Amazon News: Major Policy Updates, AI Search Trends & PPC Strategies
Hey Fellow Amazon Sellers,
Another week, another wave of updates shaping the e-commerce world! From Amazon's resilience amid boycotts to new scam trends and PPC strategies, here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead.
News
Amazon’s New Solution Provider Portal: A Major Change for Service Providers
Starting April 10, 2025, Amazon service providers and account managers must register on the new Solution Provider Portal to retain access to client Seller Central accounts. Failure to register means losing access, creating significant disruptions, especially for smaller providers managing multiple accounts.
Adding to the challenge, names containing "Amazon," "AMZ," or "Prime" are reportedly being blocked from registration, affecting businesses like My Amazon Guy. Sellers and service providers need to act fast, complete the necessary migration steps, and prepare for potential hurdles in this new system.
New Effective Date for FBA Inventory Reimbursement Policy
Amazon has delayed the implementation of its updated FBA inventory reimbursement policy to March 31, 2025, instead of the previously announced March 10. This extension allows sellers more time to manage their costs using the Manage Your Sourcing Cost page in the Inventory Defect and Reimbursement portal.
The feature has been gradually rolling out since January, with all sellers gaining access by February 28, ensuring they can review and submit their costs before the policy takes effect. Sellers should take advantage of this extra time to adjust their sourcing costs and prepare for the changes.
Leftist ‘Economic Blackout’ Fails: Amazon Sales Increased During Boycott
Despite a planned “economic blackout” boycott on February 28, Amazon’s sales actually increased, defying expectations. Data from Momentum Commerce revealed that Amazon’s transactions rose by 1% compared to a typical Friday, with sales tracking 6.8% higher earlier in the day before moderating later.
The boycott, led by The People’s Union USA, aimed to disrupt major retailers but had little impact on Amazon’s overall performance. With another Amazon boycott planned for March 7-14, the weak initial results raise questions about the effectiveness of these movements in influencing consumer behavior.
USPS Issue with Invalid or Used Shipping Labels – Amazon Implements Fix
Amazon identified a USPS system issue that caused some shipping labels purchased through Amazon Buy Shipping and Veeqo to be incorrectly marked as used or display invalid tracking. A fix was implemented on February 27, 2025, and refunds will be issued for any unusable labels by March 31.
To protect sellers, Amazon will automatically update affected account health metrics by March 7 and ensure impacted orders do not count against key performance indicators like on-time delivery rate or order defect rate. Additionally, any A-to-z claims related to this issue will be funded by Amazon and won’t affect sellers’ accounts.
Amazon Launches Search Query Performance API – A Game Changer for Sellers
Alexander Swade highlights Amazon’s release of the Search Query Performance (SQP) API, a long-awaited update that simplifies access to critical search data. Previously, sellers had to rely on manual downloads or scrapers, making analysis cumbersome and inefficient.
The new API allows sellers to retrieve search query data weekly, monthly, or quarterly, though it currently provides insights only at the ASIN level. This change makes it easier for sellers to track ad performance and optimize campaigns across brands, ASINs, and regions.
Amazon Adds New Features to Track and Prevent Return Badges
Amazon has introduced new tools in the Voice of the Customer dashboard to help sellers monitor and reduce product return rates. Sellers can now see which ASINs have the frequently returned badge, which ones are at risk, and detailed return rate data over three-month and 12-month periods.
The dashboard also provides suggested return rate benchmarks to help sellers prevent or remove the badge. Regularly reviewing these insights and addressing product issues early can help sellers maintain strong customer satisfaction and reduce return-related risks.
Amazon Warns of Rising Fake Customer Service Scams on Social Media
Amazon has reported a 33% increase in customer service impersonation scams on social media since December 2024. Scammers monitor customer complaints in comments and respond using fake accounts, attempting to direct customers to external links or collect personal information.
