Amazon announces stringent policies for sale of face masks amid Coronavirus price gouging

With emerging cases of coronavirus around world, re has been a sudden increase in number of companies taking to online medium to sell ir products like face masks, hand sanitizers, gloves, and sprays amongst or products purporting to prevent disease. To tackle issue, Amazon has w started restricting types of sellers on its third-party Marketplace platform that can sell se health and sanitation products.

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Amazon restricts selling of health and sanitation products

According to Verge, decision is an attempt by Amazon to fight against price gouging and deceptive marketing on its e-commerce platform due to ongoing concerns surrounding Coronavirus outbreak. Amazon had even sent out a te to sellers on Wednesday addressing m about company’s decision.

te intimated sellers stating that y are receiving mess because y are currently selling, or have previously sold, products such as disposable face masks, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes/sprays, isopropyl alcohol or related products. te added that company has implemented more stringent requirements to sell those products on its e-commerce platform, because of which ir offers had to be removed. It furr added that Amazon is t accepting applications to sell such products at time.

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Amazon has said that remaining inventory of such items which lie in its fulfilment centres are eligible for reimbursement of return or disposal fees; however, sellers will be required to initiate a removal order to get m processed. reimbursement window begins today and will last over next two months, until May 31. Amazon has also informed sellers that y can reach out to company‘s seller support line if y feel y have been improperly targeted with ir new policy.

Amazon has t revealed criteria for companies or sellers to offer such products; however, but it is believed that company is closing all applications for furr listings and will only employ existing sellers who haven’t run afoul of its fair pricing policy.

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Im credits: Unsplash | Christian Wiediger