Do Amazon want third party sellers?
Only in the past week Amazon has:
- changed many titles of the incense packs I sell, including adding to the title that the pack contains 100 sticks (yes a 15 g pack!)
- made it basically impossible to create new listings
- emailed a customer that their order was lost and to ask for a refund. It's a fully tracked order and it was definitely delivered but it's another A-Z on its way
- deactivated two products with the word molten in it as it's trademarked, even if the word was used as it should be used with it dictionary meaning. One has been reinstated after three emails, but I can't be bothered now with the second one, I feel like I am trying to empty a sinking boat with a teaspoon.
- deactivated a bottle of orange essential oil as people might drink it
- deactivated another type of frankincense incense because it's an illegal substance
Each of these issues requires several emails to Seller Support, I am a sole trader I can't spend so much time every week at trying to solve stupid issues on Amazon. I am exhausted.
I don't actually think it's deliberate, if Amazon didn't want third party sellers, it wouldn't have us full stop. I think it's because of incompetence, complacency and the belief that a combination of AI and badly trained staff can substitute real support. Well they can't.
Do Amazon want third party sellers?
Only in the past week Amazon has:
- changed many titles of the incense packs I sell, including adding to the title that the pack contains 100 sticks (yes a 15 g pack!)
- made it basically impossible to create new listings
- emailed a customer that their order was lost and to ask for a refund. It's a fully tracked order and it was definitely delivered but it's another A-Z on its way
- deactivated two products with the word molten in it as it's trademarked, even if the word was used as it should be used with it dictionary meaning. One has been reinstated after three emails, but I can't be bothered now with the second one, I feel like I am trying to empty a sinking boat with a teaspoon.
- deactivated a bottle of orange essential oil as people might drink it
- deactivated another type of frankincense incense because it's an illegal substance
Each of these issues requires several emails to Seller Support, I am a sole trader I can't spend so much time every week at trying to solve stupid issues on Amazon. I am exhausted.
I don't actually think it's deliberate, if Amazon didn't want third party sellers, it wouldn't have us full stop. I think it's because of incompetence, complacency and the belief that a combination of AI and badly trained staff can substitute real support. Well they can't.
10 replies
Seller_d8YGbIjNqwFxn
Amazon need 3rd party sellers. There is no way they could have the warehousing and logistics to store every type of product and fulfil all orders that 3rd party sellers sell.
I think you are right in your analysis. Seller Support just don't know how to deal with the issues that are thrown at them, they have so many calls to deal with and don't have the time or skills to fix the problem.
I have given up fixing issues on Amazon now unless they impact my account health. It is just not worth the time and effort. I have other places to sell these items.
Seller_efjiuP0g26Cbr
They don't act like they do.
Senior management refers to us as their partners, but that is not shown in any shape or form.
Seller support is terrible - especially in Amazon.Com. The uk support is better, in my experience.
I am so frustrated with Amazon that I am considering stopping selling in USA and accepting a job that I was offered - I have been self employed, selling on line for 20 years and never thought I would go back to salaried work. But Amazon is not what it used to be and I have given up hope.
Seller_aye0bV0gfqDWj
This is exactly what happens now that they're replaced their workforce with a combination of AI and poorly educated and low paid humans (robots).
It takes me on average 4 or 5 messages to get the most basic issue resolved and for something more complex I have no chance!
Seller_40ozsHlGqPuEL
I'm not entirely sure where Amazon's Seller Support is heading, but I do recognise that it’s an increasingly challenging landscape. That said, I can’t help but feel that many of the issues we’re facing stem from Amazon itself.
The level of indifference, lack of clear knowledge, and the tendency to pass sellers along without answering even the simplest of repeated questions is deeply frustrating. Comparatively, you just don’t encounter this on platforms like eB*y, where the approach feels more supportive and streamlined.
I can’t shake the concern that Amazon may no longer prioritise small sellers, though I hope that’s not the case. Regardless, the process has become incredibly time-consuming. For example, I have multiple Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) questions pending, and yet, not a single moderator has provided me with a response.
