Vetting Your Amazon Suspension Appeal Service: 15 Questions Every Seller Must Ask Before Signing a Contract

Your account got suspended. You’ve already decided you need professional help. Now you’re staring at five different service providers, all claiming impressive success rates, all promising to get you reinstated. How do you actually tell which one knows what they’re doing?

This is where most suspended sellers make their second costly mistake. The first was whatever got them suspended. The second is panic-hiring the first service that sounds confident on the phone. If you’ve already worked through do you actually need an amazon suspension appeal service? a seller’s decision framework for 2025 , you know whether professional help makes sense for your situation. Now it’s time to make sure you’re hiring the right partner, not just the loudest one.

This guide gives you a systematic framework for evaluating, comparing, and selecting an Amazon suspension appeal service. You’ll walk away with specific questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and a scoring system to make an informed decision rather than an emotional one.

Here’s something most services won’t tell you upfront: expertise in Amazon suspensions isn’t one-size-fits-all. A provider who excels at authenticity complaints might struggle with related account issues. Someone with deep IP infringement experience might not understand the nuances of a Section 3 violation.

The type of suspension you’re facing dramatically affects which service is best equipped to help you. As we explain in section 3 vs. ip complaints vs. authenticity issues: why every amazon suspension appeal requires a different strategy , each violation category requires fundamentally different approaches, evidence packages, and negotiation strategies.

Key suspension categories that require specialized expertise:

• Section 3 violations (multiple accounts, related accounts, business structure issues)
• Intellectual property complaints (trademark, copyright, counterfeit claims)
• Product authenticity issues (supply chain documentation, manufacturer relationships)
• Restricted product violations (category-specific compliance requirements)
• Review manipulation or incentivized feedback
• Buyer safety or product safety concerns

When you’re vetting providers, their experience with your specific suspension type matters more than their overall reinstatement count. A service with 500 successful authenticity appeals is more valuable for your authenticity case than one with 2,000 reinstatements that were mostly policy violations.

These questions are designed to cut through marketing speak and reveal whether a provider actually has the expertise, process, and integrity to handle your case. Don’t skip any of them.

1. What percentage of your cases involve my specific suspension type?

You want a provider where your suspension category represents a significant portion of their work. If they handle mostly policy violations but you have an IP complaint, dig deeper into their specific track record with intellectual property cases.

2. Do you have former Amazon employees on staff, and what roles did they hold?

Not all Amazon experience is equal. Someone who worked in Seller Performance or conducted investigation reviews brings directly relevant insight. Someone from warehouse operations or customer service doesn’t have the same appeal-specific knowledge. At aSellingSecrets, our team includes former Amazon employees who actually reviewed appeals and understand exactly what investigators look for.

3. Can you walk me through a similar case you’ve handled (without revealing confidential details)?

A legitimate provider can describe their approach to cases like yours in general terms. If they can’t articulate a clear strategy or speak knowledgeably about the specific challenges your suspension type presents, that’s a warning sign.

4. How do you stay current on Amazon policy changes?

Amazon updates its policies frequently. A good provider should have systems for tracking policy updates, seller forums, and enforcement trends. Ask specifically what resources they monitor and how recently they’ve adjusted their approach based on policy changes.

5. What’s your approach when you encounter a suspension type you haven’t seen before?

This question reveals honesty. Every provider occasionally faces novel situations. The right answer involves research, consultation with team members, and transparent communication with you. The wrong answer is overconfidence or pretending they’ve seen everything.

6. Who specifically will write my Plan of Action, and what is their background?

Some services advertise expert partners but farm out POA writing to junior staff or overseas contractors. Know exactly who touches your case. Understanding what makes a POA effective is critical, and as we cover in beyond copy-paste: why most amazon plan of action templates fail (and how to build one that actually works) , cookie-cutter approaches fail because Amazon investigators can spot them immediately.

7. How do you investigate the root cause of my suspension?

A thorough provider will review your suspension notice, account health history, performance metrics, recent changes to your account, and relevant documentation before drafting anything. If they offer to write your appeal immediately after a brief conversation, they’re not doing adequate investigation.

8. What documentation will you need from me, and how do you protect my Seller Central credentials?

Legitimate services need access to your account, but they should have clear security protocols. Ask about how credentials are stored, who has access, whether they use secure password management, and what happens to your login information after the engagement ends.

9. How often will you update me, and what’s your typical response time to my questions?

Suspension situations are stressful. You deserve to know when you’ll hear updates. Get specific commitments on communication frequency and response windows, not vague promises about “staying in touch.”

10. What’s your process if my first appeal gets denied?

Denials happen, even with experienced providers. Understanding denied again? what to do when your amazon suspension appeal gets rejected is essential knowledge. A quality service should have a clear escalation strategy, whether that’s a revised POA, additional documentation, or alternative appeal pathways. Ask how their approach changes after a denial and how many appeals are typically included in their fee.

11. How do you define and calculate your success rate?

“Success rate” can mean many things. Does it include cases where the seller was already eligible for reinstatement? Does it count partial reinstatements? Does it exclude cases they declined to take? Get the methodology, not just the number.

