Take control of your Amazon Seller account with our comprehensive guide on user permissions, holiday mode, name changes, and account transfers for optimal operations.
Jens Vittrup
Managing an Amazon Seller account requires both attention and structure. Whether you are new to the platform or an experienced seller, proper account management can make the difference between frustration and success. Many sellers underestimate the importance of daily account administration and only realise it when faced with challenges such as lack of access, incorrect settings, or issues with user permissions.
In this guide, we delve into the key aspects of Amazon account management – from user permissions and holiday mode to name changes and account transfers. We will provide you with practical steps and actionable advice to help you optimise your Amazon Seller account and avoid common pitfalls.
As your Amazon business grows, you will likely need to grant access to your Seller Central account to more team members. Amazon allows you to assign specific user permissions, enabling you to control exactly what each person can view and modify.
Amazon’s user permissions system is designed to protect your account while providing flexibility for your day-to-day operations. You can assign different access levels based on the tasks your employees are responsible for. For instance, your product photographer does not need access to your financial reports, and your accountant does not need to edit product descriptions.
To add a user to your Amazon Seller account, follow these steps:
The person will receive an email with instructions on how to create their own access to your account. They will not have access to your personal login details, but will create their own login, which is linked to your account with the restrictions you have defined.
The different permission levels include:
By assigning specific permissions, you can ensure your team members only have access to the functions relevant to their role, reducing the risk of errors or security issues.
Everyone needs a break from time to time, and fortunately, Amazon has a feature that allows you to temporarily pause your business without negative consequences. Amazon vacation mode is a useful function that enables sellers to suspend their product listings for a period, without it affecting their seller metrics or account history.
When you activate holiday mode, your products are temporarily removed from search results, so customers cannot purchase them while you are away. This is especially important for sellers using Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM), as you are responsible for handling and shipping orders yourself.
To activate Amazon vacation mode:
It is important to note that holiday mode only affects products you ship yourself (FBM). If you use Amazon FBA, your products will still be available for purchase, and Amazon will continue to dispatch them, even when holiday mode is enabled. This actually gives FBA sellers a significant advantage, as they can continue generating sales even when not actively involved in daily operations.
When you are ready to resume normal operations, simply deactivate holiday mode by following the same path and switching the setting back to “Disabled”. Your products will then be made available again, and you can resume your usual business activities.
Your seller name on Amazon is an important part of your brand identity on the platform, and you may need to change it for various reasons – perhaps your company has rebranded, you have changed your business strategy, or you simply want a more professional or descriptive name.
The question “can you change your Amazon seller name?” often arises among sellers, and the answer is yes, it is possible to change your seller name on Amazon, but the process requires careful consideration and planning.
To change your Amazon seller name, follow these steps:
When you change your seller name, it is important to note that this does not necessarily update the “display name” that appears on your product pages and in customers’ order history. To change your display name on Amazon, you will need to contact Seller Support directly and request a specific change to your display name.
It is also worth noting that if the change to your seller name reflects a legal change in your business, Amazon may require additional documentation to verify the change. This can include:
Also consider that changing your seller name can affect customer trust if they have purchased from you before. If you have built a positive reputation under your current name, weigh up whether the advantages of rebranding outweigh the risk of losing recognition from returning customers.
Many sellers ask “can I transfer my Amazon account to someone else?” – for example, when selling the business, changing ownership, or restructuring. Amazon’s official policy on account transfer is quite strict: Amazon Seller accounts are tied to the individual or entity that originally created the account, and a direct transfer to a completely different party is generally not permitted.
However, there are situations where Amazon may allow a form of transfer of your Amazon seller account, especially in cases of legitimate business changes such as:
If you need to change account holder on Amazon due to one of the above scenarios, the recommended approach is to contact Amazon Seller Support directly and explain your situation. You will likely be asked to submit comprehensive documentation that proves the legitimate business change.
This documentation may include:
It is important to note that attempting to transfer your Amazon account to another person without following Amazon’s official process can result in permanent suspension of the account. Amazon actively monitors accounts for unauthorised transfers, and the consequences can be serious, including loss of seller rights and withheld funds.
If you are considering selling or handing over your Amazon business, it is highly recommended to seek professional advice from a specialist in Amazon account transfers or a legal expert with experience in this area.
As your business evolves, you may need to update various elements of your business profile on Amazon. From changing your business name on Amazon Seller Central to updating your contact details – it is important to keep this information current and accurate.
To change your business name on Amazon Seller Central, follow these steps:
When you change your business name on your Amazon business account, Amazon may require further verification to confirm that the change is legitimate. This can involve submitting updated company documents, tax information, or other forms of official documentation.
You can also change email on Amazon seller account, which may be necessary if you switch email providers or restructure your internal communications. To change the primary email address on your account:
In addition to these basic changes, you can also update other key details in your profile, such as:
Always keep your business information up to date, as incorrect or outdated details can lead to account issues, payment delays, or even account restrictions.
Amazon offers two main selling plans for sellers: Individual and Professional. Your choice of plan affects your costs, features, and opportunities on the platform. You might start with an Individual plan to test the market, but now need to change your selling plan on Amazon to access more tools and features.
