Send to Amazon New Delivery Window Requirement
Hey there, fellow Amazon Sellers!
Get ready to dive into the latest buzz in the world of Amazon selling with this thrilling roundup!
1. Send to Amazon New Delivery Window Requirement
Amazon is implementing a new requirement for its Send to Amazon process starting February 9, 2024. Sellers will need to provide a “delivery window,” a range of dates when their shipment is expected to arrive at the fulfillment center—seven days for domestic and 14 days for cross-border shipments. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of receiving and processing shipments, thereby enabling better inventory management. The requirement applies to shipments from non-partnered carriers; those using Amazon-partnered carriers or Amazon Global Logistics are exempt. An Ask Amazon event scheduled for February 20 will offer sellers more information on this update.
2. Amazon Offers FBA Discount for SIPPed Shipments
Amazon is introducing discounts for sellers using its Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) service who choose to have their products shipped in their original packaging, as part of its Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP) program. To qualify, sellers must enroll and get their products SIPP certified, with benefits including enhanced branding opportunities and sustainability through reduced packaging. Despite these incentives, one seller noted the discount amounted to a mere savings of 4 cents on FBA fees for two items, questioning the program’s value in preserving product packaging integrity during shipping. The specifics of the discount and program can be found on Amazon’s Seller Central, with further updates on FBA fee changes requiring seller account access for more detailed information.
Read More: https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2024/02/05/amazon-offers-fba-discount-for-sipped-shipments/
3. Amazon Could be Held Responsible for Third-Party Products
Amazon might soon face liability for third-party products sold on its platform, as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is reportedly working on an order that would classify Amazon as a distributor. This change would align Amazon’s responsibilities with those of traditional retailers regarding product safety and recalls. Amazon asserts that it prioritizes safety and compliance for all products in its store, regardless of whether they’re sold directly by Amazon or through third-party sellers. The move follows a 2021 complaint by the Commission against Amazon for distributing unsafe products, which Amazon contested, claiming it acts merely as a logistics provider, not a distributor. This ongoing legal dispute highlights Amazon’s significant reliance on third-party sellers and its efforts to ensure product safety without assuming full responsibility for third-party goods.
Read More: https://www.pymnts.com/amazon/2024/amazon-could-be-held-responsible-for-third-party-products/
4. eBay Warns Sellers of Three Strikes Policy
eBay has alerted its sellers about the potential enforcement of a “Three Strikes Policy” should the SHOP SAFE Act, reintroduced in September 2023, pass into law. This legislation aims to combat counterfeit goods but includes provisions that eBay believes could unfairly empower large brands to target small sellers with false counterfeit claims. Specifically, the policy would mandate the permanent ban of sellers from eBay after three alleged counterfeit takedowns. eBay’s Government Relations department is seeking sellers, especially those in Kentucky dealing in branded products, to share their experiences with unjust VeRO takedowns by large brands. eBay, along with other marketplaces, has consistently opposed the SHOP SAFE Act, crediting its lobbying efforts to the bill’s defeat in 2022.
5. Double Brand-Cart Conversion Rates with New Shoppable A+ Content Module
Amazon has introduced a new Premium A+ Content module for brands, named Comparison Chart 1, which now features shoppable capabilities. This innovative module enables customers to directly add items to their cart, view real-time prices for available products, and read customer review summaries to facilitate quicker and more informed purchase decisions. This enhancement not only simplifies the product comparison process on a single page but also aims to boost sales for new products by featuring them alongside existing offerings. Impressively, this module has demonstrated a cart conversion rate that’s twice as high as the non-shoppable Premium Comparison Chart modules, with over 25% of customers who interact with the shoppable charts adding items directly to their carts. Moreover, the updated comparison chart builder offers enhanced customization options for product orders and can automatically populate product information for listed items.
