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Amazon scraps written seller feedback for star-only ratings

Posted on by SellerBites

A former Amazon trainer allegedly gamed the Zappos at Work program, scoring nearly 2,000 pairs of free boots and sneakers meant for new hires. 

Instead of safety compliance, he went full resale mode—racking up over $224K in Timberlands, New Balances, and felony charges.

Woah. 😱

AMAZON NEWS

Starting August 4, Amazon is rolling out a “simplified” seller feedback system. 

According to Marketplace Pulse, they’re ditching written seller feedback in favor of star-only ratings. 

Amazon says it’ll “help sellers receive more feedback faster.” 

⏬ Already falling off a cliff

Here’s the backdrop Amazon doesn’t talk about: customer satisfaction with marketplace sellers is steadily sinking.

📦 Who messed up?

Well, it doesn’t matter anymore. For FBA sellers, this is where it stings:

  • No comments means no appeals. Without written feedback, there’s nothing to contest. You’re stuck with the rating.
  • Damaged packaging or bad customer service. Amazon drops the ball, but you take the hit.
  • More doesn’t mean better. Star clicks aren’t a substitute for context.

💬 Don’t panic (too much)

This change feels big, but the actual impact might be smaller than you’d think:

  • Seller feedback isn’t as big a Buy Box factor compared to price and shipping speed.
  • Most shoppers never see your seller rating, it’s buried in sub-menus.
  • Conversion rates are unlikely to budge.

Amazon’s framing this as a win: more feedback, faster. In reality, it’s just offloading accountability.

Simple for customers? Sure. Fair for sellers? Not even close.

TOGETHER WITH SELLER ALLIANCE

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Created by the team behind Seller Interactive, this membership gives you direct access to:

  • Proven SOPs, checklists, and templates for every stage of growth
  • Expert-built video walkthroughs to implement strategies with confidence
  • Regular updates based on real agency insights and marketplace shifts
  • Live training and sessions tailored to what’s working right now on Amazon

Whether you’re optimizing listings, improving ad performance, or scaling operations, Seller Alliance gives you real, reliable resources without the fluff. No endless YouTube rabbit holes. No recycled content. Just what works—straight from the agency trenches.

And the best part? You stay in control. You run your business, we back you with the knowledge.

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BITES OF THE WEEK

ECOMMERCE NEWS

Walmart launches early holiday incentives for sellers

Did you know 32% of U.S. shoppers start holiday shopping between July and October?

So, Walmart isn’t waiting for November. ChannelX reported that the retail giant is kicking off its holiday strategy NOW.

They’re kick-starting it with four major incentives to help sellers lock in Q4 wins before the competition even shows up.

🎁 The holiday playbook, Walmart-style

Here’s what sellers can grab right now:

  • 30% off Multichannel Solutions for first-time users through October 1.
  • Expanded global shipping via two new Vietnam ports for faster, smoother cross-border logistics. 🌏
  • 0% commission on toy listings through December 31—just in time for peak gifting season. 🧸
  • No peak storage fees from October to December for sellers using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS).

🚨 Why August is the new November

If you’re still planning your Q4 strategy in October, you’re already behind.

Walmart’s message is clear: show up early, price competitively, and ship fast—or risk missing the wave.

ACTIONABLE ADVICE

What you missed at Amazon’s New Seller Summit

Over 300 sellers packed the New Seller Summit in Los Angeles on July 24 for a full day of growth strategies, insider tips, and tool walkthroughs. 

Amazon dropped the playbook, and it’s all stuff you can act on right now.

🔧 Tools that got the loudest buzz

Amazon spotlighted its top-performing growth levers, and sellers took notice:

  • Brand Registry blocks 99% of suspected infringement and unlocks A+ Content and brand analytics.
  • A+ Content is now enhanced with AI tools, video, and upgraded imagery.
  • Amazon Vine helps drive early reviews and build credibility fast.
  • Automate Pricing adjusts pricing in real time to keep your offers competitive.
  • Product Opportunity Explorer surfaces demand gaps for high-potential product launches.
  • FBA New Selection Program waives fees and offers storage and return rebates for new listings.

These aren’t new tools, but the Summit made it clear: new sellers who actually use them are growing faster than those who don’t.

🧭 Couldn’t make it to L.A.? Seattle’s up next

Amazon Accelerate lands in Seattle September 16–18. Expect bigger product announcements, deeper dives, and more rep access.

But here’s the thing: most of what was covered at the Summit?

It’s already live in your Seller Central. No plane ticket needed.