There have been some changes to Amazon’s terms of service focusing around the issues of giveaways and reviews… but much of the “panic” you hear out there as a result is way overblown. In this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott’s going to go over what he considers to the 5 myths about giveaways and reviews. He’ll take the time to explain the panic, correct the myth, and tell you want he believes is appropriate to do in the scenario mentioned. You’ll get some practical advice about this vital part of your product launch strategy if you’ll take the time to listen, so why not click over and hit the play button right now?
MYTH 1: Amazon doesn’t allow you to do product giveaways anymore.
Scott’s not quite sure where this one came from but it’s clear from reading Amazon’s own terms of service for seller accounts that even Amazon believes that the giveaways and reviews are an integral part of how their platform works. Scott believes giveaways and reviews are something you not only should be doing, but that you HAVE to be doing. In this episode you can find out why he says that and also hear the important WAYS you go about soliciting reviews and making the most of giveaways. This episode could be instrumental in helping you get your product launch off the ground in a big way.
MYTH 3: You can’t ask family or friends to leave a review anymore.
Scott’s take on this is kind of unique. He believes that especially at the front end of your product launch you SHOULD ask family and friends to do reviews of your products, even if they are “unverified” reviews. Why? Because Amazon doesn’t know who all your family or friends are… neither do they know whether they bought your product someplace besides Amazon or not. Even if the powers that be at Amazon are able to determine that someone who left a review is a family member, the worst that will happen is that they will remove that review. But between the time it is left and the time Amazon removes it, it may have helped you get 2 or 3 or more sales because it was there. Scott’s got some actionable advice on this subject, so be sure you listen.
MYTH 5: I shouldn’t use a review service to get reviews.
There’s been a TON of panic around this topic, some people saying that the reviews left by review service participants will flag your account and get you banned, others saying it’s no big deal to use a review service at all. Which is true? As usual, Scott has his own take on this and it’s somewhere in the middle of those two extremes. Are you eager to hear what he has to say? Go ahead and listen to this episode (it’s only 26 minutes long)!
Are you just getting started with Amazon Private Label Sales?
If so, Scott’s got a great gift for you – and it’s ENTIRELY FREE! Every now and then Scott does a free, private label workshop that you can be a part of. He spends 45 to 50 minutes walking through his own explanation of the process from start to finish. That includes product identification and assessment, getting your products, shipping, customs, setting it up on Amazon, promotions, reviews, and a lot more. Then, Scott will spend however long it takes answering questions from the participants. You’ll love connecting with other community members and hearing Scott’s seasoned advice. You can be a part by signing up for the next workshop at www.TheAmazingSeller.com/workshop.
OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER
- [0:03] Welcome and introduction to this episode: Should we use giveaways and reviews?
- [1:20] A shout out to the TAS Facebook Group and a member: Matt Pierson!
- [3:59] How do reviews play into a product launch to help you get the ball rolling?
- [5:35] MYTH 1: Amazon doesn’t allow you to give away products for reviews.
- [11:35] MYTH 2: Giveaways and reviews don’t work anymore.
- [13:20] MYTH 3: You can’t ask family and friends to leave a review anymore.
- [15:36] MYTH 4: Your account will be banned if someone does not give the proper disclaimer in a review.
- [16:34] MYTH 5: I shouldn’t use a review service to get reviews.
- [21:14] The importance of playing by the rules and using moderation in your tactics.
- [21:54] The importance of reviews!
- [25:10] Your invitation to Scott’s free workshop!
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LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
www.TheAmazingSeller.com/Resources
Scott’s free workshop – https://www.TheAmazingSeller.com/workshop
www.TheAmazingSeller.com/FB – the TAS Facebook Community
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Hi Scott,
Are you over 100% positive that if we do 97% giveaway it will count as a sale? I think .01 cent is cutting it kinda close too… do you think it is completely safe to do 97%? I am also a bit concerened what if their algorithm weighs these sales less..
Hey Kenny, you need to keep in mind that the PRIMARY reason you’re doing the giveaway is to get the review which will help drive conversions. Any other benefit you get is a bonus. As of right now, any transaction amount counts as a “sale” in terms of how it impacts your bsr.
Hey Scott, thanks for the great work in helping fellow sellers with valuable info. The site ilovetoreview.com accepts reviews only from US residents. As I am about to start selling on the Amazon European sites, would you, or anyone from the community have an idea of a similar review site targeting European residents?
Many thanks for your help!
Hey Bharat,
Your best bet would be to reach out to the TAS Facebook page and ask what sellers in that market are using succesfully. There are quite a few!
Hi Scott! Value bombs galore as usual. Hoping could get your opinion on Super URLs. Have heard a lot of people on your Facebook Page mentioning that they have not been having success with them recently– do you have any thoughts on this?
Also, do you know of any free or cheap alternatives to AMZ Tracker for creating Super URLS?
Big fan! Thanks.
Hey Eric, you can create a super url by simply searching for your product and changing the keywords that show up in the url string, it would have the same structure as the ones created by a tool like AMZ Tracker. They can still work (and do in some cases), but they would be really easy for Amazon to cut off if they decided to. You’d be better off walking reviewers through how to find your product via organic search and having them do it that way!
Amazing podcast Scott. I’ve got just one non-related question: when choosing the product, should I pick one that is exactly identical to the one I’m competing with (plus my own logo) or should I pick one that is similar but that is not exactly the same? I’m kinda confused which way to go. So far I’ve found niches that are either filled with other private labels or niches whose biggest sellers have an average 3-month BSR below 5000, which means there’s no demand. I don’t know how to distinguish between an untouched opportunity and a dead end.
Thanks as always!
Hey Ivan, you’re going to want to avoid just grabbing the “same product” that you see on Amazon, it makes building the business harder. Once you’ve found a niche you like and are reaching out to suppliers, you’ll look for something slightly different (or work with the supplier to make something different, based on the feedback you see on competitor listings).
Keep in mind that the lower the BSR, the better, so those markets with BSR below 5,000 are the ones you want to go after.
Ivan, Go through all the negative reviews and see what people “want” or “wish” the product had. Then go through the 4 and 5 reviews and see see what they like. Ask your supplier to see if they can make the changes for the better. Also make better packaging and pictures. I did this and my reviews mention my competitors and they say they always go for mine first….because it is the best quality one. Hope that helps pal. Good luck