Hey Fellow Amazon Sellers,

Here’s a quick roundup of the latest news and insights from the e-commerce world that could impact your business:

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News

Best and Worst Amazon Categories for Seller s

Amazon sellers can maximize profits by choosing the right product categories to sell in. The report highlights the most profitable categories like Electronics, Home & Kitchen, and Health & Personal Care, which attract high demand but may require significant investment in inventory and marketing.

On the flip side, categories like Books and Music are considered less lucrative due to low margins and declining demand. Understanding these trends can help sellers strategically position their products to capture market opportunities and minimize risk.

Perplexity Takes the Lead in AI Shoppin g

Amazon sellers should pay attention to Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine that now integrates with Amazon and other major retailers. Its new shopping feature allows users to find specific product recommendations, such as “best running shoes for a sub-3-hour marathon,” and complete purchases with one-click checkout or redirects to retailer platforms.

This innovation challenges Amazon’s Rufus assistant and Google’s shopping AI, offering personalized, trend-driven recommendations with seamless integration into e-commerce platforms. For sellers, this signals a shift toward AI-driven product discovery, making optimization for AI search and shopping platforms essential for staying competitive.

TikTok Adds New Gen AI Video Creation Tools for Marketer s

TikTok has introduced an AI-powered video creation tool for marketers within its Symphony Creative Studio. This tool generates TikTok-style videos using product descriptions or URLs, incorporating licensed assets like images and sounds from partners such as Getty Images to ensure commercial usability.

Marketers can customize AI-generated videos, add digital avatars for narration, and even create content in multiple languages to target global audiences. For Amazon sellers, this offers a streamlined way to create engaging TikTok content, leveraging trending formats to promote products without extensive video production knowledge.

How Solawave is Using ‘Schedule A’ Litigation to Successfully Fight Amazon Counterfeiter s

Amazon sellers face growing challenges from counterfeit products, particularly in beauty tech categories like red-light therapy devices. Solawave, a beauty tech brand, combats this issue through innovative legal strategies like ‘Schedule A’ litigation, which freezes counterfeiters’ accounts and prompts swift settlements, protecting both the brand and its customers.

After initial struggles with Amazon’s system, Solawave joined Amazon’s Premium Beauty program to regain control of its listings and hired legal teams in the U.S. and China to address intellectual property violations. These efforts have reduced counterfeit listings and helped the brand maintain customer trust.

Amazon Tests Injecting Key Features from Reviews into Search Result s

Amazon is testing a new feature that displays key product features from customer reviews directly in search results (SERP), as observed by Jon Derkit s. This experiment aims to highlight customer-identified benefits, making it easier for shoppers to evaluate products at a glance.

For Amazon sellers, this underscores the importance of cultivating high-quality reviews, as they could significantly influence product visibility and conversions. While still in the testing phase, sellers should keep an eye on this development to adapt their strategies effectively.

TikTok Shop’s Keyword Expansion: A Game-Changer for Amazon Seller s?

TikTok Shop has introduced a new Keyword Expansion feature for ads, drawing comparisons to Amazon PPC’s early days with its low cost-per-click and minimal competition. Sellers can directly import their optimized Amazon keywords into TikTok campaigns, doubling their keyword utility and testing new platforms.

While early results may be inconsistent, the potential for cheap traffic and long-term growth makes this a valuable opportunity for early adopters. Amazon sellers should consider experimenting with TikTok’s Keyword Expansion to diversify their ad strategy and capitalize on emerging trends in e-commerce advertising.

FedEx Enhances Tracking Features and Predicts Cyber Monday as Busiest Da y

FedEx has unveiled new tracking tools to enhance delivery transparency for customers. The Map View feature allows real-time package tracking during a four-hour delivery window, while Picture Proof of Delivery Attempt (PPODA) provides a photo of a missed delivery attempt, improving visibility and trust for recipients. These updates are accessible through the FedEx Delivery Manager app.

Cyber Monday, December 2, is expected to be FedEx’s busiest day this holiday season, with peak shipping volumes continuing each Monday through December. For Amazon sellers, these improvements and competitive pricing claims offer valuable insights for optimizing logistics during the holiday rush.

Amazon Dirty Secrets Exposed in Netflix Documentary “Buy Now!“

The Netflix documentary “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy” reveals startling claims by former Amazon employee Maren Costa and other insiders about tactics used by corporations like Amazon to encourage overconsumption and hide environmental impacts. It highlights practices such as planned obsolescence, misleading recycling claims, and the damaging consequences of product returns.

