Author: SellerBites

Can you guess how much Amazon earned last year?

A whopping $576 billion!

That’s why despite the risk of being ignored due to the dense seller population, many merchants still gamble on the platform for a piece of that sweet revenue. But if you want your success to be more certain, then our news lineup today might just be something you need to read.

• Sellers’ fears in 2024 👻
• The best way to beat your competition 💡
• Walmart’s new secret weapon against Amazon 🗡️
• Anti-deal fatigue steps 🙅

POST OF THE WEEK

AMAZON NEWS

Good news: Amazon dominates the U.S. ecommerce industry, helping sellers reach around 38% of the market share.

Bad news: Amazon dominates the U.S. ecommerce industry, almost monopolizing 50% of the revenue. This leaves other retailers little to share.

According to Practical Ecommerce, this isn’t the only thing that scares other industry players. 😨

Amazon marketplace fears in 2024

1. Overdependence on Amazon

The ecommerce giant offers irresistible seller services, especially FBA and Amazon Logistics. That’s why many merchants are becoming fully reliant on Amazon to run their businesses.

However, this convenience comes with a cost. Earlier this year, Amazon restructured FBA fees and added 15 cents to the cost of each item sold and managed via FBA.

Borrowing Practical Ecommerce’s words, “a merchant that depends on Amazon for most of its revenue has no obvious choice but to pay.”

2. Increasing advertising costs

To maximize audience reach on the platform, some sellers opt to use Amazon Ads. To some extent, this decision is justifiable, as this service helps:

• Tap high-intent buyers;
• Provide a seamless shopping experience; and
• Collect third-party data.

BUT… there’s the issue of high fees again. If you’re a small and medium-sized business owner, would it be worth crushing your margins in exchange for a little more exposure? 💭

3. Fiercer competition

With the development of generative AI technology, experts believe that organic search traffic will drop by 25%. This could affect ecommerce stores with their own websites, which might flock to Amazon to find another traffic source.

💊 The best remedy: Fight AND flight

All concerns above are legitimate—but not completely unsolvable. The key is to face them head-on while looking for the best alternatives.

For instance, you can explore other platforms and try selling on them. This could help maximize your yields and market presence. Just be extra careful not to mix rules and regulations to avoid losing your selling (and earning) privileges.

TOGETHER WITH REVIEWSCOOP

What’s the best way to beat your Amazon competition?

No, it’s not compelling high-quality photos. It’s not just ranking on the first page of the SERPs.

If it’s not these factors that people say you should pay utmost attention to, then what is?

We’ll let you in on a secret most Amazon sellers don’t know–it’s high-quality product reviews.

But what if you’re new to selling on Amazon and don’t have any reviews about your product yet? How will you stand out from your competitors?

ReviewScoop has got you covered!

It’s the safest way to get reviews and social proof from genuine testers, fast!

What you’ll get:

• Hassle-free process – just reviews, no headaches
• High-quality verified product reviews for as low as $199/month
• Recurring monthly reviews

Use high-quality reviews as leverage against your competitors. Let your products shine with verified product reviews!

Learn more

BITES OF THE WEEK

• Alexa Overhaul: Amazon will soon introduce an AI-powered Alexa—but with paid plans.
• TV Ads No More: Global retail media overtakes TV advertising and will probably double in spending for the next few years.
• SHOP313 2024: Detroit Pistons and Amazon co-hosted a summit to promote small community businesses.

HOT TOPIC

Walmart Realm is Amazon’s newest virtual threat

The Goliath vs. Goliath battle between Walmart and Amazon continues in 2024 as the former reveals a new secret weapon: Walmart Realm.

William White, Walmart’s CMO, shared a LinkedIn post showcasing the first-of-its-kind gamified marketplace that targets Gen Z shoppers. Here’s the scoop on the new virtual threat that could challenge Amazon’s ecommerce crown:

🎮 Shopping made fun

If Amazon brings convenience to shopping, Walmart brings the fun. According to White, Walmart Realm aims to dominate the virtual space by:

• Incorporating ecommerce with metaverse concepts and strategies.
• Recruiting the help of macro-influencers to curate the product selection. As of now, most of the available items on the platform are fashion and beauty products priced under $50.
• Adding games with prices that shoppers can use to purchase items on the platform.

Is this Walmart’s chance to beat Amazon?

Well, it’s too early to tell because Walmart Realm still needs to convince buyers to go there. Also, Amazon’s cooking a move to drive more engagement in the virtual space. 🍳

Still, the entry of Walmart Realm definitely spices up things in the Walmart vs. Amazon saga.

SELLER REFRESHER

How to combat consumers’ deal fatigue in 4 ways

Even as ecommerce continues to change one thing remains the same—sales and discounts are the main motivators of consumers. But believe it or not, there are times when these things lose their charm, such as when sales events with the same deals come right after one another.

📍 This is called deal fatigue, which can severely impact your sales when not handled well. Fortunately, Feedvisor has shared some tricks to stand out:

• Highlight what your product offers. Big discounts aren’t the only thing that entices customers to buy. Pointing out what makes your product unique has the same effect (sometimes better). 👌
• Personalize your recommendations based on customer preferences and behavior.
• Bundle deals—but do it strategically, not randomly. For example, group health and personal care items for a “self-care kit” or bundle tumbler and coffee/tea for a “hydration package.” 
• Use multichannel marketing. Advertise your deals on social media or via email or SMS to widen your reach.

🪜 Bonus hack: Step up your customer service

Because if there’s one thing that will help shoppers remember you better, it’s excellent after-sales support. Besides, when did good customer service fail to ease customer stress?

We bet you’re looking forward to clocking out later tonight. But before you do, we’re serving you the hottest e-commerce news you have to know before heading to the weekend.

Also, do you know you can get a SellerBites PPC handbook if you’ve successfully referred 3 of your friends? It’s easy! Scroll down at the very end to see! 👀

• TikTok’s new advertising features 📱
• Easy-to-follow PPC tips ✍️
• SMS marketing is still in 🖁
• Dynamic pricing strategy 🖁

SOCIAL PULSE

In the recently held TikTok World 2024 event, TikTok announced several tool improvements and updates, as well as new ad types. Social Media Today breaks down the details.

1. Symphony

Symphony is TikTok’s new “creative AI suite”for ad partners. The functions aren’t really new, but it brings all AI creative elements, such as AI assistance in writing scripts, producing videos, and brainstorming ideas, into a single platform.

2. TikTok One

TikTok launched TikTok One to serve as a unified location for TikTok marketing tools. With this, you can tap into TikTok’s network of creators, production partners, agencies, and creative tools.

3. New ad formats

• Interactive Add-Ons for TopView – enables “pop-out elements” and countdown stickers for TopView campaigns.
• Duet with Branded Mission -allows TikTok creators to Duet with their Branded Mission videos.

👀 Future updates

Think it’s done? The updates don’t stop there, though. TikTok also gave a sneak peek at what they’re working on. This includes performance automation, TikTok Shop marketing automation, and “Unified Lift”

Most of the new features will streamline what already exists in TikTok. This suggests that amid a potential U.S. ban, the platform still wants to make it easier for brands to sell on TikTok Shop.

TOGETHER WITH EZ-COMMERCE

Boost your sales with these 3 very straightforward PPC tips

You’ve probably read through dozens of Amazon Pay-Per-Click tips. But trust us when we say that this time, we’re giving you tips you can use to grow your sales. Best thing about it? It’s straightforward and no fuss.

EZ-commerce.net implements these 3 PPC strategies to enhance their client’s sales.

