Amazon has terms of service (TOS) which are designed to protect both sellers and buyers on its platform. Essentially, they are a list of do’s and don’ts that sellers must adhere to when communicating with buyers. Just like most rules, there are consequences for breaking them!
The new TOS guidelines are a windfall for sellers with solid customer service strategies because now there is very clear direction on how to ask for reviews plus so much more! YES review requests are absolutely allowed!
When requesting reviews sellers should NEVER use:
Language that either incentivizes or persuades the buyer to submit positive product reviews or seller feedback
Language that requests removal or an update of an existing product review
Language that requests a product review only if they have had a positive experience with the product
A repeat request (per order) for a product review or seller feedback
In addition, Amazon prefers a consistent messaging experience for its customers and states review requests should NOT contain the below:
External links, unless they are secure working links (https, not http), necessary for order completion or links to Amazon
Attachments except for product instructions, warranty information, or invoices
Logos, if they contain or display a link to your website
Link to opt-out of messaging
Sensitive content in images or text (e.g. bare skin, violence/gore, adult/offensive language)
Tracking pixels or images
Email addresses or telephone numbers
Images of purchased products as Amazon includes those on your behalf
Images that do not relate to your brand or company
Accessibility issues as specified in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines from the Web Accessibility Initiative
Emojis
GIFs
Message margins over 20% max-width
Image or graphic sizes larger than 80% max-width
Overrides of Amazon’s default line height, font family, or font color
Fonts in more than three sizes
Message bodies that are centered or that otherwise override default text alignment settings
More than two line-breaks (spacing between paragraphs) in a row
Unsecure images (http instead of https)
Spelling errors or grammar issues
We encourage all sellers to take a proactive approach to TOS changes and regularly check in and self audit to eliminate the risk of noncompliance issues.
As always, if you have any questions please reach out to our helpful support team at support@zonguru.com.