An Amazon account suspension is a real threat to the existence of many retailers today. Amazon's systems are reacting ever more quickly and often automatically - handwritten rating request cards in particular are increasingly leading to immediate blocks. Those who are caught can usually only hope to return to selling with a convincing, professionally structured Amazon action plan.
The requirements are high: Amazon expects a precise analysis of the causes, clear measures and comprehensible prevention. Every step counts, because standard texts or apologies do not help, but at best cause further delays. Retailers must deliver what Amazon wants to see in a timely manner - factually, in a structured manner and, if possible, with supporting documents.
In the blog, I show what is important now, what mistakes are often made and how an effective action plan is structured. Anyone who recognizes the seriousness of the situation and does not underestimate the controls can take targeted countermeasures and regain their sales rights.
Amazon attaches great importance to smooth trading and maximum customer satisfaction. As strict as the rules are, Amazon is also relentless when it comes to violating sales guidelines. Anyone who sells on Amazon quickly realizes that even small mistakes, such as handwritten rating request cards, can quickly lead to an account being blocked. And right now, there are an increasing number of cases in which precisely such small things lead to immediate bans - as the latest videos from the seller community clearly show.
So how do you react? The answer: with an Amazon action plan. This document is the key to being allowed to sell again after a ban. Read here to find out what's behind it and when you need the action plan.
An Amazon action plan (often called a "plan of action") is a structured, written statement to Amazon that sets out in detail:
These three components are mandatory. Amazon is not interested in excuses or legal threats. Instead, Amazon wants to understand that you have your processes under control - and are actively working on the quality of your listings.
Think of the action plan as a lifeline that only works if it consists of strong and credible individual parts. The clearer, more factual and verifiable your information is, the better your chances of regaining the right to sell.
Important points for a successful action plan:
This shows that you have understood what Amazon is really about: sustainable process improvement instead of just eliminating errors.
You always need an Amazon action plan if your seller account or individual products have been blocked on the platform. Typical occasions are, for example
As soon as an account has been blocked, Amazon will inform you of the reason by email and explicitly request that you submit a valid action plan within a statutory period of usually 17 days. If Amazon does not receive a convincing action plan, the account will remain permanently blocked.
Very important:
A meaningful Amazon action plan is therefore not an option, but a must for anyone who wants to get back on the platform after a lockdown. Those who are prepared, openly analyze their previous mistakes and react with real measures usually get back to selling faster - and can concentrate on the essentials again: successful trading on Amazon.
Account suspensions on Amazon are no longer a rarity and often catch merchants completely unprepared - especially recently, new reasons for suspensions such as handwritten review request cards have caused uncertainty. In order to take a targeted approach with an effective Amazon action plan, it is important to know the typical causes and consistently avoid typical sources of error.
Amazon monitors seller accounts with strict algorithms and AI systems. Anyone who violates guidelines or quality standards quickly risks losing their business. In most cases, retailers do not violate the guidelines out of malicious intent - even minor negligence is often enough. The most important reasons at a glance:
For a quick overview, here is a summary of the most common specific triggers:
If one or more of the above-mentioned causes are detected, the account is usually blocked without much warning - often automatically, sometimes after a warning. The familiar message "Your account has been deactivated" then appears in Seller Central. Loss of sales, frozen payouts and the loss of regular customers are the immediate consequences.
Photo by Tobias Dziuba
TriggersTypical risk for merchantsHandwritten review requestsImmediate account suspensionPoor seller performance (ODR too high)Warning, then suspensionManipulative reviews/recensoringPermanent removal of listing rightsFake/unchecked productsPermanent or temporary suspensionMultiple accounts without authorizationComplete suspension of all accountsFaulty product descriptionsProduct or category suspension
If you know the typical causes and remain vigilant, you will create a solid basis for a successful return after a lockdown with a tailor-made Amazon action plan.
Nowadays, an Amazon action plan often determines economic survival on the marketplace. The error rate among banned seller accounts has never been as high as it is now, especially since bans due to handwritten rating request cards have become commonplace. If you don't know exactly how to structure an action plan correctly, you are wasting valuable time - and often your second chance. Amazon requires a well thought-out, factual and structured presentation. With the right structure, you can avoid rejections and significantly increase your chances of a return.
When writing the Amazon action plan, many sellers repeatedly fall into typical traps - mostly out of nervousness, sometimes out of ignorance or because the problem was sent too quickly. In recent cases involving handwritten review request cards, two new videos from the seller community show how many sellers are still arguing against the plan and waiting weeks for feedback.
Important mistakes - and how to avoid them:
Error checklist for your next action plan:
If you align your Amazon action plan with these points, you have a noticeably better chance of reactivating your account promptly and successfully. Especially now that Amazon is reacting even more sensitively to formal errors and evasive texts in current trend cases, precision is a must. To summarize: The more structured, factual and self-critical your arguments are, the faster you'll be back in sales.
