Overview

Amazon's Local Selling Program allows sellers to offer products with local delivery or pickup options to nearby customers. Participating sellers must follow a specific set of policies covering communication, payments, performance, and optional services. Failing to comply with these rules can result in warnings, order suspensions, or loss of Local Selling privileges entirely.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Policy compliance is mandatory — Participation in the Local Selling Program requires adherence to all program-specific guidelines in addition to Amazon's standard seller policies.
• Violations carry real consequences — Amazon may issue warnings, suspend orders, or terminate Local Selling privileges for sellers who break these rules.
• Customer communication is restricted — Sellers may only contact customers through approved Amazon channels such as Buyer-Seller Messaging or authorized selling apps.
• All payments must go through Amazon — Sellers cannot process payments, refunds, or discounts for Local Selling orders outside of Amazon's platform.
• Performance targets apply and may change — Amazon sets specific performance metrics for the program and reserves the right to update them over time.

Communication Rules

One of the most important policies for Local Selling participants involves how and when you can contact customers. Unless Amazon provides a written exemption, sellers are restricted to using official Amazon communication channels — specifically Buyer-Seller Messaging or an authorized Amazon selling app. This means you cannot reach out to customers through personal email, phone calls, text messages, or any other unofficial method. Additionally, sellers are strictly prohibited from using customer personal data or Amazon communication channels for marketing, promotional messages, or any purpose unrelated to fulfilling the customer's order. These restrictions exist to protect customer privacy and maintain trust in the Amazon marketplace.

Payment Processing Requirements

All financial transactions related to Local Selling orders must be initiated and processed through Amazon.com. This includes not just the original sale price but also any refunds and discounts associated with those orders. Sellers who attempt to circumvent this policy — whether by accepting cash payments on delivery, directing customers to pay through external platforms, or processing refunds outside of Amazon — face serious consequences. Amazon reserves the right to withhold payments pending investigation and may recover any amounts owed to customers. Payment violations can also trigger account deactivation or listing removal proceedings under Amazon's standard enforcement processes.