I’m writing this out of deep concern and growing frustration as a small business owner selling books on Amazon.

Lately, there has been a significant increase in buyers cancelling orders after they’ve been shipped, as well as rejecting Cash on Delivery (COD) orders at the time of delivery. In many cases, these appear to be fake or impulse orders placed with no intention of receiving the item.

As sellers, we are charged shipping fees for these orders, despite doing everything correctly on our end. For a small seller, this adds up quickly and eats into already thin margins. What’s worse, since I sell books, these returned orders, despite being packed with four layers of bubble wrap, often come back damaged and unsellable.

I completely understand and respect Amazon’s customer-centric approach, but shouldn’t there also be basic accountability from buyers once an order has been shipped?

I respectfully suggest that Amazon consider charging a penalty to buyers who cancel orders after shipping or reject COD orders, reimbursing or waiving shipping fees for sellers in such cases.

Being customer-friendly should not come at the cost of genuine, hardworking sellers, especially small businesses trying to do their best.