This episode explains the now-defunct Amazon Early Reviewer Program, a crucial topic for understanding Amazon policy evolution. While the program itself is no longer active, the discussion highlights Amazon’s ongoing efforts to ensure review authenticity and offers historical context around a significant policy change from incentivized reviews to regulated programs. Ecommerce operators can learn about past strategies and adapt to current review acquisition methods on Amazon.
Key takeaways
Understand the historical context of Amazon’s review policies, specifically the shift away from incentivized reviews in late 2016.
Recognize that Amazon consistently introduces new programs (like the Early Reviewer Program) to manage and regulate product reviews.
Learn that while some review programs are discontinued, the underlying goal of Amazon is to prevent review manipulation and promote genuine feedback.
Consider how Amazon’s evolving review policies impact product launches and ongoing sales strategies on the platform.
Back in the later part of 2016, Amazon made a major change in the Amazon seller space: no more incentivized reviews! This was a BIG DEAL for all private label sellers. Yes, everyone! For those who actively pursued incentivized reviews, it meant that you no longer could (and comply with TOS), and for those who didn't pursue incentivized reviews.. well, it meant that you might have more of a chance to compete.
