Amazon Considering Adding Advertising Tiers to Streaming TV
- Amazon is looking for ways to boost revenue and considering a pricing tier to allow for commercial-free streaming as well as ad-supported streaming. Amazon is considering the implementation after several rival platforms like Netflix launched similar features.
- FBA sellers can now run Outlet deals on 60% more products with excess inventory. You can participate in Amazon Outlet deals if you have a professional selling plan and a customer rating of at least 3.5 stars. There are no fees to use Outlet deals. Standard fulfillment and referral fees apply for participating ASINs. It’s great timing to consider outlet deals for eligible products with Prime Day right around the corner.
Reminder: Update Your Information by June 27 for INFORM Act Compliance
- The INFORM Consumers Act takes effect in the US on June 27, 2023. We encourage all sellers to provide their business information, if you haven’t already, to avoid future disruption to your business, such as withholding of disbursements or, as the law may require, account deactivation. We expect heavy roll out starting shortly after this date.
- Starting July 15, 2023, the maximum reimbursement amount for US orders fulfilled by MCF will be $300.00 per eligible unit lost or damaged during the fulfillment process. This change brings MCF’s reimbursement policy in line with the broader industry. If you sell products valued greater than $300, Amazon is recommending purchasing third-party insurance.
- Amazon is quietly relaunching its seller-fulfilled Prime program, allowing brands to fulfill orders using their own warehouses while still carrying the Prime label. The program was initially introduced in 2016 but stopped accepting new applications in 2019 due to delivery issues. Amazon is now testing the program again, likely as part of its strategy to rely less on its own infrastructure and work with partners. The move could help Amazon reduce warehouse expenses and expand its marketplace. The program is expected to appeal to larger brands with existing fulfillment networks. However, there are some drawbacks, such as strict requirements and the need to buy shipping labels from Amazon. The announcement coincides with Amazon’s confirmation of a second Prime Day in the fall, indicating the company’s intention to extend beyond its traditional summer sales event and tap into the early holiday shopping season trend.