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Amazon seller reveals glimpse of shadow bribery market

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Re: Amazon seller reveals glimpse of shadow bribery market

#31

> leave a product review in exchange for a free bed scrunchie accessory I wonder what the exact language was. If it included something like “5 star review” on that card, then the guy deserves getting kicked out from Amazon and getting his business shut down (it’s federally illegal to do that per ftc regulation). If it was just very neutral language asking for reviews, then that sucks, and hope he can get it resolved…

In 2022 I got physical mail about leaving a review for something I bought from Amazon (sold by company X, shipped by Amazon) in exchange for Amazon Gift Card. It contained the name of the product I bought. When I tried to report it to Amazon:

* there was no obvious way to do it. Closest thing was by reporting issue on product.

* there was no way to show the customer service agent a picture of the mail. Chat did not support sending pictures & they were unable to open imgur link.

* agent recommended me to leave a report it by leaving review to the seller page. I did that and next day review was deleted.

So it's pretty clear that Amazon didn't care and I doubt it has changed (unless the law you are talking about is recent one).

Re: Amazon seller reveals glimpse of shadow bribery market

#35
post #4

Amazon, Walmart, Etsy... my kingdom for a marketplace that doesn't become just a dumping ground for shady fly-by-night dropshippers.

It depends on the brand, but a lot of the stuff I buy is available directly from the manufacturer's site, usually via Shop Pay.

Re: Amazon seller reveals glimpse of shadow bribery market

#36

Amazon could easily solve this problem if they wanted to. They just don't want to.

That's a problem for you — the customer - not for Jeff, the VP.

Maybe the customers are Amazon shareholders now and Amazon is selling Amazon's financial performance.

Re: Amazon seller reveals glimpse of shadow bribery market

#37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

AliExpress is less shady. If only they had customer service and a decent UI.

I recently dealt with a merchant in Aliexpress who was intentionally selling things well below market price, not to build their storefront reputation, but to collect sales and then ask the customer to cancel. I forced them to cancel the order, which harms their rep. Literally every unmanaged, user content controlled platform devolves into the basest scams, thuggery, and unpleasantness. This is why we can’t have nice…

>but to collect sales and then ask the customer to cancel

How does that help them?

Re: Amazon seller reveals glimpse of shadow bribery market

#39

I tend to find ebay less shady than Amazon these days, which is a bit disapointing really.

I have ordered items on eBay just for the seller to order it on Amazon and send it to me that way. Just happened to me this week with club bells/Indian clubs.
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