This is the definitive podcast that covers performance and policy teams from the perspective of a former Seller Performance team member, and former Amazon employee Chris McCabe. Leah McHugh nails down analysis of listing compliance violations and presents viable solutions to troubleshoot product takedowns. We created Seller Performance Solutions to help sellers better understand the inner workings of the team I worked on at Amazon, and to help 3rd party marketplace sellers cope with account and listing suspensions. We answer questions around things like, How does Seller Performance investigate a seller before taking them down? What do they need to see in an appeal, to reactivate the account for future selling? What are common mistakes that sellers make trying to get reinstated on Amazon?
Ever wondered how to protect your Amazon listings from review abuse? In this episode, Chris McCabe sits down with Shane Barker, founder of TraceFuse, to discuss how sellers can effectively remove fraudulent reviews, safeguard their listings, and sharing insights on recent competitor abuse tactics—and how to fight back.
Ever wondered how to protect your Amazon listings from review abuse? In this episode, Chris McCabe sits down with Shane Barker, founder of TraceFuse, to discuss how sellers can effectively remove fraudulent reviews, safeguard their listings, and sharing insights on recent competitor abuse tactics—and how to fight back.
The days of easy wins on Amazon are over, and those who don't adapt will get left behind. In this episode, Chris McCabe sits down with Josh Hadley, who shares how he transformed his brand from being 98% reliant on Amazon to just 70%—all in under a year. His strategy? Building demand off Amazon through smart omnichannel growth.
Amazon is cracking down on shady review tactics, and many sellers are finding themselves caught off guard. In this episode, Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh expose the real risks behind popular strategies like rebates, influencer campaigns, and product inserts. Think your methods are safe? Think again.
Things move fast in the Amazon world—too fast for many sellers to keep up. In this episode, Chris McCabe talks with Brent Zahradnik of AMZ Pathfinder and SellerPlex on how to stay focused amidst constant changes, and why events like Seller Velocity are more valuable than ever—especially when sellers are hungry for real strategy, not just surface-level advice.
With tariffs rising, is expanding to Europe your best move? More Amazon sellers should be eyeing Europe, not just as a backup plan, but as a real growth strategy. In this episode, Chris McCabe talks with Vincenzo Toscano of Ecomcy about how Amazon sellers are pivoting fast, and what it really takes to make a European expansion work.
What does it actually take to survive—and thrive—as an Amazon seller in 2025? Chris McCabe sits down with Brandon Young (DataDive, Seller Systems, CampEcom) to talk about the real challenges sellers are facing right now: tariffs, rising costs, sourcing shakeups, and a rapidly shifting global market. Brandon breaks down why the days of casual, side-hustle selling are over—and why sellers who want to stick around need to level up their strategy. Plus: a preview of what to expect at this year's CampEcom in Cancun.
While everyone's chasing growth, too many sellers are gambling with compliance, cutting corners, and hoping for the best. In this episode, Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh break down the mounting pressure from both Amazon and the market—and why the smartest brands are treating this moment as a make-or-break turning point. If you're still hoping for a return to the old Amazon, you're going to fall behind.
In this post-Prosper recap, Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh dive into the most common (and dangerous) assumptions sellers are still making in 2025, breaking down what sellers are still getting wrong—and why it's costing them more than they realize.
Most Amazon sellers don't permanently lose their listings because of bad luck—they lose them because they mishandle the recovery. In this episode, Chris McCabe breaks down how sellers unintentionally bury their chances of reinstatement under a mountain of misfires and why a disorganized approach often leads to silence from Amazon.
Amazon sellers are facing a new reality in 2025—one where outdated tactics don't just fail; they make things worse. In this episode, Chris McCabe uncovers the biggest mistakes sellers are making when trying to reinstate their listings and accounts, and why Amazon's dispute-first approach means old strategies won't cut it anymore.
As Amazon's enforcement evolves, sellers are turning to AI to draft appeals—but is it making suspensions worse? Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh uncover why AI-generated appeals are often ineffective, how Amazon detects them, and why a strategic, human approach is still the key to reinstatement.
