#399 - Amazon Compliance, Black Hat Tactics, & Survival Strategies with Lesley Hensell and Joe Zalta
Jun 13, 2024
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Discover expert advice from Lesley Hensell and Joe Zalta on safeguarding your Amazon business, navigating seller support inefficiencies, protecting yourself from malicious tactics, and thriving in the marketplace. Learn about their backgrounds, strategies for Amazon compliance, and practical tips for optimal results.
Maintaining proper documentation like invoices and testing reports is crucial to prevent account troubles on Amazon.
Continuous monitoring of inventory levels and proactive management of fees are essential strategies to safeguard profits on Amazon.
Deep dives
Avoiding Amazon Account Issues
To prevent account troubles on Amazon, maintaining proper documentation like invoices and testing reports is crucial. Invoices serve as evidence in case of authenticity disputes, while meticulous record-keeping of testing documents can prove compliance. Careful selection of third-party service providers or virtual assistants is advised, ensuring they adhere to Amazon guidelines to avoid potential repercussions. Timely responses to ASIN notifications, warnings, and suspensions are vital to maintain a healthy account and prevent escalation of issues.
Navigating Storage Fees and Inventory Management
Addressing the complexities of Amazon's storage fees and inventory management is essential for sellers. Continuous monitoring and assessment of inventory levels to avoid overstocking during peak seasons can prevent excessive storage fees. Recalling inventory strategically, especially with high variation listings, can optimize costs and prevent unnecessary expenses. Proactive management of fees, including return processing and long-term storage, helps safeguard profits and business sustainability amidst Amazon's evolving fee structures.
Challenges with Reviews and Account Health
The persistence of review manipulation issues underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in garnering reviews on Amazon. Diligence in following Amazon's guidelines and refraining from manipulative practices is crucial to avoid account penalties. Responding promptly to review manipulation accusations, whether substantiated or not, can protect seller accounts from potential suspensions. Adhering to ethical practices in review acquisition remains a key aspect of maintaining account health and long-term success on the platform.
Strategic Vendor Engagement and Inventory Handling
Strategic vendor engagement plays a pivotal role in ensuring product quality and supply chain integrity. Collaborating with reputable wholesalers and conducting due diligence on vendors can prevent sourcing issues and safeguard against unsuitable inventory accusations. Managing inventory recalls effectively, particularly in light of changing storage fee policies, aids in optimizing costs and streamlining inventory control processes. Maintaining transparency and compliance in vendor relationships is fundamental for long-term operational stability and mitigating account risks.
Ever wondered how to truly safeguard your Amazon business? Join us as we sit down with Joe and Lesley from Riverbend Consulting, whose unique journey from diverse professional roots to becoming the go-to problem-solvers for Amazon sellers will leave you inspired. From Joe's own Amazon account suspension woes to Lesley's rapid resolution skills, learn how their expertise can protect your online business from ASIN suspensions and unauthorized selling alerts.
Navigating Amazon's seller support can feel like a difficult task, but Joe and Lesley are here to share their wisdom. Discover the hidden inefficiencies within Amazon's siloed teams and the secret vocabulary and strategies that can help you get dedicated assistance. Whether it's understanding why the Costa Rica office is a game-changer or how to time your calls for optimal results, this episode offers practical advice to help you deal with Amazon's often frustrating support system.
But that's not all—we'll also uncover the darker side of Amazon selling, from click farms and listing manipulations to inventory issues linked to unsuitable inventory. Joe and Lesley provide crucial tips on protecting yourself from these malicious practices, maintaining account health, and ensuring compliance with Amazon's stringent policies. Plus, get a sneak preview of our next episode. Don't miss this episode packed with expert advice and actionable strategies to help you thrive in the Amazon marketplace.
In episode 399 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin, Lesley, and Joe discuss:
00:00 - Solving Amazon Seller Issues With Riverbend
07:08 - Effective Customer Service Process
10:37 - Challenges With Amazon Seller Support
16:14 - Amazon Seller Support Knowledge On Seller Central
24:49 - Amazon Seller Dirty Tricks and Issues
27:39 - Unsuitable Inventory Issue
30:41 - Amazon Seller Account Health and Advice
31:58 - Amazon Wholesale Account Manipulation
41:19 - Contact Information and Funny Stories
44:00 - Kevin King’s Words Of Wisdom
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