1. Initiate a down-only campaign targeting long-term keywords. 

• Set a low bid of $0.02, but aim to appear at the top of search results by bidding 200 to 500 percent higher (put 200-500 percent at the top of the place).
• Monitor performance every 72 hours, and if there are no impressions, increase the bid percentage by at least 50%. 

2. Implement the “Dvir Golden Nugget Trick” (aka an EZ-commerce secret!) 

• Create an automatic campaign targeting “close match”. 
• Start with a modest bid of $0.02. Incrementally raise the bid by 20% every 96 hours or 4 days.
• Once the bid cost approaches $1, reset to $0.02 and repeat the process. You’ll see sales with a very low ACOS that will lower your account’s total advertising cost of sales or ACOS. 

3. Generate a coupon code offering at least a 20% discount. 

• The code should be valid from the current date plus 2 days, and run for 30 days. 
• Run the “abandoned cart” Brand Tailor promotion to re-engage these abandoned customers who will buy your product with the coupon code now. 

Happy with these tips? Reach out to EZ-commerce.Net to get more tips and an account audit!

Give me more PPC tips!

BITES OF THE WEEK

• ICYDK: Sellers enrolled in Brand Registry can now add Size Charts to listings.
• Generate Videos: Create more by choosing from the best video generators of the year.
• SERPs vs SGE: Classic search results are limited and are now replaced by shopping graphs.
• Winning Strategy: Learn how Amazon’s strategy revolutionized business and retail as we know it.

SELLER REFRESHER

3 reasons why SMS marketing works

Ring ring.

The 2000s called, they said SMS marketing is still in.

Amidst the advanced marketing trends present today, SMS marketing is another surefire way to help brands reach customers.

According to TwoVerbs.com, this tactic is gaining momentum due to its direct nature and high engagement rates. 📈

What can this do?

SMS marketing stands out mainly due to its speediness and brevity. Not to mention the personal, impactful messaging it offers.

Specifically, it can:

• Personalize at scale. You can tailor messages based on customer behavior, purchase history, and preferences. Segment audiences so you can send specialized offers (such as birthday discounts for subscribers born in a specific month).
• Communicate timely. Send relevant and time-sensitive reminders, especially for sales events and abandoned carts. You can also use automated messages to save time so that customers don’t have to wait too long to get answers.
• Drive engagement. Here’s one thing to remember: 95% of text messages are read within the first 3 minutes of sending. 

📱 Success is one text away

With these, it’s easy to see how SMS helps with customer retention and repeat purchases. SMS marketing helps make customers feel valued. It’s a marketing strategy that you should definitely invest in when possible.

CASH CORNER

What you need to know about dynamic pricing strategy

Ever heard of dynamic pricing? We bet you have.

It’s when airlines jack their prices up for the same flight, the closer the date of booking is to the flight. To keep it simple, It’s adjusting the prices depending on the current demand.

Influencer Marketing Hub shares how Amazon sellers can implement it.

Retailers use this strategy to optimize product prices, improve conversion rates, and increase revenue. Your prices aren’t stagnant, which gives you a leeway to offer competitive prices to shoppers.

Did you know that Amazon adjusts its prices 2.5 million times a day? Their repricing feature is powered by cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics. 

Using a Dynamic Pricing software

Not sure how to execute this strategy flawlessly? You can use third-party repricing tools that integrate with Amazon instead of the built-in repricing tool. 

• These seller tools offer more control over pricing. You can adjust prices based on business factors like inventory, sales velocity, and competitor prices.
• They also offer better support and troubleshooting assistance.
• However, you need to navigate potential legal and consumer perception risks.

Overall, dynamic pricing is an effective strategy for boosting profits and competitiveness. And its accuracy and reliability are expected to improve further.

AI in ecommerce: a friend or a foe?

That’s the controversial question that has haunted sellers and marketers ever since the tech entered the ecommerce world. Today, we’ll try to help you answer that through juicy slices of news about ecommerce technology.

• Technology-driven legal issues 🤖
• Your AI-less success story 🫵
• AI-generated UGC 🤳
• Amazon’s AI-powered ways ⚡

BLACK MARKET

Running an online business isn’t just about great products. The legal landscape is a big part of the game. And because technology keeps on changing it, it’s crucial to keep up with the changes is crucial to avoid potential legal pitfalls.

While it’s wise to have a lawyer in your corner, Business.com highlights 5 legal issues you should be familiar with.

1. Liability and contractual information

Even big players like Amazon aren’t immune to this issue. Back in 2019, they faced legal heat when a dog collar sold by a third-party vendor caused permanent vision loss to a customer. 

It was a wake-up call for all to clarify product liabilities and warranties, especially with third-party vendors. A little upfront effort can save you from legal headaches.

🛡️ How to dodge this bullet:

• Provide crystal clear terms of use, especially if you’re selling third-party products.
• Disclose product liabilities and how customers can return or cancel their purchases.

2. Data protection and privacy

Collecting customer data is a standard practice in business. However, businesses carry the responsibility of protecting it.

Transparency is key here—not just because it’s the law but because it builds strong consumer trust.

🛡️ How to dodge this bullet:

• Draft clear data protection and cookies policies and display them prominently on your site.
• Always get explicit consent before collecting personal data.
• Provide a way for customers to opt out of having their data accessed.

3. Fraud and electronic transaction security

Online payment fraud is predicted to hit $13.73 billion by 2024. Besides keeping customer info secure, you need robust fraud prevention measures to avoid hefty fines and reputation damage.

FYI: If your site gets hacked, you’re legally required to inform your customers and the public. Most states in the U.S. give you 45 days to do this, but it varies, so know your local laws.

🛡️ How to dodge this bullet:

• Implement application performance management to maintain system security and detect issues before they escalate.

4. Intellectual property infringement

Using someone else’s intellectual property— intentional or not—can lead to costly lawsuits. You must be extra careful on this one, as you can still face claims even if you cite the source.

🛡️ How to dodge this bullet:

• Create your content or ensure you have the rights to use what you’re using.
• Treat all external work as copyrighted unless specified otherwise.
• Regularly audit your site for potential intellectual property issues.

5. Unauthorized resellers

Unauthorized resellers are like weeds in your garden. They can undercut your prices and damage your brand.

🛡️ How to dodge this bullet:

• Register your trademark and track online platforms for unauthorized sales.
• If you find any, test-buy from them to gather evidence and take legal action if necessary.

⚖️ Stay legal, stay profitable

Running an ecommerce business requires playing by the rules. Feel free to leverage every bit of technology out there to grow your brand—but carefully and legally.

TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE

You don’t need AI to generate your success story

Tired of limited reach and high fees? 

It’s time to tap into millions of eager customers with Walmart Marketplace! 

For a limited time, new sellers on Walmart Marketplace get: 

• Up to 50% off on referral fees for three months; 
• Up to 50% off on Walmart Fulfillment Services*; and 
• Instant access to powerful sales tools like advertising and competitive pricing!

Be the next success story on Walmart.com!

How did Miko grow by 115% GMV in just one year?*

By leveraging the 2-day shipping of Walmart Fulfillment Services to increase GMV by 1573%* on items that did not previously have 2-day shipping!

Ready to be the next Miko? Start selling now and get up to 50% off on referral and fulfillment fees.**

Unlike other platforms, Walmart Marketplace offers:

• ZERO monthly or setup fees
• Unmatched transparency—clear, competitive fees with no hidden costs.
• The unique omnichannel advantage that lets you tap into millions of customers across their online and physical stores.

