Fixing Search Suppressed Product Status Message

Search Suppressed is a message that appears in the left column of a recently published product on Amazon Seller Central (ASC). To fix search suppressed message, you may need to take several simple steps outlined in this article. But first, let's find out why it is happening...

In severe cases, non-compliance can lead to suppression, deactivation, or even account suspension, resulting in significant revenue loss as the product becomes unsearchable to potential customers until the issue is resolved.

However, in most common cases, "suppressed search" message might mean that you've uploded product images that don't meet Amazon product listing standards.

This is when you are likely to also receive this message:

We believe the main image has text, logo, graphic or watermark which is not permitted for this product type. Please submit a compliant image to lift the suppression. Also refer to Product image requirements. Which is often related to how you use text on the image.

Understanding and Resolving Suppressed Listings on Amazon Seller Central

Consider your initial steps when searching for a new product. Often, the journey starts at Amazon, where a simple keyword unleashes a vast array of options.

Many retailers, however, overlook the need for continuous management and updates of their Amazon product listings. A passive approach to Amazon listings rarely yields success.

Note that search suppressed notification can show up for both pre-launch and post-launch product listings on Amazon. Sometimes this requires continuous maintenance of your listing.

Regular updates and adherence to Amazon’s standards are crucial for all listings.

Understanding Suppressed Listings on Amazon

Amazon may suppress listings that don't meet its strict standards, aimed at enhancing the customer's shopping experience. Sellers must ensure their listings are comprehensive and meet all Amazon's requirements to avoid suppression.

Why you see search suppressed message is likely because:

• Listing is without a main image.
• Listing lacks detailed description.
• Clothing or accessory listings has an excessively long title.
• Listing is not categorized properly.

Fixing Search Suppressed Messages

Identifying and fixing suppressed listings is manageable, but it demands regular monitoring and updates from sellers, especially for sellers with a large inventory.

Here’s a 5-step guide to fix suppressed listings:

1. Select Manage Inventory under Inventory tab in Seller Central.
2. Check for presence of Suppressed button.
3. If Suppressed button is not there, your listings are in good shape.
4. Otherwise, click on Suppressed and choose the listings to be edited.
5. Update listing or add images through Manage Images option.
6. Check any additional messages from Amazon indicating what's wrong.
7. After making corrections, click Save and Finish button.

The 2023 Amazon Marketing and Advertising Playbook is a valuable resource for further insights.

Addressing Incorrectly Flagged Listings

Occasionally, a listing might be wrongly suppressed due to inadvertent prohibited claims or keywords, despite complying with Amazon's standards.

Two main methods to be notified of these issues are:

Stranded Inventory Notifications

Stranded Inventory indicates an ASIN removal from Amazon. This status, visible under ‘Manage Inventory’, comes with reasons for the listing’s stranded status. Sellers can address the issue by amending the listing content. For instance, removing terms like ‘pests’ or ‘mold’ often resolves certain claims.

Performance Notifications

These are alerts for performance-related issues with an ASIN. To address these, sellers should submit a Plan of Action (POA), outlining the Root Cause, Corrective Actions, and Preventive Measures. The Voice of the Customer dashboard in Seller Central can be helpful for reviewing customer feedback related to the issue.