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Are Dummy Listings Against Amazon Policy? What Every Seller Needs to Know
Amazon sellers are constantly looking for ways to optimize their listings without risking account suspensions. One method that often comes up is creating dummy listings. However, the big question remains: Are dummy listings against Amazon policy? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Dummy Listing?
A dummy listing is essentially a test listing that sellers create to see how Amazon reacts to certain changes. For example, if you want to add a risky keyword to your title or update your bullet points, instead of editing your live listing (and risking suspension), you copy the listing, create a new one with a different UPC, and make the changes there.
If Amazon removes the dummy listing, it means that the keyword or update is not compliant. If the dummy listing remains active, then there’s a good chance your main product listing will be safe with that update.
Why Sellers Use Dummy Listings
Sellers turn to dummy listings because a single mistake on Amazon can cost thousands of dollars in lost revenue. Imagine a product making $30,000+ per month being suspended overnight because of one keyword. That’s exactly what dummy listings help prevent.
By testing changes in advance, sellers can:
- Avoid sudden listing suspensions.
- Protect their best-selling products.
- Safely experiment with keywords, titles, and bullet points.
This proactive approach gives sellers peace of mind. Instead of gambling with high-performing listings, they can validate updates first. For growing brands, this safety net is invaluable—it ensures that small risks don’t snowball into major setbacks, allowing sellers to keep revenue flowing while still improving their product visibility.
Is It Against Amazon Policy?
After reviewing Amazon’s policies, I found that there is no official rule that prohibits the creation of dummy listings. However, sellers need to be cautious. If you create dummy listings, you must monitor them closely—ideally every 12 hours.
If Amazon does take down a dummy listing, delete it immediately. Quick removal often prevents warnings or notifications from being added to your account. Think of dummy listings as a safety net, not a long-term selling strategy.
Best Practices for Dummy Listings
If you decide to use dummy listings, follow these guidelines to reduce risk:
- Use low-cost UPCs from third-party providers instead of GS1 codes.
- Check the listing at least twice daily for policy violations.
- Delete immediately if removed or flagged.
- Only use them for testing purposes (titles, keywords, bullet points).
If your dummy listing stays live after five days, it’s a good sign your changes are safe to implement on your main listing.
The Risk of Not Testing
Amazon’s algorithm can be unpredictable. A single keyword can trigger compliance issues—even if you’re not breaking rules. Once a listing gets suspended, reinstatement is a long, stressful process involving appeals, templates, and repeated communication with Seller Support.
By using dummy listings, sellers save themselves the headache of fighting Amazon’s AI and protect the revenue streams of their best products.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Srk8olAl9M
Why Work With a Consultant?
While dummy listings are helpful, they’re not foolproof. Amazon compliance is complex, and a professional consultant can save you from costly mistakes. That’s where EHP Consulting Group comes in.
At EHP, we help sellers:
- Safely update and optimize listings.
- Handle communication with Amazon Seller Support.
- Manage account health and policy compliance.
- Scale sales through proven strategies.
Instead of spending hours worrying about listings or risking suspension, our team ensures your account stays compliant while growing revenue.
Final Thoughts
While dummy listings are helpful, they’re not foolproof. Amazon compliance is complex, and a professional consultant can save you from costly mistakes. That’s where EHP Consulting Group comes in.
Our team has years of hands-on experience navigating Amazon’s policies, from listing updates to account suspensions. Instead of wasting valuable time researching rules or fighting Seller Support, sellers can rely on EHP to provide clear guidance and actionable solutions. This means fewer disruptions to your business and more focus on scaling your sales.
Beyond compliance, we also help optimize product visibility through keyword research, advertising strategies, and listing improvements. By blending compliance expertise with growth-focused tactics, EHP Consulting Group ensures your Amazon business doesn’t just stay safe—it thrives in a competitive marketplace.
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Written By: Ahzel P. Miral
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ehpconsultinggroup.com
Number: 925-293-3313
Date Written: October 2, 2025