Sign up today and claim your exclusive savings!

Start selling on Walmart.com.

*Source: Walmart first-party data, 2021-22

**Conditions apply.

BITES OF THE WEEK

• New Tools Alert: Here are some new AI tools you can explore to market your brand and products
• From E to C: There’s a tech tool for all your needs—from ecommerce selling to customer service.
• Absolutely Right: Research revealed that AR tops new ways of shopping.
• A Refresher: ICYMI, here’s our take on leveraging AI for your business.

HOT TOPIC

Is AI-generated UGC a game-changer or deal-breaker?

Last March, a viral short-form video ad sparked industry-wide conversation. The ad featured a woman in a car discussing body odor and deodorants.

What’s controversial about it?

It was entirely AI-generated! Business Insider shared the impressions it garnered from those who saw it.

➗ Divided stance

• Enthusiasts:
  • Will Sartorius, CEO of SelfMade, quickly partnered with AI developers due to the streamlined creativity this innovation offers. Working with UGC creators takes months, but with AI, it’s down to just 30 minutes at most.
  • Some influencers like Ariel Marie, whose face inspired the AI-generated ad, don’t think it will significantly impact their careers.
• Skeptics:
  • Vic Banham, CEO of Antler Social, worries that if AI involvement isn’t disclosed, it could damage the trust between brands and consumers.
  • Micro-influencers are concerned about fair compensation and the potential for brands to exploit creators.

🚥 Road ahead

Despite the buzz, industry experts stress that humans are still essential in the creative process. AI boosts efficiency, but it won’t replace real people anytime soon. Authentic human storytelling in advertising remains irreplaceable, even as AI takes on a bigger role.

SELLER REFRESHER

How Amazon uses AI to deliver personalized shopping experiences

Since 2021, Amazon has been the top apparel retailer in the U.S. But that’s somehow expected since the retail giant uses AI to reshape the fashion industry and enhance customer experiences.

 🧠 Technology Magazine details how Amazon does it and how you can replicate it for your brand.

• AI-powered size recommendations. Amazon uses AI and machine learning models to provide better size recommendations on product pages.
  • How to replicate it: Leverage similar technology to analyze customer data, including size preferences and product reviews. This will enhance the accuracy of your recommendations for any type of item.
• Fit Review Highlights. Amazon offers AI-generated Fit Review Highlights to help customers find the right fit based on their recommended size. 📏
  • How to replicate it: Use an AI tool that can extract and summarize customer feedback to provide personalized guidelines.
• Visualized clothing size charts. Amazon leverages AI to present size information in a visually engaging manner. This enhances the accuracy and usefulness of size charts.
  • How to replicate it: Find an AI tool that can visually present product information. This would help customers assess if the specs fit their requirements.
• AI Fit Insights Tool. Amazon’s Fit Insights Tool helps brands understand why items are returned and provides actionable insights to improve product offerings. 📦
  • How to replicate it: Invest in an AI tool that can provide and analyze comprehensive return feedback to help you improve what needs to be improved.

AI makes it possible

Amazon is indeed miles ahead in providing tailored experiences for its customers. If this success story doesn’t convince you to embrace AI-driven solutions, we don’t know what will.

We asked, you answered, and we delivered.

You said you wanted Amazon success stories—so here you go. Introducing SellerBites’ first issue of Brand Deep Dive, where you’ll get an idea of how brands succeed on Amazon.

• How start-up Ashtonbee successfully positioned itself
• FREE Cheatsheet: How to build viral TikTok Shop campaigns
• What can you learn from Ashtonbee?
• How to identify your brand’s unique selling proposition (USP) in 7 steps

SCRATCHING THE SURFACE

How start-up Ashtonbee successfully positioned itself in the Baby Products category

Parents, especially first-time ones, would always want the best for their children—the best brand of milk, the tastiest and healthiest food, and the best baby products.

But in the sea of baby essentials out there, did you know how this start-up brand successfully positioned itself in this category?

So what sets them apart?

Gone are the days when baby products were limited to bright colors. You know how it goes–blues for boys, and pinks for girls. How it looks won’t matter to the baby–but the truth is, it will matter to the parents (or whoever’s purchasing the products).

Style meets functionality. That’s the Ashtonbee difference. Aside from that, here are other reasons that set them apart from other brands offering the same products:

• They solve parenting challenges—but more effectively. For example, Ashtonbee offers baby bibs in silicone. This targets a pain point by making their products easier to clean, letting parents relax while their child eats without stressing about spills.
• Ashtonbee doesn’t play around when it comes to quality. Each product is crafted with care, meeting and often surpassing industry standards. This is where they gain market trust.

TOGETHER WITH INSENSE

FREE Cheatsheet: How to build viral TikTok Shop campaigns

The #1 TikTok pain point for influencer and social media managers in 2024 is finding top TikTok Shop creators.  

Insense (official TikTok Shop Partner) can help with that.

Insense and its team of TikTok Shop experts will help…

• Match you with vetted creators FAST within 2 days 
• Deliver killer shoppable videos in 10 days or less

And they’ve published a FREE TikTok Shop Cheatsheet

Cheatsheet Perks:

• The secret to creating high-converting TikTok Shop campaigns 
• A ready-to-use TikTok Shop brief template 
• TikTok Shop pro-tips to boost your results

Download your FREE Cheatsheet

DIVING DEEPER

What can you learn from Ashtonbee?

Having a good product is one thing. Many brands produce great, high-quality items like Ashtonbee does. But what makes them stand out is how they market—or rather, how they don’t market—their products.

Ashtonbee ticks a lot of boxes in good marketing practices, such as using high-quality product images and maintaining consistency in marketing voice.One shouldn’t underestimate how these fairly simple, yet effective, marketing practices work.

But one of the highlights is how they center their product marketing around their unique selling proposition (USP)—being budget-friendly yet innovative.

They know their branding well, and they make sure to stick to it.

Take Ashtonbee’s Baby Fruit Pacifier Feeder for example. It’s a pacifier and food feeder in one product. This is not exactly a revolutionary product since their competitors also offer this product. But aside from the style, it’s priced right compared to others, given the same product quality and design.

This is clear in every piece of marketing content the brand releases. They address common parenting challenges, recommend helpful products, and highlight how their simple yet innovative solutions can perfectly meet parents’ needs.

Be like Ashtonbee by:

✅ Establishing and sticking to a defined branding

✅ Pricing your products competitively

✅ Innovating your products by looking at what’s lacking in the market. For Ashtonbee, it’s their style that sets them apart from other brands.

SUCCESS BLUEPRINT

How to identify your brand’s unique selling proposition (USP) in 7 steps

Not every brand hits the bullseye with its unique selling proposition (USP), which is why many great products don’t quite hit the mark. But, even though Ashtonbee nailed their USP, they didn’t stumble upon it right away. 

So, if you’re still figuring yours out, check out this 7-step guide from Business.com.

1. Let the ideas flow. From the people at customer support to the geniuses in product development, everyone’s ideas count. No judgment here—just throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Remember, it’s all about gathering those golden nuggets of insight.
2. Get to know your crowd. Before you can woo your customers, you’ve gotta know ’em. Dive deep into demographics: age, location, gender, you name it. The more detailed your buyer personas, the better.
3. Spy on the competition. Scope out your rivals, dissect their offerings, and stalk their marketing moves. What are they doing right? What’s missing? Take notes—it’s all valuable intel.
4. Flaunt your strengths. What makes you shine? Is it your unbeatable prices, lightning-fast delivery, or top-notch customer service? List them out; these are your secret weapons in the battle for customer hearts.
5. Face your weaknesses. No one’s perfect, not even your business. Pinpoint your pain points and devise a plan to overcome them.
6. Unleash your uniqueness. Comb through all the data and ideas you’ve collected. What sets you apart in a sea of sameness? Find that spark that makes your brand one-of-a-kind.
7. Wordsmith your way to success. Time to sum it all up in a catchy tagline. Keep it simple, keep it snappy, and keep it real. No jargon here—just clear, compelling language that speaks directly to your audience.

