How to Manage Negative Feedback on the Amazon Marketplace

Managing Negative Feedback on the Amazon Marketplace

Managing Negative Feedback on the Amazon Marketplace is always a concern for sellers on the Amazon Marketplace. While Amazon has become stricter in their removal policies in recent months, there are still a wide variety of methods to successfully manage negative feedback on the Amazon marketplace. This article will review excellent customer service practices, using Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) services, how to request a customer to remove negative feedback within Amazon guidelines, how to use Amazon’s automated feedback removal system, and finally how to argue for removal when an automated removal case is denied.

Excellent Customer Service Practices | Managing Negative Feedback on the Amazon Marketplace

On Amazon the customer is king. The customer on the Amazon Marketplace expects fast shipping, high quality products, accurately described products, and quick resolutions to issues if they arise. The following guidelines should be used in order to keep the customer happy and to avoid the possibility of negative feedback. The practices vary slightly between Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) and Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) orders.

Best Practices for Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) Orders:

  • Ship on Time – Always ship orders by the expected ship date at the very latest. Customers expect orders to process quickly. If a customer has to contact the seller regarding when their order will ship, it is already to late.
  • Ship with Valid Tracking – Customers expect to be able to track the progress of their package. Always upload tracking to the Amazon marketplace. This can be done manually or through your shipping software’s API connection.
  • Respond to Messages within Twenty Four (24) Hours – When a customer reaches out to you, they expect a quick response. While Amazon does not count message response time as part of the Order Defect Rate (ODR), it is still a best practice to follow the Twenty Four (24) response time rule.
  • Respond to Customer Inquiries with Ultimate Professionalism – Always respond to any customer inquiry with professionalism. Do not use all caps, argue with the customer, or say they are wrong. You can require them to follow policy (return an item for a refund, etc.), but always be polite and professional in doing so.
  • Process Returns Quickly – If a customer wants to return an item due to a seller error, send the customer a return shipping label or use Amazon’s automated return system to do so. A customer will be much less aggravated when a return shipping label is sent to them. Once the seller receives the return – always review and refund within forty-eight hours (48) at the latest.
  • Be Conservative with Restocking Fees – While Amazon allows restocking fees for buyer’s remorse returns, they do not allow them for returns due to seller error. (even when you disagree with the buyers return reason). When you do apply them, we do not recommend more than a 10% restocking fee.
  • List Accurately – List your item accurately. Do not list a book in “very good” condition if it has water damage. For new sellers always review Amazon’s condition guide before creating a listing. (Link to Amazon Condition Guidelines)
  • Best Practices for Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) Orders:
  • Respond to Messages within Twenty Four (24) Hours – When a customer reaches out to you, they expect a quick response. While Amazon does not count message response time as part of the Order Defect Rate (ODR), it is still a best practice to follow the Twenty Four (24) response time rule.
  • Respond to Customer Inquiries with Ultimate Professionalism – Always respond to any customer inquiry with professionalism. Do not use all caps, argue with the customer, or say they are wrong. You can require them to follow policy (return an item for a refund, etc.), but always be polite and professional in doing so.
  • List Accurately – List your item accurately. Do not list a book in “very good” condition if it has water damage. For new sellers always review Amazon’s condition guide before creating a listing. (Link to Amazon Condition Guidelines)

Striking of Feedback | Two Exceptions to Amazon Feedback Guidelines

Amazon has very strict guidelines for when they will remove customer feedback. However, there are two notable exceptions when a seller uses their services.

  • Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) – The entire comment relates explicitly to delivery experience for an order fulfilled by Amazon (FBA). In addition to the strike-through, the following statement will appear: This item was fulfilled by Amazon, and we take responsibility for this fulfillment experience.
  • Order Shipped with Buy Shipping Service – The entire comment is related to a delayed or undelivered order, which you shipped on time by using Buy Shipping services. In addition to the strike-through, this statement will appear, “The fulfillment issues associated with this order were not due to the seller”.

Source: Striking of feedback

Asking a Customer to Remove Feedback | A Guide

If you resolve a customers issue Amazon allows you to request feedback removal from a customer. There are two (2) ways a seller can do so.

