Amazon cut marketplace sellers from a new deal with Apple, according to Cnet. The deal allows Amazon to expand the selection of Apple products on its sites worldwide – but only by authorized resellers.
“Only Apple-authorized resellers will now be allowed to sell Apple and Beats products on Amazon’s marketplace,” the tech publication wrote.
“Currently, many of these Apple products are either unavailable on Amazon or are on sale only through its third-party marketplace at varied prices and conditions. Amazon does already directly sell some Apple devices, such as MacBook laptops and Beats headphones.”
An Amazon spokesperson responded to reporters with the following statement: “Amazon is constantly working to enhance the customer experience, and one of the ways we do this is by increasing selection of the products we know customers want. We look forward to expanding our assortment of Apple and Beats products globally.”
Tech Crunch said the expansion was not surprising. “Apple already allows Amazon to sell some of its devices, including MacBook laptops and Beats headphones. The companies had been fierce rivals for years, but have been working together more amicably in recent months.”
It’s not clear if the new deal impacts how Apple authorized resellers can list on eBay or other marketplaces. eBay encourages sales of smartphones on its marketplace, including from whom it calls “consumer sellers.” In October, eBay launched a program called “Instant Selling,” which allows people to sell certain smartphone models and get paid instantly with an eBay voucher, without having to manage the selling process themselves.