So, there you have it—a roadmap to uncovering your brand’s USP. With these steps in your arsenal, you’re ready to make your mark and stand out in a sea of sameness, just like Ashtonbee. Ready, set, differentiate!

Last week, Walmart reported its Q1 earnings amounting to $161.5 billion. We mean no pressure—but we do have some news with positive vibes and insights that might inspire you to hustle until you earn the same.

• Small ecommerce businesses growth in 2024 📈
• No to high fees, yes to a lucrative business 🌱
• Chinese sellers on Walmart Marketplace 🕴️
• The solution to cart abandonment issues 🛒

ECOMMERCE NEWS

Wanna hear something positive?

Alibaba’s 2024 State of U.S. Buyers Survey revealed that small businesses feel optimistic about sales growth this year. As shared by Digital Commerce 360, many small brands are looking to expand their ecommerce business.

🥡 Other takeaways

• 84% of companies have an optimistic outlook for this year, with 44% being very optimistic.
• 53% sell online, most likely through their company websites. Meanwhile, 44% and 3% don’t and won’t do ecommerce business, respectively.
• 75% foresee online selling playing a significantly larger role in their overall strategy. ✨
• Digital marketing effectiveness remains the top concern with 50% of respondents, followed by customer communications (%34) and technology infrastructure and upgrades (31%). 
• Interestingly, 83% of companies that earn $5 million or more in revenue (considered “bigger companies”) aren’t using AI.

🤷 Is this a bad or good thing?

Well, a bit of both.

Good part: There’s apositive outlook for ecommerce among small businesses. This suggests that small businesses are ready to leverage the potential of ecommerce platforms for broader audience reach and increased sales.

Not so good part: Small brand owners still need to address the root cause of the challenges—lead generation and steady cash flow. Otherwise, they won’t realize their full potential to compete with bigger ecommerce players.

TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE

Bid goodbye to high fees, say hello to a lucrative business

Tired of limited reach and high fees? 

It’s time to tap into millions of eager customers with Walmart Marketplace! 

For a limited time, new sellers on Walmart Marketplace get: 

• Up to 50% off on referral fees for three months; 
• Up to 50% off on Walmart Fulfillment Services*; and 
• Instant access to powerful sales tools like advertising and competitive pricing!

Be the next success story on Walmart.com!

How did Miko grow by 115% GMV in just one year?*

By leveraging the 2-day shipping of Walmart Fulfillment Services to increase GMV by 1573%* on items that did not previously have 2-day shipping!

Ready to be the next Miko? Start selling now and get up to 50% off on referral and fulfillment fees.**

Unlike other platforms, Walmart Marketplace offers:

• ZERO monthly or setup fees
• Unmatched transparency—clear, competitive fees with no hidden costs.
• The unique omnichannel advantage that lets you tap into millions of customers across their online and physical stores.

Sign up today and claim your exclusive savings!

Start selling on Walmart.com.

*Source: Walmart first-party data, 2021-22

**Conditions apply.

BITES OF THE WEEK

• OpenAI x Reddit: OpenAI can now train using Reddit’s massive human-based data collection.
• Suing Uncle Sam: Eight TikTok creators are suing the U.S. government over the potential ban.
• Get Certified: Here are the courses that can help you gain skills and competencies in the ecommerce industry.
• Extended ‘Tok’: TikTok is rolling out a 60-minute option—more than enough time to engage viewers.

HOT TOPIC

Chinese sellers are filling up Walmart Marketplace

After Amazon, Chinese sellers seem to fix their eyes on Walmart Marketplace. In April 2024, the platform recorded 73% new Chinese sellers, up from 67% in March.

But… here’s a twist according to Marketplace Pulse: Walmart isn’t just passively seeing more Chinese sellers—they’re actively courting them!

🔄 Shift in seller demographics

Since allowing international sellers in March 2021, Walmart has mostly seen new sellers from China. But to be clear, the number of new U.S. sellers added in April remained consistent with last year’s figures.

Despite these high numbers, Walmart remains selective on who to allow on its online marketplace. The retailer said it only approves 10%–20% out of tens of thousands of registrations.

Still, the influx of Chinese sellers has shifted the balance big time.

• April 2023: U.S.-based sellers made up 91% of the new additions to Walmart Marketplace.
• April 2024: The number has plummeted to 23%, with the gap being filled by sellers from China. What’s more, the number of new Chinese sellers nearly matches the total number added in 2023.

🌎 Global strategy

Walmart’s CEO emphasized that most of what they sell in U.S. stores is American-made. But online, it’s a different story—the same as that of Amazon where China-based sellers make up nearly 50% of the top sellers.

• In March, Walmart hosted its first seller summit in Shenzhen, China.
• In February, they introduced a Chinese-language version of their Seller Central dashboard. They also began accepting support cases submitted in Chinese from sellers.
• Walmart is testing a beta program aimed at simplifying imports into their Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS).

🔥 The battle heats up

Walmart and Amazon now facilitate direct purchases from China, with fast shipping. Meanwhile, platforms like Temu offer direct buys from China at lower prices, but without the same speedy shipping.

As of now, one thing is clear: Walmart is positioning itself to keep pace with Amazon and carve out a share of the market dominated by newcomers like Temu.

TACTIC TALKS

How to capture email addresses to avoid cart abandonment

Did you know about 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts?

Good thing there’s a way to avoid being left out—getting the email addresses of these potential buyers! And nope, not in a creepy way. 👀

Practical Ecommerce shared these awesome ways to help you secure customers’ email addresses:

• Ask for customers’ email addresses during the shopping journey. To avoid looking scammy, use simple signup forms for newsletters, product updates, or discounts.
• Ask early. Request the email at the start of checkout. If they leave, you can send recovery emails, which may include discount codes for that extra push to finally click the buy button.
• Invest in newsletter ads. Advertise your store’s newsletter in popular ones. Offer deals like “Subscribe and Save 20%” to capture emails directly.
• Use exit pop-ups. When shoppers try to leave, show a pop-up offering a special deal in exchange for their email.
• Match visitors to emails. Use tools (like Littledata) to recognize returning subscribers even if ad blockers are used. This helps you connect and send recovery emails.

💪 Beat cart abandonment

Each email address is a direct line to a customer who has already shown interest in your products. It not only helps recover lost sales but also builds a valuable network for future marketing efforts. 

Speaking of email, remember that our line is always open for your suggestions (or even violent reactions) and additional tips. 📧

Today, we’re serving you the hottest teas.

But, before delving into that, did you know that almost 50% of our subscribers want to read Amazon success stories and cases from us? Do you agree with this? Let us know your thoughts by answering this survey and we might just serve you exactly that. 😉

• Amazon takes on two new lawsuits ⚖️
• Beat demanding Amazon selling requirements ⌚
• TikTok ban worries sellers 🛑
• Sustainable ecommerce business 🌱

POST OF THE WEEK

BLACK MARKET

Amazon’s continually serving its sellers and customers. But they’re also busy tending to its two new lawsuits. The Verge reported the details, and if you’ve been following the drama with the FTC, some of these might ring a bell. 🔔

Lawsuit #1: The Prime trap

• Allegation: Amazon uses deceptive design tricks, or “dark patterns,” to complicate their Prime subscription cancellation process. This tricks consumers into staying subscribed longer than they intend to, a clear violation of the Consumer Fraud Act.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because the FTC already took action against Amazon over the same dark pattern issue back in June.

