What To Do If You Get Review Bombed on Amazon

Introduction

One morning, you check your Amazon dashboard — and your star rating just dropped from 4.7 to 3.9 overnight. A dozen 1-star reviews, no comments, all posted within hours.
You’ve been review bombed — a coordinated flood of fake or malicious reviews meant to damage your listing performance.

This isn’t just frustrating — it’s potentially devastating. But the good news? You can fight back, recover your rank, and protect your brand reputation.

1️⃣ Confirm You’ve Been Review Bombed

Here’s how to tell it’s not just a normal review spike:

  • 📅 Timing: Many 1-stars appear within 24–48 hours.
  • 🗣️ No Comments: Fake reviews often have no written text.
  • 🔁 Pattern: Multiple ASINs targeted at once (common in sabotage campaigns).
  • 🌎 Location Clusters: Reviews come from unrelated regions or unverified accounts.

Document each review (screenshots + time) before doing anything else.

2️⃣ Report Review Manipulation to Amazon

Amazon does take review fraud seriously — but you have to use the right channels.

  • Go to Seller Central → Report a Violation
  • Choose: Customer Reviews → Review Manipulation
  • Provide:
    • ASIN
    • Date/time of fake reviews
    • Screenshots
    • Evidence of patterns (identical timing or reviewer activity)

If multiple products are affected, report them all in one case.

Follow up with Account Health Support to ensure escalation to Amazon’s internal investigation team.

3️⃣ Don’t Respond Publicly Yet

Avoid replying emotionally or calling the reviews “fake” in public — it can backfire or appear defensive. Instead:

  • Focus on Amazon’s reporting and documentation.
  • If the reviews clearly violate guidelines (off-topic, obscene, etc.), use “Request removal of inappropriate reviews” inside Feedback Manager.

Amazon will often remove fraudulent reviews within 3–5 business days once verified.

4️⃣ Rebuild Your Review Ratio

Once fake reviews are reported, you’ll need to counteract the dip:
✅ Increase genuine review volume: Use Amazon’s “Request Review” button on recent orders.
✅ Leverage Post-Purchase Flows: Send compliant messages thanking customers and inviting feedback.
✅ Drive external sales: External orders (via social, email, or influencers) generate more real reviews per sale.

5️⃣ Monitor Trends

Use review-tracking tools like:

  • Helium 10 Alerts — notifies you of sudden spikes or negative reviews.
  • FeedbackWhiz — automates review requests and flags manipulation patterns.
  • SmartScout or JungleScout — shows competitive review patterns in your category.

6️⃣ Long-Term Protection Plan

  • 🔒 Vet your PPC agency and competitors — some use black-hat tactics to trigger review removals.
  • 🧠 Keep weekly snapshots of your review profile (screenshots + exports).
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Monitor mentions in forums where review sellers operate.
  • 💬 Stay compliant — never buy or incentivize reviews, even to “offset” fake ones.

Conclusion

Review bombing can feel like a nightmare — but if you act fast, document well, and follow the right steps, you can protect your listings and recover quickly.

Stay vigilant, use Amazon’s official tools, and keep control of your brand narrative.

The best defense is speed and documentation.

Big News for E-Commerce: Tariff Worries Ending — What Sellers Need to Know

Introduction

Tariffs have been one of the biggest unpredictable cost drivers in global e-commerce over the past two years. Sellers importing products — especially from China — faced massive reciprocal tariffs, changes to duty exemptions, and evolving policy that affected pricing, margins, and supply chain decisions. But recent developments show signs of easing in some areas — and that shift matters for every brand selling internationally.

1) The U.S.–China Tariff Truce — A Cooling Moment

In mid-2025, the United States and China agreed to slash steep reciprocal tariffs for at least 90 days after high-level trade discussions. This pause helped calm global markets and reduced the tariff pressure that had built up over previous months. Reuters

That pause didn’t end all duties, but it temporarily relieved the extreme tariff levels that many sellers feared would cripple cross-border sales and increase costs dramatically.

