Top 5 Things We Learned at Amazon Accelerate

The Hinge team just returned from Amazon Accelerate 2024, and we are excited about all the new programs and enhancements announced for Amazon sellers over the next year. We have boiled down our top 5 insights with key takeaways that every Amazon seller should know… Supply Chain Initiative: Amazon wants to be a seller’s complete logistics solution via Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD), Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), and more. Key Takeaways: Amazon is incentivizing sellers with discounts if they “manage” the supply chain end-to-end; this would potentially offset increasing FBA Fees but at a significant loss of control. AGL only supports China as the single country of origin, with no ETA for future production sources. Amazon…

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The Ultimate Guide to Market Expansion Strategy in eCommerce

Introduction to Market Expansion Strategy in eCommerce To grow your brand online, understanding market expansion strategy is vital. It's about finding new customers or markets for your products. This isn’t about throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. A proper strategy requires planning, research, and understanding of different markets. Getting it right will not only boost your sales and brand visibility in general, but it can also make an impact in international markets and with other demographic segments within your current region. Market expansion in eCommerce means strategically positioning your business to tap into new areas where your products can shine. It's about intelligent moves, not just hard work. Understanding the Need for Online Market Expansion Sitting still in…

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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Amazon Seller Strategy

Launching a product on Amazon Vendor or Seller Central can feel like an aimless journey. Avoid these five common pitfalls and steer your brand toward success with these crucial insights. #1 Neglecting Amazon SEO Optimization Many sellers have jumped into the Amazon arena because of the power of Amazon SEO. More and more online shoppers are using Amazon’s search capabilities as their main way of shopping. They visit the Amazon homepage, search what they need, and make a purchase. A robust SEO strategy will ensure that your products don’t merely exist on Amazon but are visible to shoppers on the search engine results pages (SERPs). You need your products to show up when consumers are looking for a product that is…

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Amazon Q4/Holiday Peak Prep: Top 5 Tips for Success

Amazon Q4/Holiday Peak Prep: Top 5 Tips for Success As Q4 approaches, Amazon vendors and sellers face the year's most critical sales period. October through December includes major shopping events like Prime Big Deal Days, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and more, so brands have a unique opportunity to maximize sales and profits. This comprehensive guide provides detailed strategies and tips to help Amazon sellers prepare for a successful Q4. Key Dates to Remember for Q4 in 2024 Prime Big Deal Days (TBD October 2024; last year it was on 10/10 & 10/11) Halloween: October 31 Thanksgiving: November 28 Black Friday: November 29 Small Business Saturday: November 30 Cyber Monday: December 2 Ground Shipping Cutoff for…

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How We Conquered Amazon Prime Day 2024: Prime Day Results and Wins

Inflation and other factors couldn’t hold Amazon back from having its largest and most successful Amazon Prime Day yet. According to Adobe Analytics, consumers spent $7.2 billion on Tuesday, July 16 (an 11.7% YoY increase) and $7 billion on Wednesday, July 17 (an 11% YoY increase) during Amazon Prime Day. That’s $14.2 billion spent during Prime Day, which is not only an 11% YoY increase, but it’s a new Amazon record. And the best news is that Hinge Commerce beat that growth rate for our clients by 81%. What Were the Amazon Prime Day Best-Selling Categories? Amazon and countless brands selling on Amazon saw increases (both big and small) during Prime Day 2024 Prime. Amazon members shopped across more than 35…

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Vendor Central Operational Performance: Chargebacks, Invoices and Disputes

We’ve discussed reimbursements on Amazon Seller Central before, but what if you’re a brand selling to Amazon on Vendor Central? Please don’t fret, we’ve got you. You may have noticed Amazon's announcement that they will lean into the SIOC (Ships in Their Own Container)/SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging) Program. As with all things Amazon, they are trying to modify vendor behavior via fee structure changes, but besides SIOC, what other kinds of Chargebacks are there? Let’s dive into what a Vendor Central Chargeback is, what types there are, and how to resolve and prevent them. What is a Chargeback? Vendors are responsible for ensuring that they comply with Amazon’s supply chain processes and policies, including requirements for fulfilling, preparing, and…

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Person holding and interacting with a smartphone, browsing an online store website that displays various food and beverage products and promotions, while reading through a comprehensive guide about Amazon's Gated Categories.

Elevating Your Amazon Product Listings: Creating Impactful Content with Amazon A+ and Premium A+

In the dynamic world of eCommerce, where competition is fierce and consumer expectations are at an all-time high, brand owners have a unique opportunity to shine. By harnessing the robust tools of Amazon A+ and Premium A+, brand owners can craft compelling, informative, and visually captivating content that resonates with potential customers. This comprehensive guide is here to empower you with a deep understanding of the nuances between Amazon A+ and Premium A+ and how these tools can revolutionize your product listings on the Amazon platform. Let's delve into how leveraging these tools can amplify your brand visibility, drive customer engagement, and boost sales conversion rates, giving you a formidable advantage in the marketplace. Understanding Amazon A+: Amazon A+ is your…

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A hand holds a keyring with a single key and an Amazon-branded square keychain against a blue background, symbolizing the unlocking of Amazon's gated categories.

Navigating Amazon’s Gated Categories: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating Amazon's Gated Categories: A Comprehensive Guide Amazon is a colossal marketplace, hosting millions of sellers and products in ungated and gated categories. This may not be evident for buyers, but for Amazon Sellers - it’s clear that not all categories are created equal. Select categories classified as "gated" or restricted require sellers to go through an approval process before listing their products. This blog aims to demystify gated categories, explain why they are essential, outline the approval process, and provide solutions to common issues. What are Amazon's gated categories and brand restrictions? Gated categories on Amazon are specific product categories that require sellers to obtain approval before listing items. This process ensures that only high-quality, compliant products are sold, which in…

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