The Individual plan is ideal for beginners and occasional sellers who sell fewer than 40 units per month. The Professional plan is designed for established sellers with higher sales volumes and a need for advanced tools.
To change to a Professional selling plan on Amazon, follow these steps:
When you switch from Individual to Professional, you gain access to additional features, including:
If you switch from Professional to Individual, you will lose access to these features and your account will be charged per unit sold rather than a monthly subscription.
It is worth considering your sales volume and business needs before deciding to change your selling plan. The Professional plan can be more cost-effective if you sell more than 40 units per month, as the monthly fee is often less than the total per-item fees you would pay with an Individual plan.
Amazon regularly requires sellers to confirm their account details to ensure the platform remains secure and reliable for both sellers and customers. This re-verification process can occur for various reasons and at different stages of your selling journey.
Situations where you may be asked to re-verify your Amazon seller account include:
When Amazon asks you to re-verify your account, you will typically receive an email or a notification in Seller Central. It is essential to respond quickly to these requests, as failure to do so may result in account restrictions or even suspension.
The re-verification process can involve different types of verification, depending on the reason for the request:
To make the re-verification process as smooth as possible, it is a good idea to keep all your documents organised and up to date in digital format. This includes personal identification documents, business records, bank details and proof of address.
If you encounter difficulties completing the re-verification process or believe the request is unjustified, you can contact Amazon Seller Support for assistance. They can provide you with more specific guidance based on your situation.
There can be many reasons why you might consider closing your Amazon Seller account – perhaps you have decided to move your business to another platform, you are winding down your company, or Amazon may no longer fit your business model. Whatever the reason, it is important to follow the correct procedure to close your Amazon seller account.
Before you decide to stop selling on Amazon, consider the following:
Once you have addressed the above, follow these steps to close your account:
After requesting to close your account, Amazon will typically keep it active for a further 90 days to ensure all outstanding obligations can be fulfilled. During this period, you can still log in and view your account history, but you can no longer sell products.
It is important to note that once you close your Amazon Seller account, the action is permanent and you cannot reopen the same account. If you decide to sell on Amazon again in the future, you will need to create an entirely new account.
If you are unsure whether to close your account, you can consult with Amazon experts to explore alternative options, such as temporarily enabling holiday mode or downgrading to an Individual plan to reduce costs.
As your Amazon business grows, you will likely need to give other people access to your Seller Central account – whether they are team members, virtual assistants, consultants, or external agencies. Knowing how to give someone access to my Amazon account securely is crucial to protect your business while enabling effective teamwork.
Amazon’s user permissions system allows you to assign specific access levels to different users without sharing your primary login details. This is not only more secure, but also allows you to track who makes which changes on your account.
To add a user to your Amazon Seller account, follow this detailed process:
When you invite a user, you can assign different access levels based on their role and responsibilities. The main access levels include:
For each main category, you can further customise which specific actions the user can carry out. For example, you can grant access to view stock levels but not change prices, or allow someone to answer customer enquiries but not process refunds.
It is important to regularly review and update user permissions on your Amazon account, especially when team members leave the company or change roles. As a safety measure, you should immediately remove access for anyone who no longer needs it and regularly change the password for your primary administrator account.
To manage your Amazon Seller account effectively is not just an administrative task – it is a crucial part of your business strategy on Amazon. Regular maintenance and proactive account management can help you avoid problems, maximise opportunities, and ensure your business remains compliant with Amazon’s rules and policies.
Here are some best practices for managing your Amazon Seller account that can help you maintain a healthy and profitable presence on Amazon:
In addition to these regular checks, there are several areas of your account that require special attention:
Many professional Amazon sellers also use automation tools and work with specialised Amazon agencies to assist with account management, especially as their business grows. These experts can provide valuable insights, help navigate complex issues, and identify optimisation opportunities you may not be aware of.
Changing your store name on Amazon is more than just an administrative task – it is a strategic decision that can affect how customers perceive your brand and how easily they can find your products. Before you decide to change your store name on Amazon, there are several factors to consider.
First, you should be clear about the difference between the various name types on Amazon:
To change your store name on Amazon, follow these steps:
When considering a change of seller on Amazon by updating your store name, you should think about these strategic aspects:
After changing your store name, it may take up to 24-48 hours for the change to be reflected across the Amazon platform. In some cases, Amazon may require additional verification, especially if the new name contains protected terms or trademarks.
Also remember to update your store name in other relevant areas, such as your customer service email signature, product inserts, and any marketing outside of Amazon, to ensure a consistent customer experience across all touchpoints.
Managing your Amazon Seller account effectively requires a combination of technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and ongoing attention. From handling user permissions and enabling holiday mode to changing your store name or closing your account, each action has its own procedures and considerations.
To ensure long-term success on Amazon, you should:
Many professional Amazon sellers find it valuable to work with specialised Amazon consultants or agencies, who can assist with everything from daily account management to strategic planning and growth.
Wherever you are in your Amazon journey, effective account management is the foundation for a successful and sustainable business on the platform. By following best practices and keeping your account well-configured and up to date, you can focus on what really matters: developing excellent products and delivering an outstanding customer experience.
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