Monday just got a little more interesting for marketers. Amazon Ads dropped their new “Make Media Magic” campaign, designed to inject some fresh energy into the media planning process, perfect for anyone tired of the same old, data-heavy playbook.
But that’s just the start.
- Amazon updates Prime shipping 🚚
- Walmart preps for back-to-school 🎒
- TikTok adds DM to livestreams 📱
- New sellers fail because of these 6 basics ⚠️
AMAZON NEWS
Amazon is updating the rules of the road—again. This time, it’s about Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) and Premium Shipping, and the changes officially kick in June 29, 2025.
If you're already enrolled or thinking about jumping in, here's what you need to know.
🔄 What's changing?
- SFP enrollment and eligibility: Amazon is revising who can enroll and what it takes to stay in the SFP program.
- Spoiler: You’ll now need to consistently hit on-time delivery, tracking, and customer service benchmarks to keep that Prime badge.
- Premium shipping requirements: Performance standards are getting a refresh too. Expect tighter expectations, especially around speed and reliability.
- OTDR protection, but with a catch: Amazon will now protect your on-time delivery rate (OTDR) in more situations if you’re using their tools correctly. That includes:
- Enabling Shipping Settings Automation
- Using Amazon Buy Shipping or Veeqo with “OTDR Protected” labels
- Actually shipping out on time
- Even if you don’t use those tools, you’ll still be protected if there's a major regional disruption that affects everyone. 🛡️
🧭 Smart shipping just got easier
If fast shipping is part of your strategy—or you’ve got your eye on the Prime badge—this is your heads-up to review the fine print and make sure your setup is ready for 2025.
A little prep now can save your account health (and a lot of headaches) down the road.
TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE
Start selling on Walmart.com to capture peak back-to-school sales
Back-to-school seasonal demand is second only to the holiday season with highly promoted sales that can drive traffic, boost your brand and fuel sales. Launch your store now to ensure you're selling in time to capitalize on the back-to-school traffic surge.
Right now, Walmart’s New-Seller Savings event is offering new sellers up to $75K in incentives, which includes up to 75% off base referral fees and generous credits toward advertising and fulfillment.*
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. New-Seller Savings runs from sign up to January 31, 2026, so don’t wait—the faster you start, the more opportunities you’ll have to save.
To take advantage of this unprecedented offer and the endless opportunities on Walmart.com.
*Conditions apply.
Join Walmart Marketplace today
BITES OF THE WEEK
- Blackout Revelations: Temu's aggressive ad spending suddenly stopped and revealed just how controlling big advertisers can be.
- Build with the Best: Launch and build a successful online store with the best ecommerce platforms available now.
- Revamping QBRs: AI-notetaking? Yes! Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) are being streamlined thanks to AI.
- ROI ON AI: AI saves businesses’ time and therefore money, 114 minutes weekly translates to approximately $3,520.
SOCIAL PULSE
TikTok pushes livestream commerce with DM feature
TikTok is testing a new feature that could help sellers turn views into real-time conversions: DMs during livestreams.
According to Social Media Today, sellers can now activate message CTAs while live, letting viewers reach out instantly. More real-time conversations = more chances to close the sale.
💬 Message buttons go LIVE
This new update adds a “Message” button to your livestream, making it easy for curious viewers to start a chat mid-stream.
- Faster buyer interaction. Viewers can ask about products or promos in real time, shortening the path to purchase.
- Leads while they’re warm. No more relying on post-stream follow-ups—engage while interest is peaking.
- Low-pressure connection. DMs feel more casual than comments or links, especially for first-timers. 📨
♨️ Picking up steam
After watching Douyin (its Chinese counterpart) dominate livestream sales, TikTok is now trying to replicate that success in new markets—starting with this new DM feature.
- Black Friday 2024 saw a 3x sales spike, thanks to livestreaming.
- Southeast Asia is leading the charge with strong adoption of in-stream shopping.
- 100M creators went LIVE in 2024, including 46M first-timers.
If you’re an Amazon seller with strong video content, this is your cue: test TikTok LIVEs or double down if you're already in the game. 🔥
BLACK MARKET
New sellers fail when they skip these 6 basics
Starting a new business is exciting, but even promising ventures can fall flat if sellers miss key startup basics. True enough, over 20% of small businesses don’t make it past their first year. 💢
So, what trips up new entrepreneurs? Investopedia listed 6 common pit falls, and how you can prepare to beat the odds.
- Market research mistakes. Many sellers launch a product first, then hunt for customers.
- Tip: It’s best to identify real needs first, then build your product around them.
- Business plans without backbone. No clear roadmap means wrong turns. 🚧
- Tip: Your plan should include realistic goals, costs, and strategies to tackle challenges.
- Underestimating startup costs. No capital, no cushion. Cash is king—especially for inventory, marketing, and logistics.
- Tip: Explore SBA loans, angel investors, and bank financing early.
- Weak online presence. A great product won’t sell if no one sees it. 📍
- Tip: Strong Amazon SEO and social media are as powerful as a storefront.
- Getting too comfortable. Success can breed complacency. Markets move fast, and sellers who stay agile and adapt keep their edge.
- Tip: Stay alert.
- Scaling too quickly. Growth can kill when unchecked. A viral spike might tempt you to expand fast—but if finances or operations can’t keep pace, it can backfire.
- Tip: Before scaling, stress-test your supply chain, forecast inventory needs, and make sure your cash flow can handle the growth.
💡 Grow with a game plan
Many stumble, but successful sellers keep their eyes open and strategy tight. Treat your business like a real business from day one, and you’ll build long-term growth, and fewer “if only” moments. 💪
