(NGC) - Selling Amazon accounts

[Gliderjohn]

S-I-L is one of those business schemer types. Has been operating a book store type business that as far as I know is at best breaking even or only clearing a small amount of money. He claims he has a person that has offered to by only his Amazon account for 21K, not the business. He and our daughter are flying out Monday to close with this person. S-I-L claims buyer has a great track record on Amazon so he feels confident about doing the deal.
From what I can find on the net this is against Amazon policy but is done some in an underground fashion. Also many scam stories posted associated with this procedure.
Anyone here have any experience or first hand knowledge about this sort of thing? The last thing they need is to be taken hook, line and sinker.
GliderJohn

[Irn]

As soon as a competitive seller on the marketplace provides proof to Amazon the seller is no longer who they claim to be, Amazon can shut it down.  No recourse, no day in court, no appeal.  One day you are live on Amazon marketplace, the next day you are locked out.  Can't guarantee this outcome, but it is a known risk.

[Gliderjohn]

That sounds like the buyers possible problem, not the seller. Correct?
GliderJohn

[Irn]

It is the seller's problem since they will be operating the site under false pretense.  It is in violation of Amazon Marketplace Terms and Agreements.  On small volume sites rarely a concern, however, it is a known risk. My second concern is since there is not a transparent marketplace for these transactions, how do you establish value? 

[rocker59]

Sounds shady to me.  What are they buying?

Will they be buying use of your son's email address, PayPal account, Bank account, etc ???

If all of those things are changed by the new buyer, wouldn't that be a flag to Amazon that "ownership" of the account had changed?  Is the buyer someone who has previously been banned from Amazon?

Again, what exactly is this person buying from your son?  How do you sell something which you don't own? 

In this day and age, why does your son have to fly somewhere to sell something that's intangible?  Why doesn't the "buyer" fly to him?  Why don't they conduct the exchange via email or snail mail?

None of it makes sense to me... 

[Gliderjohn]

From Rocker 59:

None of it makes sense to me...

Can't argue with you.
GliderJohn

[Rick in WNY]

I'll second the comment that if you're selling a "digital" business... there is ZERO need for travel.

Sounds fishy to me...

[s1120]

ya... "Run away!!!!!"

[Rhodan]

Sounds like part of what he's selling is a "good name".  I'm sure that's part of the reason Amazon doesn't like it.  Person A operates a business legitimately.  Person B has swindled or otherwise gotten a foul odor on Amazon.  Person B "buys" Person A's name and instant rehabilitation!  Until they start swindling new people under the business name.

As you mention, your SIL didn't have a burgeoning business going on.  Why does Person B want the name?

As Rocker and others mentioned, in a virtual store there's no need for an "in person" transaction.

I ran across this website (don't know the person so grain-of-salt warning).
https://www.practicalecommerce.com/How-to-Sell-an-Amazon-Marketplace-Business

Their comment on what you're selling (besides inventory) is:
"But it is this Buy Box eligibility, sales history, and strong feedback that help make a seller account attractive for purchase. Well-worded purchase contracts of seller accounts now require training from the previous owner and terms to compensate the buyer in case of rapidly changing performance. This protects the buyer, to help ensure that the historical performance of the seller is likely to continue. "

[Green1000S]

I hope they will not receive a check for $25,000.....
I agree with others, whole thing sounds a bit strange.

[Gliderjohn]

Thanks for the comments all. Guess we will see. Daughter kind of unhappy with us for "questioning her husband judgement" however he has a history IMHO...
GliderJohn

[Kent in Upstate NY]

They are being lured across country to meet a stranger who is offering a lot of money. This will not end well.