I’ve gotten one of those recently,

doubt we are talking about the same seller so it must be widespread.
Funny part is the item I purchased was $7.99 - but there was a business card in the box for $10 amazon gift card for a review.

In their defense the card only asks for “to write fair reviews” and " don’t show this card in the review"
So they are not asking for 5 star reviews but to offer more than the item for a review???

I didn’t do it, feeling that they would get my review and not send me the gift card.

Same here. Playing by the rules and getting almost no product reviews and seller feedback, even though I sell a lot. At the same time, when I order stuff from Amazon (mostly FBA stuff), I keep finding a lot of cards asking for 5-star reviews in return for a “gift” or a gift card. I saw Amazon’s notice at the Seller Central, reminding sellers not to do that, but Amazon doesn’t seem to do anything to stop this, unfortunately. We’ve reported a few violations in the past (different issues), but Amazon either didn’t do anything (that we saw) or did something completely different (killed a common listing, for example, instead of removing a seller who kept messing with a listing). Anyway, we are a bit tired of fighting this and don’t fell like reporting such violations are even heard anymore.

I’d buy all his products and report each one individually over the course of a week or so.

You should absolutely report them. Amazon is quickly becoming a place full of off brand items that have fake and sponsored reviews. You’re playing by the rules and they’re not and it’s not fair. You need to fight back.

ah… so who is this seller eggxacctly…

we could use an extra $15
(or $1,500-- if we use some of our spare Ukrainan email addresses we have hiding on a server there…)

Unfortunately Amazon does not do anything about these infringements, even if you report them.

I reported a competitor who egregiously used fake badges on their main product listing image “Amazon’s Favorite!” - I reported it and Seller Support said “we have taken action”… yet weeks later the same badge on the listing image is still there.

Hi Jeff2529,

I wanted to get an update. Were you able to report and get it sorted out?

Not only is it against Amazon’s TOS, it is also a Federal crime to not, in the review, disclose that there was any kind of compensation to the reviewer.

FTC Act:

The Federal Trade Commission Act is the primary statute of the Commission. Under this Act, as amended, the Commission is empowered, among other things, to (a) prevent unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce; (b) seek monetary redress and other relief for conduct injurious to consumers; (c ) prescribe rules defining with specificity acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive, and establishing requirements designed to prevent such acts or practices; (d) gather and compile information and conduct investigations relating to the organization, business, practices, and management of entities engaged in commerce; and (e) make reports and legislative recommendations to Congress and the public. A number of other statutes listed here are enforced under the FTC Act.

A question I have is how much responsibility falls upon the marketplace facilitator to self-police? Is the facilitator ever likely to face large fines for not doing enough?

I also had one of these on a personal Amazon purchase the other day.

Had a review and qualify for monthly contest to win a $200 gift card.

But even worse…

Had a big starburst to receive a 10% off your next order by using promo code
on their own website with their website in big letters.

This was a VERY large US seller.