Amazon and the policy on multiple selling accounts - what should you know?

16 Sept 2024

Amazon and the management of multiple selling accounts
Amazon allows the management of multiple selling accounts for legitimate business reasons. However, the lack of clearly defined criteria may lead sellers to wonder what conditions they must meet. Let’s look at the most common scenarios and requirements for having multiple accounts on Amazon.

Common reasons for having multiple accounts

  • Developing different brands: If you have diverse product lines, such as children’s clothing and men’s footwear, managing separate accounts allows for better tailoring of marketing strategies. Advertisements can focus on different aspects of the products, such as natural materials for children’s clothing and an exclusive look for men’s footwear.

  • Different business models: Sometimes it is necessary to operate two different business models that require separate accounts due to different product categories or markets. This can be more cost-effective from an accounting perspective.

Requirements for opening new accounts
Amazon requires sellers to have a good account standing before opening another. Creating multiple accounts to manipulate sales results or avoid negative reviews is strictly prohibited.

Important: both accounts will be linked. Issues on one account (e.g., market suspension) can affect the other account and vice versa. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the good standing of both accounts and regularly check notifications to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

Risks associated with manipulating accounts
Amazon detects linked accounts by analyzing, among other things:

  • cookies

  • digital fingerprint

  • IP address

  • user agent

  • company name

  • owner's name

  • company address

  • credit card

Manipulating sales results by creating a new account to avoid negative feedback may result in permanent suspension of both accounts.

Identity verification across different markets
Amazon's policy on multiple accounts may also cover individual markets within a single account. Sellers active only in EU markets may face account suspension due to a lack of identity verification in markets such as the USA, Australia, or Japan.

If you received a message about account suspension due to a breach of the Business Solution Agreement, contact us.

Summary
Understanding Amazon's rules regarding multiple accounts is essential to avoid issues. Ensure you meet all qualifying criteria and follow Amazon's guidelines to operate your business safely.

Do you have questions? Want to learn more? Contact us for help and support!