Why Amazon FBA Sucks In 2020
FBA Bad Actors
Well, it seems we all have our problems with FBA and seller support.
From getting different answers from different support workers to outright seemingly fraudulent activities by some workers or Admin. as reported a couple of years ago.
Amazon has always had warts, its way to big not to, but this past month, the beginning of 2020 wow.
I have problems every day.
And very little help from seller central.
This is not to dissuade anyone from selling on Amazon, I still believe that it is still a fantastic way to make money and get in and learn eCommerce.
It is not a rant, though it sounds like such )
This is a reality check for any that think it's easy!
Read on...
Black January FBA
It all started with a shipment of 2 products I replenish regularly. I sent them both in at the same time (possibly this was a huge error)
The next day after receiving I check the shipment and bingo ZERO but 20 units in Remove Inventory and marked as expired, the receiver also "mistakenly", let's say added 20 to the count, so it looks like 32 instead of 12.
I open a case and have been in a run around for 3 weeks now. I have to wait to reconcile, we will see the 30 of Jan. is the new date for that.
I now have 2 more shipments with the same issues.
Why Not Keep The Freebies
This is always a huge mistake as I once found out. Think about it, what if the product is not the exact same, close to expired, damaged or,, you are being set up.
Or outright expired as the fact above.
Always fight, don't let it happen.
You could lose your account over these issues.
Called and Emailed Seller Support
After numerous emails and calls they still refuse to budge, the funny thing is, all my products are labeled by me, so it would be a very easy situation to check, scan the Amazon barcodes, this is not a comingled item!
Still ZERO action
Always use the mail system so there's a written record.
It is common knowledge that some Amazon workers take bribes from bigger sellers to do damage to others.
Returns Blackhat Tactics Abound
This is the part that is really hard to take. Amazon with all the power of AI and tech do nothing if you look at any data available on returns, undeliverable addresses and defective or unwanted products (endless list)
A clear pattern does emerge.
I have had wrong items sent to customers that weren't even mine when I pull the product off and have it sent to me, I have proof sometimes not even my barcode, but Amazon does nothing!
I have not had in 1 and a half years so many returns with so bad and clear cut intentions to defraud basically.
Most people think because it is online and Amazon it is ok to do certain things, but it is just as criminal an act as doing so in person.
Blackhat Reviews
This is hard, Amazon's new rules don't allow for the removal of bad reviews, even when they are obviously fake and aimed at hurting your business.
This is a huge mistake by Amazon and is leading to so many fraudulent actions by other sellers that it's out of control.
Including ordering, destroying or just sending back products. This gets expensive.
I agree if it's legitimate yes eat the bad review, nothing makes me more nervous buying online than seeing a perfect 5-star rating across the board, something wrong there unless it is a product.
Why The Blackhat Stuff
These are the real dirty people of Amazon FBA, not real business people, but rather the criminal element, that only know how to do things this way. Untalented and slow thinking.
Workers are disgruntled or get an easy side pay, so easy, we are just numbers to them.
Other sellers are the biggest enemy, not to mention BH sites that you can actually put a contract out on someone's account.
Zero education. Zero Talent. But Amazon makes this too easy!
So these are just a few issues you may face, maybe like myself all of them, there are worse even than this, I await with baited breathe :)
Your account could get suspended anytime, even if like I do, you play by the rules.
This is actually the tip of the proverbial iceberg for issues and problems..
Man Why Do This Then
The fact that I'm still sticking and continuing should tell you enough, If not for a few issues I would certainly have shot past my original goal of 25k for January (personal issues not only Amazon)
Your business will grow, it's not S**t free, like any business its hard work with many headaches heartaches and lately a few sleepless nights.
You are playing in a mammoth's sandbox, so if you get a bit of dirt on you...suck it up, continue, fight, you will not always win, but fight, always be polite and remember although they do not realize you are, they are human beings too.
There really still is no other opportunity like this one. Take action <NOT LIKE GURU ACTION>
Make the best choices you can have the nerve to continue and you will get on the yellow brick road sooner than later.
As an update to this recent case, this is Amazons' response, which is incredibly bizarre, since the items in question are so far apart that a monkey would not even try this little fraudulent explanation.
Amazon
Feb 11, 2020 02:13 PM
This is basically a total lie that started with an extra 10 units, then 4 went missing then 2 more in succession. The 10 units were immediately put in an expired state. It then took them 30 days to come up with this explanation.
When doing your shipments a video of your labelling packing and products would be helpful. All of this and it is still worth it, but you will have many headaches.
Just remember to always stay calm and polite, be persistent, but if they want to &&** you, that's what is going to happen... let's see if I can get my inventory back now and resend it ;)
So a lot has happened and I haven't had time for it all.
I have moved the amazon blog to https://fbaonlinebusiness.blogspot.com/
I have moved the amazon blog to https://fbaonlinebusiness.blogspot.com/
to bring a bit better look. I will be writing more to POD here again this year as I have time.
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