The FTC is interviewing Amazon sellers as part of antitrust probe
Antitrust officials have begun interviewing Amazon sellers to determine whether the e-commerce giant is using its market power to hurt competition.
Federal Trade Commission investigators have been conducting interviews with Amazon merchants, covering a range of topics, reports Bloomberg. All were asked what percentage of revenue their businesses derive from Amazon versus other online marketplaces like Walmart Inc. and EBay Inc. It suggests regulators are skeptical about Amazon’s claims that shoppers and suppliers have real alternatives to the Seattle-based company.
The interviews indicate the agency is in the early stages of a sweeping probe to learn how Amazon works, spot practices that break the law and identify markets dominated by the company.
The FTC is also seeking to determine the extent of Amazon’s power over its suppliers. All three merchants fielded questions on how much of their revenue comes from Amazon compared with other online platforms. Many sellers get 90% or more of their sales from Amazon, making them vulnerable to the company’s demands and abrupt, unexplained changes in its policy.
More Amazon news
Amazon stops deliveries in some cities amid raging protests in the US
Amazon shipping delays due to violent riots in the USAmazon scaled back deliveries in a number of cities including Chicago and Los Angeles after the death of George Floyd sparked demonstrations across the country.Bloomberg reported that Amazon told its...
Amazon is shipping Non-Essential items again
Amazon Recovers From Essentials-Only Amazon has opened its warehouses to all items and reintroduced shopping functionality like deals and recommendations. Fast shipping for non-essentials is back as well. Amazon started accepting new deals last week and...
Amazon is pulling back on promotions to handle surging demand
Amazon wants shoppers to buy less Increasing order volume and operational complications may be forcing Amazon to move away from features and promotions that drive sales. It may take more than two months for Amazon to fulfill orders in all categories,...
