# SellersFi --- ## Posts - [How to Start Selling on Amazon – A Beginner’s Guide ](https://sellersfi.com/resources/start-selling-on-amazon/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Unlocking New Opportunities for Amazon Sellers: Tariff Reductions with China](https://sellersfi.com/resources/tariff-reductions-with-china/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Prime Day: The Real Pros and Cons for Sellers](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/pros-cons-prime-day/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [10 AI Use Cases to Boost E-commerce Profits](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-ai-use-cases/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Creative Strategies for E-commerce Success in 2025 ](https://sellersfi.com/resources/creative-strategies-ecommerce-2025/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Key Seasonal Dates for E-commerce Sellers in 2025 ](https://sellersfi.com/resources/key-seasonal-dates-2025/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Tax Planning for US E-commerce Sellers in 2025 ](https://sellersfi.com/resources/tax-planning-ecommerce-sellers/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [SellersFi’s 2024 Year in Review  ](https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-year-in-review-2024/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [E-commerce Challenges in 2025: Get Ahead of Economic Changes ](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/economic-changes-2025/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [SellersFi Ranked Number 226 Fastest-Growing Company in North America on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ ](https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-deloitte-technology-fast500/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [2024 Holiday E-commerce Trends and Insights ](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/2024-holiday-e-commerce-trends-and-insights/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [SellersFi Named a 2024 Inc. 5000 Honoree](https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-named-2024-inc5000/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Meets AI: New Opportunities for 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-ai-search-rufus/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Solve These 6 Inventory Mistakes for a Successful Q4](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/inventory-management-mistakes/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [How to Find High-Margin Products to Grow Your E-commerce ROI](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-to-recognize-high-demand-products-to-sell-online/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [The Modern Retailer's Ultimate Guide to E-commerce Content Marketing](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-content-marketing/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [The Responsible Retailer's Guide to Boosting Sales through BNPL](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/buy-now-pay-later-online-store/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [How to Get More Amazon Product Reviews While Staying Compliant](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-product-reviews/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Social Shopping: 10 Best Practices for 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/social-shopping/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Prime Day for Sellers: Tips & Updates for 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-prime-day-for-sellers/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [5 Proven Ways to Boost Your Amazon Seller Rating in 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/blog-amazon-seller-rating/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [3 Must-Know Amazon Prime Day Predictions for 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-prime-day-predictions/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [8 Ways to Grow Sales With TikTok Shop](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/blog-how-to-sell-on-tiktok-shop/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [4 Amazon Selling Tips You Probably Haven't Tried Yet](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-seller-tips/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Sustainable E-commerce: 6 ROI-Friendly Tips and Examples](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/sustainable-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [7 Simple Steps to Retail-Ready Listings](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/retail-readiness/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon A+ Content: How to Boost Your Listings and Sales](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-a-plus-content/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon’s Choice for Sellers: How to Snag the Badge](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-choice/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [How to Analyze Your Numbers to Prep for Seasonal Peaks](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-to-analyze-your-numbers-to-prep-for-seasonal-shopping-peaks/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [10 Walmart Strategies to Grow Your Sales in 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/walmart-selling-strategies/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Brand Registry: Top Benefits and Requirements](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-brand-registry/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [How To Supercharge Every Product Launch This Year](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-to-supercharge-every-product-launch-this-year/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [E-commerce Marketing 2024: What Changes Will Impact Your Strategy?](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-marketing/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Funding 101: The Best E-commerce Funding Options for Scalable Growth ](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-funding-options/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Insurance Requirements — What Every Seller Should Know](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-insurance-requirements/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Minimum Inventory Level: Everything You Need to Know](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-minimum-inventory-level/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [How to Unlock Potential in Your E-commerce Growth](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/unlock-potential-ecommerce-growth/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [The Future of Supply Chain: 5 Trends Shaping 2024 and Beyond](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/supply-chain-trends/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [What Is a 3PL? How They Work and When to Use One](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/3pl-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [What Is Non-Dilutive Funding? A Complete Guide for E-commerce](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/non-dilutive-funding/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Merchant Cash Advances, Explained: A Guide for E-commerce Owners](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/merchant-cash-advance/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [5 Ways to Get Creative with Your International Women’s Day Marketing Campaigns](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/womens-day-marketing-ideas-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Scaling Smarter: Financial Strategies for E-commerce Growth](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-financial-strategies/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [5 E-commerce Funding Myths, Busted](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-funding-myths/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Built to Win: 6 Proven E-commerce Business Models for 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-business-model/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Virtual Payments Technology for Sellers: Everything You Need to Know](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/virtual-payments-technology/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [How 3 Leading Retail Brands Scaled to Record Sales Last Year](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/leading-retail-brands-2023/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [SellersFi Announces Financing Solution With Amazon Lending To Provide E-Commerce Sellers Credit Lines Up to $10M](https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-amazon-lending-credit-limit-us/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Guide to Amazon Live: What Every Seller Should Know](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/guide-to-amazon-live/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Glossary of E-commerce Business Finance Terms](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/business-finance-terms-glossary-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [The Ultimate Guide to E-commerce KPIs](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ultimate-guide-ecommerce-kpis/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [The Best Shopify Apps for Growing E-Commerce Brands](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/best-shopify-apps/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [What Is Social Commerce? A Guide for DTC Brands](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/what-is-social-commerce-guide-for-dtc-brands/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [7 Competitive Intelligence Tactics for E-commerce Growth](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/competitive-intelligence/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Future of Retail: The Top 10 Trends for 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/retail-trends/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [The Rise of Conscious Consumerism: A Game Plan for Sellers](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/conscious-consumerism/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [SellersFi 2023 Year in Review & 2024 Look Ahead ](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/sellersfi-year-in-review-2023/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [7 Niche and Emerging Marketplaces to Boost Sales in 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/niche-marketplace-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [SellersFi Announces Strategic Equity Investment by MUFG Innovation Partners, Unlocking Growth Opportunities](https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-announces-strategic-investment-by-mufg-innovation-partners/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [SellersFi Announces Strategic Investment by Citi to Expand Financial Offerings for E-commerce Businesses](https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-announces-strategic-investment-by-citigroup-inc/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [SellersFi Closes Credit Facility up to $300M with Citi and Fasanara Capital](https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-credit-facility-citi-fasanara-capital/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [6 Ways to Use the Slow Period to Speed Up Your Growth](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/slow-business-period-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Inside Headless Commerce: 10 Big Benefits for Brands](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/headless-commerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Omnichannel vs. Multichannel: Key Differences Explained](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/omnichannel-vs-multichannel/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Get More From E-commerce Influencer Marketing in 2024](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/working-with-influencers-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [What to Do with Excess Holiday Inventory: 5 Ways to Beat the Holiday Hangover](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/excess-inventory-holidays/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [What It Really Takes to Expand Internationally: An A-to-Z Checklist](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/international-expansion-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [9 Powerful Growth Strategies for Advanced Shopify Merchants](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/grow-your-shopify-store/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [E-Commerce Business Valuation: What's Your Business Worth?](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-business-valuation/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Ready for Cyber 5? It's Not Too Late to Do These 5 Things.](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/cyber-5-weekend/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Walmart Pro Seller: What It Takes to Get the Badge](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/walmart-pro-seller/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Is Shopify Capital Right For You? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/shopify-capital-pros-cons-alternatives/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Is Reopening Seller Fulfilled Prime Enrollment: Is It Worth It?](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/seller-fulfilled-prime/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Walmart Seller Fees: Everything Merchants Need to Know](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/walmart-seller-fees/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Black Friday E-commerce Strategy: Your Guide to Winning in 2023](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/black-friday-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Holiday Inventory: Your Profitable Strategy Starts Here](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/holiday-inventory-prep/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Small and Light Discontinued: What’s Next for Sellers?](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-small-and-light-whats-next/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [The UPS and Teamsters Deal: How to “Strike-Proof” Your Business](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ups-teamsters-strike-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Prime Big Deal Days 2023: The Amazon Second Prime Day Is Here](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/preparing-for-amazon-second-prime-day/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [SellersFi Launches Invoice Flex](https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-launches-invoice-flex/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [News from Amazon Accelerate ](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/news-from-amazon-accelerate/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Small Business Empowerment Report: 8 Top Takeaways](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-small-business-empowerment-report/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon Delivery Date Reserve Policy: What Sellers Need to Know](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon/amazon-delivery-date-reserve-policy/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Social Commerce Trends: The Look-Ahead for Sellers](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/social-commerce-trends/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Ample Inventory & Steady Cash Flow Using Invoice Financing](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/invoice-flex-invoice-financing/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [How to Get E-commerce Funding Without Personal Collateral](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-working-capital/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [2024 Seller’s Guide to the Best E-commerce Marketplaces](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/best-e-commerce-marketplaces/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [What Is the Amazon Account Level Reserve?](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/account-level-reserve-amazon/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [15 China Sourcing Alternatives for a Diverse Supplier Portfolio](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/china-sourcing-alternatives/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Amazon AI Search Brings New Opportunities for Sellers](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-ai-search/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Should Your E-commerce Business Accept Cryptocurrency?](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/the-future-of-cryptocurrency-in-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [What Is Minimum Advertised Pricing? MAP for Amazon Sellers](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/map-pricing/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Q3: 5 Steps to Take Now to Drive E-commerce ROI](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/q3-e-commerce-roi/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. 