TikTok isn’t the same after its revival from the short ban.
Specifically, app users in the U.S. are noticing increased censorship, contradicting the “free speech haven” image of the app.
TikTok said nothing’s changed, but who knows the real truth, right? Well, at least you can always get some truthful news from us.
- Phantom accounts 👻
- TikTok takeover 📜
- Best sales jumpstarter this 2025 ❔
- BNPL for more cash flow 💲
BLACK MARKET
Amazon sellers often get suspended for various reasons. Whether it’s a temporary or permanent suspension, the frustration remains the same. It’s no wonder some choose to have multiple accounts or phantom accounts.
But is it legal? 🤔
A Reddit discussion answers this question and clarifies other questions you may have about creating a phantom account.
👻 What exactly is a phantom account?
A phantom or stealth account (also called a shadow account”) is a regular selling account with different details from your main account. It’s basically a “ghost” because it should not be linked to your other accounts in any way.
The OP who raised the question in the discussion got suspended under Section 3. They’re wondering if they can use their parent’s info to create a new seller account or will that be closed down too.
- Amazon has answered this before. A household with multiple sellers is not in violation of Amazon’s policies.
- However, the accounts must be owned by different individuals with supporting documentation.
- Also, all accounts must be in good standing. If one account is deactivated for any reason, the other accounts may also suffer by association.
⛔ But sage sellers have a different opinion
Expert sellers answered OP differently.
- Several said YES, citing Amazon’s requirements for multiple household accounts.
- Others gave a firm NO because Amazon can detect that the old and new accounts use the same IP address. You’ll have to find a different location (or use proxy servers), use another name, and register for a new business and bank account. You may as well start over.
Some had strongly worded sentiments saying, “making a shadow account would be about the dumbest possible move.”
TOGETHER WITH REVIEWSCOOP
The missing ingredient to jumpstart your sales
Selling on Amazon isn’t as easy as the Internet makes it seem. You can have amazing photos and even land on page one, but if your product doesn’t have the magic ingredient, shoppers will scroll right past it.
The secret ingredient? Reviews. Lots of ‘em. 🌧️
Worried that your product doesn’t have any reviews yet? Don’t sweat it—that’s exactly why ReviewScoop exists!
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If reviews are holding you back, it’s time to let ReviewScoop do the heavy lifting. Claim your discount today and give your product the boost it deserves!
BITES OF THE WEEK
- A Worthy Opponent: Amazon finds it hard to beat Latin America’s top ecommerce channel, MercadoLibre.
- TikTaking Advantage: Opportunistic sellers are listing secondhand phones with the preinstalled TikTok app on eBay.
- Fresh Perspective Needed: Seller Interactive is looking for someone with a fresh, creative perspective.
BIG IDEA
White House plans TikTok takeover
Speaking of accounts and ownership, TikTok’s U.S. account is still up in the air. The deadline for a takeover has passed, but some are hoping TikTok can turn things around and find a U.S. owner soon.
NPR reported that the Trump administration is negotiating with Oracle and other investors. The key is to divest from ByteDance, ensuring ByteDance can’t covertly influence TikTok’s operations.
📑 The takeover plans
- Major stakes. American investors will have a majority stake in TikTok.
- Oracle overseer. The Oracle Corporation became TikTok’s secure cloud technology provider in 2020. The plan dictates that Oracle will be responsible for the app's algorithm, data collection, and software updates.
- China’s stand. Previously, China did not want to sell TikTok. Now, they’re changing their tune.
- However, this may be a tactic to negotiate tariff relief in light of the proposed tightening of the de minimis law. 👀
- TikTok’s value. ByteDance has put a $200 billion price tag on the app. Despite the high price, some companies and billionaires are interested in buying.
The main challenge
The main issue of the TikTok takeover is national security. The takeover must prove that ByteDance can’t control the app or its operations. And that there will be no backdoor access to outsiders.
In conclusion, there’s still no certainty that TikTok can get a stable stand in the U.S. For now, better keep working on TikTok alternatives for your marketing strategies. 🔍
CASH CORNER
How BNPL can help boost your business’s cash flow
Are you wondering how to stay in stock without breaking the bank? Practical Ecommerce shares how Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) can give you the boost you need.
Whether you’re a wholesaler or a retailer, BNPL can optimize your cash flow.
📉 Reduced risk for wholesalers
- Traditional trade credit has 30-day to 90-day payment terms, whereas BNPL allows payment in a few days or less.
- This quicker access to funds allows manufacturers to reinvest and expand rapidly.
- The downside is the loan fee of 3% or more.
📈 Higher flexibility for retailers
- BNPL offers better rates than credit cards—plus faster approval and lower default risk.
- Retailers, particularly those with unpredictable inventory needs, can use BNPL to manage purchases and pay off loans as inventory sells.
- However, missing a payment may result in penalties (still lower than credit card interest, tho).
FYI: Usage of BNPL for B2B is projected to grow by 27%, nearly matching the 25% growth forecast for B2C. So yep, BNPL is on its way to being a powerful tool in modern commerce. 💰