2) End of Duty-Free Exemptions & Transition Periods

One of the most disruptive changes for online shopping was the end of the “de minimis” exemption — a duty-free threshold that previously allowed packages under a certain value into the U.S. without tariffs. This exemption was phased out in 2025, meaning previously tariff-free shipments are now subject to import duties, customs handling, and compliance requirements. Reuters

While this increased costs and logistics complexity, the transition period and phased implementation have given businesses time to adapt rather than imposing sudden cost shocks.

3) Legal Challenges & Policy Pressure — Signals of More Change

Beyond executive actions and negotiated pauses, courts have also weighed in. For example, a U.S. trade court ruled that certain tariff authorities used to impose recent high duties were beyond the executive’s legal power, putting some tariffs on uncertain ground and limiting future automatic escalation. Wikipedia

This judicial check adds another element of potential easing for sellers, as legal constraints make blanket tariff increases harder to maintain without congressional action.

4) What This Means for E-Commerce Sellers

Pricing and Margins

Temporary tariff relief or future reductions mean you may not need to raise prices as aggressively — which helps maintain competitive pricing and customer demand.

Sourcing Decisions

With policy uncertainty reduced in some areas, sellers may reconsider long-term sourcing decisions or diversify suppliers without fearing abrupt cost spikes.

Shipping & Fulfillment Strategy

With the de minimis exemption gone, all international shipments now face some form of duty. Over time, tariff pauses and negotiated adjustments could soften the landed cost impact, but sellers must factor duties and customs into pricing and fulfillment strategies.

5) How Sellers Should Adapt Now

Audit landed costs regularly:
Include duties, customs fees, and tariffs when planning pricing and profitability. Continual cost analysis prevents surprises.

Diversify sourcing:
Consider alternate production countries or regional warehouses to mitigate excessive reliance on one tariff regime.

Use trade agreements strategically:
Goods from Canada or Mexico often enjoy tariff-free treatment under USMCA, and ongoing negotiations could expand such benefits.

Stay informed:
Tariff policy can shift rapidly based on negotiations, courts, and legislation — being proactive protects your margins.

Final Thoughts

Tariffs will always be part of cross-border commerce, but recent developments — from tariff pauses, legal challenges, and phased policy changes — are signaling a cooling of the previous worst-case scenarios.

For e-commerce sellers, this means more predictability, smarter pricing, and improved planning horizons. The key takeaway: don’t panic — but don’t ignore tariffs either. Understand them, model costs, and build flexibility into your supply chain strategy.

BREAKING NEWS: Amazon Sellers Beware of NEW Feedback System

What’s the Change?

Amazon has implemented a significant update to its seller feedback system as of August 4 2025. Customers can now provide seller feedback using star ratings only, with written comments optional instead of required.

In the past, a 1–5 star rating was typically accompanied by text — giving sellers context about why the experience was positive or negative. With this change, customers can now leave a star rating without any explanation at all.

Why This Matters to Sellers

⭐ Less context = more confusion
When a rating lacks written feedback, sellers have no insight into why the customer rated them poorly — was it shipping speed, a product issue, packaging, returns, or something outside the seller’s control? Without context, troubleshooting becomes guesswork.

🚫 Appeal limitations for star-only feedback
Under the new system, if feedback is submitted without text, the traditional appeal options in Feedback Manager are disabled — meaning you can’t challenge it in the same way as before.

📊 Seller Performance Metrics Impact
Seller feedback contributes to key performance indicators — like your overall seller rating and Order Defect Rate (ODR). More negative scores with no explanation could push these metrics into dangerous territory without you knowing what triggered them.

Concerns from the Seller Community

Many sellers have expressed unease about these changes because:

  • They can’t see why a poor rating was left, making it harder to correct issues.
  • It may open the door for feedback bombing from competitors or frustrated buyers.
  • Star-only ratings might be mistakenly applied to seller performance when the actual issue was FBA fulfillment or product quality — areas sellers may not have control over.

Even if Amazon says the goal is to encourage more feedback and speed up submission, sellers worry that quality and clarity have been sacrificed.