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There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [5 Blunders Killing Your E-Commerce Cash Flow](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/improve-cash-flow-ecommerce/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [What Is an E-commerce Marketing Agency (and Why Hire One)?](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/what-is-ecommerce-marketing-agency/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Instagram Strategy for Successful Product Launch](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/instagram-strategy-101-product-launch/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Transaction Fees: The Silent Killer for E-commerce Sellers](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/transaction-fees-silent-killer-wallet/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [How to Grow Sales with Amazon Subscription Boxes](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-subscription-boxes/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [I Need Insurance to Sell on Amazon?! Now What?](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/insurance-amazon-seller/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - [Demo Content Download](https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/demo-video-post/): Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. --- # # Detailed Content ## Posts > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2025-06-04 - Modified: 2025-06-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/start-selling-on-amazon/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Resources - Tags: Amazon Learn how to start selling on Amazon with this guide for businesses. Discover the benefits, features, and how Amazon helps sellers grow. Thinking about selling online but not sure where to start? Amazon is the world’s largest online marketplace—and it’s not just for big brands. Whether you're a small business or an established company looking to expand, selling on Amazon gives you access to millions of potential customers, a suite of helpful tools, and a name people already trust. Let’s break down why Amazon is a smart move for your business, how to get started, and the features that can help you succeed.   Why Start Selling on Amazon? Selling on Amazon isn’t just about listing products online. It's about tapping into a global network that simplifies e-commerce so you can focus on growing your business. Here’s why sellers love it:  Massive Reach: Access hundreds of millions of active customers across more than 180 countries. Built-in Trust: Leverage Amazon’s brand to give your products instant credibility. Growth Potential: Many small and medium businesses have scaled from side hustle to full-time operations on Amazon. Powerful Tools: From shipping logistics to marketing support, Amazon gives sellers the infrastructure to scale smoothly. How to Get Started  Getting set up on Amazon is easier than you might think:  Choose a Selling Plan Individual Plan: No monthly fee, just $0. 99 per sale. Great for those testing the waters. Professional Plan: $39. 99/month with access to advanced selling tools and analytics—ideal for businesses aiming to scale. Set Up Your Seller Account Go to sellercentral. amazon. com and register. You’ll need: A business email or Amazon customer account Credit card Valid government ID Tax info Bank account for deposits List Your Products Use Amazon’s step-by-step tools to create listings. If your product already exists on Amazon, you can add your offer to the existing listing. Key Features and Benefits  Amazon provides powerful resources that help sellers grow, streamline operations, and improve customer satisfaction:  1. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)  Ship your inventory to Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle storage, packaging, shipping, and even customer service. It’s a game-changer for busy sellers. Also, Fulfillment by Amazon products are Prime-eligible, making them more appealing to customers.   2. Seller Central  Your control room. Manage listings, track orders, communicate with buyers, run ads, and access reports—all in one dashboard.   3. Advertising and Promotions  Use tools like:  Sponsored Products: Ads that appear in search results. Coupons and Deals: Catch attention with discounts and lightning deals. 4. Amazon Brand Registry  Protect your intellectual property and discover programs like:  A+ Content Subscribe & Save Brand Analytics 5. Amazon Global Selling  Reach international markets with ease using Amazon’s global fulfillment network.   6. Automated Pricing Tools  Stay competitive by letting Amazon update your pricing based on rules you set.   7. Customer Reviews and Feedback Management  Build brand trust and monitor customer sentiment to improve your listings and support.   8. Business Analytics  Leverage Amazon’s detailed data dashboards to make informed decisions around inventory, pricing, and marketing.   Prime Day = Prime Opportunity  Prime Day is one of Amazon’s biggest sales events of the year—think... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-05-12 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/tariff-reductions-with-china/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Resources - Tags: Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing Tariff reduction agreement between the US and China: Explore opportunities and actionable steps for securing funding to place inventory orders. For U. S. Amazon sellers sourcing from China, it’s time to seize the moment.   The recent announcement on May 12, 2025, that the United States and China have agreed to significantly reduce tariffs marks a pivotal moment for U. S. Amazon sellers, Chinese manufacturers and sources, and the entire e-commerce ecosystem. For over a month, these high tariffs have posed significant challenges, causing many merchants to delay placing inventory orders. Now, with tariffs reduced from 145% to 30%, the landscape has shifted dramatically, presenting a wealth of opportunities for sellers to capitalize on. This blog post explores these opportunities and provides actionable steps for securing funding to place inventory orders.   Understanding the Tariff Reduction  The tariff reduction agreement between the US and China is a temporary 90-day pause, during which tariffs will be significantly lowered. This reduction is a strategic move aimed at de-escalating the trade war and stabilizing global markets. For Amazon sellers, this means a substantial decrease in the cost of importing goods from China, which can directly and positively impact pricing, profitability, and competitiveness.   Impact of Tariffs on Various Amazon Seller Business Models  U. S. Amazon sellers who depend on Chinese sources to import raw materials, finished products, and goods, have been facing significant challenges due to recent tariffs, especially compared to sellers who source from other countries. Here’s who’s been the most impacted:  Private Label: These businesses face substantial challenges because of their dependency on large-scale imports and what was once considered low-cost goods. Wholesalers, Distributors, & Resellers: Rising supplier costs often trickle down to resellers, which can reduce both top line sales and profit margins. Dropshippers: Tariffs and delays at customs can lead to higher prices and slower delivery times. Sellers with Handmade, Personalized, & Custom Products: Importing goods from international artisans can result in unforeseen expenses. For sellers relying on foreign suppliers, tariffs can quickly diminish profits. The recent news has major implications for how these businesses navigate the next 90 days and beyond.   Opportunities for Amazon Sellers  1. Lower Costs and Increased Margins With tariffs reduced, the cost of importing goods from China have decrease significantly. This reduction in costs can lead to higher profit margins for sellers. By strategically pricing products, sellers can offer competitive prices while maintaining healthy margins, attracting more customers and boosting sales.   2. Restocking Inventory Many sellers have been hesitant to place inventory orders due to the high tariffs. Now is the perfect time to restock and replenish inventory levels. With lower tariffs, U. S. sellers can afford to order larger quantities, ensuring they are well-prepared for upcoming sales events and peak seasons, such as Amazon Prime Day, Dads and Grads, Wedding Season, Summerween, Back to School, and more. Since the reduction is in place for 90 days as of the time this article was published, now is a good time to place orders in case tariffs increase again. With funding from SellersFi, it’s fast and easy for sellers to get capital in... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/pros-cons-prime-day/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon In this article, we’ll run through the real benefits and drawbacks to help you prepare for Amazon Prime Day 2025. Last year’s Amazon Prime Day was the biggest Prime Day ever. In the record-breaking event, independent sellers – which are small and medium-sized businesses – sold more than 200 million items during the 48-hour shopping event.   That’s no small feat, given that US customers spent $12. 7 billion during the massive two-day sales event in 2023. Independent sellers should be incredibly proud of this enormous win. In the year of AI, Rufus, Amazon's new AI-powered conversational shopping assistant, helped millions of customers shop Amazon’s wide selection quickly and easily during the event.   In this article, we’ll run through the real benefits and drawbacks to help you prepare for Amazon Prime Day 2025. The Pros and Cons of Selling on Prime Day  In 2025, while inflation rate eases, tariffs become a hot topic. E-commerce sellers are concerned about profitability more than ever and are rethinking strategies to stay ahead of or mitigate the impact from recent economic changes.   What can you expect for 2025? Do independent sellers still stand to earn big? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of Amazon Prime Day for sellers.   The Pros  If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to participate in Prime Day, here’s a recap of some potential benefits to consider.   Capitlize on Consumer Trends: Shoppers have shown in Q1 that they are starting to cut back on non-essentials and luxury products. So it’s likely these behaviors will continue throughout Prime Day 2025. Since consumers are more cost-conscious this year and with ongoing shifts to U. S. trade policies, it seems like a safe to bet that deal-seekers will be purchasing staple items and products they buy repeatedly to take advantage of deep discounts. Increased Exposure: On Prime Day 2023, customers purchased over 375 million items worldwide. Advertising on Prime Day can also increase brand awareness and consideration by over 200%, compared to the week prior. Plus, Amazon Live streams on Prime Day got more than 100 million views in the US and India. Increased Sales: DTC brands like Caraway, True Classic, and TUSHY (which Amazon calls “small businesses,”) saw their average daily sales rise by more than 18x during the Prime Day 2023 event. Clearing Unsold Inventory: If you have lots of extra product to move, offering the right deal and promoting it well could clear dead stock out of your warehouse — earning you a profit, saving on storage costs, and avoiding further liquidation headaches. More (and Better) Product Reviews: The more you sell on Prime Day, the more product reviews you’ll rack up. Positive reviews can have an exponential effect on your e-commerce growth and research shows that customers are more likely to rank and review your product highly if they get it on sale. The Cons  There’s a lot to be gained by participating in Prime Day, but there are also some real costs that come with chasing that Prime Day sales boost.   High Fees and Low Margins: With selling plans,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2025-04-08 - Modified: 2025-06-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-ai-use-cases/ - Categories: Blog, Resources, Tech & Data - Tags: Tech & Data In this article, we’ll share 10 common use cases for leveraging AI to deliver real value to your Amazon or retail business. Let’s dive in. AI has become the Swiss Army knife of retail tech: an all-in-one tool powering everything from personalization to logistics, marketing, and beyond. By early 2024, businesses started prioritizing AI’s real-world impact over buzzword appeal, focusing on tools that genuinely enhance efficiency and profitability.   As we move into 2025, AI is proving its staying power, with businesses refining their strategies to maximize its value. Instead of chasing trends, retailers are focusing on AI’s practical applications to drive real profitability.   In this article, we’ll share 10 common use cases for leveraging AI to deliver real value to your Amazon or retail business. Let’s dive in.   10 Practical AI Use Cases for Retailers Natural language processing (NLP). Large language models (LLMs). Generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs). In the beginning, simply understanding AI was the biggest nut to crack.   But that was then. These days, the hardest part is knowing how to execute and where to start to extract real value from AI.   Let’s explore some of the latest ways e-commerce brands are using AI to increase their e-commerce success.   1. Personalized Product Recommendations  Personalized product recommendations are like jet fuel for your e-commerce conversion rates, accounting for nearly a third of e-commerce revenue. And thanks to a growing number of personalization engines and marketplace tools, they’re now accessible to most e-commerce sellers.   For example, Amazon Personalize helps sellers analyze customer browsing history and purchase behavior to offer tailored recommendations. You’ll be able to create personalized shopping prompts tailored to your interests, price limits, and preferences.   Sellers on Shopify and other channels can use predictive solutions like Dynamic Yield and Nosto to predict future buying behavior and adjust recommendations based on shopper intent, visual similarity to past purchases, geotargeting, and more.   2. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants  Many e-commerce companies already use AI-powered chatbots to field and direct customer service queries. These bots can help answer routine questions, determine when to escalate to a human agent, and even offer tailored product recommendations.   Rufus is Amazon’s AI-powered chatbot, or virtual shopping assistant designed to simplify product searching on Amazon. Trained on a wide range of data sources, Rufus makes intelligent recommendations that take specific user needs and context into account.   