Reviewing Amazon's Review Process
onDecember 24th, 2024
Recently, I ordered a polarising filter for a dashboard camera on Amazon. This was my third attempt to find one compatible with the Vantrue N4 Pro—a filter capable of reducing the glare that distorts image clarity on sunny days. Unfortunately, like the previous two, this one was also much too large. Frustrated but hopeful that I could save others from repeating my mistake, I decided to leave a review, complete with several photos showing that the product does not match its advertised specifications. However, Amazon seems increasingly hesitant to approve negative reviews.
Over the past few months, several of my Amazon reviews have been rejected for allegedly "not meeting community standards." This is perplexing because I don't use inappropriate language, resort to insults, or violate any obvious guidelines. I simply state my case, provide evidence, and move on. Yet, days later, I receive the same rejection notice. Positive reviews? Always approved. Three-star reviews? Sometimes they get through, sometimes they don't. But anything rated one or two stars? Almost universally rejected.
Let me share the exact review in question:
Newer filters are pretty good and I have used them for years with my DSLR cameras. This one was said to fit the Vantrue N4 Pro, but it clearly does not fit. The thread is for something completely different and there is no adapter that makes it work with my dashboard camera. Looking at the box, nothing is said about the N-series cameras. If you have an N4, this is not the filter for you.
I included four images to support my review, including one showing the exact Amazon listing with "N4 Pro" circled for clarity.
So, riddle me this, Amazon: How exactly does this review not meet community standards? When I click on the rejection notice, I’m presented with a long list of potential violations. None of which apply to what I wrote.
This recurring issue makes me wonder: What’s the point of investing time in writing reviews? Customers aren't paid, rewarded with Amazon points, or even given an artificial reputation score. The only motivation is a sense of altruism—helping others avoid the same pitfalls and make informed decisions. Meanwhile, participants in Amazon's Vine program are incentivised to produce glowing reviews, adding another layer of bias to the system.
If Amazon no longer wants honest, critical feedback, what value does their star rating system hold? Without transparency and trust, the entire foundation of their customer review ecosystem is compromised. It’s not just frustrating for reviewers—it calls into question the integrity of every product review on their platform.
At the end of the day, a review system is only as valuable as its willingness to accommodate both positive and negative feedback. If Amazon tilts the scale to suppress critical reviews, the message is clear: Truth is inconvenient, and appearances matter more than transparency.