Can You Be Suspended for Requesting Reviews?

Why Reviews Matter So Much

Customer reviews are one of the most powerful conversion factors on Amazon.

A well-reviewed product not only appears more trustworthy but also gains better ranking through Amazon’s search algorithm. That’s why many sellers feel tempted to speed up the process by asking customers for positive feedback or incentivizing reviews.

Unfortunately, this is exactly where things go wrong.

Amazon’s review system is designed to maintain authenticity and fairness, ensuring that every review represents a genuine customer experience. When sellers try to influence reviews — even unintentionally — Amazon treats it as review manipulation, which is a serious violation.

Amazon’s Policy on Review Requests

Amazon allows sellers to request reviews — but only under strict guidelines.

Here’s what’s permitted:

• You can request a review once per order through Amazon’s “Request a Review” button in Seller Central or automated systems integrated with it.
• You can also send a neutral, non-biased message asking for a review through Amazon’s Buyer-Seller Messaging system.

However, you must never:

1. Ask for a positive review (e.g., “Please leave us a 5-star review”).
2. Incentivize reviews with discounts, free gifts, or refunds.
3. Request review removal or alteration.
4. Filter who you ask (for example, only asking happy customers).
5. Use manipulative language like “If you’re satisfied, leave a review; if not, contact us privately.”

These might seem like minor mistakes, but Amazon’s algorithms and compliance teams are extremely strict.

Examples of Policy Violations That Can Lead to Suspension

Let’s look at some real-world examples that have caused sellers to be suspended:

1. Offering Freebies or Discounts for Reviews
   • Example: “Leave us a review and get 10% off your next purchase.”
   • Result: Immediate policy violation and possible suspension for review manipulation.
2. Asking for Only Positive Reviews
   • Example: “If you love our product, please leave us a 5-star review.”
   • Amazon views this as biased solicitation.
3. Using Insert Cards Incorrectly
   • Many sellers include product inserts asking for reviews.
   • This is allowed only if the message is neutral — such as “We’d love your feedback.”
   • If the card says, “Happy with the product? Leave a 5-star review!” it becomes a violation.
4. Contacting Customers Outside Amazon
   • Using personal emails, social media, or WhatsApp to ask for reviews violates Amazon’s communication policies and privacy rules.

What Happens If You Violate the Policy

If Amazon detects suspicious activity related to reviews, you may face the following actions:

• Performance Notification or Policy Warning: A first-level warning asking you to correct your behavior.
  
• Listing Suppression: Specific product listings may be temporarily suspended.
  
• Account Suspension: In serious cases, Amazon will suspend your entire selling account for review manipulation.
  

Once suspended, getting reinstated is not easy. You’ll need to submit a Plan of Action (POA) explaining what went wrong, what you’ve corrected, and how you’ll ensure compliance moving forward.

Many sellers end up hiring professional appeal services because reinstatement requires precision and compliance understanding.

How to Request Reviews the Right Way

Now that you know what not to do, let’s focus on the right approach.

Here are safe, Amazon-approved methods to request reviews:

1. Use the “Request a Review” Button
   
   • Found in Seller Central under each order.
     
   • Amazon sends a standardized message to the buyer asking for both a product and seller review.
     
   • It’s 100% compliant and risk-free.
     
2. Use Buyer-Seller Messaging Properly
   
   • You may send one message after delivery.
     
   • Keep it neutral and concise. For example:
     “Thank you for your purchase! We hope you’re satisfied with your order. If you have a moment, please share your feedback on Amazon to help us improve.”
     
   • Avoid emojis, incentives, and rating suggestions.
     
3. Automate Review Requests via Tools (Carefully)
   
   • If you use third-party tools to send automated review requests, ensure they follow Amazon’s current policies and are API-approved.
     
4. Focus on Great Service and Product Quality
   
   • Ultimately, authentic positive reviews come from genuine customer satisfaction.
     
   • Fast shipping, accurate descriptions, and excellent post-sale support naturally lead to more reviews.

What to Do If You’re Already Suspended

If your account has been suspended due to review manipulation, don’t panic — but act fast.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Read the Suspension Notice Carefully. Understand the reason Amazon provided.
   
2. Gather Evidence. Identify which actions violated policy (e.g., inserts, messages, promotions).
   
3. Prepare a Plan of Action.
   
   • Root Cause: What went wrong.
     
   • Corrective Actions: Steps taken to fix the issue.
     
   • Preventive Measures: How you’ll avoid future violations.
     
4. Submit the Appeal Professionally.
   
   • Keep it factual, concise, and policy-based.
     

If needed, work with a specialized Amazon reinstatement service that can guide you through the appeal process effectively.