5 min read

Fix suppressed Amazon listings

Written by
Vanessa Hung
October 3, 2025

If your listing suppressed, you’re not alone. Thousands of sellers face this every year due to performance issues, policy violations, or compliance errors. The good news? With the right Plan of Action (POA), you can regain access and resume selling.

This article explains what a POA is, and how to write an appeal Amazon will actually approve. You’ll also learn the common mistakes to avoid, get step-by-step guidance for reactivation, and discover when to seek professional help. By the end, you’ll know how to protect your account health and reduce the risk of future suspensions.

1. What Is a Plan of Action to Fix Suppressed Listings?

A Plan of Action (POA) is a written appeal submitted through Seller Central that addresses the issues leading to supression. It’s not a generic explanation, it’s a structured document that shows Amazon you:

  • Understand the root cause of the violation.
  • Have taken corrective actions to fix the problem.
  • Have implemented long-term measures to prevent recurrence.

Amazon reviewers want facts, not excuses. A strong POA demonstrates accountability and builds trust with the platform. Done right, it can accelerate reinstatement and restore your ability to sell.

S.O.S. Tip graphic: Keep your POA professional and solution-oriented. Avoid emotional language, Amazon cares about compliance, not frustration.

2. Why Amazon Suppresses Listings

Amazon enforces strict policies to protect customers. If a seller fails to meet these expectations, suspension is the likely outcome. Common reasons include:

  • Counterfeit or inauthentic products: Amazon investigates reports of fake or misrepresented items aggressively.
  • Intellectual property violations: Using copyrighted images, brand names, or trademarks without authorization.
  • Performance issues: High Order Defect Rate (ODR above 1%), late shipments, or canceled orders.
  • Misuse of reviews: Incentivizing reviews or inserting non-compliant requests in packaging.
  • Repeated customer complaints: Poor service or defective items create patterns that trigger account health flags.

External Resource: See Amazon’s official Seller Code of Conduct

3. Step-by-Step: Fix Suppressed Listings

Speed and clarity matter. Here’s how to approach reinstatement effectively:

Step 1: Review the Suspension Notice

Amazon emails you the reason for suspension. Cross-check it with your Account Health Dashboard to identify affected ASINs or policies.

Step 2: Keep Emotions in Check

It’s natural to feel frustrated, but emotional appeals rarely work. Instead, focus on data, documentation, and corrective steps.

Step 3: Write a Strong Appeal Letter

Your letter should be concise, factual, and supported by evidence. Use a clear structure: root cause, corrective action, prevention plan.

Step 4: Submit a Detailed Plan of Action

Lay out exactly how you’ve fixed the problem and how you’ll prevent it in the future. Amazon wants to see proof of accountability.

Step 5: Monitor and Respond Quickly

Amazon usually responds within a few days. If they request more information, reply promptly with detailed documents.

S.O.S. Tip graphic: Upload invoices, certificates, or shipping proofs immediately,these speed up Amazon’s review.

4. Plan of Action Tips to Fix Suppressed Listings

When preparing your POA, focus on clarity, evidence, and neutrality. Here’s how:

  • Keep it brief: One page is often enough. Don’t bury the reviewer in unnecessary details.
  • Stick to facts: Provide a direct explanation of what happened, not emotional arguments.
  • Stay neutral: Avoid blaming Amazon or customers. Show responsibility.
  • Include proof: Attach invoices, supplier information, or compliance certifications to validate your claims.

Related: Best Practices in Amazon Product Listing Optimization

5. When to Get Expert Help to Fix Suppressed Listings

Not all suspensions are straightforward. Complex cases (such as intellectual property disputes, restricted product violations, or repeated suspensions) often benefit from professional assistance.

Agencies like Online Seller Solutions specialize in navigating Amazon’s reinstatement process. We’ve helped sellers recover accounts faster by writing effective POAs, handling compliance appeals, and maintaining ongoing account health.

S.O.S. Tip graphic: Don’t wait until your revenue is frozen for weeks, seek help if you’re unsure how to respond.

6. Final Thoughts

A suspension doesn’t have to end your Amazon business. By understanding the reason for your suppression, writing a fact-based Plan of Action, and providing strong evidence, you can often get your account reinstated quickly.

Stay proactive: monitor your Account Health Dashboard, audit your listings for compliance, and always be ready with documentation. If you need expert support, Online Seller Solutions is here to help.

Take Your Amazon Business to New Heights

FAQs

01
How long does Amazon take to review an appeal?
02
Can I create a new account if mine is suspended?
03
What if I think my suspension was a mistake?
04
How can I prevent future suspensions?
05
Should I hire a professional for my appeal?

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