Selling on Amazon is not just about offering a good product. It’s a place where customer service, fast response times, and compliance with rules determine a seller’s success. Amazon aims for a perfect shopping experience – and if you want to succeed, you must align with these rules.

It’s not about mindlessly fulfilling requirements. It’s an investment that, in the long run, increases sales stability, improves offer visibility, and builds customer trust. Many sellers underestimate the importance of certain rules until they face the consequences.

To avoid problems, you need to act consciously and tailor your strategy to the platform’s requirements.

Responding too slowly? You could lose customers, sales, and access to Amazon

Amazon requires sellers to respond to customer inquiries within 24 hours – even on weekends and holidays. Failing to meet this standard can have serious consequences:

• Each delay increases the risk of negative reviews and A-to-Z claims.
• Amazon’s algorithms analyze response time and reward sellers who act quickly.
• Not responding within the required timeframe can impact your account rating and limit offer visibility.

Sellers who ignore this aspect may notice a gradual drop in sales without a clear reason. To avoid problems, it’s worth implementing an auto-response system, training your team, or outsourcing customer service to professionals.

Mistakes that cost sellers lost sales and account stability

Every day, Amazon sellers make mistakes that lead to negative reviews, problem escalation, and reduced sales performance. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Neglecting return and refund policies
   Amazon allows customers to return items without giving a reason – and in some cases, even keep the item after receiving a refund.
   Lack of flexibility from the seller may lead to:
   – Negative reviews affecting sales and offer visibility,
   – A-to-Z claims damaging the seller’s account,
   – Lower account health, resulting in limited sales.
   
2. Slow order fulfillment
   Amazon wants customers to receive orders quickly. Sellers who miss deadlines may lose the Buy Box status, directly impacting order volume and sales.
   Delays lead to:
   – A higher ODR (Order Defect Rate), which must stay below 1%,
   – Negative customer ratings reducing conversion,
   – Risk of account suspension in extreme cases.
   
3. Ignoring A-to-Z claims
   When a customer files an A-to-Z claim, Amazon often issues a refund before the seller can respond. Many don’t realize that even one claim can harm their account.
   Each unresolved claim:
   – Increases the ODR,
   – Financially impacts the seller’s account,
   – Raises the risk of selling privileges being suspended.
   

Amazon rewards sellers who play by the rules
Amazon’s policies may seem strict, but sellers who comply gain stability and a competitive edge.
What does following the rules provide?
✔ Higher offer visibility – Amazon promotes sellers with top customer service.
✔ Better conversion – customers are more likely to buy from well-reviewed sellers.
✔ Lower account risk – no claims and low ODR protect your business.
Amazon rewards those who care about the customer and follow the rules. Ignoring messages, avoiding returns, or dismissing A-to-Z claims may cause your offers to disappear from search results and your sales to drop sharply.

How to avoid problems and increase sales?
✔ Respond immediately to customer inquiries – response speed affects account rating.
✔ Offer flexible return policies – Amazon and customers expect it.
✔ Monitor account metrics – don’t exceed 1% ODR.
✔ Follow best practices in customer service – efficient communication and fast problem-solving pay off long-term.

Summary
Selling on Amazon requires a strategic approach and adapting to high customer service standards. Sellers who follow the rules enjoy greater account stability, better visibility, and higher sales.
Rather than viewing Amazon’s policies as hard-to-meet requirements, treat them as a path to building customer trust and long-term growth.
Don’t wait for the first warning – act now and secure your future sales.