The practice of procuring endorsements on a major e-commerce platform through a freelance services marketplace represents an attempt to artificially inflate product ratings and visibility. This involves paying individuals on a platform known for short-term gigs to submit fabricated opinions about products sold on a well-known online retail site.
The use of this tactic can misleadingly boost a product’s perceived quality, potentially leading to increased sales and improved search rankings within the e-commerce platform. Historically, this type of manipulation has been used by sellers seeking a competitive advantage, but it often violates the terms of service of both the retail platform and the freelance service provider, leading to potential penalties. The importance of this practice stems from its impact on consumer trust and the integrity of online marketplaces.