Amazon Seller News and Policy Updates for 2023

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently proposed a new rule that would ban the creation, purchase, and dissemination of fake reviews. The rule is intended to protect consumers from misleading information and to level the playing field for businesses that rely on honest reviews to attract customers.

The proposed rule is particularly significant for Amazon sellers, as the company's marketplace has been plagued by fake reviews for years. In fact, a recent study found that up to 30% of Amazon reviews may be fake.
The FTC's proposed rule would prohibit a wide range of fake review practices, including:

• Creating or purchasing fake reviews
• Repurposing reviews for a different product
• Compensating or incentivizing reviewers
• Using misleading review suppression practices
• Misusing indicators of fake social media influence

​The rule would also require businesses to disclose any material connection they have with a reviewer, such as if the reviewer is an employee, a paid endorser, or a friend or family member.
The proposed rule is still in the early stages, and it is not yet clear when it will be finalized. However, Amazon sellers should start preparing now by reviewing the proposed rule and taking steps to ensure that their reviews are legitimate.
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• Only allow reviews from verified customers. Amazon allows sellers to require that reviewers have purchased a product before they can leave a review. This helps to weed out fake reviews from people who have never actually used the product.
• Monitor your reviews regularly. Use a tool like ReviewTrackers to track your reviews and identify any suspicious activity.
• Respond to negative reviews promptly and professionally. Don't ignore negative reviews, even if they are fake. Respond to them promptly and professionally, and address any concerns that the reviewer may have.

​The FTC's proposed rule is a welcome step towards protecting consumers from fake reviews. Amazon sellers should take steps to ensure that their reviews are legitimate, and they should be prepared to comply with the rule when it is finalized.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role in the fight against fake reviews. In recent years, AI-powered tools have been developed to help businesses identify and remove fake reviews from their websites.

The FTC's proposed rule takes AI into account. The rule defines "fake review" to include reviews that are "generated by a computer program or other automated means." This means that businesses that use AI to generate fake reviews could be subject to enforcement action under the proposed rule.
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The FTC's proposed rule is a significant step forward in the fight against fake reviews. The use of AI will likely play an even greater role in the future, as businesses and regulators continue to find new ways to combat this growing problem.

Amazon sellers need to be aware of the new FTC rule and take steps to comply with it. Here are some things to look out for:

• The rule would prohibit the creation, purchase, and dissemination of fake reviews.
• The rule would require businesses to disclose any material connection they have with a reviewer.
• The rule does not apply to reviews that are clearly marked as "sponsored" or "paid."

​Amazon sellers should review the proposed rule carefully and take steps to ensure that their reviews are legitimate. They should also be aware of the potential for AI-powered tools to be used to generate fake reviews.
By taking these steps, Amazon sellers can help to protect consumers from misleading information and ensure that their own businesses are not harmed by fake reviews.

​Amazon's condition guidelines serve as a framework for sellers to ensure that products listed on the platform meet the expected standards. Here's a comprehensive summary of these guidelines:

1. New: Products listed as "New" must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. They should show no signs of wear or damage.
2. Used - Like New: Items listed as "Used - Like New" should resemble new products with minimal to no signs of wear. Original packaging is preferred but not mandatory.
3. Used - Very Good: "Used - Very Good" products may have slight signs of wear but should be fully functional and operate as intended. Packaging may be damaged or missing.
4. Used - Good: Products listed as "Used - Good" will exhibit noticeable signs of wear but should still function properly. Packaging may be damaged or missing.
5. Used - Acceptable: "Used - Acceptable" items will show significant signs of use, including wear, scratches, or dents. They should be functional but may require additional cleaning or repair.
6. Renewed: Renewed products have been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by qualified suppliers. They should function like new and come with a minimum 90-day warranty.
7. Refurbished: Refurbished items have been repaired, restored, and tested to ensure they meet the manufacturer's specifications. They should function like new and come with a warranty.
8. Open Box: Open box items are products that have been returned by customers but remain in like-new condition. Original packaging may be damaged or missing.

