Why are your Amazon disbursements on hold & how to solve it?
As an Amazon seller, you depend on timely disbursements of your sales proceeds to maintain your business operations. Here are specific reasons why Amazon is withholding money and how to solve it.
As an Amazon seller, you depend on timely disbursements of your sales proceeds to maintain your business operations. However, there are situations when your funds may be placed on hold, which can disrupt your operations and affect your ability to meet financial obligations. Disbursement holds are typically issued when Amazon identifies potential issues with your account or business practices. Here are specific reasons why Amazon is withholding money and how to solve it.
Reasons for Disbursement Holds
1. Your account is also suspended
It means that there are no sales in your account. The key is to figure out the suspended issue and reinstate the account. When you reinstate your account, Amazon will also reinstate your disbursements. Disbursement can arise for a variety of reasons, and the method of resolution varies accordingly. In some cases, simply submitting an Appeal and a Plan of Action may suffice, while other situations may require additional steps and escalation with Amazon support.
What are the reasons for suspending the Amazon seller account?
Some of the most common reasons include:
Order Defect Rate (ODR) Suspension - Performance metric that measures the percentage of orders that have a negative outcome, such as negative feedback, A-to-Z claims, or chargebacks.
Intellectual Property Complaints - Intellectual property law covers the enforcement of patents, trademarks/ trade dress, and copyrights.
Operating Multiple Amazon Seller Accounts
Inauthentic product listings: This means that the seller is selling counterfeit or infringing products.
How to find out if your Amazon seller account is suspended?
There are situations where Amazondisbursement holds even when the account is still in normal operation.
Account under review - Amazon periodically reviews seller accounts to ensure compliance with their policies. If your account is under review, your funds may be placed on hold until the review is complete. No action is needed here, just wait.
Unverified payment account - Amazon requires sellers to provide accurate and verified account information, including business registration, tax documents, and contact details. If any of this information is missing or incomplete, your disbursements may be held until you provide the necessary documentation. Most often an extract from the commercial register or the founding document. This is often the case with stock companies or a situation where there are several company owners.
Change of Bank Information - When you update your bank account information, Amazon initiates a hold on your disbursements to verify the new account details and ensure a secure transfer of funds. No action is needed here, just wait.
Addressing Disbursement Hold Issues
Respond to Notices
Amazon may send you emails or notifications regarding your disbursement hold. Carefully review these notices and respond promptly with any requested information or clarifications.
Contact Seller Support: If you have questions or require assistance, don't hesitate to contact Amazon Seller Support. They can guide you on specific hold issues and help you expedite the resolution process.
Submit an appeal: Some situations cannot be resolved through support and an appeal is needed. This could include invoices, shipping records, customer feedback, or any other information that demonstrates your compliance with Amazon's policies and standards. It’s important to provide a comprehensive explanation of the issue, including the steps you have taken to resolve it.
Where to submit an appeal for Amazon disbursement hold?
Log in to your Seller Central account and navigate to the "Performance" section. Under "Performance notification," you will find the option to submit an appeal for your disbursement hold.
Can I follow up on an appeal?
Yes, once you've submitted your appeal, it's essential to keep an eye on its status. You can either check your seller account or contact Seller Support for updates. Keep in mind that Amazon may take a few days to review your appeal and release your funds. Stay patient and persistent in your follow-up.
The disbursements process can be complicated and protracted. Be patient, provide as many details as possible and don't forget to follow up the appeals. If you still do not manage to solve the case, you can arrange a free consultation with us.