European e-commerce giant Zalando is another of a handful of marketplaces offering shoppers the chance to chat with an AI-powered shopping assistant. Features like Klarna’s ChatGPT plug-in let shoppers tell a bot the exact specifics of what they need and get a relevant product recommendation, e. g. “belated Hannukah present under $50 for my friend who loves her dog way too much. ”  3. Visual Search  While there’s been much talk about conversational AI search on marketplace platforms, visual search remains a game changer. Tools like Google Lens and Pinterest Lens make it easier for shoppers to search for products based on images instead of text.   Depending on your resources and strategy, implementing visual search on your own site may or may not be a... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2025-02-05 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/creative-strategies-ecommerce-2025/ - Categories: Amazon, Amazon Resources Hub, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Resources - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising Read on for creative strategies to prepare for economic changes, navigate tax implications, and stay financially flexible in 2025. New year, new... playbook!   2025 is going to be another banger of a year for e-commerce and Amazon sellers. With changing economic conditions and shifting consumer expectations, it’s important to both anticipate end-to-end impacts ahead of time and adapt to the market, supply chain, competitors, or any other changes with speed – all while pursuing business as usual with your niche online business.   Read on for creative strategies to prepare for economic changes, navigate tax implications, boost seasonal sales, and stay financially flexible—everything you need to thrive in 2025.   Prepare for Economic Changes  As we head into 2025, the economy is looking a little unpredictable. Tariffs, inflation, and supply chain challenges could affect your e-commerce or Amazon business. But don’t stress—you can take steps now to get ahead of these changes and protect your bottom line.   Get 4 tips to hedge potential economic challenges. Click here to learn more. Tax Planning for E-commerce Sellers in 2025  In 2025, tax planning is going to be key to making sure your business stays profitable and compliant. With varying tax laws, inflation, and state regulations, it’s important to know your options so you can make informed decisions saving you time and money.   Check out 5 Tax Planning considerations every e-commerce seller should know.  Click here to learn more. Key Seasonal Dates You Can’t Miss in 2025  If you’re running an e-commerce business, knowing the major seasonal events and shopping dates is a game-changer for boosting sales. Organizing your inventory, promotions, and marketing around these dates will set you up for success all year long.   Check out all of the 2025 shopping events — complete with ideas on how to always be relevant. Click here to learn more. AI is Reshaping E-commerce  In 2025 AI is a trend stronger than ever, and sellers who don’t adapt risk falling behind. From product research to pricing and marketing, AI is making businesses smarter and more efficient. Imagine adjusting prices, improving listings, and personalizing customer experiences without constant effort. With Amazon’s AI shopping assistant, Rufus, product discovery is also evolving, meaning sellers must optimize for AI-driven search to stay visible.   Success in 2025 won’t just come from working harder – it'll come from working smarter with AI. Sellers who use AI-powered tools can predict winning products, automate ads, and personalize customer interactions at scale. AI-driven assistants, chatbots, and recommendation engines are changing how customers shop, and those who adapt will see higher conversions and faster growth.   The future is clear: AI is no longer optional for sellers who want to stay competitive.   Tips for Staying Financially Flexible in 2025  Here are some practical tips to improve your cash flow and keep your finances flexible—two things you’ll need to handle whatever 2025 throws your way.   Put Idle Cash to Work: Don’t Let Your Money Sit Still  Idle cash doesn’t do your business any favors. Consider using tools that automatically allocate funds into productive areas like high-yield savings or... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2025-01-17 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/key-seasonal-dates-2025/ - Categories: Blog, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising, Resources - Tags: Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising By organizing your inventory, promotions, and marketing strategies around these key dates, you’ll stay ahead all year long. As an e-commerce seller, planning around seasonal trends and major shopping events can seriously boost your sales. By organizing your inventory, promotions, and marketing strategies around these key dates, you’ll stay ahead and set up your business for steady growth all year long.   Q1: January – March  Post-Holiday Sales (January): Kick off the new year by targeting those holiday shoppers who are still in the mood to spend and ease your post-holiday inventory. Many are using gift cards or hunting for deals, making January the perfect time for clearance sales. Other opportunities include marketing your products to relevant trends, such as new year's goals, the Super Bowl, and TikTok hashtags. Valentine’s Day (February 14): Get ready to serve up romantic gifts! Valentine’s is a goldmine for items like jewelry, chocolates, flowers, and even personalized gifts. You can also think outside of the box this romantic season. Tax Refund Season (February – April): This time of year means extra cash in many people’s pockets, and they’re ready to spend. Consider offering special promotions or highlighting your high-ticket items to capture the attention of these shoppers. Don't be afraid to remind them of the extra cash they have on hand in your messaging to entice them to purchase. Spring Black Friday (March - April): Kick off the warmer season with deals that inspire shoppers to refresh their homes and outdoor spaces. Attract DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking to tackle spring projects. It's easy to tie into this theme with special deals or ad copy focused on spring refresh, spring travel, the new season, and more. Q2: April – June  Easter (April 20, 2025): Easter is about family gatherings, so this is a great time to market spring-themed products, gifts, home & garden, apparel, and holiday-related items. Offering limited edition colors and using spring-related designs in campaigns are easy ways to be relevant even if your products don't exactly fit in with this holiday. Mother’s Day (Second Sunday in May): Time to go all-out with gift ideas for mom! Popular categories include jewelry, clothing, and anything personal. Creating bundles, offering personalization, and creating engaging social campaigns are great ways to stand out. Dads & Grads (May – June): A golden opportunity for you to tap into celebrations of Father’s Day and graduations. Usually, there tends to be a focus on personalized gifts, tech gadgets, apparel and accessories, tools and hardware, and outdoor products as shoppers tend to gravitate towards these categories. Gift cards are also a popular way to drive sales during this time. This dual-celebration season is perfect for creating memorable offers that resonate with family-focused shoppers. Summer Break (May – June): The time to connect with families, students, and travelers looking for seasonal must-haves. It’s a great time to promote travel gear, outdoor toys, swimwear, and more hot weather-related items. Wedding Season (May – July): Romance, elegance, and personalization can make your offerings stand out. It's a great time to focus on products like bridal accessories, registry items (spanning many... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2025-01-14 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/tax-planning-ecommerce-sellers/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Resources - Tags: Expansion, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising If you’re running an e-commerce business in 2025 that sells in the US, tax planning is an essential part of your financial foundation. If you’re running an e-commerce business in 2025 that sells in the US, tax planning is an essential part of your financial foundation. With changes in tax laws, inflation, and state regulations, staying ahead of the game can help you save time and money. Here's a quick rundown on key things to know about taxes and your e-commerce business:  1. Sales Tax Compliance Across States  Sales tax has gotten a lot more complicated for e-commerce sellers over the past few years. If you’ve got nexus in a state—meaning you have a presence there, whether physical or economic—you have to collect and remit sales tax. And keep in mind, some states have different thresholds for when you need to start collecting.   Pro Tip – Don't Ignore Marketplace Facilitator Laws  If you sell on a big platform like Amazon, the company might already be collecting sales tax for you. But you’ll still want to make sure you’re compliant in states where that doesn’t apply or for any direct sales on your own site.   2. Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments  Don’t forget about those quarterly estimated tax payments! The IRS expects you to pay your taxes throughout the year, and if you don’t, you could face penalties. Payments are due at the beginning of each calendar quarter in January, April, June, and September. Mark those dates so quarterly payments don’t fall through the cracks.   Pro Tip – Easily Account for Income Fluctuations with Technology  If your sales vary throughout the year, like during busy seasons, you may need to adjust your payments to avoid surprises. Using accounting software can help you track your income and make accurate projections.   3. Potential Changes in Federal and State Tax Rates  It’s a good idea to keep an eye on potential changes in tax rates under the new administration in 2025. Both federal and state taxes could shift, which might affect your overall tax bill.   Pro Tip – Keep an Eye Out for New Tax Breaks & Incentives  You might see changes in deductions or tax breaks for things like research and development (R&D) or green initiatives. Stay updated so you can take advantage of these opportunities if they pop up.   Pro Tip – Stay Up-to-Date on Foreign Trade Polic  If you sell internationally, changes in tariffs or VAT requirements could impact pricing and profits of your cross-border sales. Keep an eye on trade policies, especially if you’re dealing with overseas customers.   4. Deductible Business Expenses  As your business grows, you’ll want to track all the possible deductions you can claim. Here are some common ones:  Marketing and software: Things like ads, subscriptions, and marketing tools.   Home Office Deduction: If you run your business from home, you might be able to deduct part of your rent, utilities, or office supplies. Just make sure you meet the IRS requirements!   Employee Costs: Don’t forget wages, benefits, and any fees you pay to contractors or freelancers.   Pro Tip – Enlist Trusted... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-12-30 - Modified: 2024-12-23 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-year-in-review-2024/ - Categories: News & Announcements From groundbreaking product launches to industry recognition, we forged forward as a leading fintech. Read on as we recap the year's standout moments. 2024 was a year unlike any other for SellersFi. We continued to pour our blood, sweat, and tears into delivering the best financing solutions for e-commerce sellers. As we embark on new endeavors, our commitment to supporting sellers in their journey to achieve success remains at the forefront of every decision we make.   This year was packed with many highlights. Take a look at this special note from our CEO & Co-Founder Ricardo Pero as he shares some of the celebrations and learnings from the year, along with some tips about what sellers should know going into 2025.   A Message From our CEO & Co-Founder, Ricardo Pero  2024 SellersFi Highlights  From groundbreaking product launches to industry recognition, we forged forward as a leading fintech. Read on as we recap the year's standout moments.   Q1: A Strong Start to 2024  Recognition in FinTech Magazine: SellersFi earned the #8 spot among the Top 10 Fintech Startups reshaping the industry.   Amazon Funding & Line of Credit: In January, we partnered with Amazon Lending to introduce credit lines of up to $10M, empowering e-commerce sellers to scale their businesses.   In-Person Connections at Prosper Show: We love events because they give us the chance to see our clients and build relationships face-to-face. As an online business in a post-Covid world, we place tremendous value on meeting in-person with clients and partners.   Q2: Accolades and Milestones  Great Place to Work: For yet another year, SellersFi earned the coveted Great Place to Work certification, underscoring our commitment to workplace excellence.   Banking Tech Awards Finalist: In May, we were recognized as a finalist in three categories: LendTech of the Future, Best Embedded Finance Solution for Lending & Payments, and Tech of the Future.   Surpassed $1 Billion in Loans: Just before our 7th birthday, we surpassed a monumental milestone: Over $1 billion funded! Check out our feature in deBanked Magazine celebrating this amazing accomplishment.   Q3: Growth, Innovation, and More Recognition  7-Year Anniversary: July marked 7 years in our journey to revolutionize e-commerce financing.   Expanding Product Offerings in Amazon: In collaboration with Amazon Lending, we launched two powerful funding solutions accessible directly from Amazon Seller Central: A Capital Loan solution in the U. S. and a Merchant Cash Advance solution in Canada.   Inc. 5000 Honoree: SellersFi ranked #972 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. We also secured #69 in fintech and #7 among small business lenders categories.   Fastest Growing Company: Ranked #11 in the South Florida Business Journal's Fastest-Growing Companies list.   Amazon Accelerate Event: This in-person event offered us another way to engage with the e-commerce community. Every year we look forward to catching up with so many clients at this must-attend event for Amazon sellers.   Q4: Finishing 2024 on a High Note  New Partnerships and Solutions: In October, we partnered with NEXT to launch a Business Insurance solution, further diversifying our offerings for e-commerce sellers.   Deloitte Tech Fast 500: The Deloitte Technology Fast 500™... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-12-19 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/economic-changes-2025/ - Categories: Amazon Resources Hub, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing E-commerce Challenges in 2025: how tariffs, tax cuts, inflation, and supply chain have the potential to impact revenue for online sellers. 2025 is sure to be a year like none other for Amazon and e-commerce sellers. Coming off the high of the five-day period that includes Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, U. S. e-commerce sales hit major milestones setting new records daily. For the more than 60% of third party sellers with products listed on Amazon, small and medium-sized businesses were the clear winners during the Cyber 5 week.   So, with the onset of a new year, an evolving political landscape, and a slow down to the rate cuts in 2024, there’s much speculation about the direction of the U. S. economy.   But what do these economic changes mean for e-commerce businesses? Tariffs, tax cuts, inflation, and supply chain have potential to impact both top and bottom line revenue for many online sellers. While it may be tough to predict exactly how things will play out, we can look at market signals and historical trends to anticipate what’s to come. Economic Changes to Watch for And Protect Your E-commerce in 2025 Keep an Eye on Tariffs  Tariffs are taxes on products that come from other countries. Historically when the U. S. has increased tariffs on imported goods, these costs can trickle down from suppliers to sellers and ultimately to consumers. Tariffs have the potential to put pressure on not only profit margins though also top line revenue due to increased prices.   