Amazon reminds sellers and customers that official Amazon representatives will never ask for private messages, external links, or sensitive details on social media. To stay protected, always use Amazon’s official website, app, or verified social accounts for support.
Amazon Releases 2024 Consumer Search Trends & Insights Report
Amazon's Consumer Search Trends & Insights report provides key data on the most searched and purchased products in 2024, helping sellers identify market shifts and emerging opportunities. The report highlights fast-growing categories, such as Fabric Decorating Accessories (+526% in searches for tie-dye kits) and Home Decor Accents (+762% growth).
Sellers can also find insights into high-growth markets, including Electronics (+31%) and Health & Household (+28%), where new product launches thrived. This data can help sellers refine their strategies, optimize listings, and capitalize on demand trends.
Amazon's Potential Move Into the LTL Market Could Disrupt Traditional Carriers
Brad McBride highlights Amazon’s potential entry into the less-than-truckload (LTL) freight market, warning that traditional carriers may struggle to compete. With its massive cross-dock network, advanced route optimization, and aggressive pricing strategies, Amazon could quickly reshape the industry.
LTL carriers are already facing soft demand, tighter margins, and pricing pressures, and Amazon’s entry could intensify these challenges. If history is any indication, Amazon doesn’t just enter markets—it dominates them, meaning LTL providers must prepare for rapid disruption.
How Advertisers Are Reacting to Google’s Declining Share of the Search Market
With Google’s search market share dropping below 90% for the first time in a decade, advertisers are adjusting their search strategies. Consumers are increasingly using alternative search tools like TikTok, Perplexity, and Amazon, pushing brands to optimize SEO for AI-driven search models while reallocating ad budgets to retail media and social search.
Brands are shifting spending from traditional paid search to platforms like Walmart, TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram, where consumer search behavior is growing. As search habits evolve, advertisers are taking a more integrated approach, balancing SEO, paid search, and social media to maintain visibility in a changing digital landscape.
Seller Tips & Tricks
Avoiding Amazon’s FBA Dead Zones: How Pricing Can Impact Profits
Scott Needham explains how raising prices on Amazon can sometimes reduce profitability by pushing products into FBA "dead zones." Amazon has lower FBA fees for items priced under $10, as well as reduced referral fees in certain categories at specific price points.
For example, items priced between $10-$12 or grocery products between $15-$17.50 may incur higher fees than expected. Sellers should carefully analyze their pricing strategy to avoid these dead zones and maximize profits by staying within Amazon’s lower fee brackets.
Amazon Sellers Are Overpaying—How to Negotiate Better Supplier Prices
Many Amazon sellers unknowingly overpay for products because they fail to negotiate effectively. Suppliers expect negotiations, but most sellers take the first price offered, leaving money on the table while suppliers maintain high margins.
One key tactic is using silence—ask for a discount, then stay quiet and let the supplier come back with a better offer. The easiest way to increase profits isn’t just selling more—it’s paying less for inventory by mastering negotiation strategies.
Amazon Influencer Marketing: A Game-Changer for Sellers
Influencer marketing is becoming a powerful strategy for Amazon sellers, offering a way to drive traffic and sales beyond traditional PPC and organic search. By partnering with influencers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, sellers can reach engaged audiences who trust recommendations, leading to higher conversions.
Successful influencer campaigns can improve Amazon rankings, increase brand visibility, and create long-term customer relationships. To maximize impact, sellers should focus on finding the right influencers, tracking key metrics like conversions and engagement, and ensuring compliance with FTC and Amazon guidelines.
3 Must-Try Amazon PPC Strategies for Higher ROAS & Lower ACoS
Maximizing profitability with Amazon PPC requires fine-tuned strategies that balance ad spend and conversions. This article highlights three key tactics: refining keyword targeting for better efficiency, leveraging bid adjustments to control costs, and optimizing campaign structure to improve ROAS while reducing ACoS.
