Walmart Introduces “Partial Keep It” to Reduce Refund Costs
Walmart has rolled out a Partial Keep It rule, allowing sellers to offer partial refunds instead of full returns. This new feature helps sellers cut down on return costs while still providing customer-friendly solutions.
How It Works:
- Customers requesting a return can opt for a partial refund instead of sending the item back.
- Sellers set refund percentage and maximum refund amounts to control costs.
- Rules can be customized by product category and return reason codes to prevent abuse.
Why It Matters for Sellers:
- Reduces return shipping costs and restocking hassle for lower-value items.
- Minimizes full refunds, preserving margins.
- Improves customer satisfaction by offering a hassle-free resolution.
This tool is especially useful for low-cost or high-return-rate items where return logistics outweigh the product’s value. Sellers should test Partial Keep It with select SKUs to find the right balance between cost savings and customer experience.
Walmart Updates Prohibited Products Policy: Action Required for Children’s Product Sellers
Walmart is tightening compliance requirements for children’s product sellers. As part of its updated Prohibited Products Policy, all sellers must confirm compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) and any applicable state regulations.
What Sellers Need to Do:
- Upload valid certification documents (dated within the last year) in Seller Center by March 1st.
- Any non-compliant listings will be unpublished after the deadline.
This policy update reinforces Walmart’s commitment to consumer safety and industry standards. Failure to comply could result in lost sales, so sellers should ensure all required documents are submitted on time.
For details, visit Walmart’s policy update: Prohibited Products Policy.
Need to certify your products? Visit the CPSC Certification Guide.
🔹 Take action now to avoid disruptions in your Walmart listings.
Amazon Expands Search to Include External Brands
Amazon is testing a new feature that broadens its search capabilities by displaying products not sold directly on its platform. This initiative aims to enhance product variety and improve the shopping experience for customers.
Key Highlights:
- Expanded Search Results: When customers search for specific brands or items, Amazon will now show relevant products available on other brands’ websites, alongside its own listings. Learn more here.
- Direct Brand Links: Clicking on these external products will redirect customers to the respective brand’s website, with a notification indicating they are leaving Amazon.
- Buy with Prime Integration: For brands utilizing Amazon’s Buy with Prime, Prime members can enjoy benefits like fast, free delivery and easy returns, even when purchasing directly from the brand’s site.
Currently in beta testing, this feature is available to a subset of U.S. customers using the Amazon Shopping app on iOS and Android. Amazon plans to expand access and include more brands based on user feedback.
This development offers eCommerce sellers an opportunity to reach Amazon’s vast customer base without listing products directly on the platform. Brands interested in participating should monitor Amazon’s announcements for further details on integration and potential benefits.
Amazon’s Third-Party Sellers Reach Record 62% of Sales in Q4 2024
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Amazon’s third-party sellers accounted for a record-breaking 62% of units sold on the platform. This milestone reflects Amazon’s strategic shift from direct retail to a marketplace-centric model.
Key Insights:
- Revenue from Seller Services: In 2024, Amazon generated $156.1 billion from third-party seller services, comprising 24.48% of its total revenue. This includes fees from services like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and referral commissions.
- Advertising Growth: Amazon’s advertising sector also saw significant growth, reaching $56.2 billion in 2024, a 19.8% increase from the previous year.
- Strategic Realignment: Amazon has been phasing out certain first-party vendor agreements, encouraging businesses to transition to the third-party marketplace. This move reduces Amazon’s inventory risks while boosting high-margin revenue streams from seller fees and advertising.
Implications for Sellers:
- Increased Opportunities: The expanding third-party marketplace offers sellers greater access to Amazon’s vast customer base.
- Rising Costs: As Amazon continues to adjust its fee structures, sellers may face higher costs, impacting profit margins.
- Dependence on Amazon’s Ecosystem: Despite potential cost increases, the platform’s extensive reach makes it a critical channel for many businesses.
This evolution underscores Amazon’s transformation from a traditional retailer to an infrastructure provider, prioritizing its marketplace and associated services.
Amazon’s Advertising Revenue Climbs 18% in Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, Amazon’s advertising revenue surged 18% year-over-year, reaching $17.3 billion, highlighting the growing role of its ad business in overall company performance.
Key Financial Highlights:
- Total Revenue: Amazon’s overall Q4 sales hit $187.8 billion, a 10% increase from the previous year.
- Net Income: Nearly doubled to $20 billion, up from $10.6 billion in the same quarter last year.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Generated $28.79 billion in revenue, reflecting a 19% growth, though slightly below analyst expectations.
What This Means for eCommerce Sellers:
- Increased Advertising Opportunities – As Amazon’s ad revenue grows, more tools and placements may become available to sellers.
- Higher Competition – More brands are investing in ads, making campaign optimization and strategic bidding critical.
- Amazon’s Prioritization of Ad Revenue – Expect more pay-to-play models, meaning advertising will remain a key driver of visibility on the platform.
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