With the potential for higher tariffs under President Trump’s second term, many businesses are rethinking their sourcing and production strategies. Some companies are shifting production outside of China and/or passing costs onto consumers through higher prices. Other merchants are sticking with their current plans, as they are confident in their sourcing mix—especially the companies who previously adjusted their sourcing strategy when the U. S. last increased tariffs.   Supply Chain Disruptions   We’ve all felt the pain of supply chain disruptions over the last few years, and unfortunately, they’re not going away anytime soon. Whether it’s the ongoing effects of the pandemic, geopolitical issues, production challenges stemming from erratic weather, or just unpredictable shipping delays, it’s something you need to plan for.   A 2024 McKinsey survey suggests that vulnerabilities in the supply chain will remain the norm, not the exception, with nine in ten respondents saying they have encountered supply chain challenges in 2024.   Inflation Can Affect Your Bottom Line  Inflation is another factor you’ll need to keep an eye on, although some experts predict the increase will be lower than 2024. As prices for everything from raw materials to shipping costs increase, running an e-commerce business could become more expensive.   How to Tackle 2025’s Challenges: 4 Actionable Tips for E-commerce Sellers Preparing for Possible Economic Changes Now that you have a better sense of the possible challenges ahead, let’s talk about how to tackle them head-on. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your business remains competitive in a shifting economy:  Diversify Your Suppliers or Consider a “Supplier +1”  Tariffs... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-11-21 - Modified: 2024-11-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-deloitte-technology-fast500/ - Categories: News & Announcements Attributes 523% Revenue Growth over the last three years to a customer-focused culture of innovation based on sustainable lending practices. Weston, FL, November 21, 2024 — SellersFi today announced it ranked 226 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America, now in its 30th year. SellersFi grew 523% over the last three fiscal years.   SellersFi’s chief executive officer, Ricardo Pero, credits multiple factors for its revenue growth, including the talented team, tight-knit client relations, ability to read-and-respond to opportunities and to the market, and sound underwriting and compliance practices. He said, “We’re enabling entrepreneurs to prosper and to build solid businesses. I really believe in the multiplier effect - you do good and exponentially good things will come from it. ”  “For 30 years we’ve been celebrating companies that are actively driving innovation. The software industry continues to be a beacon of growth, and the fintech industry made a strong showing on this year’s list, surpassing life sciences for the first time,” said Steve Fineberg, vice chair, U. S. technology sector leader, Deloitte. “Significantly, we also saw a breakthrough in performance of private companies, with the highest number of private companies named to the list in our program’s history. This year’s winners have shown they have the vision and expertise to continue to perform at a high level, and that deserves to be celebrated. ”  “Innovation, transformation and disruption of the status quo are at the forefront for this year’s Technology Fast 500 list, and there’s no better way to celebrate 30 years of program history,” said Christie Simons, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP and industry leader for technology, media and telecommunications within Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance practice. “This year’s winning companies have demonstrated a continuous commitment to growth and remarkable consistency in driving forward progress. We extend our congratulations to all of this year’s winners — it’s an incredible time for innovation. ” Overall, 2024 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 201% to 186,373% over the three-year time frame, with an average growth rate of 2,097% and median growth rate of 458%.   About the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500  Now in its 30th year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies — both public and private — in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2020 to 2023.   In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company’s operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least US$50,000, and current-year operating revenues of at least US$5 million. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America.   About SellersFi  SellersFi, formerly SellersFunding, is a global financial technology company that utilizes AI driven credit scoring models and extensive integration... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-11-12 - Modified: 2025-01-14 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/2024-holiday-e-commerce-trends-and-insights/ - Categories: Blog, Holiday & Q4, Resources - Tags: Holiday & Q4 Let’s delve into the trends and insights shaping online shopping for the 2024 holiday season and explore how retailers can leverage them for success. As we approach the 2024 holiday season, e-commerce is poised for significant growth, outpacing traditional retail once again. With consumers increasingly favoring mobile shopping and focusing on value, retailers must be prepared to adapt to new holiday trends. Effective planning is essential to navigate this bustling period and meet customer expectations. Let’s delve into the trends and insights shaping online shopping for the 2024 holiday season and explore how retailers can leverage them for success.   Evolving Shopper Behavior  This season, consumer priorities are a blend of convenience, savings, and immediacy. Shoppers are becoming more strategic, making conscious decisions about where and how they spend their money. For e-commerce retailers, this presents a unique opportunity to stand out through flexible options, easy price comparisons, and personalized recommendations.   Mobile Shopping Takes Center Stage  Mobile shopping is on track to account for 53% of holiday online sales, reflecting a substantial shift in consumer behavior. Adobe Analytics projects a 12. 8% year-over-year growth in mobile commerce. In fact, they’re projecting that mobile shopping will “consistently eclipse” desktop going into 2025. Notably, last Christmas Day saw mobile making up 63% of online sales, highlighting its critical role in the shopping experience. Additionally, according to Retail Dive, 51% of online shoppers transacted via smartphones last holiday season, an increase from 47% a year ago.   Insight: Enhance the mobile experience with intuitive navigation and streamlined checkout processes, along with mobile-exclusive promotions that keep shoppers engaged. Value-Driven Shopping in Focus  Amid rising inflation, consumers are prioritizing value like never before. Adobe states approximately 48% of shoppers report comparing prices more this year than last, and 46% indicate they would forgo an item if it’s priced too high .   With 82% of consumers stating they’ve used their mobile device to compare prices while shopping in-store, retailers must remain competitive. This year, 69% of consumers say that deep discounts will be critical for their purchasing decisions. Insight: Retailers that can offer compelling discounts and bundle deals are likely to capture the attention of budget-conscious consumers.   Key Categories Expected to Excel  Despite economic challenges, certain categories are set to thrive this holiday season, with the National Retail Federation predicting total holiday retail sales in the U. S. to reach around $979. 5 billion to $989 billion.   Electronics, Apparel and Furniture & Home Goods are the standout categories for the season.   Electronics: This category is projected to generate approximately $55 billion in sales, marking an increase of 8. 5%. The latest gadgets, smart home devices, and entertainment systems are among the most sought-after items.   Apparel: Holiday growth will be stronger than last year’s 1. 7% increase. The forecast predicts 5. 8% growth, with approximately $43 billion in sales.   Furniture & Home Goods: Anticipated to see a sales increase of 4. 2%. With consumers investing in their living spaces, the category is projected to generate $28 billion in sales.   Toys and Games: Projected to grow by 5. 8%, which is largely fueled by... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-08-16 - Modified: 2024-08-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-named-2024-inc5000/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFi has been ranked 972 on the prestigious Inc. 5000 fastest growing private companies list for 2024! We’re beyond thrilled to share some incredible news: SellersFi has been ranked 972 on the prestigious Inc. 5000 fastest growing private companies list for 2024! Not only this, but we are ranked as 69th in the category of fintechs and as the 7th fastest growing small business lending company. This achievement is not just a milestone but a testament to our team’s dedication, innovation, and the unwavering support from our clients and partners. A Journey of Growth and Innovation Since our inception, SellersFi has been on a mission to transform the way e-commerce sellers access financing. Our unique approach to providing tailored financial solutions has resonated with the e-commerce community, propelling us forward on a remarkable growth trajectory. Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list is a significant affirmation of our efforts and success. The Inc. 5000 list is known for highlighting the fastest-growing private companies in America. To be included in this esteemed group is an honor that reflects our commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive landscape. This recognition is not only a celebration of our past achievements but also a motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our Success Story: The Team Behind the Triumph This ranking is a direct result of the hard work, passion, and dedication of our incredible team. From our innovative product development to our exceptional customer service, every member of the SellersFi family plays a crucial role in our success. We’ve cultivated a culture of collaboration, creativity, and resilience, which has been the driving force behind our rapid growth. We also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our clients, whose trust and support have been instrumental in our journey. Your feedback, partnership, and success stories inspire us every day to strive for excellence and continuously enhance our offerings. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for SellersFi As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we’re also looking forward to the future with excitement and anticipation. Our goal is to continue innovating and expanding our solutions to better serve the evolving needs of e-commerce sellers. We are committed to exploring new opportunities, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and delivering exceptional value to our clients. We envision a future where SellersFi remains at the forefront of the industry, driving growth and success for e-commerce sellers across the globe. This ranking is just the beginning, and we are eager to build on this momentum and reach new heights in the coming years. A Heartfelt Thank You To everyone who has been a part of our journey—our dedicated team, supportive clients, and trusted partners—thank you. Your belief in SellersFi has made this achievement possible, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support. Here’s to many more milestones and successes together. We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the e-commerce financing space. Cheers to the journey ahead and the incredible opportunities that await! Warm regards, Ricardo Pero, CEO, and The SellersFi... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2025-01-14 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-ai-search-rufus/ - Categories: Amazon, Amazon Resources Hub, Blog - Tags: Amazon, Tech & Data In February 2024, Amazon announced the launch of its AI-powered conversational shopping assistant, Rufus. Named for the company’s favorite corgi, Rufus lets sellers search for the products they need by typing or speaking full sentences to a chatbot designed to make helpful recommendations. Rufus is currently in closed beta testing, available to certain users through the Amazon app. With the rollout of Google’s AI overviews, AI search is already changing the game. Marketplaces from Walmart to Alibaba have recently introduced similar conversational shopping assistant offerings. In the scheme of things, that puts Amazon a bit behind the game and — if it hasn’t been released by the time you read this — we can almost certainly expect a fully-public-facing Rufus this year. It’s not clear whether Rufus will replace ordinary search; the two will likely exist side-by-side for a while. For sellers, the switch to conversational search means you might have to loosen your grip on keyword-based algorithms,emphasizing natural human speech and writing patterns. Today we’ll explore what makes Rufus different and what it could mean for your growing Amazon business. What Is AI Search? Before we dive into the specifics of Rufus, let’s quickly recap AI search. AI search relies on a host of new technologies, like machine learning and natural language processing, to make sense of complex user queries. Unlike conventional search, which relies on a string of keywords to deliver straightforward results, AI can “talk” to users. In e-commerce, AI search can use past customer interactions, deep knowledge of a product catalog, and external data (like Google search results) to deliver nuanced interpretations of user intent and context. Then, it can use that understanding to generate in-depth, personalized recommendations. What Is Rufus? Rufus is an AI-powered chatbot, or virtual shopping assistant, that uses AI search technology to help users find products more easily on Amazon. Trained on a variety of data sources, Rufus is designed to make intelligent recommendations that take specific user needs and context into account. For example, you can ask Rufus for nuanced assistance, with things like: Recommendations: “What should I get my mom for Mother’s Day? ” Comparisons: “What’s better, glass or metal water bottles? ” Options: “What are the top 10 styles of in-ear headphones? ” Style Advice: “Which dresses would be appropriate for a 40-year-old office worker? ” Considerations: “What factors should I consider when choosing an elliptical machine? ” Task Planning: “What items should I buy if I want to start making pastries at home? ” How Does Rufus Work? Like other generative AI tools, Rufus “learns” from big sets of data, synthesizing information from all these sources in order to make future predictions, recommendations, and decisions. According to Amazon, Rufus is trained on Amazon’s product catalog, customer reviews, community Q&A’s, and “information from across the web. ” That means, when it answers a user query, it might be extrapolating data from any of these sources. It’s very much worth noting that, though Rufus is built into Amazon, it’s (at least... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/inventory-management-mistakes/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing Learn how to avoid these 6 common inventory mistakes to ensure a successful Q4 for your e-commerce business. Inventory distortion is a problem so big, you can literally see it from outer space. The inventory management crisis cost retailers $1. 