Here’s our weekly compilation of fresh products and advancements from companies catering to ecommerce and omnichannel vendors. This edition covers updates in social commerce, buy-now-pay-later choices, generative AI, video email, analytics, website construction tools, and Amazon selling aids.
Amazon
Amazon’s latest addition, the “minimum inventory level” metric, stands as a strategic tool for FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) sellers. Its primary goal is to assist these sellers in effectively overseeing their stock, thereby optimizing delivery timelines and evading the impending low-inventory fee. Set to take effect on April 1, 2024, this fee will be triggered when both the long-term historical days of supply (pertaining to the last 90 days) and the short-term historical days of supply (covering the last 30 days) dip below the 28-day threshold. To access and monitor these critical parameters, sellers can navigate to the FBA Inventory section on the platform. This innovative metric aligns with Amazon’s efforts to encourage sellers to maintain a healthier inventory threshold, ensuring more reliable and timely deliveries to customers.
TikTok
TikTok, a platform synonymous with innovative content creation, is extending its support to creators by introducing a suite of tools tailored specifically for desktop use. The focal point of this enhancement is the newly revamped Creator Center UI, which boasts an array of features designed to offer creators more profound insights into their content performance through enhanced analytics. Additionally, this update introduces a refined set of discovery tools powered by conversational AI, aimed at refining user experiences and aiding creators in navigating the platform more efficiently.
The recent implementation of a conversational chatbot guide within TikTok’s Creative Center further streamlines the user experience. This intuitive feature serves as a virtual guide, simplifying navigation and assisting creators in uncovering the full spectrum of creative possibilities within the app. While the upgraded Creator Center UI is currently undergoing testing with a select group of users, the chatbot functionality is readily available to users within TikTok’s Creative Center, marking a step forward in user accessibility and guidance.
Affirm
Switching gears to the retail landscape, Affirm, a notable player in the realm of flexible payment solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with Walmart. This collaboration empowers customers shopping at over 4,500 Walmart stores across the United States by offering buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) loan options at self-checkout kiosks. Customers making purchases exceeding $144 (excluding groceries) can opt to spread their payments over a customizable period, spanning from 3 to 24 months. After scanning their chosen items at Walmart’s self-checkout kiosks, shoppers can seamlessly transition to Affirm’s app or website, where they input required details such as the last four digits of their social security number. Upon approval, shoppers receive a unique barcode, facilitating a smooth and flexible payment process.
Meta
Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has forged a significant partnership with India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This collaboration marks a concerted effort to bolster the digital commerce landscape for smaller merchants operating on WhatsApp. The partnership aims to equip and educate small-scale businesses on leveraging WhatsApp as a robust platform for conducting interactive buyer-seller transactions. Leveraging a network of solution providers, this collaboration intends to empower these businesses in creating engaging and efficient interactions. Meta’s commitment begins with initiating training programs through its Small Business Academy, aiming to upskill and empower micro, small, and midsize enterprises in India, ultimately fostering a vibrant and thriving digital commerce ecosystem within the region.
eBay
eBay has rolled out an innovative tool harnessing generative AI to streamline and enhance sellers’ social media engagement. This feature, integrated into the Social page within Seller Hub, introduces the “Use AI Caption” button adjacent to the text entry box for social media captions. Leveraging generative AI, this tool automatically crafts engaging posts centered around the listed items, complete with relevant hashtags and expressive emojis. Sellers have the flexibility to prompt the AI to refine or rewrite the captions according to their preferences, enabling manual customization to align with their branding or messaging.
Payoneer
In the realm of online payment processing, Payoneer has unveiled a series of noteworthy updates to its platform, enhancing the capabilities available to small and medium-sized business (SMB) merchants. These updates encompass various functionalities, including pre-dispute alerts designed to assist merchants in circumventing costly chargebacks. Additionally, the introduction of a native Shopify checkout feature amplifies the platform’s usability and integration. The update also includes batch payment request capabilities, enabling the simultaneous handling of up to 200 transactions, alongside the ability to conduct batch payment transfers to 500 Payoneer accounts simultaneously. Notably, Payoneer is set to introduce a role management feature, enabling businesses to efficiently organize and manage their staff, further augmenting the platform’s utility.
Byteex
In the dynamic landscape of ecommerce, Byteex, an agency at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence and ecommerce solutions, has introduced a pioneering AI-driven toolset focused on personalized video email communication within the online retail sphere. This innovation marks a significant leap in transforming how ecommerce merchants engage and interact with their customer base through the immersive medium of video communication. Byteex’s comprehensive suite of services spans search engine marketing, pay-per-click services, ecommerce development, UI/UX design, and specialized expertise in AI and machine learning development, positioning them as a one-stop destination for businesses seeking cutting-edge digital solutions.
Joopco
Joopco, a prominent provider of Amazon analytics solutions, has introduced two groundbreaking features tailored to amplify the capabilities of Amazon sellers. First, the release of a white-label feature empowers agencies associated with Amazon businesses by offering branded reporting solutions. This transformative feature ensures that data analysis and reporting can be presented under the agencies’ own branding, revolutionizing the way information is conveyed to investors, agencies, and other stakeholders in the Amazon ecosystem. Additionally, Joopco’s automated reporting and reimbursement tool streamline the process for sellers, facilitating the seamless delivery of vital information to relevant parties, enhancing transparency and efficiency within the Amazon selling framework.
Vagaro
Vagaro, known for developing comprehensive salon, spa, and fitness software, has unveiled MySite, an intuitive website builder complemented by an integrated booking system designed explicitly for wellness businesses. MySite’s user-friendly interface allows for effortless customization through drag-and-drop templates, enabling users to tailor their websites to reflect their brand identity and services. Notably, its multi-location compatibility simplifies scalability, ensuring that businesses can expand seamlessly while maintaining a cohesive online presence. Moreover, wellness professionals can either create a custom domain or effortlessly transfer an existing domain to the MySite platform, further streamlining the website setup process.
Tokens.com
Tokens.com has made a significant foray into the ecommerce realm with the launch of Valor, an innovative ecommerce platform within the company’s metaverse group. Valor introduces a pioneering approach by facilitating product placement and advertising within virtual gaming worlds such as Roblox and Fortnite. Players within these immersive environments can engage with the Valor app by scanning branded items, unlocking exclusive offers, and earning redeemable points as rewards. This integration of ecommerce into virtual gaming environments heralds a new era of interactive consumer engagement, bridging the gap between brands and consumers in dynamic three-dimensional internet environments.
GroupBy
GroupBy, a distinguished product discovery platform, has expanded its reach by making its AI-driven search and discovery app available on the Shopify App Store. This sophisticated AI manages search results by analyzing inventory status, customer preferences, and clickstream data, delivering personalized and relevant search experiences to customers. Merchants leveraging GroupBy’s app gain the ability to manage the search experience effectively, incorporating dynamic filters that facilitate customers in finding their desired products efficiently. The app also provides comprehensive analytics data, real-time data syncing, and visual reports, empowering merchants with key insights and tools to optimize their website metrics and enhance the overall customer experience.
