Seller Verification -- CONFUSED AF
Hello everyone,
So I’ve recently tried to open a UK seller account. For the record, I’m self-employed and don’t have a company. Naturally, I’ve registered as a sole trader and all the rest of it.
Just a few hours after opening the account (about a week ago), Amazon ‘temporarily’ suspended my account on the basis that they needed to verify me. I was asked for the almighty utility bill – I provided my last Internet bill. Sadly, I don’t have a different bill as I’m on a prepaid metre and I get my water bills every 6 months. So an Internet bill was the only option.
I got an email saying that they couldn’t verify the document and some instructions about language, format, etc. They also mentioned there should be a valid and chargeable credit card on file (which I’m assuming meant a chargeable credit card in my Seller account). Then I realised I had a debit card on file, so I added a credit card (my AMAZON credit card) and resubmitted the SAME bill. A few hours later I got an email that they were able to successfully charge my credit card. Lol.
But the document was rejected again. Btw, I made sure all addresses in the account matched the address on the bill.
I didn’t resubmit it. But then they asked me to provide identity proof (passport) and something to confirm my UTR number. The only document available was my online-printed tax return. I have no other forms of communication from HMRC citing my name and UTR. No NI contributions letter. Just a tax return and that’s all.
Now they’re saying they COULDN’T verify me. Here’s the email:
Dear Seller,
We were unable to verify the information you provided when registering for a Selling on Amazon payment account and, as a result, your Selling on Amazon payment account could not be opened. Unfortunately, this means that you will not be able to continue to sell on Amazon.
Please take appropriate steps to resolve any open orders. Note that any amounts paid as a result of A-to-z Guarantee claims and chargebacks may be deducted from the balance in your existing Seller Account.
Please do not hesitate to contact Seller Support with any questions you may have:
https://sellercentral-europe.amazon.com/gp/contact-us/contact-amazon-form.htmlKind regards,
Amazon Payments
What on earth is happening? My account status is showing as Invalid now. If it’s closed, they still charged me the 30.00gbp.
How do I resolve this? I tried reaching out to the on multiple occasions, but all I’m getting are automated replies. I need to talk to a person. A real, breathing, flesh-and-bone person.
Any advice or guidance?
Thank you!
Seller Verification -- CONFUSED AF
Hello everyone,
So I’ve recently tried to open a UK seller account. For the record, I’m self-employed and don’t have a company. Naturally, I’ve registered as a sole trader and all the rest of it.
Just a few hours after opening the account (about a week ago), Amazon ‘temporarily’ suspended my account on the basis that they needed to verify me. I was asked for the almighty utility bill – I provided my last Internet bill. Sadly, I don’t have a different bill as I’m on a prepaid metre and I get my water bills every 6 months. So an Internet bill was the only option.
I got an email saying that they couldn’t verify the document and some instructions about language, format, etc. They also mentioned there should be a valid and chargeable credit card on file (which I’m assuming meant a chargeable credit card in my Seller account). Then I realised I had a debit card on file, so I added a credit card (my AMAZON credit card) and resubmitted the SAME bill. A few hours later I got an email that they were able to successfully charge my credit card. Lol.
But the document was rejected again. Btw, I made sure all addresses in the account matched the address on the bill.
I didn’t resubmit it. But then they asked me to provide identity proof (passport) and something to confirm my UTR number. The only document available was my online-printed tax return. I have no other forms of communication from HMRC citing my name and UTR. No NI contributions letter. Just a tax return and that’s all.
Now they’re saying they COULDN’T verify me. Here’s the email:
Dear Seller,
We were unable to verify the information you provided when registering for a Selling on Amazon payment account and, as a result, your Selling on Amazon payment account could not be opened. Unfortunately, this means that you will not be able to continue to sell on Amazon.
Please take appropriate steps to resolve any open orders. Note that any amounts paid as a result of A-to-z Guarantee claims and chargebacks may be deducted from the balance in your existing Seller Account.
Please do not hesitate to contact Seller Support with any questions you may have:
https://sellercentral-europe.amazon.com/gp/contact-us/contact-amazon-form.htmlKind regards,
Amazon Payments
What on earth is happening? My account status is showing as Invalid now. If it’s closed, they still charged me the 30.00gbp.
