Navigating the Apple Amazon appeal process after new rules introduced

Amazon Appeal Apple suspension

Thompson and Holt managing partner Craig Gedey has advised Amazon sellers to be fully aware of the new rules banning merchants from selling Apple products on their market place.

From January 4, 2019, Apple and Beats products can only be legitimately sold by a small group of Apple Authorised Resellers as part of a new agreement with Amazon.

Apple are now in the process of emailing anybody that has previous sold Apple or Beats products on Amazon outlining the new rules, with sales for non-authorised ending on the specified January date. The full guidelines are shown at the bottom of this article.

The news has brought a mixed reaction from the Amazon selling community.

Authorised Apple sellers will see much less competition and expect their businesses to thrive, but those not permitted to continue selling the products will need to diversify to survive.

This is something that Thompson and Holt’s Gedey says is crucial to their long-term prospects.

He explained: “It’s important to diversify both the products that you sell, and also your e-commerce selling platforms.

“Sellers have been informed now so have plenty of time to make arrangements.

“Don’t risk selling products on Amazon if you don’t have permission otherwise it could lead to a suspension

“Familiarise yourself with exactly what the new guidelines are now, so that you can prepare yourself fully and ensure that your business is in the best possible position to adapt in coming months.”

Should a scenario play out whereby your Amazon business is suspended, Thompson and Holt are well versed in the Apple Amazon appeal process.

Gedey added: “At Thompson and Holt we have handled a large number of suspensions related to unauthorised Apple sales.

“They are something that can be avoided with good administration.”

If you need help with an Apple Amazon appeal, get in touch through the Thompson and Holt website.

Over the last 10 years there has been several calls to end respective trade practises, without success.

Companies initially introduced them to keep a product away from certain marketplaces, but that failed to work so they now look to control their sales to a select number of merchants and ban others.

Platform bans allow brands to keep prices artificially high and restrict consumer choice.

New Amazon Apple guidelines

* You may continue selling Apple and Beats products on Amazon until the January 4, 2019.

* The last date that shipments will be accepted into Amazon FBA will be December 1, 2018.

* If sellers have any remaining inventory of these products in Amazon fulfilment centres on January 5, 2019, they will need to create a Removal Order.

* Amazon will reimburse you for the return or disposal fees until February 4, 2019.

* Sellers cannot send shipments of Apple and Beats products to Amazon fulfilment centres after the December 1, 2018.