By implementing these strategies, sellers can ensure their ad spend is used effectively, leading to higher returns and improved product visibility. Fine-tuning PPC campaigns is essential for staying competitive in Amazon’s marketplace and driving sustainable growth.
Amazon Restricted Categories: Your Guide to Getting Ungated
Selling in Amazon’s restricted categories can be challenging, but with the right steps, sellers can unlock high-demand, low-competition product opportunities. Some categories, such as jewelry, collectible coins, and fine art, require approval, which may involve performance checks, additional documentation, or fees.
Understanding Amazon’s compliance rules, avoiding prohibited product claims, and following proper application procedures are key to getting ungated successfully. While restrictions can be a barrier, those who navigate them effectively gain access to less saturated markets with strong sales potential.
Analyzing Amazon Reviews for Market Trends
Amazon reviews are a powerful tool for sellers, offering direct insights into customer preferences, product issues, and emerging trends. By analyzing common keywords, sentiment patterns, and competitor feedback, sellers can refine their product offerings, optimize pricing, and improve customer service.
Using tools like Helium 10 or ReviewMeta can streamline the process, helping sellers track recurring complaints, identify market gaps, and enhance listings based on real consumer feedback. Leveraging review data effectively allows Amazon sellers to stay ahead of shifting trends and continuously improve their brand strategy.
Webinars: Optimize B2B Engagement and Improve Your Listings
Amazon is offering free live webinars to help sellers maximize their business growth by leveraging tools, programs, and advertising. Key sessions include a webinar on optimizing B2B engagement using the quote request tool to manage bulk inquiries and pricing negotiations.
Another featured series focuses on adding and managing listings, covering everything from ASIN management to bulk uploads and troubleshooting. These interactive webinars provide valuable insights, live demonstrations, and Q&A opportunities to help sellers improve their operations.
AI-Powered Amazon Listing Backend Optimization Guide
This guide explains how to optimize the backend of Amazon listings to improve indexing and search visibility using AI-powered tools. It emphasizes the importance of downloading category files, conducting keyword research, and scraping data for additional insights to refine product listings.
By following a structured approach—including gathering product URLs, leveraging GPT for optimization, and uploading enhanced backend data—sellers can maximize SEO performance. The guide also encourages sellers to test and provide feedback to help develop an automated tool for bulk optimizations.
Video of the Week
Amazon Lawsuit: Secret Consumer Tracking Exposed?
Strong Opinions
Amazon Resellers: How to Stand Out and Add Value
Vanessa Hung emphasizes that brands are looking for partners, not just order takers, when it comes to selling on Amazon. Successful resellers don’t just list products—they optimize listings, refine content, and actively manage catalogs to drive sales and protect brand equity.
Instead of competing solely on price, sellers should focus on improving product pages, fixing content errors, and enhancing keyword optimization to maximize conversions. Resellers who take an active role in improving a brand’s Amazon presence will have a better chance of long-term success.
Amazon’s AI Mistakes Are Costing Sellers Big Time
Chris McCabe highlights a growing issue where Amazon’s AI is mistakenly flagging ASINs, leading to inventory destruction—sometimes before sellers can even appeal the decision. To make matters worse, sellers are being charged disposal fees and hit with low-inventory penalties, even when Amazon is at fault.
McCabe argues that AI-driven restrictions should require human review before any action is taken, and Amazon should refund sellers for wrongful inventory destruction. Sellers facing similar issues must escalate their cases early and persistently to avoid massive financial losses.
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That’s it for this week! Stay proactive, keep optimizing, and let’s continue to grow together.
God Bless,
Todd Welch
Amazon Seller School
I turned a $45k Ad Spend into $478k in Revenue Within 51 Days for My Last Client.I Can Do the Same or Even Better for You. Book a 1:1 Meeting & Let’s Make it Happen!
3 天前Stay updated on Amazon policies, PPC strategies, AI trends, and expert tips to maximize sales and optimize your business efficiently!