Thoughts on Transparency
Amazon keeps messaging me about signing up for Transparency. However, I'm reluctant to add another layer of complexity to my listings. Is anyone here using it? Any thoughts?
10 replies
Seller_NbYSGJ8Tehgbv
I have used Transparency since it first began years ago.
My brand is sold on Amazon only. Therefore, it brings me huge value.
If your brand is sold worldwide, and you have a problem with grey market sellers, you have a tough task ahead of you as you would need to manage "mass serialization" to work in your favor by showing you where the leaks are in your distribution practices so you can plug them up.
Seller_WoKtccKZ4MZMs
Transparency is great for shutting down unauthorized sellers. If that's an issue you face then I would sign up.
Seller_thzqF094xtjn4
The service is good but they don't have systems or software in place which are compatible with transparency. They disposed my inventory even when checks were off and imposed removal fee of $19000
Seller_uykmkPUui117z
It worked well for a couple of years. Then, one day I sent in a shipment worth $15000 and Amazon just put the entire shipment under 'unfulfillable'.
They didn't notify me about it, and never explained what the issue was. Luckily I caught it in time before they disposed of everything. After calling them multiple times, wasting several hours on the phone, I finally got the information that the issue was with my transparency labels.
Even though everything was labeled, they claimed there was an issue with the labels and they couldn't accept the shipment.
I had to remove the whole shipment back to an warehouse, relabel, and send the units back to Amazon. It costed me a lot of money.
I got rid of transparency on that same day.
So I don't recommend it. It's too much risk. It's better to deal with unauthorized sellers than a problem like this.
Seller_cVlMujkDSX60n
Transparency helps to boost sales and weed out encroachers.
Unfulfillable Inventory glitch is a serious issue, and we too faced the trauma.
On the positive note, we gained optimized sales on those protected ASINs
We use BARTENDER software for Transparency label integration with our item FNSKU labels.
In addition, Amazon has been promoting API integration with Bartender software, where GTIN is used to pull the codes with serialization. This helps us to print in-house a combined label as shown in the picture.
We use small address label of 3.5” X 1.09” size.
Seller_hRcW3boFdNOVe
The Transparency Program is essentially a serial barcode system that helps verify product authenticity. Each product is assigned a unique code, which is crucial for receiving at the FBA warehouse. It also guards your listing and brand from unauthorized sellers.
Pros of the Transparency Program:
Brand Protection: The program helps gate your products, which means that only authorized sellers can list and sell them. This is particularly beneficial if you're facing issues with counterfeit goods (hijacking) or buy-box issues.
Control over Listings: By enabling this program, you can ensure that every item sold under your brand is genuine and meets your quality standards, as each unit must have the barcode applied before it is shipped or accepted by FBA.
Cons of the Transparency Program:
Additional Costs and Steps: Each product batch requires new codes, which adds to operational costs. Also, an operational readiness process is required for your first shipment to ensure compliance with the program requirements.
Logistics Complexity: If the transparency labels are not applied correctly or if there are issues with scanning, FBA can reject products, leading to potential losses.
The decision to enroll in the Transparency Program should be based on your business's specific needs. If you have concerns about counterfeit goods or retaining the buy box, the program's benefits may outweigh the costs and additional steps involved. However, avoiding extra complexity and expense might be more prudent if counterfeiters or unauthorized sellers do not target your brand.
Jim_Amazon
You ask a great question here @Seller_g1h0eBe6Qqp5c and I'm glad to see so many of your fellow sellers are jumping in with their thoughts on the program!
@Seller_hRcW3boFdNOVe above lays out the benefits of the program really well so with that, alongside a post I made HERE, I recommend reviewing that and determining what is best for YOUR business as you know it inside and out!
-Jim
