How to avoid Amazon account association and analysis of common misunderstandings

It is crucial for Amazon sellers to understand and avoid account associations. This article aims to dive into what account linking means and clear up some common misconceptions.

1. The nature of account association

First of all, we need to make it clear that the Amazon platform stipulates that each seller can only have one account. This rule is intended to prevent certain sellers from gaining an unfair advantage by opening multiple accounts. However, for sellers who want to expand their business globally, it is allowed to open Amazon accounts in different countries using the same set of information. This means that if there is an issue with your account in one country, accounts in other regions may also be affected.

2. Software-related risks

Browsers and plug-ins

Browsers and their plug-ins may be one of the important factors causing account association. Amazon may determine whether there is related behavior based on the browser type and version you are using, and the plug-ins you have installed. In addition, the browser history may also form part of the evaluation.

Operating system features

Information such as the operating system version, screen resolution, and system time zone of the seller’s computer may be used by Amazon to detect violations of the single account regulations.

Importance of IP address

Although IP address is often considered to be one of the main factors in association, in fact, only frequent switching of different accounts under the same IP address will trigger Amazon’s alert. Therefore, simple IP sharing does not automatically lead to account association.

3. Correlation between hardware and operation

In addition to the software level, the uniqueness of hardware devices such as network cards can also be used as one of the criteria. Once a network card has been used to operate a specific account, using it again to log in to other accounts may lead to association.

Notes on email login

Avoid using email addresses with the same business domain name to register for different Amazon accounts, as Amazon monitors this information.

Receipt and payment methods

Make sure not to share the same bank card or credit card between different accounts for collection or payment activities, even if they are different card numbers under the same person’s name.

Password settings

Different accounts should have different passwords. Even if these passwords are encrypted, Amazon can still recognize the same pattern.

Other potential risk points

• Overseas warehousing: Using informal third-party warehouse services may arouse Amazon’s suspicion.
• Website information consistency: Amazon can check the Whois record of the seller’s website to ensure that this data is consistent across accounts.

4. Common misunderstandings and fact correction

Many claims about account linking are often spread based on misinformation. For example:

• IP address association: Risks only occur when two accounts operate simultaneously under the same IP address.
• Instant messaging tool login: Using instant messaging applications such as QQ on the same computer will not lead to association.
• Customer service operating habits: There is no basis for the view that the same customer service or similar typing speed will lead to correlation.
• Storage device insertion history: The usage history of the USB flash drive or hard drive also does not affect Amazon’s determination of relevance.
• Account restart conditions: When the original account expires, there is no need to change to a new computer and network environment to create a new account.
• Mailbox cross-device access: As long as you do not click on the link you receive when logging in to your mailbox from another device, the association will not be triggered.
• Home and work switching: Operating an Amazon account from home does not automatically link it to other accounts.

It can be seen from the above analysis that correctly understanding Amazon’s account association mechanism and taking appropriate preventive measures can help sellers avoid unnecessary trouble. At the same time, be wary of some unsubstantiated claims to avoid misleading your own decision-making process.