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Browsed Amazon recently? You’ll have noticed page after page of the exact same item sold by seemingly different sellers. These dropshippers attempt to sell very similar products, and typically game Amazon’s review system to get to the top of rankings.
But that’s not what I want to see, so I’ve started using a few different techniques to avoid these no-name Amazon dropshippers.
1Check the Seller’s Profile
If you come across a product from a new seller on Amazon and are unsure if you’re dealing with a reputable seller, click their name under theAdd to CartandBuy Nowbuttons.
This will redirect you to their profile, which will tell you the seller’s average rating for the last 12 months, whether they sell other products, and whether the customer feedback has been mostly positive or negative. Also, check the seller’s name. Is it a string of random letters or words? If the name seems nonsensical, it’s unlikely to be a legit brand.
2Pay Attention to the Product’s Name and Description
If the seller’s Amazon profile doesn’t raise any red flags, be sure to pay close attention to the product name and description. If you see every possible keyword associated with the product added to the name, it’s likely a dropshipper trying to ensure their product comes up in as many searches as possible.
Genuine, reputable brands typically use straightforward and concise product names rather than relying on keyword stuffing. While you’re at it, check the product description as well. Ideally, you should see well-written descriptions highlighting specific features and unique selling points. It’s best to avoid products with vague descriptions that don’t make a lot of sense or seem different from the product images.
3Reverse Image Search Photos of the Product
Another way to weed out dropshippers is by doing a reverse image search of the product photos. There are plenty ofreverse image search apps for iPhone and Androidor you can use Google Images or Google Lens in your browser. If the product appears on other sites, especially ones that sell discounted wholesale products, you’re likely dealing with a dropshipper.
Another way to identify a dropshipper is by checking for identical listings from different sellers on Amazon. If multiple small brands sell the same product with the same images and similar product descriptions, it’s more than likely a dropshipped item.
A quick scan of the recent reviews can tell you if the product is actually worth your money or if it is something you’d rather avoid. The issue, however, is that there are numerous fake reviews on Amazon, so you can’t take everything you read at face value.
While there are certaintools you can use to spot fake Amazon reviews, I’ve personally found it helpful to only considerthree-star ratings and reviewsto get the most balanced insights into the product’s quality and performance. It goes without saying, but if you spot more negative reviews than positive, it’s best to skip the item altogether.
5Avoid Products with Suspiciously Low Prices
I’ve come across some incredible deals on Amazon, but for the most part, I truly believe that if something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Suspiciously low prices usually mean the product is dropshipped, and the seller hasn’t vetted the item for performance or reliability.
So, regardless of how good the deal may seem, do a quick check on Amazon to compare the price to that of similar products from more established brands. If you notice a substantial difference in pricing, it’s worth hitting pause and reconsidering your purchase.
Whether you’re short on time or looking for deals, don’t rely on Amazon’s algorithm to find the best products for you. While there aretricks that you may use to find exactly what you need, I recommend using these strategies to avoid low-quality products from dropshippers.