Lawsuit #2: Monopoly moves

• Allegations: Amazon maintains monopoly status by imposing “no offering lower prices elsewhere” agreements with third-party sellers. This violates the Breach of Uniform State Antitrust Act.

The kind of deal mentioned, known as a “most favored nation” clause, has been under fire in other states, too. The District of Columbia and California have taken action against it, but the former’s case was thrown out. 🗑️

Lawsuit #2.1: The Buy Box controversy

• Allegations: The second lawsuit also aims at the tech giant’s Buy Box algorithm. Mayes claims that it unfairly favors Amazon’s products or those from FBA sellers. This practice misleads consumers into believing they are getting the best price. In reality, customers might overpay because Amazon prioritizes listings that generate higher fees, a possible violation of the Consumer Fraud Act.

This echoes the FTC’s antitrust case against Amazon, supported by multiple state AGs. It highlights how such control can lead to anti-competitive behavior and consumer deception.

Amazon fires back

Amazon spokesperson Tim Doyle criticized the Arizona AG for filing lawsuits without reviewing Amazon’s documents, calling the allegations a “fundamental misunderstanding and mischaracterization” of their business practices.

Doyle emphasized that Amazon’s operations aim to offer fair prices and services for consumers and sellers, contrary to the lawsuits’ claims. ❎

TOGETHER WITH SELLER INTERACTIVE

The best way to beat demanding Amazon selling requirements

As sellers, your ultimate dream is to see your Amazon business soar to new heights and turn your brand into a household name. Fortunately, you now have the means to turn this dream into reality through Seller Interactive’s Account Management Services!

🛅 Say goodbye to…

…the woes that held you back, like:

• Headache-inducing account registration requirements;
• Tedious organic ranking boosts;
• Complex product launching and listing;
• Anxiety-triggering suspension risks; and
• Stressful order management and shipments.

👋 With Seller Interactive, say hello to…

…what else but success!

With Seller Interactive, you can access top-notch workarounds for common seller issues. Their battle-tested strategies and Amazon expertise will become YOUR secret weapons. And ICYDK, Seller Interactive’s Account Management Services obtained a 4.4-star rating from Clutch.

What are you waiting for? Trust the experts in this field. Trust Seller Interactive.

BITES OF THE WEEK

• Last Mile Solutions: Hyperlocal Delivery Software could answer last-mile logistics challenges.
• Going Viral: Be inspired by these 5 viral products from Amazon small businesses.
• AI’s Choice: Amazon’s Package Decision Engine determines the most efficient packaging to lessen waste.

HOT TOPIC

TikTok ban in the US concerns some sellers

ICYDK, TikTok is facing several issues: from data privacy risks to the spread of misinformation. Now, there’s another significant problem: a possible ban in the U.S. 🚫

A bill passed by the U.S. Senate and signed into law by President Biden in late April 2024 could ban TikTok if its owner, ByteDance, doesn’t sell the app within the next year. 

However, according to Reuters, some sellers are worried about the impact of this bill.

Why do some sellers oppose the ban?

• Business growth: TikTok has helped many small businesses grow rapidly. For example, sellers Paul and Lynda Tran saw their skincare brand, Love & Pebble, go viral and sell out their products.
• Unique algorithm: TikTok’s algorithm allows small businesses to reach large audiences quickly. Unlike other platforms, it doesn’t require a huge following to go viral.
• Community engagement: TikTok users not only buy products but also share them with others. This helps boost sales and brand visibility.
• Sales platform: The launch of TikTok Shop in 2023 has enabled sellers to sell directly within the app, which helps increase their sales.
• Lack of alternatives: Other platforms like Instagram and Facebook have not yet provided the same level of opportunity for small businesses. However, Meta’s recent updates to Instagram aim to improve the experience and performance of small content creators.

🤹‍♂️ Finding the perfect balance

The question is: can we protect our digital borders without crushing the hopes of small business owners? Let’s hope for a solution that balances both: keeping our data safe while leaving the door open for small businesses to thrive. 🌱

ACTIONABLE ADVICE

4 steps to a sustainable ecommerce business

Consumers nowadays are more conscious of their buying choices. Aside from the products themselves, they’re making considerable efforts to choose “sustainable” businesses.

In a world full of single-use plastics, how can you practice sustainability The Entrepreneur shares some ways:

• Demand forecasting

The main problem in business is making more but selling less. Minimize overproduction by predicting product demand. You can use AI to calculate these numbers for you!

• Sustainable packaging

Choose biodegradable or reusable packaging solutions. Although some eco-friendly packaging materials like honeycomb paper packaging cost more than those made from plastic, it’s worth investing in this in the long run.

This way, you can plug that you’re a sustainable brand without being accused of “greenwashing.”

If you don’t have the budget to buy eco-friendly packaging, you can always reuse or recycle what you currently have! Don’t throw out box packages or tags on your bulk purchases. These come in handy when packing orders.

Did you know you should have at least 4 or 5 premium content in each ad? Many advertisers now understand this principle, in turn creating panic in the industry due to concerns that their content may not engage viewers.

Ecommerce is a jungle. You can’t survive without

Good thing we don’t have the same problem—because we always strive to bring you the freshest pieces of information every day.

• A modus operandi that stole $50 million 💸
• The secret to winning millions of customers 🎯
• Amazon’s 2023 Small Business Empowerment Report 📂
• Maximize the power of LinkedIn Groups 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

BLACK MARKET

Just like hidden traps waiting to catch the unwary, online shopping scams lurk in plain sight. The Register reported how a sneaky crime ring called BogusBazaar managed to steal $50 million from over 850,000 people across Europe, America, and Australia!

🕵️‍♂️ The setup

The group runs over 75,000 fake websites, 22,500 of which are still active. Here’s how they operate:

• The main BogusBazaar team does all the software and server work:
  • A single BogusBazaar server, typically residing in the U.S. and using Cloudflare, can host 200 to 500 fake online shops. 
  • The sites use WordPress with WooCommerce, but they also previously used Zen Cart and OpenCart. 
  • Payment pages are separate from the actual storefronts, so if one is shut down, another can replace it easily. They’re skilled at automating new site creation, often reusing expired domains with good Google reputation.
• BogusBazaar affiliates run the fake shops. They pay the core team for software and server access in a “fraud-as-a-service” model. Most affiliates are in China, and target victims are mainly in the U.S., UK, France, Australia, and other Western countries.

🔍 How does the scam work?

• The scam has two parts. First is credit card harvesting, where fake gateways collect data without charging. Second is fake selling, where they actually take money from the victims.
• Victims are lured in by fake websites offering non-existent or counterfeit goods at discounted rates.
• Scammers collect credit card details through spoofed payment services like PayPal and Stripe.
• Some victims receive nothing after placing orders, while others receive counterfeit items.

⚠️ The warning signs are clear: if a deal seems too good to be true—it probably is. So, remind your buyers to watch out for red flags to protect them from falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.

TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE

The secret to winning the hearts (and wallets) of millions of customers

Tired of limited reach and high fees? 

It’s time to tap into millions of eager customers with Walmart Marketplace! 