It’s disappointing that Amazon appears more focused on saving a few pounds in Seller Support than addressing issues impacting sellers who contribute thousands in sales on the platform. This approach feels counterproductive and unsustainable for fostering successful partnerships between Amazon and its sellers.
Seller_uK2aGVnqbtliE
I agree with all that has been said. But just in case you haven't noticed, the multinationals and their tame governments have been steadily trashing small businesses. Looks like Amazon is included. Best scam is Amazon asking for invoices and then selling the item themselves.
Seller_7pTs15IYXmTOB
It isn't just seller support that are pitifully under-performing, the catalogue team, hazmat team, brand registry, technical team - they are all equally bad. The catalogue is a mess! Listings are more often than not, either inaccurate or not showing up on search. The competitive pricing feature, a joke. Hazmat team wants to be spoon fed all the time, you end up wondering what they are exactly doing. Brand registry are not bright enough.
It is all down to these teams having very poor work ethics and having least interest in sellers' business or even amazon, the platform they have chosen to work for.
As for seller support, all the above applies, but ignorance reigns and shines.
But I would blame the escalations teams, what on earth are they doing. Are they not ashamed to pick up seller grievances on a regular basis. What are they doing to improve seller support training?
Amazon needs third party sellers to make this sustainable. Didn't amazon try to manufacture and sell mobile among various other gadgets which all crashed into oblivion. Having said that Amazon market place is just a side business. Amazon has been dabbling and successful in cloud computing and web services.
Seller_ZQyopdiwkUHOZ
I don't think it's on purpose, but it is convenient for Amazon that the hoops they make 3rd party sellers jump through are so time demanding that it cuts into the time available to 3rd party sellers to grow their businesses away from Amazon.
They definitely want third party sellers, and they want as many of them as possible with a minimum number of sales that justifies paying the monthly rate, as that is then income they can put on spreadsheets.
They just don't care if those sellers are having a miserable experience at Amazon's hands.
Do Amazon want third party sellers?
Only in the past week Amazon has:
- changed many titles of the incense packs I sell, including adding to the title that the pack contains 100 sticks (yes a 15 g pack!)
- made it basically impossible to create new listings
- emailed a customer that their order was lost and to ask for a refund. It's a fully tracked order and it was definitely delivered but it's another A-Z on its way
- deactivated two products with the word molten in it as it's trademarked, even if the word was used as it should be used with it dictionary meaning. One has been reinstated after three emails, but I can't be bothered now with the second one, I feel like I am trying to empty a sinking boat with a teaspoon.
- deactivated a bottle of orange essential oil as people might drink it
- deactivated another type of frankincense incense because it's an illegal substance
Each of these issues requires several emails to Seller Support, I am a sole trader I can't spend so much time every week at trying to solve stupid issues on Amazon. I am exhausted.
I don't actually think it's deliberate, if Amazon didn't want third party sellers, it wouldn't have us full stop. I think it's because of incompetence, complacency and the belief that a combination of AI and badly trained staff can substitute real support. Well they can't.
Do Amazon want third party sellers?
Only in the past week Amazon has:
- changed many titles of the incense packs I sell, including adding to the title that the pack contains 100 sticks (yes a 15 g pack!)
- made it basically impossible to create new listings
- emailed a customer that their order was lost and to ask for a refund. It's a fully tracked order and it was definitely delivered but it's another A-Z on its way
- deactivated two products with the word molten in it as it's trademarked, even if the word was used as it should be used with it dictionary meaning. One has been reinstated after three emails, but I can't be bothered now with the second one, I feel like I am trying to empty a sinking boat with a teaspoon.
- deactivated a bottle of orange essential oil as people might drink it
- deactivated another type of frankincense incense because it's an illegal substance
Each of these issues requires several emails to Seller Support, I am a sole trader I can't spend so much time every week at trying to solve stupid issues on Amazon. I am exhausted.
I don't actually think it's deliberate, if Amazon didn't want third party sellers, it wouldn't have us full stop. I think it's because of incompetence, complacency and the belief that a combination of AI and badly trained staff can substitute real support. Well they can't.
Do Amazon want third party sellers?
Only in the past week Amazon has:
- changed many titles of the incense packs I sell, including adding to the title that the pack contains 100 sticks (yes a 15 g pack!)