How do I resolve this? I tried reaching out to the on multiple occasions, but all I’m getting are automated replies. I need to talk to a person. A real, breathing, flesh-and-bone person.
Any advice or guidance?
Thank you!
37 replies
Seller_a2PLQ486oXQTQ
Hi there,
I am not sure why this happened but why would amazon charge you?
are you on the professional account? you can opt for a normal individual account and that’s free. i think 
Seller_XxUPFB8unSsfc
I spent about 6 months trying to set my account up as a self employed sole trader. I did the same and started with the professional account in error and I gave up every week for a month to calm down before trying again. I am finally set up! Re the document, they rejected mine due to the image quality. Scan it if you can so it is a clear image. I then had to send the passport image, and had to submit it twice before they said they could verify it. So the image is key to this. Re the UTR code - you are always assigned one when you complete a tax return. Usually an email from HMRC will contain it, and it is definitely shown on your online tax return page. You log in with it. Just ask HMRC for it if you struggle to work it out, though HMRC should also have sent it to you on a letter already. Then email Amazon and change to a free sole trader account and get your money back. I got my Professional account refund straight away. I have never had so much trouble opening a selling account. I sell on Ebay, Etys and Folkys and those took minutes to set up! Hope this helps.
Seller_ftMMn0UeA4IQP
Ring HMRC and ask for a letter showing your UTR number, they’ll send you one out. I dont think Amazon accept screenshots of your online tax return
Seller_z6B2L9xab6HlP
They mean “credit or debit card”. Their terminology reflects US usage where “debit” cards also act as credit cards so there’s no difference between them: https://www.helcim.com/article/how-visa-debit-works-in-the-us-vs-canada/
I used my HMRC tax return reminder/request that they send out every April. I’ve also previously got HMRC to produce a letter for me stating that I am recorded on their system as self-employed.
Seller_Rds42gzScDQFa
Amazon don’t accepted downloaded or screenshots of documents. Contact HMRC and ask them to send you a document with your UTR number. The address on the document needs to be the same as you have on Amazon
Seller_rc0tNcbBFsf2g
This happened to me. You need to contact HMRC and tell them that you need a letter from them to clarify your UTR number as you are setting up as an Amazon Seller. They will then send you the letter and it takes 10 working days by post, they will not email it to you.
Seller_86NP4Amvp0onO
Same Boat Here.
Haven t got a clue what’s going on. Every time i sign in to check progress I’m asked for more verification. I’ve uploaded a bank statement at least twice, driving licence twice, and once again this morning, and a credit card bill, I’m still expecting them to ask to send the same stuff again.
I started this 3 or 4 weeks ago, so I’m sure this has cost me 30 quid or so already. Maybe I’m trapped in some sort of Ponzi scheme. When it gets 3 months down the line and I’ve given up the will to live amazon will have my 90 quid until i gather the courage to try again next year. (I have tried this before… i thing about 18 months ago… you know how i know? my preferred email address is registered but inactive due to a previous debacle of an application.
I think I’d have more fun putting a campfire out with my face.
enjoy your day everyone.
Neil x
Seller_U39a9cBH9aXzW
call hmrc and ask for a letter showing your utr number, simple as that
Seller_Ie3ILyE1a0jGE
I’m guessing the Pre-Paid electric meter rang alarm bells. This is not usual. Sounds like you live in a rental property. Also you don’t have a passport. Do you have a Driving License? When I opened my account I sent Utility bill, Passport etc. and once they’d checked them out everything was up and running! So call them and speak to a person. Its easy enough to do, if you have a spare hour! Trying to deal with it any other way than by actually talking to someone will get you nowhere. Amazon don’t exactly make it easy to phone them. Clearly they’d rather you didn’t. Manning telephones is costly! Trying to sort this out by email sounds like a complete waste of time to me!
Seller_pn0FD8M7R9uH2
Welcome to Amazon seller Support it is the most dog shit set up and set of rules you’ll ever come across.
The people at the other side of your computer have zero common sense or empathy to your situation.
You will go around in circles and stress levels will rise!!
I have had cases open for months while I received generic emails informing me they are working on the case!!
It needs a massive overhaul, but they are greedy bastards and only bothered in our money!!
