Today is nothing special—except that the much-awaited total solar eclipse is set to sweep North America, Mexico, and Canada!
Astrologically speaking, solar eclipses symbolize breakthroughs. But you know what will materialize those breakthroughs for your business? Watching (out for) the current updates in the ecommerce universe.
- Challenges in selling on Amazon 🔨
- 3 ways Walmart Marketplace guarantees your business success 👌
- Paused rollout of the low-inventory fee ⏸️
- Best practices for ecommerce shipping 🚚
POST OF THE WEEK
BLACK MARKET
Selling on Amazon has always been considered a surefire way to make money… but is it still?
Recent discussions among sellers reveal that many find it harder to make a profit on the platform lately.
What other sellers are saying
One seller testified to such a dilemma, voicing out frustration on Seller Central. According to him, instead of making a profit, they're losing money because of the high fees on Amazon.
🗨️ Other sellers agreed and also shared their sentiments, including:
- Profit concerns. Some say they can no longer turn a profit on Amazon due to various seller fees, including inbound transportation costs and other charges.
- Impact on small sellers. Others shared that Amazon's fee structure hurt small sellers more, making it harder for them to compete with other sellers.
- Frustration with platform changes. Sellers are annoyed with sudden policy changes, increased advertising costs, and difficulties in winning the Buy Box.
What should you do if these happen to you?
If you find yourself facing losses while selling on Amazon, here are some things you can try:
- Review your expenses. Analyze your costs, including product costs, shipping fees, and Amazon's selling fees.
- Diversify your selling channels. Consider entering alternative platforms or developing your ecommerce website.
- Reassess your products. Make sure you’re selling what your customers want and at the right prices. 💲
- Optimize your operations. You can try using Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) to reduce costs and increase your control over the fulfillment process.
- Engage with other sellers. Join forums to get insights and strategies for navigating challenges on Amazon.
Although challenges exist, selling on Amazon isn’t necessarily a total loss for everyone. To succeed, you need to be flexible, smart, and adaptive to the changes in the ever-evolving world of ecommerce. 🌤️
TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE
Sell Big, Save Big: Launch your business on Walmart Marketplace
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!
*Source: Walmart first-party data, 2021-22
BITES OF THE WEEK
- Policy Updates: Effective April 2, 2024, dietary supplement products need to be verified.
- More Webinars: Amazon is hosting more webinars—this time about ads and summer deals.
- FYI: Amazon will credit any FBA low inventory fee during the transition month.
- Sales Lift: Amazon’s Big Spring Sale generated a 3.1% lift in sales.
HOT TOPIC
Amazon pauses the rollout of its controversial low-inventory fee
Remember that looming low-inventory fee that had sellers on edge? Well, Amazon's hitting the pause button on it—sort of.
According to a report by Aol., Amazon will still charge sellers but will then refund them by the end of April. It's essentially a trial run—or a “transition period” as Amazon calls it.
❤️🩹 Why the change of heart?
Amazon executive Dharmesh Mehta explained on LinkedIn that they want to give sellers time to wrap their heads around this new fee.
Looks like the uproar from the seller community, which produces 60% of the goods on the platform, was heard loud and clear by the retailer. Not to mention the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) scrutiny, which adds to the tension.
How did sellers react?
- Despite the postponement, some sellers are still frustrated with Amazon’s fondness of adding more fees on top of fees, such as inbound placement fees.
- Seasonal sellers are worried about getting dinged for having off-season stock. Some are pondering price hikes or even bidding FBA farewell—a tough call when Prime shipping is on the line.
- Others are considering Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD)—allegedly the golden ticket to dodge those pesky fees. 🎫
With profit margins tightening by the day, you may just be all trying to keep your heads above water. Also, who knows what Amazon's got up its sleeve next?
🎧 But there’s one thing you can do to effectively combat these changes: stay informed, smart, and agile.
ACTIONABLE ADVICE
How to ship your way to buyers’ hearts (and pockets)
Efficient order shipping is one of the major factors that drive sales. Why do you think Amazon’s free and fast shipping promise was effective in winning customers’ hearts?
But how exactly can you make the same promise without the giant fulfillment centers and seemingly endless resources of Amazon? 🤔
According to eCommerce Fastlane, you just have to follow 9 best shipping practices:
- Plan a shipping strategy. This involves checking your customers’ location to develop an optimal shipping schedule. By optimal, we mean fast and not costly.
- Set your goals. For example, if you want more people to buy from your site, you can offer free shipping. If your target is increasing the number of orders you deliver yourself, you may have to increase the number of delivery riders or vehicles.
- Leverage third-party services, especially if you’re just starting and haven’t figured out how to properly pack and label orders (fulfillment). It’s better to get someone to work for you, like FBA or Walmart Fulfillment Services.
- Offer different shipping options. Some may pay more for same-day delivery.
- Be upfront about shipping costs.
- Provide buyers an easy way to track their orders, preferably in real time.
- Make returns easy.
- Ship with care.
- Monitor your performance.
🍽️ Food for thought:61% of online shoppers are unlikely to shop with a retailer again after a poor delivery experience. So, if you don’t want to get abandoned, step up your shipping game (and post-purchase support, too!) ASAP.