For a limited time, new sellers on Walmart Marketplace get: 

• Up to 50% off on referral fees for three months; 
• Up to 50% off on Walmart Fulfillment Services*; and 
• Instant access to powerful sales tools like advertising and competitive pricing!

Be the next success story on Walmart.com!

How did Miko grow by 115% GMV in just one year?*

By leveraging the 2-day shipping of Walmart Fulfillment Services to increase GMV by 1573%* on items that did not previously have 2-day shipping!

Ready to be the next Miko? Start selling now and get up to 50% off on referral and fulfillment fees.**

Unlike other platforms, Walmart Marketplace offers:

• ZERO monthly or setup fees
• Unmatched transparency—clear, competitive fees with no hidden costs.
• The unique omnichannel advantage that lets you tap into millions of customers across their online and physical stores.

Sign up today and claim your exclusive savings!

Start selling on Walmart.com.

*Source: Walmart first-party data, 2021-22

**Conditions apply.

BITES OF THE WEEK

• Coupon Power: If you want to increase your search visibility, better add coupons to your ASINs now.
• Amazon Ireland 2025: Amazon is expanding its empire—South Africa this year, Ireland next year.
• Google’s Gimmick: As if challenged by OpenAI’s recent bombshell, Google is now polishing SERPs.
• E-trucks on the Road: Fifty heavy-duty electric trucks are now roaming South California rods to deliver Amazon packages.

TRENDING TOPIC

10 takeaways from Amazon’s 2023 Small Business Empowerment Report

Amazon is walking the talk of its commitment to making the marketplace a thriving space for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The recently released Small Business Empowerment Report for 2023 sheds light on this dedication. 

📌 Here are the 10 key takeaways from the report:

• Over 10,000 independent sellers hit the $1 million mark in sales on Amazon last year.
• Hundreds of millions of shoppers flocked to small and medium-sized businesses on the platform. Amazon’s features, like the Small Business Search filter, have helped simplify the hunt for hidden gems.
• U.S.-based sellers shipped over 330 million goodies to 130 countries. That’s thanks to Amazon’s resources equip sellers with everything they need to conquer the global market. 🔋
• Independent sellers on Amazon provided more than 1.8 million jobs across the U.S.
• Over 100,000 sellers tapped into Amazon’s AI arsenal to level up their listings.
• Brand owners saw sales jump by more than 22% year-over-year. 📈
• California took the lead in jobs supported by Amazon-related businesses.
• Rural sellers saw a 60% increase in sales from the previous year.
• Maine topped the charts for the fastest-growing number of sellers on Amazon.
• Health & Personal Care, Beauty, Home, Grocery, and Apparel emerged as the top categories of online shopping.

💡 In a nutshell

Amazon’s commitment to small businesses isn’t just good business—it’s a promise to empower dreams. It just shows that from bustling cities to remote towns, Amazon’s got your back with cutting-edge tech, global reach, and a whole lot of heart.

TACTIC TALKS

How to use LinkedIn Groups to build your marketing network

With the rise of AI and automation technologies, marketers seem to ignore one crucial marketing component—networking. Hence, many miss the chance to build a professional support system. 🏗️

But it’s not too late to connect with your peers. eCommerce Fastlane said you could kickstart your networking journey with LinkedIn.

How?

Through LinkedIn Groups!

These platforms allow you to meet and discuss anything under the sun with industry professionals. And the good news? Joining one requires only 5 simple steps:

• Find the right group, ideally one that offers insights aligned with your business type and goals. 
• Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it looks professional to establish a good reputation and brand image. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, take this as a sign to create one now.
• Engage with the community. Don’t be a silent watcher (that’s creepy). Share your thoughts—somebody may find them useful. 🧠
• Send connection requests. Well, how else can you expand your network if you don’t?
• Gather insights from experts, other sellers, and even people from related fields. The more knowledge, the merrier.

✍️ Bonus step: Share content

And make sure they’re valuable and accurate. You can also mix in some self-promotion to enhance brand awareness. Who knows, you might be the next talk of LinkedIn town.

Amazon is ruthless.

That’s according to one article, citing how the ecommerce giant crushed a startup in 2009. Well, managing a business is a ruthless process itself—but you always have the choice to beat rivals with kindness and a whole lot of integrity.

For today, however, we’re gonna talk about something that’s the complete opposite of integrity. Read on to know what it is.

• Common types of dark patterns (and how to fix them) 🕵️
• A safe and fast way to get online reviews 👌
• Amazon and its dark patterns 👀
• Tips for avoiding dark patterns on your website 📑

BIG IDEA

If there’s one goal you as sellers should aspire to achieve, it’s to gather as much information as possible about buyers. This way, you can tailor your offers and campaigns to customers’ preferences, boosting your sales potential.

But in doing so, there’s one precaution you should take note of—dark patterns. These are tricks used by online platforms to bend shoppers to their will. In 2023, 40% of consumers fell into these traps. ☠️ 

Even big players like Amazon have been caught using these tactics. To help you avoid mistakenly committing them, Forbes compiled a list of common dark patterns and how honest retailers can help reverse this trend

😈 Common deceptive tactics

KnownHost analyzed 48 retail websites to identify common dark patterns defined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Here’s a rundown of these tactics:

• Bait-and-switch: Luring consumers with attractive terms or pricing, then changing conditions after engagement.
• Confirm shaming: If websites offer two extreme ends, like “Sign me up” or “I don’t like good deals,” they’re using confirm shaming. Users are guilt-tripped to opt in because pop-ups shame them for choosing otherwise.
• False hierarchy: Manipulating design to subtly coerce users toward the retailer’s preferred option.
• Forced enrollment: Requiring account creation—that is, asking for personal information first—before browsing.
• Hidden costs: Fees disguised as innocent add-ons surprise users with unexpected charges at the checkout.
• Misdirection: By diverting attention away from the fine print, retailers can sneak in extra charges unnoticed. 👀
• Nagging: Multiple pop-ups urging subscription that just won’t take no for an answer.
• The Roach Motel: Easy to sign up, nearly impossible to cancel that subscription.
• Pretend urgency: That ‘act fast or miss out!’ message. Except, the offer never really expires, as it’s just a clever ploy to trigger customers’ FOMO.
• Sneaking: Items and fees magically appear without the user’s awareness. 🪄

How do you combat dark practices?

• Opt for straightforward language to clearly explain actions and their implications.
• Put privacy settings out in the open to ensure that users understand how their data is collected and used.
• Use consumer-friendly designs to prioritize readability and transparency.
• Give users control over their data with clear opt-in options and easily accessible privacy settings.
• Whether on desktop or mobile, ensure privacy settings and information remain consistent for a seamless user experience.
• Make it easy for users to opt out of subscriptions without jumping through hoops.
• Regular audits and third-party evaluations can help root out dark patterns and ensure compliance with ethical standards.

🫡 Secret trick: Maintain your integrity

In ecommerce, consumer trust is the main currency. The next time you set up your website, remember that honesty is (always) the best policy— and the best way to make shopping enjoyable and secure for everyone.

TOGETHER WITH REVIEWSCOOP

Why online product reviews matter

Selling on Amazon involves more than just building a good storefront; it’s about securing high-quality verified reviews on your Amazon product page.

Still not convinced? Here are some online review statistics you need to know:

• 99.9% of customers read reviews when they shop online.
• 96% of those specifically look for negative reviews. Customers are more likely to head straight to the reviews on the product page rather than the descriptions provided by the store.
• 49% of customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends and family. In today’s digital age, where the space is saturated with sponsored ads, word-of-mouth marketing is the best (and probably the cheapest) out there!
• 60% of consumers believe that the more reviews a business has, the more credible they are. Aside from quality, the quantity of reviews matters. It is perceived that a higher number of reviews is linked to a business’ credibility and popularity.

