Guess what! Many interesting updates are coming on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, TikTok, etc. Every e-commerce platform is gearing up for updates that promise to redefine the customers’ e-commerce experience. This month’s latest updates cover Amazon and TikTok strategically expanding their business into new markets, eBay unveiling innovative seller tools, and Walmart enhancing customer feedback systems. The new updates discuss engaging, discovering, and enhancing the shopping experience. The e-commerce platforms are anticipating them and setting the stage for a future where shopping is more smooth and perfect.
In this blog, we will discuss the following updates in e-commerce:
- Update on Amazon’s low inventory level fee
- Amazon’s new return processing fee
- Amazon launches in South Africa
- Amazon is using AI for packaging
- Small updates from Amazon
- eBay unveils a new seller hub marketing tab
- eBay’s product research tool is now on mobile
- Walmart is rolling out a new ratings and reviews dashboard
- TikTok expands its e-commerce business into Mexico and Western Europe
1. Amazon Low Inventory Level Fee Update
Amazon announced a new update on the low inventory level fee. There has been a lot of chaotic conversation going on about this issue since the start of 2024. This is not over yet. Amazon responded to the seller’s reactions to this issue this month.
As you already know, in December 2023, Amazon announced that they were going to add a low inventory level fee to FBA. It was unfavorable news for the FBA sellers. After observing sellers’ reactions to this matter, Amazon has made some changes.
In an earlier update on this fee, Amazon said sellers don’t need to pay this fee from April 1 to April 30. In the last update, they extended the window by two more weeks. So, sellers will start changing this fee on May 15.
Seasonal products are another concern for sellers. Because there is a lot of unpredictability in managing inventory levels for seasonal products, sellers will be happy to know that low inventory level fees will not apply to products that have sold less than 20 units in the past 7 days.
Amazon also confirms that you’ll be credited back for any low inventory-level fees incurred between April 1st and May 14th as well.
The most significant addition to low-level inventory fees is that Amazon will not charge you a low-level inventory fee if you have a lightning deal or best deal during Prime Day. This exception will apply for the four weeks following Prime Day 2024. Because inventory levels become more unpredictable at that moment.
2. Amazon New Return Processing Fee
Amazon refines its return processing fee. The latest news says the returns processing fee will go into effect for products with high return rates, except apparel and shoes. This fee will be effective June 1st, 2024.
This fee was originally announced as part of the 2024 US fee changes. Amazon will charge this fee after the end of each of the three months.
The following reasons need to be considered for this fee:
- The number of return units and return rate percentage will be used to calculate this fee.
- Minimum return rate threshold above which fees are charged.
- Number of return units above the threshold for which fees are charged.
These three new things will be included in the return insights dashboard. Sellers need to go through those things and be prepared.
3. Amazon Launches in South Africa, Plans Expansion to Ireland Next Year
The next update on Amazon is about the expansion of its empire. This month, they announced the launch of Amazon.co.za, which is for South Africa. From now on, customers in South Africa can shop from a wide variety of local and international brands, take advantage of great prices, and enjoy same-day and next-day delivery.
Customers will enjoy free delivery on their first order. Customers will also receive status updates via WhatsApp, so they can track their order at every step of the way.
This is good news for both sellers and shoppers. And this is followed by another piece of good news. In a recent announcement, Amazon said they are planning to launch in Ireland next year.
4. Amazon is using AI for packaging
The next update from Amazon is that it is using AI for packaging. If you are using FBA, the boxes in which your products are sent to customers will be most likely selected by Ai.
In a recent news article, Amazon said they are trying to reduce packaging waste. That’s why they came up with a new AI system to select packaging. It will help to choose optimal packaging that both reduces waste and protects from damage.
The AI model is named Packaging Decision Engine. It uses a combination of deep machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to determine the most effective packaging.
To cite an example, it can predict when a more durable product like a blanket doesn’t need protective packaging or when a fragile item like a dinner set requires a protective box. The model helps to reduce the number of cardboard boxes, air pillows, tape, and mailers used to send purchases to customers.