Amazon's compliance policies are stricter than ever, and sellers need to stay ahead of enforcement trends to avoid costly suspensions. With Prosper Show 2025 around the corner, Leah McHugh will be taking the stage at the Amazon Compliance Lightning Round to help sellers navigate these challenges and protect their accounts.In this episode, Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh discuss the biggest compliance pitfalls that lead to account suspensions, restricted product issues, and appeal dead ends.
How do Amazon sellers adapt to the relentless changes in policies and fees? In this episode, Chris McCabe speaks with Bradley Sutton from Helium 10, exploring effective strategies to handle Amazon's unpredictable environment. They discuss utilizing comprehensive data analytics and equipping sellers with the necessary tools to succeed amid frequent shifts.
AI is increasingly involved in the processes of appeals, investigations, and listing management, which is leading to unforeseen challenges that can directly impact seller operations.In this episode, Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh discuss how these systems, while designed to streamline operations, often result in errors and miscommunications that can jeopardize a seller's standing on the platform.
Amazon's internal confusion can severely disrupt seller operations, and many are learning this the hard way. From policy enforcement to compliance, the disarray within Amazon's systems often leads to miscommunication and errors that sellers must navigate carefully.In this episode, Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh dive deep into the tangled web of Amazon's seller support system. They discuss the alarming regularity with which Amazon representatives acknowledge issues without having the means or access to resolve them. They highlight the critical importance of understanding Amazon's internal processes to prevent common missteps in seller communications.
Amazon's internal confusion can severely disrupt seller operations, and many are learning this the hard way. From policy enforcement to compliance, the disarray within Amazon's systems often leads to miscommunication and errors that sellers must navigate carefully.In this episode, Chris McCabe & Leah McHugh discuss the critical importance of understanding Amazon's internal processes to prevent common missteps in seller communications. They delve into strategies for effective escalation, the dangers of falsifying compliance documentation, and why early intervention in compliance matters is crucial.
Navigating Amazon's New Reimbursement Policy ChangesIn this episode, Chris McCabe (ecommerceChris) and Yoni Mazor (GETIDA) delve into the significant changes to Amazon's reimbursement policy set to take effect on March 10th. The shift from reimbursement based on retail price to manufacturing cost for lost or damaged inventory has huge financial impacts for sellers. Sellers need strategies to mitigate substantial revenue losses and increased financial pressures. These changes also mean that sensitive product cost information must be shared with Amazon. 00:00 Introduction00:29 Reimbursement Policy Changes Overview01:44 Detailed Explanation of Policy Changes03:17 Mathematical Impact on Sellers04:22 Strategic Adjustments for Sellers08:12 Amazon's Broader Cost Restructuring12:45 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Amazon sellers, are you prepared for the challenges of 2025? In this episode of Seller Performance Solutions, Chris McCabe of ecommerceChris talks with Eva Hart from Jungle Scout about the key financial hurdles facing sellers today. Discover how inflation, rising costs, and increased competition impact your bottom line—and learn actionable strategies to navigate these challenges. Gear up for Q1 or plan for long-term success.
In this episode of Seller Performance Solutions, Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh dive into the latest compliance trends affecting Amazon sellers. They explore GS1 barcode issues, misaligned brand names, and the growing challenges with Amazon's automation-driven review processes. The discussion highlights common pitfalls, such as reliance on inaccurate Amazon advice, the risks of faulty compliance documentation, and ineffective appeals. Leah shares insights on navigating stricter enforcement, particularly around product compliance and regulatory changes.
AI is changing the game on Amazon, and sellers who adapt will thrive. From listing optimization to ad strategy, staying ahead is no longer optional.In this episode, Chris McCabe sits down with Vincenzo Toscano of Ecomcy to explore how sellers can leverage Amazon's new AI tool, Rufus, to gain a competitive edge. From reverse-engineering AI to optimizing listings for better recommendations, Vincenzo shares insider tips to help sellers navigate this new landscape.They also dive into strategies for cutting rising ad costs, including creative approaches with TikTok and DSP, and discuss why 2025 could bring fresh opportunities for those who master AI-driven SEO and PPC. Whether you're scaling a brand or just staying afloat, this episode delivers actionable insights to future-proof your business.
