August brought a series of pivotal changes for Amazon sellers that could significantly impact your business. Amazon tested hiding star ratings, introduced enticing FBA discounts in Poland, and addressed the growing challenge of fake reviews with new FTC regulations. From new EU safety rules and reduced holiday fees to insights into evolving consumer habits, there’s a lot to digest. As you prepare for the busy holiday season and refine your strategies, we’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the most relevant curated updates, insightful reads, and essential resources to help you make the most of these evolving opportunities.
Let’s jump right in!
📰 News & Updates
- Amazon’s star ratings test raises eyebrows.
Amazon is testing a change that hides star ratings on search result pages. This has left sellers wondering how it might affect shopper behaviour and their product visibility.
- Amazon Poland’s FBA discounts: a gateway to Europe.
Planning to expand into Europe? Amazon Poland is sweetening the deal with up to 50% off FBA fees. It’s an excellent opportunity for brands looking to break into new markets.
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday prep: don’t miss the deadlines.
Sellers, mark your calendars! To ensure smooth sailing through the holiday rush, meet Amazon’s AWD guidelines and check-in times by October 19th.
- New EU safety rules coming in December.
If you sell non-food items in the EU, brace yourself for the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) rules starting December 2024. Now’s the time to make sure your listings comply.
- Amazon expands Chinese recruitment to compete with Temu.
Amazon intensifies hiring in China, leveraging local strategies to offer lower prices and challenge Temu in the U.S. market.
- FTC cracks down on fake reviews and AI-Generated content.
The FTC is rolling out new regulations targeting fake reviews and AI-generated content. Non-compliance could mean hefty fines, so sellers must stay informed.
- Overage fees axed: a holiday gift for sellers.
To ease the holiday season pressure, Amazon has dropped overage warehouse fees. This move will help sellers better prepare for the busiest shopping period of the year.
- Canadian sellers hit by new 3% regulatory advertising fee.
Starting August 15, Canadian sellers face a new 3% fee due to the expansion of Amazon’s Digital Services Tax. Understanding this change is crucial for maintaining profitability.
- Amazon’s missteps in India: a lesson in adaptation.
Amazon’s struggle to keep up with India’s rapid quick-commerce growth highlights the importance of adapting strategies in a fast-paced market.
- Enhanced return tools for FBA sellers.
New return management tools like Grade and Resell are now available, helping FBA sellers recover value and maintain customer satisfaction.
- New auto-replenishment options for FBA.
Amazon introduced flexible auto-replenishment controls, allowing sellers to better manage inventory by setting specific plans for individual SKUs.
- Updated bullet point rules for product listings.
Effective August 15, Amazon’s new bullet point requirements will require sellers to enhance clarity and compliance for better visibility and conversions.
- VAT changes Impacting UK and EU sellers.
Amazon’s VAT adjustments took effect on August 1, meaning sellers in the UK and EU may need to revisit their pricing strategies to cover these increased costs.
- CrowdStrike IT outage: Amazon shields sellers.
Amazon acted quickly to protect sellers from the fallout of the CrowdStrike IT outage, safeguarding account health and providing a path for appeals.
- Amazon’s Q2 2024 results miss the mark.
Amazon’s earnings for Q2 fell short of expectations, causing a drop in stock prices. Sellers should keep an eye on the company’s financial health as they plan future strategies.
💡 Insightful Reads
Articles
- The hidden importance of Marketplace SLAs.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) might seem tedious, but they play a critical role in maintaining your ratings on Amazon. Consistently meeting these standards can directly impact your visibility and sales.
- A deep dive into Amazon Business Repricing.
Understanding how Amazon Business Repricing works is essential for staying competitive. Learn how automated pricing strategies can help protect your profit margins.
- Rufus: a new tool for sellers.
Rufus is enhancing product discovery for shoppers, and sellers should know how to leverage this AI tool to boost visibility and customer interactions.
- The art of Amazon listing optimization in 2024.
Nine proven strategies to refine your Amazon listings and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Learn how to give your products the best chance of success.
- The dangers of fake reviews.
Fake reviews might seem like a quick win, but they can jeopardise your business. Learn why building trust through genuine feedback is essential for long-term success.
