Getting your first reviews on Amazon is one of the hardest challenges for new sellers. Without reviews, customers hesitate to buy. That’s where the Amazon Early Reviewer Program comes in. It helps sellers get authentic reviews quickly and ethically.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how it works, its benefits, costs, and proven strategies to make it work for your products. We’ll also answer the most common questions sellers ask about the program.
What Is the Amazon Early Reviewer Program?
The Amazon Early Reviewer Program is designed to help new products get initial reviews. Customers who buy enrolled products are invited to leave honest reviews.
Here’s why it matters:
- Reviews increase trust and credibility.
- Early feedback helps buyers make decisions.
- Positive reviews boost your product visibility.
The program is managed entirely by Amazon, so you never contact buyers directly. This ensures authenticity and prevents spammy or fake reviews.
How the Program Works
The program is straightforward. Follow these steps to participate:
- Enroll Eligible Products: Only products with fewer than five reviews qualify.
- Amazon Selects Buyers: After a purchase, Amazon invites customers to leave a review.
- Incentives Offered: Buyers get a small reward, usually a gift card, for honest reviews.
- Reviews Posted: Reviews appear on your product page, helping future buyers.
Example: A new skincare product enrolls in the program. Within weeks, 3–5 verified buyers leave honest reviews. This gives the product social proof to boost sales.
Amazon ensures that every review is genuine. There’s no pressure on buyers, and no fake reviews are allowed.
Benefits of the Amazon Early Reviewer Program
The program provides several benefits for sellers:
- Builds Customer Trust: Genuine reviews show credibility and reliability.
- Boosts Conversion Rates: Products with reviews sell faster than those without.
- Encourages Honest Feedback: Buyers share real experiences.
- Saves Time: Amazon handles invitations and follow-ups automatically.
Even a few positive reviews can dramatically increase sales, especially for niche or new products.
Case Study Example: A small kitchen gadget enrolls in the program. Within a month, it gains 5 reviews. Sales increase by 25% as buyers trust the product more.
Costs and Requirements
Before joining, you must understand the program’s costs and rules:
- Fee: Amazon charges a flat fee of $60 per enrolled product.
- Eligibility: Products must cost at least $15 and have fewer than five reviews.
- Duration: Reviews are collected for up to one year or until five reviews are obtained.
Think of this as a small investment for credibility and increased sales. Compared to paid ads or other marketing strategies, it’s cost-effective.
Tips to Maximize Results
Use these strategies to get the most out of the program:
1. Choose High-Potential Products
Enroll products that have strong demand. Use Amazon research tools to check competitors and trends.
2. Optimize Your Product Listing
Clear images, detailed descriptions, and accurate titles help buyers understand your product. The better your listing, the more likely customers leave reviews.
3. Provide Excellent Customer Experience
Fast shipping, quality packaging, and clear instructions make buyers happy. Happy customers leave better reviews.
4. Encourage Honest Feedback
Avoid asking for positive reviews. Amazon only allows honest feedback. Focus on improving your product and experience.
5. Monitor Performance
Track reviews regularly. Analyze what customers like or dislike and improve your listing accordingly.
How Reviews Help Your Amazon Business
Reviews impact your sales and ranking in several ways:
- Boosts Organic Rankings: More reviews improve search visibility.
- Improves Buy Box Chances: Products with reviews are more likely to win the Buy Box.
- Increases Buyer Confidence: Positive reviews reduce hesitation.
- Provides Feedback for Improvement: Use insights to enhance product quality.
Example: A new home gadget gets 10 early reviews through the program. Its listing ranks higher in search, leading to more sales and organic reviews over time.
FAQs About Amazon Early Reviewer Program
Reviews usually appear within 2–6 weeks after enrollment. Timing varies by product and demand.
No. Only products with fewer than five reviews qualify.
No. Amazon charges a flat fee per product.
Yes, but it depends on the Amazon marketplace. Check your region’s eligibility.
No. Organic reviews continue normally, and Amazon ensures all feedback is genuine.
Typically, buyers get gift cards ranging from $1–$3.
Yes. Early authentic reviews help build trust, improve sales, and increase long-term growth.
Log in to Amazon Seller Central, find the Early Reviewer Program section, enroll eligible products, and pay the fee.
Sign up by selecting eligible products in Seller Central, completing the enrollment form, and confirming the payment.
Yes. It’s run directly by Amazon, ensuring reviews are authentic and compliant with policies.
Absolutely. Amazon manages invitations, rewards, and posting to guarantee genuine customer feedback.
It’s a program that encourages verified buyers to leave honest reviews for new products.
Alternatives to the Early Reviewer Program
If your product doesn’t qualify, consider:
- Vine Program: Amazon Vine invites trusted reviewers to post detailed reviews.
- Requesting Reviews via Follow-Up Emails: After purchase, politely ask for honest feedback.
- Social Proof on Social Media: Share reviews on Instagram or Facebook to increase credibility.
These methods complement the Early Reviewer Program to grow your reviews organically.
Conclusion
The Amazon Early Reviewer Program is essential for new Amazon sellers. It helps build trust, increases sales, and improves product visibility.
By enrolling eligible products, optimizing listings, and providing excellent experiences, you can maximize reviews and boost conversions.
Take Action Now: Don’t wait for reviews to appear naturally. Enroll your new products today and gain early traction. Honest reviews will help your products stand out and succeed on Amazon.