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)
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.
Your rating is too bad for ads to be profitable.
Better to increase discount percentage and lower ads than keep spending high ACOS.
Relisting is an option, but you’ll need initial reviews to convert.
Review removal is expensive and risky.
Since you only have 80 units, lowest-risk move is steep discounts + off-site liquidation.