12. What’s your success rate specifically for my suspension type?

Overall success rates mask significant variation. IP cases might have different outcomes than authenticity cases. If a provider can’t break down their numbers by suspension category, their headline statistic is less meaningful.

13. What happens if you can’t get me reinstated? Do you offer refunds?

Understand the refund policy in detail. Some services offer full refunds if reinstatement fails. Others offer partial refunds or no refunds but unlimited revisions. Know what you’re signing up for and get it in writing.

14. What exactly is included in your fee, and what costs extra?

Hidden fees are common. Ask specifically about: number of appeals included, escalation to different Amazon teams, communication with Amazon on your behalf, post-reinstatement support, and ongoing compliance consultation. Get a complete picture before you sign.

15. What’s your typical timeline for cases like mine, and what factors could extend it?

Honest providers give ranges, not guarantees. They should explain that timeline depends on Amazon’s response speed, the complexity of your case, how quickly you provide documentation, and whether appeals are denied. Anyone promising a specific reinstatement date is overselling.

The suspension appeal space has legitimate experts and outright scammers. Desperation makes suspended sellers vulnerable targets. Watch for these warning signs:

Guaranteed reinstatement promises. No one can guarantee Amazon will reinstate your account. Amazon makes final decisions, period. Anyone claiming they can guarantee outcomes is either lying or doesn’t understand how Amazon works. For more on identifying scams, see amazon appeal services explained: what they actually do, what they cost, and how to spot the scams.

Extreme urgency tactics. Yes, time matters with suspensions. But a provider who pressures you to sign immediately without answering your questions is prioritizing their commission over your interests. A day spent vetting properly is worth it.

Refusal to explain their approach. If they won’t tell you how they’ll tackle your specific suspension, they probably don’t have a real strategy. They might be planning to send a template POA and hope for the best.

Unusually low pricing. Quality appeal services require experienced professionals spending significant time on your case. If someone’s charging a fraction of industry rates, they’re either using templates, farming work overseas to unqualified writers, or planning to upsell you later.

Requests for Seller Central credentials without security protocols. Any provider needs account access, but they should explain exactly how they protect your information. Asking you to share passwords via email or text is unacceptable.

No clear point of contact. If you can’t get a straight answer about who will handle your case and how to reach them, expect communication problems throughout your engagement.

Claims of “insider connections” at Amazon. There’s no secret back channel. Anyone claiming special relationships with Amazon decision-makers is fabricating. What matters is expertise in crafting appeals that work through normal channels.

Every appeal service advertises impressive success rates. But these numbers aren’t standardized, which means comparing them directly can mislead you.

Questions that reveal what a success rate actually represents:

• Do you count cases you declined to take, or only cases you accepted?
• Does your rate include partial reinstatements (like ASIN-level vs. full account)?
• How do you handle cases that are “reinstated” but then suspended again within 30 days?
• Do you track success rates by suspension type, or only overall?
• How many total cases does your success rate represent?

At aSellingSecrets, our 97% success rate across 3,000+ reinstatements reflects actual account reinstatements for cases we accept. We’re transparent about our methodology because we know informed sellers make better clients.

Verifying claims:

• Ask for case studies or testimonials specific to your suspension type
• Check third-party review sites (Google Reviews, Trustpilot) for patterns in feedback
• Look for mentions in Amazon seller communities and forums
• Ask how long they’ve been operating and whether they can provide references

Be skeptical of perfect success rates. Even excellent providers lose some cases because certain suspensions are genuinely unwinnable. A provider claiming 100% success is either cherry-picking cases or being dishonest.

Different provider types serve different needs. Understanding the distinctions helps you match the right model to your situation.

Amazon-Specialized Consultants

These firms focus exclusively on Amazon account issues. They typically have deep platform expertise, often including former Amazon employees. They understand seller workflows, Amazon’s internal processes, and the language that resonates with Seller Performance teams.

• Best for: Most suspension types where legal representation isn’t required
• Typical cost range: $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on complexity
• Advantages: Amazon-specific expertise, faster turnaround, lower cost than attorneys
• Limitations: Can’t represent you in actual legal proceedings

Amazon Suspension Lawyers

Attorneys who specialize in e-commerce and Amazon disputes. They can provide legal advice, send cease and desist letters, and represent you if your situation involves litigation threats or regulatory issues.

• Best for: IP disputes where you might need to sue or respond to lawsuits, cases involving potential fraud allegations, situations where you’re considering legal action against complainants
• Typical cost range: $3,000 to $15,000+
• Advantages: Legal authority, can handle escalation to courts, attorney-client privilege
• Limitations: Higher cost, may lack day-to-day Amazon operational knowledge

Full-Service Reinstatement Firms

Companies that combine consulting expertise with legal resources, either in-house or through partnerships. They can handle the appeal process and escalate to legal representation if needed.

