Amazon News: Critical Updates on Amazon’s AI Tools, TikTok Shop, and FBA Changes
Hey Fellow Amazon Sellers!
This week, I’ve got essential updates for you, covering everything from Amazon’s latest AI advertising tools to TikTok Shop’s rise in the U.S. Each story holds valuable insights that can help you navigate the shifting landscape and stay ahead of the competition. Let’s dive in!
News
Amazon’s New “Low-Cost Store” Aims to Rival Temu with Unbranded Bargains
According to Juozas Kaziuk?nas , Amazon’s new “Low-Cost Store” aims to attract budget-conscious shoppers by removing brand names and pricing all items under $20. This model leverages Amazon’s supply chain in China, bypassing customs tariffs for slower (9-11 days) delivery and offering returnless refunds to minimize costs.
Amazon sellers may find increased competition in the low-price market, emphasizing the need for unique branding and fast shipping.
Do People Still Start Their Shopping on Google?
Google is rolling out a newly AI-powered Google Shopping experience to attract consumers who now frequently start their searches on platforms like Amazon. The revamped Google Shopping combines Gemini AI for tailored product recommendations, personalized shopping feeds, and enhanced deal-finding tools, aiming to compete directly with Amazon’s extensive review system and product offerings.
For Amazon sellers, this move may shift some consumer traffic back to Google, emphasizing the need for competitive pricing and enhanced visibility across platforms.
New FBA Shipment Notifications for Better Visibility
Amazon is introducing enhanced notifications for FBA shipments to improve visibility around partnered carrier pickups and possible delivery disruptions. Sellers using full truckload, less than truckload, or intermodal modes will now receive email alerts on any delays, changes in pickup details, or updates to the shipment destination.
These notifications aim to help Amazon sellers adjust their inventory planning by providing clear details, including shipment ID, total pallets, cartons, and weight.
Faster Delivery and Transparent Estimates Help NXTRND Boost Conversion and Sales
Using Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), NXTRND achieved faster delivery speeds, improving customer experience and boosting sales. With MCF’s fast delivery badges and real-time shipping estimates, NXTRND has increased its shopper conversion rate and total sales by almost 9%.
For Amazon sellers, MCF’s streamlined fulfillment capabilities and visibility into delivery times are key advantages, especially during high-demand periods like football season for NXTRND.
View Your Reserved Payments with Amazon’s New Deferred Transactions Report
Amazon has introduced a Deferred Transactions status on the Payments dashboard to help sellers track sales proceeds held under the delivery date policy, where funds are reserved until seven days post-delivery. Starting November 1, sellers can view deferred amounts in the Total balance box, with details on each deferred transaction, including deferral reasons and estimated payment release dates.
For enhanced reporting, a Deferred Transactions report can be generated for a breakdown of reserved funds, which shift to the released balance once payment is processed.
TikTok Shop Influencers Are Raking in Cash, But Uncertainty Looms Over U.S. Operations
TikTok’s new Shop feature is creating a lucrative opportunity for influencers like Leigh, who earned over $8,800 from a single video promoting a popular noodle brand. TikTok’s algorithm encourages a “snowball effect,” with more creators joining as products go viral, significantly boosting visibility for small U.S. businesses on the platform.
However, TikTok Shop still faces challenges as it primarily sells low-priced items, and the looming possibility of a U.S. ban could impact its future growth. For brands to succeed, they must adapt to TikTok’s unique, candid style, which differs from the polished aesthetic often seen on platforms like Instagram.
Amazon Alert: Non-Compliant Products Temporarily Suspended
Thai Nguyen reports that Amazon has suspended products from specific brands due to non-compliance with its Supply Chain Standards. These products will remain ineligible for sale until brands address and resolve concerns around manufacturing practices and working conditions.
Both third-party (3P) sellers and first-party (1P) vendors are affected, with Amazon employing automated systems to detect these compliance issues. Sellers are advised to review Amazon’s Supply Chain Standards to maintain selling eligibility and avoid disruptions.
Fix Image Issues Fast with Amazon’s New Image Manager
Amazon has introduced the “Issue Alert” feature in its Image Manager to help sellers quickly identify and resolve product image issues. Images with issues will now show a red alert icon, allowing sellers to hover over it for a specific problem description.
Sellers can also view all image issues in one centralized location and upload replacements directly, streamlining the image management process. This feature makes it easier for Amazon sellers to maintain compliance with image standards and avoid listing disruptions.
Seller-Fulfilled Prepaid Returns Now Supported by UPS for Large and Heavy Items
Starting November 4, 2024, Amazon will offer UPS prepaid labels for seller-fulfilled returns of large and heavy items, streamlining the return process and reducing A-to-z Guarantee claims. Eligible items include packages over 90 lb or with dimensions exceeding 96 inches in length or 130 inches in total length and girth.