For Amazon sellers, the documentary may prompt consumer scrutiny of new goods, while benefiting those selling refurbished or second-hand items. As Amazon faces criticism over its Haul platform, which offers ultra-low-cost products, the film raises questions about sustainability and ethical practices in e-commerce.

Limited-Time Coupon Fee Reimbursement for New FBA Product s

Amazon is offering a reimbursement of the $0.60 coupon redemption fee for newly launched Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) products from November 2, 2024, through January 31, 2025. This promotion helps sellers build early sales momentum by increasing discoverability and conversions for new products.

The reimbursement will be automatically credited to your Seller Central account by February 28, 2025, making it easier to utilize coupons without upfront costs. Importantly, new products are exempt from the usual requirement of having a sales history to qualify for coupon promotions.

Amazon FBA Sellers Encounter Inbound Delays in Europ e

Amazon has warned sellers of inbound inventory delays at fulfillment centers in several European countries, including Germany, France, and Italy, due to capacity constraints. These delays may require sellers to work with carriers to reschedule pickup dates and monitor shipment status through the “Shipping Queue” tool.

Amazon has assured sellers it is actively addressing the issue to resolve constraints ahead of the holiday season. While delays may impact inventory arrival, sellers are reminded that holiday shopping often continues into the New Year.

Seller Tips & Tricks

Stop Leading Shoppers Off Amazon – Subtle Changes That Boost Conversion s

John Aspinall highlights a key optimization tip for Amazon sellers: the angle of product images can influence a shopper’s decision to add to cart. Products angled toward the “Add to Cart” button subtly guide the shopper’s focus, encouraging engagement and improving conversions.

This minor adjustment can have a significant impact on click-through rates (CTR) and sales. Sellers are encouraged to experiment with their product images to test this strategy’s effectiveness in driving conversions.

How To Increase Sales On Amazon – 15 Pro Tip s

Boosting Amazon sales involves a mix of on-Amazon optimization and external marketing efforts. Key strategies include creating optimized listings with high-quality images and keyword-rich descriptions, running PPC campaigns, and utilizing tools like Amazon’s Brand Registry and A+ Content to increase visibility and conversions.

Driving external traffic through social media ads, email marketing, and influencer collaborations can expand your audience and sales potential. Building trust with customer reviews, maintaining efficient inventory management, and testing listing elements regularly is crucial for staying competitive and growing your Amazon business.

This QR Code Strategy Is Winning Back Amazon Customer s

Amazon sellers often face the challenge of not owning customer relationships, but Dave La w, founder of Zeepy, implemented a QR code strategy to overcome this. By placing QR codes on product packaging, and directing buyers to their website, Zeepy offers value through two calls-to-action: a podcast for kids and an instructional setup guide for parents.

In just 10 months, this strategy drove impressive results: 39% of Amazon buyers visited the website, 28% accessed the instruction page, and 15% engaged with the podcast, creating a stronger brand connection. Additionally, 5% of website visitors signed up for a mailing list, turning single-transaction buyers into loyal customers.

10 Amazon PPC Tips for Success (2025 )

Amazon PPC ads are a powerful way to increase visibility, drive sales, and boost profitability, but crafting effective campaigns requires strategic effort. This article outlines 10 key tips for Amazon sellers, such as analyzing competitors, leveraging long-tail keywords, optimizing ad content, and using A/B testing to refine campaigns. Other tactics include grouping products with similar prices, increasing budgets during high-traffic periods, and using Sponsored Display ads to retarget potential customers.

Sellers are also encouraged to incorporate customer feedback and cross-promote Amazon PPC ads on external channels like social media or Google. By applying these strategies and monitoring key metrics like ACoS and RoAS, sellers can optimize ad performance and stay competitive in Amazon’s crowded marketplace.

Video of the Week

Amazon AWD Explained: Save on Fees, Simplify Logistics, and Boost Profit s

Strong Opinions

Trump’s Tariffs Could Force Amazon to Choose Between Low Prices or U.S. Seller s

Amazon faces a significant challenge as proposed tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports threaten to disrupt its marketplace strategy. These tariffs could force Amazon to decide between maintaining low prices, which help compete with Chinese marketplaces like Temu, or prioritizing the success of U.S.-based sellers. U.S. sellers already face competition from Chinese suppliers who may find ways to evade tariffs, creating further pricing pressures.

While Amazon has introduced initiatives like freezing seller fees and launching Haul, a budget-focused platform, the impending tariffs may make it difficult to balance price competitiveness and seller profitability. The outcome could reshape Amazon’s marketplace strategy, with sellers and vendors bracing for potential impacts on pricing, sourcing, and profitability.

