Reported a competitor for violating policy using QR codes to manipulate reviews and duplicating listing and nothing ever happens
I have reported a company/ competitor that is using QR codes to manipulate reviews and bribe customers to buy from a site other than Amazon. However, there is no option to add images, and no one has asked me for any. They were taken down temporarily, but I bought the product again after they came back on to check, and the QR and review solicitation were still there. I also reported their duplicate listings to evade bad reviews, and they WERE removed. I don't understand why Amazon doesn't seem interested in the QR codes taking customers off Amazon and soliciting reviews. It is a very obvious manipulation; all you have to do is scan the QR, and it takes you right to a link offering 50% off or free merchandise for a review on Amazon. Does anyone have any insight into this? Maybe I did something wrong in the reporting?
*I am posting from an account for a completely different company I work for because I don't want the competitor to see it was me, as I don't trust them not to sabotage my account, as they clearly have no regard for policy.
Reported a competitor for violating policy using QR codes to manipulate reviews and duplicating listing and nothing ever happens
I have reported a company/ competitor that is using QR codes to manipulate reviews and bribe customers to buy from a site other than Amazon. However, there is no option to add images, and no one has asked me for any. They were taken down temporarily, but I bought the product again after they came back on to check, and the QR and review solicitation were still there. I also reported their duplicate listings to evade bad reviews, and they WERE removed. I don't understand why Amazon doesn't seem interested in the QR codes taking customers off Amazon and soliciting reviews. It is a very obvious manipulation; all you have to do is scan the QR, and it takes you right to a link offering 50% off or free merchandise for a review on Amazon. Does anyone have any insight into this? Maybe I did something wrong in the reporting?
*I am posting from an account for a completely different company I work for because I don't want the competitor to see it was me, as I don't trust them not to sabotage my account, as they clearly have no regard for policy.
11 replies
Seller_76AUwmqvSyRIM
In my experience (and it is just my experience of buying goods on Amazon), pretty much EVERY Chinese company selling ANYTHING (but in particular, electronics, phone cases, cables etc), includes cards with their items which offer freebies or money off for 5-star reviews.
It's a battle that can't be won and I don't worry about it although admittedly, they are not competitors.
Seller_d8YGbIjNqwFxn
Many products, even branded ones, now have QR codes on them which take you to a site outside of Amazon. Many will also have web addresses on them as well. I guess there is not much Amazon can do about this especially if it is part of the product packaging. Some even show the QR Code/Website as part of the product image on Amazon and these are allowed to stay up.
If they are providing the QR code as a leaflet included with the product then that is wrong. Review solicitation is also wrong but if it is done as an insert with the product there is little proof that the seller is doing it and it ends up being your word against there's.
It is though wide spread. I have had several items sent via FBA which have asked me for 5 star reviews, some even promising a gift card if I do it. Whilst it is wrong you could argue that it means your competitor hasn't got much faith in their product if they have to bribe people to give them reviews.
Aria_Amazon
Hello @Seller_ptACUJHZ3hhUx,
Thanks for reaching out about this competitor policy violation. I understand you've reported a competitor using QR codes to manipulate reviews and offering bribes (50% off or free merchandise) in exchange for Amazon reviews.
Do you have a reference ID or case ID which you may have received after reporting?
Also, did you report this to Seller Support and receive a case ID? This is an important first step for tracking your report and ensuring it gets proper attention.
If you've already reported through Seller Support and have a case ID, please share it so I can better understand what response you received and whether further escalation might be helpful.
Let me know if you need help with the reporting process or if you already have a case ID to share.
Best, Aria
Seller_nRhZxElkqUPAM
I wouldnt even bother. I once noted that a competitor had like 5 accounts all registered to the same address but with different unincorporated entity names i,e trading company 1, trading company 2 etc. Same products but with new ASISN each time. page flooding. Amazon did nothing.