  • Automated Feedback Removal Request – Amazon allows for one (1) automated feedback removal requested. To use this request follow the steps below:
    • Go to the Seller Central home page.
    • Click Performance and then feedback.
    • On your feedback manager page – find the negative feedback in questions, click on the arrow below actions, and click contact customer. Hit send and the customer has all the information needed to remove the feedback.
  • Manual Feedback Removal Request – Please follow this guide in order to request a manual feedback removal request from the customer.

Requesting Amazon to Remove the Feedback | When all Else Fails

When all else fails you can request Amazon to remove the Negative Seller Feedback. Please keep in mind that this method is a last resort and Amazon will only remove feedback in a limited number of instances. Steps for Amazon Removal – Follow These Steps in Order to Request Amazon to Remove your Negative Seller Feedback.

  • Go to the Seller Central home page.
  • Click Performance and then feedback.
  • On your feedback manager page – find the negative feedback in questions, click on the arrow below actions, and click request removal. Hit yes to the next question and Amazon’s automated system will review the feedback in question.
  • If the feedback request is denied – Amazon will let you know automatically.
  • Amazon does allow one opportunity to appeal the decision within the case manager.
  • If a seller can argue that the feedback was actually a product review, if the feedback is clearly not for the product bought, etc Amazon will likely take down the feedback. Otherwise, it is unlikely they will do so. Please see this link for further information on when Amazon will remove feedback.

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Terms and Conditions
  1. Introduction
    Welcome to the MAG Growth LLC Referral Program. By participating in this program, you agree to the following terms and conditions. MAG Growth LLC (“Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is located in Georgia, USA, and operates under the trade name My Amazon Guy.
  2. Eligibility
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  3. Referral Commission
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Cathy Barouch

Brand Director

Cathy Barouch brings a wealth of experience to her role as Brand Director at My Amazon Guy. With a background in ecommerce and brand management, Cathy has a proven track record of success in driving growth and visibility for brands on Amazon.

Prior to joining My Amazon Guy, Cathy served in key leadership roles, including as the Founder of Mystigrey, where she honed her skills in brand development and management. Before that, Cathy was the CEO & Co-Founder at Caterina Jewelry, where she led the company to success with her strategic vision and innovative approach.

Cathy’s expertise extends beyond ecommerce, as she is also a member of MJSA: Professional Excellence in Jewelry Making and Design, showcasing her commitment to excellence and continuous learning in the field.

John Lane

Brand Director

I bring a strong background in ecommerce operations management to My Amazon Guy. Previously, I served as the Operations Manager at Velex Corp. dba Gorilla Gym (later Gym1), where I oversaw our supply chain operations from China to the U.S. and Canada. I managed order fulfillment and led a dedicated customer service team. Additionally, I was responsible for managing our Amazon seller accounts in the U.S. and Canada, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

Outside of my role at My Amazon Guy, I also dedicate time to coaching football at Boston College High School during the fall, where I bring my leadership and team-building skills to the field.

Benjamin Loya

Brand Director

As a Brand Manager at My Amazon Guy, I specialize in enhancing clients’ sales and visibility on the Amazon platform. Leveraging my expertise in Amazon Seller Central, social media strategies, and adept problem-solving skills, I oversee a portfolio of accounts and projects. My role encompasses the strategic planning, meticulous execution, and continuous optimization of product listings, advertising initiatives, and brand stores.

Prior to My Amazon Guy, I served as the IT Director at Proeduco del Bajio, a prominent education firm in Mexico. During my tenure, I spearheaded the organization’s digital transformation, introducing innovative solutions such as network infrastructure enhancements and system implementations to enhance the quality and efficiency of our educational services. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, I ensured alignment of IT strategies with overarching business goals and objectives.

Jeffrey Lenz

Brand Director

Jeffrey is a seasoned e-commerce expert with over 10 years of experience in helping brands succeed on Amazon. As a Brand Director at My Amazon Guy, he leverages his data-driven approach and deep understanding of online marketplaces to develop and execute winning omnichannel strategies for our clients.

Jeffrey brings a wealth of knowledge in:

  • Brand Growth on Amazon: He has a proven track record of launching and growing brands on Amazon, utilizing his expertise in 1P and 3P operations.
  • Data-Driven Strategy Development: Jeffrey leverages data insights to craft effective channel strategies that optimize product visibility and sales for My Amazon Guy’s clients.
  • Omnichannel Expertise: He understands the importance of a cohesive omnichannel approach and develops strategies that reach customers across various touchpoints.
  • Compliance Focus: Jeffrey ensures adherence to Amazon’s ever-evolving policies and regulations, safeguarding the success of My Amazon Guy’s clients.