Read More: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/seller-forums/discussions/t/83a80cbd-6009-41c3-ac98-0dd83bf3436c
6. Amazon to Pass Walmart as No. 1 Retailer by ’24; the Latter’s Store-Based Tack Is to Blame
A recent report by Ascential predicts Amazon will overtake Walmart as the top retailer in the US by 2024, attributing Walmart’s impending slip to its store-based strategy which hasn’t adapted well to the rapid shift in consumer habits towards online shopping. While Walmart’s decision to focus on brick-and-mortar stores made sense historically, given its vast number of physical locations and workforce, its e-commerce efforts have largely aimed at enhancing service for existing customers rather than expanding its reach. In contrast, Amazon, even with its physical stores like Whole Foods and Amazon Go, remains primarily focused on its online model. This shift in consumer preference towards e-commerce, accelerated by the pandemic, is expected to continue growing, positioning Amazon, Walmart, and Costco as the top three retailers by market share in the US, with Amazon leading the way.
领英推荐
7. Amazon Says Prime Deliveries Reached Their Fastest Speeds Ever Last Year
In 2023, Amazon reported the fastest delivery speeds ever for its Prime customers, attributing the improvement to enhanced inventory placement, a new regionalization model for shipments, and an increase in same-day warehouses. The company announced a significant growth in same and next-day deliveries in the U.S. and the U.K., delivering 7 billion items with such rapid shipping throughout the year. Amazon’s new operations network, dividing the country into smaller regions for shipping, not only expedited deliveries but also helped reduce costs by shortening travel distances for packages. Despite these advancements, some rural Prime customers have experienced slower delivery speeds, a concern Amazon is aware of but sees no widespread trend. The company’s focus on increasing speed continues amid scrutiny from labor advocates concerned about the pace’s impact on warehouse worker injuries.
8. Amazon Driver Fired After Allegedly Attempting to Steal Customer’s Dog
An Amazon delivery driver was terminated from their position following an accusation of trying to steal a customer’s dog in Henry County, Georgia. The incident was reported by the dog’s owner, Terrika Currence, who confronted the driver and recorded the encounter, leading to the dog’s return. Amazon spokesperson Austin Stowe confirmed to PEOPLE that the driver is no longer delivering for Amazon and expressed relief that the dog was returned unharmed. The company has also reached out to law enforcement to assist with the ongoing investigation. The driver allegedly justified the attempt by expressing a desire to own a puppy like Currence’s.
Read More: https://people.com/amazon-driver-fired-after-allegedly-attempting-to-steal-customer-dog-8559339
9. Government calls on Amazon to unfreeze seller funds
The UK government, through enterprise minister Kevin Hollinrake, has intervened in a dispute involving Amazon and hundreds of its sellers, urging the e-commerce giant to release funds frozen due to new VAT checks. These stricter checks, aimed at ensuring sellers are UK-based for tax purposes, have led to significant cash flow issues for many small businesses, leaving them vulnerable and, in some cases, facing potential bankruptcy. The toys and games sector, a significant part of Amazon’s business, has been notably affected, especially after high sales volumes during Q4 and events like Black Friday and Prime Day. Amazon’s decision to pause payments while verifying seller locations has drawn criticism for its timing and the immediate financial impact on businesses.
10. Independent Sellers On Amazon Share Key Benefits Of Selling On The Platform
Amazon, attracting over 2 billion visits per month globally, offers a lucrative channel for independent and small business sellers, providing essential tools and features for success. Sellers highlighted several advantages of the platform, including comprehensive support through logistics, advertising, and financial tools. The brand’s credibility and global recognition significantly boost seller visibility and customer trust. Furthermore, Amazon’s advertising is seen as cost-effective compared to other channels, while the platform’s review system offers valuable feedback and encouragement. Additionally, Amazon’s vast reach has enabled sellers to discover new customer bases, with services like Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA) simplifying logistics and scaling operations at competitive fees.
11. RevSeller: A Must-Have Plugin for Amazon US Market Profits
RevSeller is an essential plugin that simplifies my product research on the Amazon US market. It allows me to swiftly assess the profit potential of a product and decide if it’s worth selling. With its valuable insights, I can instantly see the number of competitive sellers, the current sales rank, and historical price and sales rank averages. While it is exclusively designed for the Amazon US market, it has become an indispensable tool in my selling arsenal.
Learn More: https://amazonseller.school/revseller
That’s all for now! Keep harnessing these insights to soar to new heights in your Amazon journey.
Happy Selling!
Todd Welch
Amazon Seller School