How are we supposed to know ?
So we've just started selling on Amazon, a range of vitamin and dietary supplements. We check that each product is already for sale on the platform (and not restricted) and then we go ahead and list. Only to be told at least 1 in 5 times that the item is not allowed for sale on the platform (despite there being dozens of sellers offering the same supplement). Better still, they knock back your account health rating with NO possibility of redress. What a flaming joke. We are being penalised for doing something that we cannot possibly know is not allowed. Have listed 55 products and had 12 removed. We are now too afraid to list anything else just in case we get told yet again that we're being naughty boys and they reduce our health rating further to the point of being deactivated. This platform is just like being back in primary school with overbearing and unreasonable teachers. Don't know why we bother. Quote from the 'Product Policy Compliance' page - "Amazon policies maintain a store that is safe for buyers and fair to sellers". NOT
How are we supposed to know ?
So we've just started selling on Amazon, a range of vitamin and dietary supplements. We check that each product is already for sale on the platform (and not restricted) and then we go ahead and list. Only to be told at least 1 in 5 times that the item is not allowed for sale on the platform (despite there being dozens of sellers offering the same supplement). Better still, they knock back your account health rating with NO possibility of redress. What a flaming joke. We are being penalised for doing something that we cannot possibly know is not allowed. Have listed 55 products and had 12 removed. We are now too afraid to list anything else just in case we get told yet again that we're being naughty boys and they reduce our health rating further to the point of being deactivated. This platform is just like being back in primary school with overbearing and unreasonable teachers. Don't know why we bother. Quote from the 'Product Policy Compliance' page - "Amazon policies maintain a store that is safe for buyers and fair to sellers". NOT
5 replies
Seller_RlZVPg3d6ZUGP
Did you list on the right listings using the barcode on the product? Did you buy from proper suppliers?
Edit: just seen they are your own branded products, do you have all the relevant certificates?
Some of your listings must count as novel foods too
Seller_3NSFQR9B9Szoi
Looking at your active listings, most probably your other listings were removed because you make unauthorised health claims. Placing "may help with" before making a claim doesn't change the fact, that claim is being made.
Example of the claim:
"L-methionine helps prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver, is thought to encourage hair growth, prevent hair loss, strengthen nails and may be invaluable as a detoxifying agent."
If you look into NHC register, you will find that no amino acids have any claim authorised.
Other sellers may sell the very same supplement type and strength yet they don't make claims or are more eloquent when making them or they place them in graphics and A+ contents, not in product description. Placing one improper word in product description is asking for troubles, as sooner or later bots will catch it and restrict ASIN.
Seller_AJxxLujbGDqaW
It is Amazon's way or no way and everything is included in the Amazon learning University and one thing that Amazon do correctly is follow their own policies in regard to intellectual property and health and safety especially on supplements and claims made, so if the listings have been removed then there is a reason for it I am afraid and you will need to investigate why and make changes accordingly. We all face the same issues and have to learn by trial and error.
If you have violations that will affect your account health then you need to address them and appeal them and if you are entitled to sell the product, have permission of the rights owner and purchased them from the legitimate reseller with invoices then you will get them reinstated and the violations removed, otherwise you cannot sell those items.
As a new seller you will encounter these issues practically on a daily basis and will have to deal with them, if everything is legitimate and above board and approved, you will be fine and that is why Amazon is a safe place to buy generally.
