What are some key terms to avoid in my Amazon product listings to prevent restrictions?

 What are some key terms to avoid in my Amazon product listings to prevent restrictions?

Selling on Amazon can be a lucrative business, but staying compliant with Amazon's guidelines is crucial to avoiding account suspensions or other restrictions. One area that causes issues for many sellers is using restricted terms in product listings. Knowing what terms to avoid can help you keep your Amazon account in good standing.

What are Restricted Terms?

Restricted terms are words, phrases, or images that Amazon prohibits sellers from using in product listings. They include:

  • Trademarked terms - You cannot use trademarks owned by other companies without authorization. Examples: Disney, iPhone.

  • Copyrighted images/text - Using content without the rights holder's permission.

  • Certain health claims - Amazon restricts certain claims about the health benefits or effects of supplements and other products. Examples: "cures cancer", and "treats Alzheimer's".

  • Country of origin claims - You must have documentation to support country of origin claims like "Made in Italy".

  • Incentivized reviews - Offering compensation for customer reviews violates Amazon’s reviews policy. Examples: "Free/discounted product in exchange for an honest review".

The full list of Amazon's Restricted Product guidelines runs over 3,500 words, covering these categories plus safety claims, subscription services, recall claims, and more. It's essential for Amazon sellers to thoroughly review these guidelines.

Why are Restricted Terms Problematic?

Including restricted terms in Amazon listings can create several issues:

  • Account suspension - Using prohibited terms can directly lead Amazon to suspend or permanently block seller accounts, restricting you from selling on the platform.

  • Lawsuits - Trademark and copyright infringement expose sellers to potential lawsuits from rights holders. Defending against litigation is extremely expensive.

  • Customer complaints - Customers who feel misled by false claims or inappropriate content may file complaints with Amazon, risking account suspension.

  • Investigations - Amazon routinely scans listings and investigates accounts using restricted terms. Policy violations can lead to warning emails, suspensions, and cancellations of your selling privileges.

How to Avoid Restricted Terms in Listings

Carefully reviewing your listings and ensuring you comply with Amazon's guidelines is crucial for sellers seeking to avoid issues. Some best practices include:

Research Trademarks

Before including a trademarked term like Band-Aid or Lego, research whether you have legal authorization from the rights holder. Reputable trademark databases like the USPTO's TESS search or the EUIPO eSearch database can help determine if a term is protected.

Vet Product Claims

Don't make unsupported claims about health benefits, country of origin, certifications or other product aspects you can't legally substantiate. Stick to factual descriptions.

Review Amazon Policies

Regularly check Seller Central resources to stay up-to-date on the latest additions to Amazon's Restricted Products guidelines. Updates are routinely made as Amazon encounters new violation trends.

Use Caution With Images

Don't use images subject to copyright or show trademarked products unless you have explicit usage rights. Similarly, don't show incentives, environmental claims, or other elements prohibited by Amazon.

Seek Approval For Exceptions

In limited cases, you may be able to obtain approval from Amazon or trademark holders to use restricted terms. But exceptions typically require legal agreements Amazon must review.

Audit Listings

Periodically audit your product listings against the Restricted Products guidelines. Scrutinize title, bullets, description, and images for non-compliant terminology.

What Happens if You Violate Amazon's Policies?

Here are typical outcomes if Amazon determines you used prohibited terms, claims or images in listings:

Initial Policy Warning: Amazon may email you identifying specific prohibited content and requiring immediate removal or corrections to listings.

Listings Suppression: Amazon may suppress the visibility of affected listings so they don't show in search results.

Account Suspension: Violations can lead directly to temporary or permanent suspensions where you cannot sell or even access your Seller Central account.

Potential Termination: Repeat violations may result in Amazon permanently blocking you from selling, forfeiting all your products and money in your account.

Fines or Lawsuits: Egregious violations like repeat trademark infringement expose you to litigation and substantial financial penalties.

In Conclusion

Restricted terms trip up many sellers, but are easily avoided by following Amazon guidelines and regularly auditing your content. While staying compliant takes work, it allows you to securely operate your Amazon business for the long haul. Carefully vetting your listings to avoid prohibited language, claims, and images is crucial to maintaining account privileges and selling successfully on Amazon.

Contact Riverbendconsulting if you need any assistance with optimizing your Amazon product listings while staying compliant with guidelines to prevent restrictions. Their team has extensive experience navigating Amazon policies.


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