• Best for: Complex cases with multiple issues, sellers who want one partner for all contingencies
• Typical cost range: $2,500 to $10,000+
• Advantages: Comprehensive approach, built-in escalation path
• Limitations: May cost more than you need for straightforward cases

For most suspensions, a specialized consultant with proven expertise is sufficient and cost-effective. Legal representation becomes valuable when your case involves genuine legal risk, not just Amazon policy enforcement.

Use this scoring system to compare providers objectively. Rate each category from 1-5 based on your conversations and research.

Experience & Expertise (20 points possible)

• Specialization in my suspension type: ___/5
• Team qualifications and backgrounds: ___/5
• Demonstrated knowledge of current policies: ___/5
• Transparency about limitations and challenges: ___/5

Process & Communication (20 points possible)

• Clear investigation methodology: ___/5
• Defined communication expectations: ___/5
• Security protocols for account access: ___/5
• Plan for handling denials: ___/5

Success Metrics & Transparency (15 points possible)

• Clear success rate methodology: ___/5
• Type-specific success data: ___/5
• Verifiable testimonials or references: ___/5

Pricing & Terms (15 points possible)

• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing: ___/5
• Fair refund or revision policy: ___/5
• Realistic timeline expectations: ___/5

Red Flag Check (10 points possible, subtract for concerns)

• No guarantee promises: ___/2
• No high-pressure tactics: ___/2
• No suspicious claims: ___/2
• Clear point of contact: ___/2
• Professional online presence and reviews: ___/2

Total Score: ___/80

Providers scoring 65+ generally demonstrate the expertise and professionalism you need. Scores below 50 suggest you should keep looking. Compare at least two or three services before making your decision.

Setting realistic expectations helps you evaluate whether your chosen service is performing adequately. Here’s what a professional engagement typically looks like:

Phase 1: Investigation (Days 1-3)

Your provider reviews your suspension notice, account health metrics, recent account activity, and any documentation you provide. They should ask detailed questions and may request additional information. This phase shouldn’t be rushed.

Phase 2: Strategy Development (Days 3-5)

Based on their investigation, the team develops a tailored approach. You should receive a clear explanation of their strategy, what the POA will address, and what evidence or documentation they need from you.

Phase 3: POA Drafting and Review (Days 5-10)

The Plan of Action is written, and you should have opportunity to review it before submission. Good providers explain their reasoning and incorporate your input while maintaining control over the document’s structure and language.

Phase 4: Submission and Monitoring (Variable)

After submission, Amazon’s response timeline varies from 24 hours to several weeks depending on suspension type and current volume. Your provider should communicate realistic wait times and update you on status.

Phase 5: Response Handling

If reinstated, you should receive guidance on avoiding future issues. If denied, a quality provider moves quickly to analyze the denial, adjust strategy, and prepare the next appeal. Understanding inside amazon’s appeal review: what investigators actually look for (and how to give it to them) becomes crucial at this stage.

Your role in the process:

• Respond promptly to documentation requests
• Provide honest, complete information about what led to your suspension
• Review drafts and provide feedback within reasonable timeframes
• Avoid submitting additional appeals or contacting Amazon without coordinating with your provider

Costs vary based on suspension complexity. Simple policy violations might cost $1,500 to $2,500. Complex cases involving IP disputes, related account issues, or multiple violations typically range from $3,000 to $7,500. Attorney involvement increases costs significantly. Be wary of prices dramatically below these ranges, as they often indicate templated approaches or inexperienced providers.

For most suspensions, an experienced consultant with Amazon-specific expertise is sufficient and more cost-effective. Consider legal representation if your case involves: active litigation or lawsuit threats, serious IP disputes where you might need to take legal action, fraud allegations that could have legal consequences beyond Amazon, or situations where attorney-client privilege matters. Most sellers don’t need lawyers for standard reinstatement appeals.

Quality providers include multiple appeal attempts in their engagement. After a denial, they should analyze Amazon’s response, identify what additional information or different approach is needed, and prepare a revised appeal. Ask upfront how many appeals are included and what the process looks like after a denial. Some services offer unlimited revisions; others cap at two or three attempts.

Ask for their methodology: what counts as success, how many cases the rate represents, whether it’s broken down by suspension type, and how they handle cases they decline. Check third-party review platforms for consistent positive feedback. Look for specific testimonials mentioning reinstatement outcomes. Ask if they can provide references from sellers with similar suspension types. Be skeptical of providers who can’t explain their numbers or claim perfect success rates.

Hiring an Amazon suspension appeal service is a business decision, not an emergency reaction. The provider you choose will significantly impact whether you get back to selling quickly or waste time and money on ineffective appeals.

Use the questions, red flags, and scoring framework in this guide to evaluate your options systematically. Compare at least two or three services. Trust your instincts when something feels off.

Ready to ask the right questions? Schedule a free consultation with aSellingSecrets to see how our team of former Amazon employees and compliance specialists approaches your specific suspension type. With 3,000+ reinstatements and a 97% success rate, we’re confident we can answer every question on this list. Visit our Amazon Store Reinstatement service page to learn more about how we work.