How To Delete Amazon Seller Account: A Complete Guide

Closing your Amazon seller account isn't as simple as hitting "delete," and doing it wrong can cost you thousands in stuck inventory, withheld payments, and compliance issues.

While Amazon offers a rewarding platform for e-commerce growth with its large customer base and selling tools, there comes a time when your seller account may no longer align with your business vision or goals. Every month, thousands of sellers face this critical decision due to shifting business models, intensified competition, or strategic pivots.

Amazon's account closure process involves strict eligibility requirements, mandatory waiting periods, and specific steps that must be completed in precise order. Many sellers search for guidance on how to close seller account on amazon, but the process varies significantly depending on your account type. 

Whether you're wondering how to close amazon business account or need to know how to close an amazon seller account, one misstep can leave your funds frozen or inventory stranded.

In this guide, we'll cover:

* When should you consider closing an Amazon seller account?

* What are the things to keep in mind before closing an Amazon seller account?

* How to delete Amazon seller account step-wise?

* What would happen after closing an Amazon seller account?

* What are the alternative options to closing an Amazon seller account?

* Can I reopen my account after closing it?

When should you consider closing an Amazon seller account? 

Closing your Amazon store is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. However, there are many common reasons why you might choose to delete an Amazon seller account, ranging from personal to business. 

Low sales: If you are not making enough sales to justify the costs of an Amazon seller account, then you might want to close your account and try selling on another platform. This is especially common for new sellers or small businesses that are unable to gain traction.

High fees: Amazon charges sellers fees for various services, including referral, fulfillment, and storage. For some businesses, these fees can accumulate and represent a significant portion of their costs.

Personal reasons: There are many personal reasons for which you might wish to shut your Amazon account, including health issues, family reasons, a change in personal circumstances, or other life events.

Change in business model: If you have decided to focus on selling through your website or a brick-and-mortar shop, then you may choose to close your Amazon store.

Competition: Amazon is a highly competitive marketplace, and you may find it difficult to compete with other sellers on the platform. In such cases, you might consider closing your account and transitioning to alternative platforms. 

Irrespective of your reason for moving on from the Amazon store, you need to consider all your options and consequences before making the decision. The good news is that the process is pretty straightforward and can be completed in no time.

When NOT to close: Don't rush into closure due to temporary setbacks, seasonal sales dips, or single policy warnings. These issues often resolve with proper strategy adjustments.

On the flip side, if you want to know how to set up a store, then read our blog on how to set up an Amazon storefront. If you have just started selling, then check how to sell on Amazon as an individual seller.

What are the things to keep in mind before closing an Amazon seller account?

Before understanding how to close your Amazon seller account, these five critical prerequisites must be completed before Amazon processes your closure request:

Ensure your account is eligible for closure

Before closing your Amazon seller account, you need to ensure that it is eligible for closure. If your account has been flagged for any compliance issues, outstanding fees, or unresolved disputes, Amazon will not process your request unless each of them has been resolved. 

Therefore, it is essential to take your time, clear and check for unresolved issues, such as open claims from customers, active account suspensions, or holds due to policy violations or performance concerns.

Fulfill or cancel outstanding orders

Amazon requires all pending orders to be fulfilled or canceled before an account can be closed. Failure to do so will result in Amazon blocking your request until those transactions are fully resolved, which can harm your seller performance metrics.

Visit the order history in Seller Central to review any pending orders. If any outstanding orders remain, either fulfill them or cancel them by notifying the customers and initiating refunds as necessary. 

Remove all products from Amazon

Another prerequisite for closing your account is to remove all your products from Amazon. Conducting a proper inventory cleanup ensures that your account isn’t flagged for misplaced or unsold stock.

Step-by-step removal process:

1. Go to Inventory > Manage Inventory in Seller Central

2. Select products using the dropdown menu next to each listing

3. Click "Create removal order"

4. Choose removal destination (return to you or dispose)

5. Confirm shipping address and processing preferences

It is crucial to initiate the removal process before deleting your listings to avoid “stranded inventory”—the products that Amazon is holding, as they can’t link them to a listing. 