77 trillion in lost sales in 2022. A year later, excess inventory was still plaguing retailers well into the holiday season. Poor inventory management can lead to high carrying costs, low customer loyalty, and a bad brand rep. But with a little extra planning, it doesn’t have to be that way. In this article, we’ll share the top six areas to address in your inventory for stronger sales during the busiest time of year. Solid Inventory Management Means Greater Q4 Success Strong inventory management is always important. But getting inventory right is especially critical from October into early January as holiday sales increase and the risk of supply chain issues multiplies. With the right strategy, you can turn inventory into an advantage, bringing in more sales with fewer stockouts and fulfillment headaches.   Let’s take a closer look at how strong inventory management can increase your Q4 results. 1. Optimizes stock levels In an ideal world, you’d always have enough inventory to fulfill your orders on time and avoid lost sales due to stockouts. By keeping the right amount of units in stock, you also avoid unnecessary storage costs and other costs associated with carrying excess inventory. This is especially critical during the competitive holiday season, when retailers need to go heavier on promos, discounts and advertising. 2. Minimizes stockouts Stockouts can cost your business in more ways than one. By making sure you always have enough inventory on hand, you avoid disappointing your customers (and their loved ones) with late gifts. New tools like AI-enabled inventory planning and predictive analytics are making it easier for retailers to forecast more accurately and get better insights on when to reorder to avoid going out of stock. With the right tools and process, you can reduce the risk of being caught off-guard by a sudden increase in demand. 3. Reduces holding costs When your inventory isn’t managed efficiently, you may need to rely on safety stock in case of sudden changes in customer demand. If you’re selling on Amazon, you can also wind up ordering way too much to avoid getting hidden or delisted in the event of an accidental stockout. Instead of ordering all that extra stock, you can fine-tune your inventory planning so that you only order what you need, when you need it. Instead of spending a bundle on storage, you can invest in developing new best sellers, boosting your marketing efforts, or adding new sales channels. 4. Improves cash flow Accurate demand forecasting and smart replenishment means more sales and less trapped capital in inventory. With predictable cash flow, you can invest in bigger and better holiday promotions and marketing events. The outcome is higher margins and more capital to invest in your future growth. 5. Enhances customer experience You’ve heard it before: “stockouts cause walkouts. ” Customers will gladly shop from a competitor when they... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-06-21 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-to-recognize-high-demand-products-to-sell-online/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Inventory & Sourcing Staying profitable and competitive in e-commerce is all about the margins. Discover our top strategies for choosing high-margin niches products in 2024. As competition gets fiercer in the e-commerce ecosystem, sellers face mounting challenges to stand out and maintain profitability. With rising customer acquisition costs and marketplace fees, margins are more important than ever. It’s not all doom and gloom, though: With online sales projected to exceed $8. 1 trillion by 2026, there’s still plenty of opportunity in e-commerce. The trick is maximizing your profitability — and that starts with product selection. Which niches and products offer higher profit margins? Let’s dive into some high-margin products to consider, as well as some proven strategies for choosing profitable products. High-Profit Product Types to Sell in 2024 Let’s get right to the good stuff: specific niches that are profitable right now, and their average profit margins. This list isn’t exhaustive, but if you’re looking to expand your offerings, it’s a great place to start. Vitamins and supplements Vitamins and supplements like protein powder are still a profitable and growing niche to break into. However, new compliance requirements by Amazon could make it more difficult to sell these products on the platform. Shopify recommends using Google Trends to choose which supplements make sense for your online business to offer. Estimated profit margin range: 38% - 40% Pros: The health-conscious consumer base is growing High AOV — shoppers spend $96. 50 on average Challenges: Stringent labeling and advertising requirements Ensuring brand is seen as safe and effective Pet products The pet care industry is lucrative and ever-growing — pet owners are willing to spend generously on their furry friends. Products in this space are often low cost and can be sold at a healthy markup. Estimated profit margin range: 30% - 50% Pros: Wide variety of different products and niches within the industry Recurring revenue potential for consumables like treats and shampoos Challenges: Complex regulations Ensuring product quality and safety Some products are bulky (e. g. dog beds) and take up lots of warehousing room Fashion Fashion is a dynamic and competitive industry, but with the right strategies, it can be very profitable. Apparel, particularly seasonal socks and undergarments, has a good profit margin. Estimated profit margin range: 30% - 50% Pros: High demand for trendy designs that change quickly Potential for higher prices on luxury items Challenges: Rapidly-changing trends can be hard to keep up with Managing inventory and minimizing unsold stock Jewelry Jewelry is a timeless product category. Margins in this space can be fairly high to “insanely high,” depending on the product. From fine jewelry to inexpensive accessories, there’s a wide range of options to explore. Estimated profit margin range: 42% - 50% Pros: Emotional significance of fine jewelry, especially as a gift Substantial markup on precious metals and gemstones Challenges: Sourcing authentic materials Building credibility in a competitive market Beauty The beauty market is constantly evolving — and it’s currently in its influencer era. The diverse range of beauty products you can offer in this market includes skincare, perfume, nail care, hair care, extensions, bath products, and more. Estimated profit margin range:... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-06-17 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-content-marketing/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising High-quality content marketing helps you build credibility, authority, and a loyal audience. But where do you start? Content marketing is an inbound marketing approach in which brands create and share useful, value-adding digital assets with their readers, for free. Content can come in the form of videos, infographics, blog posts, podcasts, email marketing, white papers, social media posts, and more. In a retail environment where customers hate traditional ads so much that they’ll spend big bucks to avoid them, content marketing can help brands give the people more of what they want while establishing themselves as useful, authoritative resources. In short, high-quality content marketing helps you build credibility, authority, and a loyal audience. But where do you start? In this guide to e-commerce content marketing, we’ll share the complete A to Z of how to get started. The Top 5 Trends Shaping E-Commerce Content Marketing In the early days of content marketing, you could throw together a weekly email newsletter, seed an influencer to give you a shout out, and call it a day. With just a few well-placed keywords on your product pages, you could even snag the top of the search engine results page (SERP) and drive organic traffic to your checkout page. Today’s content marketing is different: the content is just as much of the product as the items you’re trying to sell. Your reader is actively turning to the assets you produce and using them to solve a problem, answer a question, or stay informed. To win with content marketing, you need a more strategic approach. Here are some of the latest shifts and trends to help shape your strategy. 1. Optimizing for Generative Search Search engines like Google and Bing are shifting from a keyword based approach, toward an AI-powered experience where search engines directly answer users questions. This new type of search (Google calls it search generative experience or SGE) extracts useful content from authoritative sources — like company blogs and web pages — to create plain-language summaries, which are displayed at the top of the SERP. The gradual shift from SGE to SEO can mean a lot of work for a marketing team, but it can also simplify your search for meaningful content marketing ideas. Instead of stuffing blog posts with keywords and looking for creative ways to string terms together, you can keep your focus on providing the clearest, most comprehensive answers to readers’ most common questions. Top Tips: Use tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to learn what questions or long-tail keywords readers are searching for, and generate helpful blog posts and tutorials accordingly. SGE-type search algorithms tend to prioritize content that answers the user’s question right away, so summarize the topic of the piece in plain language, before getting into the specifics. Keep content readable. Use short sentences and paragraphs, active voice, and simple language (at an eighth grade reading level). Use lists, bullet points, and headers to keep content skimmable, and avoid typos and jargon. 2. Collecting First Party Data in a Post-Cookie World With the death of the third-party cookie, many marketing teams are still working to find... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-06-12 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/buy-now-pay-later-online-store/ - Categories: Blog, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Inventory & Sourcing Buy now, pay later solutions can help e-commerce brands boost sales and grow. Explore the risks of BNPL and ethical best practices for using it responsibly. It’s easy to see the appeal of buy now, pay later (BNPL) options in e-commerce. Shoppers get more payment flexibility and, consequently, more purchasing power — which makes sellers happy. BNPL use continues to grow in the US, reaching more than 93 million Americans in 2024. The trend that started with Millennials and Gen Z is now catching on with older shoppers too. To consumers, it’s an easy, flexible option that appears lower-risk than credit cards due to the zero-interest aspect. However, it’s not without drawbacks. E-commerce sellers are becoming increasingly aware of the ethical implications of offering BNPL services at checkout. The bottom line is: BNPL can be an excellent tool that helps you win sales and new customers — as long as you use it responsibly. Let’s dig in. What Is Buy Now, Pay Later? Buy now, pay later is a payment option offered by e-commerce sellers that lets shoppers avoid paying the full cost of their purchase up-front, opting instead to pay in installments over time. Effectively, it’s a short-term loan through a third-party provider. BNPL agreements usually offer zero interest, since the goal is to remove friction from the sales process. How Does Buy Now, Pay Later Work? Customers may have several payment options when they select buy now, pay later at the point of sale. Some common terms include: Deferring the full payment for 30 days Installments over 2-6 weeks (sometimes up to 10) for smaller purchases Longer-term financing (up to 36 months) for larger purchases If the shopper selects a BNPL payment option, they’re taken through a quick application, and shown options based on their credit score and other factors. BNPL users must also provide a payment method to complete checkout. Their card or alternate payment method is automatically charged in installments — four is the most common number of payments. If funds aren’t available when the BNPL provider attempts to collect payment, they’ll charge a fee. In addition, some providers charge service fees and/or interest. BNPL vs. Credit Cards If you’re thinking, “How is BNPL different from using a credit card? ” you’re asking the right questions. And the truth is, these solutions emerged because of the pain points consumers experienced with credit cards. Here’s a quick rundown on how BNPL compares to credit cards from a consumer’s perspective. Pain pointCredit cardsBNPLCommon feesAnnual fees, late payment fees, foreign transaction feesService fees, non-sufficient funds fees, late feesInterest-free periodsEnd of the monthBased on loan termsApplication processComplicated, can take weeks, hard credit checkSimpler, quicker, soft credit checkAccessibilityLower approval rateHigher approval ratePayment methodNot requiredRequired Risks and Costs for Sellers BNPL solutions give your customers more reasons to say “yes” to a purchase, which helps you make more money — but providing those options also comes at a cost. As a retailer, you’ll pay a merchant fee to the BNPL provider, ranging from 3-10% of the purchase price, and sometimes paired with a flat fee. Compared to the usual 2. 9% payment processing fee for credit cards, BNPL... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-06-04 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-product-reviews/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising Amazon product reviews can impact your rankings and boost your sales. How can you get more reviews and which tactics can get you banned? Read on. Since 2018, more than 2,000 Amazon sellers have joined the platform per day. This is great news for Amazon, but what about sellers? The flood of competition means positive customer reviews aren’t just a nice-to-have — they’re crucial to your early success on Amazon. But with so much noise and only a brief window for connecting with customers, how can you get more Amazon reviews without relying on dubious “hacks” that could get you suspended? What NOT to Do: Review Tactics that Go Against Amazon’s Guidelines If you’ve gone anywhere near the e-commerce echochamber in the last five years, you know there are tons of ‘black hat’ review tactics, many of which go directly against Amazon’s guidelines. While these might work in the short term, they can result in serious consequences, including a permanent withdrawal of your selling privileges and even legal action. Here’s what not to do when soliciting product reviews on Amazon: DON’T ask for a positive review: All communications should ask for honest reviews. Avoid any ‘if/then’ language, for example: if you’re happy with our products, would you please leave us a review? DON’T offer compensation for a review: Including gift cards, discounts, refunds, or free products. DON’T ask friends and family to write reviews for you: This includes writing them yourself. DON’T ask a reviewer to change or remove their review: Regardless of whether a review was incentivized or not. DON’T use a third-party service or ‘club’ that offers free products tied to a review. DON’T divert negative feedback to a different channel: Variety of reviews (including some negative ones) can influence your rankings. One sure way to say the right thing is to let Amazon do it for you by hitting the Request a Review button. With this option, Amazon automatically sends out a compliant email on your behalf, personalizing each one with the customer’s name. We’ll share more on this in a moment. First, let’s take a closer look at why now is a great time to elevate your customer review strategy. Why Product Reviews Are More Crucial than Ever Selling on Amazon in the 2020s is an entirely different game than in the 2010s. The competition is steep. The noise is loud. The pressure to build your brand is painfully real. Customer interaction with reviews has increased by 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels. In a retail environment where online shoppers are increasingly skeptical, genuine reviews can make all the difference. Here are a few of the ways product reviews can help you grow and maintain your position on Amazon. Boost Your Product Rankings There are millions of sellers on Amazon. So, how does the mega marketplace determine which sellers are worthy of its precious, consumer-facing real estate? You guessed it: reviews. If you’re gunning for the Buy Box, you may need dozens or even hundreds of customer reviews depending on your product category. And roughly 90% of those reviews need to be positive. It’s a tall order, but products with a significant amount... