In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Norm Farrar welcomes Shane Barker, founder of Trace Fuse, to discuss the art and science of managing and removing negative reviews on Amazon. Discover proven strategies to protect your star ratings and sales, while staying compliant with Amazon’s guidelines.

Key topics include:

- Why negative reviews aren’t always bad—and how to use them to improve your product.

- The hidden impact of star rating drops on your BSR and PPC costs.

- How to identify and handle non-compliant reviews with expert precision.

- Shane’s top tips for maintaining a 4.3+ rating and avoiding sales decline.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned Amazon seller, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you safeguard your reputation, boost conversions, and stay ahead of competitors.

📩 Have a review horror story or a question about removing reviews? Share in the comments below!

✅ Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert advice on eCommerce, branding, and marketing strategies.

Join the Beard Nation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lunchwithnorm

Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/

Thank you to our sponsors!

________________________________________________________

This episode is brought to you by TrueOps:

Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%.

🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨 It takes just three minutes to sign up.

Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________

This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:

Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.

🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨

Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Negative Reviews

00:33 Impact of Negative Reviews on Amazon Sales

01:27 Strategies for Q4 Success

02:11 Challenges in Removing Amazon Reviews

03:52 Understanding Amazon's Review Guidelines

05:37 Dealing with Unfair Reviews

15:12 Tips for Removing Negative Reviews

26:54 Performance-Based Review Removal

27:34 The Amazon Algorithm's Impact on Reviews

28:14 Negative Reviews and Their Consequences

29:22 Strategies for Managing Reviews

32:15 Buy Box Eligibility and Review Management

38:27 The Role of Vine Reviews

40:59 AI and Review Authenticity

42:59 Final Thoughts and Listener Questions

Your Website Is Costing You Thousands in Sales [Here's How to Fix It]. In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Norm Farrar sits down with Matthew Stafford, the CEO of Build Grow Scale, to uncover the secrets to optimizing your website and skyrocketing sales. Learn actionable, data-driven strategies that top eCommerce brands use to convert visitors into customers. Key topics include: - How to design a website that builds trust and boosts conversions. - Why removing clutter can improve navigation and customer experience. - The surprising power of negative reviews in driving sales. - Secrets to maximizing your revenue per user and average order value.

Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/

Links Mentioned: Learn More About Build Grow Scale: buildgrowscale.com

This episode is brought to you by TrueOps:

Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%.

Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back.

It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm

This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:

Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service.

With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.

As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE.

Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/

*All conversations and information exchanged on the Lunch with Norm podcast or interaction on the Lunch with Norm Website is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not confuse this with advice or direction with your business per se. Always do your own research before following advice from any podcast/website. Amazon's Terms of Service is always changing. Make sure you are following relevant up-to-date information.

Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:06 The Importance of Trust and Navigation 00:20 Maximizing Search and Filters 01:09 Guest Introduction: Matthew Stafford 02:51 Matthew Stafford's Journey 06:07 Optimizing Your Website for Conversions 09:06 Effective Navigation and User Experience 24:08 The Power of Reviews 24:30 Handling Negative Reviews 25:32 The Importance of Interaction 28:13 Giveaway Announcement 29:48 Q4 Sales Strategies 31:36 Gift Cards vs. Discounts 32:32 Key Performance Metrics 40:40 Data-Driven Optimization

In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Norm Farrar and Kevin King dive into the game-changing trends, tools, and strategies Amazon sellers need to dominate in 2025. From leveraging AI innovations to optimizing your network at industry events, this episode is packed with actionable insights! Key topics include: - The rise of AI tools and how to use them to streamline operations. - The power of community at Amazon events and why networking matters. - Predictions for the future of eCommerce and the evolving Amazon landscape. - Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting out, this episode will give you the edge you need to scale your business in the new year. Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/ This episode is sponsored by Walmart Marketplace - Build, grow, and elevate your eCommerce business with one of the most trusted names in retail. Sell your products on Walmart.com. Learn more - https://marketplace.walmart.com/?utm_campaign=2024-US-MP-GEN-DB-LWN&utm_source=Lunch_With_Norm&utm_medium=Direct_Buy 📩 What’s your biggest challenge heading into 2025? Share in the comments below! ✅ Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more Amazon tips and strategies.

This episode is brought to you by AMZ Rank:

Hey Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok sellers, We’re in Q4, and I know the pressure is on. How do you rank higher and sell more during the busiest time of the year? As a certified Amazon partner agency, AZ Rank has the expertise and proven strategies to take your products to the top, driving visibility and sales across all platforms! With proven expertise in optimizing search rankings, AZrank guarantees your products stand out during this critical shopping season. Email AZrank today at hello@azrank.com

Make sure to mention The Beard Guy sent you to unlock an exclusive discount!

