Helium 10 Buzz 1/3/25: BIG Amazon Title Policy Change | Temu Banned for Amazon Sellers?
Serious Sellers Podcast: Learn How To Sell On Amazon FBA & Walmart
Deep Dive
What are the new Amazon product title requirements effective January 21, 2025?
Amazon's new title requirements limit titles to 200 characters for most product categories, prohibit the use of special characters like exclamation marks, dollar signs, and underscores (unless part of the brand name), and restrict repeating the same word more than twice (excluding prepositions, articles, and conjunctions). These changes aim to make titles clearer, more concise, and consistent.
Why is Amazon's new title policy significant for sellers?
The new title policy could require sellers to update up to half or more of their listings to comply with the 200-character limit, avoid special characters, and eliminate repetitive words. Non-compliance could lead to Amazon automatically modifying titles using AI, which may not align with sellers' branding or keyword strategies.
How is Amazon addressing sellers who also sell on Temu?
Amazon has reportedly added Temu to the list of marketplaces it monitors for price matching. If a seller's product is listed at a lower price on Temu, Amazon may remove the buy box for that product on its platform. This move could discourage sellers from listing the same products on both platforms.
What changes are coming to TikTok Shop's return and refund policy?
Starting January 10, 2025, TikTok Shop sellers using Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) will be responsible for reimbursing customers for initial shipping fees in all return and refund scenarios, including change-of-mind returns. Previously, TikTok Shop subsidized these costs.
What is the APEX procedure on Amazon?
The APEX procedure is Amazon's solution for resolving patent disputes. It allows patent holders to submit a request to Amazon, which, if approved, initiates an evaluation between the patent holder and sellers of alleged infringing products. If the evaluator rules in favor of the patent holder, the accused product is removed from Amazon, with decisions typically issued within 15 weeks.
How does Amazon's market share compare to Walmart's in 2024?
In 2024, Amazon accounted for 3.5% of total U.S. consumer spending, while Walmart accounted for 2.9%. Amazon also saw an 11% increase in Prime Day sales, reaching over $14 billion, while Walmart Plus Week saw a 71% increase in sales, with shoppers spending an average of $473 compared to Amazon's $326.
What new feature does Helium 10 offer for product misclassification alerts?
Helium 10 now provides alerts if a product is classified as adult by Amazon. This feature helps sellers quickly identify and address misclassifications, which can otherwise lead to suppressed listings and lost sales.
What is the significance of Mexico's new tariffs on Chinese e-tailers like Shein and Temu?
Mexico has introduced a 19% duty on goods from countries without an international treaty, targeting Chinese e-tailers like Shein and Temu. This move could serve as a preview for similar actions in the U.S., potentially impacting Amazon's marketplace and sellers who rely on low-cost imports.
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