Amazon Sellers Use Order Numbers to Analyze Competitors

This article reveals how to use an Amazon order number to reverse-track competitor ASINs and store information. By entering the order number in the "Report a Violation of Product Listing" section of Seller Central, you can find the corresponding ASIN and product title. This allows you to locate the store and analyze its operational strategies, providing valuable competitive intelligence for sellers.
Amazon Sellers Use Order Numbers to Analyze Competitors

Have you ever wondered how top-selling competitors select products, manage operations, or drive traffic? Front-end data analysis often fails to reveal the complete picture. Hidden within seemingly ordinary Amazon order numbers lie valuable insights that can unlock competitor strategies.

Consider this scenario: a seller casually shares an order screenshot in a community group. That apparently insignificant order number could become your gateway to understanding competitor operations. With simple techniques, you can trace it back to discover their store, analyze products, and uncover marketing channels.

Step-by-Step Guide to Order Number Reverse Lookup

  1. Identify the marketplace: Check the sales channel email below the order number to determine the Amazon marketplace. For example, ".de" typically indicates Germany.
  2. Access seller backend: Log into the corresponding marketplace's Amazon Seller Central account and click "Help" in the top-right corner.
  3. Select "Get Support": Choose this option from the Help Center menu.
  4. Navigate to "Selling on Amazon": Select this category among support types.
  5. Browse for issues: Avoid using the search box; instead click "Browse for your issue in the menu."
  6. Locate "Report Listing Abuse": Find and select this option from the issue list.
  7. Access the query portal: Click "Report Listing Abuse" again - this serves as your investigation entry point.
  8. Enter the order number: Input the order number using any available method. The system will display corresponding ASINs and product titles.
    • Failed queries: This may indicate either an altered order number or recent placement before system recording.
    • Multiple ASIN results: When one order shows several ASINs, cross-reference multiple orders to identify the most recurring product.
  9. Discover store details: Search the ASIN on Amazon's front end to locate the product page and access the competitor's store.

Advanced Analysis Techniques

  • Reseller activity: Examine whether the buy box shows numerous merchant-fulfilled resellers, indicating brand protection status.
  • Brand portfolio: Check the store homepage for multiple brand listings, revealing business models and product lines.
  • Tool-assisted research: Use third-party extensions to detect unusual practices like merged international reviews, external traffic sources, or influencer collaborations.

These methods transform ordinary order numbers into powerful competitive intelligence tools. In Amazon's fiercely contested marketplace, comprehensive competitor insights enable more effective strategy development and competitive advantage.