This episode is brought to you by Startup Club:

Startup Club is the largest club on Clubhouse supporting the Startup ecosystem. Startup Club offers an exciting sense of belonging to established and aspiring entrepreneurs, startup businesses, and companies wanting to Learn, Connect, and Grow. Join us for conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, subject matter experts, and more.

For more information visit https://Startup.club

This episode is brought to you by Seller Basics:

Seller Basics is the ultimate guardian for account suspensions, ASIN hiccups, and IP headaches. For only $99 per month, Seller Basics provides a dedicated team to safeguard your business. And that's not all! Gain access to free legal consultations with seasoned eCommerce attorneys. With no binding contracts, you can cancel anytime with just a month's notice.

Consider Seller Basics your Amazon account's comprehensive health plan.

For more information visit https://www.sellerbasics.com

*All conversations and information exchanged on the Lunch with Norm podcast or interaction on the Lunch with Norm Website is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not confuse this with advice or direction with your business per se. Always do your own research before following advice from any podcast/website. Amazon's Terms of Service is always changing. Make sure you are following relevant up-to-date information.

🚀 Are Amazon Issues Holding You Back? Fix Them Fast! In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Norm Farrar sits down with John Cavendish, founder of Seller Candy, to uncover game-changing solutions for Amazon sellers. From resolving suspensions to tackling flat file errors and managing negative reviews, we’re diving deep into: - Proven strategies to fix Amazon suspensions in record time. - Handling product safety and IP violation issues effectively. - Managing flat file errors without losing your mind. - Learn how to stay ahead in 2025 with actionable insights and expert advice that will help you grow and scale your Amazon business while sidestepping common pitfalls. Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/ This episode is sponsored by Walmart Marketplace - Build, grow, and elevate your eCommerce business with one of the most trusted names in retail. Sell your products on Walmart.com. Learn more - https://marketplace.walmart.com/?utm_campaign=2024-US-MP-GEN-DB-LWN&utm_source=Lunch_With_Norm&utm_medium=Direct_Buy 🎯 Don’t let small errors cost you big! Listen now to unlock the tips and tools you need for Amazon success in 2025.

✅ Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes packed with marketing and eCommerce tips. Links Mentioned: Seller Candy Academy: sellercandy.academy Email John: john@sellercandy.com

This episode is brought to you by AMZ Rank:

Hey Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok sellers, We’re in Q4, and I know the pressure is on. How do you rank higher and sell more during the busiest time of the year? As a certified Amazon partner agency, AZ Rank has the expertise and proven strategies to take your products to the top, driving visibility and sales across all platforms! With proven expertise in optimizing search rankings, AZrank guarantees your products stand out during this critical shopping season. Email AZrank today at hello@azrank.com

Make sure to mention The Beard Guy sent you to unlock an exclusive discount!

This episode is brought to you by Startup Club:

Startup Club is the largest club on Clubhouse supporting the Startup ecosystem. Startup Club offers an exciting sense of belonging to established and aspiring entrepreneurs, startup businesses, and companies wanting to Learn, Connect, and Grow. Join us for conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, subject matter experts, and more.

For more information visit https://Startup.club

This episode is brought to you by Seller Basics:

Seller Basics is the ultimate guardian for account suspensions, ASIN hiccups, and IP headaches. For only $99 per month, Seller Basics provides a dedicated team to safeguard your business. And that's not all! Gain access to free legal consultations with seasoned eCommerce attorneys. With no binding contracts, you can cancel anytime with just a month's notice.

Consider Seller Basics your Amazon account's comprehensive health plan.

For more information visit https://www.sellerbasics.com

*All conversations and information exchanged on the Lunch with Norm podcast or interaction on the Lunch with Norm Website is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not confuse this with advice or direction with your business per se. Always do your own research before following advice from any podcast/website. Amazon's Terms of Service is always changing. Make sure you are following relevant up-to-date information.

In this episode of Lunch with Norm, we dive into a critical topic that every private-label Amazon seller needs to prepare for: the potential impact of Trump tariffs as he takes office in January. Norm Farrar sits down with e-commerce expert Steve Simonson to unpack the risks, challenges, and strategies for navigating the turbulent waters ahead.

