What Do You Need to Dropship on Amazon

Below is a ready-to-publish solution article written for a knowledge base hub.

It is accurate, defensive, and designed to reduce Amazon-related support tickets and suspensions.

Dropshipping on Amazon is very different from dropshipping on Shopify or other platforms.

Amazon allows dropshipping only if strict requirements are met. If these requirements are ignored, sellers risk listing removals, account warnings, or permanent suspension.

This guide explains exactly what you need to dropship on Amazon, including Seller of Record rules, supplier requirements, and common mistakes to avoid.

Does Amazon allow dropshipping?

Yes, Amazon allows dropshipping only under specific conditions.

You are allowed to dropship on Amazon if:

• You are the Seller of Record

• You are clearly identified as the seller to the customer

• You control customer service and returns

• Your supplier is authorized to supply the products

Amazon does not allow undocumented or anonymous dropshipping.

Seller of Record. The most important requirement

When selling on Amazon, you are the Seller of Record if:

• The order is placed on your Amazon seller account

• You set the product price

• You receive payment from the customer

Even if your supplier ships the product, Amazon considers you legally responsible for the sale.

Because of this, Amazon may ask you to prove that you are authorized to sell the product.

Seller of Record documentation Amazon may request

If Amazon requests Seller of Record documentation, you must provide documents in your business name, not your supplier’s name.

Accepted documentation

Amazon typically accepts one or more of the following.

Wholesale invoices

Invoices must:

• Be addressed to your legal business name

• Include the supplier’s legal name and address

• Be dated within the last 90 to 180 days

• List product names or SKUs that match the listing

• Show quantities purchased

Invoices not in your business name are rejected.

Letter of Authorization from the supplier or brand owner

A Letter of Authorization must:

• Be on official letterhead

• State you are authorized to sell on Amazon

• Include your business name exactly as on your seller account

• Specify the brand or products covered

• Be signed and dated

This is commonly used when you do not hold inventory.

Distributor or reseller agreement

This applies to wholesale or private label sellers and must show:

• Both legal business entities

• Permission to resell the products

• Active dates and signatures

Brand Registry proof

If you own the brand:

• Amazon Brand Registry approval

• Trademark ownership or exclusive license

Brand owners are rarely asked for distributor proof but may still be asked for invoices.

What Amazon does NOT accept

Amazon will reject:

• Screenshots of supplier websites

• Order confirmations from AliExpress or agents

• Invoices not addressed to your business

• Emails or chat messages

• Dropshipping platform receipts

Amazon only accepts formal legal documentation.

Supplier requirements for Amazon dropshipping

Not all suppliers are compatible with Amazon.

Your supplier must:

• Allow resale on Amazon

• Be willing to provide invoices or authorization

• Ship without supplier branding

• Support neutral packing slips

• Meet Amazon shipping and delivery timelines

If a supplier refuses to provide documentation, they are not Amazon-compatible.

Shipping and fulfillment rules

Amazon requires that:

• You appear as the seller on all packaging and paperwork

• No third-party branding is visible

• Tracking numbers are uploaded on time

• Late shipments and cancellations are minimized

Even when dropshipping, you are responsible for fulfillment performance.

Returns and customer service

You must:

• Accept Amazon returns

• Handle refunds according to Amazon policy

• Respond to customer messages within Amazon time limits

You cannot redirect customers to your supplier.

Common reasons Amazon dropshipping accounts get suspended

• No Seller of Record documentation

• Using unauthorized suppliers

• Retail arbitrage without approval

• Supplier branding in packages

• Late shipments and tracking failures

Most suspensions happen after sellers start making sales.

Amazon vs other marketplaces

Amazon enforces Seller of Record rules more strictly than most platforms.

• Shopify. Seller controls compliance

• eBay. Looser enforcement unless brands complain

• TikTok Shop. Focused on shipping speed and returns

• Wix. No Seller of Record enforcement

This is why Amazon requires extra preparation.

Best practices before listing on Amazon

Before publishing products on Amazon:

• Confirm your supplier can provide invoices or authorization

• Verify shipping times and packaging rules

• Keep documentation ready before Amazon asks

• Avoid suppliers that refuse paperwork

Preparing in advance prevents account disruptions.

How Sell The Trend helps

Sell The Trend supports Amazon workflows by:

• Helping identify supplier for each product

• Educating sellers on marketplace requirements

• Reducing listing and fulfillment errors using auto listing and fulfillment features.

Sell The Trend does not provide Seller of Record documents. These must come directly from your supplier or brand partner.

Key takeaway

If you want to dropship on Amazon, you must operate like a real retailer.

That means:

• You are the Seller of Record

• You must have supplier authorization

• You must control fulfillment and service

• You must be able to prove legitimacy on request

Amazon does not allow undocumented dropshipping.