Amazon Announces Key Updates for Amazon Sellers on Product Pages

On January 29th, 2024, Amazon will stop sellers from uploading or editing certain unsupported document types on product detail pages. The document types that will be affected include 2D/3D CAD files, application guides, brochures, comparison charts, compatibility guides, FAQs, size guides, specification sheets, and product documentation.

While existing unsupported documents will remain visible to customers, this change means sellers will no longer be able to update these specific document types going forward. It’s important to note that any unsupported documents still on product pages as of February 26th will also be permanently removed.

The Impact on Amazon Sellers

This update will require sellers to migrate key information from unsupported document types to other areas of the product detail page, like the description section. For example, details from an application guide could be moved to a user guide document (one of the 14 supported document types).

Sellers should begin reviewing their product pages to identify all unsupported document types. By January 29th, they’ll need to download or otherwise back up these documents to transfer and re-upload the content as needed to supported document types before the February removal date.

It’s a good idea to prioritize high-value documents that receive significant customer engagement. Identifying unsupported documents that drive traffic or conversions can help sellers focus rework efforts on the changes most likely to impact customers and sales.

Amazon Attempting to Improve the Customer Experience

While removing certain document types may seem disruptive, Amazon designed this update to preserve a seamless customer experience. Shoppers will still be able to view unsupported documents already uploaded to existing product pages until February 26th.

The update encourages sellers to consolidate and reorganize supplemental content in ways that should help customers. Supported document types like user guides and comparison charts allow buyers to easily find and absorb the most relevant information about a product.

With some strategic planning, sellers can minimize disruption from this change and use it as an opportunity to improve product content. Identifying priority documents, migrating information early, and leveraging supported document types can help transform changes to unsupported documents into a customer experience win.

Amazon Taking Steps to Improve Product Images

Starting on January 31st, Amazon will expand the selection of product images displayed on detail pages. Rather than showing pictures from just one seller, these pages can now include images from multiple selling partners to give customers a complete view of the product.

The change aims to ensure shoppers see all the required photos to make informed purchasing decisions. Specifically, product pages should have at least three images:

• A white background photo clearly showing the product
• A lifestyle image displaying the product in a realistic environment
• A picture with size and fit details (when applicable)

Previously, a product could be missing some of these key images if the selling partner did not provide them. To address this, Amazon will pull in available images from other selling partners.

What It Means for Sellers

This update underscores the growing importance for sellers to meet image guidelines and provide all three required photos. Complete, high-quality images not only lead to a better customer experience, but also increase the chances of selling partners having their own pictures featured.

Sellers who may have gotten by with partial or low-quality images in the past now have more incentive to build out comprehensive product photography. Doing so ensures your brand and specific product rendition are shown, while also preventing Amazon from having to supplement missing images from 3rd parties.

By encouraging sellers to supply all necessary visual content, the change better equips customers to understand product details while enabling brands to control how items are presented. Maintaining compliant, complete imagery improves both the buying journey as well as your representation as a selling partner.

Action Steps for Amazon Sellers to Avoid Penalties

As Amazon updates its policies regarding document types and image requirements on product pages, it’s crucial for sellers to take proactive measures. Here’s a clear action plan to ensure compliance and avoid any potential penalties:

1. Review Current Documents on Product Pages: Before January 29th, 2024, thoroughly examine your product detail pages. Identify and list all unsupported document types such as 2D/3D CAD files, application guides, brochures, comparison charts, compatibility guides, FAQs, size guides, specification sheets, and product documentation.
2. Backup and Migrate Content: Download or otherwise backup these documents. Begin transferring crucial information from these unsupported documents to the supported document types, like user guides. Focus on high-value documents that receive significant customer engagement.
3. Prioritize Document Update: Rank your documents based on their importance and customer engagement. Start with the ones that drive the most traffic and conversions, ensuring they are migrated and updated first.
4. Update Product Descriptions: Integrate essential information from unsupported documents into the product description section or other supported formats. This ensures that key information remains accessible to customers.
5. Check and Upgrade Product Images: Ensure that your product images meet Amazon’s updated guidelines. Each product page should include a white background photo of the product, a lifestyle image, and a size/fit detail picture where applicable. Upgrade any partial or low-quality images.
6. Regularly Monitor Amazon Policy Updates: Stay informed about any further changes to Amazon’s policies. Regularly checking Amazon’s seller central or subscribing to their updates can keep you ahead of any future policy shifts.
7. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you’re unsure about how to proceed, consider consulting with an e-commerce expert or a professional photographer to ensure your product pages meet the new standards.
8. Final Submission Before Deadlines: Ensure all changes are made and final submissions are done well before the January 29th and February 26th deadlines to avoid last-minute hassles.

Quick Summary & Helpful Resources

Changes to Unsupported Amazon Document Types

Starting January 29, 2024, sellers will no longer be able to upload or edit certain unsupported document types like CAD files, brochures, comparison charts, etc. Existing unsupported docs will still be visible to customers until February 26, 2024 when they will be permanently removed.

Reminder to:

• Identify unsupported documents on your pages
• Download or backup documents by January 29
• Migrate information to supported document types

Expansion of Product Images

Effective January 31, 2024, product pages can display images from multiple sellers to ensure customers see key visuals like:

• White background product photo
• Lifestyle image showing product use
• Size/fit details
• NOTE: Previously, only one seller’s images were shown. This emphasizes the need for sellers to provide all required high-quality images.

By encouraging complete, compliant imagery from sellers, Amazon aims to improve the buying journey and assist customers in making informed purchase decisions.

Helpful Resources

• https://sellercentral.amazon.com/seller-forums/discussions/t/17f91c7c-fccf-4a8b-b341-9113fa4ff617
• https://sellercentral.amazon.com/seller-forums/discussions/t/15799d61-ca45-43d6-a6ba-a314a455c5d4
• https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external/GZJNHR2M4GDNM3Q3

By following these steps diligently, Amazon sellers can smoothly transition to the new requirements, thereby maintaining a seamless customer experience and avoiding any negative impacts on their sales or seller status. 

Do you need help identifying everything you need to update on your Amazon product pages?

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