Imagine logging into your OZON seller account only to discover a significant drop in your product listings. What may initially appear as a technical glitch is actually part of the platform's strategic "silent elimination" of underperforming items. OZON is employing algorithms to automatically hide products that have shown prolonged stagnation in sales, views, or customer engagement.
The Shift to Quality-Centric Operations
OZON is undergoing a fundamental transformation, moving from expansive growth to refined operations. Recent measures—including logistics upgrades and stricter product listing requirements—signal the platform's commitment to weeding out opportunistic sellers while fostering a fair, high-quality marketplace. Many sellers initially mistook the disappearance of products for system errors, only to learn that OZON was actively removing listings deemed substandard.
Understanding the "Invisible Delisting" Policy
Since October 12, 2022, OZON has enforced a new rule: products with zero sales, cart additions, or favorites over 180 days face automatic hiding. The platform maintains that these dormant listings negatively impact search relevance, buyer experience, and overall sales metrics.
Which Products Are Most Vulnerable?
Products typically removed share these characteristics:
- Uncompetitive pricing: Significant deviations from market rates, whether excessively high or suspiciously low.
- Poor visuals: Blurry, unprofessional, or uninformative product images.
- Insufficient descriptions: Listings lacking critical details needed for purchase decisions.
- Incomplete attributes: Missing or inaccurate specifications hindering searchability.
- Market misfits: Products that diverge sharply from comparable offerings in quality, design, or functionality.
Appealing Hidden Listings
While most hidden products cannot be reinstated, sellers may contest mistaken removals through OZON's support system. Effective appeals require:
- Exact product identifiers (IDs, URLs)
- Clear explanations for presumed errors (e.g., recent promotions, niche appeal)
- Supporting documentation (quality certifications, sales data)
Relisting Strategies
Creating new listings for removed products demands careful adherence to platform standards. Key considerations include:
- Revising titles and descriptions for clarity and appeal
- Investing in professional product photography
- Aligning prices with current market conditions
- Differentiating from competitors through unique selling points
Account Risks
Sellers with 100% of products hidden risk account suspension for "low content quality." Regular monitoring of listing status is essential to avoid penalties.
The Bigger Picture
OZON's earlier SKU limits targeted marketplace saturation by opportunistic sellers. The current focus on product quality aims to elevate platform standards—a double-edged sword for newcomers:
- Challenge: Steeper learning curves for platform rules and optimization techniques
- Opportunity: Reduced competition from low-effort sellers improves visibility potential
These changes underscore OZON's prioritization of sustainable seller growth over unchecked expansion. Success now hinges on operational excellence and product quality.