Going Viral: Amazon's '#1 Best Seller' Scammers

The video tutorial explains how merchants manipulate Amazon's product categories to gain bestseller badges for popular items like phone mounts by placing them in unrelated categories with slower sales. This practice is widespread, as highlighted by Bloomberg's investigation, which found numerous examples of such scams. Despite Amazon's policies prohibiting this, enforcement is inconsistent. The video also discusses the entrepreneurial nature of these tactics and encourages viewers to read more about the issue on Bloomberg.

How do merchants manipulate Amazon's category system to boost sales?

• By offering free shipping on all items

• By increasing the advertising budget

• By reducing the price of their products

• By placing popular items in unrelated categories with slower sales

What did Bloomberg find regarding the manipulation of categories on Amazon?

• Over 25 examples of best sellers in incorrect categories

• A new policy by Amazon to prevent manipulation

• An increase in customer complaints

• A decrease in sales for unrelated categories

Why does category manipulation peak during certain times of the year?

• Because sellers receive bonuses

• Because new products are launched

• Because Amazon offers discounts

• Because shoppers spend more during these times

What is Amazon's policy regarding product categorization?

• Sellers are prohibited from placing products in incorrect categories

• Sellers can categorize products as they wish

• Sellers must categorize products based on price

• Sellers are encouraged to use popular categories

What is a challenge Amazon faces in enforcing its categorization policies?

• Too many categories to manage

• Lack of technology to monitor categories

• High cost of enforcement

• Inconsistent enforcement of the policies