As soon as the Amazon action plan has been sent, perhaps the most nerve-wracking part of the process begins for many sellers: waiting for feedback and handling further communication with Amazon. This phase determines how quickly and whether the return to sales will be successful at all. Especially with the current blocks triggered by handwritten review request cards (see the two new videos that are hotly debated in seller forums and YouTube), it is now even more important to take the next step in a cool and prepared manner.
After sending the action plan to verkaeufer-performance@amazon.de, you first need to be patient. Amazon usually checks the submitted documents first by machine, then by employees abroad. Processing takes a few working days on average - although it can take longer in individual cases. In the meantime, the seller's account continues to stand still, payouts are frozen and new sales are not possible.
This is how it typically works:
Especially now that many suspensions due to handwritten rating request cards are rejected the first time, it is important to implement the tips from the feedback precisely. The videos from the seller community often show that a targeted revision of the first plan has led to a successful unblocking.
When the account is blocked, almost all standard channels in Seller Central are blocked. All communication then takes place exclusively via the e-mail address stated in the blocking notification (usually verkaeufer-performance@amazon.de). Direct contacts or telephone calls to the German support team rarely provide a solution.
Important tips for communication:
Those who remain professional, factual and precise stand out positively from the many emotionally charged messages that reach Amazon every day.
Amazon's response varies and depends heavily on the quality and accuracy of the plan submitted. The following scenarios are the most common:
An overview of how Amazon typically responds to submitted action plans:
ReactionMeaning for youRecommended next stepAcceptedAccount will be unblockedResume saleRevision requestedRevision required, detailed checkRevise plan specifically and resubmitCompletely rejectedFurther communication blockedTake legal actionInvolve lawyer
The response time is usually between 2 and 7 working days. At peak times or in complex cases, Amazon can also take several weeks. During this time, you will not receive any detailed status updates - which requires patience and nerves of steel.
Important tip: Process every response from Amazon carefully and provide the requested information. Retailers who object too quickly or too sweepingly usually only extend the block.
Amazon scrutinizes action plans meticulously, but every clear, honest and documented response brings you one step closer to selling again. Check your mailbox regularly (including the spam folder), keep all documents to hand and use the lessons learned from the latest seller videos, which focus in particular on measures relating to handwritten review request cards. If you focus your response on Amazon now, you have a good chance of a successful and quick re-entry.
The best defense against an Amazon account suspension? Don't get into this situation in the first place. More and more sellers are currently being banned for new reasons such as handwritten review request cards - as shown by two new videos from the scene that are keeping seller forums and YouTube busy. If you're smart now, you'll need to convert your processes to security and legal certainty at an early stage. Ideally, the complex Amazon action plan will remain a topic for others - and business will continue undisturbed.
Amazon is setting ever tougher standards. The algorithms detect even minor errors immediately. Retailers who rely solely on routine run the risk of unnecessary bans. Better: focus on clear control of your processes and train your team regularly. Make sure that everyone really knows the current Amazon guidelines, especially in the section on reviews, communication and product information.
Important points that you should pay attention to regularly:
A suspension almost never occurs without warning. A notice usually appears in Seller Central beforehand, for example in the event of poor performance or too many returns. Many retailers ignore these messages - a big mistake. If you don't react immediately, you will quickly receive the final block after the warning.
How to recognize warning signs early on:
React immediately: revise processes, delete potential problem products from the range, document everything internally - this way you are prepared in the event of an emergency and can show Amazon quick improvements.
Currently, the majority of bans are due to manipulative rating requests - handwritten cards in particular have practically become a red flag. In two much-discussed videos, sellers share their experiences and warn that even small requests for reviews using an enclosed card now lead to an immediate ban. Amazon is now enforcing the policy uncompromisingly.
Make sure you stick to these basic rules:
Delivery and quality problems are among the most frequent triggers for suspensions. Hand on heart: Amazon's inspection algorithms now detect delivery problems, mix-ups during shipping and incorrectly declared products in a matter of seconds.
These measures will keep you clean:
Many sellers rely on luck instead of control - until the first lockdown. Set up documentation processes early on: If in doubt, you can show Amazon at any time that checks, training and improvements are really being carried out.
Draw up a short routine checklist:
Example table for regular checks:
Check pointsRecommendationCheck intervalProduct data correctMonthly check1x per monthTraining on reviewsAfter every Amazon updateImmediatelyCheck delivery metricsRegularly in Seller CentralWeeklyCheck returns/ODR rateCompare after every quarterEvery 3 months
Change begins with honesty: those who deal openly with mistakes learn more quickly. Build a culture in which missteps are not covered up, but addressed immediately and documented properly. This makes your company safer and gives you credible arguments for the Amazon action plan in an emergency.
Takeaway:
Prevention is the simplest and most effective way to sell safely and sustainably on Amazon. The greatest leverage lies in training, control and clean handling of the review processes - especially now that the platform is taking much tougher action against violations with new algorithms and strict rules. If you don't wait until the next reason for blocking becomes a problem, you will save yourself time, money and a lot of stress.
