Ozon Platform Pros & Cons 2025: Key Insights

As a seasoned e-commerce operator with 5 years of experience in Ozon Global Selling, I have deep insights into the platform's advantages and disadvantages. This article provides an analysis based on real cases, including detailed operational paths, policy updates, and comparative data tables to help sellers make informed decisions.

Problem Scenario: High Return Rates and Poor Customer Satisfaction

Many Chinese sellers on Ozon face high return rates due to issues like incorrect product descriptions, poor packaging, or mismatched expectations. For example, a seller from Shenzhen selling home textiles saw a return rate of over 15% within three months, significantly impacting their profit margins.

• Case Study: A seller listed a "cotton bedsheet set" but failed to mention that it was not suitable for cold climates, leading to multiple returns from Russian buyers.
• Root Cause: Incomplete product details and lack of localized marketing led to mismatches between customer expectations and actual product performance.

Underlying Logic: Platform Policies and Customer Behavior

Ozon has strict policies on returns and refunds, which are outlined in the official document "Ozon Seller Guidelines V2.3 (2024)." According to this, sellers must process returns within 7 days of receiving the item, and failure to comply can lead to penalties, including account suspension.

• Policy Reference: Article 4.2 of the "Ozon Seller Guidelines V2.3" states that sellers must provide clear return instructions and respond to customer inquiries promptly.
• Customer Behavior: Russian consumers are known for being picky and often return products even if they are not defective, especially if the product description is unclear.

Solution: Optimize Product Listings and Enhance Customer Communication

To reduce return rates, sellers should improve product listings by adding detailed specifications, high-quality images, and localized descriptions. Additionally, proactive communication with customers before and after delivery can increase satisfaction.

• Operation Path: Go to Seller Central > Products > Edit Product, then update the product title, bullet points, and description with accurate details.
• Communication Strategy: Use Ozon’s internal messaging system to confirm delivery details and ask for feedback post-purchase.

Pitfall Guide: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several mistakes commonly occur among new sellers, such as not understanding return timelines, ignoring local language requirements, or failing to track competitor pricing. These errors can lead to unnecessary losses and reputational damage.

• Mistake 1: Not following the 7-day return policy, resulting in account warnings or suspensions.
• Mistake 2: Failing to translate product titles and descriptions into Russian, leading to low visibility and high return rates.

Comparative Table: FBA vs. Self-Logistics Costs on Ozon

Service	FBA (Ozon Logistics)	Self-Logistics
Shipping Cost	$2.5 per item	$1.8 per item
Storage Fee	$0.3 per day per unit	N/A
Return Handling	Free (if processed through Ozon)	Costly and time-consuming
Customer Trust	Higher (FBA items are marked as "Ozon Verified")	Lower unless proven reliable

Conclusion

Ozon offers a powerful platform for Chinese sellers to enter the Russian market, but success requires careful planning and execution. By understanding platform policies, optimizing product listings, and managing returns effectively, sellers can maximize profits and minimize risks. Always refer to the latest Ozon guidelines and analyze competitors’ strategies to stay ahead in this competitive environment.