5. A Few Small Updates on Amazon
Amazon announced the “Amazon Ads Summit,” especially for Prime Day. If you are interested in participating, then you have to join between June 4th and June 5th. We have dynamic Amazon Ads experts for exclusive workshops, in-depth discussions, Q&As, and demos. If you need any help, contact us as early as possible.
An article from CNBC presents Amazon’s plans to give Alexa an AI overhaul and a monthly subscription price. However, it hasn’t been confirmed by Amazon yet. But people want to see how it’s going to change the shopping experience. People are expecting better-optimized listings in the overhaul.
The next update is from a LinkedIn post by Amazon’s Ads Tech Evangelist, Jeffry Cohen. According to his post, “There will be a collaboration between Amazon Ads and Canva.”
It will allow you to smoothly connect Canva to your Amazon Ads creative library and import or export your brand content. So, it will be more efficient than ever.
Another good news for brands on Amazon. They can now add size charts with a new self-serve tool. So, adding size charts will be easier if you’re enrolled in the Brand Registry.
The next news is from pymnts.com. This news says Amazon is ramping up logistics expansion to speed delivery and reduce costs. Amazon is focusing on this strategy to compete with rivals like Walmart, Shein, and Temu.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Amazon has leased, bought, or announced plans for over 16 million square feet of new warehouse space in the U.S. this year alone.
6. eBay Unveils a New Seller Hub Marketing Tab
In a recent announcement, eBay said they’ve redesigned the Seller Hub Marketing tab’s Summary page. It is now easier for sellers to discover and access the wide range of tools that are available to help them grow their eBay business. They’ve added a few new tools, such as the Create Promotion button, Activity Tracker, and simplified left navigation.
7. Product research is now on mobile
eBay introduced a new tool called “Product Research,” formerly known as “Terapeak,” for mobile.
Now sellers can access product research at any time and from anywhere. With this update, you can research and list your items directly from your phone or tablet in a while. This tool is available in the eBay mobile app on iOS and Android.
8. Walmart Rolls Out New Ratings and Reviews Dashboard
In a recent announcement, Walmart said sellers can connect reviews to specific orders and pinpoint the product behind positive or negative feedback. They also said this will make it easier to resolve issues with fulfillment, listing quality, or customer service.
This initiative aims to increase the overall customer experience.
9. TikTok Expands E-commerce Business into Mexico and Western Europe
According to the South China Morning Post, the popular social media app is expanding its online shopping feature. TikTok introduced their shop to new countries such as Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Merchants in these countries are being invited to beta-test the product before its official launch this summer.
To sell on TikTok Shop, merchants must meet certain criteria. For example, in Mexico, they need to have a local business registered and may have some restrictions on what they can sell initially, like food and jewelry.
This move will make TikTok Shop available in a total of 13 markets around the world. It will allow users to purchase products directly through the app. The platform aims to learn from past experiences and is now inviting merchants to join TikTok Shop in these new markets. This update explains TikTok’s commitment to growing its online shopping feature and reaching more users worldwide.
TikTok Shop is doing well in the US. Over 500 thousand merchants were selling to US users on the app by the end of 2023. And, worldwide, there are now over 15 million sellers on TikTok Shop.
To sum up, Amazon, Walmart, eBay, TikTok, and other e-commerce platforms are refining their strategies continuously. This month has been filled with valuable insights and opportunities for growth. We always try to cover every corner of each e-commerce platform. We tried to come up with the latest updates to help your business. E-commerce platforms are trying to enhance the customer shopping experience. As sellers, we need to adapt to the updates as early as possible to sustain business.
If you need any help with any e-commerce platform, feel free to let us know in the comment box or email us at the following email address: info@ecomclips.com
To learn more about Amazon or other marketplaces, please check out our other blog. Also, you can check out our YouTube videos on e-commerce platforms as well.
