Sticking to Amazon’s rules is key to keeping your business smooth and hassle-free. Follow the guidelines, and things will run a lot more easily with fewer roadblocks.

Must-Have Requirements for Your Seller Account Setup

To get your Amazon seller account in shape, there are a few key steps to follow. A professional account means verifying your identity with a government-issued ID and hopping on a video call with an Amazon rep. Two-step verification is a must — it’s the extra layer of protection your business needs. You’ll need an internationally chargeable credit card linked up for subscription fees and any other charges that pop up. Accurate tax details are essential, so make sure your business tax ID and state tax paperwork are in order. A separate business email, distinct from your personal Amazon account, keeps everything running smoothly.

Product Listing Rules to Keep Your Items Live

Product titles should fall between 80 and 100 characters for most items, though electronics can go up to 150. Your main photo needs to be at least 1000x1600 pixels with a white background, and you can add up to eight more images. Descriptions should cover all the important details, with up to 2,000 characters to do it. Each category has its own rules — pet supplies need shorter titles, and jewelry listings must list the metal type. Watch out for terms like "100% natural," "Amazon choice," or any medical claims — these can get your listing yanked.

Inventory Rules to Protect Your Seller Status

The Inventory Performance Index (IPI) tracks how well you’re managing your FBA stock, including things like excess inventory, sell-through rates, and in-stock levels. A score above 450 is solid, but anything below 350 might mean storage limits. Storage fees on Amazon shift with the seasons. They spike from October to December and drop from January to September, depending on how much space your inventory takes up. Keep an eye on your Account Health Index (AHI). It tracks key metrics like order defects, shipping performance, and inventory compliance — helping you avoid suspension and stay on top of amazon seller rules. After 365 days, long-term storage fees of $6.90 per cubic foot kick in. After 730 days, they jump to $15.00 per cubic foot. There’s also a minimum charge of $0.15 per unit each month for items stored over 365 days, no matter their size.

Shipping Rules to Maintain Good Account Health

Sellers need to keep a 90% on-time delivery rate for seller-fulfilled products by September 25, 2024, or risk losing their listings. Packages must be in transparent poly bags, at least 1.5 mil thick, with sealed edges and barcodes visible for scanning. Shipping boxes can’t be more than 25 inches on any side or weigh over 50 pounds. They also need to be sturdy, with intact flaps. When confirming shipments through Seller Central, bulk feeds, APIs, or integrators, Amazon requires tracking numbers and carrier names. International shipments must follow specific country rules and size limits. Packages can’t exceed 108 inches in length or width.

Customer Service Rules Every Seller Must Follow

Refunds need to be processed within two business days after a return is received. Standard returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Messages to buyers should stick to order issues or customer service. No promotions or requests for positive reviews. Make sure your page loads in under 2 seconds — anything longer and 43% of users will leave. Returns on items over $300 might take up to 30 days to process, so keep customers updated throughout. Check customer feedback daily and respond professionally. You can send automated feedback requests within 30 days after the order completes.

Price Rules to Keep Your Listings Active

Sellers need to price their products to cover everything: product costs, FBA fees, software, and still make a solid profit — aiming for at least 25%. Third-party sellers can now list items at different prices across marketplaces without risking ASIN suppression or account suspension. But, watch out — Amazon will still price match and might suppress the Buy Box if your price isn’t competitive. For deals, products need a strong sales history and a minimum 3-star rating. Lightning Deals? They come with specific unit commitments, time slots, and Prime eligibility. Stick to Amazon’s Fair Pricing Policy. Fix any pricing errors fast — adjust your minimum, standard, and maximum prices right in Seller Central. With the new coupon policy, products now need a sales history before getting coupons. This helps keep things competitive and stops price manipulation.

Health Metrics to Monitor for Account Success

Keep that order defect rate below 1%. Negative feedback, A-to-Z claims, and chargebacks can quickly pile up, so stay on top of them to avoid suspension. Late shipments? Keep that rate under 4%. Shipping on time is key — miss it, and your account could be at risk. Only cancel when you absolutely must. If your pre-fulfillment cancellation rate hits 2.5% in a week, you’re asking for trouble. Make it a habit to check your Account Health dashboard daily. Catch any red flags early and keep everything running smoothly. Stay on top of your numbers in Seller Central: ODR under 1%, late shipments under 4%, cancellations under 2.5%, and no policy violations. Keep it clean.

Required Documents to Keep Your Account Safe

Make sure your Amazon business has invoices that clearly show supplier details, purchase dates within the past 365 days, matching addresses, and full payment records. You'll also need manufacturer documentation to prove your products are authentic, like contracts and supplier relationships that line up with your Seller Central info. Don’t forget the Commercial General Liability insurance with a $1,000,000 minimum coverage. Amazon needs to be named as an additional insured, and the policy must have an A- rating or better. Keep business licenses, bank statements, and utility bills on hand for quick account verification, especially when making updates. And, make sure you’ve got proper documentation for anyone accessing your Seller Central account — think contracts and termination letters for employees, contractors, or service providers.

Final Thoughts

Staying on top of Amazon’s rules can feel like a juggling act, but it’s totally worth it. Keep things organized, keep your details up to date, and you’ll avoid the headaches that come with account issues.