Can Amazon Suspend Your Seller Account If You Share the Same IP with a Previously Suspended Account?

When it comes to running an Amazon seller account, IP addresses and their association with suspended accounts can be a source of confusion. Many sellers wonder whether using the same IP address that was previously used by a suspended account can result in their own account being suspended.

Allow me to clarify this matter based on Amazon's policies and the way the platform operates.

Understanding the IP Address and Suspensions

The concept of an IP address being uniquely tied to specific account suspensions is a misconception. An IP address is not a comprehensive identifier of an account; rather, it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle that Amazon uses to monitor and manage accounts.

Amazon's primary policy requires each seller to operate under one unique account, with no sharing allowed. This policy is in place to ensure that each seller acts independently and responsibly, especially considering the significant resources and financial investments associated with maintaining a successful Amazon seller account.

What Happens When a Shared IP Is Suspended?

When a seller account that shares an IP address with a previously suspended account is flagged for review, it will not automatically lead to a suspension. In fact, the primary reason for recurring suspensions is often the linking or sharing of accounts on the same IP address.

If a second account on the same IP address is suspended, it is most likely due to the linking of the second account to the banned account. Amazon has very sophisticated algorithms and detection tools that can identify suspicious activity, indicating that the second account might be linked to the banned account. Therefore, the second account shares the same IP address because of the association, not because of the IP address itself.

The Significance of Linking Accounts

The critical factor is not the shared IP address but the detection of linking or accusing a second account of being linked to a banned account. Amazon's bot systems are designed to spot such links with high accuracy, making it extremely difficult for sellers to successfully share accounts or use the same IP address for multiple accounts.

The Consequences of Violating Policies

If you were part of an account that was suspended due to sharing an IP address with a banned account, the outcomes can be severe. No amount of trying to use a different IP address or create a new account can mitigate the impact of your previous actions. It's essential to accept the consequences and learn from the experience to avoid future issues.

Once an account is banned, there is no going back. The best approach is to find a new IP address that is not associated with any banned accounts and start afresh. Continuing to use the same IP address risks additional bans and can lead to a total ban, making your efforts futile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sharing an IP address with a previously suspended account does not automatically lead to your suspension. However, linking or accusing your second account of being linked to a banned account is a significant factor in suspension. It's crucial for all sellers to adhere to Amazon's policies, including the one account per person rule, to avoid unnecessary bans and maintain a positive standing with Amazon.

Remember, once you've encountered a ban, the best course of action is to accept reality and move forward. Look into obtaining a new IP address and starting a fresh account. This approach will serve you best in the long run and minimize the risk of further complications.