How to Adapt and Protect Your Account

1. Monitor feedback trends more frequently
Watch for sudden increases in 1–2 star ratings that arrive without explanations — these may be early warning signs.

2. Correlate with other metrics
Compare feedback changes with order defect trends, A-to-Z claims, and return data to pinpoint underlying issues.

3. Encourage written reviews off-site
Use your own post-purchase email flows (where permitted) to ask for context-rich seller reviews.

4. Document patterns
If you see bursts of negative star-only feedback, document dates, ASINs, order IDs, and other signals — this helps if you need to contact Seller Support.

5. Maintain excellent operational discipline
Fast responses to buyer messages, perfect fulfillment, and proactive communication reduce the risk of negative ratings in the first place.

What This Means Long-Term

The move toward star-only ratings reflects Amazon’s desire to simplify the feedback process — but it also reduces transparency for sellers trying to understand what’s working and what’s not. While some sellers may benefit from increased rating volume, others risk being hurt by ratings with no context and limited appeal options.

Sellers who adapt their monitoring and feedback strategies early will be better positioned to weather this change.

Bottom Line: The new star-only seller feedback system makes monitoring, diagnosing, and appealing feedback less straightforward than before — and sellers need proactive strategies to protect their performance metrics.

BREAKING NEWS: Amazon Stops FBA Prep Services in 2026 — What Now?

What’s Changing?

Amazon has officially announced that, starting January 1, 2026, it will end all FBA prep and labeling services in the United States. This is a fundamental operational shift that affects every seller using Fulfillment by Amazon — including shipments sent directly to FBA and inventory flowing through Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD), Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), SEND, or the Supply Chain Portal. Amazon Seller Central

Under the current system, Amazon offered optional prep services — like labeling, polybagging, bubble wrapping, and other handling — on behalf of sellers. After January 1, those services are gone entirely. Every item must arrive fully prepped and labeled before shipment creation, or it won’t be accepted. Qualfon

Why Amazon Is Making This Change

Amazon says the majority of sellers already handle their own prep, and discontinuing the service helps streamline fulfillment center operations and improve efficiency. The company wants inventory to arrive “ready to store and ship,” eliminating internal prep steps and speeding check-in. Amazon Seller Central

For sellers this means no more safety net — the responsibility for compliance is now entirely on you or whoever handles your shipping.

The Big Risks for Sellers

If sellers fail to adapt, the consequences can be costly:

❌ Rejected or Returned Shipments
Shipments created after Jan 1, 2026 that aren’t properly prepped may be refused or returned at your expense. Qualfon

❌ Non-Compliance Fees
Inadequate prep can trigger chargebacks and non-compliance fees, increasing cost and slowing down your inventory flow. Qualfon

❌ Delayed Check-In
Improper prep means delayed check-in times, longer lead times, and potential inventory shortages during peak selling windows. Qualfon

❌ Lost Sales & Rank
If your inventory is stuck, products can go Out of Stock — harming Buy Box performance and organic rank. Qualfon

Your Options Moving Forward

Here are the main strategies sellers must consider:

1. In-House Prep

Build your own prep capabilities: print FNSKU labels, polybag, bubble wrap, kit or bundle products, and inspect them before shipment. This gives you full control, but requires labor, space, equipment, and quality control processes. Qualfon

2. Supplier-Handled Prep

Some sellers ask their manufacturer or supplier to prep items at the source before shipment. This can work, but many suppliers lack Amazon expertise and often mislabel or mispackage products — leading to higher risk of errors. Qualfon

3. Partner With a 3PL or Prep Provider

Third-party prep companies can handle all requirements, ensure compliance, and free up your time — but you must choose early, as demand will surge ahead of the 2026 deadline. Qualfon

Action Plan: 30/60/90 Days to Get Ready

TimeframeFocusKey Actions
Next 30 DaysAudit Your SKUsIdentify which products require specialized prep (fragile, hazmat, apparel, etc.) and document current processes.
30–60 DaysTest SolutionsRun pilot shipments with in-house prep or trusted providers to refine workflows and avoid mistakes.
60–90 DaysSecure PartnersLock in a 3PL or vet suppliers for prep, secure pricing, and confirm capacity before peak seasons.

