Amazon Error: 18701 Error 18701: The selling price was identified as a potential high pricing error

The "Error 18701: The selling price was identified as a potential high pricing error" indicates that Amazon's automated systems have flagged your product listing because the selling price is considerably higher than what is deemed reasonable for similar products. Amazon enforces these rules to prevent price gouging, protect customers from unfair pricing practices, and maintain a competitive marketplace.

Common Causes:

1. Manual Pricing Errors: Typographical errors or incorrect data entry leading to an unusually high price.
2. Automated Pricing Issues: Issues with automated pricing tools that set prices too high.
3. Market Fluctuations: Temporary price increases due to sudden spikes in demand or supply shortages.
4. Competitive Misalignment: Pricing strategies that are not aligned with competitor pricing for similar products.
5. Inflated Pricing Tactics: Intentional high pricing in attempts to maximize profit margins, especially during high-demand periods.

To resolve the "Error 18701: The selling price was identified as a potential high pricing error" on Amazon, follow these steps:

1. Review Amazon’s Pricing Policies:
   • Familiarize yourself with Amazon’s pricing policies and guidelines to understand the acceptable pricing range for your product category.
2. Verify Product Price:
   • Check the listed price of the product to identify any errors or issues. Ensure that the price is within the acceptable range for similar products on Amazon.
   • Compare the price with competitors’ prices for the same or similar products to ensure competitiveness.
3. Correct Manual Pricing Errors:
   • If the high price is due to a manual error, correct the price by entering the accurate amount. Ensure that the price reflects the true market value of the product.
   • Double-check for any typographical errors or misplaced decimal points that could lead to an unusually high price.
4. Adjust Automated Pricing Tools:
   • If you are using automated pricing tools, review the settings to ensure they are configured correctly. Adjust the parameters to prevent setting prices too high.
   • Monitor the performance of automated pricing tools regularly to ensure they align with market conditions.
5. Analyze Market Trends:
   • Review market trends and demand fluctuations that might affect pricing. Ensure that any price increases are justified and within acceptable limits.
   • Avoid sudden, significant price hikes that could be perceived as price gouging.
6. Set Competitive Pricing:
   • Adjust the product price to be competitive with similar products on Amazon. Ensure that the price is fair and justifiable based on the product’s features, quality, and market demand.
   • Consider offering promotions or discounts within acceptable thresholds to attract customers if the product is priced higher than competitors.
7. Resubmit the Product Listing:
   • After making the necessary pricing adjustments, resubmit the product listing for Amazon’s review. Ensure that all changes are saved and that the listing reflects the updated price.
   • Monitor the submission to ensure the error has been resolved and the listing is approved.
8. Monitor Pricing Compliance:
   • Continuously monitor your product prices to ensure compliance with Amazon’s pricing policies. Regularly review prices and adjust them as needed to remain competitive and within acceptable limits.
   • Use Amazon’s pricing tools and reports to keep track of pricing trends and compliance.
9. Contact Amazon Support:
   • If you encounter any issues during the price adjustment process or need further assistance, contact Amazon Seller Support. Provide detailed information about the error, the steps you have taken, and any relevant documentation.
   • Engage with Amazon seller forums and communities to seek advice from other sellers who might have faced similar issues.