With his dedication to brand success and his strong grasp of the Amazon marketplace, Jeffrey is a valuable asset to My Amazon Guy, helping our clients flourish and achieve their Amazon sales goals.

Tony Chung

Brand Director

Tony is a results-oriented growth expert with a proven track record of generating leads, boosting revenue, and optimizing team performance for e-commerce businesses. He brings a data-driven approach to his role as Brand Director at My Amazon Guy, leveraging his expertise in digital marketing, sales, and operational efficiency.

Tony excels at:

  • Driving Customer Acquisition: He develops and executes comprehensive digital advertising and marketing strategies across all channels to generate qualified leads for My Amazon Guy.
  • Maximizing Sales Growth: Tony utilizes data analysis, forecasting, and KPI tracking to optimize sales strategies and drive top-line revenue for My Amazon Guy’s clients on Amazon.
  • Optimizing Team Efficiency: He fosters a high-performing team environment through project management, process improvement, and a coaching leadership style.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Tony leverages data analytics to build comprehensive performance trackers, measuring everything from brand growth to internal team performance, ensuring data-driven decision making across My Amazon Guy.

With his focus on results and his deep understanding of e-commerce, Tony plays a critical role in helping My Amazon Guy’s clients achieve their Amazon sales goals.

Jan Pao Montecillo

Director of Client-Success and Website Orders

Meet Jan Paolo Montecillo, our gaming virtuoso turned office hero! From pen-and-paper quests to tactical turn-based triumphs. He doesn’t just play games; he masters them, cracking their systems like a puzzle mastermind. But it doesn’t stop in the virtual realm! Jan’s game-changing work ethic and knack for system analysis have elevated our operations to epic levels. With a killer work ethic and his gaming superpowers,

Throughout his career, Jan Paolo has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to:

  • Lead and motivate teams: He has a proven track record of fostering high-performing teams and driving results.
  • Develop and implement operational strategies: Jan Paolo possesses a keen understanding of operational excellence and a talent for designing and implementing effective strategies.
  • Build strong client relationships: He is known for his client-centric approach and his commitment to exceeding client expectations.

Interests: Gaming

Noah Wickham

Brand Director

Noah Wickham started in eCommerce a decade ago, reselling on eBay and gradually expanding his knowledge base. Since then, he has worked with a variety of clients over several years, focusing on growth strategies, technology initiatives, product procurement, brand building, and SEO improvements. His expertise covers many areas of eCommerce, with a particular focus on Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify. Noah defines himself as a growth-centric leader and a client success advocate. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, video games, reading, and chess. Most Saturday nights, you can find him trying a new restaurant or exploring a different venue in his city.

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Shane Keyes

Brand Director

Shane is an Amazon marketing specialist at My Amazon Guy and attended Temple University’s Fox School of Business to pursue a degree in Marketing. 

A self-starter, Shane mastered Amazon’s intricacies through hands-on experience and rigorous self-guided research. Specializing in listing optimization and growth strategies, he excels at boosting BSR through Click-Through Rate (CTR) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices to drive your brand’s success on Amazon. Shane’s rise at My Amazon Guy underscores his leadership ability and unwavering commitment to achieving a brand’s top priorities.

Beyond work, Shane’s passion lies in Philadelphia sports, with a history of participating in team sports like baseball and rugby.

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Faith Denniston

Brand Director

I’m Faith, an Amazon marketing specialist obsessed with SEO, PPC, CTR, and the alchemy of conversions. With a data-driven approach, I help brands conquer the Amazon marketplace, turning clicks into customers.

When I’m not optimizing listings, you’ll find me in virtual worlds, exploring Final Fantasy XIV and diving into manga. I’m also a paranormal enthusiast, chasing ghostly tales in my spare time. Join me on this journey of digital dominance and otherworldly adventures!

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Roxanne Villanueva

VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Over 13 years of experience in the Business Process Outsourcing Industry Specializing in Customer Success and Sales for Telco, Tech, Finance and Ecommerce for both Start Up and Fortune 500 companies. 

An Inspirational Leader who loves to be where the action is, enjoys Creating Innovative Solutions to Complex Problems, Developing her People and Driving Engagement.

