🚀 Launching SellerPlex Community

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Hey there 👋,

Welcome to the first issue of Smart Seller, the new name for the SellerPlex newsletter. This week we cover:

• Amazon’s new Virtual Storefronts

• Is Prime Day Still Primed for Success?

• 6 Insights from The State the Amazon Seller 2024

• The Ultimate Guide to Amazon Reports  

• Helium 10 vs Jungle Scout head to head

And we’re launching our Smart Seller community on Skool…

It’s free to join and inside we have:

• Discussion forums on everything Amazon, from listings to supply chain management.

• Classes on how to hire top talent, a roadmap to a 7 figure exit, and automation templates ($497 value)

• Events run by the SellerPlex team

Here’s the link to our community.

All our classes are currently free to access, we will be locking some down and charging in the future.

LATEST NEWS

• Amazon reportedly planning discount store to compete with Temu, featuring cheap items that can be shipped directly from China (Link)

• Amazon’s market cap has surpassed $2 trillion, putting it in a select group of companies like Alphabet, Nvidia and Apple (Link)

• Amazon Is Secretly Working on a ChatGPT Killer (Link)

🛒 Amazon's Virtual Storefronts: A New Era in Online Shopping

Amazon is quietly introducing virtual storefronts across its marketplace. Shoppers can now explore 3D environments for various products, from coffee makers to electronics and home goods, curated by influencers like Everything Envy. There are also brand-specific stores, such as a Star Wars-themed shop offering collectibles and a Lego store.

Navigating these digital spaces isn't straightforward. While some have clear signage, others are hidden within product pages, accessible via links labeled “View in 3D Showroom.” The exact launch dates of these stores are unclear, and Amazon has not commented on their future plans or current performance.

• 📺 Curated Shopping: Explore rooms filled with home goods and electronics, featuring top brands like Nespresso and Cuisinart.

• 🎮 Brand-Specific Stores: Discover dedicated 3D stores for popular franchises like Star Wars and Lego, with links found on related product pages.

• 🤖 Advanced Tech: Amazon's collaboration with Hexa enables 3D visualizations and virtual try-ons, enhancing the shopping experience.

• 🏠 Room Decorator Tool: Since 2020, Amazon has allowed users to visualize furniture in their homes, recently expanding to virtual try-ons for fashion items.

These developments align with Amazon's history of experimenting with digital shopping tools. Last year, they partnered with Hexa for 3D visualization, and previously launched Room Decorator and virtual try-ons for fashion items. However, industry experts remain skeptical. Mike Black from Profitero suggests Amazon is testing consumer engagement, while CI&T's Melissa Minkow questions the efficacy of these virtual stores in enhancing product discovery.

Amazon's cautious approach to the metaverse contrasts with other tech giants. While companies like Meta have made bold moves, Amazon focuses on practical technologies impacting the real world. Yet, job postings hint at an ongoing interest in 3D and metaverse technologies, complemented by initiatives like Amazon Anywhere, which merges physical and digital shopping.

Link to Article →

Increase Your Amazon Position Before Oct Prime Day

Send free products to Micro-Influencers using the platform Stack Influence which automates influencer collaborations at scale (get thousands of collabs per month). Brands like Magic Spoon, Unilever, and Farmacy have been able to get to #1 page positioning on Amazon and increase their monthly revenue as high as 13X in as little as 2 months.

• Pay influencers only with products

• Increase external traffic Amazon sales

• Get full rights image/video UGC

Increase your listings search positioning before Oct Prime Day is upon us!

Get 10% OFF signing up before Oct Prime Day.

🤔 Is Prime Day Still Primed for Success?

Amazon fees are reaching new highs, leading many sellers to reconsider offering discounts on Prime Day.

As reported by Modern Retail, the company's escalating charges, including storage and shipping fees and increasing advertising costs, are making discounted deals less viable for the brands selling via this platform.

• ✂️ The increased storage and shipping fees by Amazon is causing brands to reconsider their discount strategies for Prime Day.

• 💰 Although FBA assists sellers with storage and delivery, recent policy changes are contributing to increasing costs.

• 📈 Amazon is pushing for a focus on popular, fast-moving items which is causing trouble for sellers dealing in niche or non-seasonal products.

• 🔄 The new rule requiring more regular changes to inventory within the FBA warehouses can potentially lead to penalties.

Link to Article →

💡 Insights from State of the Amazon Seller 2024

Here are 6 insights we pulled from Junglescout’s State of Amazon Seller for 2024:

1. Getting Customer Reviews is the #1 Challenge for Amazon Sellers in 2024.

2. 58% of Businesses Make a Profit within One Year.

3. 61% of all Amazon businesses price their items between $16 and $50. 

4. Beauty & Personal Care is a top trending category for both SNBs and Retailers.

5. 30% of Amazon Sellers Report Sales above $5,000/month.

6. Advertising has become vital to competing in ecommerce.

Link to Full Report→

🔍 The Ultimate Guide to Amazon Reports  

The success of your Amazon business depends on data-driven insights. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your performance metrics.

The Amazon Reports offer insights to help sellers track their business performance. There are two main types:

Business Reports: They focus on sales, traffic, inventory and fulfillment. This data helps sellers identify trends, make informed pricing and advertising decisions, and improve their sales strategy.

Advertising Reports: These reports tell you how your ads perform, helping you achieve better results with your ad campaigns.

Link to Article →

🥊 Helium 10 vs Jungle Scout

In the world of Amazon product research, two tools come out on top: Helium 10 and Jungle Scout. A recent article by Tech Bullion puts them head to head:

• 💹 Helium 10 excels in its comprehensive suite of tools designed for product research, keyword research, listing optimization, and more. It offers a robust collection of over 20 tools, whereas Jungle Scout offers a condensed all-in-one platform.

• 🔑 Some important features are exclusively available in the Helium 10 suite, such as Refund Genie and Inventory Protector. On the contrary, Jungle Scout has a more user-friendly interface and specialized training materials.

• 💰 Pricing is a crucial factor where both tools differ significantly. Helium 10's pricing tiers are steeper than Jungle Scout's, starting at $97/month versus $39/month.

• ⭐ User reviews signify favoritism towards Helium 10’s range of resources, while Jungle Scout users have praised its simplicity and easy navigation.

Link to Article →

📈 Transform Your eCommerce Operations with SellerPlex

Are supply chain issues hampering your eCommerce growth? With SellerPlex's comprehensive Supply Chain Management services, streamline your operations and boost your profits effortlessly. Our expert team will handle everything from inventory and shipment management to supplier relations, ensuring your business runs like a well-oiled machine.

Why Choose SellerPlex?

• Free Supply Chain Audit: Identify and eliminate bottlenecks.

• Tailored Solutions: Customized strategies for your unique needs.

• Results-Driven: Tangible growth and improved efficiency.

Reclaim your time and focus on scaling your business. Learn more about Supply Chain Management Success with SellerPlex

That’s it for this issue - hit reply to let us know what you thought, otherwise we’ll see you in the community.

Cheers!

Lucas