Amazon's "Best Seller" Badge is a SCAM!

Amazon's "Best Seller" Badge is a SCAM!

In the past, we discussed why the Amazon's Choice badge doesn't always represent what we think it does. However, many consumers still rely on the Best Seller badge as a more accurate indicator of a product's quality and popularity. This is because the Best Seller badge is supposedly based on actual sales within specific product categories.

Unfortunately, companies have found ways to exploit this system. Let's delve deeper into how this manipulation occurs.

The Gaming Mouse Example

Consider a search for a "gaming mouse" on Amazon. The top result for this search shows a Logitech gaming mouse with the Best Seller badge in the "PC Gaming Mouse" category. This makes sense, given Logitech’s reputation and popularity.

But as you scroll down, another Logitech mouse appears with a Best Seller badge. This time, it's a cheaper model categorized under "Mac Gaming Mice." Many users might not even be aware that such a category exists because it's far less competitive than the "PC Gaming Mouse” category.

The Ridiculousness of It All

It gets even more absurd. A brand that hardly anyone has heard of appears as a Best Seller with their gaming mouse listed under the "Nintendo Accessories" category from the 1980s. This deliberate categorization into obscure, less competitive categories allows products to gain a Best Seller badge, misleading consumers about their actual popularity and sales figures.

How is Amazon Allowing This?

This manipulation of categories raises questions about Amazon's oversight of its own system. How can Amazon allow companies to so easily game the system, thereby misleading countless consumers?

It's vital for Amazon shoppers to be aware of these practices to avoid being misled by seemingly authoritative badges.

Keywords

• Amazon
• Best Seller badge
• manipulation
• product categories
• gaming mouse
• Logitech
• Mac Gaming Mice
• Nintendo Accessories
• consumer awareness

FAQ

Q1: What does the Best Seller badge signify on Amazon?

A1: The Best Seller badge is intended to signify that a product has the highest sales within its specific category.

Q2: Can companies manipulate which category their product appears in?

A2: Yes, companies can strategically place their products in less competitive or obscure categories to gain the Best Seller badge more easily.

Q3: Is the Amazon's Choice badge more reliable than the Best Seller badge?

A3: Neither badge is particularly reliable. The Amazon's Choice badge is often influenced by algorithms and sponsored placements, while the Best Seller badge can be manipulated through category selection.

Q4: How can I ensure the quality of a product on Amazon?

A4: Besides looking for badges, it's crucial to read customer reviews, check product ratings, and do independent research before making a purchase.