What Amazon Sellers Can (and Can’t) Do with Customer Data

If you're selling on Amazon, you might get access to some customer data. While this can be helpful for managing your orders and providing good service, there are clear rules you need to follow. Amazon cares a lot about customer privacy, and sellers have to play by their rules—including how data is collected, used, and stored. A tool like importsend.io, for example, can help you organize your store more easily, but even with extra help, it’s important to respect customer boundaries.

Here’s what you *can* do with customer data:

Amazon allows sellers to see basic order details, like the customer’s name, shipping address, and phone number. This information is there to help you ship items, answer questions, or handle returns.

You can also respond to buyers through Amazon’s messaging system. If someone asks you about a product or an order, you’re allowed (and encouraged) to reply in a helpful and polite way.

Now, here’s what you *can’t* do:

You’re not allowed to use customer data for marketing. That means no adding people to email lists and no sending texts or calling numbers for promotions—unless the customer has clearly agreed. Amazon has very strict rules about this.

Another thing you can’t do is save customer info for your own business or use it outside of Amazon. The data belongs to the customer, and Amazon gives you access just to help with that single order. Once you’ve done that, you shouldn’t store the information or use it again.

You also can’t try to lead Amazon buyers to your own website or business. Any attempt to take customers away from Amazon is not allowed and could get your seller account flagged or closed.

To stay safe, always keep your communications professional and stick to helping customers with their purchases. If you’re ever unsure, check Amazon's guidelines—they’re pretty clear and have examples to help you figure things out.

In short, Amazon gives you access to a small amount of customer data so you can do your job. Just remember: use it only for the purpose it was given, treat it with respect, and don’t use it to promote or grow your business outside Amazon. Staying honest and careful with data goes a long way in keeping your store running smoothly.