​Sellers often unknowingly violate Amazon's condition guidelines, leading to compliance issues. Some common pitfalls include:

1. Misrepresentation: Sellers may inaccurately describe a product's condition, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential penalties.
2. Insufficient Quality Control: Inadequate quality control measures can result in damaged or defective items reaching customers, negatively impacting seller metrics.
3. Inaccurate Product Descriptions: Lack of accurate and detailed product information can lead to mismatched customer expectations and subsequent complaints.
4. Packaging Issues: Improper packaging practices can result in damaged goods during transit, affecting customer satisfaction.

How AMZ Sellers Attorneys Can Help Sellers: AMZ Sellers Attorneys play a vital role in assisting sellers facing compliance issues related to Amazon's condition guidelines. Their services include:

1. Expert Guidance: Providing comprehensive knowledge of Amazon's policies, guidelines, and best practices to help sellers stay compliant.
2. Account Reinstatement: Assisting sellers in navigating the complex process of reinstating suspended accounts due to condition guideline violations.
3. Compliance Assessments: Conducting thorough assessments of sellers' practices to identify and rectify potential compliance issues before they lead to penalties.
4. Legal Representation: Representing sellers in disputes or escalations with Amazon, negotiating on their behalf to seek a favorable resolution.

​As the highly anticipated Prime Day on Amazon comes to a close, sellers have experienced intense competition for the coveted buy box. While the event offers tremendous opportunities for increased sales, it also brings forth challenges, including policy violations that sellers may face. In this article, we will explore common policy violations encountered during fierce competition for the buy box, including Valid Tracking Rate suspensions, and how AMZ Sellers Attorney® can provide invaluable assistance to sellers dealing with Amazon policy issues.

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1. Price Gouging: During Prime Day, sellers often reduce prices to attract buyers. However, it is crucial to avoid engaging in price gouging, manipulation of sales rank and sales velocity suspensions, which involves significantly increasing prices to exploit customers, and manipulate sales ranking. Violations of fair pricing policies can lead to account suspension and loss of selling privileges.
2. Product Authenticity: Maintaining the authenticity of products is of utmost importance. Sellers must ensure that the items they sell are genuine and accurately described. Violations related to counterfeit or misrepresented products can result in account suspension and potential legal consequences.
3. Review Manipulation: Competition for the buy box intensifies the pressure to generate positive reviews. However, attempting to manipulate reviews, such as offering incentives or soliciting fake reviews, violates Amazon's policies. Engaging in such practices can lead to account suspension and damage to a seller's reputation.
4. Listing Policy Violations: Amazon has specific guidelines for creating product listings, including accurate and compliant information. Violations such as keyword stuffing, misleading titles, or incomplete product descriptions can result in account suspension and loss of sales opportunities.
5. Valid Tracking Rate Suspensions: Maintaining a high Valid Tracking Rate is essential for sellers. Failure to provide valid tracking information for shipped orders can lead to account suspensions. Sellers must ensure timely and accurate tracking updates to meet Amazon's performance standards.

​AMZ Sellers Attorney® specializes in assisting sellers dealing with Amazon policy issues. Here's how they can provide valuable support:

1. Policy Compliance: AMZ Sellers Attorney® helps sellers understand Amazon's policies and guidelines, ensuring compliance to avoid violations. They offer expert advice on pricing strategies, listing optimization, maintaining product authenticity, and meeting Valid Tracking Rate requirements, allowing sellers to navigate the complexities of policy adherence.
2. Account Reinstatement: In the unfortunate event of an account suspension due to policy violations, including Valid Tracking Rate issues, AMZ Sellers Attorney® comes to the rescue. They have extensive experience in crafting effective appeal letters and developing comprehensive Plans of Action. Their expertise helps sellers navigate the reinstatement process, increasing the chances of a successful appeal and restoring selling privileges.
3. Legal Representation: In cases where policy violations result in legal consequences, AMZ Sellers Attorney® offers legal representation. They assist sellers in protecting their rights, navigating intellectual property infringement claims, counterfeit issues, escalating appeals to Amazon's Legal Department, or any other legal matters that may arise from policy violations.
4. Ongoing Support: AMZ Sellers Attorney® provides ongoing support and guidance to sellers, helping them maintain compliance with Amazon's policies. Their proactive approach ensures that sellers stay informed about policy updates, allowing them to adapt their strategies and avoid future violations.