Q4 is crunch time. Precision and preparation make all the difference between smooth sailing and unexpected chaos. With ad suppression, pricing pitfalls, and peak season pressure, the stakes couldn't be higher.In this episode, Chris McCabe chats with Adam Mellott of BTR Media to tackle the most pressing challenges sellers face during the holiday season. From avoiding ad suppression disasters to managing last-minute pricing adjustments, Adam shares his expert insights on keeping campaigns running strong during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond.
As Q4 continues to ramp up, Amazon sellers are exploring new ways to boost visibility and capture more sales during this high-stakes season. TikTok has quickly transformed from a social app to a powerful marketing platform attracting a diverse audience, making it a perfect stage for e-commerce.In this episode, Chris McCabe talks with Michelle Barnum Smith of TikTok Shop Sellers, who reveals how TikTok's unique, authenticity-focused platform can open new doors for your Amazon brand, sharing strategies for using TikTok Shop to connect with engaged audiences, drive brand awareness, and direct more traffic to Amazon listings.
Amazon sellers are gearing up for one of the most competitive quarters of the year, where every detail counts, and impactful content can be the key to unlocking record-breaking sales. In this episode, Chris McCabe sits down with Rafael Veloz from Share It Studio to discuss proven strategies for creating high-impact Amazon content that drives results during this crucial season, including planning ahead, optimizing hero images, and leveraging A+ content to capture attention and increase conversions.
With Q4 upon us, Amazon sellers are entering a high-stakes season where smart content strategies and timely listing adjustments are essential for standing out. In this episode, Chris McCabe speaks with Daniela Bolzmann from Mindful Goods to discuss how brands can maximize their Amazon listings during peak season with insights on optimizing A+ content and tips for making incremental improvements to drive revenue.
As Amazon sellers prepare for the peak Q4 season, understanding how to maintain account health is more important than ever. In this episode, Chris and Leah explore the complexities of Amazon's account health dashboard, addressing the confusion around resolving individual ASIN violations and what sellers can do to avoid account-wide suspensions.
Amazon is cracking down on altered or falsified compliance documents, and sellers are feeling the impact. Whether the manipulation comes from suppliers, manufacturers, or third parties, the consequences for sellers are serious.In this episode, Chris McCabe & Leah McHugh tackle the growing problem of fake or altered compliance documentation, covering the key steps you need to take to verify compliance documents with labs directly and why trusting unverified paperwork is a risky move.
Amazon is cracking down on altered or falsified compliance documents, and sellers are feeling the impact. Whether the manipulation comes from suppliers, manufacturers, or third parties, the consequences for sellers are serious.In this episode, Chris McCabe & Leah McHugh tackle the growing problem of fake or altered compliance documentation, covering the key steps you need to take to verify compliance documents with labs directly and why trusting unverified paperwork is a risky move.
When selling in international markets, sellers face significant compliance challenges that vary widely from one region to another. Each marketplace has its unique regulations, which can impact everything from product listings to shipping methods.In this episode, Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh discuss the crucial role of compliance documentation and the importance of understanding regional regulations to maintain a competitive advantage on Amazon.
Amazon sellers are increasingly baffled by Amazon's inconsistent policy enforcement, with some accounts ending up suspended while others with the same issues remain active. In this episode, Chris and Leah examine the confusion surrounding these enforcement discrepancies, focusing on cases where sellers are deactivated while the problematic listings continue to stay live with other sellers. They discuss why this inconsistency occurs, the challenges Amazon's internal processes face, and how sellers can protect their businesses in this unpredictable environment.
