Product Inserts meets QR codes - What you need to know
We've seen this topic discussed across the forums on multiple occasions, with some divided opinions among selling partners regarding what a seller can include in their product packaging or as an insert while remaining compliant with Amazon's Customer Product Review Policies.
The most important thing to understand is that there cannot be any implicit, explicit, perceived, on-Amazon or off-Amazon attempt to manipulate or influence reviews, which includes offering compensation or any incentive in exchange for reviews. Additionally, all communication with the customer must occur through the Buyer-Seller Messaging system. Violating these policies will result in action against your account.
Additionally, no communications with the customer should happen outside the Buyer-Seller Messaging system. Violating any of these policies will result in actions against your account. I will link the policies with additional information at the end of this post.
Are product inserts allowed?
- Yes, product inserts are permitted and are often used to thank customers for their purchases.
- Inserts are not allowed if they are attempting to influence or impact the customer's feedback (or product review) by offering any type of compensation or requesting only positive reviews.
Can I include links to our social media networks (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) or a QR code that includes all the links?
- Yes, links to your social media handles can be included in the product inserts or on the product packaging.
- There cannot be any attempts to divert conversations initiated through the Amazon Buyer-Seller Messaging system to your external sites or social media.
Can I print my QR codes or links to our sites in the product packaging?
- Yes, QR codes can be added to your product packaging; however, the same rules apply: the QR code must not divert conversations between the seller and the buyer off Amazon, as Buyer-Seller Messaging is the primary channel for customer service. The QR code must not facilitate attempts to manipulate reviews. Examples of acceptable uses of QR codes are directing the customer to the Amazon review submission page, a warranty page, or a product (technical) support page.
To summarize, including links and QR codes with social media handles or product information is allowed, as long as you do not request positive reviews or offer incentives for reviews. All communications with customers must be sent through the Buyer-Seller Messaging system and be necessary for order fulfillment or customer service. Marketing communications are prohibited.
Please note that the information provided here does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to replace the information in our policies. The relevant policy links are provided below:
Selling policies and seller code of conduct
Product insert compliance (Seller University Video)
Anti-Manipulation Policy for Customer Reviews
If you have any other questions not covered in this post, please feel free to comment below.
Roberto.
Product Inserts meets QR codes - What you need to know
We've seen this topic discussed across the forums on multiple occasions, with some divided opinions among selling partners regarding what a seller can include in their product packaging or as an insert while remaining compliant with Amazon's Customer Product Review Policies.
The most important thing to understand is that there cannot be any implicit, explicit, perceived, on-Amazon or off-Amazon attempt to manipulate or influence reviews, which includes offering compensation or any incentive in exchange for reviews. Additionally, all communication with the customer must occur through the Buyer-Seller Messaging system. Violating these policies will result in action against your account.
Additionally, no communications with the customer should happen outside the Buyer-Seller Messaging system. Violating any of these policies will result in actions against your account. I will link the policies with additional information at the end of this post.
Are product inserts allowed?
- Yes, product inserts are permitted and are often used to thank customers for their purchases.
- Inserts are not allowed if they are attempting to influence or impact the customer's feedback (or product review) by offering any type of compensation or requesting only positive reviews.
Can I include links to our social media networks (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) or a QR code that includes all the links?
- Yes, links to your social media handles can be included in the product inserts or on the product packaging.
- There cannot be any attempts to divert conversations initiated through the Amazon Buyer-Seller Messaging system to your external sites or social media.
Can I print my QR codes or links to our sites in the product packaging?
- Yes, QR codes can be added to your product packaging; however, the same rules apply: the QR code must not divert conversations between the seller and the buyer off Amazon, as Buyer-Seller Messaging is the primary channel for customer service. The QR code must not facilitate attempts to manipulate reviews. Examples of acceptable uses of QR codes are directing the customer to the Amazon review submission page, a warranty page, or a product (technical) support page.
To summarize, including links and QR codes with social media handles or product information is allowed, as long as you do not request positive reviews or offer incentives for reviews. All communications with customers must be sent through the Buyer-Seller Messaging system and be necessary for order fulfillment or customer service. Marketing communications are prohibited.
Please note that the information provided here does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to replace the information in our policies. The relevant policy links are provided below:
Selling policies and seller code of conduct
Product insert compliance (Seller University Video)
Anti-Manipulation Policy for Customer Reviews
If you have any other questions not covered in this post, please feel free to comment below.
Roberto.
0 Antworten
Seller_Hi7wbO2Kbo6bl
I would like to see a clear stand regarding data harvesting as that is often the primary goal of those codes.
Seller_fGad1sny5HKiw
Thank you Roberto,
1. What if the QR code directs them to not only social media pages but also to website and what if your website doesn’t sell the product nor has any promotions or incentives, and instead has a product link that directs them to my Amazon store or listing. Is that ok?
2. Also, I have instructional videos for my product that I was going to put on the QR code landing page that would be a YouTube channel because i need to have a URL when uploading instructional videos on the QR code landing page. Is that ok? I’m trying to figure out how to direct the consumer to the instructional videos on the insert cards.
3. If I choose to offer a warranty, How does one offer warranty on their website if i can’t collect their info to register in the warranty?
4. In addition, can i ask “I would love to get your review based on your experience”? Or say, “I would love your feedback based on your experience” and thru the qr code direct them to the amazon review page,
5. or say either of those things but leave it there on the insert card and don’t have anything directed to your review page of your listing. I want to make sure I’m compliance but there are grey areas that aren’t mentioned in any of the compliance links.
I ask many of these questions also because there are so many high volume brands (not Chinese manufacturers ) that are well established that are doing all the things you are stating are not allowed to do. So I’m wondering with the amount of volume they do how have they been able to do this for so long and in this volume and not having any issues. Not saying i want to push to what they want to do, I’m just curious if these rules apply differently to big selling volume brands?
Thank you in advance