Interests: Traveling, Music and Spending time with Family

Kevin-Sanderson

Kevin Sanderson

Vice President of Marketing

Kevin Sanderson is the Vice President of Marketing for My Amazon Guy. He graduated from Texas Tech University and has a wide range of experiencew including previously having worked for two Fortune 500 companies and a rapidly growing insurance agency. Kevin has been selling on Amazon since 2015 and is also the founder of Maximizing Ecommerce, a company that hosts popular virtual learning events like the Convert More Clicks Summit and the PPC Mastery Summit. He joined the team at My Amazon Guy after Maximizing Ecommerce by My Amazon Guy and lives in Florida with his beautiful wife and two children.

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Thomas Fitzgibbons

SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Thomas graduated from the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL), receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Marketing and a Certification in Digital Marketing. He started his marketing career in the B2B industry, helping companies focus their internal marketing efforts on Website SEO, Website Content, Digital Advertising, and effective Email Marketing Campaigns. 

 

In 2020, Thomas shifted his career to eCommerce. As a self-starter, he learned the ins and outs of Amazon, Seller Central, and Shopify to help brands and sellers succeed in the digital world. Previously, he worked for an Amazon Marketing Agency as an Account Manager, assisting brands in growing and thriving on Amazon through his management. At MAG, Thomas serves as an Account Director, overseeing an extensive portfolio of 40 brands and managing a successful team of Brand Managers. Thomas provides leadership to his team and execution on high-level strategy for the brands in his portfolio. 

In his free time, Thomas enjoys golf, soccer, music, and taking his dog on hikes around the St. Louis area.

Kristen Lasch

Kristen Lasch

BRAND DIRECTOR

Kristen started her professional work on Amazon in 2018 as a professional seller and project-based Account Manager. She has ample knowledge of both Seller Central and Vendor Central. With a degree in Art & Design, Kristen has a passion for problem-solving and thinking outside the box. She loves to help grow accounts by unraveling underlying issues, organizing catalogs, and providing creative branding ideas. With an extensive background in customer experience, she is able to really dive into the mind of a customer regarding listing optimizations and how to market products appropriately. In her free time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family and working on growing their own private label account.

I was fortunate to be part of MAG's first batch of its Advertising Internship Program. The timing was perfect for me as I was looking for an opportunity to learn more about Amazon PPC and at the same time to have hands-on training to work on accounts.  

 

When I started my internship, I listed down the things I wanted to learn. And I am happy to say that I've ticked all the boxes! My most favorite was "Optimization Using Bulk Files”. Bulk files and I, we did not get along at first, it was so scary seeing all those data! But I had a great mentor who guided me along the way. He patiently taught me step by step on how to process the data. He was very enthusiastic in answering all of my questions. He supported me until I gained the confidence in uploading my first, second, third (and so on) bulk uploads. 

 

The biggest advantage in working with MAG (and I must say one thing that I always look forward to every week) is its Weekly Ads Training. Every week, we discuss various topics about PPC. Interns/Ads Specialists/Ads Managers, we all share knowledge, information, and updates about PPC. During our discussions, we exchange ideas and feedback. It became an avenue not just to learn a skill, but also to clear any vague or ambiguous PPC topics. 

 

For me, the biggest disadvantage is the work schedule. As an Intern, I have to follow EST timing. The time difference from my location was only 8 hours, but being a morning person, I really struggled to keep myself awake. But if you are a night owl, then this will not be a problem for you.

 

So if you are considering joining the MAG Advertising Internship Program, my advice to you is to take action - APPLY NOW! The knowledge that you will gain and the skill that you will develop from this program will be invaluable. And who knows? From being an Intern, you might be the next one to be promoted as Jr. Ads Specialist! 

Maria Victoria Piedad

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Steven Bruning

IT DIRECTOR

Steven has over eight years of experience in Information Technology and specializes in conceptualizing and implementing data-driven solutions.Steven started his Amazon career in 2019, breaking onto the scene by developing retail arbitrage software tools and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the Amazon Seller Central platform and account management. Outside of work, Steven enjoys DJing, learning and teaching others about personal finance, spreadsheets, and most of all, spending time with his wife playing board games and walking local trails. Steven was a long-distance runner for many years, having run over 1,000 miles and completed a marathon and several half-marathons.
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Jason Mastromatteo

VP of Brand Management

Jason Mastromatteo started his professional Amazon career in 2014 breaking into the Amazon scene selling by means of RA and private labeling. He eventually took his Amazon knowledge and started consulting for other businesses, distributors, and retailers. Jason’s experience and extensive seller central & vendor central knowledge have helped him consistently manage and grow sales through his team at MAG. Jason has interests in music, videography, skateboarding, and is a competitive Magic the Gathering player.