Guides
- A simple guide to Amazon FBA inspection.
Navigating Amazon FBA’s inspection process can be tricky, but this guide simplifies the steps to help you avoid mistakes and stay FBA-ready.
- Essential strategies for eCommerce growth.
Unlock your eCommerce potential with proven strategies to overcome challenges and leverage Amazon’s tools for sustainable growth.
Reports
- Recapping 2024 Prime Day success: key insights for Amazon sellers.
Amazon’s Prime Day saw a surge in customer support needs. Sellers can boost their game with these essential tips for smoother operations and increased sales.
- Prime Day 2024 unveils shifting consumer habits.
The latest Facteus report highlights shifting trends and cautious spending during the Prime Day, 2024. Discover the latest data on how inflation and evolving shopper behaviours are reshaping retail dynamics.
Books
- Arbitrage: The authoritative guide on how it works, why it works, and how it can work for you.
Chris Green’s book provides guidance on retail arbitrage, offering practical advice on everything from pricing strategies to finding profitable inventory.
- Amazon selling blueprint: how to find and launch your first private-label product on Amazon in 90 days or less.
This book provides a step-by-step guide to launching a profitable private-label product on Amazon in just 90 days.
🎥 Must-Watch Videos
- How seasonality impacts your Amazon sales.
Discover how understanding seasonal trends can transform your Amazon strategy. Learn to track patterns and manage ads effectively with My Amazon Guy expert tips.
- TikTok Shop vs. Amazon FBA: which fits your 2024 goals?
Find out how TikTok Shop and Amazon FBA stack up when it comes to growing your brand. KT, an expert seller on both platforms, has broken down the pros and cons to help you decide.
- Strategies to overcome Amazon’s cost hikes and fierce competition.
Learn expert tips on navigating rising costs and competition while building a strong brand and optimising listings—no price cuts needed.
- Buying & transferring Amazon accounts in 2024.
Buying an Amazon brand can fast-track your success, but it comes with risks. This video offers a step-by-step guide on how to purchase and transfer an Amazon account, highlighting the key pitfalls to avoid.
- Mastering low ACOS: unlock success with strategic spending.
Discover essential strategies to reduce your Advertising Cost Of Sales (ACOS) while maximising ad impact—perfect for both new and seasoned Amazon sellers looking to enhance their campaigns.
- Amazon’s latest update could disrupt seller success.
Amazon’s recent tweak—removing reviews from search results—might level the playing field for newcomers but could frustrate established sellers and impact shopper trust.
- Enhance your listings with A+ Content.
Unlock the secrets of A+ Content to boost your Amazon sales and create compelling listings that captivate buyers.
- Spotting 2024 trends for Amazon FBA success.
Learn how to identify and leverage upcoming product trends to boost your Amazon FBA business in 2024.
🎙️ Podcast Picks
- Financial tips for Amazon sellers.
Experts Ellen Main and Iona Bird share insights on managing your Amazon financials more efficiently, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
- Catch up on Amazon’s latest updates.
The Amazon Seller School podcast covers the latest news, from the FTC’s fake review ban to Jeff Bezos’ predictions. Don’t miss these crucial updates. - Building loyal customers on Amazon.
Rachel Greer offers valuable strategies for creating a loyal customer base using Amazon tools, storefronts and live streaming. - Wholesale vs. online arbitrage.
Warner Fields breaks down the pros and cons of wholesale versus online arbitrage, helping you decide which strategy suits your business best. - Mastering Amazon ads with key metrics.
Michael Erickson Facchin dives into essential metrics like ROAS and CPC, providing actionable tips to help you optimise your Amazon advertising strategy. - Amazon’s factory direct sales shake-up.
Join Lunch with Norm as they discuss Amazon’s new factory-direct sales model and how sellers can adapt to this significant shift in the eCommerce landscape. - Inside Amazon’s hidden strategies.
Former Amazon executive Andrew Tookey reveals strategies for leveraging Amazon advertising, analytics, and SEO to outshine your competitors. - Expert tips from Eric Castellano.
Eric Castellano from AmazonLit shares top tips for building brand partnerships and scaling your Amazon business. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the industry.
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