Changes to Required Attributes for Product Listings
- In a recent update as of October 23, 2023, sellers on eCommerce platforms will experience changes in product listings. The Add Products and Add Products via Upload tools in Seller Central are being modified to ensure that product listings contain relevant attributes. This update aims to enhance the customer experience by simplifying product searches and purchase decisions. Notably, some optional attributes will transition into required ones, while some required attributes will become optional. Additionally, a few attributes will be removed. It’s crucial to note that new listings and edited existing listings will not be added to the catalog unless all required attributes are provided using these tools. Existing listings, however, will remain unaffected until edited. For further details and a list of required attributes, please visit the Updated attributes section within the Add Products interface. If you encounter listing issues, don’t hesitate to contact customer support.
Find Small Businesses Using New Small Business Search Filter
- Amazon has introduced the Small Business Search filter, designed to facilitate the discovery of products from small-business brands and artisans. When customers search for products, this filter will appear under Business type if the results include eligible items from small-business brands. To be eligible, small-business brands must meet the Small Business badge criteria and display the badge on their products in search or detail pages. For additional details, please refer to the Small Business Products FAQ.
Returns Window to be Extended for 2023 Holidays
- In preparation for the 2023 holiday season, we are extending our standard returns window, as we have done in previous years. Under our 2023 Extended Holiday Returns policy, items purchased between November 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, can be returned until January 31, 2024, with the exception of Apple brand products, which can be returned until January 15, 2024. This policy is applicable to seller-fulfilled FBA, and Amazon retail orders. It’s important to note that while the returns window for most orders will be extended, the returns eligibility criteria for all orders will remain the same. For additional details about our customer returns policy and returns eligibility by category, please refer to the Return and Refunds section.
Amazon to Launch Online Shopping Service in South Africa in 2024
- Amazon has announced its plan to launch an online shopping service in South Africa in 2024, marking its second African country with a dedicated website after Egypt. This move is aimed at providing independent sellers in South Africa with an opportunity to grow and scale their businesses rapidly. While it intensifies competition in the region, analysts do not see it as a major disruptor due to challenges in the local industry, such as economic conditions and competition. South Africa has seen a surge in online shopping, but the growth may have plateaued recently. It remains to be seen how Amazon’s platform will comply with local regulations, which mandate separation of retail divisions from marketplace operations for online retailers.
- Amazon has introduced a new feature called Consult-a-Friend, enhancing the social and collaborative aspect of online shopping. This feature allows users to request, view, and manage feedback from friends on products within the Amazon Shopping app. Recommendations from friends and family are highly trusted by customers, and Amazon’s data shows that users frequently share products with others through messaging services and social media. Consult-a-Friend simplifies the process of gathering feedback, particularly for items like apparel, shoes, electronics, and furniture. Users can share a product, and their friends can provide quick emoji reactions and commentary, making it easier to make confident purchasing decisions. The feature is currently in testing and available to select customers in various countries. Additionally, Amazon has rolled out the Inspire feature for sharing and discovering shoppable content created by influencers and brands. Users can create and share content about their favorite products, fostering a sense of community and inspiration in the shopping experience.
Amazon Outlines Push to ‘Eliminate Packaging Altogether’
- Amazon is working on reducing packaging waste in a sustainability effort. The company’s Ships in Product Packaging program aims to increase the number of shipments delivered in the product’s original packaging. Justine Mahler, director of packaging innovation at Amazon, leads this program with the goal of eventually eliminating packaging altogether. In 2022, 11% of Amazon deliveries were shipped in their own containers without additional Amazon packaging, and this number is expected to grow beyond 13%. The company plans to extend this program to all sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon in 2024. While not all products can be shipped in their original packaging, the goal is to reduce the need for extra packaging, focusing on sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Customer engagement, lower fees, and reduced packaging costs are some of the benefits associated with this initiative, and Amazon’s efforts aim to drive broader industry adoption of eco-friendly packaging standards.
Amazon Defends Prime Program in Bid to Defeat FTC Lawsuit
- Amazon is contesting a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which alleges that the company deceived consumers into enrolling in its Amazon Prime service and made it difficult for them to cancel. Amazon has requested a U.S. judge in Seattle to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that the FTC’s case “fails in its entirety.” Amazon argues that it clearly disclosed essential terms, including pricing and automatic renewal, to Prime customers and criticizes the FTC for using “undefined concepts” such as “manipulative” website designs. The FTC’s lawsuit is part of the Biden administration’s regulatory efforts against major tech companies. In a separate case, the FTC accused Amazon of violating U.S. antitrust law by imposing restrictions on merchants offering lower prices than Amazon. The lawsuit highlights that Amazon made changes to its cancellation process in response to FTC pressure. The trial for this case is scheduled for February 2025.
If you are an eCommerce amateur or professional and want to KEEP UP with everything eCommerce, Sing Up for our BellaVix newsletter 👇👇👇