Amazon sellers are increasingly frustrated with the unpredictable appeals process, with many stuck in long backlogs or facing rejections without any clear reason, often left in the dark by Amazon's support teams. In this episode, Chris & Leah take a deep dive into the current state of Amazon's appeals process, examining why so many appeals are being denied with little to no feedback, and explore the ripple effect this has on sellers trying to keep their businesses afloat.
In a surprising move, Amazon has started to terminate select vendor agreements as part of its strategy to optimize operations and serve customers more effectively. This abrupt shift could result in severe operational disruptions and a steep learning curve for established vendors.In this episode, Chris & Leah explore the consequences of Amazon's decision to terminate certain vendor agreements, highlighting the challenges brands face when forced to transition to a 3P model.
Related account suspensions are becoming increasingly common for Amazon sellers. While the platform continues to implement strict policies to prevent abuse, many sellers find themselves suspended for reasons they do not fully understand, often receiving unclear or incorrect messaging from Amazon. In this episode, Chris explains why Amazon's messaging often mislead sellers into filing ineffective appeals and offers actionable strategies for sellers to properly identify and address account links, such as shared IPs or third-party services.
Not all appeals are created equal, and desperation can lead to some unorthodox strategies. Attention-grabbing tactics may seem clever on the surface but they tend to backfire, attracting the wrong kind of attention from Amazon's reinstatement teams. In this episode, Chris & Leah unpack the often bizarre and counterproductive tactics some sellers use in their desperate attempts to get reinstated, and what you should do instead.
When an Amazon seller's account gets suspended or an ASIN restricted, the immediate recourse is to engage in a dispute process with Amazon. This involves convincing Amazon that an error was made in the enforcement action against their account. In this episode, Chris and Leah break down what Amazon considers a valid dispute, highlighting common mistakes sellers make, and the inconsistent advice given by Amazon's account health representatives.
The rapid changes in Amazon's policies have had a significant impact on sellers. From sudden adjustments in FBA reimbursement claims and stricter listing requirements to escalating fees, sellers find themselves constantly adapting to maintain profitability and compliance. In this episode, Chris McCabe speaks with Elizabeth Greene from Junglr to delve into how sellers can navigate these changes by asking better questions, making informed decisions, and maintaining a holistic view of their business operations.
The spotlight intensifies on product safety and compliance. The recent CPSC decision, holding Amazon accountable for product safety, emphasizes that Amazon can no longer claim to be just a marketplace without liability. In this episode, Chris and Leah share key observations and practical advice on navigating these new challenges, emphasizing the importance of providing concrete proof of compliance, reporting unsafe products, and seeking specialized legal support.
A significant and urgent update for Amazon sellers is the recent change to FBA reimbursement policies, drastically reducing the time frame for lost warehouse claims to just 90 days. This means sellers must act quickly to audit their claims and secure reimbursements before the window closes. In this episode, Chris McCabe talks with Yoni Mazor from GETIDA to discuss the impact of these changes and provide essential information for maximizing your reimbursements before the October 23rd deadline.
As Prime Day approaches, the spotlight intensifies on seller performance and compliance. This time of year often reveals significant trends in listing violations, ASIN reviews, and occasional account suspensions, primarily stemming from compliance issues. In this episode, Chris and Leah share some key observations and practical advice to help you navigate these challenges without compromising your compliance.
One crucial aspect of Prime Day success is structuring deals effectively. A significant part of the conversation with brand owners revolves around ensuring that their deals are not only appealing but also compliant with Amazon's regulations. In this episode, Chris McCabe speaks with Marc Bruggemann of Cartograph, discussing crucial strategies for deal structuring, advertising innovations, and proactive compliance measures to ensure a successful sales event.
During high-stakes events like Prime Day, preparation and strategy are essential for success. In this episode, Chris McCabe and Andrew Morgans of Marknology delve into the complexities of navigating Prime Day, from effective listing optimization to risk mitigation. Andrew shares his insights on proactive preparation, ensuring compliance, and managing expectations.
