Closing an Amazon seller account may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite straightforward. Whether you're looking to take a break from selling or you've decided to move your business elsewhere, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Understanding the Implications of Closing Your Account
Before we dive into the how-to, it's important to understand what closing your Amazon seller account actually means. It's not a decision to be taken lightly, as it comes with certain implications.
Firstly, closing your account means you will no longer be able to sell products on Amazon. If you have any active listings, they will be removed. You will also lose access to any seller tools and reports.
Secondly, any outstanding fees or charges will need to be paid in full before you can close your account. This includes subscription fees, selling fees, and any other charges associated with your account.
Lastly, closing your account doesn't mean you can't ever sell on Amazon again. If you decide to return in the future, you can create a new seller account. However, keep in mind that you will need to start from scratch, as your previous seller history and ratings will not carry over.
How to Close Your Amazon Seller Account
Step 1: Settle Outstanding Charges
Before you can close your account, you need to settle any outstanding charges. Log into your seller account and navigate to the 'Billing' section. Here, you can view any outstanding charges and make payments.
If you have any trouble paying your fees, it's best to contact Amazon's Seller Support for assistance. They can help you understand what fees are due and how to pay them.
Step 2: Cancel and Remove Listings
Next, you'll need to cancel any active listings. Go to the 'Inventory' section of your seller account and select 'Manage Inventory'. From here, you can select all your listings and choose 'Delete' from the 'Action on Selected' dropdown menu.
Remember, once you delete a listing, it cannot be recovered. If you think you might want to sell the item again in the future, consider deactivating the listing instead.
Step 3: Close Your Account
Once you've settled your charges and removed your listings, you can proceed to close your account. Go to the 'Settings' section of your seller account and select 'Account Info'. From here, you can select 'Close Account'.
Amazon will ask you to confirm your decision and may ask for a reason for closing your account. Once you've confirmed your decision, your account will be closed.
What Happens After You Close Your Account
After you've closed your account, you will lose access to your seller tools and reports. You will also no longer be able to sell products on Amazon. However, you can still access your buyer account and make purchases on Amazon.
If you decide to sell on Amazon again in the future, you will need to create a new seller account. Keep in mind that your previous seller history and ratings will not carry over, so you'll be starting from scratch.
Alternatives to Closing Your Account
If you're not sure about closing your account, there are a few alternatives you might want to consider.
Deactivate your account
For example, you could take a break from selling without closing your account. To do this, you can deactivate your listings and put your account on vacation mode.
Sell your Amazon FBA business
A more financially rewarding option is to sell your Amazon business. If you take the time to calculate the value of your FBA business, you may be pleasantly surprised with the results. And if the thought of selling your business seems daunting, you can take a look at our video course that leads you through the exit process step-by-step.
Closing your Amazon seller account is a big decision with several implications. Make sure you understand what it entails and consider all your options before you proceed.
