This table outlines the best practices for identifying and resolving potential problems, which may lead to positive ratings. 

                                                 
ProblemPossible CausesSolutions
Stock-outInventory is not available
  • Do not list backordered items.
  • Maintain a minimum threshold of inventory.
  • Remove offerings that are consistently out-of-stock.
Inventory quantity is not accurate
  • Send inventory update feeds as frequently as orders arrive from non-Amazon channels, up to every 15 minutes.
  • Ensure that you process Amazon orders quickly.
  • Set aside dedicated inventory for Amazon orders.
  • If you use text files, you can simplify inventory updates by setting update-delete to partial update, and then use only the SKU and quantity data. The rest of the columns can be left blank.
  • You can add multiple product listings using inventory files. For more information, see Add your products using inventory files.
Drop-shipper inventory isn't up to date
  • Monitor availability and ship times closely.
  • Synchronize your back-end systems to monitor availability and ship times.
Late shipmentProduct takes longer to ship than promised
  • If you use text files, set an accurate lead-time-to-ship for each SKU.
  • If you use the Add a Product feature, use the handling time field for this purpose. For more information, see Add your products using inventory files.
  • If you use XML, use the fulfillment latency element.
  • Notify buyers of any errors as early as possible, and cancel the product or order by default.
  • Upgrade automatically to an expedited shipping method if you are shipping an order late.
  • Remove offerings that are consistently shipped late.
Buyer missed shipment notification
  • Send tracking information with your fulfillment feed.
Messy or complicated returnYour return policy restricts full refunds before 30 days
  • Provide full product refunds for a standard 30-day period.
Your returns policies are complicated, vague, or                burdensome
  • Rigorously review and clarify the language of the returns policy in your online Amazon Help pages.
  • Streamline and simplify complex returns processes wherever possible.
Product not as describedProduct image does not accurately depict its features
  • Provide clear images at the maximum allowed image size.
  • Offer multiple views of a product for thoroughness and accuracy of detail.
  • Ensure that the images meet all the requirements. For more information, see Product image requirements.
The size or material is different than expected
  • Provide custom sizing charts. For more information, see Create custom help pages.
  • Fully fill out the description and product dimension fields.
Wrong size or wrong productIncorrect product shipped
  • Check your packing, picking, and shipping processes for issues that cause errors.      
  • Check that your SKU matches to the right product on Amazon.
Product qualityBuyer not satisfied with product quality
  • Describe your product carefully. Do not use phrases like "high-quality" for a product whose best attribute is its low price.
  • Remove products that consistently cause negative feedback.
  • Include usage instructions on the product detail page and in shipment.
Customer service issueBuyers cannt reach your customer service department
  • Make sure that your customer service phone number and email address are correct in your online Amazon Help pages.
  • Use short, easy-to-type email addresses for customer service.        
  • Adjust your spam filter to ensure that incoming buyer messages are not categorized as junk.
Buyers are not getting timely responses
  • Acknowledge every phone call and email within 24 hours.
Removal of feedbackIncorrect feedback


Best practices to maintain positive feedback and rating