to this forum in the hope of gaining some clarity and advice from those who may have faced similar issues or have insight into navigating such challenges. My account has been suspended, and despite my repeated efforts to comply with Amazon’s policies, provide documentation, and address all concerns raised, I continue to receive vague, automated responses without specific details or actionable feedback.
Background and Efforts Undertaken:
Here is a summary of the steps we have taken to address Amazon’s concerns:
The issue arise twin Amazon required documentation for Compliance with UK Establishment Proof Requirements
As a UK-born resident, I provided multiple forms of ID, including my UK driving license and passport. Despite this, Amazon has claimed we are not established in the UK.
VAT Registration and Compliance:
As of 1 December 2024, my business is fully VAT registered in the UK.
The VAT number has been verified on my Amazon Seller account, with all related documentation.
initially we was not VAT registered stead, however with so much struggle for months, proving this to Amazon that we are a UK establishment without a VAT number, it was clear to us that we need a further sure Amazon we are a UK establishment.
. However, when the documents were uploaded manually to Amazon, they were inexplicably rejected.
Address Verification:
Initially, we used a privacy-protected address (22 Wenlock Road), which we use to set up the company on copmanies house. After researching transparency requirements and how this was a service address, we updated it to our official office address ( 15 address hidden ) and backed this change with official government documentation. And utility bills and personal bank statements on the account holder and directors name.
Despite passing multiple address checks on Amazon’s system, manual verifications still resulted in rejections.
Supplier Information:
We provided detailed supplier documentation, including official data from our label company. However, these were rejected without clear reasoning or an opportunity to clarify any perceived shortcomings.
Bank Statements and utility bills
We submitted multiple bank statements from well-established UK high street banks, including Monzo, TSB, virgin money, meeting all Amazon’s requirements:
Dated within 180 days
Showing the provider’s logo, my name, and residential address
Matching the information on Seller Central
Amazon still rejected these without explanation, even though they were sourced directly from the banks.
Policy Understanding and Compliance
We have thoroughly reviewed Amazon’s policies, including the Amazon Services Europe Business Solutions Agreement, Selling on Amazon User Agreement, and the Funds Disbursement Eligibility Policy.
Impact on Our Business:
The suspension has caused severe financial and reputational damage, including:
Loss of over £50,000 in frozen funds.
Inability to pay suppliers and staff wages.
Tarnished reputation with customers built over 30 years.
Unsellable inventory worth thousands of pounds stuck in Amazon warehouses.
Struggling to manage business debts due to the suspension.
Transparency and Accountability
We take full accountability for any past misunderstandings or potential errors on our part. As a business, we are committed to improving our processes and adhering strictly to Amazon’s policies. We are prepared to address any concerns with additional documentation or operational changes.
Challenges with Communication
The most frustrating part of this process has been the lack of transparency and actionable feedback:
Amazon continues to send automated messages, stating that my account does not meet their requirements but without specifying what those unmet requirements are.
Despite submitting all requested documents and adhering to the outlined processes, the responses lack clarity and guidance for resolving the matter.
Next Steps
I am committed to resolving this situation and restoring our partnership with Amazon. However, I am left with no choice but to escalate this matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service if the situation is not addressed transparently. I believe our case demonstrates clear compliance efforts and a willingness to meet all expectations.
Call for Advice Has anyone here successfully reinstated their account in a similar situation? How did you overcome communication challenges with Amazon? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any guidance you can offer.