In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, transitioning from being an Amazon seller to establishing a strong, recognizable brand is key to long-term success. In this episode, Chris McCabe speaks with Janelle Page, a seasoned expert in brand development and marketing. They delve into the intricacies of building a successful ecommerce brand, especially in the lead-up to high-stakes events like Prime Day. Janelle shares her expertise on proactive communication strategies, effective inventory management, and the power of niche marketing.
Prime Day is a high-stakes event for Amazon sellers, requiring meticulous preparation and effective communication strategies to ensure smooth operations. Proper communication can be the difference between a smooth, successful Prime Day and a disastrous one. In this episode, Chris and Leah explore how to develop proactive communication strategies, address compliance issues in advance, and stay prepared for any potential challenges.
As Prime Day approaches, it's crucial for sellers to navigate potential pitfalls, compliance issues, and unexpected challenges. In this episode, Chris McCabe and Leah McHugh discuss the critical strategies Amazon sellers must implement ahead of Prime Day, such as how to proactively manage your account health, handle restricted products, and safeguard your listings from competitor attacks.
Amazon sellers constantly strive to maintain a competitive edge while adhering to the platform's rigorous compliance standards. One prevalent issue in this dynamic environment is the misuse and abuse of product variations. There's been an alarming trend where some sellers are tempted to copy their competitors' misuse of variations to stay competitive. In this episode, Chris and Leah discuss the impact of these practices and provide advice on how to handle these challenges without compromising your compliance.
The dynamics of brand-agency relationships have evolved, with brands becoming more meticulous in their selection processes amidst changing economic conditions. This shift underscores the critical importance of aligning agency expertise with brand goals to drive success. In this episode, Chris McCabe talks with Chris Brewer from OMG Commerce to unpack the intricacies of agency collaboration. They explore common pitfalls brands encounter when choosing an agency, the benefits of personalized and transparent communication, and the strategic decisions between in-house hires versus external partnerships.
Recent trends have shown a significant increase in suspensions for Amazon sellers due to ASIN creation abuse and variation misuse. This heightened scrutiny by Amazon aims to enforce compliance with its listing policies, which has become more rigorous than ever before. In this episode, Chris and Leah discuss the impact of these policies and the need for sellers to maintain compliance across all marketplaces to prevent cross-regional account suspension and also touching on the common mistakes sellers make in their appeals, often resulting in further complications.
Recently, there's been a significant uptick in suspensions on Amazon due to ASIN creation misuse, notably without the option for sellers to submit a plan of action, only allowing for disputes if Amazon made an error. This change marks a pivotal shift in how Amazon handles policy violations, particularly concerning ASIN variation misuse. In this episode, Chris and Leah explore the nuances of these policy changes and how they affect sellers, especially those previously warned about potential violations.
In the competitive world of Amazon selling, pricing strategies emerge as a critical factor that can significantly influence a seller's success. Companies like AZSellerKit are leading the way in offering sophisticated solutions that address these challenges head-on. In this episode, Chris McCabe & Jason Hasan from AZSellerkit discuss the challenges of pricing in an ever-evolving marketplace, the impact of Amazon's fees on seller margins, and strategies to stay profitable amidst rising advertising costs.
Amazon sellers are constantly navigating through a maze of challenges to ensure their products stand out on the platform. One issue consistently resurfaces to perplex and frustrate sellers: ASIN variation families and their seemingly mysterious behaviors, especially when it comes to merging reviews. In this episode, Chris McCabe & Leah McHugh delve into the perplexing issue of ASIN variation families not merging reviews as they should while also unpacking the nuanced difficulties sellers face— ranging from disappearing reviews to the mismanagement of variation families.
As online marketplaces evolve, the reliance on automated systems for compliance and product listing management has grown exponentially. Yet, this technological advance brings its own set of challenges. Sellers find themselves at the mercy of algorithms that, while efficient, can sometimes miss the mark. In this episode, Chris & Leah dive into the strategies that successful sellers are employing to not just cope with but thrive amidst these unprecedented challenges.