A few weeks from now, the world will be painted red and pink, dotted with balloons, flowers, and heart-shaped everything.
Valentine’s is coming, time to make your products swipe-right worthy!
- Your competitors hope you overlook this 👁️
- Don't trigger instant refunds 😬
- Feeling the tariff bite on Amazon? 🫦
- Give your sales some lovin' 💘
ACTIONABLE ADIVCE
Let’s be real, missing tracking info isn’t a tiny slip-up you can brush off later. For MFN sellers, it’s one of those mistakes that can snowball into account health damage.
Amazon recently reminded sellers that when valid tracking is not provided, A-to-Z claims are automatically granted. No human review. No appeal window.
🚨 Why tracking matters
Amazon will auto-approve claims when:
- No tracking ID is provided
- The shipping method isn’t trackable
- Tracking isn’t uploaded before delivery
That refund? It comes straight out of your balance, and counts against your Order Defect Rate (ODR).
⚠️ Keep an eye on your VTR
Amazon requires MFN sellers to maintain a Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) of 95% or higher. Dip below that and you’re risking:
- Category suspension
- Listing restrictions
- Full account deactivation
Tracking only counts as valid if:
- Amazon receives carrier scan events
- Customers can track the package on Amazon
- The tracking number is uploaded on time
🛡️ How to protect your account
The safest move? Use Amazon Buy Shipping. It gives you seamless, hands-off tracking uploads. In 2026, tracking is your first line of defense against refunds, claims, and account health headaches.
TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE
Selling on Walmart Marketplace is one of this year's smartest investments
For eCommerce brands looking to diversify their sales and expand their footprint, there’s no better time to join Walmart Marketplace. Walmart is one of the world's most recognizable brands with over 255 million customers and members shopping at Walmart online and in-store around the world each week.
Join Walmart Marketplace today
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BITES OF THE WEEK
- Walmart Droning On: Walmart and Wing expand drone delivery to 150 stores, reaching 40 million U.S. shoppers in 2026.
- Amazon Ads Upfront: Amazon Ads will host its May 11 Upfront in NYC, showcasing AI ad tools and premium content.
- Ikea Roblox Pilot: Ikea tests virtual furniture in Roblox, linking real stores via QR codes for digital item unlocks.
- Customer Commitment: AI tools and multicloud options make switching easier, boosting competition and flexibility.
AMAZON NEWS
Tariffs are officially hitting Amazon prices
Tariffs aren’t just a headline anymore, they’re making their way onto product prices.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy confirmed that some items are already getting pricier thanks to President Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
🗓️ It’s been a while
Sellers stocked up before last spring’s rollout, but by fall, that buffer ran out. Now they’re making tough choices:
- Passing higher import costs to shoppers
- Absorbing the hit to stay competitive
- Landing somewhere in between
💲 Tariffs vs. 3P sellers
For sure, tariffs won’t hit every ASIN the same way, but pricing volatility is officially on the table. Be ready.
- Higher landed costs mean tighter margins
- More sellers may need to raise prices or cut ad spend
- Pricing gaps between domestic and overseas sellers could widen
Amazon says overall prices haven’t moved beyond “normal fluctuations,” but some items and brands are already affected.
Big retailers like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot are also warning customers about higher prices, this isn’t a short-term blip.
SOCIAL PULSE
Cupid's got nothing on your marketing
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples, it’s a golden chance to show your products some love and boost sales.
Here’s how to make your campaigns stand out:
- Love at first “site.” Valentine-ize your website and product pages.
- Tip: Highlight gift-ready products and create urgency with limited-time offers.
- Discounts and bundles. Offer story-driven discounts and curated gift bundles that feel thoughtful, not rushed.
- Tip: Valentine gift boxes or matching items make buying easy and romantic-ready.
- Guiding hearts (and wallets). Simplify decision-making with curated guides segmented by recipient: For Him, For Her, For Anyone.
- Tip: Inclusive shopping = stress-free and buyer-friendly.
- Last-minute pushes. Many shoppers wait until the last minute.
- Tip: Highlight express shipping and digital gifts with playful messaging to convert procrastinators.
- Galentine’s / Anti-Valentine’s. Don’t forget non-couples. Celebrate friends, pets, or single-life humor, highly shareable and relatable content.
Engage buyers emotionally, drive sales, and build brand loyalty with personalized strategies.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just a one-day event, it’s a chance for lasting growth.
