Walmart Seller News: Restricted Product Suspensions Threaten Your Account Health
For Walmart sellers, the issue of restricted products can create large account health problems that lead to indefinite suspension from selling. Recently, the Amazon Sellers Lawyer team has seen an uptick in restricted product related suspensions. In this blog, we walk you through the cause of a restricted product flag, the appeals process for Walmart, and a recent case from our team that exemplifies experience in the appeals process.
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Walmart Account Suspended – Restricted Products
The term restricted products refers to Walmart’s policy related to products that are intended for sensitive demographics, or contain substances that require medical approval for sale. The latter is far more common, with misunderstandings over what a product contains as quite common for automated systems.
Two of the most important tools for dealing with these accusations are your product’s manufacturer, and any authorizations that you have received for selling the products you have. Manufacturers are important as major e-commerce platforms are always looking to verify the integrity of your inventory as to ensure that customers are going to have a positive experience on their platform. Keeping updated records of all authorizations received for your products is also key, as even if they have been provided to Walmart in the past, using them as evidence in your case can be key for reinstatement.
How To Get Unbanned From Walmart
There are two major kinds of account actions on Walmart, suspensions and terminations. Terminations are most often reserved for repeat offenders, or those who use the platform for illegal means, and cannot be normally appealed. This is opposed to suspensions, which require completion of a Walmart Plan of Action to appeal for account access. Often, suspensions last for indefinite periods unless otherwise appealed.
For sellers who operate accounts on Walmart and Amazon, the process of creating a Plan of Action can be quite similar between the two. First, sellers should detail the reason they believe is behind their suspension, even if they do not believe there are valid accusations. Next, detailing any immediate actions you have taken to address the suspension, such as issuing refunds, or updating product authorizations. Finally, sellers should discuss any changes that have been implemented in attempts to avoid future violations of Walmart’s terms. Additionally, any supporting evidence for your case should be attached to your Plan of Action.
Walmart Attorney Cases
Recently, the Amazon Sellers Lawyer team was contacted by a client whose account had been suspended after accusations that they were selling products on Walmart’s restricted list. They reached out to our team soon after realizing that the experience of our firm had a strong chance of expediting their account reinstatement.
After contact, we immediately began work on gathering important evidence for their case, such as their product supply chain and the exact materials contained in the product. Importantly, we demonstrated that the product did not contain any alleged substances that would make it require further medical authorization to be sold on Walmart’s platform. On first appeal submission, we were successful in getting our client’s account reinstated, marking a major victory for their business.
Contact Amazon Sellers Lawyer Today!
If you are facing suspension on e-commerce platforms such as Walmart, Amazon, or Etsy, the Amazon Sellers Team is here to help! We have been focused exclusively on helping sellers for over a decade, and have the experience to guide your case to its best possible result. Give us a call today at 212-256-1109 or fill out our online form linked here.
About the Author
CJ Rosenbaum, Esq.
CJ Rosenbaum is the founding partner of Amazon Sellers Lawyer. He’s been practicing law since 1995, and since 2016 his firm has focused exclusively on helping Amazon sellers deal with issues like suspensions, intellectual property disputes, and withheld funds.
CJ has written six books on Amazon seller legal issues including the Amazon Sellers’ Guide to Copyright Law. He has spoken at major industry events like the Prosper Show, Global Sources Summit, Retail Global. CJ also works with the Amazon Sellers Lawyer team to provide free content for Amazon sellers. This is available through their online blog and YouTube channel, frequently covering major Amazon updates and important topics relevant to the seller space.
Through BrandProtectionAmazon.com, the firm also supports brands in protecting their products. This gives the team the unique opportunity to learn from case wins on both sides of the fence, strengthening protection for both the sellers and brands that Rosenbaum & Segall P.C. represents.
Amazon repeatedly rejecting your Plan of Action? Amazon Sellers Lawyer handles suspension appeals and account reinstatement cases – including arbitration against Amazon when they’re withholding seller money. Contact us to discuss your situation and figure out the best path forward.