Note: Shipments created before January 1, 2026 will still receive Amazon’s prep services even if they arrive after the deadline — so plan transitional shipments early. Qualfon

5 Tips to Stay Compliant

  1. Document all prep requirements — Amazon’s standards haven’t changed; enforcement will be stricter. Qualfon
  2. Train your team — prep mistakes can cost time, fees, and sales. Qualfon
  3. Use professional label printers — inaccurate labels are a common compliance failure. Qualfon
  4. Invest in quality packaging supplies — fragile items need proper wrapping and warnings. Qualfon
  5. Vet multiple 3PLs — don’t wait until the last minute; capacity will fill fast. Qualfon

Final Thoughts

Ending FBA prep services is one of the most impactful logistics changes in years. It shifts compliance responsibility squarely onto sellers — meaning careful planning now will protect your account, your sales velocity, and your profit margins long after the deadline.

The clock is ticking — act early, adapt strategically, and don’t let this policy change disrupt your business.

Amazon Just Quit Google Shopping — What Happens Now?

What Just Happened?

In July 2025, Amazon stopped running Google Shopping ads — a move that stunned advertisers and brands alike. Previously, Amazon commanded a massive impression share in Google Shopping auctions (upwards of ~60% in the U.S. and ~55% in the U.K.), dominating product feed visibility on Google’s results pages. Digiday+1

Reports indicate that Amazon’s ads disappeared virtually overnight after a gradual reduction earlier in the year, prompting speculation about strategic motives. Flipflow

Why It Matters for Sellers

Even if you sell only on Amazon, this change affects you — and here’s why:

🧠 1. Loss of External Traffic

Amazon’s Shopping ads used to drive significant external clicks into Amazon product listings. Without this flow, overall sessions may drop, especially from shoppers who start their search on Google. Fluid Marketplaces

💸 2. Changing CPC Dynamics

When Amazon exited the auctions, many retailers initially saw lower cost-per-click (CPC) and easier visibility for their own Google Shopping ads. But as advertisers moved in to capture that space, CPCs have begun creeping back up. Tinuiti

This means:

  • Short-term opportunity for cheaper external traffic
  • Medium-term competition heating up as brands adjust

📈 3. Greater Focus on Your Own External Traffic

If Amazon isn’t spending heavily on Google ads, your brand has to. External traffic increases:

  • Amazon Attribution tracking becomes essential
  • Paid search on Google, meta platforms, and TikTok becomes more strategic
  • SEO and off-Amazon funnels gain importance

Without Amazon’s ads “doing it for you,” brands need to take ownership of how customers find them online. Fluid Marketplaces

🎯 4. More Competition Within Google’s Ecosystem

While the initial absence created room, other major advertisers (Target, Walmart, Home Depot, SHEIN) quickly increased their spend to fill the vacuum. That means competition didn’t disappear — it just shifted. Tinuiti

Why Amazon May Have Pulled Back

We still don’t have an official explanation, but analysts suggest several possibilities:

  • 🧪 Strategic testing: Evaluating whether Google Shopping ads truly drive incremental revenue. Incubeta
  • 💰 Cost control: Cutting a multi-million-dollar spend that may not deliver strong ROI. Logical Position
  • 🛍 Traffic control: Keeping shoppers inside Amazon’s ecosystem rather than paying to send them through Google. Fluid Marketplaces

What Sellers Should Do Now

Here’s how you can react strategically:

✔ 1. Capture the Window Quickly

If Google Shopping is less competitive, jump in now:

  • Update your Google Merchant feed
  • Run Shopping campaigns on high-intent SKUs
  • Optimize product data and pricing for Google results

This window may not last — Amazon has already begun re-entering in some markets. Digiday

✔ 2. Diversify Paid Channels

Don’t rely solely on one ad channel. Build a balanced acquisition strategy across:

  • Google Search & Shopping
  • Meta (Facebook/Instagram)
  • TikTok
  • DSP and Marketplace ads

This spreads risk and reduces dependency on a single ecosystem.

