Last week, we asked our readers whether you’re buying your “luxury” goods from legitimate retailers or you’re getting them from Taobao and DHGate.
The results?
73% are buying from DHGate and Taobao while the rest are getting them directly in stores! Surprising? Not so!
AMAZON NEWS
Some good news first.
A recent Fortune article reported that Amazon will no longer penalize sellers for raising prices!
📦 The Buy Box review
As we all know Amazon likes to feature the best (cheapest) prices. Amazon can remove the “buy now” or “add to cart” buttons. When product listings are removed from being the Featured Offer (a.k.a Buy Box) this is called “losing the buy box” or “buy box suppression.”
💰 Penalties for raising the price
Recently, sellers had to raise their prices in response to the tariffs. Despite the price matching the sellers’ websites and competitors, Amazon still removed the buttons.
Amazon gave no reason for the penalty. But sellers assumed it was because the price increase was more than normal.
◀️ Reversing the penalties
This week, many sellers report getting their Buy Boxes back even with 20–25% price hikes!
Sellers speculate Fortune’s reporting influenced Amazon’s change. But, there’s no way to be sure.
Amazon did say that pricing policies remain unchanged. They said sellers set their prices, and the Featured Offer highlights “great prices.”
🔑 Key takeaway
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged sellers might pass tariff costs to customers. And he understands if they did. For now, price increases appear tolerated on Amazon.
TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE
When The Perfume Spot started selling on Walmart Marketplace, they knew they were working with the platform that puts them first.
Now, 8 years later, they’ve seen massive growth, going from a small storefront on Staten Island to an e-commerce juggernaut with 25 employees and 8-figure sales—in part due to their partnership with Walmart Marketplace.
With Walmart Marketplace, The Perfume Spot got access to:
Get the same advantages as The Perfume Spot today by signing up for Walmart Marketplace today. It only takes minutes.
BITES OF THE WEEK
TRENDING TOPIC
ICYDK, the de minimis loophole is closing.
So previously, packages worth less than $800 would not be taxed. But this will soon end on May 2, 2025, when the de minimis exemption is removed.
There will now be a $100 tax per postal item or a 120% tariff (it depends on the goods and their declared value).
According to Rest of World, U.S. buyers and Chinese sellers are preparing for the end of ultra cheap shopping.
What’s currently happening 👀
The sad news is…
The price hikes don’t end there. On June 1, the per postal item fee will be $200. Additional tariffs may apply depending on the product category.
How are you preparing for these hikes? Answer our poll below!
HOT TOPIC
Temu and Shein are losing their spots in the U.S. app store.
According to Marketplace Pulse, Temu fell from #3 to #85 and Shein dropped from #7 to #80. This was in just 2 weeks!
🧠 A strategic retreat
Both Shein and Temu are pulling back. Their strategic concession includes:
⚔️ The challenge for U.S. sellers
The end of de minimis will level the playing field. Chinese sellers will have to pay taxes like U.S. sellers. However, American sellers may still struggle. Why?
Bottom line: There’s a new available market share as Temu and Shein retreat. But American sellers may not be able to capture it in time. 💔
ACTIONABLE ADVICE
Amazon’s Pet Day (May 13–14) is almost here—and if you’re not prepping deals, you’re basically leaving treats on the table.
🐶 What’s Pet Day again?
Amazon kicked off Pet Day in 2022 to celebrate National Pet Month! And it’s been a tail-wagging shopping frenzy ever since, packed with exclusive deals and must-have pet products.
Pet owners are primed to splurge. 🦴 Whether you’re selling kibble, collars, or cat trees, now’s the time to pounce on the opportunity. You can roll out deals, promos, coupons—whatever gets tails wagging and carts filling.
Here’s how:
Now, you’re all set for some PAW-some sales! 🐾