Dustin Fenton

VP of Finance

Dustin Fenton is the VP of Finance at My Amazon Guy. He began his eCommerce career in 2013, graduated with a Bachelors of Science with a Minor in Business Administration in 2018, and began his career at My Amazon Guy in the Fall of 2019. Dustin is a seasoned veteran at My Amazon Guy who has risen through the ranks:
  • Started as an Amazon Specialist
  • Grew to a Successful Brand Manager
  • Became a successful Account Director and through Leadership Grew Others into the Role
  • Promoted to VP of Operations
  • Now Serves as VP of Finance – and Assists the Company in all Areas of Operations
He directs:
  • AR
  • AP
  • Cash Flow
  • Tax Management
  • Employee Benefits Enrollment
  • Budgeting
  • Bookkeeping
  • Strategic Management of Financial Operations
  • M&A
  • Transfer Pricing Agreements
  • Operational Matters in Relation to the Financial Health and Solvency of MAG
In his free time, Dustin enjoys:
  • Traveling
  • Hiking
  • Extreme Weather Chasing
  • Learning and eCommerce Management
  • Retail arbitrage 
  • Spending time with friends and family
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Francisco Valadez

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

A graduate of Monterrey Tech (ITESM) in Mexico with a Bachelor’s in International Business, Francisco Valadez has spent most of his career as an entrepreneur involved in retail, wholesale, and private label projects. He has led companies from humble beginnings to successful acquisitions. Francisco got his start in eCommerce as part of a shoe company that sells through brick-and-mortar retail, department stores, and its own website. Most recently, Francisco fell down the Amazon rabbit hole while helping a company set up their own Amazon business. From that day on, Francisco has been 100% focused on Amazon retail. He has ample experience in Seller Central, and has proven his understanding of successful strategies to grow a brand’s online retail presence. Outside of work, Francisco loves sports, cooking, reading, listening to vinyl records, and most of all, spending time with his wife and daughters. He coaches in both English and Spanish, and leads the Hispanic team in our agency
A woman in glasses is smiling in a circle while managing her seller central account on a marketplace.

Kristen Dixon

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Meet Kristen Dixon, a seasoned Amazon e-commerce expert with nearly 8 years of experience. Kristen is not just a master of the online marketplace; she’s a passionate advocate for helping clients and employees reach their full potential. Her journey in e-commerce isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building relationships, both professionally and personally.

What truly sets Kristen apart is her innate desire to see others succeed. Her clients trust her not just for her e-commerce expertise but for her ability to guide them towards their own success stories. As a mentor to her employees, she nurtures their talents and encourages them to reach new heights. Kristen is not just dedicated to her craft but is equally committed to fostering growth in those she interacts with.

Kristen leads a fulfilling life as a mother of two children and a proud owner of a lively Goldendoodle. Family is her anchor and her “why.” The love she pours into her work is mirrored in her home life. She proudly leads a multifaceted life, where her love for family, sports, and a deep passion for helping others intersect in harmony. Kristen is a true example of how one person can make a lasting impact, both in the digital realm and in the lives of those she touches.

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Nick Nido

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Holding a masters degree in electronic engineering from MIT with a bachelors in business management, Nick has 15+ years experience in ecommerce business and technology operations. Nick has gained a significant amount of his Amazon experience while launching his own store on Amazon with it being so successful it was later acquired by an conglomerate 3 years later.  

An bearded man marketing on the Amazon Marketplace.

Steven Pope

FOUNDER

Steven founded My Amazon Guy to help clients grow faster on Amazon. After serving on the corporate side as a marketing manager and eCommerce director for nearly a decade, Steven started teaching businesses how to leverage the largest eCommerce platform and logistics network in the world. The Grand Master of Amazon knowledge, Steven is a thought leader with more than 1500+ videos of free content where he gives away all his trade secrets away. Steven oversees marketing and sales. Mr. Pope is an eagle scout, has an MBA from Western Governor’s University, and a BS from Weber State University. Read what My Amazon Guy employees say it’s like to work for Steven.