✔ 3. Use Amazon Attribution

Amazon Attribution lets you see how external campaigns perform on Amazon. That means your off-Amazon spend drives real business insight and ranking signals — not just vanity metrics.

✔ 4. Focus on Organic and Brand Awareness

Search visibility now overlaps more with organic behavior. Prioritize:

  • SEO both on-site and on-Amazon
  • Content marketing
  • Email and retention strategies

Final Thoughts

Amazon’s withdrawal from Google Shopping ads is one of the most significant advertising shifts of 2025. Brands that act fast can capitalize on short-term opportunities — while thoughtful strategies now will future-proof your business as the landscape continues to evolve.

The big takeaway: Never rely solely on someone else’s traffic engine. Build your own channels, own your audiences, and be ready when platforms shift.

What’s The REAL Difference Between Amazon FBA and FBM Shipping?

Introduction

Every Amazon seller faces the same question: Should I use FBA or FBM?

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) offers convenience, scale, and Prime eligibility — but at a cost.
Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) gives you control, margins, and flexibility — but demands more effort and infrastructure.

Understanding the true differences (beyond what Amazon tells you) helps you build a strategy that maximizes profit, not just sales.

1️⃣ What Is FBA?

Fulfillment by Amazon means Amazon stores, picks, packs, and ships your products.
You send inventory to an Amazon fulfillment center, and they handle the rest — including returns and customer service.

FBA Advantages:

  • Prime badge = higher conversion rates.
  • Automated logistics and faster shipping.
  • Amazon handles returns, refunds, and support.

FBA Disadvantages:

  • Storage, handling, and fulfillment fees can eat into margins.
  • Limited control over packaging, branding, and customer data.
  • Inventory limits and restock restrictions can slow growth.

2️⃣ What Is FBM?

Fulfillment by Merchant means you ship directly to customers (or use a 3PL).
You control the logistics, packaging, and shipping speed.

FBM Advantages:

  • Lower fees and better margin control.
  • Full flexibility over branding and packaging.
  • Ideal for oversized or slow-moving products.

FBM Disadvantages:

  • No Prime badge (unless using Seller Fulfilled Prime).
  • Slower delivery times can hurt conversion rates.
  • You handle returns and support yourself.

3️⃣ The REAL Difference: Control vs. Convenience

The true divide isn’t just cost — it’s control.

FactorFBAFBM
ControlLowHigh
ConvenienceHighModerate
MarginsLowerHigher
ScalabilityEasierManual
BrandingLimitedFull
Customer DataRestrictedAccessible
Prime EligibilityAutomaticOptional (via SFP)

FBA wins for automation and reach.
FBM wins for flexibility and profitability.

The best sellers? They combine both.

4️⃣ The Hybrid Model: The Best of Both Worlds

Most 7-figure brands run hybrid operations — using FBA for fast-moving SKUs and FBM for niche or bulkier items.

Example:
A home goods brand sends its top-selling kitchenware to FBA but fulfills its oversized furniture via FBM to avoid storage penalties.

This approach balances speed, control, and cost efficiency.

5️⃣ Key Metrics to Decide

When choosing between FBA and FBM, focus on:

  • Contribution Margin (after all fees and shipping)
  • Sales Velocity (FBA boosts conversions)
  • Storage Fees vs. Holding Costs
  • Customer Expectations (Prime vs. standard shipping)

Run side-by-side SKU analyses to identify which method yields higher profit per order.

6️⃣ 30/60/90 Day Plan

TimeframeFocusAction
Days 1–30Analyze FeesAudit top SKUs to compare FBA vs. FBM cost per sale.
Days 31–60Test Hybrid ModelMove 20% of slow sellers to FBM or a 3PL.
Days 61–90OptimizeScale the more profitable model and refine shipping workflows.

