Many sellers complain Amazon shows "Currently Unavailable" even when third-party sellers have stock, while Amazon keeps the Buy Box. Is this deliberate monopoly to block competitors? Here’s the honest breakdown.
1. How "Currently Unavailable" Works
Message appears when no seller meets Amazon’s criteria for Featured Offer (Buy Box). It’s the algorithm enforcing rules for customer experience.
2. Buy Box Suppression
When listing goes out of stock for current winner (often Amazon), Buy Box can be suppressed or shift. Amazon’s offers often stay visible with "Temporarily out of stock".
3. Third-Party Sellers Lose Out
FBA sellers have advantage. Third-party FBM or low-stock FBA offers get pushed down or hidden faster.
4. Amazon Prioritises Reliability
Algorithm favors Prime-eligible, fast-shipping offers. Amazon benefits from self-preference (documented in forums and lawsuits), but not pure manipulation — it’s biased toward its ecosystem.
5. Feels Unfair
Sellers call it monopoly because Amazon competes while setting rules. Complaints: Amazon suppresses third-party Buy Box when prices high, stock low, or metrics off.
6. Glitches and Hijacking
Regional restrictions or processing delays cause issues. Hijacking (unauthorized sellers attaching) triggers suppression.
7. Antitrust Concerns
Cases argue Amazon’s Buy Box algorithm gives unfair edge. Amazon says it’s for customer protection.
8. Workarounds
Keep high stock, use FBA, competitive pricing, perfect metrics. Diversify (own site, eBay) to reduce dependence.
The real story about how to be a successful seller on Amazon, from a leading consultant.(Affiliate link)
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