As an Amazon seller, there may come a time when you need to close your account. Whether you’re taking a break from selling or moving on to other ventures, it’s crucial to understand the process of canceling your Amazon Marketplace account. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to cancel your account, explore alternatives, and address important considerations.
Understanding the Cancellation Process
Before diving into the step-by-step guide, it’s essential to understand what canceling your Amazon seller account entails. When you cancel your account:
- All your product listings, reviews, images, and comments will be removed
- You’ll lose access to the Amazon Seller Central dashboard and associated tools
- Your selling privileges will be revoked
With this in mind, let’s explore the cancellation process in detail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Canceling Your Amazon Seller Account
1. Log Into Your Account
Begin by logging into your Amazon Seller Central account using your credentials. This is where you’ll initiate the cancellation process.
2. Navigate to Account Settings
Once logged in, locate the “Settings” or “Account Settings” section. This is typically found in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Access Account Information
Within the Settings section, select “Account Info.” This will take you to a page with detailed information about your seller account.
4. Initiate the Cancellation Process
Look for the “Account Manager” section or a similar link. Click on the option to “Close Account” or “End Selling on Amazon.” This will begin the cancellation process.
5. Address Pending Issues
Before proceeding, ensure that you have:
- Fulfilled all outstanding orders
- Resolved all pending transactions
- Addressed any returns or unresolved issues
- Achieved a zero balance on your account
- Removed any remaining inventory from Amazon’s fulfillment centers (if using FBA)
6. Confirm Cancellation
Review Amazon’s terms and conditions carefully. Once you’re sure you want to proceed, confirm your decision to cancel your account. Remember, this action is irreversible.
7. Settle Outstanding Balances
Make sure all outstanding balances and fees are settled before finalizing the cancellation. This will help you avoid any additional charges or penalties.
8. Address Inventory (if applicable)
If you’re using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), create removal orders to have your inventory returned or disposed of by Amazon.
9. Receive Confirmation
After completing the cancellation process, Amazon will send you a confirmation email. Keep this for your records.
Alternatives to Canceling Your Account
If you’re not sure about permanently closing your account, consider these alternatives:
Amazon Seller Vacation Mode
This option allows you to temporarily suspend your merchant-fulfilled (FBM) listings without closing your account.
How it works:
- FBM listings become inactive and are removed from search results and product pages
- FBA listings remain active and available for purchase
- You can set a specific date range or leave the end date open-ended
To activate Vacation Mode:
- Log in to Seller Central
- Go to Settings > Account Info
- Navigate to Listing Status
- Click “Going on a vacation?”
- Change the status of the marketplaces you want to suspend to “Inactive”
Key considerations:
- Fulfill all pending orders before activating
- Ensure someone can respond to customer inquiries within 24 hours
- You’ll still be charged subscription fees for professional seller accounts
Downgrading Your Account
If you have a Professional seller account, you can downgrade to an Individual seller account to avoid monthly subscription fees.
How it differs from Vacation Mode:
- Doesn’t automatically deactivate your listings
- Affects your account type and associated fees
- Listings must be managed or deactivated separately
Canceling vs. Deleting Your Account
It’s important to understand the difference between canceling and deleting your Amazon seller account:
Canceling Your Account
- Deactivates the account but retains all data
- Allows for future reactivation
- Preserves sales history, customer information, and reviews
Deleting Your Account
- Permanently removes your account and all associated data
- No option for reactivation
- Can take up to 90 days to complete
If you think you might want to return to selling on Amazon in the future, canceling your account is the better option. It preserves your data and allows for easy reactivation.
Handling Outstanding Inventory
If you have inventory stored in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, follow these steps before canceling your account:
- Create a removal order in Seller Central
- Choose between having inventory returned or disposed of by Amazon
- Address any discrepancies between Amazon’s inventory report and your records
- Clear excess and long-term storage inventory to avoid additional fees
- Monitor and complete the removal process before closing your account
Final Thoughts
Canceling your Amazon seller account is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By following this step-by-step guide and exploring alternatives like Vacation Mode or account downgrading, you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs. Remember to address all outstanding issues, settle balances, and properly manage your inventory before proceeding with cancellation. Whether you’re taking a temporary break or moving on permanently, understanding your options will help ensure a smooth transition out of the Amazon marketplace.
