Amazon account closed. Bummer
So apparently Amazon doesn't allow you to list prices on your website, (unless they are listed as part of their API) which I apparently did. Now, just when I thought I was starting to gain a bit of momentum with amazon sales, my account has been closed.
There's so many sneaky ways to get yor amazon associates account closed. I wish they were more transparent about exactly what you can't do instead of hiding it amongst legalese.
If you use amazon affiliate links on your website, make sure you don't have any static prices listed. I'm not sure if they mean you can't list prices for any product even from other affiliate programs or only from theirs.
Kind of frustrating but I suppose I will just fix it and reapply. I guess it could be worse. One more thing to add to my to-do list.
UPDATE: Perhaps sneaky was the wrong word to use. People are taking it in a way that I didn't intend. I only mean to say that it is hard for someone new to the game to read the TOS and actually understand it all and avoid making mistakes. I wish it were easier to understand. That being said I know this is not something unique to Amazon. Most TOS are like that.
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I am sorry that happened. It is always difficult when you receive a rejection from an affiliate program, but you have the right attitude. By all means re-apply when you are ready and have thoroughly re-read the rules.
There are also plenty of other programs outside of Amazon. Some affiliate marketers cannot even participate with Amazon because of where they reside geographically. I am thinking of Michelle Schroeder-Gardner who earns 6 figures each month through her website Making Sense of Cents WITHOUT an affiliate relationship with Amazon.
If it makes you feel any better, I have been rejected from plenty of affiliate programs, too. I have learned that understanding all the rules are key. I have also written to support staff of the affiliate programs, asking them to explain certain points in the terms. Asking for clarification is helpful, and most support staff are happy to help you so that you'll exceed as an affiliate on their behalf.
Good luck with your website and with re-establishing your relationship with Amazon.
That would be a big bummer to me. At least we have dragonfly10 here at WA to help us. Sounds like she can help you.
Give them a call and explain what happened, and usually, they reinstate you, Then is also book sold on Amazon that includes all the does and don'ts. It only 2.99. I buy that before you start again.
Sandy
Thank you for that information. Good to know there is someone here at WA who can help. Can you let us know the name of that book? Thank you.
Yet another reason to be on your toes and wary of affiliating with Amazon. They've been engaging in some rather scary behavior recently. That said, they haven't scared me a way yet. But hey, the day is still young!
Good luck getting your account back!
Hi - it does make sense really, as their prices fluctuate all the time. Plus, imagine if somebody was to read your website in five years time, clearly the price would be wrong. But yes, there are numerous pitfalls with Amazon which you need to be aware of.
Yes, I totally understand the reason. I just feel like there's so much to learn and figure out and it's hard to avoid mistakes like these. It's frustrating.
Did you not get a warning first? They usually give affiliates warnings before shutting them down.
No warning... they just sent an email that said, my site didn't comply with their standards because it listed static prices and my account was immediately closed...
Try eBay. or Walmart they have quite a few products. Amazon has been very picky lately. I rarely make sales through them anymore.
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Wow. It would be very disheartening to me if any company shut me down!! So sorry this happened. Is really valuable information. Thank you.