Here is our weekly list of new products and updates from companies serving e-commerce and omnichannel merchants. There are updates on social commerce, buy now, pay later, generative AI, video email, analytics, website builders, and selling tools on Amazon.
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Product releases: December 25
Amazon adds measure to help sellers avoid new FBA low inventory fees. Amazon launched a “minimum stock level” measure to help FBA sellers plan for inventory availability, improve delivery speeds, and avoid recently announced low inventory fees. Beginning April 1, 2024, low inventory fees will apply when the long-term historical days of supply (last 90 days) and short-term historical days of supply (last 30 days) are less than 28 days. To view the days in supply history, go to FBA inventory.
TikTok is testing new desktop tools for creators. Tic Tac is developing tools for creators, including a new Creator Center UI in the desktop version of the app, providing more analytical insights and updated discovery tools using conversational AI. TikTok recently added a conversational chatbot guide to help Creative Center users find what they’re looking for in the app. The updated Creator Center format is being tested with selected users, while the new chatbot is available in TikTok’s Creative Center.
Claim to offer BNPL loans at Walmart self-checkouts. Affirm offers “buy now, pay later” loans at self-payment kiosks in more than 4,500 U.S. states. Walmart stores. Buyers of at least $144 worth of products at Walmart, excluding groceries, can spread payments over 3 to 24 months. After scanning products at Walmart’s self-checkout kiosks, shoppers log into Affirm’s app or website and enter details, including the last four digits of their Social Security number. Approved buyers receive a barcode to complete payment.
Meta launches small business partnership with Indian ONDC. Meta joined forces with India Open network for digital commerce to help small merchants do business on WhatsApp. The partnership enables and trains small businesses to create conversational buyer and seller experiences on WhatsApp through an ecosystem of solution providers. Meta will launch the partnership by training micro, small and medium enterprises in India through its Small Business Academy.
eBay launches AI-powered social caption generator to help sellers. eBay launched a generative AI feature to help sellers create social media posts. Sellers visiting the Social page in Seller Hub will see the “Use AI Caption” button next to the text entry box when adding a social media caption. Generative AI creates a post about the listed item, including hashtags and emojis. The seller can ask the AI to rewrite the captions and customize them manually.
Payoneer introduces new payment processing features. Payer has updated its online payment processing platform. The update includes (i) pre-dispute alerts to help SMB merchants avoid costly chargebacks, (ii) native Shopify payments functionality, (iii) batch payment requests to manage up to 200 transactions simultaneously and (iv) batch payment transfers up to 500 Payoneer accounts simultaneously. A role management feature to configure staff will be available soon.
Byteex introduces personalized email video communication for e-commerce. Byteex, an agency specializing in the integration of artificial intelligence and e-commerce, has launched an AI-powered offering that personalizes video emails within the online retail space. According to the company, the AI tool transforms online merchants’ interactions with customers through video communication. Byteex offers search engine marketing, pay-per-click services and e-commerce development, as well as UI/UX design and AI and machine learning development.
Joopco Launches White Label Feature and Automated Reporting for Amazon Sellers. Joopco, an Amazon analytics provider, has released a white label feature for sellers. This feature empowers agencies with branded reporting that transforms data analysis for Amazon businesses. Joopco’s automated reporting and reimbursement tool allows sellers to provide information to investors, agencies and interested parties.
Vagaro Launches MySite Website Builder for Wellness Businesses. Vagaro, a developer of software for salons, spas and fitness, has launched MySite, a website builder with a reservation system. According to the company, users can customize their website with drag-and-drop templates. Multi-site compatibility makes it easy to scale as the business grows. Additionally, MySite allows wellness professionals to create their own custom domain or transfer an existing one to the platform.
Tokens.com Launches Valor E-Commerce App on Google Play and Apple iOS Stores. Tokens.coma developer of products and services intended to connect brands and consumers in three-dimensional Internet environments, launched Value, an e-commerce platform within the company’s Metaverse group that enables product placement and advertising in virtual gaming worlds including Roblox and Fortnite. Players in these environments use the app by scanning branded items to claim deals and earn points redeemable for rewards.
GroupBy’s product discovery platform is now available on Shopify. By groupa product discovery platform, launched its AI search and discovery application on the Shopify app store. AI curates search results based on inventory status, customer preferences, and clickstream data to deliver personalized and relevant customer search experiences. Merchants can manage the search experience and set dynamic filters that help customers find what they want. The GroupBy app includes analytics, real-time data synchronization, and visual reporting on key website metrics.