Amazon FBA otherwise known as Fulfillment by Amazon is one of the surest ways to ensure that your e-commerce business gets fast and reliable fulfillment for customers. Fulfillment in e-commerce refers to the delivery of purchased goods to the intended customers. The trick for keeping customers happy is keeping your delivery time within the shortest possible frame; Amazon helps with that.
Sleek solution right? But the only challenge is that sometimes your application to get an FBA account is declined more times than you expect. This is a general complaint among folks who are new to Amazon FBA and are trying to set up their accounts for the first time.
So, if you are a potential Amazon FBA user or you have had your application declined in the past, this is it for you. Keep reading.
Why exactly did my Amazon FBA application get declined?
The truth is that no one knows precisely why applications get declined but we can make informed guesses as to why it happens.
The first thing that you will want to know is that these rejections are systems put in place to protect the platform against fraudulent activities and maintain the integrity of the service.
The second important point to note is that the applications are screened using an artificial intelligence system. This AI system is trained to screen applications following some set rules and standards that are not explicitly known to the public.
Although with the number of times I have had to resolve application rejection issues for my students, and the success rate I have had, I can say this. 90% of application rejection cases are due to inconsistencies in details put into the application.
Every information used in processing your application has to be consistent across board. This improves your chances of having a successful application by a mile.
Let’s get into some of the obvious reasons why your application gets rejected.
- The name of the business does not match your personal name on Amazon
This is a very common mistake during the application process. Most people who get rejected tend to have made this mistake.
Your personal name and the name of your business representative should be exactly the same. This way you are sure that there is consistency in your details.
- The address does not match the one on your bank or credit card statement
Amazon uses this information for verification purposes, and any discrepancies can lead to rejection. Here’s why address consistency matters:
1. Verification and Trustworthiness: Amazon needs to confirm the legitimacy of your business. When your listed address matches the one on your financial records, it adds a layer of credibility to your application. This verification process helps protect both Amazon and its customers.
2. Fraud Prevention: Address inconsistencies can trigger concerns about potential fraud or misrepresentation. To maintain a secure marketplace, Amazon meticulously reviews applications to ensure they’re from legitimate businesses. Any hint of address manipulation can raise suspicion.
3. Payment Processing: Aligning your address with your financial records ensures a smooth payment process. Amazon relies on accurate information to disburse funds to sellers. Mismatched addresses can lead to payment delays or complications.
To avoid address-related rejection:
- Check Your Records: Verify that the address on your bank or credit card statement is accurate and up to date.
- Update Information: If necessary, update your financial records to match the address you intend to use on Amazon.
- Use a Physical Address: Whenever possible, provide a physical address rather than a P.O. Box, as Amazon typically requires a physical address for sellers.
- Uploading unclear documents
This step is often underestimated or overlooked by applicants, leading to unnecessary rejections. In this section, we’ll delve into the significance of uploading clear and legible documents and provide actionable advice on how to ensure your documents meet Amazon’s standards.
The Importance of Clarity:
The clarity in document uploads cannot be overstated. Amazon relies on these documents to verify your identity, business details, and financial information. Unclear or illegible documents can raise doubts about the authenticity of your application, leading to delays or rejections.
How to Ensure Clarity:
1. High-Quality Scanning: Invest in a good-quality scanner or use a reliable scanning app on your smartphone. Ensure that scanned documents are crisp and clear, with no smudges or distortions.
2. Proper Format: Follow Amazon’s guidelines for document formats. Typically, PDF is the preferred format. Make sure your documents are correctly oriented, well-lit, and free of shadows.
3. Check for Completeness: Before uploading, review each document carefully to ensure that nothing is cut off or missing. This includes business licenses, tax documents, and utility bills.
4. Name Files Appropriately: Rename your files with descriptive names. This helps Amazon’s review team quickly identify and process your documents.
5. Keep Backup Copies: Always retain backup copies of your documents. In case of issues during the review process, duplicates can expedite resolution.
By taking these steps to ensure the clarity of your document uploads, you not only increase the likelihood of your application’s approval but also demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail. Remember that clear documentation is a vital component of building trust with Amazon and your future customers.
- Having your documents in an Amazon unrecognized language
Using an unrecognized language can complicate the review process and may result in your application being rejected.
Why Language Matters
Amazon’s artificial intelligence system needs to understand the content of your application documents to verify the accuracy of the information provided. If your documents are in an unrecognized language, this can create a barrier to effective communication and make it challenging for the review team to assess your application properly.
List of Amazon-Recognized Languages
Amazon recognizes a range of languages for documentation purposes. It’s essential to ensure your documents are in one of these approved languages. Commonly recognized languages include:
– English
– Spanish
– French
– German
– Italian
– Portuguese
– Japanese
– Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
– Dutch
– Russian
– Arabic
– Turkish
– Korean
– Hindi
Ensuring Compliance
Here are steps to ensure your documents comply with Amazon’s language requirements:
1. Document Translation: If your documents are not originally in one of the recognized languages, consider hiring a professional translator to provide certified translations. The translator should be experienced in business and legal terminology to ensure accuracy.
2. Certified Translations: Ensure that any translations are certified and signed by a qualified translator. Some Amazon seller platforms may require certification as proof of accuracy.
3. Verification of Translation: Before submitting your translated documents, carefully cross-check them against the originals to ensure that all information remains consistent and accurate.
4. Use of Official Documentation: Whenever possible, use official documents in the recognized language, such as business licenses, tax records, and legal agreements.
5. Clarity and Legibility: Regardless of the language, ensure that all text is clear and legible in your documents. Illegible text can still lead to complications in the review process.
Additional Considerations:
– Remember that Amazon may request additional documents or clarifications during the application review, so be prepared to provide translations promptly if needed.
– Be aware of any language-specific requirements or guidelines set by Amazon for specific regions or categories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adhering to Amazon’s requirements is one step while ensuring that the requirements are executed properly is another step. Most rejection emails are generic and do not spell out exactly where you went wrong. In this case, the safe option is to start the application process afresh.
Over the years, I have had to guide a lot of people through this process, and the most common mistakes they make stem from discrepancies in application details.
Amazon carries out pin-point accuracy screenings to ensure that the platform is free of fraudsters and that people do not lose money.
Follow these guidelines and you will be sure of a successful application process.