It’s official: Prime Big Deal Days is Amazon’s biggest October shopping event. Ever. Not only did it shower shoppers across the globe with $1 billion in savings, but it also introduced new innovations that greatly improved the experience of sellers and shoppers alike.
But of course, this isn’t where Amazon stops. In fact, this looks like the stepping stone to more unconventional moves from the retailer.
- Amazon’s battle plan against Temu and Shein ⚔️
- Get access to a world-class supply chain 🌏
- Amazon announcements 🔉
- Social commerce scoops 🔭
ECOMMERCE NEWS
You’d be quite surprised at the answer: toothpaste!
A recent article by Reuters reports that Amazon will focus on everyday essentials—toothpaste, dish detergent, floss, etc.—to increase basket sizes and shopping frequency. Plus, this is a strategic move to counter the low-cost competition from Temu and Shein.
🦷 The potential in essentials
According to Amazon, people shop more frequently on the platform and add more low-priced items with each checkout. So, even if average selling prices (ASPs) are falling, it’s a positive indicator that customers are turning to the retail giant for their daily needs.
But this move is actually motivated by another reason. Amazon’s market share in apparel declined due to Temu and Shein offering low-cost items like $12 dresses.
- Amazon chooses to focus on its advantages: selling essentials and quick deliveries. 🧠
- And Amazon isn’t the only one. Walmart and Target are engaging in price-cutting wars on essentials, proving the great demand for affordable everyday needs.
Is it working?
Well, Amazon reported higher-than-expected Q3 revenue and profit. The stock is up by nearly 27% this year and rose 7% after the earnings report.
Hence, it’s safe to say that this would likely go to more positive numbers moving forward. And if anything changes, we'll be sure to tell you at the earliest. 📣
TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE
Multiple sales channels, one world-class supply chain
Selling on more than one ecommerce site?
With our Multichannel Solutions (MCS) program, you can leverage Walmart’s supply chain to fulfill orders quickly and reliably—meeting customers’ expectations no matter where they shop!
Program benefits:
- Competitive storage & fulfillment costs
- Fast, reliable shipping options
- Plain, unbranded packaging
- Simple inventory management
- Returns managed by Walmart
MCS helps your business scale by:
- Optimizing inventory consolidation and enabling growth across Walmart.com and other sales channels simultaneously
- Allowing you to leverage the world’s largest supply chain and Walmart Fulfillment Service’s full suite of benefits to drive efficiencies.
AMAZON ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Now, for this week’s round of Amazon announcements:
- Valid Tracking Rate (VTR) update. Starting January 25, 2025, Amazon will apply some revisions to its VTR guidelines. Also, you’ll be required to maintain a 95% VTR for seller-fulfilled listings.
- New coupon rule. From only one coupon per order, your customers can now apply percentage off coupons to up to 5 items per order. Do note that this does not apply to money off coupons.
- Seller webinars. There are 3 webinars you can join this week to improve your ecommerce strategy:
- November 6 (noon, Pacific Time): Advanced Pricing Strategies to boost B2B growth with Amazon Business (Advanced)
- November 6 (11 AM, Pacific Time): Skin lightening products (All levels)
- November 6 and 7 (10 AM, Pacific Time): Top Tips on Advertising on Amazon (All levels):
BITES OF THE WEEK
- Converting Clicks: Adobe has 4 strategies to maximize your digital store and convert shoppers.
- Influencing India: Influencers drive Gen Zers, who then drive 43% of India's spending.
- Leveraging Amazon: Here are Amazon's AI resources to help your customers shop, watch, and learn.
SOCIAL PULSE
How to boost customer trust (and sales) on your social media platforms
Social media is becoming a big part of online shopping. By next year, U.S. social commerce sales are expected to pass the $100 billion milestone. ✨
But there’s just one issue: consumers still don’t fully trust social media brands.
According to AfterShip, while 52% of customers have bought something on social media, nearly half still prefer to shop on official brand websites or apps. About 44% say they would consider buying on social platforms if they trusted them more.
📱 So, how do you get shoppers to trust you on social media?
- Engage with real content. Post regularly and show authentic stories of real customers using your products.
- Show proof. Share positive reviews and ratings to let potential customers see that others trust your brand.
- Offer deals. Exclusive social media discounts, free shipping, and other perks can be powerful motivators.
Ultimately, focusing on building trust and showing you’re reliable can make customers feel more comfortable buying directly on your social media platforms (if you have one). So, roll up your sleeves, tackle those trust issues, and make your social channels a go-to spot for shoppers! 📝