Clear your balance

Amazon requires a clean financial record to proceed with account deletion. This means that you need to ensure your balance is zero.

You can visit Seller Central to check your balance.

If you have a positive balance:

• Update your bank account information in Seller Central

• Ensure account details are current for final payment disbursement

• Allow 3-5 business days for payment processing

If you have a negative balance:

• Pay outstanding amounts immediately through your payment method on file

• Resolve any disputed charges or fees

• Confirm zero balance in your Payments dashboard

  
  

Ensure you have waited 90 days after your last sale 

You must wait 90 days after your last sale before you can permanently close your account. This period serves as a safeguard against potential issues for you and your customers. Therefore, the buffer can accommodate any customer chargebacks, return requests, or complaints that may arise. It ensures that all orders and related activities are settled before you exit the platform. 

What are the steps for deleting an Amazon seller account? 

Once you've completed all prerequisites, you're ready to learn how to close seller account on Amazon. The actual submission process is straightforward, but knowing what to expect at each stage prevents confusion and delays.

Step 1: Log in to your Amazon seller account 

To begin with, log in to your Amazon seller account using your email and password associated with it. If you have forgotten your credentials, you can reset them using the account recovery options provided by Amazon.

Step 2: Go to the settings page 

Once you’re logged in, click on the Settings page icon, which is located in the top right corner of the dashboard.

Step 3: Click on “Account Info.”

Select “Account Info” from the drop-down menu. This contains information about your seller profile and account details.

Step 4: Select “Close your account.”

Next, locate the “Close account” button within the Account Info section. It is usually on the right-hand side under “Account management”. Click on it.

Step 5: Provide a reason for closing your account

Review the information on the page and click on the “Request Account Closure” button. You will be asked to confirm your decision.

Additionally, Amazon will also ask for a reason for closing your account. You can select one of the options from the drop-down menu or enter a brief explanation. While this is optional, providing feedback is encouraged, as it helps Amazon improve its services.

Step 6: Click on “Submit.”

After providing and reviewing all the information, click on “Submit” to send your account closure request to Amazon.

Step 7: Wait for confirmation

After submitting your request, wait for confirmation from Amazon. They will send a notification either to your email address linked with your account or via text message to confirm the account closure request. You must respond within 5 days to verify the request.

Step 8: Resolve any outstanding issues

If any outstanding issues arise, Amazon will pause the process until they are resolved. This may involve addressing unpaid balances or settling any disputes with Amazon. Resolve these issues promptly to prevent delays in the process. 

Step 9: Account closure

Once all the outstanding issues are resolved, Amazon will close your account. You will receive an email confirmation once the process is complete.

What would happen after closing an Amazon seller account?

After you close your account, the following changes will take place:

1. All your product listings, information, and images will be permanently removed from the platform.

2. You will lose access to all stored data associated with your account, such as account balance, return processing, order history, refund issuance, communication with buyers, and A-to-Z Guarantee claims response.

3. If you close an Amazon Europe Marketplaces Account, then the closure of your account will lead to your account being shut down for all European marketplaces.

4. Closing a North America Unified Account results in the closure of your Canada and Mexico accounts too.

5. You will no longer be able to use any gift cards associated with your seller account. 

   
   

What are the alternative options to closing an Amazon seller account?

If you are not ready or unsure about closing your seller account permanently, here are some alternative options you might want to explore.

Downgrade to a free plan 

You also have the option to switch to a free individual account if your sales aren’t justifying the cost of a professional seller account. This means you can keep your account open while conducting further product research and studying successful selling strategies, without having to pay the monthly subscription fees.  

To downgrade to an individual account, you can follow these steps: 

-   Log in to your seller account and navigate to the “Settings” tab.

-   Click on “Account Info.”

-   Click on the “Downgrade Account” button and follow the instructions provided. 

