Today I received this email regarding a product I’m selling, and I would really appreciate some guidance on the best way to respond. The product I’m offering is purchased directly from their authorized distributor, so I want to make sure I handle this correctly and professionally.
Has anyone deal with a similar situation before?
I received a letter in the past similar to this from about three brands. I didn’t respond and just sold off the whole inventory, but with one brand my VA was sure it was just the brand paying the same lawyer’s office to scare me, so I kept going with that brand for the whole year until they sent three more certified letters. My VA was sure it would be one, two, three letters and then they’d stop, but when I received the fourth letter I decided to stop and not risk my account, even though it took more than a year. I had a little argument with my VA since he was sure they were only trying to scare me, but after talking to some lawyers they suggested it was possible the brand could sue me. According to the lawyer, it’s a very small chance, but if it happened it would be very costly for me. So after a year and four letters like this, I stopped. I’ve been asked many times if anyone has actually been sued, but I’ve never seen any feedback. There are so many sellers, so why no feedback?
I advise to get in touch with the brand and if they don’t want you to sell on Amazon, then stop asap.
The best way to respond is to stay calm and provide Amazon with solid documentation proving your supply chain, which usually means invoices from the authorized distributor showing their name, your name, and the product details that match your listing.
This is a cheap “law firm” for Amazon sellers that uses virtual assistants to draft these letters.
I know, as I hired them in the past. Worse than Seller Support.
If your merchandise is genuine, then you don’t need to respond.