- made it basically impossible to create new listings
- emailed a customer that their order was lost and to ask for a refund. It's a fully tracked order and it was definitely delivered but it's another A-Z on its way
- deactivated two products with the word molten in it as it's trademarked, even if the word was used as it should be used with it dictionary meaning. One has been reinstated after three emails, but I can't be bothered now with the second one, I feel like I am trying to empty a sinking boat with a teaspoon.
- deactivated a bottle of orange essential oil as people might drink it
- deactivated another type of frankincense incense because it's an illegal substance
Each of these issues requires several emails to Seller Support, I am a sole trader I can't spend so much time every week at trying to solve stupid issues on Amazon. I am exhausted.
I don't actually think it's deliberate, if Amazon didn't want third party sellers, it wouldn't have us full stop. I think it's because of incompetence, complacency and the belief that a combination of AI and badly trained staff can substitute real support. Well they can't.
10 replies
10 replies
Seller_d8YGbIjNqwFxn
Amazon need 3rd party sellers. There is no way they could have the warehousing and logistics to store every type of product and fulfil all orders that 3rd party sellers sell.
I think you are right in your analysis. Seller Support just don't know how to deal with the issues that are thrown at them, they have so many calls to deal with and don't have the time or skills to fix the problem.
I have given up fixing issues on Amazon now unless they impact my account health. It is just not worth the time and effort. I have other places to sell these items.
Seller_efjiuP0g26Cbr
They don't act like they do.
Senior management refers to us as their partners, but that is not shown in any shape or form.
Seller support is terrible - especially in Amazon.Com. The uk support is better, in my experience.
I am so frustrated with Amazon that I am considering stopping selling in USA and accepting a job that I was offered - I have been self employed, selling on line for 20 years and never thought I would go back to salaried work. But Amazon is not what it used to be and I have given up hope.
Seller_aye0bV0gfqDWj
This is exactly what happens now that they're replaced their workforce with a combination of AI and poorly educated and low paid humans (robots).
It takes me on average 4 or 5 messages to get the most basic issue resolved and for something more complex I have no chance!
Seller_40ozsHlGqPuEL
I'm not entirely sure where Amazon's Seller Support is heading, but I do recognise that it’s an increasingly challenging landscape. That said, I can’t help but feel that many of the issues we’re facing stem from Amazon itself.
The level of indifference, lack of clear knowledge, and the tendency to pass sellers along without answering even the simplest of repeated questions is deeply frustrating. Comparatively, you just don’t encounter this on platforms like eB*y, where the approach feels more supportive and streamlined.
I can’t shake the concern that Amazon may no longer prioritise small sellers, though I hope that’s not the case. Regardless, the process has become incredibly time-consuming. For example, I have multiple Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) questions pending, and yet, not a single moderator has provided me with a response.
It’s disappointing that Amazon appears more focused on saving a few pounds in Seller Support than addressing issues impacting sellers who contribute thousands in sales on the platform. This approach feels counterproductive and unsustainable for fostering successful partnerships between Amazon and its sellers.
Seller_uK2aGVnqbtliE
I agree with all that has been said. But just in case you haven't noticed, the multinationals and their tame governments have been steadily trashing small businesses. Looks like Amazon is included. Best scam is Amazon asking for invoices and then selling the item themselves.
Seller_7pTs15IYXmTOB
It isn't just seller support that are pitifully under-performing, the catalogue team, hazmat team, brand registry, technical team - they are all equally bad. The catalogue is a mess! Listings are more often than not, either inaccurate or not showing up on search. The competitive pricing feature, a joke. Hazmat team wants to be spoon fed all the time, you end up wondering what they are exactly doing. Brand registry are not bright enough.
It is all down to these teams having very poor work ethics and having least interest in sellers' business or even amazon, the platform they have chosen to work for.
As for seller support, all the above applies, but ignorance reigns and shines.
But I would blame the escalations teams, what on earth are they doing. Are they not ashamed to pick up seller grievances on a regular basis. What are they doing to improve seller support training?