Amazon Adding 8 Extra Days to Delivery Estimates? FBM Sellers Sound the Alar m

FBM sellers are reporting that Amazon is significantly extending delivery estimates, adding up to 8 extra days beyond their usual transit times despite maintaining over 90% On-Time Delivery Rates (OTDR). Many suspect this could be a push to shift more business to Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) during the holiday season, as the longer delivery estimates are causing sellers to lose Buy Box visibility.

Sellers are voicing concerns that this padding makes them uncompetitive, with customers deterred by longer delivery windows. If unresolved, this issue could have serious implications for FBM sellers’ sales and marketplace viability.

Is Social Commerce on the Rise? What Amazon Sellers Should Kno w

Social commerce is rapidly gaining traction, with platforms like TikTok, Meta, and YouTube integrating shopping features that let users purchase products directly within their apps. TikTok has experienced explosive growth in this space, with a 915% increase in social shoppers from 2020 to 2024, while platforms like Instagram and Pinterest also show significant user engagement with shopping tools.

Products like apparel, personal care items, and groceries are particularly successful in social marketplaces, making these platforms ideal for sellers in those categories. Convenience, deals, and seamless payment options drive this trend, but trust and awareness remain challenges as many users are still unfamiliar with social shopping features.

Amazon Just Built a Temu Clone. Why Isn’t It More Fun ?

Amazon’s new “Haul” storefront targets budget shoppers with products under $20, mimicking the success of competitors like Temu and Shein. While Haul offers low prices and Amazon’s reliability, its selection and presentation lack the chaotic, engaging appeal of its rivals, making it feel incomplete.

Haul highlights Amazon’s challenge of competing with platforms that ship directly from China, offering similar products at lower prices while bypassing traditional logistics. With upcoming potential changes in U.S. import policies and tariffs, Amazon’s experiment with Haul will face crucial tests in both its competitive strategy and its ability to attract new customers.

The No. 1 Skill for a Profitable Side Hustle: Emotional Intelligen ce

According to Kyle M.K., author and talent advisor, emotional intelligence (EQ) is the most critical skill for running a successful side hustle. EQ helps you understand customers’ needs and emotions, enabling you to create solutions that resonate and build lasting relationships. For Amazon sellers, this means viewing customers as people rather than data, providing excellent service, and creating positive emotional experiences that encourage repeat business.

Practicing EQ involves improving self-awareness, actively listening to others, and engaging in meaningful conversations. As operational tasks are increasingly handled by AI, emotional intelligence will remain a vital pillar for connecting with customers and driving success in any business.

Is Etsy Still Useful for Small Sellers? Differing Perspectives from Local Artisan s

Etsy remains valuable for some small sellers, particularly those who prioritize visibility and ease of use. Sellers like Jill Arada and McKenzie Paxton praise its search engine integration, user-friendly platform, and suitability for handmade items. However, concerns arise over competition from mass-produced goods and the challenge of standing out without significant ad spend.

Others, like Gavin Lawrence and Trevor Nicolaides, acknowledge Etsy’s customer base but find it harder to compete without large budgets or extensive product catalogs. While Etsy offers advantages, its shifting focus and competitive landscape leave small sellers divided on its long-term viability.

Amazon Haul Prioritizes Chinese Sellers, Raising Concerns for U.S. Seller s

Lesley Hensel l highlights the challenges U.S.-based sellers face with Amazon’s new Haul marketplace, which appears to favor Chinese sellers exclusively. The platform is saturated with low-quality products, bait-and-switch listings, and misleading claims about product quality, such as fake “gold-plated” and “stainless steel” items.

Hensell notes that these practices damage the overall reputation of Amazon’s marketplace and create barriers for U.S. sellers to compete with low-priced merchandise. She questions the long-term sustainability of Amazon’s strategy and its impact on seller trust.

Featured Services and Software

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Top Upcoming Amazon Events

B2B ONLINE EUROP E – December 4-5, 2024, Hilton Dusseldorf, Germany
B2B MARKETING EXCHANG E – February 24-26, 2025, Scottsdale Arizona, USA
AMAZON HACKING LIVE 202 5 – January 25, 2025, Berlin, Germany
VENDOR CONNECT 2025 – February 27, 2025, London, United Kingdom

That’s a wrap for this week’s newsletter! With new developments in AI, shipping, and platform tools, we’ve got you covered on the key updates that matter most to your Amazon business.

God Bless,

Todd Welch,
Amazon Seller School