Don’t Sell These Products on Amazon

Purpose of the blog

The purpose of this blog is to provide guidance and advice to Amazon FBA sellers on product selection.

The blog aims to inform FBA sellers about products that they should avoid selling to prevent any potential harm or liability issues. The blog also intends to help FBA sellers make informed decisions about the products they sell, taking into account factors such as return rates and negative reviews, which can affect profitability and reputation.

The blog’s purpose is not only to identify the products that FBA sellers should avoid but also to offer tips and strategies for selecting profitable and low-risk products. The blog serves as a resource for FBA sellers to help them succeed in their business by making informed decisions about product selection.

The Importance of Product Selection for FBA Sellers

• How product selection affects FBA success
  • As an Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) seller, the products you choose to sell can make or break your business. Choosing the right products is crucial to achieving success in the competitive world of e-commerce. The success of your FBA business depends on many factors, such as the quality of your products, your pricing strategy, and your marketing efforts. However, product selection is arguably the most important factor that can determine the success of your FBA business.
• Risks associated with selling certain products
  • Product selection refers to the process of identifying and choosing the right products to sell on Amazon. This is an essential step in FBA selling because the products you choose to sell can affect your profitability, your brand reputation, and your legal liability. Therefore, FBA sellers need to be diligent in selecting the right products to sell and avoiding products that can lead to potential harm or liability issues.

• • Products that are prohibited by Amazon’s policies
    • First and foremost, Amazon has a strict set of policies that prohibit certain products from being sold on its platform. Some of these products include counterfeit items, weapons, drugs, and hazardous materials. It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with Amazon’s prohibited products policies before listing your products for sale on the platform. Failure to comply with Amazon’s policies can result in account suspension or termination.  Some Examples include 
      • counterfeit designer handbags sold under brand names such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.
      • Weapons, such as firearms or knives, sold under brand names such as Glock or Benchmade.
      • Prescription drugs or controlled substances sold under brand names such as Adderall or OxyContin.
      • Hazardous materials, such as propane tanks or corrosive chemicals, sold under brand names such as Bernzomatic or Rust-Oleum.
  • Products that have a high risk of causing harm or liability issues
    • Some products have a high risk of causing harm or liability issues, making them unsuitable for sale on Amazon. For example, products that contain hazardous chemicals or have a high potential for fire or electrical hazards should not be sold on Amazon. Additionally, products that are marketed as health supplements or medical devices require FDA approval before being sold on Amazon. Selling these products without proper approvals can lead to legal and financial consequences. Some Examples include 
      • Hoverboards sold under brand names such as Swagtron or Razor, due to the risk of fire or electrical hazards.
      • Magnetic building sets sold under brand names such as Magformers or Magna-Tiles, due to the risk of ingestion or other injuries.
      • Laser pointers sold under brand names such as GreenBeam or LaserMax, due to the risk of eye damage or other injuries.
      • Children’s sleepwear sold under brand names such as Carter’s or Gerber, which may not meet flammability standards.
      • Tanning products sold under brand names such as Australian Gold or Banana Boat, which may not be FDA-approved or could cause skin irritation.
      • Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks sold under various brand names during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may not meet safety or regulatory standards.
      • Dietary supplements sold under brand names such as GNC or Nature’s Bounty, which may not be FDA-approved or could contain harmful ingredients

• • Products that have high return rates or negative reviews
    • Lastly, it’s crucial to avoid selling products that have a high return rate or negative reviews on Amazon. Selling products with a high return rate can hurt your account metrics, and Amazon may take action against your account if your return rate exceeds a certain threshold. Additionally, selling products with negative reviews can impact your sales, as customers are less likely to purchase products with poor reviews. Examples includes
      • Fitness trackers sold under the brand name Fitbit, which have had issues with accuracy and durability.
      • Bluetooth speakers sold under the brand name Bose, which have had complaints about battery life and connectivity issues.
      • Beauty products sold under the brand name Kylie Cosmetics, which have had complaints about product quality and customer service.
      • Pet food sold under the brand name Blue Buffalo, which has had issues with recalls and complaints about digestive issues in pets.
      • Electronics accessories sold under various brand names on Amazon, such as phone cases or screen protectors, which may have low quality or durability issues.

How Amazon can react when these products are identified 

• There can be serious consequences if you attempt to sell products that fall into any of the categories discussed previously.
• If you attempt to sell prohibited products on Amazon, such as counterfeit goods or illegal weapons, your account may be immediately suspended or terminated. Additionally, you may face legal repercussions, such as fines or lawsuits, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Selling high-risk products can also lead to liability issues. If a product you sell causes harm or injury to a customer, you may be held responsible and face legal action. This can lead to costly legal fees, settlements, or judgments, as well as damage to your business’s reputation.
• Selling products with high return rates or negative reviews can also hurt your business. Customers may be hesitant to purchase from you if they see negative reviews or high return rates, leading to lower sales and revenue. Additionally, Amazon may take action against your account if your metrics fall below certain thresholds, which could result in account suspension or termination.
• Overall, it’s important to carefully consider the products you choose to sell on Amazon and ensure they comply with Amazon’s policies and are safe for customers to use. Selling prohibited or high-risk products can lead to severe consequences for your business, including legal action and damage to your reputation.