This episode dives into Amazon's updated terms of service, specifically regarding new prohibitions on price fixing and search rank manipulation. It analyzes the ambiguous new language around 'incentivizing customer searches to appear as organic behavior' and its implications for common seller strategies like two-step URLs and search-find-buy services. The host, Bradley Sutton, offers his personal interpretation and discusses how these changes will impact Amazon sellers, providing crucial insights for staying compliant and adapting strategies.
Key takeaways
Amazon's terms of service now explicitly prohibit 'price fixing' and 'search rank manipulation,' a new and significant change that was not solely driven by public exposes.
The new terms prohibit 'attempting to influence search results by inflating search ranking through keyword manipulation,' which is broadly defined and causes frustration among sellers.
Amazon defines 'incentivizing' by referencing existing language on reviews: 'such as coupons or free products in exchange for providing or removing feedback or reviews.' This definition likely extends to incentivized searches.
The host speculates that Amazon's new policy targets services that pay people to perform search-find-buy actions or offer rebates/discounts for specific search behavior.
The ambiguity surrounding 'keyword manipulation' and non-incentivized two-step URLs means sellers need to proceed with caution and await further clarification from Amazon, as even Seller Central support is working off scripts.
Amazon’s specific definition of “incentive” will heavily influence what is considered compliant for influencing search behavior, making it crucial to understand their established interpretation, not your own.
In part 2, Bradley shares his thoughts on the latest Amazon TOS updates, more Project X and 5K case study updates, and the latest launch strategies he uses.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Amazon's terms of service now explicitly prohibit 'price fixing' and 'search rank manipulation,' a new and significant change that was not solely driven by public exposes.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
The new terms prohibit 'attempting to influence search results by inflating search ranking through keyword manipulation,' which is broadly defined and causes frustration among sellers.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Amazon defines 'incentivizing' by referencing existing language on reviews: 'such as coupons or free products in exchange for providing or removing feedback or reviews.' This definition likely extends to incentivized searches.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
The host speculates that Amazon's new policy targets services that pay people to perform search-find-buy actions or offer rebates/discounts for specific search behavior.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
The ambiguity surrounding 'keyword manipulation' and non-incentivized two-step URLs means sellers need to proceed with caution and await further clarification from Amazon, as even Seller Central support is working off scripts.