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-06-03 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/social-shopping/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising The future of shopping is social. Learn everything you need to know about leveraging social shopping to fuel your e-commerce growth. In 2024, 42% of US internet users will use social media to shop. A year later in 2025, US social commerce sales will beat the $100 billion milestone. If you’re not already selling on social, you could be missing out on a fast-growing revenue source — one that can drive product awareness, brand engagement and sales. But when it comes to social media, so much changes all the time. Where do you even begin? In this article, we’re sharing everything you need to know to effectively leverage social shopping to fuel your e-commerce growth. What Is Social Shopping? Social shopping is the act of discovering, exploring and purchasing products via social media networks. Popular social commerce platforms include Instagram, Facebook (Meta), TikTok, Pinterest and more. With social shopping, buying happens within the same social media platforms a business’s audience already uses to connect with friends, follow influencers, and keep up with their favorite brands. How Social Shopping Works As a brand, social shopping can increase your sales simply by making the customer experience feel as organic as browsing your Insta feed. Simply create compelling social content featuring your products, offer users a direct way to purchase those products, and voilà! You’ve got a high-impact new revenue channel, plus the increased brand awareness that comes with it. While the execution can vary from platform to platform, the core principle is the same: engage users and get them buying before they click out of the app. Common social shopping features can include: Product tags, product pins, or stickers on shoppable posts and videos Swipe-up links on shoppable stories Profile tabs for in-app or in-platform storefronts Third-party apps and plugins (such as comment selling) These are just some of the features and functionalities that can make it easy for social media users to add your products to their carts, continue browsing, and complete their purchases, without ever leaving the platform. Rather than investing extra time and ad dollars to drive your social media traffic to your product pages, you can drive sales directly from social media while delivering an immersive customer experience. Social Shopping vs. Traditional E-commerce So just how different is social shopping compared to traditional e-commerce? If you’re killing it on Amazon and/or Shopify, you might wonder whether adding a whole new sales channel via social is even worth it? The honest answer is, it depends. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest differences between social shopping and traditional e-commerce so you can get a better idea of what the right strategy might look like for your business. Traditional E-commerceSocial ShoppingUsers come to the site to buy (and sometimes browse). Users come for community interaction and discussions, in addition to making purchases. Users have to leave the platform to find social proof beyond anonymous reviews. Social proof like shares, likes, and engagement are featured in-app. Separates informational content, like blog posts and video, from shopping functions (however, with new features like Amazon A+ Content this may be changing).... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-prime-day-for-sellers/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising This year’s Amazon Prime Day is predicted to be July 9-10, 2024. This year’s Amazon Prime Day is predicted to be July 9-10, 2024. Prime Day began as an anniversary celebration and has since altered the holiday shopping schedule across all of retail (not just e-commerce). Every year, Amazon buyers and sellers wait with anticipation for the summer Prime Day deals.   Amazon has historically released the Prime Day dates with fewer than four weeks to prepare. This means that sellers should start preparing early.   Here’s what we know about Prime Day in 2024, including key dates and resources to keep on your radar. A Brief History of Amazon Prime Day The first Amazon Prime Day event was on July 15, 2015 as an anniversary celebration of 20 years of Amazon. This shopping event lasted 24 hours and was available to shoppers in nine countries. Since that first event in 2015, Prime Day has expanded to a two-day event, available to shoppers in more than 20 countries. The shopping holiday has become so successful, in fact, that Amazon released a Prime Early Access Sale in October 2022, leading up to the Q4 holidays. The shopping holiday has become such a success that its sales have surpassed that of Black Friday and Cyber Monday consistently. In fact, it has become a staple of the retail calendar, with stores like Target, Walmart, and Macy’s jumping on the summer sales boon. Prime Day 2023 was the biggest shopping event ever for third-party sellers, even outpacing Amazon’s own retail business. US sales were 6. 1% higher than in 2022, reaching a record $12. 7 billion. In 2024, Prime Day is more than a reward for loyal Prime subscribers. It’s also a great way to garner even more subscribers and new shoppers for your store. Amazon Prime Day 2024: Important Dates & Deadlines* May 3, 2024: Deadline to submit deals to be considered for Prime Day. June 20, 2024: Deadline for incoming inventory to be included in the Prime Day sale. *Note: More details on Prime Day are forthcoming! Be sure to bookmark this official Amazon’s Prime Day prep page to stay on top of new information as it’s released. How to Prep for a Successful Amazon Prime Day Even if you’ve missed the key dates and deadlines, there are still ways to take advantage of Amazon Prime Day. Start with this checklist to make sure you’re ready to capture more sales: Inventory: Look at comparable sales holidays from the past (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Early Access Sale, etc. ). See if you can spot trends and calculate a relative number you need in stock to cover all your sales because running out of stock on Prime day could be the kiss of death for your Amazon rankings. Do you have an FBM backup? Plan for all contingencies and make sure you have cash on hand to cover any pivoting. Marketing: Connect with your marketing team or agency early. If you’re running a Prime Day deal or external coupon on social media, keep your marketing... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-05-21 - Modified: 2024-05-28 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/blog-amazon-seller-rating/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising Succeeding on Amazon in 2024 is all about standing out from other sellers: capturing prime top-of-page real estate and winning customer trust. To get there, you need to keep up with moving targets like Amazon’s new SEO algorithms, evolving search technologies, and changing performance metrics. The best place to start is to get a clear understanding of the different seller ranking terms and metrics. In this article, we’ll review the Amazon Seller Rating, its history and how it can impact your business today. What Are the Different Types of Amazon Seller Ratings? When most people talk about Seller Ratings now, they’re talking about the Seller Feedback Ratings (more on that below). But in 2024, that’s far from the only metric that plays a role.   They could also be talking about their Best Sellers Rank (BSR), or any number of other Amazon quality scoring metrics like, like their Inventory Performance Index (IPI) score or Amazon Listing Quality (LQI). Let’s take a look at three different terms Amazon uses for seller ratings, and what each one means for your business: What Is the Amazon Seller Rating? The Amazon Seller Rating was a numerical value from 0-100, assigned to all Amazon third-party sellers, based on customer satisfaction with their service. The metric was visible to the public, and Amazon customers could use it to evaluate a seller’s trustworthiness before making a purchase. In 2015, Amazon dropped the metric with no warning or fanfare, leaving sellers a bit in the dark. But in the years that followed, it would introduce a plethora of new ways for sellers to monitor and optimize their performance. How Does Amazon Calculate the Seller Rating? Amazon wasn’t entirely transparent about how Amazon Seller Ratings were calculated, but they were largely based on metrics like: responsiveness to customer inquiries on-time shipping shipping speed order defect rate chargeback rate negative feedback rate pre-fulfillment cancellation rate A-to-z guarantee claims  Essentially, all of the things you do now to stay in good standing with Amazon and boost your internal quality scores were reflected in that one public number. Amazon Seller Rating vs. Amazon Seller Feedback Rating Instead of the Amazon Seller Rating, Amazon now uses a new metric, called the Seller Feedback Rating, to accomplish the same goal — letting customers know which sellers they can trust to provide the best customer experience. Amazon Seller Feedback Rating is a star rating system that customers can use to rank and review their experience with each seller they transact with. Customers choose a ranking from 1 to 5 (worst to best) and have the option to leave written comments as well. They can do this through a seller’s Feedback page or from their own Orders page. This ranking is based purely upon customers’ feedback on their experience with a given seller. Customers can only rate sellers they’ve already transacted with on the platform. How Does Amazon Calculate the Seller Feedback Rating? Amazon aggregates all the star ratings from the past 12 months and generates an... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-05-16 - Modified: 2024-06-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-prime-day-predictions/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising According to Amazon, Prime Day 2023 was the biggest shopping event ever for marketplace sellers, with the marketplace outpacing even Amazon’s own retail business. US sales were 6. 1% higher than in 2022 and total US spending reached $12. 7 billion — another new record. Worldwide, customers bought over 375 million items during the two-day event, and the first day was the single biggest sales day in Amazon’s history. This is great news for Amazon, but what about sellers? The truth is, it’s harder than ever to stand out on Amazon. Costs are higher, keeping up with rules is harder, and multiple big sale days vie for customers’ attention.   In this article, we’ll uncover the latest trends and predictions for Amazon Prime Day 2024 and what they could mean for your business. We’ll also explore why it could still be worth investing in Prime Day and how to strategize for maximum payoff. The Latest on Amazon Prime Day You already know the score on Amazon Prime Day.   Once — or is it twice? Or three times? — a year, Amazon hosts a huge 48-hour flash sale for its Prime subscription holders. During the two-day event, thousands of sellers flood the marketplace with Amazon deals and discounts to drive shoppers to their stores. While the exact date hasn't been announced yet, Amazon has confirmed that Prime Day 2024 is on for July. Along with many other sources, we predict it will take place from July 9-10.   The deadline to submit your Prime Day Deals was May 3, 2024, but if you don’t have any deals set up, there are still other ways to win on Prime Day. Whether you have deals or not, all Prime Day inventory must arrive at Amazon warehouses by June 20. Is Prime Day Still Worth It for Sellers? Every year, sellers anxiously await Amazon’s Prime Day announcement. But with inflation concerns and consumer buying shifts, there continues to be some well-warranted chatter around Prime Day’s real return on investment. Prime Day Data The costs of participating in Prime Day continue to rise: According to Ad Badger, average per-click rates for Amazon advertisers are still trending upward. Add that to a laundry list of fee increases, plus downward pricing pressure due to an influx of new sellers, and your Prime Day ROI could take a serious hit compared to previous years. Year-over-year growth is leveling off or even shrinking, with just over 6% growth from 2022 to 2023, compared with 8. 1% from 2021 to 2022 and 7. 1% from 2020 to 2021. The last time Prime Day sales grew by double digits was from 2019 to 2020. “Small businesses” won bigger in 2023, but Amazon has a pretty generous definition of “small. ” Little-known underdogs like TUSHY, True Classic, and Caraway increased their average daily sales by 18x or more on day one of Prime Day 2023. In 2024, some sellers have decided to forgo Prime Day altogether. Others are opting to compete through... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-05-14 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/blog-how-to-sell-on-tiktok-shop/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Marketing & Advertising How’s your social commerce strategy these days? Are your accounts booming with engagement, or could your brand use a little pick-me-up? Do you ever wish there were a social media platform where users were actively looking to learn about and buy from brands? Consider your wish granted with TikTok Shop. TikTok’s fully integrated commerce solution lets sellers “authentically connect with creators and communities to drive meaningful shopping experiences. ” But you don’t have to take our word for it. Have a look at some of these numbers, straight from the source: 70% of TikTok users discover new brands and products on the platform 75% of TikTok users are likely to purchase a product while using TikTok 83% of users say that TikTok plays a role in purchase decisions Sure, you might be thinking, TikTok works for makeup, fashion, electronics. But it’s not the right fit for my brand. Maybe it’s not — but if you haven’t explored all this platform has to offer, you could be missing out on your next growth opportunity. Is Selling on TikTok Worth It? You know your business better than anyone. No e-commerce marketplace is a perfect fit for every brand. That said, TikTok’s in-app shopping feature sells more than $7 million worth of products every day. Tarte Cosmetics, an American-Japanese cosmetics company, has seen more than 300,000 purchases on TikTok, with several products selling out during its Black Friday sale. On the flip side, other brands have yet to unlock TikTok’s exponential sales potential. Clothing retailer PacSun has only generated about 10,000 sales on the platform. There’s no question that TikTok audiences skew young. Among 18-34-year-olds, 22% of them reported making a purchase on TikTok in the past month. Compare that to 2% in the 55-65 demographic and 5% in 35-54. However, those younger shoppers’ purchasing power is on the rise — so if you’re selling to anyone younger than 35, TikTok Shop should absolutely be on your radar. How Does TikTok Shop Work? If you haven’t spent much time on TikTok, it might be hard to visualize how to sell your products there. According to TikTok, there are three ways users can shop: LIVE Shopping: Sellers can “go LIVE” to engage with their audience and sell in real time via livestream. Shoppable Video: Create entertaining video content that showcases your products. Store Page: An in-app shop similar to other e-commerce storefronts. Getting started with TikTok Shop is fairly straightforward. Sign up for a business account, fill out an application, add products to your shop, and start selling. At the moment, only US-based brands can sell on TikTok Shop, so you’ll need a US phone number and passport. More on the application requirements in the FAQs below. 