Amazon tightens controls. Recently, seller forums and YouTube have been full of reports about a new wave of bans, as impressively demonstrated by two recent videos from the community. Anyone who now encloses handwritten review requests in their package is playing with fire - Amazon's machines now often take action within hours and block accounts mercilessly. This catches many retailers completely off guard, as review request cards used to be considered harmless. Those days are finally over.
Handwritten review request cards have long been an easy way to encourage honest customer feedback. In the meantime, however, Amazon has taken aim at this approach. Even inserting a small card with a friendly request for a review is now enough to get your account blocked immediately. The two new videos that are currently doing the rounds in retailer groups show this very clearly:
retailers report that even completely neutral, non-incentivized review requests have been sanctioned. Amazon now considers these cards to be an unlawful attempt to influence the rating system - regardless of whether an advantage is promised or not.
Important points on the current trend:
This makes it clear that evaluation requests via physical cards in the package are now a red flag. Retailers should consistently refrain from doing so and inform all colleagues immediately.
Amazon relies on artificial intelligence to detect and quickly punish rule violations. Most of the control mechanisms are now based on automated systems that evaluate suspicious patterns in several areas:
Precisely because the AI filters are constantly being improved, they now recognize tricks within minutes that previously slipped through. Many retailers report after analyzing their blocking data: Lately, even a small mistake is often enough for the algorithm to sound the alarm and immediately trigger a block - a real turning point for anyone who does not regularly scrutinize routine activities.
This can be seen in concrete terms:
Compared to previous years, the margin of error on the seller side has fallen to practically zero. Retailers should therefore constantly check their processes and take immediate action in the event of the slightest uncertainty.
The two new video reports from the seller community also illustrate how quickly knowledge is currently spreading. While those affected have mostly acted individually in the past, many retailers are now openly warning which methods will immediately lead to a ban. The mood is tense, as even long-time professionals are suddenly affected.
Typical reactions and tips from the scene:
If you don't react consistently now, you will quickly end up on the sidelines. It is important to continuously monitor the latest findings from the community and implement them immediately.
TrendRisiko für SellerWas ist zu tun?BewertungsanfragenkartenSofortige SperreSofort abstellen, bestehende Karten entsorgenKI-basierte KontosperrungenAutomatisierte SperrenProzesse prüfen, Fehlerquellen ausschließenMehrfache Accounts/IPsKomplettsperreKlare Strukturen und Dokumentation
This change is noticeable. Those who adapt to the new rules early on and take prevention seriously can currently avoid risky lockdowns almost completely. However, those who continue to follow the old patterns are putting their sales authorization at risk without need.
Not every block on Amazon can be solved single-handedly. Especially now, when new blocking reasons such as handwritten rating request cards are hitting sellers in droves - currently discussed in the two new videos from the community - more and more retailers are faced with the question: Is my own know-how still sufficient or do I need targeted support? A professional view from the outside often provides the necessary clarity and ultimately saves time, money and nerves. Anyone who does not take the warning signs seriously or dwells too long on rejected plans runs the risk of being permanently blocked.
Some cases are so complex or critical that professional help is almost mandatory. Such constellations are occurring more and more frequently since Amazon has tightened automated blocking mechanisms and even seemingly minor errors are no longer tolerated.
The most important events include:
Those who work with professionals benefit from experience gained from hundreds or even thousands of similar cases. This is not only noticeable in the result, but also in dealing with Amazon itself.
These are the most important benefits at a glance:
Not every provider on the market delivers what they promise. It's worth taking a close look before working together. Most importantly:
Sometimes there is no getting around legal assistance. This is especially true when Amazon stops communicating altogether (final rejection) or when it comes to legally sensitive cases such as trademark infringements, allegations of fraud or competition law violations. Specialized law firms know the particularities of the marketplace, deal with Amazon directly and can also take legal action in case of doubt. In everyday life, however, an experienced Amazon agency is sufficient for most blocks.
Nobody likes to spend money on advice or professional help. But when it comes to blocking, it's often not "cheap" that counts, but "effective and fast". The two new videos on the current wave of lockdowns clearly show that many sellers who experimented on their own for too long lost valuable time - and therefore money and ranking. It pays to involve professional support in good time if your own Amazon action plan does not lead to the desired result.
A professional Amazon action plan has become a matter of survival for sellers - especially now that two new videos impressively show how quickly handwritten review request cards can lead to a ban. If you want to continue selling successfully on Amazon, there is no way around clear processes, clean documentation and ongoing training.
Focus on simple, verifiable measures and be prepared to openly question your behavior. Regularly check the latest seller information, optimize internal processes and keep your team up to date. With a well-prepared action plan, you will not only win back Amazon's trust, but also strengthen your business for the future.
Success on Amazon is no longer a sure-fire success. Stay vigilant, share your experiences with other sellers and use any feedback from Amazon to become even better. Thanks for reading - we are interested in your opinion on your experiences with blocking reasons and the creation of action plans!
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