Customer reviews power Amazon’s marketplace, helping buyers choose wisely and boosting sellers’ visibility. But because reviews play such an important role on Amazon, rejected reviews can lead to confusion and lost opportunities for sellers.
If you’re wondering, “Why is Amazon not allowing me to review a product?” or “How come Amazon denied my review?”, then look no further. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why an Amazon review is not accepted and how sellers can promote compliant reviews that Amazon is less likely to reject.
Why Amazon Rejects Reviews
Because reviews are so critical to building buyer trust, Amazon has policies governing customer reviews to maintain credibility and authenticity. Here are the most common reasons why Amazon reviews might be rejected:
Promotional Content
Amazon prohibits reviews that include links to external websites, promotional codes, or overt marketing language. This is because Amazon considers this type of content to interfere with the impartiality of its review system and shifts its focus from genuine feedback to advertisement.
Conflict of Interest
If Amazon detects a connection between the reviewer and the seller, such as a personal or professional relationship, the review is likely to be removed. These connections could include friends, family members, or employees of the seller, as they compromise the objectivity of the review.
Fake or Incentivized Reviews
Amazon uses algorithms to identify fake reviews, looking for unusual review activity like sudden spikes in review counts and suspiciously similar review content. The platform also strictly discourages bribing for Amazon reviews, where a buyer receives free products or monetary compensation for posting a review without proper disclosure. If a review is found to be fake or incentivized, it can be reported to Amazon for removal.
Use of Restricted Words or Phrases
Reviews containing offensive language, personal attacks, or sensitive terms may be flagged. Even subtle violations, such as using words that sound promotional, can trigger rejection. This strict enforcement ensures that reviews remain respectful, professional, and useful to Amazon’s customers.
Account Eligibility Issues
To leave a review, Amazon requires that the reviewer meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a minimum purchase history. For example, customers may need to have spent a specific amount on Amazon within a designated timeframe to qualify.
Review on a Non-Purchased Product
Sometimes, Amazon will restrict reviews for a product to verified purchases, meaning the product must have been bought directly through the platform. If a reviewer has not purchased the product or obtained it outside of Amazon, their review may not be accepted. This policy is intended to ensure that reviews reflect actual customer experiences with the product.
How Rejected Reviews Affect Amazon Sellers
For Amazon sellers, customer reviews are the lifeblood of their business. Reviews influence the purchasing decisions of potential buyers, affect product rankings in search results, and build brand credibility. So if your product’s reviews are rejected, you may face challenges such as:
- Reduced social proof: Positive reviews serve as social proof, encouraging new customers to trust and purchase a product. Rejected reviews, especially if they were genuine and favorable, can deny sellers this crucial advantage.
- Lower conversion rates: Products with few or no reviews often struggle to attract buyers. Without a big review base, sellers may experience lower sales, as Amazon shoppers tend to trust and buy products with higher ratings and detailed feedback.
- Negative perception: When Amazon removes reviews, it may appear as though the seller is involved in unethical practices, even if they had no role in the review’s rejection. This perception can damage a seller’s reputation.
- Impact on product ranking: Amazon’s search algorithm considers reviews for product ranking. Fewer reviews mean lower visibility, making it harder for sellers to compete.
How Sellers Can Address Review Challenges
When reviews are removed or never posted, it can feel like an uphill battle to establish credibility and grow a product’s visibility. But sellers aren’t powerless in this process. By understanding Amazon’s review policies and implementing strategic practices, you can encourage positive reviews and improve your reputation on Amazon.
Here are steps you can take to overcome review challenges and thrive in Amazon’s competitive marketplace:
Educate Customers
Sellers can help prevent review rejections by educating their customers about Amazon’s review guidelines. This involves emphasizing the importance of providing genuine, detailed, and unbiased feedback that focuses on the product itself. By offering clear instructions, such as avoiding promotional language or personal attacks, sellers help customers leave reviews that are more likely to be accepted.
Avoid Offering Non-Compliant Incentives
To stay compliant with Amazon’s policies, sellers should avoid offering incentives for reviews or engaging in schemes that manipulate feedback. Incentivized reviews, whether through discounts or free products, can result in penalties or account suspension. Instead, focus on organic strategies, like improving your product quality and outstanding customer service, to naturally encourage positive reviews.
Encourage Verified Purchases
To improve the chances of reviews being accepted, sellers can focus on driving sales on Amazon so they can be labeled “verified purchases”. This can be achieved through targeted promotions, loyalty programs, or discounts that encourage customers to buy directly from Amazon. Verified purchase reviews are more trusted and less likely to be rejected, benefiting both sellers and potential buyers.
Use Amazon’s “Request A Review”
Amazon provides the “Request a Review” button in Seller Central, which allows sellers to request reviews from customers in compliance with Amazon’s guidelines. This tool ensures that review requests are professional and adhere to the platform’s rules, helping sellers gather authentic and credible feedback without risking violations.
Respond to Feedback
Make a point of actively engaging with customers who leave reviews, whether they’re positive or negative. Professionally addressing negative reviews shows that you are willing to improve. Meanwhile, an appreciative response to positive reviews shows that you value customer input and are dedicated to providing a good customer experience. This approach not only builds trust but also encourages future customers to leave feedback reviews.
Conclusion
Amazon’s review system is designed to ensure authenticity and reliability for its buyers, but sometimes the standards of this very system can lead to genuine reviews being rejected. While this may frustrate customers, the consequences for sellers are even more significant as they depend on reviews to drive sales and compete effectively on Amazon.
Use the tips we’ve listed to encourage reviews that comply with Amazon’s policies. But if you’re on the flipside and need to have suspicious Amazon reviews removed, Tracefuse can get on the case to protect your brand image. Get Tracefuse to analyze your product reviews, report those most likely to be removed for non-compliance with Amazon policies, and continuously follow up until they’re taken down.
