Amazon reinstates a top seller's account after unjust suspension

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• Amazon reinstates a top seller's account after unjust suspension

• Walmart now has an Amazon Vine counterpart

• A better way to handle account suspensions?

• Get that extra layer of protection: How to obtain proof of commercial liability insurance

BIG IDEAAmazon reinstates a top seller's account after unjust suspension

Last week, Eli Herskovich, CEO of Freedom USA Sales and Robot Vacuums which garners $1 million in monthly sales, shared on ASGTG's Facebook group that his account was suspended for the first time in 6 years. Ed Rosenberg, ASGTG founder, reposted this on LinkedIn.

👀 Here's what happened:

• Herskovich's account was suspended for being connected to his other new account. This new account was a renewed account recently launched.

• Amazon suspected that he issued a forged invoice to sell a brand. Amazon called his supplier twice to verify but couldn't reach them. They concluded that he had submitted a forged invoice.

• He was asked for proof that he didn't submit a forged invoice. Herskovich sent a video showing the invoice from his supplier and the one he sent to Amazon's the same.

• When Amazon dismissed the evidence, he contacted Amazon seller help on Twitter and filed a complaint with BBB (Better Business Bureau). But Amazon was still adamant about not reinstating his account.

On November 23, Rosenberg updated the seller community with news that Amazon had reinstated Herskovich's account. However, some user comments question whether Herskovich was compensated for losses and the lack of protection within the seller community.

It's relieving to see unjust suspensions turn around, but for some, this is just another example of the swiftness and damage of an Amazon suspension. If this could happen to a brand like Herskovich's, what's preventing this from happening to any brand?

AMAZON NEWSWalmart now has an Amazon Vine counterpart

Walmart recently informed its brand registered owners about "Plum's Field Agent" program, as reported by EcommerceBytes. This will allow them to pay $15 for each product review instead of resorting to black hat tactics.

🕵️ Here are some things you need to know about this program:

• If you're interested, head to this page on Plumshop.com. Choose whether you need ratings and reviews for Walmart in-store or online purchases.

• After purchasing Ratings & Reviews from Plum, a task appears in the Field Agent app. The Field Agent shopper accepts the task, buys your product, tries it, and writes an honest review about it.

• Sellers have a code to get 25% off their first Field Agent order.

• Amazon has its in-house product review program called Vine. Last month, they offered sellers a discounted rate of $100 per parent ASIN enrollment (usually $200).

Walmart and Amazon know that product reviews influence customers' purchasing decisions. According to Amazon, joining the Vine program could increase sales of new or slow-moving items by up to 19%. So if you're a Walmart seller, consider leveraging this new program to boost your sales!

BITES OF THE WEEK:

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• Amazon likely to settle multiple EU antitrust cases by end of 2022 - News18

• It’s not your imagination: Shopping on Amazon has gotten worse - The Washington Post

TRENDINGA better way to handle account suspensions?

Unfortunately, as careful as you think you might be, you never know when an account suspension is coming for you. Ed Rosenberg, founder of the Amazon Sellers Group, thought of a solution to false positive account suspensions. He shared his ideas on LinkedIn, asking other sellers to weigh in.

💭 The proposed scheme?

• The suspended seller and Amazon must both pay to hire a panel of neutral arbitrators.

• Within 24 hours, these two parties will connect on Zoom to discuss the suspension.

• The neutral party will listen to both sides.

• If Amazon can't justify the reason for suspension, the seller will get their money back, and Amazon will reinstate their account.

• However, if the seller is proven guilty, no funds will be returned, and the suspension will proceed.

🗣️ What other sellers are saying: Many commenters support the idea mainly because it establishes the process that prevents Amazon from suspending sellers without a valid reason. Those affected could resolve the suspension by actually talking to Amazon support rather than just sending out a plan of action and an appeal letter.

Others acknowledge the idea but refuse to believe this could play out because "it ignores that Amazon doesn't care about its sellers."

ACTIONABLE ADVICEGet that extra layer of protection: How to obtain proof of commercial liability insurance

Commercial liability insurance ensures that your business and customers are protected against risks like property damage or personal injury in case your products are defective.

How to become insured, according to Amazon Seller University:

1. Access the Insurance Accelerator Tool in Seller Central.

2. Click "Account Info" in the Settings Menu.

3. Select "Business Insurance"

4. Choose from the curated list of available policies and coverages. If you have another insurer in mind, make sure they adhere to Amazon's rules.

To submit to Amazon:

1. On the Insurance Accelerator Tool, click "Upload Proof of insurance."

2. Enter the insurance provider name exactly as it appears on your COI.

3. Enter the "Name of Insured." This is your company name or your name.

4. Enter your insurance policy number.

5. Select the correct policy beginning and ending dates.

6. Upload only the one-page COI.

Now, feel at ease knowing that your brand, products, and customers are better protected!