đźš« Why You Should NEVER Sell Products from Unverified Distributors on Amazon Without Brand Authorization
Selling on Amazon can be incredibly profitable—but only when done legally and strategically. One of the biggest rookie mistakes many new (and even experienced) sellers make is buying inventory from random or unofficial distributors without verifying if they’re authorized by the brand.
Let’s break down why this is a huge risk and can destroy your Amazon business overnight.
âś… What You Should Do
Before you sell any branded product, make sure:
- You get a written authorization email from the brand stating that they or their distributor is allowed to supply products for resale.
- You confirm that the invoice is from the brand directly or from a verified authorized distributor (with written proof).
- You can provide proof of authenticity and supply chain to Amazon if asked.
❌ What Happens If You Don’t
Selling products without proper brand authorization leads to:
- IP Complaints (Intellectual Property Violations)
Brands actively monitor listings and can file complaints against sellers who list without permission. These can shut down your ASIN—or worse—your entire Amazon account. - Account Suspension or Deactivation
If Amazon receives an IP claim or a customer complaint about authenticity, they will demand supply chain documentation. If you can’t provide authorized proof, you risk getting permanently banned from selling. - Loss of Inventory & Funds
If Amazon believes you’re selling unauthentic or grey-market goods, your inventory can be held or destroyed. Plus, any pending payouts could be frozen. - Legal Consequences
You could face legal threats from brands for unauthorized reselling or trademark violations—especially in gated categories.
🧠Common Misconception:
“But the distributor had good reviews and offered great pricing!”
That doesn’t matter. Unless you have it in writing that the distributor is officially recognized by the brand, it means nothing to Amazon.
đź”’ Protect Your Amazon Business
If you’re serious about long-term success, focus on:
- Direct brand relationships
- Authorized distributor partnerships (with documentation)
- Private label or wholesale models with full transparency
Avoid shortcuts. Amazon is not a place for guesswork or “I thought it was okay.”
Final Thought đź’ˇ
If you don’t have an email from the brand or proof that your distributor is authorized—don’t list the product.
Your Amazon business isn’t worth risking over a few units of inventory