We heard Amazon rolled out some ‘spookingly’ good deals yesterday, and it was a hit, especially for electronics and music lovers.
How about you? How’s your Halloween? You know you can always tell us—like we tell you about ecommerce and Amazon.
BLACK MARKET
It’s time for customers to say goodbye to easy return and refund policies.
According to Crowdfund Insider, retailers are stepping up to combat the “policy abuse epidemic.”
✍️ Facts about fraud
We know we don’t need to educate you about ecommerce fraud. But it won’t hurt to revisit how these activities could harm your business, especially this holiday season.
Here are several facts about ecommerce fraud, as shared in the recently published study by Riskified.
- Fraud is expensive. The study revealed that retailers lose $394 billion due to returns, refunds, and exchanges, with at least $28 billion attributed to fraud and abuse.
- Policy abuses are increasing. This includes bracketing and wardrobing. What’s worse, regular customers AND professional fraudsters are committing the abuse. 💔
- Scammers are now tech-savvy. “Fraud-as-a-service” groups on the dark web and malicious generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools are spreading rapidly. This makes fraud more sophisticated and harder to detect and prevent.
🙅 Retailers retaliate
Understandably, retailers have had enough and decided to tighten return and refund policies. Some of the protocols they implement are:
- Return of the returns processing fee per item;
- Exchange-only and store credit-only policies; and
- Shortening of the return windows to 7 days (yep, no more 30-day extensions!).
But just so you know, not all are planning to be proactive. Others choose to adopt a ‘sliding scale’ approach wherein policies are based on customer value. Some also plan to use an identity-based technology or even ban serial refund and return customers.
Do you think it’s about time to be strict and firm about returns and refunds? Vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ by replying to this email! 🖱️
AMAZON ANNOUNCEMENTS
Last Tuesday, we asked if you want to receive a fresh list of Amazon news every week. And we’ve heard your “Yes” loud and clear, so here are the hottest Amazon updates to take note of:
- Enhanced shoppable video service. You can now share your shoppable videos across related product detail pages with just a few clicks. This would help boost your customers’ trust and reduce returns by 40%.
- No more subscription boxes and clubs. ICYMI, the Subscription Boxes and Subscriptions Clubs program has been officially halted on October 11. Amazon will still provide support to existing subscribers until December 31.
- Advance audience segmentation. Brant Tailored Promotions has some key updates, including goal-based audience creation, ASIN-level promotions and audiences, and access to audiences outside your brand.
- Updated Valid Tracking Rate guidelines. Amazon will revise the Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) metric on January 15, 2025 to update exemptions and include new shipping regions and package values.
- A more sustainable Amazon. Standing by its commitment to sustainable ecommerce, the retailer has improved its packaging through a new program and new packaging options.
BITES OF THE WEEK
- Keys to the Customer: You should know how to identify and meet your customers’ needs to increase your chance of success.
- Seller Recommendations: Amazon sellers on Reddit share their must-have PPC tools.
- Same-day Walmart Goods: Walmart just integrated their pharmacy and general merchandise with same-day delivery options.
- Tailored Community: Network with sellers and agency experts by joining Seller Alliance for free.
SOCIAL PULSE
Social media trends to embrace in 2025 for surefire success
Staying on top of social media trends can help you reach more customers and grow your business. With this, here are the must-know social media trends for 2025, as shared by CMSWire:
- AI-generated content. AI is making content creation easier and faster!
- Tip: Learn to “talk” to AI tools to get the best results for your posts.
- Micro-influencer marketing. Small influencers have fewer followers, but their fans truly trust them. 📱
- Tip: Find influencers who match your brand’s vibe and can genuinely connect with your audience.
- Social commerce. Customers love to browse and buy without leaving social media apps.
- Tip: Set up easy shopping options on social media platforms to make buying simple.
- Zero-click content. People love content that gives value right away with no need to click.
- Tip: Share valuable tips or stories that stand on their own in the feed.
- Short-form video. Quick, fun videos like Reels and TikToks are huge for grabbing attention fast.
- Tip: Make 30-second (or less) short videos that show your product in action.
- Long-form content. People also want more in-depth content now, such as blog posts, podcasts, or how-to videos.
- Tip: Share longer content like tutorials or stories to help customers learn more about your brand.
- Personalized marketing. Customers want to feel special—and what better way to give them that than personalize posts and ads?
- Tip: Use data to personalize recommendations and create targeted offers. 📩
- LinkedIn growth. LinkedIn is becoming the place for real-time chats and business tips.
- Tip: Share industry tips and connect with other sellers to build your brand’s reputation.
- Email newsletters. Email is a great way to stay in touch without fighting algorithms.
- Tip: Send out fun updates or offers to keep your audience excited to hear from you.
- User-generated content (UGC). Because people trust people, reviews, photos, and stories by other customers are your best bet at building trust.
- Tip: Encourage your customers to share pics and reviews of your products.
💡 These trends can give you a competitive edge in 2025. So, keep innovating, stay flexible, and use these insights to boost your business!