​As Prime Day concludes, sellers must be aware of the potential policy violations that can arise during fierce competition for the buy box, including Valid Tracking Rate suspensions. AMZ Sellers Attorney® offers invaluable assistance by guiding sellers to comply with Amazon's policies, aiding in account reinstatement if violations occur, and providing legal representation when necessary. By partnering with AMZ Sellers Attorney®, sellers can navigate Amazon's policies with confidence, protect their business during intense periods of competition, and ensure their seller accounts remain in good standing.  Call, chat or submit your case to us today for a free consultation.

Amazon Bedrock is a new AI program from Amazon that can help Amazon sellers in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples:

• Generate product descriptions: Bedrock can be used to generate product descriptions that are both informative and engaging. This can help sellers to improve their product listings and attract more buyers.
• Create product images: Bedrock can also be used to create product images. This can be helpful for sellers who want to add more visuals to their product listings.
• Personalize customer experiences: Bedrock can be used to personalize customer experiences on Amazon. For example, it can be used to recommend products to customers based on their past purchases or browsing history.
• Automate tasks: Bedrock can be used to automate a variety of tasks, such as responding to customer questions, processing orders, and managing inventory. This can free up sellers' time so that they can focus on other aspects of their business.

​Overall, Amazon Bedrock is a powerful tool that can help Amazon sellers to improve their businesses in a number of ways. If you are an Amazon seller, I encourage you to learn more about Bedrock and how it can benefit you.

Here are some additional ways that Amazon Bedrock can help Amazon sellers:

• Improve customer service: Bedrock can be used to answer customer questions in a more timely and accurate way. This can help to improve customer satisfaction and reduce the number of returns.
• Increase sales: Bedrock can be used to identify new product opportunities and target potential customers with relevant marketing campaigns. This can help to increase sales and grow your business.
• Stay ahead of the competition: Amazon Bedrock is constantly being updated with new features and capabilities. This means that you can use Bedrock to stay ahead of the competition and provide your customers with the best possible shopping experience.

Amazon Bedrock is a fully managed service that requires registration with Amazon AWS.   By using Amazon Bedrock, sellers can save time, improve their product listings, and personalize customer experiences.
To use any of these tools, sellers will need to provide some basic information about their product or products. For example, they will need to provide the product name, product description, product images, and product price.
Once the seller has provided the necessary information, Amazon Bedrock will use its AI capabilities to generate the desired output. For example, the Product Description Generator will generate a product description that is both informative and engaging. The Product Image Creator will create product images that are high-quality and visually appealing.
For more information about Amazon Bedrock, please visit the following link: https://aws.amazon.com/bedrock/

Amazon has announced changes to its daily budgeting policy for Sponsored Ads. These changes will allow sellers to spend up to 100% more than their average daily budget on any given day. This means that sellers will be able to take advantage of high-traffic days and boost their visibility to more shoppers.
The new daily budgeting policy will go into effect on May 25, 2023. Sellers can choose to enable the new policy by going to the Settings tab in the Amazon Ads console and selecting the Daily Budgeting option.
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• Increased visibility: Sellers will be able to reach more shoppers by spending more on high-traffic days.
• Improved performance: The new policy can help sellers to improve their campaign performance by allowing them to adjust their budgets more flexibly.
• More control: Sellers will have more control over their budgets and will be able to allocate their spending more strategically.

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• Increased costs: Sellers may see an increase in their costs if they spend more on high-traffic days.
• Overspending: Sellers need to be careful not to overspend their budgets.
• Unpredictability: The new policy can make it more difficult to predict how much a campaign will cost.

Overall, the new daily budgeting policy can be a valuable tool for sellers who want to increase their visibility and improve their campaign performance. However, sellers need to be aware of the potential drawbacks before they enable the new policy.

Here are a few things that sellers can do to prepare for the changes to the daily budgeting policy:

• Review your budgets: Sellers should review their budgets to make sure that they are comfortable with the potential increase in spending.
• Set alerts: Sellers can set alerts to be notified when their budgets are approaching their limits.
• Monitor your performance: Sellers should monitor their campaign performance closely to make sure that they are not overspending.
• Add negative keywords: Sellers should monitor the search terms they are being charged for on a regular basis and add appropriate negative keywords.