Sellers can still deduct return shipping costs if the return is due to a customer fault, and packages over 150 lb or larger than 108 inches will require a custom return label within 48 hours. This change aims to simplify return logistics for Amazon sellers handling oversized products.
Seller Tips & Tricks
7 Pro Amazon Listing Optimization Tips to Send Your Sales Soaring
This guide covers effective Amazon listing optimization techniques to help sellers increase visibility and boost sales. Key strategies include crafting customer-centric copy that addresses buyer needs, highlighting unique selling points, and using benefit-focused descriptions to create a compelling product experience.
Additional tips emphasize the use of Premium A+ Content and text overlays on images to showcase essential features, engaging customers right from the product page.
领英推荐
Why Do Some Amazon Reviews Not Match The Product?
Inconsistent Amazon reviews, such as mismatched feedback or fake reviews, can mislead consumers, impacting trust and purchasing decisions. These discrepancies arise from issues like product mismatches, review aggregation errors, and deliberate manipulation, creating a confusing landscape for shoppers.
Amazon counters this with verification processes, user reporting options, and machine learning to filter out inaccurate reviews, helping maintain review reliability. For sellers, managing reviews is crucial, as mixed feedback can influence sales, making it essential to address misleading reviews for a credible brand presence.
Maximize Profits by Understanding Amazon FBA Seller Fees
Navigating Amazon FBA fees is essential for Amazon sellers to maintain profitability. FBA costs cover fulfillment, storage, and optional services, which vary by product size, weight, and season. Effective cost-saving strategies include optimizing inventory management, selecting high-demand products, and leveraging Amazon’s Low-Price FBA rates and Partner Carrier Program.
Utilizing tools like the FBA Revenue Calculator can further help sellers estimate profits and compare costs, ensuring they avoid common pitfalls like overstocking and excess packaging.
Video of the Week
Cheap vs. Expensive Amazon Seller Events: Are They Worth It?
Strong Opinions
PER-UNIT FULFILLMENT FEES Huge Increase – Effective Oct 15th
Amazon sellers, Aaron Cordovez highlights that new per-unit fulfillment fees are now in effect as of Oct 15, eliminating the previous “Non-peak” and “Peak” categories. Sellers can check the updated fee details by searching “Fulfillment fees” in their dashboard.
Whether these fees will revert in January is uncertain, so it’s essential to adjust pricing and margins to mitigate this change.
Amazon Sellers Left Guessing as Account Suspensions Rise Amid Inconsistent Policy Enforcement
Chris McCabe highlights growing frustration among Amazon sellers over inconsistent account suspensions. Since early 2024, Amazon has increased account-wide suspensions, often stemming from single listing errors or restricted product violations, leaving sellers uncertain if they should challenge these suspensions.
This shift replaces previous ASIN-specific suspensions, leading to entire account deactivations that may rely on the discretion of individual investigators rather than consistent metrics.
5 Harsh Truths for Amazon Sellers on Building a Profitable Business
Nish Udayakumar shares key insights after a year of building his Amazon agency, starting with the impact of high taxes, particularly in the UK, where 40% of profits may go to taxes. While competitors may oversell to win pitches, sticking to integrity pays off, as disappointed clients often return for honest results.
Running an Amazon-focused business demands continuous time investment, endless task lists, and resilience, as new challenges like listing suppressions or co-founder disagreements are constant. Above all, Udayakumar emphasizes that consistency over passion is crucial for long-term success, reminding sellers that progress takes time and daily commitment.
Featured Services and Software
Are Storage and Shipping Fees Cutting into Your Profits?
Amazon Storage Pros offers a full-service logistics solution, taking care of inventory management, shipping plans, and 3PL coordination to reduce operational headaches for Amazon sellers. Their service aims to lower storage costs and eliminate unnecessary Amazon fees, making it ideal for sellers dealing with high shipping and warehousing expenses.
Start with a Free Storage Costs Audit to identify potential savings and streamline your logistics.
Transform Your Amazon Sourcing with Analyzer Tools
Analyzer Tools (formerly AMZ Analyzer) streamlines Amazon product sourcing by delivering instant, detailed reports on potential profits and market insights. Amazon sellers can upload a supplier’s spreadsheet and quickly receive data that traditionally required extensive manual sorting, offering a comprehensive alternative to tools like Tactical Arbitrage.
With Analyzer Tools, sourcing decisions become faster and more profitable, allowing sellers to focus on scaling their business effectively.
Top Amazon Events
Stay proactive and adjust your strategies with these critical updates to make the most of the coming weeks.
God Bless,
Todd Welch
Amazon Seller School