Thread by @nytimes

Amazon’s power over its suppliers — hundreds of thousands of companies from start-ups to giant brands — means it can squeeze them for profits, and in some cases, threaten their survival.
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Amazon punishes businesses if they sell their products anywhere else for even a penny less. It pushes them to use company warehouses (at a cost), and it compels them to buy advertising on the site. nyti.ms/2Md61IG

Amazon can also change its rules with little warning. “We are dealing with a partner who can and will disrupt us for unpredictable reasons at any time," a top seller Amazon once highlighted as a success said. After he expressed his concerns, his best-selling item was removed.

Amazon says the rules are necessary to give customers a quality experience, and that it has invested billions to support its suppliers. “If sellers weren’t succeeding, they wouldn’t be here,” said Jeff Wilke, the CEO of Amazon’s consumer business.
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More than 60 current and former Amazon employees, sellers and big brands spoke to @kyweise about Amazon’s evolving relationship with its partners.

https://twitter.com/KYWeise/status/1207752081106296832

@KYWeise “The secret of Amazon is we’re happy to help you be very successful,” said David Glick, a former Amazon vice president. “You just have to kiss the ring.”

Read the latest in our Amazon Everywhere series:
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