Major Russian Marketplaces Adjust Seller Policies Following Antitrust Recommendations
Wildberries and Ozon, two of Russia’s largest e-commerce platforms, have implemented changes to their seller policies in response to recommendations from the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS). The adjustments address several practices that had drawn criticism from sellers and raised concerns about fair competition and transparency in digital marketplaces. According to the FAS press service, both platforms have now eliminated the controversial practices that previously disadvantaged sellers, including the use of the so-called “inventory index” and automatic inclusion of goods in promotions without explicit consent.
Wildberries has discontinued the application of the inventory index, a mechanism that previously required sellers with low inventory levels to pay higher storage fees, accept automatic discounts on their products, or remove their goods from the platform’s warehouses. The platform has also revised its “Tariff Constructor” options, aligning them with the standard offer terms and allowing sellers to purchase individual services on demand, rather than being forced to select bundled packages. Ozon, meanwhile, has reverted to its previous model for handling product returns, eliminating the need for sellers to manually track each cancellation and submit separate requests for goods removal. The platform has also introduced an automated goods removal feature and taken steps to prevent account blocks without clear justification.
These changes follow a series of warnings and investigations by the FAS, which had previously highlighted risks to sellers’ interests and called for greater transparency in marketplace operations. The FAS had set deadlines for both platforms to develop clear and voluntary systems for seller participation in promotional campaigns and to provide transparent mechanisms for discounts and returns. The latest updates indicate that Wildberries and Ozon have complied with these recommendations, potentially reducing the risk of antitrust violations and improving the overall business environment for sellers on their platforms.
Impact on E-commerce Infrastructure and Seller Experience
The recent policy changes at Wildberries and Ozon represent a significant shift in how major marketplaces interact with sellers, with direct implications for e-commerce infrastructure and operational workflows. By eliminating the inventory index and allowing more flexible service selection, Wildberries has reduced the financial and logistical burdens on sellers, particularly those with smaller inventories or limited resources. This adjustment not only levels the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses but also encourages a more dynamic and competitive marketplace, where sellers can better control their pricing and inventory strategies.
Ozon’s restoration of the previous return model and introduction of automated goods removal streamline the process for sellers, reducing administrative overhead and minimizing disruptions to their operations. The platform’s efforts to address account blocks without explanation further enhance trust and transparency, which are critical for maintaining a healthy seller ecosystem. These changes collectively contribute to a more predictable and seller-friendly environment, where businesses can focus on growth rather than navigating complex platform rules.
Implications for Product Feeds and Catalog Management
The revised policies at Wildberries and Ozon have notable implications for product feeds and catalog management. With the removal of automatic discounts and the requirement for explicit seller consent, marketplaces must now ensure that pricing information in product feeds accurately reflects seller intentions. This shift necessitates more robust feed management systems that can handle dynamic pricing rules and promotional opt-ins, reducing the risk of discrepancies between seller expectations and marketplace actions.
For catalog management, the changes underscore the importance of clear and consistent data standards. Sellers need to be able to easily update their product information, including pricing and promotional status, without being subject to unilateral platform decisions. This requires marketplaces to provide more granular control over catalog attributes and to ensure that feed integrations support real-time updates. As a result, platforms may need to invest in more sophisticated feed management tools and APIs to facilitate seamless data exchange between sellers and marketplaces.
Standards for Product Cataloging and Data Quality
The new policies also highlight the need for higher standards in product cataloging and data quality. With sellers regaining control over pricing and promotions, the accuracy and completeness of product information become even more critical. Marketplaces must ensure that catalog entries include all relevant details, such as pricing, availability, and promotional status, to avoid confusion and disputes. This emphasis on data quality extends to the use of standardized product identifiers, clear category assignments, and comprehensive attribute descriptions.
Moreover, the changes encourage marketplaces to adopt more transparent and predictable cataloging practices. Sellers should be able to easily understand how their products are classified and promoted, and platforms must provide clear guidelines for catalog management. This transparency not only improves the seller experience but also enhances the overall quality of the marketplace catalog, making it easier for buyers to find and compare products.
Speed of Assortment Launch and Operational Efficiency
The revised policies at Wildberries and Ozon are likely to accelerate the speed of assortment launch and improve operational efficiency for sellers. By removing barriers such as mandatory service bundles and complex return procedures, platforms enable sellers to quickly onboard new products and respond to market demands. This agility is particularly important in a fast-paced e-commerce environment, where timely product launches can make a significant difference in sales performance.
Additionally, the introduction of automated goods removal and streamlined return processes reduces the time and effort required for inventory management. Sellers can now focus on core business activities, such as product development and marketing, rather than spending excessive time on administrative tasks. This operational efficiency not only benefits individual sellers but also contributes to the overall competitiveness of the marketplace, as a wider and more diverse range of products becomes available to buyers.
Role of No-Code and AI in Marketplace Automation
The recent changes at Wildberries and Ozon also highlight the growing role of no-code and AI-driven solutions in marketplace automation. As platforms seek to provide more flexible and transparent services, they are increasingly turning to no-code tools that allow sellers to customize their workflows and manage their operations without extensive technical expertise. These tools enable sellers to easily configure pricing rules, promotional campaigns, and inventory settings, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of errors.
AI-powered automation is also playing a crucial role in improving the efficiency and accuracy of marketplace operations. For example, AI algorithms can help platforms identify and flag potential pricing discrepancies, optimize promotional campaigns, and automate routine tasks such as goods removal and return processing. By leveraging AI and no-code solutions, marketplaces can deliver a more seamless and user-friendly experience for sellers, while also ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining high standards of data quality.
Conclusion
The implementation of FAS recommendations by Wildberries and Ozon marks a significant step toward a more transparent and seller-friendly e-commerce ecosystem in Russia. By addressing key pain points and streamlining operational processes, these changes not only benefit individual sellers but also enhance the overall quality and competitiveness of the marketplace. As marketplaces continue to evolve, the focus on robust product feeds, high standards for catalog management, and the adoption of no-code and AI-driven automation will be critical for maintaining a healthy and dynamic e-commerce environment. These developments underscore the importance of regulatory oversight and proactive platform governance in shaping the future of digital marketplaces.
The increasing emphasis on seller autonomy and data accuracy, as seen in the recent policy updates, highlights the critical role of product information management (PIM) solutions. These changes underscore the need for effective catalog management and robust data quality control. With NotPIM, e-commerce businesses can streamline their product feed management, accelerate the launch of new products, and ensure accurate and consistent information across various marketplaces. This allows sellers to navigate the evolving e-commerce landscape more effectively. As discussed in our previous blog, proper feed management is critical for success. Understanding how to create sales-driving product descriptions can also significantly improve online sales. In addition to these points, AI-powered automation will be key for continued growth. Effective product data management is what makes these strategies possible.