Final Thoughts

There’s no universal winner in the FBA vs. FBM debate — only the one that fits your business model.

FBA gives scale and exposure.
FBM gives control and margin.

Together, they give you balance.

Stop choosing sides — start building strategy.

Never Get Overcharged on FBA Again With The Fee Explainer Tool

Introduction

If you’ve ever looked at your Amazon FBA reports and thought, “Where did all my profit go?” — you’re not alone.

Between unexpected dimension changes, mislabeled storage tiers, and hidden fulfillment charges, thousands of sellers lose profit every month without realizing it.

That’s why Amazon’s new Fee Explainer Tool is such a big deal. It finally lets you see exactly why you were charged what you were — and challenge it if it’s wrong.

Let’s break down how to use it and stop overpaying once and for all.

1️⃣ What Is the FBA Fee Explainer Tool?

Amazon launched this tool to increase fee transparency. It breaks down the components of your FBA fulfillment costs, showing how things like:

  • Weight handling
  • Dimensional weight
  • Storage tier
  • Packaging type
    all contribute to the total charge.

It’s available in Seller Central → Reports → Payments → Fee Preview / Fee Explainer.

2️⃣ Why It Matters

FBA fee changes can happen without notice — usually triggered by:

  • Mis-measured item dimensions
  • Incorrect weight classification
  • Labeling or packaging changes
  • Product category reassignments

Even a small size-tier jump (say, from “standard” to “oversize”) can double your FBA fee.

That’s money Amazon sellers can’t afford to lose.

3️⃣ How To Use the Tool

Step 1: Open the Fee Explainer

Go to any ASIN → Click “Fee Details” → “See more details” → “Fee Explainer.”

You’ll see a breakdown of:

  • Current size tier
  • Measured dimensions
  • Unit weight vs. dimensional weight
  • Packaging type
  • Handling category

Step 2: Compare to Reality

Physically measure and weigh your product (including packaging).
If it’s smaller or lighter than Amazon’s recorded dimensions, you might be overcharged.

Step 3: File a Case

Use “Report an issue with fee” in Seller Central’s Help → Fulfillment Fees section.
Attach images of measurements and your FNSKU label as proof.

Sellers who follow this process often recover hundreds or even thousands in fees per ASIN.

4️⃣ Pro Tips for Ongoing Fee Management

✅ Audit quarterly: Check your top 20 ASINs for accuracy every 3 months.
✅ Track historical changes: Keep a simple spreadsheet with recorded measurements.
✅ Watch new shipments: Amazon occasionally re-measures after receiving new inventory.
✅ Use alerts: Some third-party tools can notify you if dimensions or tiers change suddenly.

5️⃣ What To Do Next

  1. Log into Seller Central and test the tool on one ASIN today.
  2. Document all measurements.
  3. Open a case for any mismatched data.
  4. Build an internal SOP so your team checks fees regularly.

You’ll protect margins and prevent future overcharges automatically.

Final Thoughts

FBA fees don’t have to be a guessing game.
With the new Fee Explainer Tool, you have the power to audit, understand, and reclaim your profit.

Amazon transparency is finally catching up — and smart sellers will use it to their advantage.

How to Find Products to Sell on Amazon Without Competing With Big Brands

Introduction

The biggest mistake new Amazon sellers make is going head-to-head with industry giants. Competing in saturated categories dominated by household names leads to high ad costs, brutal pricing wars, and razor-thin margins.

Instead, the real opportunity lies in finding niches where big brands aren’t paying attention.

Let’s break down how to find them.

1️⃣ Understand Why Big Brands Ignore Niches

Big brands chase volume, not precision.
They tend to avoid smaller markets because they can’t scale efficiently or justify the marketing spend.

That’s where small and mid-sized sellers can win — by targeting specific keywords, micro-audiences, and underserved problems that the big players overlook.

2️⃣ Use Data Tools to Uncover Gaps

Here’s how to spot high-potential products:

1. Helium 10 Black Box – Filter for keywords with 2,000+ searches and fewer than 300 competing listings.
2. SmartScout Niche Explorer – Identify categories where smaller sellers outperform household brands.
3. Jungle Scout Opportunity Finder – Look for listings with poor photos, weak copy, or low review counts.