So, does this mean new businesses are at a disadvantage since they don’t have many reviews yet?

Yes, probably. But ReviewScoop is the best solution for this.

It’s the safest way to get reviews and social proof from genuine testers, fast!

What you’ll get:

• Hassle-free process – just reviews, no headaches
• High-quality verified product reviews for as low as $199/month
• Recurring monthly reviews

Use high-quality reviews as leverage against your competitors. Let your products shine with verified product reviews!

Learn more

BITES OF THE WEEK

• Beware and Be Aware: Here are the 10 most common dark patterns on online shopping sites.
• WebNots: These websites are notorious for using dark patterns in their designs (yikes!)
• Not For Sales: Never ever do these sales tactics if you don’t want to lose customers’ trust and loyalty.
• Fooled in Japan: Japan may be living in the future, but its consumers aren’t safe from dark patterns.

BLACK MARKET

Amazon’s dark patterns in its Prime program

On June 21, 2023, the FTC filed a complaint against Amazon for unfair trade practices. The retail giant allegedly tricked customers into signing up for Amazon Prime, burying crucial details and creating a maze-like cancellation process.

🎯 According to WilmerHale, the commission filed the case based on the 6 dark patterns used by Amazon:

• Forced action. Amazon required customers to enroll in Prime to complete their purchase. Moreover, customers are forced to go through multiple processes to cancel their subscriptions.
• Interface interference. During the Prime enrollment process, Amazon displayed their terms and conditions only once during purchase—using a small, easy-to-miss font. 🧐
• Roach Motel. The FTC claims Amazon makes it hard for users to find the option to decline and cancel their Prime membership.
• Misdirection. Amazon makes it easier to enroll in Prime than not.
• Sneaking. Amazon didn’t clearly disclose Prime’s terms and conditions during its enrollment checkout, including its price and auto-renewal attribute.
• Confirm shaming. Amazon guilt-tripped users into choosing its preferred option by using emotive language around the disfavored option.

What does it mean for you?

The FTC’s crackdown on dark patterns underscores the importance of ethical design in the digital age. Take a good, hard look at your online processes, especially sign-up and cancellation flows.

Are you being transparent or are you hiding the fine print like buried treasure? 🧹

ACTIONABLE ADVICE

How to avoid dark patterns when designing a website

Dark patterns can lead not only buyers but also sellers like you down paths you never intended to take. If you’re found guilty of using these tactics—intentionally or not—you will lose customers’ trust and loyalty.

👨‍💻To help you avoid falling into dark pattern traps, Raw listed the ways to keep your designs squeaky clean:

• Lay it all out there. No hidden agendas, no fine print—just straightforward communication. Keep labels clear, options visible, and users informed every step of the way.
• Lose the tech talk. Break down big ideas into bite-sized nuggets of wisdom. Preferably, speak in a language your non-tech-savvy grandma would understand.
• Let users call the shots. Opt-in and opt-out should be their choice, not yours. Make it easy for users to bail. And once they’re out, don’t pester them into changing their minds.

⭐ Bonus tip: Conduct user testing

Remember, you’re designing for real people, not robots. Regular user testing is your weapon against falling into the dark pattern trap. So, gather feedback, listen closely, and tweak your designs—ethically, of course.

OpenAI is dubbed the “Google Translate killer” with the launch of GPT-4o—a combined text-audio-vision model that can do real-time voice translation and has human-level response times and expressiveness. The better news? It’s free to all users (for now)!

But you know what else is pretty useful and free? Tonight’s plateful of insights and reminders—served by yours truly.

• Common Amazon impostor scams 🚩
• FREE cheat sheet for viral TikTok Shop campaigns 📜
• Explosive ecommerce growth 🧨
• Tips for spotting fake online reviews 🔍

BLACK MARKET

Amazon’s huge customer base makes it a favorite target of scammers. According to AARP, imposter scams are especially prevalent, with some bad actors impersonating more than one organization in a single hoax.

To thrive in the online marketplace, it’s important to know what these scams are and how to protect your customers (and yourself) against them.

🎭 Common Amazon impostor scams

• Fake order/delivery. Scammers send a message about a shipment problem and ask the recipient to pay bogus fees.
• Suspicious purchase. This widespread scam involves fraudsters calling to confirm the purchase of expensive items, creating a false sense of urgency. Then, they’ll offer to solve the issue by asking for credentials (username, passwords, etc.).
• Membership renewal scams. Many forget their Prime renewal dates, allowing bad actors to offer them fake upgrades.
• Tech support scam. Scammers claim account problems and offer remote help—in exchange for personal information.
• Employment scam. Scammers pretend to be Amazon recruiters and offer fake work-from-home jobs.
• Publishing scam. The culprits offer publishing services to authors and then deliver substandard or no service at all.

🛡️ How to protect yourself and your customers 

All these impersonator scams aim to steal money, information, or both. Here are the best practices you can share with shoppers for a safer ecommerce experience:

• Check order history directly on Amazon.
• Don’t click on email links or provide info without authentication.
• Remember that Amazon NEVER asks for gift card purchases, software downloads, or payments over the phone.
• Log in to Amazon directly rather than through search results.

And the most important tip…

Stay calm and don’t rush doing or deciding things. Assess the situation first to check whether what you’re being prompted to do doesn’t require you to disclose sensitive information. 🧠

You may also opt for complex passwords and multifactor authentication. And, don’t forget to contact authorities immediately if you think your privacy is compromised.

TOGETHER WITH INSENSE

FREE Cheatsheet: How to build viral TikTok Shop campaigns

The #1 TikTok pain point for influencer and social media managers in 2024 is finding top TikTok Shop creators.  

Insense (official TikTok Shop Partner) can help with that.

Insense and its team of TikTok Shop experts will help…

• Match you with vetted creators FAST within 2 days 
• Deliver killer shoppable videos in 10 days or less

And they’ve published a FREE TikTok Shop Cheatsheet

Cheatsheet Perks:

• The secret to creating high-converting TikTok Shop campaigns 
• A ready-to-use TikTok Shop brief template 
• TikTok Shop pro-tips to boost your results

Download your FREE Cheatsheet

BITES OF THE WEEK

• Black eMarket: Second-hand online marketplaces have become cesspools of fraud for 1 out of 3 buyers.
• Promised Delivery: Quick and secure package delivery is the priority of Amazon South Africa.
• Stop and Advertise: Interactive product ads in Prime Video will soon appear when videos are paused.

ECOMMERCE NEWS

Ecommerce sales surpassed $336 billion in the first 4 months of 2024

Adobe’s latest data shows that ecommerce is still going strong in 2024. In the first four months of 2024, consumers spent $331.6 billion, 7% higher than last year. With this magnitude, online spending is projected to reach over $500 billion by mid-year! 🚀

Here are the other findings from the report:

🛍️ Hottest categories

In the last months, consumers have been clicking their way through diverse aisles of the digital marketplace.

• Electronics sales reached $61.8 billion, showing a 3.1% YoY increase.
• Apparel sales hit $52.5 billion, showing a 2.6% YoY increase.
• Grocery sales totaled $38.8 billion, showing a 15.7% YoY increase.
• The rising star—cosmetics—raked in $13.2 billion, showing an 8% YoY increase.

🛒 Consumer habits

Did you know that ecommerce prices have dropped by 5.6% compared to last year? Despite this decrease, shoppers continue to pivot towards pocket-friendly choices.

