Suspended? Copy + Paste This Appeal Template

Getting suspended by Amazon feels like getting kicked out of your own store while customers are still shopping.

And yep—it's happened to me. 😬

📖 Real Story: My Surprise Suspension

A couple years ago, I was riding high.

My best-selling kitchen item had just hit its first $10K month. Ads were humming. Reviews were trickling in.

Then—BAM—a cold, robotic email:

No warning. No details. No “have a nice day.”

I stared at the screen like a deer in headlights.
My stomach dropped. My hands went cold.

All I could think was:
“Did I just lose my entire business?”

🔢 What I Did Next: The Comeback Plan

Now before I show you my actual appeal letter (yes, I’m giving you the exact template that got me reinstated in 48 hours), let me break down how I handled it.

Step 1: Breathe & Read (Don’t Rage-Reply)

I wanted to scream. But instead, I read every word of the suspension email twice.

Turns out, I was suspended for “manipulating customer reviews.”

Here’s the kicker: I wasn’t.

But… I had sent a follow-up asking for a review that may have violated their latest TOS update.

👉 Lesson: Even well-meaning sellers get hit.

Step 2: Gather Evidence (Keep Receipts!)

I pulled:

• My exact buyer messages

• My automation tool settings

• The message that triggered the issue

I saved all of it in a PDF and attached it to my appeal.

Step 3: Write a Calm, Clear Appeal Letter

Amazon doesn’t want drama. They want:

• Ownership

• A fix

• A plan

Now here’s what you’ve been waiting for…

📝 My Exact Appeal Letter (That Got Me Back in 48 Hours)

Subject: Plan of Action – Seller Code of Conduct Violation

Dear Amazon Performance Team,

I take full responsibility for the issues raised regarding my seller account.

While I did not intend to violate Amazon’s policies, I recognize that one of my post-purchase messages may have unintentionally breached your guidelines around review solicitation. This was due to an outdated automation setting on my account.

Here’s what I’ve done to correct it:

1. Root Cause:
I used an automated follow-up tool that included a message requesting a review. The message may have been interpreted as incentivizing reviews, despite having no offer attached.

2. Immediate Action Taken:

• I disabled all automated buyer-seller messages.

• I reviewed Amazon’s updated Communication Guidelines.

• I updated my team and documentation to reflect the new policies.

3. Preventative Plan Going Forward:

• I will only use Amazon’s Request a Review button moving forward.

• I’ve set a calendar reminder to re-review policy updates monthly.

• I will not use third-party messaging tools unless verified for compliance.

I sincerely apologize for any confusion caused and am committed to maintaining a professional and policy-compliant seller account moving forward.

Thank you for your time and for allowing me the opportunity to correct this issue.

Sincerely,
Andy Splichal
Seller ID: [Your Seller ID]

🎯 Big Takeaway

Most sellers panic. Or worse—send angry appeals that go nowhere.

But Amazon’s not your enemy. They just want you to own it, fix it, and move on.

The faster you admit the issue (even if it was accidental), the faster they’ll unlock your store.

💬 Repeatable Proverb:

“When in doubt, stay calm and show the fix.”

🗣️ CTA Time

Know a seller who’s been suspended or scared it’ll happen?

💌 Forward this to them

🔖 Save this email in your emergency folder

👇 Comment if you’ve ever been hit by Amazon’s hammer

Until next time—keep your head up and your account healthy.

Andy Splichal
Founder & Managing Partner of True Online Presence & Author of the Make Each Click Count Book Series

P.S. If you're tired of wasting money on ads that don’t convert — and you're ready to take your Amazon PPC from “meh” to money machine — let’s chat. I offer done-for-you ad management that actually works (no fluff, just ROI).

📅 Click here to book a call with me — let’s scale this thing 🚀