Your account will switch to the free account once your professional plan expires. You will no longer have to pay any monthly subscription fees, but instead, you will be charged a small fee each time you sell a product.

Delete old product listings

Another alternative to deleting your seller account is to delete your product listings. If you have exhausted your inventory for a particular product, you can remove it from your account so it is not visible to buyers on the platform. 

To delete a product listing, follow these steps: 

-   Go to “Inventory” and then click on “Manage inventory” in your Amazon Seller Central account.

-   Locate the listing you want to delete, and click the dropdown next to it.

-   Click on “Delete product and listing”.

-   Confirm that you want to delete it by clicking on “OK” 

The listing will be deleted from your inventory. If you wish to re-create the listing, you can do so with the same ASIN. All the information and reviews will be restored.

Activate vacation mode 

If you want a break from selling on Amazon, you can put your account on vacation mode. During this mode, your listings will be visible to customers, but they will not be able to purchase any products. You can also choose to automatically cancel or fulfill existing orders. 

Follow these steps to activate vacation mode: 

-   Go to “Settings” and then click on “Account Info” in your Seller Central account.

-   Under the “Listing Status” section, click on “Going on holidays?”

-   Choose whether you want to deactivate one or all marketplaces in your absence.

-   Click “Save” to confirm the changes.

Can I reopen my account after closing it? 

It is possible to reopen your account after deleting the old seller account. However, you will need to go through the same process as a new seller, which includes providing all the necessary information and completing Amazon’s verification process. 

Note: Reopening your account does not mean your previous product listings and seller ratings will be restored.

Making the Right Decision for Your Amazon Business

Deleting an Amazon seller account can be a complex process, from fulfilling outstanding orders and clearing your balance to following Amazon’s mandatory timelines. But meeting all the requirements helps avoid delays and prevents potential complications down the line. 

Whether you have decided to permanently step away from the platform or simply pause it for a while, it’s important to make these decisions strategically. But if you are still in the game and looking for a smarter and simpler way to up your Amazon advertising game, atom11, an Amazon Ads Automation Software, can help you.

Our Amazon PPC software simplifies Amazon advertising for sellers by combining ads with retail signals like inventory, pricing, and sales to help sellers optimize their advertising strategy.

Still selling? Book a demo with atom11 today!

FAQs

How do I permanently delete my Amazon seller account? 

To permanently delete your Amazon seller account, log in to Amazon Seller Central. Click on “Account Info” from the “Settings” tab and scroll to “Close your Account”. Follow the prompts to confirm the closure.

Why can’t I close my Amazon seller account? 

You might be unable to close your account if there are unresolved issues or pending transactions. Ensure that all sales are completed, customer issues are addressed, products are removed, and you have waited 90 days after your last sale.

How long does it take to close an Amazon seller account? 

Account deletion requests typically go through in a few days. However, it can take more time if there are some unresolved issues like open orders, pending refunds, or more. Amazon sends a confirmation once the closure is finalized.

Can I close my Amazon seller account and open a new one?

Yes, you can close your seller account and open a new Amazon Seller Account. However, opening a new account is a fresh start and requires you to go through the initial setup process, including providing necessary documents and verifying your identity. 

What happens if I deregister my Amazon account? 

Once you deregister your Amazon account, you will lose access to your account history, order information, buyer information, and all associated product listings.

Can I transfer my Amazon seller account? 

Amazon seller accounts are generally non-transferable. If there is a new business owner, then the new owner must make a new seller account. If the responsibility of managing the seller account has changed and the ownership remains the same, you can add new users to the account.

What happens if I leave my Amazon account unattended? 

If you leave your Amazon account unattended for extended periods, it can lead to account suspension or a negative impact on the account’s health. In such scenarios, you can delete your account or activate vacation mode.

Can I sell my Amazon seller account? 

Yes, it is possible to sell your Amazon seller account to private buyers or Amazon aggregators. Amazon FBA businesses that are actively traded can expect to earn 3-6 times their annual profits.