These tools surface the gaps — opportunities that big brands don’t bother to fill.

3️⃣ The “Gap Method” Framework

Ask three key questions:

  1. Demand: Are people searching for it regularly?
  2. Competition: Are there weak listings or poor branding in top results?
  3. Differentiation: Can you add real value (better bundle, packaging, or positioning)?

If you can say yes to all three, you’ve found a gap worth exploring.

4️⃣ Validate Before You Launch

Before investing in inventory:

  • Use keyword tools to project search volume and sales potential.
  • Check review depth — if competitors average <500 reviews, it’s a good sign.
  • Run small PPC tests or pre-orders to gauge market response.

Validation prevents wasted capital and confirms your product’s true demand.

5️⃣ Positioning: Your Hidden Weapon

Even in competitive markets, positioning can help you stand out.
Focus on one of these differentiators:

  • Design: Better packaging, branding, or colors.
  • Utility: Solve a pain point others ignore.
  • Audience: Target a specific niche (e.g., “for RV owners,” “for pet parents,” “for travelers”).

The goal isn’t to be better for everyone—it’s to be perfect for someone.

6️⃣ Track and Adapt

Once launched, monitor:

  • TACoS: Ensure ads drive long-term organic growth.
  • Review velocity: Faster reviews = faster ranking.
  • Keyword rank: Protect your niche position with smart bid management.

Small sellers win by being agile—adjusting quickly while big brands take months to react.

Final Thoughts

Winning on Amazon isn’t about beating the giants—it’s about outmaneuvering them.

Big brands dominate broad markets, but small sellers who master data, differentiation, and demand validation can quietly build six- and seven-figure businesses in overlooked corners of the marketplace.

Stop trying to outspend your competition.
Start finding the gaps they can’t see.

Find Hidden Amazon Ad Waste Fast With This Easy Method

Introduction

Amazon Advertising can be one of your most powerful tools for growth—but also one of the fastest ways to lose profit if left unchecked.

Every seller wastes ad spend at some point. The secret is how quickly you find it and fix it.
In this post, we’ll walk you through an easy, data-driven process to uncover wasted spend that’s silently eating your profits.

1️⃣ Step One: Pull Your Search Term Report

Inside Seller Central, go to:
Advertising → Reports → Sponsored Products → Search Term Report.

Download it for the last 30–60 days.
This report reveals every keyword or ASIN your ads were triggered by—along with clicks, spend, and conversions.

2️⃣ Step Two: Identify Waste Fast

Now, sort and filter your data using these three rules:

  • High Spend, Zero Sales: These are wasted dollars.
  • High ACoS (>100%): Your cost per sale is exceeding profit.
  • Irrelevant Search Terms: Buyers clicked but never converted—bad targeting or wrong audience.

You’ll instantly see where your money is being burned.

3️⃣ Step Three: Take Action

Depending on what you find:

  • Pause or reduce bids on poor-performing keywords.
  • Add irrelevant terms as Negative Keywords.
  • Shift budget toward high-converting search terms.
  • Watch performance over the next 7–14 days.

Even a small round of cleanup can reduce wasted spend by 20–40% overnight.

4️⃣ Step Four: Monitor with Metrics That Matter

Track these key metrics weekly:

MetricWhy It MattersTarget Range
ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sales)Shows ad efficiency< 30–40% (category dependent)
TACoS (Total Advertising Cost of Sales)Ties ads to total revenue< 10–12%
CTR (Click-Through Rate)Indicates relevance of targeting> 0.3%
Conversion RateTells you if your listing converts traffic> 10%

Monitoring these KPIs helps you catch waste before it compounds.

5️⃣ Step Five: Automate the Process

Once you master manual cleanup, use automation tools to maintain efficiency.
Popular options:

  • Amazon’s Bulk Operations + Rules
  • Teikametrics / Pacvue / Perpetua (for rule-based optimization)
  • Simple Excel or Looker Studio dashboards (for visibility)

Automation ensures no wasted keyword slips through unnoticed again.

