As an Amazon FBA seller, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest changes to Amazon policies and features. Here are some key updates from 2023 that have a direct impact on FBA sellers:
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Review Purge Speculation
Amazon has been quietly deleting reviews from a number of Amazon Basics listings, potentially signalling an impending review purge. This action is part of the company’s increased efforts to stop review manipulation and counterfeiting. Amazon FBA Sellers should pay attention to significant changes to product review numbers in the near future. For more information on the potential purge, click here.
Search Query Details Dashboard
Amazon Seller Central has introduced a new tool, the Search Query Details Dashboard. This dashboard displays the top 10 performing ASINs for search queries based on search funnel impressions, clicks, cart adds, and purchases. It’s a useful tool for competitive analysis and identifying areas where your product may be underperforming against the competition.
New Product Attributes Required From June
Starting in June, certain product types must provide specific attributes such as color name, size name, or product description. Amazon FBA Sellers dealing with products such as backpacks, leotards, light fixtures, and others listed by Amazon must ensure their product listings comply with these new requirements.
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Amazon Offers $10 for Pickup Purchases
In an effort to reduce costs and stress on their delivery network, Amazon is offering select customers a $10 promotion if they choose to pick up their orders themselves. While this promotion isn’t new, its current implementation may suggest a focus on enhancing pick-up services.
Amazon Prime Day Preparation
With Amazon Prime Day 2023 on the horizon, sellers are advised to adequately prepare to maximize their profits. Preparing for Amazon Prime Day is crucial for Amazon FBA sellers. This annual event can significantly increase sales and visibility for your products, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here are some steps to prepare for the next Prime Day:
- Stock Up on Inventory: Prime Day can significantly boost sales, so it’s crucial to ensure you have enough stock to meet the increased demand. Running out of stock could lead to missed opportunities and potentially harm your seller’s reputation
- Optimize Your Product Listings: Make sure your product listings are fully optimized. This includes high-quality images, detailed and accurate product descriptions, and relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions to improve visibility in search results.
- Consider Lightning Deals or Discounts: Prime Day shoppers are looking for deals. Consider offering special discounts or enrolling in Amazon’s Lightning Deals, which are time-bound promotional offers prominently featured on Amazon’s Deals page
Advertise Your Products: Leverage Amazon Advertising to promote your products leading up to and during Prime Day. Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display ads can help increase visibility and drive more traffic to your listings.
- Analyze Past Performance: Look at your sales data from previous Prime Days to understand what worked and what didn’t. Use this data to refine your strategy for the upcoming event.
- Follow Amazon’s Deadlines and Guidelines: Amazon usually provides specific deadlines for inventory to be received at FBA centers before Prime Day. Make sure you’re aware of these deadlines and comply with them.
- Plan for After Prime Day: The days following Prime Day can also see increased sales, as some customers add items to their cart but don’t check out immediately. Ensure you have a plan in place to maximize this post-Prime Day opportunity.
- Stay Updated: Amazon often releases tips and resources for sellers to help them prepare for Prime Day. Stay up-to-date with these resources to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Launch of Shein Marketplace in the US
Chinese-based Shein Marketplace, already a successful fashion retailer, has launched in the US. Shein’s entry into the third-party marketplace game represents potential competition for Amazon and Walmart, which could impact the dynamics of the e-commerce landscape.
Manage Your Customer Engagements Tool
Amazon has been gradually rolling out its Manage Your Customer Engagements (MYCE) tool, which allows brands to send email marketing directly to Amazon customers. Even though it may not be as powerful as building and emailing your own list, the tool is valuable for enhancing engagement and sales. This tool is now in Beta development. You can find out more about this tool here.
Amazon and Pinterest Advertising Deal
Amazon and Pinterest have entered into a deal-making Amazon Pinterest’s first third-party advertising partner. This development could provide a more seamless experience for consumers and greater visibility for Amazon ads on the platform, potentially impacting strategies for Amazon sellers.
New Amazon Fulfillment Center in Kansas City
Amazon continues to expand its fulfillment network with the opening of a new center in Liberty, Missouri. This facility is dedicated to oversized items like furniture and sporting equipment. This move is part of Amazon’s ongoing efforts to decentralize and create independent fulfillment regions across the US
Stalled Amazon Growth
Data from Marketplace Pulse shows that Amazon’s first-party sales growth has stalled since the second half of 2021, hovering between negative and sub-10% growth. Despite this slowdown, third-party seller revenue continues to grow, thanks to increased fees from Amazon. While this growth is partially driven by higher fees, it’s still an indicator that third-party sales remain strong.
Amazon Middle East Sales Projection
Amazon’s expansion into the Middle East is expected to pay off in the coming years, with sales projected to reach $8 billion by 2025. The company has launched marketplaces in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, indicating a strategic focus on this region.
Consumer Trust and Social Media Shopping
Despite the increased integration of e-commerce capabilities into social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, many consumers remain hesitant to shop directly on these platforms. Concerns about quality and the security of card details are among the reasons for this reluctance. As a result, successful social media selling still often involves transitioning customers off social media platforms and onto trusted e-commerce platforms like Amazon
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, Amazon continues to evolve its platform and policies in response to changing market conditions and better to meet the needs of its customers and sellers. As an FBA seller, staying up to date with these changes is crucial to ensure compliance with Amazon’s rules, optimize your strategies, and ultimately, achieve business success. Remember, understanding these updates is just one part of the puzzle. The ability to adapt and implement changes based on these updates is what will truly set you apart in the competitive world of Amazon selling.
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