How to Recover Withheld Funds After an Amazon Account Suspension
Getting your Amazon account blocked can be a stressful experience, especially if Amazon withholds your funds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recover the money held in your account.
1. Wait 90 Days from the Account Suspension
Amazon typically withholds funds for 90 days after your account is blocked to cover potential refunds or claims. Once this period has passed, you can officially request the release of your funds.
2. Open a Case via Seller Central
After 90 days, log in to your Seller Central account and open a case:
• Go to Help > Contact Us.
• Specify that you are requesting the release of withheld funds. Include relevant account information and any previous correspondence to support your case.
3. Email Amazon’s Financial Departments
If your issue isn’t resolved through Seller Central, contact Amazon’s financial departments directly. Always use the email registered to your blocked account. Below are key email addresses for various regions:
• Amazon Germany (DE): [email protected]
• Amazon France (FR): [email protected]
• Amazon United Kingdom (UK): [email protected]
• Amazon Spain (ES): [email protected]
• Amazon Italy (IT): [email protected]
• Amazon USA: [email protected]
If you sell in multiple regions, contact the appropriate department for each marketplace.
4. Emphasize the Severity of the Situation
In your communication, clearly explain how the withholding of funds is impacting you. For example:
• You cannot meet your financial obligations.
• Your business operations are at risk due to a lack of liquidity.
Be direct yet professional in your tone.
5. Check Amazon’s Terms and Conditions
Review Amazon’s terms of service to determine if they are acting within their rights to withhold your funds. If you find that they are in violation of their own policies, highlight this in your correspondence and request a prompt resolution.
6. File a Complaint with Luxembourg Financial Authorities (CSSF)
If all else fails, escalate the issue to the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) in Luxembourg, where Amazon has its European headquarters.
• Submit a complaint through CSSF’s website (link here).
• Outline that Amazon is withholding your funds without providing adequate justification.
• The CSSF will investigate and request a response from Amazon.
Conclusion
Recovering withheld funds from Amazon requires persistence and a structured approach. Start by contacting Amazon through Seller Central and escalate to regional financial departments if necessary. If no progress is made, involve financial regulators to hold Amazon accountable.