Final Thoughts

Amazon ads don’t need to drain your margins—if you know where to look.
This simple 20-minute audit can uncover thousands in wasted spend and refocus your budget on what actually converts.

Less waste. More growth. Better profit.

That’s how winning sellers scale smart.

FTC Cracks Down on “Made in the USA” Claims — What Amazon Sellers Must Know

What’s Happening Now

In July 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent warning letters to Amazon, Walmart, and several companies reminding them that “Made in the USA” claims must be truthful and legally substantiated. These letters noted numerous instances of potentially deceptive origin claims made by third-party sellers on online marketplaces. Federal Trade Commission

The FTC Act prohibits deceptive or misleading representations in commerce, and the Made in USA Labeling Rule (often called the MUSA Labeling Rule) sets specific standards retailers and sellers must meet when making origin claims. Federal Trade Commission

What “Made in the USA” Really Means

Under FTC policy, an unqualified claim that a product is “Made in USA” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a legal statement that requires the product be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. That means all significant parts, processing and assembly must occur domestically, and foreign components must be negligible. Federal Trade Commission

This rule applies to:

  • Product listings and descriptions
  • Packaging and labels
  • Advertising language
  • Any marketplace claim that implies U.S. origin

Even’s implied claims — like “Proudly made here” or graphics suggesting domestic origin — can fall under this standard if they create that impression. Federal Trade Commission

Why Amazon Sellers Are in the Crosshairs

Marketplace platforms like Amazon host millions of third-party listings — but they can be held accountable if sellers repeatedly make false origin claims without proof. In issuing warning letters, the FTC specifically urged online marketplaces to monitor, identify, and take corrective action against deceptive claims. Stradling – Stradling

The warning is an escalation: platforms aren’t just passive hosts — the FTC expects them to enforce compliance on behalf of consumers. Stradling – Stradling

Risks of Non-Compliance

Sellers who misuse or overstate origin claims face real legal and business risks:

  • Penalties and fines issued under the FTC Act
  • Listing removals or account enforcement actions by Amazon
  • Civil lawsuits or class actions, especially in states with stricter labeling rules (e.g., California) JD Supra
  • Reputational damage and loss of buyer trust

Historical FTC enforcement has resulted in multimillion-dollar judgments against companies that failed to substantiate origin claims — showing the agency takes these rules seriously. My Amazon Guy

How to Stay Compliant (and Avoid Trouble)

1. Confirm Your Product Meets the Standard
Before claiming “Made in USA,” verify that all or virtually all materials and processing occur in the U.S. — not just the final assembly. Federal Trade Commission

2. Use Qualified Language When Appropriate
If the product isn’t fully domestic but contains substantial U.S. components, use qualified claims (e.g., “Made in USA with imported components” or “Final assembly in USA”). These avoid implying full domestic origin while remaining truthful. Federal Trade Commission

3. Document and Substantiate
Keep thorough documentation of sourcing, manufacturing, and costs — especially if challenged by Amazon or regulators. Substantiation is key under FTC truth-in-advertising standards. Federal Trade Commission

4. Audit Listings Frequently
Review your catalog and remove or correct any unqualified, implied, or ambiguous origin claims. Amazon’s compliance teams may act quickly if the FTC flags an issue. Stradling – Stradling

What This Means for Amazon Sellers

The FTC’s increased scrutiny on origin claims is a wake-up call: marketing language matters. Sellers can no longer rely on casual or loosely interpreted “Made in USA” messaging — compliance requires accuracy, substantiation, and clear communication to consumers. Federal Trade Commission

Ensuring your claims pass legal and marketplace standards protects your brand, avoids enforcement headaches, and builds buyer trust in a crowded marketplace.

Final Thought

“Made in USA” is a valuable brand signal — when it’s true. The FTC crackdown shows that regulators, platforms, and consumers are watching, and compliance is essential for long-term success on Amazon.