This episode is sponsored by Walmart Marketplace - Build, grow, and elevate your eCommerce business with one of the most trusted names in retail. Sell your products on Walmart.com. Learn more - https://marketplace.walmart.com/?utm_campaign=2024-US-MP-GEN-DB-LWN&utm_source=Lunch_With_Norm&utm_medium=Direct_Buy

Make your profits bright this holiday season with Walmart Marketplace. Sign up today. Join the Beard Nation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lunchwithnorm

Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/

This episode is brought to you by AMZ Rank:

Hey Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok sellers, We’re in Q4, and I know the pressure is on. How do you rank higher and sell more during the busiest time of the year? As a certified Amazon partner agency, AZ Rank has the expertise and proven strategies to take your products to the top, driving visibility and sales across all platforms! With proven expertise in optimizing search rankings, AZrank guarantees your products stand out during this critical shopping season. Email AZrank today at hello@azrank.com

Make sure to mention The Beard Guy sent you to unlock an exclusive discount!

This episode is brought to you by Startup Club:

Startup Club is the largest club on Clubhouse supporting the Startup ecosystem. Startup Club offers an exciting sense of belonging to established and aspiring entrepreneurs, startup businesses, and companies wanting to Learn, Connect, and Grow. Join us for conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, subject matter experts, and more.

For more information visit https://Startup.club

This episode is brought to you by Seller Basics:

Seller Basics is the ultimate guardian for account suspensions, ASIN hiccups, and IP headaches. For only $99 per month, Seller Basics provides a dedicated team to safeguard your business. And that's not all! Gain access to free legal consultations with seasoned eCommerce attorneys. With no binding contracts, you can cancel anytime with just a month's notice.

Consider Seller Basics your Amazon account's comprehensive health plan.

For more information visit https://www.sellerbasics.com

*All conversations and information exchanged on the Lunch with Norm podcast or interaction on the Lunch with Norm Website is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not confuse this with advice or direction with your business per se. Always do your own research before following advice from any podcast/website. Amazon's Terms of Service is always changing. Make sure you are following relevant up-to-date information.

In this episode of the Lunch With Norm Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most critical challenges Amazon sellers face: account health, reviews, and suspensions. Joining us is Joy Williams, a seasoned expert from Seller Basics, who shares invaluable insights on how to navigate Amazon’s ever-changing policies and protect your business from costly suspensions. Joy Williams is a renowned expert in Amazon compliance and account health. As part of Seller Basics, she has helped countless sellers recover from suspensions and build strong, sustainable businesses on Amazon. This episode is sponsored by Walmart Marketplace - Build, grow, and elevate your eCommerce business with one of the most trusted names in retail. Sell your products on Walmart.com. Learn more - https://marketplace.walmart.com/?utm_campaign=2024-US-MP-GEN-DB-LWN&utm_source=Lunch_With_Norm&utm_medium=Direct_Buy

Make your profits bright this holiday season with Walmart Marketplace. Sign up today. Join the Beard Nation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lunchwithnorm

Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/

This episode is brought to you by AMZ Rank:

Hey Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok sellers, We’re in Q4, and I know the pressure is on. How do you rank higher and sell more during the busiest time of the year? As a certified Amazon partner agency, AZ Rank has the expertise and proven strategies to take your products to the top, driving visibility and sales across all platforms! With proven expertise in optimizing search rankings, AZrank guarantees your products stand out during this critical shopping season. Email AZrank today at hello@azrank.com

Make sure to mention The Beard Guy sent you to unlock an exclusive discount!

This episode is brought to you by Startup Club:

Startup Club is the largest club on Clubhouse supporting the Startup ecosystem. Startup Club offers an exciting sense of belonging to established and aspiring entrepreneurs, startup businesses, and companies wanting to Learn, Connect, and Grow. Join us for conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, subject matter experts, and more.

For more information visit https://Startup.club

This episode is brought to you by Seller Basics:

Seller Basics is the ultimate guardian for account suspensions, ASIN hiccups, and IP headaches. For only $99 per month, Seller Basics provides a dedicated team to safeguard your business. And that's not all! Gain access to free legal consultations with seasoned eCommerce attorneys. With no binding contracts, you can cancel anytime with just a month's notice.

Consider Seller Basics your Amazon account's comprehensive health plan.

For more information visit https://www.sellerbasics.com

*All conversations and information exchanged on the Lunch with Norm podcast or interaction on the Lunch with Norm Website is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not confuse this with advice or direction with your business per se. Always do your own research before following advice from any podcast/website. Amazon's Terms of Service is always changing. Make sure you are following relevant up-to-date information.

What if I told you that your biggest marketing strategy could be secretly sabotaging your organic sales? That's what were finding out today with Neil Robson from PPC Ninja. Our guest is a senior PPC Manager at PPC Ninja working with 7 figure to enterprise-level clients and developing new strategies at the agency. He’s from Edmonton and an ex-Amazon seller, with 3 years of selling experience in Canada and the US markets. He loves everything to do with marketing and data analytics. He even uses data analytics skills in the world of competitive BBQ and compete in the Kansas City BBQ Association.