By taking these steps, sellers can minimize the potential risks associated with the new daily budgeting policy and continue to grow their businesses.

Amazon FBA fees are changing in 2023. Here is a breakdown of the key changes:

• Monthly storage fees: Monthly storage fees for standard-size products will increase by $0.04 per cubic foot, and monthly storage fees for oversize products will increase by $0.03 per cubic foot. These changes will take effect on February 1, 2023.
• Long-term storage fees (LTSF): LTSF fees for inventory that has been in Amazon's fulfillment centers for 181 days or more will increase significantly. For example, the LTSF fee for a standard-size product that has been in Amazon's fulfillment centers for 365 days will increase from $1.50 to $4.20. These changes will take effect on January 17, 2023.
• Removal and disposal fees: Removal and disposal fees for slow-moving inventory will increase. For example, the removal fee for a standard-size product will increase from $0.45 to $1.06. These changes will take effect on January 17, 2023.
• FBA New Selection program: The FBA New Selection program will be expanded to include more products. Under this program, sellers who are new to FBA can receive a rebate on their referral fees. The rebate will be 10% on average, and it will be available for up to 120 days. These changes will take effect on March 1, 2023.

These are just some of the key changes to FBA fees in 2023. Sellers should be aware of these changes so that they can plan accordingly.

​The changes to FBA fees in 2023 will have a significant impact on sellers. For example, the increase in LTSF fees could lead to sellers having to sell their inventory at a loss or dispose of it altogether. The increase in removal and disposal fees could also make it more expensive for sellers to get rid of slow-moving inventory.

However, there are also some positive changes for sellers. For example, the expansion of the FBA New Selection program could help new sellers to get their products off the ground. Additionally, the increase in the rebate for this program could help to offset some of the other fee increases.
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Overall, the changes to FBA fees in 2023 will require sellers to be more strategic about their inventory management. Sellers will need to make sure that they are pricing their products competitively and that they are monitoring their inventory levels closely. By doing so, sellers can minimize the impact of the fee increases and continue to grow their businesses.

​There are a few things that sellers can do to prepare for the changes to FBA fees in 2023:

• Review your inventory: Sellers should review their inventory to identify any slow-moving items. These items may be candidates for disposal or sale at a loss.
• Price your products competitively: Sellers should price their products competitively to offset the increase in fees.
• Monitor your inventory levels: Sellers should monitor their inventory levels closely to ensure that they are not overstocking.
• Consider other fulfillment options: Sellers may want to consider other fulfillment options for certain product lines, such as Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM).

By taking these steps, sellers can minimize the impact of the fee increases and continue to grow their businesses.

Walmart is no stranger to the world of e-commerce. In fact, it is the second-largest online retailer in the United States, behind only Amazon. However, Walmart has long been seen as an offline retailer first and an online retailer second. This is starting to change, as Walmart has made a number of investments in its e-commerce business in recent years.
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One of the most significant investments that Walmart has made is in its fulfillment network. In 2019, Walmart announced plans to open 30 new fulfillment centers across the United States. These fulfillment centers will be used to store and ship products from Walmart's online marketplace.

Walmart is also looking to compete with Amazon FBA by offering its own fulfillment service called Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS). WFS allows sellers to store their inventory in Walmart's warehouses and have Walmart ship the products to customers on their behalf.

Walmart's plans to compete with Amazon FBA are significant for a number of reasons. First, it shows that Walmart is serious about e-commerce and is willing to invest heavily in its fulfillment network. Second, it gives sellers another option for fulfilling their orders, which could lead to lower prices and faster shipping times for customers due to proximity of Walmart warehouses. Third, it could put pressure on Amazon to lower its fees for FBA sellers.

Of course, there are also some challenges that Walmart faces in its quest to compete with Amazon FBA. First, Walmart's fulfillment network is not as extensive as Amazon's. Second, Walmart's fees for WFS are higher than Amazon's fees for FBA. Third, Walmart's marketplace is not as popular as Amazon's marketplace.

Despite these challenges, Walmart is well-positioned to compete with Amazon FBA. Walmart has a strong brand, a large customer base, and a vast network of stores. If Walmart can execute its plans effectively, it could become a major player in the e-commerce fulfillment market.

Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) and Amazon Fulfillment Services (FBA) are two of the most popular fulfillment services for online sellers. Both services offer a number of benefits, including:

• Fast shipping times
• Reduced shipping costs
• Increased customer satisfaction

​However, there are also some key differences between the two services. WFS is generally more expensive than FBA, and Walmart's marketplace is not as popular as Amazon's. Additionally, WFS is only available to sellers who are already selling on Walmart's marketplace.

​The best fulfillment service for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you are looking for the fastest shipping times and the lowest shipping costs, then FBA is a good option. However, if you are selling on Walmart's marketplace and want to take advantage of Walmart's extensive network of stores, then WFS may be a better choice.

Walmart's plans to compete with Amazon FBA are a significant development in the e-commerce landscape. If Walmart can execute its plans effectively, it could become a major player in the e-commerce fulfillment market.

Only time will tell whether Walmart will be able to successfully compete with Amazon FBA. However, one thing is for sure: the competition between these two retailers is only going to get more intense in the years to come.

Sellers having issues with Walmart accounts can call, chat, email, or submit their case to us at any time for a free consultation.

Misleading Pricing Structures

One of the glaring issues with some non-lawyer supervised firms is their pricing structures. Despite claiming to be cost-effective alternatives to hiring an attorney, they often charge hefty fees that even surpass those of lawyer supervised firms. Sellers are left puzzled as to why they should pay more for a service that lacks the expertise and legal knowledge of an attorney.  

Disregard for Legal Expertise

While non-lawyer firms may emphasize their knowledge of the Amazon platform and its appeal processes, they often neglect the importance of legal expertise. They assure sellers that they don't need a lawyer, downplaying the legal complexities that may arise during the appeal process; especially with regard to suspensions or deactivations for legal issues like government regulations and restrictions or intellectual property rights. This approach leaves sellers vulnerable to potential legal pitfalls and a lack of robust representation.

Guidance from Licensed Attorneys
AMZ Sellers Attorney® recognizes the value of legal expertise and the unique challenges sellers face when dealing with Amazon appeals. By engaging the services of a licensed attorney to review every appeal, they provide sellers with a higher level of support and protection. These attorneys have an in-depth understanding of intellectual property laws, including trademark, copyright, and patent infringement, which can be crucial in resolving suspension issues.
Attorney Letters as Final EscalationTo maximize the chances of a successful appeal, AMZ Sellers Attorney® takes the extra step of submitting attorney letters to Amazon's legal department. This final escalation demonstrates the seriousness of the appeal and showcases the involvement of legal professionals. Such personalized attention can significantly increase the appeal's effectiveness, setting it apart from non-lawyer supervised firms that lack this capability.
Comprehensive Legal ServicesIn addition to their appeal services, AMZ Sellers Attorney® offers a range of legal services that non-attorney firms cannot provide. This includes trademark registration for Amazon Brand Registry Support, a vital component for sellers seeking to protect their brands on the platform. Furthermore, should a dispute escalate to arbitration against Amazon, the presence of Amazon attorneys at the firm ensures effective legal representation throughout the process.  They also have a proven track record at settling lawsuits with other law firms and dissolving TROs that have put holds on Amazon seller's funds.  AMZ Sellers lawyers have not only engaged in arbitration, but have represented sellers in patent infringement matters in Amazon's neutral patent evaluation procedures.

When it comes to Amazon appeals, sellers must carefully consider the options available to them. While some non-lawyer supervised firms may promise cost-effective solutions, the hidden costs and lack of legal expertise can ultimately prove detrimental to sellers' interests. AMZ Sellers Attorney®, with its team of attorneys and paralegals, offers a more comprehensive and effective approach. Their commitment to going the extra mile, including submitting attorney letters and providing legal services beyond appeals, ensures that sellers receive the guidance and protection necessary to navigate the complex Amazon ecosystem successfully.

By choosing AMZ Sellers Attorney®, sellers can rest assured that their interests are safeguarded by legal professionals who understand the intricacies of Amazon's policies, intellectual property laws, and dispute resolution processes. Investing in the counsel of a licensed attorney is not only a wise decision but also a strategic one in securing long-term success on the Amazon platform.  Call, chat or submit your case today for a free consultation at no obligation.