Amazon allows drop shipping, but only under strict rules. Buying from another retailer and having it shipped straight to your buyer, or sending packages with someone else’s branding or invoice, breaks the policy. This guide explains the rules and gives a sample dropshipping Plan of Action.
Quick answer
An Amazon dropshipping Plan of Action needs to show that you are now the seller of record on every order: your name on packing slips and invoices, no third-party branding, and responsibility for returns. If you were buying from other retailers (retail arbitrage shipped direct), the appeal must show that has stopped and how you now source and fulfill orders.
Key takeaways
- Amazon allows drop shipping only if you are the seller of record.
- Packing slips, invoices and labels must identify you, not your supplier.
- Buying from another online retailer and shipping direct to the buyer is not allowed.
- You must accept and process returns yourself.
- Dropshipping cases are complex-fee cases.
Need help with this suspension?
Send us your notice for a free case review. You get an honest answer before you pay.
What Amazon’s drop shipping policy allows
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| A supplier ships for you, with your name on the packing slip and invoice. | Buying from another retailer and shipping to the buyer in their packaging. |
| You remove any supplier branding before shipping. | Packing slips or invoices that show another seller or store. |
| You accept and process returns. | Telling buyers to contact the supplier. |
Not sure whether your setup breaks the policy? Tap the green WhatsApp icon on your screen and send us your notice. Reading it is free.
Sample dropshipping Plan of Action
Weak POA
We did not know dropshipping was not allowed. We will follow the rules from now on.
It does not explain what happened or what has actually changed.
Strong POA
Root cause: for 14 orders, we purchased items from another online retailer and had them shipped directly to buyers, which meant buyers received packages showing that retailer’s branding. Corrective actions: we cancelled this sourcing, contacted the affected buyers and removed the listings we cannot fulfill ourselves. Preventive measures: we now buy stock from distributors with invoices, hold inventory in our own warehouse or FBA, and every packing slip shows our business name.
It identifies the exact orders and practice, shows the change and the new supply chain. Details here are illustrative.
Evidence to attach
- Distributor or manufacturer invoices for current stock.
- A sample packing slip and invoice showing your business name.
- Proof of inventory location (warehouse or FBA).
- Your returns procedure.
For the full structure, see our Amazon Plan of Action template.
Real reinstatement results
These are reinstatement emails from client cases we handled, including cases that had been rejected before they reached us.
How our fee works
A rejected appeal often needs a fresh look rather than another rewrite. You pay a small part to start, and the rest only when you are selling again.
Tap the WhatsApp icon on your screen to start. The first review of your rejection is free.
Frequently asked questions
Is dropshipping allowed on Amazon?
Yes, but only if you are the seller of record, your name appears on all packing slips and invoices, supplier branding is removed and you handle returns.
Is retail arbitrage the same as dropshipping?
No. Buying from stores, receiving the products and then selling them can be allowed. Ordering from another online retailer and having it shipped directly to your Amazon buyer is not allowed.
Can I keep my supplier after the appeal?
Yes, if the supplier can ship under your name with your packing slips and no branding of their own, and you can show invoices.
Is a dropshipping case a complex case?
Yes. Dropshipping cases use our complex-case fee.
Can you help with a dropshipping deactivation?
Yes. We review your notice for free and write a Plan of Action based on your actual supply chain.
Need help with this suspension?
Send us your notice for a free case review. You get an honest answer before you pay.
Need help? See our dropshipping policy violation service.
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