• Cheaper goods are hot across major categories. However, some categories saw less dramatic shifts due to brand loyalty or quality preference.
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) contributed $25.9 billion in ecommerce spending, marking an 11.8% YoY increase.
• Mobile shopping is taking over with $156.9 billion being spent on phones, a 9.8% YoY growth.

🧠 Marketing mojos

• When it comes to driving sales, paid search takes the cake, accounting for 28.2% of online sales.
• Closely following are direct web visits, affiliates, and organic searches.
• Social media is trailing behind, but watch out—it’s inching its way up, one double-tap at a time.

And there you have it—your insightful guide to making the most of the remaining 8 months of 2024.

ACTIONABLE ADVICE

Spot fake online reviews in 4 easy ways

Online reviews have a significant influence on customers’ buying decisions. But lurking in the shadows are deceptive reviews that can harm your business and mislead customers. 🕵️‍♂️

Several companies, including Amazon, have started using AI to combat fake reviews. The Conversation also shared 4 ways to help you quickly spot them:

• Listen to your gut. Genuine reviews are balanced. Be cautious if a review seems overly positive or critical without any reason.
• Read between the lines. Pay attention to the language used. Real reviews feel personal, whereas fake ones may seem generic or overly promotional.
• Check the source. Real reviewers tell you about what they did or didn’t like in detail. If a review doesn’t give much information, it’s most likely fake (Disclaimer: This isn’t necessarily true all the time, as some buyers like to give concise feedback.).
• Watch for patterns. For instance, if several good or bad reviews show up suddenly, it might be because of someone trying to manipulate the ratings.

⚔️ While AI can be a valuable ally in the fight against fake reviews, it’s important to arm yourself with strategies to safeguard your business. At the end of the day, staying vigilant is still the best defense against misleading reviews.

Happy Monday—and belated Happy Mother’s Day!

Just like how moms can feel their kids did something suspish, Google seems to know how many customers shopped on your website. Whether that’s creepy or useful, we’ll let you be the judge. For now, scroll down to see what other hot news we have today.

• Amazon’s scam story 💻
• A new venture without the scary scam story 🗞️
• Reminders for the INFORM Act 📍
• A/B testing hacks 🆎

POST OF THE WEEK

BLACK MARKET

The appeal of the convenience offered by online shopping is undeniable. However, it’s not without challenges—logistical snags, damaged packages, and, the most annoying of all, counterfeit products and scams. 😈

And Amazon isn’t safe from these problems. One customer even labeled the retailer a ‘scammer’ in a recent controversy involving Amazon India.

Here’s what happened as reported by Postoast:

• The buyer, Rohan Das, purchased a $1,200 Lenovo laptop from Amazon India on April 30.
• Upon receiving the laptop on May 7, he discovered that the warranty had already begun in December 2023, indicating it was a pre-owned device! 😱
• Feeling deceived, Rohan took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his experience, posting a video detailing the incident.
• His post quickly gained traction, sparking diverse opinions on the issue. Some netizens were outraged with Amazon, while others advised Rohan to contact Lenovo directly.

🆘 Amazon under fire

When Rohan aired his grievances, Amazon scrambled to douse the flames with an apology and a promise to investigate. But Rohan wasn’t about to let them off easy, demanding swift action to rectify the mess.

Meanwhile, Lenovo clarified its stance on warranty discrepancies. While they maintained innocence in the affair, they assured customers of their commitment to fair dealings.

A pattern of problems

Sadly, Rohan’s story isn’t an isolated incident. Amazon has had its fair share of slip-ups, leaving customers skeptical. While some issues get resolved, others linger—casting a shadow over the shopping experience and the marketplace itself. 🕳️

TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE

Here’s a new ecommerce venture far from scary scam stories

Tired of limited reach and high fees? 

It’s time to tap into millions of eager customers with Walmart Marketplace! 

For a limited time, new sellers on Walmart Marketplace get: 

• Up to 50% off on referral fees for three months; 
• Up to 50% off on Walmart Fulfillment Services*; and 
• Instant access to powerful sales tools like advertising and competitive pricing!

Be the next success story on Walmart.com!

How did Miko grow by 115% GMV in just one year?*

By leveraging the 2-day shipping of Walmart Fulfillment Services to increase GMV by 1573%* on items that did not previously have 2-day shipping!

Ready to be the next Miko? Start selling now and get up to 50% off on referral and fulfillment fees.**

Unlike other platforms, Walmart Marketplace offers:

• ZERO monthly or setup fees
• Unmatched transparency—clear, competitive fees with no hidden costs.
• The unique omnichannel advantage that lets you tap into millions of customers across their online and physical stores.

Sign up today and claim your exclusive savings!

Start selling on Walmart.com.

*Source: Walmart first-party data, 2021-22

**Conditions apply.

BITES OF THE WEEK

• Falling Behind: South African businesses are struggling to keep up with fast-paced ecommerce.
• Brand Spotlight: All Shades Matter is an inspiring example of an inclusive ecommerce brand.
• Epson x Amazon: A joint lawsuit against sellers of counterfeit Epson ink bottles was filed.

AMAZON NEWS

FYI: You need to update your business information for the INFORM Act

In a recent announcement on Seller Central, Amazon reminded sellers to verify business information in compliance with the INFORM Act. According to the announcement:

“Starting April  2024, if you have 200 or more transactions or $5,000 or more in revenues during a continuous 12-month period, you will receive a formal notification to review and certify that your business information is correct.”

However, a lot of sellers expressed their grievance at the ‘ill-timed announcement.’ They said since the updates were for April, the announcement should have been posted last MARCH (instead of a month AFTER).

🫢 Just a big misunderstanding

For everyone’s reference, the INFORM ACT was signed into law in December 2022. It’s already been in effect on Amazon since June 27, 2023. Also, everyone must verify that their business info is accurate EVERY YEAR. The May announcement referred to the formal notifications being sent from April onwards.

Whether you’re an old or a new seller, you can verify or update your information by performing the following:

• Go to your Account Health Page.
• Under Priority actions, click “Review your account information.” You will be redirected to the Notice and Certification page.
• Once you view this page, the law requires you to certify your information within 10 days.

✍️ With Prime Day 2024 fast approaching, you don’t want any mishaps or violations that could prevent you from participating. So, make sure you keep your information updated AND accurate to ensure smooth business operations.

TACTIC TALKS

4 things to remember when running A/B tests

A/B testing (or split testing), is like a secret weapon to know what convinces customers to click the Buy button. And just like any weapon, you must use it strategically AND wisely.

⚠️ According to MarketBeat, there are 4 things you should be extra careful about when doing A/B tests: 

• Don’t ignore different types of shoppers. Various user segments behave differently. Customize your website for specific customer groups to ensure a better experience and higher engagement.
• Give your tests enough time. If you stop your test too soon, you might not get the full picture. It’s recommended to let your test run for at least 2 weeks to monitor differences in behavior across different days.
• Don’t try to test everything at once. If you change too many things on your website all at once, it’s hard to know which one made the difference. Stick to testing one variable at a time (like a different button color or a new headline) to know exactly what’s working and what’s not.
• Watch out for external factors. Outside factors like holidays or big sale events can mess up your A/B test results. Run your tests during normal days to ensure your results are all about your changes, not something else.

📋 It pays to pay attention

If you want to up your A/B testing game, keep these tips in mind to be better equipped to optimize your website and boost those sales.

But of course, you’re free to add more tricks (if you have one) by replying to this email. 😉