Best practices to maintain positive feedback and rating

Maintaining positive feedback and ratings as an Amazon seller is essential for building trust with customers and improving your overall performance. Here are some best practices for identifying and resolving potential problems that may lead to positive ratings:

**1. Stock-Out:**

- **Possible Causes:** Inventory not available.

- **Solutions:**

- Do not list back-ordered items.

- Maintain a minimum threshold of inventory.

- Remove offerings that are consistently out of stock.

**2. Inventory Accuracy:**

- **Possible Causes:** Inventory quantity is not accurate.

- **Solutions:**

- Send inventory update feeds as frequently as orders arrive from non-Amazon channels, up to every 15 minutes.

- Ensure prompt processing of Amazon orders.

- Set aside dedicated inventory for Amazon orders.

- Simplify inventory updates if using text files.

**3. Drop-Shipper Inventory:**

- **Possible Causes:** Drop-shipper inventory isn't up to date.

- **Solutions:**

- Monitor availability and dispatch times closely.

- Synchronize back-end systems to monitor availability and dispatch times.

**4. Late Dispatch:**

- **Possible Causes:** Product takes longer to dispatch than promised.

- **Solutions:**

- Set accurate lead-time-to-dispatch for each SKU.

- Use handling time fields for the Add a Product feature.

- Use fulfilment latency elements for XML.

- Notify customers of errors and cancel late orders if necessary.

- Upgrade to expedited delivery for late orders.

- Remove offerings dispatched late consistently.

**5. Missed Shipment Notification:**

- **Solution:** Send tracking information with fulfilment feeds.

**6. Complicated Returns:**

- **Possible Causes:** Complex or restrictive return policies.

- **Solutions:**

- Provide full product refunds for a standard 30-day period.

- Review and clarify returns policy language.

- Simplify complex returns processes.

**7. Product Description:**

- **Possible Causes:** Product image or description not accurate.

- **Solutions:**

- Provide clear images at the maximum allowed size.

- Offer multiple views of the product.

- Ensure images meet requirements.

- Include custom sizing charts.

- Fill in description and product dimension fields.

**8. Wrong Size or Product:**

- **Possible Causes:** Incorrect product dispatched.

- **Solutions:**

- Check packing, picking, and dispatch processes.

- Verify SKU matches the correct product on Amazon.

**9. Product Quality:**

- **Possible Causes:** Buyer not satisfied with product quality.

- **Solutions:**

- Describe the product carefully.

- Remove consistently problematic products.

- Include usage instructions.

**10. Customer Service:**

- **Possible Causes:** Buyers cannot reach customer services.

- **Solutions:**

- Ensure correct phone number and email address on Amazon Help pages.

- Use short, easy-to-type email addresses.

- Adjust spam filters to prevent incoming messages from being categorized as junk.

- **Possible Causes:** Buyers not getting timely responses.

- **Solutions:**

- Acknowledge every phone call and email within 24 hours.

**11. Removal of Feedback:**

- **Possible Causes:** Incorrect feedback.

- **Solutions:**

- Request feedback removal using the Feedback Manager.

- Utilize the option to post a public reply for received feedback.

By following these best practices and addressing potential issues promptly, you can maintain positive feedback and ratings on Amazon, enhancing your seller reputation and customer satisfaction.