Amazon needs third party sellers to make this sustainable. Didn't amazon try to manufacture and sell mobile among various other gadgets which all crashed into oblivion. Having said that Amazon market place is just a side business. Amazon has been dabbling and successful in cloud computing and web services.
Seller_ZQyopdiwkUHOZ
I don't think it's on purpose, but it is convenient for Amazon that the hoops they make 3rd party sellers jump through are so time demanding that it cuts into the time available to 3rd party sellers to grow their businesses away from Amazon.
They definitely want third party sellers, and they want as many of them as possible with a minimum number of sales that justifies paying the monthly rate, as that is then income they can put on spreadsheets.
They just don't care if those sellers are having a miserable experience at Amazon's hands.
Seller_d8YGbIjNqwFxn
Amazon need 3rd party sellers. There is no way they could have the warehousing and logistics to store every type of product and fulfil all orders that 3rd party sellers sell.
I think you are right in your analysis. Seller Support just don't know how to deal with the issues that are thrown at them, they have so many calls to deal with and don't have the time or skills to fix the problem.
I have given up fixing issues on Amazon now unless they impact my account health. It is just not worth the time and effort. I have other places to sell these items.
Seller_d8YGbIjNqwFxn
Amazon need 3rd party sellers. There is no way they could have the warehousing and logistics to store every type of product and fulfil all orders that 3rd party sellers sell.
I think you are right in your analysis. Seller Support just don't know how to deal with the issues that are thrown at them, they have so many calls to deal with and don't have the time or skills to fix the problem.
I have given up fixing issues on Amazon now unless they impact my account health. It is just not worth the time and effort. I have other places to sell these items.
Seller_efjiuP0g26Cbr
They don't act like they do.
Senior management refers to us as their partners, but that is not shown in any shape or form.
Seller support is terrible - especially in Amazon.Com. The uk support is better, in my experience.
I am so frustrated with Amazon that I am considering stopping selling in USA and accepting a job that I was offered - I have been self employed, selling on line for 20 years and never thought I would go back to salaried work. But Amazon is not what it used to be and I have given up hope.
Seller_efjiuP0g26Cbr
They don't act like they do.
Senior management refers to us as their partners, but that is not shown in any shape or form.
Seller support is terrible - especially in Amazon.Com. The uk support is better, in my experience.
I am so frustrated with Amazon that I am considering stopping selling in USA and accepting a job that I was offered - I have been self employed, selling on line for 20 years and never thought I would go back to salaried work. But Amazon is not what it used to be and I have given up hope.
Seller_aye0bV0gfqDWj
This is exactly what happens now that they're replaced their workforce with a combination of AI and poorly educated and low paid humans (robots).
It takes me on average 4 or 5 messages to get the most basic issue resolved and for something more complex I have no chance!
Seller_aye0bV0gfqDWj
This is exactly what happens now that they're replaced their workforce with a combination of AI and poorly educated and low paid humans (robots).
It takes me on average 4 or 5 messages to get the most basic issue resolved and for something more complex I have no chance!
Seller_40ozsHlGqPuEL
I'm not entirely sure where Amazon's Seller Support is heading, but I do recognise that it’s an increasingly challenging landscape. That said, I can’t help but feel that many of the issues we’re facing stem from Amazon itself.
The level of indifference, lack of clear knowledge, and the tendency to pass sellers along without answering even the simplest of repeated questions is deeply frustrating. Comparatively, you just don’t encounter this on platforms like eB*y, where the approach feels more supportive and streamlined.
I can’t shake the concern that Amazon may no longer prioritise small sellers, though I hope that’s not the case. Regardless, the process has become incredibly time-consuming. For example, I have multiple Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) questions pending, and yet, not a single moderator has provided me with a response.
It’s disappointing that Amazon appears more focused on saving a few pounds in Seller Support than addressing issues impacting sellers who contribute thousands in sales on the platform. This approach feels counterproductive and unsustainable for fostering successful partnerships between Amazon and its sellers.
Seller_40ozsHlGqPuEL
I'm not entirely sure where Amazon's Seller Support is heading, but I do recognise that it’s an increasingly challenging landscape. That said, I can’t help but feel that many of the issues we’re facing stem from Amazon itself.
