For anyone thinking of using automated shipping think twice - we were contacted directly by an Amazon associate. They explain that when using an automated service with an approved courier any negative feedback regarding delivery would be removed. That may be fully removed or based on a strike through on the customers comments. We have been on the automated service now for around 2 years and I can tell you it does not work.

It is supposed to offer the customer a realistic delivery date based on Amazons algorithims looking at the customers address and the service being offered. For instance if you use a next day service and they live in more remote parts of the UK the customer will be offered a 2 day service, rather than the next day service you (the seller is using). So the location may be mainland UK but Amazons system has identified the location often does not actually receive a consistent next day service, hence 2 days is offered.

The reality -

Customers being offered a next day service to the Isle of Arran - it does not happen for items that weigh 26kg and the last part of the journey is carried out by royal mail. Same next day service being offered to go to the Isle of Man. LOL.

This is picked up from another thread we created but even if the item arrives on time- The customer could have already left you a negative review that day as they had not received it at that specifc point during the day.

We have only ever had one strike through on any review left over the time we have been on an automated service. In other words even when the item was on time (regardless of automated shipping features) it will not be removed.

Had a case runnning for around 4 days now where SS keeps asking you to use the feedback manager system/tool. They cannot get their heads around the fact the feedback manger tool only asks 3-4 basic questions you cannot proceed further if you do not answer 'yes' to one of them. There is literally no method to get SS to engage with their own policy on negative feedback removal. I have cut and pasted into the case and actually sent them the document where it clearly states negative feedback based on shippping will be removed or struck through.

I cannot say that I am surprised. It is a bit comical really that no-one in Amazon thought about actaully implementing the system correctly or addressing it when it does not work.

SS just say its not their department! I have given up but keep popping off a response to the twonk they come out with. I would imagine they will shut the case soon without a reply facility which is a bit pathetic but standard practise.

Imagine what the feedback score would be for seller support - 1 star I would guess. Would have to deactivate the entire department.