If you’re selling on Amazon and haven’t read the full Terms of Service (TOS), you’re not alone. Most sellers never do—until they get suspended. The TOS is long, dense, and written in Amazon’s signature blend of vagueness and control. But understanding it isn’t optional if you want to build a brand that lasts.
Here’s a breakdown of what the Amazon Seller TOS really says, why it matters, and what brands keep missing (until it’s too late).
Amazon’s TOS Isn’t Just Fine Print—It’s a Minefield
Think of the TOS as your binding agreement with Amazon. It gives them the right to suspend, suppress, and remove listings—or your entire account—at any time, for any perceived violation. And “violation” can mean anything from using the wrong image to adjusting your title too aggressively.
Here’s where most sellers get it wrong:
They assume if something technically works (like an image upload or keyword insertion), it must be allowed. But Amazon doesn’t always flag violations until you’ve crossed a threshold—and by then, it can trigger immediate action without warning.
What the Amazon Seller TOS Actually Says (Key Areas You Can’t Ignore)
- You Don’t Own the Buy Box
Amazon can remove or suppress your Buy Box for pricing violations, even if you’re the only seller on the listing. - You Must Accurately Represent Products
Product titles, bullet points, descriptions, images, and keywords must match what you’re actually selling. Any attempt to “stretch” language can be seen as misleading. - Reviews Must Be Organic
Amazon’s review policy is strict. You can’t offer discounts in exchange for reviews, ask for only positive ones, or direct customers to leave a review outside of Amazon’s tools. - Pricing Can Trigger Account Action
If your price is “significantly higher” than Amazon deems reasonable—even if it’s based on your costs—your listing can be suppressed under Fair Pricing Policy. - Product Variation Abuse
Adding unrelated SKUs under a single parent listing (to steal traffic or share reviews) is against TOS. Amazon frequently audits variations for compliance. - You Grant Amazon Broad Rights Over Your Content
By listing a product, you’re authorizing Amazon to use and display your content as they see fit—across platforms, geographies, and formats. - Inventory and Fulfillment Obligations
If you use Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM), you’re held to strict shipping timelines and customer service expectations. One slip-up and your metrics take a hit.
Where Sellers Slip Up—And Get Suspended
Too many brands treat Amazon like their own site. They upload content, optimize, and experiment like they’re in full control. But Amazon’s platform is rented ground—and the landlord plays by their own rules.
Here’s what we see sellers routinely miss:
- Using unauthorized logos or certifications in images
- Changing product titles to target trends (violates content guidelines)
- Asking for reviews in inserts or follow-up emails
- Ignoring suppressed listings in “Manage Inventory”
- Launching gated products (like supplements) without approval
- Letting 3P resellers take over content control
Once flagged, your only recourse is an appeal—and if you haven’t built a clean track record, Amazon may not reinstate your listing or account.
How to Protect Your Account (and Sleep Better at Night)
- Regularly review suppressed listings in Seller Central
Stay on top of backend errors, image rejections, and title flags before they affect visibility. - Use compliant product inserts and messaging only
Stick to thank-you language. Never request a review directly or offer any kind of incentive. - Audit your catalog every 90 days
Especially for parent-child variations, keywords, and A+ Content compliance. - Understand the rules before optimizing listings
Tools like Amazon’s Policy Violation page or the Code of Conduct are must-reads for sellers optimizing at scale. - Document everything
If you work with freelancers or external agencies, make sure every piece of content they upload follows Amazon’s style guides and TOS.
Let Space Command Keep You Compliant—Without Killing Sales
We’ve helped brands dodge suspensions, rewrite policy-compliant listings, and recover suppressed products fast. At Space Command, we optimize within the rules, not around them—because long-term success on Amazon starts with staying live.
Whether you’re building listings, scaling ads, or just trying to avoid red flags, we’ll make sure you’re growing without crossing lines.
Want a full policy-safe audit of your listings?
Contact Space Command
FAQ
Is it okay to change my product title to include trending keywords?
Only if those keywords accurately reflect the product. Overstuffing or misleading edits are against the style guide.
Can I offer a discount for a review?
No. Amazon strictly prohibits any incentive—monetary or otherwise—in exchange for a review.
What happens if I violate the TOS?
Amazon may suppress listings, remove the Buy Box, or suspend your account. Recovery requires a Plan of Action and a strong compliance history.
How often does Amazon update its TOS?
Regularly. Sellers are expected to stay current, even if changes aren’t directly communicated. Ignorance isn’t a defense.