Understanding the "Point of Contact" Question During Verification
Hello to all sellers! 👋
If you've recently created or updated your Amazon.ca seller account, you may have encountered the question: "Is the point of contact a beneficial owner, director, or trustee of the business?" — and wondered what it actually means for you. You're not alone. This is one of the most common questions we receive from Canadian sellers during the identity verification process. Let's break it down together.
What Is a Point of Contact (POC)?
Your point of contact is the primary person responsible for managing your Amazon seller account. This person undergoes identity verification and serves as the main liaison between your business and Amazon. In some cases, the POC may also be a beneficial owner, director, or trustee — but that's not always the case.
What Is a Beneficial Owner?
A beneficial owner is any person who ultimately owns or controls your business. Here's how it applies based on your business structure:
- Corporation or LLC: Any person who directly or indirectly owns 25% or more of the company's shares
- Trust or foundation: Trustees, beneficiaries, protectors, and settlors
- Limited partnership: General partners and limited partners holding more than 25% of the shares
- Sole proprietorship: You — the individual seller — are both the POC and the beneficial owner
How Should You Answer?
If your POC is also a director, beneficial owner, or trustee of the business, select "Yes". If your POC is an employee or authorized representative who does not hold ownership or a director position, select "No".
When you select "No," Amazon may request a signed Letter of Authorization (LOA) from a legal representative confirming the POC's authority to manage the account on behalf of the business.
Tips to Make Your Verification Easier
- Make sure your POC's identity documents (passport or government-issued ID) are current and not expired
- Have your business license or articles of incorporation on hand
- If your POC is not a legal representative, prepare the LOA in advance
- Verify that names match exactly across all documents — even small differences can cause delays
Useful Resources
- Global seller identity, address and business verification
- Frequently asked questions about Global SIV
💬 Let's Talk About It!
Did you find this question confusing during your registration? What helped you understand it?
Are you a sole proprietor, or do you operate a corporation or trust in Canada?
What other verification-related questions would you like us to clarify?
Leave a comment below — your experience could help another seller get through this step more easily!
Your community team is here to help. If you're currently stuck at a verification step, share the details and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.
Understanding the "Point of Contact" Question During Verification
Hello to all sellers! 👋
If you've recently created or updated your Amazon.ca seller account, you may have encountered the question: "Is the point of contact a beneficial owner, director, or trustee of the business?" — and wondered what it actually means for you. You're not alone. This is one of the most common questions we receive from Canadian sellers during the identity verification process. Let's break it down together.
What Is a Point of Contact (POC)?
Your point of contact is the primary person responsible for managing your Amazon seller account. This person undergoes identity verification and serves as the main liaison between your business and Amazon. In some cases, the POC may also be a beneficial owner, director, or trustee — but that's not always the case.
What Is a Beneficial Owner?
A beneficial owner is any person who ultimately owns or controls your business. Here's how it applies based on your business structure:
- Corporation or LLC: Any person who directly or indirectly owns 25% or more of the company's shares
- Trust or foundation: Trustees, beneficiaries, protectors, and settlors
- Limited partnership: General partners and limited partners holding more than 25% of the shares
- Sole proprietorship: You — the individual seller — are both the POC and the beneficial owner
How Should You Answer?
If your POC is also a director, beneficial owner, or trustee of the business, select "Yes". If your POC is an employee or authorized representative who does not hold ownership or a director position, select "No".
When you select "No," Amazon may request a signed Letter of Authorization (LOA) from a legal representative confirming the POC's authority to manage the account on behalf of the business.
Tips to Make Your Verification Easier
- Make sure your POC's identity documents (passport or government-issued ID) are current and not expired
- Have your business license or articles of incorporation on hand
- If your POC is not a legal representative, prepare the LOA in advance
- Verify that names match exactly across all documents — even small differences can cause delays
Useful Resources
- Global seller identity, address and business verification
- Frequently asked questions about Global SIV
💬 Let's Talk About It!
Did you find this question confusing during your registration? What helped you understand it?
Are you a sole proprietor, or do you operate a corporation or trust in Canada?
What other verification-related questions would you like us to clarify?
Leave a comment below — your experience could help another seller get through this step more easily!
Your community team is here to help. If you're currently stuck at a verification step, share the details and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.
5 replies
Seller_wJMZU20AY3ahX
Thank you for taking the time to post this and provide additional clarification for sellers. I did have one question regarding the deposit method verification workflow.
After successfully replacing the deposit method with a business bank account, do sellers normally receive a separate “Verify” page or document upload prompt for the bank verification letter? In my case, the deposit method updated successfully (confirmed by performance notification), but no additional upload workflow appeared afterward, and the account continually displays an “under review” banner. I already have the official bank verification document prepared and wasn’t sure whether the missing upload step is expected while a review is already in progress, or if there is an additional step I should be taking?
I also opened support case #20332190101 regarding this issue in case the details are helpful for reference. I’m mainly concerned about making sure the review process is able to move forward correctly, as an extended ongoing “under review” status will negatively impact my small handmade business. I appreciate your help!
