I launched a new product at around $80. My first review was 1-star, then a mix of 5-star and some other low ratings – now sitting at 3.6 stars (competitors are around 4.4).
Reading the negative reviews, there's probably a major product defect (design or manufacturing issue).
I have about 80 units total (inbound + in FBA).
My goal is to break even or lose as little as possible clearing these 80 units.
Data from last 3 weeks (since rating dropped to 3.6):
Ad orders: 4
Organic orders: 4
Total: 8 orders
My questions:
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Should I just turn off ads and rely on organic sales to slowly sell these 80 units?
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What's the best way to clear this inventory with minimal loss? I'm not looking to manipulate reviews or relist – just legitimate options.
Any advice appreciated.
Answers (10)
Best move: relist cleanly.
At 3.6 stars, organic and off-site won’t save you. Review removal is risky.
On the new listing, get some Vine reviews (10 is enough) to stabilize rating.
Then use low-bid ads and off-site codes to clear inventory near break-even.
STOP ADS ENTIRELY.
A 3.6-star rating will not convert with ads — pure waste.
Since the product has a real defect, more bad reviews are coming.
Best strategy:
50–60% off on-site + off-site codes to clear 80 units in 1–2 weeks.
The longer you hold, the less you get back.
Review removal is unrealistic.
Relisting is risky and won’t fix the core product issue.
Just discount hard and get out with as little loss as possible.
Low bids + coupon ads can help clear units.
But if the product is defective, removing reviews won’t fix it. I’d switch to a new ASIN.
Reasons:
Clear old inventory via:
A: Relisting can get your account flagged right now — be careful.
B: If you want to save the listing, get customer info and negotiate directly.
C: Get legitimate reviews to bury bad ones.
If saving the listing: do B + C together.
Turn off ads completely.
Not many units, so further ad spend is just throwing money away.
After relisting, you can run cheap “bargain hunter” ads.