The level of indifference, lack of clear knowledge, and the tendency to pass sellers along without answering even the simplest of repeated questions is deeply frustrating. Comparatively, you just don’t encounter this on platforms like eB*y, where the approach feels more supportive and streamlined.
I can’t shake the concern that Amazon may no longer prioritise small sellers, though I hope that’s not the case. Regardless, the process has become incredibly time-consuming. For example, I have multiple Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) questions pending, and yet, not a single moderator has provided me with a response.
It’s disappointing that Amazon appears more focused on saving a few pounds in Seller Support than addressing issues impacting sellers who contribute thousands in sales on the platform. This approach feels counterproductive and unsustainable for fostering successful partnerships between Amazon and its sellers.
Seller_uK2aGVnqbtliE
I agree with all that has been said. But just in case you haven't noticed, the multinationals and their tame governments have been steadily trashing small businesses. Looks like Amazon is included. Best scam is Amazon asking for invoices and then selling the item themselves.
Seller_uK2aGVnqbtliE
I agree with all that has been said. But just in case you haven't noticed, the multinationals and their tame governments have been steadily trashing small businesses. Looks like Amazon is included. Best scam is Amazon asking for invoices and then selling the item themselves.
Seller_7pTs15IYXmTOB
It isn't just seller support that are pitifully under-performing, the catalogue team, hazmat team, brand registry, technical team - they are all equally bad. The catalogue is a mess! Listings are more often than not, either inaccurate or not showing up on search. The competitive pricing feature, a joke. Hazmat team wants to be spoon fed all the time, you end up wondering what they are exactly doing. Brand registry are not bright enough.
It is all down to these teams having very poor work ethics and having least interest in sellers' business or even amazon, the platform they have chosen to work for.
As for seller support, all the above applies, but ignorance reigns and shines.
But I would blame the escalations teams, what on earth are they doing. Are they not ashamed to pick up seller grievances on a regular basis. What are they doing to improve seller support training?
Amazon needs third party sellers to make this sustainable. Didn't amazon try to manufacture and sell mobile among various other gadgets which all crashed into oblivion. Having said that Amazon market place is just a side business. Amazon has been dabbling and successful in cloud computing and web services.
Seller_7pTs15IYXmTOB
It isn't just seller support that are pitifully under-performing, the catalogue team, hazmat team, brand registry, technical team - they are all equally bad. The catalogue is a mess! Listings are more often than not, either inaccurate or not showing up on search. The competitive pricing feature, a joke. Hazmat team wants to be spoon fed all the time, you end up wondering what they are exactly doing. Brand registry are not bright enough.
It is all down to these teams having very poor work ethics and having least interest in sellers' business or even amazon, the platform they have chosen to work for.
As for seller support, all the above applies, but ignorance reigns and shines.
But I would blame the escalations teams, what on earth are they doing. Are they not ashamed to pick up seller grievances on a regular basis. What are they doing to improve seller support training?
Amazon needs third party sellers to make this sustainable. Didn't amazon try to manufacture and sell mobile among various other gadgets which all crashed into oblivion. Having said that Amazon market place is just a side business. Amazon has been dabbling and successful in cloud computing and web services.
Seller_ZQyopdiwkUHOZ
I don't think it's on purpose, but it is convenient for Amazon that the hoops they make 3rd party sellers jump through are so time demanding that it cuts into the time available to 3rd party sellers to grow their businesses away from Amazon.
They definitely want third party sellers, and they want as many of them as possible with a minimum number of sales that justifies paying the monthly rate, as that is then income they can put on spreadsheets.
They just don't care if those sellers are having a miserable experience at Amazon's hands.
Seller_ZQyopdiwkUHOZ
I don't think it's on purpose, but it is convenient for Amazon that the hoops they make 3rd party sellers jump through are so time demanding that it cuts into the time available to 3rd party sellers to grow their businesses away from Amazon.
They definitely want third party sellers, and they want as many of them as possible with a minimum number of sales that justifies paying the monthly rate, as that is then income they can put on spreadsheets.
They just don't care if those sellers are having a miserable experience at Amazon's hands.