Neil Robson's TACoS Calculator

This episode is sponsored by Walmart Marketplace - Build, grow, and elevate your eCommerce business with one of the most trusted names in retail. Sell your products on Walmart.com. Learn more - https://marketplace.walmart.com/?utm_campaign=2024-US-MP-GEN-DB-LWN&utm_source=Lunch_With_Norm&utm_medium=Direct_Buy

Make your profits bright this holiday season with Walmart Marketplace. Sign up today. Join the Beard Nation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lunchwithnorm

Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/

This episode is brought to you by AMZ Rank:

Hey Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok sellers, We’re in Q4, and I know the pressure is on. How do you rank higher and sell more during the busiest time of the year? As a certified Amazon partner agency, AZ Rank has the expertise and proven strategies to take your products to the top, driving visibility and sales across all platforms! With proven expertise in optimizing search rankings, AZrank guarantees your products stand out during this critical shopping season. Email AZrank today at hello@azrank.com

Make sure to mention The Beard Guy sent you to unlock an exclusive discount!

This episode is brought to you by Startup Club:

Startup Club is the largest club on Clubhouse supporting the Startup ecosystem. Startup Club offers an exciting sense of belonging to established and aspiring entrepreneurs, startup businesses, and companies wanting to Learn, Connect, and Grow. Join us for conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, subject matter experts, and more.

For more information visit https://Startup.club

This episode is brought to you by Seller Basics:

Seller Basics is the ultimate guardian for account suspensions, ASIN hiccups, and IP headaches. For only $99 per month, Seller Basics provides a dedicated team to safeguard your business. And that's not all! Gain access to free legal consultations with seasoned eCommerce attorneys. With no binding contracts, you can cancel anytime with just a month's notice.

Consider Seller Basics your Amazon account's comprehensive health plan.

For more information visit https://www.sellerbasics.com

*All conversations and information exchanged on the Lunch with Norm podcast or interaction on the Lunch with Norm Website is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not confuse this with advice or direction with your business per se. Always do your own research before following advice from any podcast/website. Amazon's Terms of Service is always changing. Make sure you are following relevant up-to-date information.

As a marketing expert with over 15 years of experience, Andrew has worked in just about every role within the marketing world. Working for both agencies and in-house brands, he experienced firsthand the successes and opportunities of working toward results. Frustrated with trying to get separate agencies, departments, and people to try to work together - as he likes to phrase it, “herding cats” - Andrew founded BlueTuskr. He intended to bring a sense of unity to brands by developing an internal team that works together toward one common goal: results.

This episode is sponsored by Walmart Marketplace - Build, grow, and elevate your eCommerce business with one of the most trusted names in retail. Sell your products on Walmart.com. Learn more - https://marketplace.walmart.com/?utm_campaign=2024-US-MP-GEN-DB-LWN&utm_source=Lunch_With_Norm&utm_medium=Direct_Buy

Make your profits bright this holiday season with Walmart Marketplace. Sign up today. Join the Beard Nation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lunchwithnorm

Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/

This episode is brought to you by AMZ Rank:

Hey Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok sellers, We’re in Q4, and I know the pressure is on. How do you rank higher and sell more during the busiest time of the year? As a certified Amazon partner agency, AZ Rank has the expertise and proven strategies to take your products to the top, driving visibility and sales across all platforms! With proven expertise in optimizing search rankings, AZrank guarantees your products stand out during this critical shopping season. Email AZrank today at hello@azrank.com

Make sure to mention The Beard Guy sent you to unlock an exclusive discount!

This episode is brought to you by Startup Club:

Startup Club is the largest club on Clubhouse supporting the Startup ecosystem. Startup Club offers an exciting sense of belonging to established and aspiring entrepreneurs, startup businesses, and companies wanting to Learn, Connect, and Grow. Join us for conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, subject matter experts, and more.

For more information visit https://Startup.club

This episode is brought to you by Seller Basics:

Seller Basics is the ultimate guardian for account suspensions, ASIN hiccups, and IP headaches. For only $99 per month, Seller Basics provides a dedicated team to safeguard your business. And that's not all! Gain access to free legal consultations with seasoned eCommerce attorneys. With no binding contracts, you can cancel anytime with just a month's notice.

Consider Seller Basics your Amazon account's comprehensive health plan.

For more information visit https://www.sellerbasics.com

*All conversations and information exchanged on the Lunch with Norm podcast or interaction on the Lunch with Norm Website is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not confuse this with advice or direction with your business per se. Always do your own research before following advice from any podcast/website. Amazon's Terms of Service is always changing. Make sure you are following relevant up-to-date information.