Why are My Amazon Reviews Not Showing Up? Top 5 Reasons & How to Fix Them

These golden nuggets of feedback carry more weight in Amazon's algorithm and often in the eyes of potential buyers. They're like a seal of authenticity, screaming "Hey, I actually bought this thing!"

On the flip side, Non-Verified Purchase reviews are the wild cards. They could be from customers who received your product as a gift, purchased it elsewhere, or perhaps never even touched it. While these reviews can still provide valuable insights, they don't pack the same punch as their verified counterparts.

Amazon's not just playing favorites - they're using this verified vs. non-verified strategy to combat the spread of "fishy" reviews. Those verified reviews aren't just impressing potential customers; they're giving your product a significant boost in Amazon's rankings, which just in case you don't know is governed by 100's of algorithms. It's Amazon's way of prioritizing trustworthy feedback. And, as an Amazon FBA seller, understanding this distinction is crucial for your product's visibility, credibility, and ultimately, your bottom line.

Why Did My Amazon Review Disappear? Common Culprits & Quick Fixes

Now that we've established the difference and the impact of verified and non-verified reviews, let's dive into the mystery of Amazon reviews not showing up. You know the drill - you've got a notification of a new review, you eagerly click to read it, and... poof! It's nowhere to be found. What's going on?

Amazon's review system isn't just a simple post-and-display setup. It's more like a finicky bouncer at an exclusive club, deciding which reviews get in and which are left out in the cold. But why would a perfectly good review get the cold shoulder? There are actually several reasons this might happen, and understanding them can help you navigate the sometimes frustrating world of Amazon reviews.

So, let's pull back the curtain and take a look at the possible reasons why Amazon might be playing hide-and-seek with your product reviews.

Reason #1. Review Mishaps: Customers Confusing Feedback and Reviews

Sometimes, buyers get a little mixed up and accidentally leave product reviews in the seller feedback section. This can be a real bummer because it means their comments won't show up on your product page, where they could really help boost your visibility. While positive seller feedback is great, it doesn't have the same impact as a glowing product review.

Now, if someone leaves a negative product review in your seller feedback by mistake, don't worry! You can actually request to have it removed. Here's how:

1. Head over to your Seller Central Account.
2. Click on the Performance Tab.
3. Select Feedback.
4. Scroll down to the "Recent Feedback" section and select "Negative."
5. Find the Order ID that matches the feedback you want removed.
6. Click "Request Removal."

Just a heads up, though: only use this for genuine cases where someone accidentally left a product review in the wrong spot. Don't try to remove all negative feedback this way – it could raise some red flags and cause more harm than good to your Amazon FBA account.

Reason #2. No Room for Rudeness: Amazon's Strict Policy on Respectful Reviews

Amazon's number one goal is to make its platform a safe and welcoming space for everyone. That's why they've got this sophisticated system in place that automatically scans every customer review for anything offensive, inappropriate, or just plain yucky – think bad language, threats, or images that aren't family-friendly. It doesn't matter if the review sings your praises or not – if it doesn't meet Amazon's standards, it's gone. As a side note, this could be a good way for you to get rid of a negative review.

We know it can be frustrating to see a review disappear, especially if it was a positive one. But rest assured, Amazon isn't trying to make things difficult for you. They're simply doing what they believe is best to keep their platform clean and safe for everyone. Unfortunately, this means that even perfectly good reviews sometimes get caught in the crossfire, and there's nothing you can do about it.

But hey, look on the bright side! You don't have to worry about reporting anything yourself. And you can always encourage your awesome customers to keep their feedback honest, helpful, and free of any naughty words. This way their reviews will be visible on your product page typically within 72 hours and you can continue to focus on what you do best – running your business and delighting your customers.

Reason #3. Love & Support, Not Reviews: Why Amazon Discourages Reviews from Close Relations

Product review sections, on any platform, whether it's Amazon, Best Buy, or your local corner store's website, are meant to be a space for genuine customer feedback. Unfortunately, sometimes well-meaning friends and family might try to help out by leaving a positive review, but this isn't always the most helpful approach.

Amazon understands that you want to build trust and credibility for your products, and the best way to do that is through honest, unbiased reviews from actual customers. So, while it might seem a little unfair when a glowing review from Aunt Sue disappears, know that Amazon's just trying to make sure everyone's playing by the same rules.

It can be tough in the beginning to build up those reviews but keep working hard on delivering great products and service, and those authentic reviews will come rolling in.  Remember, it's the honest feedback that truly helps your business grow.

Reason #4. Bribes Won't Buy You Reviews on Amazon

Zero-tolerance—that's Amazon's stance on incentivized reviews. They're serious about keeping their platform honest and transparent for shoppers. This means absolutely no reviews in exchange for freebies, discounts, or any other perks. Even if the reviewer swears the incentive didn't affect their opinion, 

Amazon still considers it a big no-no. If a customer reports you for this, Amazon will investigate and may take action against your account.

You can't offer any of the following in exchange for a review:

While it might seem like a harmless way to get more reviews, offering incentives can backfire big time. Amazon's algorithms are pretty smart, and they can often detect when a review might be incentivized. If they do, they'll remove the review and potentially penalize your account.

Remember, the best way to get great reviews is by focusing on delivering top-notch products and customer service. Happy customers are more likely to leave honest, positive reviews without needing any extra incentives—and those are the reviews that truly matter for your brand's reputation and long-term success.

Reason #5. Too Many "Reviews" Too Soon?

Every product, every FBA account is under continuous scrutiny by Amazon's watchful eye. They're constantly keeping tabs on the rate at which your product receives reviews, known as your review velocity. Now, we know a sudden surge in reviews sounds like a dream come true, but it can actually raise some eyebrows at Amazon HQ.

Let's say you decide to offer a hefty discount on your product (think 15-30% off or more). It's a smart move to boost sales, but it might come with a hidden catch. All those extra sales could lead to a bunch of new reviews, which is great, right? Not always. A sudden spike in reviews, especially if many of them are unverified, might set off Amazon's internal alarm bells. They might suspect something fishy's going on and decide to limit the number of reviews shown on your product page. It's a bit of a bummer, but Amazon's just trying to protect their customers and keep things fair for all sellers.

We get it – seeing your review count drop can be disheartening, especially when you're doing everything right to promote your product. But don't worry, it's not the end of the world. Just be mindful of how your sales strategies might impact your review velocity, and always prioritize the quality of your reviews over the quantity.

How Long Does It Take for an Amazon Review to Post?

Typically, Amazon reviews take about 72 hours to appear on your product page. But, like most things in life, it's not always that straightforward. Depending on factors like your seller account status, product category, and even your recent product review velocity, it could take anywhere from a few hours to 4 or 5 days.

So, don't be alarmed if your review doesn't show up right away. Just give it a little time, and it should eventually appear.

My Final Word on Amazon Reviews Not Showing Up

You can't always work your magic to get Amazon reviews to show up, but at very least now you know why they might be disappearing before they even show up.

The best thing you can do to ensure you get as many good reviews as possible is to sell quality products, ship on time, and genuinely value your customers.

Happy selling, and thanks again for reading the Clear The Shelf blog!