Every seller knows this:
Without reviews, your products don’t sell. With bad reviews, your products stop selling.
But when it comes to building reviews and feedback on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Temu, and Etsy, misinformation is everywhere. Sellers often fall for shortcuts that not only don’t work — they can actually get your account suspended.
Let’s bust the 5 biggest myths about marketplace reviews.
Myth #1: “I can just buy fake reviews to get started.”
The Truth:
This is the fastest way to lose your account. Marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart use advanced algorithms to detect fake reviews. If they catch you:
- Reviews get deleted.
- You risk account suspension.
- Your brand reputation is damaged.
Better Approach:
- Enroll in Amazon’s Vine Program or Walmart’s Review Accelerator Program.
- Encourage organic reviews by following up with customers via approved channels.
Myth #2: “It’s okay to offer free products for reviews.”
The Truth:
Unless you’re using an official program, this violates marketplace rules. Sending products in exchange for reviews (even “honest reviews”) is considered manipulation.
Better Approach:
Provide great packaging and unboxing experiences—customers naturally leave reviews when delighted.
- Use inserts, but carefully:
Allowed: “We’d love your feedback!” 
Not allowed: “Leave us a 5-star review and get a gift.”
Myth #3: “Negative reviews don’t matter if I have lots of positive ones.”
The Truth:
One negative review can outweigh 10 positives — especially early on. Marketplaces weigh recency and review quality heavily.
Better Approach:
Respond to negative reviews professionally.
- Resolve customer issues quickly — sometimes buyers revise their feedback.
- Use poor reviews as insight to improve your product.
Myth #4: “I can ask customers directly for 5-star reviews.”
The Truth:
You can ask for reviews, but not positive reviews. Marketplaces consider this “review gating.” Even a phrase like “Please leave us a 5-star review” can get flagged.
Better Approach:
On Amazon: use the official “Request a Review” button.
- On Etsy: buyers are prompted automatically — no need to push.
- On eBay: provide great service; feedback requests are built-in.
Myth #5: “Temu/Etsy reviews are less important than Amazon/Walmart.”
The Truth:
Reviews matter everywhere. On Etsy, buyers want to know your product is authentic. On Temu, reviews determine whether your listings get visibility.
Better Approach:
Make sure your first 10–20 sales go smoothly before scaling.
- Focus on fast shipping and product accuracy—these generate early trust.
Case Example
A seller offering kitchen tools tried sending thank-you notes asking for “5-star reviews.” Within weeks, Amazon flagged the account for review manipulation. Sales dropped overnight.
After switching to Amazon Vine, reviews came in naturally, and the account was restored to good health.
Quick Recap
- Fake or incentivized reviews = account risk.
- You can ask for reviews — but not positive ones.
- Negative reviews matter more than you think.
- Official review programs are the safest path.
What’s Next?
Coming up:
Blog #8: Shipping & Fulfillment – Choosing Between FBA, WFS, Etsy Fulfillment, and Self-Shipping.
Book Your Free “Feedback Growth Plan”
Struggling to get reviews without crossing the line?
We’re offering a free feedback growth plan for marketplace sellers.
- You’ll get:
A breakdown of safe review request strategies. - Platform-specific do’s and don’ts (Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Etsy, Temu).
- A personalized roadmap to increase reviews the right way.
Book your free plan today and start building trust without risking your account.
