Amazon has informed US-based third-party sellers on its platform that it will start publicly listing their names and addresses. The eCommerce giant is making the change as a measure to fight counterfeiters and will begin on 1st September 2020.
“These features help customers learn more about the businesses of a seller and the products that they are selling. We are making this change to ensure there is a consistent baseline of seller information to help customers make informed shopping decisions,” the note read, according to a copy obtained by Business Insider.
The decision to list the names and addresses will make it harder for sellers to stay anonymous on the Marketplace. At the same time, customers will also know exactly who they’re buying from and where that business is located.
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“Over the years, we have developed many ways for sellers to share more about their business, including through features like the seller profile pages, ‘Store’ pages for brand owners, and Handmade ‘Maker Profile’ pages.
“These features help customers learn more about sellers’ businesses and their products. Beginning September 1, we will also display sellers’ business name and address on their Amazon.com seller profile page to ensure there is a consistent baseline of seller information to help customers make informed shopping decisions,” an Amazon spokesperson said of the change.
According to Business Insider, the decision came after the Department of Homeland Security released a report on fighting counterfeiting on online marketplaces in January 2020. The department had suggested platforms like Amazon increase transparency of sellers so as to fight counterfeiting.
Amazon has taken several measures to battle counterfeiters on its platform recently. The company said it spent $500 million in 2019 alone to fight the issue. It also launched a Counterfeit Crimes Unit. The unit is made up of former federal prosecutors, investigators, and data analysts to “go on the offensive” against counterfeiters.
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