How To: Fight Authenticity Claims On Amazon
When selling name brand products on Amazon, policy violations and customer authenticity complaints are inevitable—and can often times cost you your selling privileges. That is why properly addressing these violations are so important. This post will specifically talk about addressing authenticity claims on goods purchased via online arbitrage and retail arbitrage. Addressing authenticity claims on goods purchased via online and retail arbitrage are especially difficult because these products are being bought from retail and online storefronts, instead of wholesalers. While addressing these claims are difficult, they are not impossible. During my time in business, I have successfully addressed over 120 authenticity claims on goods purchased from retailers, and have helped my members with over 200 policy violations. Here is a step by step guide:
Step 1: Purchase all goods using the credit card that is linked to your Amazon seller account
By purchasing your inventory with a credit card that is linked to your seller account, you are able to link yourself to the goods in question. Most retailers will include the last four digits of your credit card on the receipt at the point of purchase.
Step 2: Keep detailed and organized records
After purchasing inventory, you should be scanning your receipts and saving them in case of a future policy violation. Keeping detailed records will make the process of addressing policy violations effortless.
Step 3: Identify which item is in question, and how many of the item you have sold on Amazon
Amazon will verify that the number of items on your receipts match or exceed the amount of that particular ASIN that you have sold in the last 180 days.
Step 4: Now it is time to talk to Amazon
Once you gather your receipts, it is time to address the violation. In recent years, Amazon no longer requires a plan of action for authenticity claims. You should begin by highlighting the last four digits of your credit card, as well as the item in question on the receipt. Once you have highlighted both of these lines on your receipt, you should proceed by scanning the receipt and saving the document as “NAME OF BRAND, Invoice.” By following this format, you are building credibility in the eyes of the Amazon employee processing your appeal. Next, you should take a picture of your credit card, clearly showing your name and/or company name. The credit card should clearly show the last four digits of the card number (you may cover up the preceding numbers for security). Once you have both of these images, you should upload them to Amazon’s dropbox.
Step 5: Time to wait
Policy violation appeals on Amazon can take time. Getting a response from Amazon can often times take up to a week. Additionally, do not be surprised if your appeal is denied on the first time. This is completley normal, and often times you did nothing wrong. Keep submitting your information to Amazon, and you will eventually win the appeal using the steps outlined above.
If you have any questions, or want private coaching, do not hesitate to reach out.
