Online marketplaces you sell on through Acenda may ask you to verify your business information under the INFORM Consumers Act. This article explains what the law is, what a verification notice means, and what to do if you get one.
What is the INFORM Consumers Act?
The INFORM Consumers Act is a U.S. federal law. It requires online marketplaces to collect and verify information from their high-volume third-party sellers, such as your business or legal name, tax ID, bank account details, and contact information. In general, the law treats you as a high-volume seller if you make 200 or more sales totaling $5,000 or more in gross revenue within a 12-month period.
Marketplaces must also re-verify this information periodically, generally at least once a year. So expect to see these requests again, even if you've already completed verification before.
If you receive a verification notice
A verification or compliance notice comes directly from the marketplace. Usually you have a few days from the time of the notice to show proof of compliance, so don't wait.
Warning: If you can't show evidence of compliance by the deadline, your seller account may be suspended and possibly terminated.
Read the notice carefully. Note the deadline and exactly what information or documents the marketplace is asking for.
Complete verification through the marketplace's own seller portal, following the instructions in the notice.
Make sure the business, tax, bank, and contact information on file with the marketplace is current and matches your documents.
Keep copies of what you submitted and any confirmation you receive.
What Acenda can and can't do
The INFORM Consumers Act is a federal policy, so it's outside of Acenda's control. Acenda can't extend a deadline, verify your information on your behalf, or reverse a suspension or termination. You need to complete verification directly with the marketplace.
Let us know: Due to legal confidentiality, Acenda isn't notified when a marketplace suspends or terminates your account under the INFORM Consumers Act. It's up to you to let Acenda know.
If your account was suspended and has since been reinstated, check the Item Status page in Acenda for any listings that need attention.
Legal disclaimer: This article may contain inaccuracies and isn't legal advice. We recommend consulting an attorney about your obligations under the INFORM Consumers Act.
Need help?
If your account has been suspended, let Acenda Support know so we can help with your listings once you're reinstated.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Can Acenda extend a deadline or verify my information for me?
No. The INFORM Consumers Act is a federal policy outside Acenda's control. Acenda can't extend a deadline, verify your information on your behalf or reverse a suspension. You complete verification with the marketplace.
What happens if I can't show compliance by the deadline?
Your seller account may be suspended and possibly terminated.
My account was suspended and then reinstated. What next?
Check the Item Status page in Acenda for listings that need attention, and let Acenda Support know so we can help.
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