Helium 10 Buzz 12/19/24: Amazon Makes Move That Might Cost Sellers Millions of Dollars!
Serious Sellers Podcast: Learn How To Sell On Amazon FBA & Walmart
Deep Dive
Why are Amazon sellers reacting so strongly to the new FBA inventory reimbursement policy?
Sellers are reacting strongly because the new policy could significantly reduce their reimbursements for lost or damaged inventory. Amazon will now reimburse based on manufacturing costs, excluding shipping, handling, and customs duties, which could cost sellers millions of dollars. Many sellers feel misled and are concerned about potential financial losses.
Why is Amazon changing the FBA inventory reimbursement policy?
Amazon claims the change is to provide greater transparency and predictability in how reimbursements are calculated. However, the policy shift has been poorly communicated, leading to widespread seller dissatisfaction. Some speculate that it is a way for Amazon to reduce costs, but Amazon states it aligns with industry standards.
What are the key changes in the new FBA inventory reimbursement policy?
The key changes include reimbursing based on manufacturing costs, which exclude shipping, handling, and customs duties. Effective March 10, 2025, sellers can either provide their own manufacturing costs or accept Amazon's estimate. Amazon may dispose of reimbursed items, including selling them on Amazon Warehouse, which has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
How should sellers prepare for the new FBA inventory reimbursement policy?
Sellers should wait until Amazon provides its manufacturing cost estimates before inputting their own costs. They should also review and update their costs on the new 'manage your manufacturing cost page' starting in late January. It's advisable to use third-party tools like Helium 10 for profitability calculations to avoid sharing sensitive cost data with Amazon.
Why is TikTok Shop surpassing Shein and Sephora in U.S. sales?
TikTok Shop has seen rapid growth since its launch in September 2023, leveraging the platform's massive user base and innovative shopping features. The success is attributed to its strong engagement and the growing popularity of social commerce, where users can seamlessly shop while browsing content.
What are the upcoming changes to Amazon EU FBA fees in 2025?
Amazon EU is simplifying and adjusting FBA fees. They will lower average fulfillment fees for parcel and oversized tiers in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. However, they will also increase fees for monthly storage, storage utilization, low inventory cost coverage, and preparation fees. The changes aim to align fees more closely with operational costs.
What new features are available on the Voice of the Customer Dashboard on Amazon Seller Central?
The Voice of the Customer Dashboard now includes return rate and star rating features. Sellers can see the return rates and star ratings for their products, helping them identify which products are performing well and which may need improvement.
Why is TikTok asking the Supreme Court to temporarily halt a law that would ban the app in the U.S.?
TikTok is seeking a temporary halt to the law to prevent a potential ban in the U.S. The company is likely aiming to continue operating while legal challenges are resolved. Despite the uncertainty, many believe TikTok will not be permanently banned and will continue to grow as a platform.
What new targeting capabilities has Amazon DSP launched for advertisers?
Amazon DSP has launched two new targeting capabilities: specific fold positions for display and online video campaigns (above or below the fold) and native content placements in feed, in article, or recommendation widgets. These features provide advertisers with more granular control over ad placements, enhancing targeting precision.
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