8 Tips to Grow Sales With TikTok Shop Ready to give TikTok Shop a try? Here are eight tips to consider as you set up shop. Promote Your Products With Engaging Content An excellent TikTok video has a stellar hook, fun visuals, and of course, a strong, focused CTA. Generic videos just won’t cut it on this platform. Consider engaging... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-05-02 - Modified: 2024-06-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-seller-tips/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain If you’re like most e-commerce entrepreneurs, you know the things that got you where you are with your Amazon business today won't be the same things that take you where you want to go tomorrow. The game is changing all the time. Once you’ve achieved a dominant position in your niche, it’s time to move from hacks to real growth strategies that work in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Whether you’re looking to scale up to an exit, or go from a seven- to eight-figure business, even the most successful Amazon sellers can always refine their strategies. 1. Expand Your Product Selection  In the early days, you could win the Buy Box just by moving a thousand units per day — but that was then. Success on Amazon in the 2020s requires an agile strategy focused not solely on sales, but all things growth. Product line expansion is one of the best ways to make that happen.   By growing your product portfolio, you not only grow your sales volume.   You also put yourself in a prime position to capture other important types of growth, including: Share growth: Offering products that attract customers away from your competitors, expanding your customer base. Market growth: Introducing products that attract new customers to your industry or category, driving overall market growth. Price growth: Implementing price increases to boost revenue and profit margins. Quantity growth: Selling higher quantities of your products, whether through larger orders or increased demand. Cost-cutting: Identifying opportunities to lower production costs and optimize your profitability. If you’re using a product research tool like Cerebro, Black Box, or Xray to generate product ideas, try filtering for products with less than three variations to see where there might be new gaps or opportunities in your category. By broadening your focus from one or two bestsellers to a portfolio of products that can be strategically adjusted, you can achieve growth through multiple avenues as the business evolves. For example, if you’re already launching the latest iPad cover in black, you could look into new colors or patterns based on what’s trending in the fashion world. When the demand for cases designed for older iPads begins to wane, you can discontinue every color except black and offer shoppers the option to purchase used cases. This will help reduce costs and avoid dead stock, while keeping your store in a prime position on Amazon. Bonus Tip: Make sure your current product listings are in tip-top shape. Before you start adding a whole new line of products to your portfolio, take time to make sure all listings for your existing Amazon products are fully optimized. Check that your product titles are aligned with the latest search engine optimization (SEO) best practices and backed up by plenty of positive reviews. For a complete primer on optimizing your Amazon product listings, our 7 Steps to Retail-Ready Listings guide has you covered. 2. Take Advantage of Strategic Product Bundling With a wider range of products, you’re ready to tap... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-04-30 - Modified: 2024-05-28 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/sustainable-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Sustainability. One little word with so much packed in. From a consumer perspective, having strategies to reduce negative environmental and social impacts is shifting from “nice to have” to “must have.” Sustainability. One little word with so much packed in.   From a consumer perspective, having strategies to reduce negative environmental and social impacts is shifting from “nice to have” to “must have. ” What’s causing this shift? Why, Millennials and Gen Z, of course. By 2030, Boomers will have transferred as much as $68 trillion to the younger generations. This shift in purchasing power also comes with a shift in consumer values, leading experts to predict a “tipping point where sustainability will be considered a baseline requirement for purchase. ”  The time to start preparing is now. If you’re like most brands or merchants, the question is how. In this article, we’ll share the central starting points to help you start building a more sustainable e-commerce business. Why Make Your Business More Sustainable? Tomorrow’s leading online businesses don’t view sustainability as a way to tick off compliance tasks. And they’d never dream of greenwashing. Instead, they see the rising interest in sustainability for what it is: a huge opportunity to win with the increasingly conscious consumer. In fact, there’s been a big change in business leaders’ understanding of the return on sustainability in the past few years. In 2023, 63% of executives agreed that the business case for sustainability is clear — up 3X from 21% just a year earlier in 2022. The evidence is undeniable. Sustainable products are gaining more and more market share and data shows that consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for “values-based purchases,” with growing numbers of younger consumers shifting to sustainable brands. The question for modern retailers isn’t whether or not to make your business more sustainable. It’s how to make sure you take action now to avoid getting left behind in the future. The New Sustainability: Which Areas Are Top of Mind in 2024? The word “sustainability" means different things to different people. Where should you focus your efforts in 2024? According to recent research from the World Economic Forum (WEF), seizing this new sustainability opportunity starts with solid reporting and concrete goals. After all, you can’t manage what you can’t measure. The WEF also describes the emergence of an “eco-digital era” in which the business landscape is more data-driven, accessible, and sustainable. Their advice? To thrive in this landscape, businesses must: Find a balance between quick wins and long-term sustainability Invest in sustainable transformation initiatives Weave sustainability into products and services Choose partners that are equally committed to sustainability In 2024, companies must make a genuine commitment to sustainability and have the data to back it up. 6 Ways to Make Your E-commerce Business More Sustainable (+ Examples) The great news for retailers of every shape and size is that there is no one way to “do sustainability”.   Even if you didn’t start with an eco-friendly brand from day one, there’s almost always a way to start taking firm steps toward a more sustainable business.   These six steps are the perfect place to start. 1. Develop and Launch Sustainable... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-04-25 - Modified: 2025-01-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/retail-readiness/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising “Retail Readiness” is a term that Amazon uses to describe the quality of a product listing. A “retail ready” product detail page has everything the customer needs to find your product and decide whether or not to buy it, including accurate descriptions, high-resolution images, correct keyword placement, positive reviews, and more. Off Amazon, retail readiness is about making a powerful first impression on your customer. It’s taking time to clean house and make sure new shoppers are met with the best of your brand. The steps to become “retail ready" will vary depending on your sales channels, but the basic principle is the same: show customers what to expect from your brand, then deliver on that promise. In this article, we’ll share simple tips to improve your retail readiness ahead of peak season and make a powerful impression with shoppers. Why Get Retail Ready? Your website, brand store, and product listings are the online equivalent of a brick-and-mortar salesperson. If that salesperson looks disheveled and confused about your store’s inventory, you probably wouldn’t trust them to sell you so much as a paperclip.   But if they’re clean and polished, with deep knowledge on the products they sell, you’ll feel much more confident handing them your money. In a recent PYMNTS survey, over 26% of consumers said inconsistencies between the product description and actual product negatively impacted their sense of trust with a merchant. And in a poll of around 2,000 US shoppers, 24% said they consider obsolete or incomplete product information a total dealbreaker.   It’s often the details that can make or break a sale. Numerous Stanford University studies have shown that seemingly small factors, such as typo-free text, can substantially boost a site’s credibility. Don’t risk losing a quarter of your sales to trivial errors and typos. To increase your conversions and win more market share, it’s time embracing retail readiness across all your listings. 1. Optimized Product Titles On Amazon, retail ready sellers can get increased rankings, more customer traffic, and a better shot at winning the Buy Box. No matter where you sell, you’ll need optimized product pages to win more conversions. In this section, we’ll share the top tips and tricks for optimizing your product titles on Amazon. While many of these rules apply to all types of listings, always check the specific policies and guidelines of each e-commerce marketplace you sell on to ensure optimal retail readiness. On Amazon, the perfect product title is descriptive enough to capitalize on keywords, yet simple enough to catch the eye of the casual scroller. You only have 200 characters (including spaces). Here are some tips to make the most of them: Start your product title with your brand name Include your main target keyword or key phrase Avoid promotional phrases like “free shipping” or “quality guarantee” Include specifications like size, wattage, color, compatibility, etc. Avoid pipe symbols (|) or unnecessary use of character space When optimizing for Google and other search engines, think in terms of... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-04-23 - Modified: 2024-04-30 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-a-plus-content/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising In an endless sea of sellers, you need new ways to get your brand noticed. How can you be heard on Amazon when everyone else is shouting just as loud? How can you survive the competition? The answer? Differentiation. You need to tell a clear brand story to forge a deeper connection with shoppers. Amazon A+ Content can help. In this guide, we’ll share tips for using A+ Content to optimize your product listings, boost your visibility, and grow your Amazon ROI. What Is Amazon A+ Content? Amazon A+ Content is a tool within Amazon Seller Central that lets brand owners create and manage customized product detail pages. Sellers can use Amazon A+ Content to add high-quality images, charts, and other elements to shape their product pages into vivid brand narratives. A+ Content, formerly known as Enhanced Brand Content (EBC), was introduced in 2008, but was only available to certain sellers. It was then rebranded in 2016 and made available to all Brand Registered sellers. Two years later in 2018, Amazon launched another tier of A+ Content, called Premium A+ content, or A++ Content. Premium A+ Content was initially available to a small number of select vendors and high-performing sellers, by invite only. In exchange for this exclusive content, sellers paid anywhere from $250,000 to $500,000 per product, per year. A lot has changed since then. In 2022, Amazon started offering Premium A+ Content for free through Seller Central, though it’s still only available to those who qualify. Types of A+ Content Though there is currently no charge for either Amazon A+ Content or Premium A+ Content, sellers must meet Amazon’s requirements to qualify for each category. Here’s a closer look at the two different types of Amazon A+ Content, their unique features, and how to know if you’re eligible. Basic A+ Content Basic A+ Content is available to sellers who are on Amazon Brand Registry and hold a Professional selling plan. To join Brand Registry, sellers must hold an active registered trademark for their brand, or be enrolled in the Amazon IP Accelerator. With Basic A+ Content, sellers can take advantage of enhanced images, detailed product descriptions, comparison charts, technical specifications charts, and bullet points. Sellers can choose up to five content modules per ASIN, with customizable layouts and formats. Certain users also have access to free A/B split testing with the Amazon Manage Your Experiments tool. However, the tool can only be used on eligible high-traffic ASINs by sellers who own their own brands. Premium A+ Content  Brands that meet the eligibility criteria gain access to Premium A+ Content features, like larger images, videos, navigation carousels, and Q&A sections. Premium A+ Content also includes interactive image hotspot modules, which show users pop-up text when they hover over different parts of an image. This text can be used to highlight important product features, key benefits, or other product information. To become eligible for Amazon Premium A+ Content, you should have already published an A+ Brand Story to all ASINs... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-04-18 - Modified: 2024-04-23 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-choice/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising The Amazon’s Choice Badge has a bit of a rocky history, including unfavorable press and even political scrutiny. However, the badge isn’t all bad. Research shows the badge could increase traffic by 45%, ramp up conversion rates by 25%, and potentially double or even triple your Amazon sales. First, you’ve got to meet Amazon’s criteria. These guidelines spell out Amazon's priorities and offer practical insights for how to increase your rankings, product page views, and conversions. All of which can help you stand out in an increasingly noisy marketplace.   In this article, we’ll share tips to help you win the badge and boost your total Amazon ROI. What Is Amazon’s Choice? The Amazon’s Choice badge is designed to let customers know which product is the best match for their search. It appears as a distinctive deep teal banner with white and orange text in search results and on product listings pages. Amazon’s Choice products are the most relevant search results for their particular keywords. They have high customer ratings, fast delivery times, low return rates, and meet other specific criteria as determined by Amazon. Originally introduced in 2015 for Amazon Echo, Amazon’s Choice was created so voice search shoppers could easily choose a default option (for example, “Alexa, order snacks”) without listening to thousands of listings. The badge was later made available on desktop and mobile in June 2016. Though Amazon hasn’t disclosed much about how the badge works, it appears to be assigned automatically, by an algorithm. Amazon’s Choice is awarded to one product per search term or keyword string, and there doesn’t seem to be any limit to the number of badges available. This means that the Amazon’s Choice badge winner changes depending on the keywords you use. A search for “iphone charger fast” returns an entirely different Amazon’s Choice brand than a search for “iphone charger fastest. ” Users have also noted that the badge may move to a different product when the screen is refreshed, while Redditors and other Sellers note that it can disappear without warning. In the past, there was just one badge that read “Amazon’s Choice,” which could be applied to any product meeting the requirements. This badge still exists, but more recently the platform has added new categories, including “Amazon’s Choice: Overall Pick” and “Amazon’s Choice: Popular Brand Pick. ” Here’s how Amazon describes the two new categories: Amazon’s Choice: Popular Brand Pick - “This brand is popular with other customers and this product is highly rated, well-priced, and available to ship immediately. ” Amazon’s Choice: Overall Pick - “This product is highly rated, well-priced, and available to ship immediately. ” Amazon’s Choice Badge vs. Best Seller Badge  According to Amazon, the Best Seller Badge appears on items that rank #1 in a category with 100 products or more. It’s awarded based on a score called Best Seller Rankings (BSR) which factors in data about both recent and all-time sales, with recent sales weighted more heavily. In theory, the Best Seller... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-04-14 - Modified: 2024-06-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-to-analyze-your-numbers-to-prep-for-seasonal-shopping-peaks/ - Categories: Blog, Tech & Data - Tags: Amazon, Tech & Data In e-commerce, major sales spikes tend to come around the same time every year. Why is it that peak seasons still manage to hit your business like a whirlwind? If you’re like most retailers, you already know that with a little extra planning, you could capture more revenue from massive sales events like Black Friday. However, making time to focus on the right peak season strategies at the right time is easier said than done. This year, don’t just “get through it alive”. With Amazon Prime Day around the corner, it’s time to fine-tune and optimize. In this guide, we’ll show you how the right data and planning can help you build a stronger peak season sales strategy for your e-commerce business. E-commerce Peak Seasons and Holidays In the US, and throughout much of the world, e-commerce sales tend to peak around the three key times of year. The Q4 Holiday Shopping Season: Including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, Christmas, and more. This season typically spans November 1 to December 25, but with the increase in early holiday shopping it has been starting as early as October. Back-to-School Season: This season is typically from July 5 through early September, but can vary from market to market. Amazon Prime Day: Typically held mid-July (roughly July 11-12). Of course, the shopping events you choose to participate in will always depend on your market and category. Other major shopping holidays in the US include: The Super Bowl - second Sunday in February and throughout the following week Valentine’s Day - February 14 St. Patrick’s Day - March 17 Easter - Varies based on market Graduation - May to June Mother’s Day - second Sunday in May in the US and fourth Sunday of Lent in the UK Father’s Day - third Sunday in June Independence Day (US only) - July 4 Halloween - October 31 If you sell internationally, consider planning for additional peak times in other countries, including: French Winter Sales - early January to early February Chinese New Year - late January to early February Diwali - mid-October to mid-November Singles’ Day (China) - November 11 El Buen Fin (Mexico) - mid to late November Boxing Day (UK) - December 26 How to Prep for Optimal Peak Season Sales The most successful e-commerce businesses take the time to prepare for peak season sales long before they hit. The great news is, once you know what you’re looking for, it’s not hard to do.   Here are some of the most impactful ways to use your business data and core key performance indicators (KPIs) to create a game plan that helps you get the most of every season. 1. Analyze Your Profits And Losses To make the most of the busiest seasons, you first need to know where you stand. Is the business cash flow positive? How much capital is available to invest in holiday season campaigns and promotions?   Your profit and loss (P&L) statement will give you the big... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-04-11 - Modified: 2024-04-23 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/walmart-selling-strategies/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising, Walmart - Tags: Marketing & Advertising, Walmart In 2024, the e-commerce landscape is nothing if not saturated. In a world where even experienced merchants can get washed away by a flood of competition on Amazon, Walmart Marketplace remains a bright spot for sellers. Last year, Walmart finally surpassed the $100 billion milestone in global e-commerce sales, but it still has a long way to go before it can truly go toe-to-toe with Amazon. To grow your momentum and increase sales on Walmart, you’ll need an active and workable strategy to boost your traffic and conversions. Walmart Marketplace: The Beginning of a Golden Era for Sellers? Walmart had what some consider a slow start in the world of e-commerce.   It began selling online in 2000, enabling customers to shop its regular store catalog online. It wasn’t until nearly a decade later, in 2009, that it opened its online marketplace to third-party sellers.   Since its founding, the mega retailer has focused on offering customers the lowest possible prices. But in recent years, it has moved to position itself as a viable Amazon competitor, shifting its focus from dominating rural areas and moving toward a highly digitized omnichannel strategy that might actually be helping small businesses. This year, we’re beginning to see the impact of this shift in strategy, including new opportunities for third-party sellers.   In 2024, a growing number of high-income shoppers are turning to Walmart for regular purchases. Although the typical in-store shopper is older, middle class and suburban, Walmart has been hard at work attracting new Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. As Amazon continues to get noisier, there is a gap in the e-commerce playing field that only Walmart can fill. Third-party sellers who take advantage now can capture more sales at a time when referral fees and competition on Walmart are still relatively low. 10 Ways to Increase Your Walmart Sales Whether you’re already selling on Walmart’s e-commerce platform or are still on the fence, the following strategies will help you plan for maximum traffic and sales. 1. Choose the Right Products to Sell While other e-commerce disruptors like Temu and Shein only cater to certain categories, Walmart Marketplace has it all. So where do you begin? To determine what to sell, start by browsing other major marketplaces, like Amazon and Alibaba, to get a sense of what’s trending. You can either browse manually by heading to the Amazon Best Sellers page, or use digital product research tools to streamline and automate the process. To compare your results to Walmart’s top sellers: Go to Walmart. com Enter “best sellers” into the search bar Click the icon to explore by category (electronics, home, fashion, etc. )  You can also check the “Growth” tab in Walmart Seller Center for inspiration and ideas.   Look for popular products and unique accessories and add-ons to increase last-minute cart additions, while helping Walmart develop a well-rounded product catalog in your category. 2. Open Your Walmart Brand Shop Walmart Brand Shop is Walmart. com’s answer to Amazon Stores.  ... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-04-09 - Modified: 2024-04-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-brand-registry/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising As an Amazon brand owner, you’re always looking for ways to boost your product visibility and increase conversions. But even with one eye focused on growth, you still have to stay vigilant against bad faith actors and black hat tactics. With increased competition and traffic, there comes a higher risk of counterfeit products and hijacked listings. Fortunately, Amazon has resources in place for sellers looking to protect their brands through Amazon Brand Registry. In this article, we’ll review the latest benefits of becoming a part of the program. We’ll also walk you through the application process, and share proven tips to help you make the most of your Brand Registered status. What Is Amazon’s Brand Registry? Amazon Brand Registry is a special status on Amazon designed to help e-commerce sellers promote sales and protect their intellectual property. The current version was launched in 2017 as part of a series of initiatives to curb counterfeit selling. In addition to offering protection against counterfeiting, trademark infringement, listings hijacking, and more, Amazon Brand Registry also offers a host of free resources for sellers. These include marketing and analytics tools, subscription service capabilities, access to a network of product reviewers, and more. The Real Benefits For Sellers Brand Registered status affords Amazon sellers a number of key protections and benefits. But what exactly are they, and how much of a difference do they actually make?   Brand Protection When you enroll in Brand Registry, Amazon collects certain data about your brand. Then, it uses machine learning tools to automatically and proactively scan and remove listings that infringe on your intellectual property.   Amazon also provides support tools that let you search and report counterfeit listings yourself, and it offers Neutral Patent Evaluation services, to help you resolve any disputes without going to court. Brand Registry also gives you access to a dedicated support team that can help fix bad listings, escalate infringement claims, and more. When you enroll in Amazon Brand Registry, you also become eligible for other brand protection programs. These include: Transparency: Amazon uses a serialization system to verify that only authentic units are shipped to your customers. Each individual unit of every product you enroll in Transparency is given a unique code, which must be provided by anyone who sells on your listing or creates their own. Under Transparency, products don’t ship if they don’t have the right code. Project Zero: A program that enables Amazon to remove any suspected counterfeits, and gives you the power to immediately remove counterfeit listings without contacting Amazon. Counterfeit Crimes Unit: Offers brands the opportunity to partner with Amazon in tracking down and stopping counterfeit sellers through legal action. Better Control Over Your Listings Being Brand Registered on Amazon can give you more control over your listings and help prevent unauthorized changes. Enrolling allows you to monitor your listings, ensure product descriptions, photos, and other details are accurate, and revert back to previous or original versions as necessary. A+ Content Sellers enrolled in Brand Registry... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-04-03 - Modified: 2024-06-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-to-supercharge-every-product-launch-this-year/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Expansion, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data - Tags: Expansion, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data They say the only constant in life is change. Well, the constant in business is product (or services) launch. In the ever-evolving landscape of business, one thing remains a reality: the perpetual cycle of product (or services) launches. Creating a successful strategy for launching a product requires dedication, experimentation, and adaptability. Every business has begun the journey of introducing a new offering—it's a pivotal part of the journey that has brought you to where you are today. Markets and shopper behavior changes, which means that you have to figure out new ways to reach your original target market (or discover a way to connect with a new one).   How to Launch a New Product  While the specific tactics may differ for how to launch a product, the strategy should be similar in your approach.   Start with your why.   Why are you launching a product? Not just why you’re launching A product, but why do you want to launch THIS product? If you’re going to fully commit to a product, you must stand behind it.   Now, this does not mean that you have to have an emotional attachment to a product. The why may be, “This is a simple product that will help with profit margins while we work on our next big release. ” It may also be, “Our closest competitors have all released something like this in the last 6 months, and I feel we need to be competitive. ”  Conduct a thorough competitive analysis.   Chances are, you’ve looked around at competitive products to see how they’re describing the product, unique features, ways you could improve upon it... But have you done a comprehensive competitive analysis?   You want to look at a few things:  Competitive Products  Competitive Brands  Aspirational Brands  Now, what’s the difference between these things?   Competitive Products – These are products that a customer may purchase when searching for your product’s main keyword or phrase. This isn’t necessarily the main keyword you’re trying to rank for. This is the core functionality of your product. A mug is still a mug, regardless of whether you use it for coffee or tea or ice cream.   Competitive Brands – Now, just because someone sells a competitive product does not make them a competitor as a company. Lush and Dial both sell soap, but they are very different companies at their core. Fossil and Rolex both sell watches, but they’re looking at different target audiences.   Aspirational Brands – People have role models. Businesses have aspirational brands. There are many businesses who have come before you and paved the way. Who do you aspire to be?   Create a go-to-market (GTM) strategy.   Every successful product launch includes a strong GTM strategy. This plan includes everything from internal meetings to focus groups to social media. The plan should have a solid timeline, and it should also include contingency plans. (Yes, plural! )  Keep in mind that your GTM strategy is different than your marketing plan. The marketing plan encompasses all marketing efforts for the year. A GTM strategy should be specific to... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-04-02 - Modified: 2024-04-08 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-marketing/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data - Tags: Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data, Trending In e-commerce, you feel it all. The economy, the global supply chain, even politics can impact the way your customers shop. To win with your marketing, you not only need to know the larger trends impacting the retail landscape. You also need to know how those trends can help you stay a step ahead. To help you craft the right marketing strategy in 2024 (and beyond), we’ll share some of the biggest trends and challenges affecting e-commerce marketers, plus tips to help you turn each one into an advantage for your business. Top E-commerce Marketing Challenges in 2024 In the game of modern commerce, nothing stays the same. Years after the cooling of the pandemic rush, followed by the cooling of the economy, Q4 2023 finally brought the stability many sellers were looking for. Yet, some are seeing what feels like “soft” results heading into 2024. To understand what’s happening in the world of online shopping, let’s take a closer look at the trends and challenges that could impact your business this year. An Extremely Crowded Landscape Rising customer acquisition costs aren’t news to you. With increasing competition in an already saturated market, it’s harder than ever to position your brand to stand out from the crowd. Meanwhile, the political ad spend typically funneled to traditional media is expected to make a digital shift this year. Election spend on digital platforms like Meta and Google is projected to increase by 156% compared to 2020’s figures, with spend on Google alone expected to more than triple to $553. 2 million. For brands, this could mean spending even more on ads only to get drowned out by candidates, or ignored by exhausted prospects who aren’t in the mood to shop. The 2024 Paris Olympics may add more fuel to the fire, making it even more challenging to get your voice heard. Emerging Technology Let’s be honest. No one really knows exactly what to do about AI in these early stages. It’s anyone’s guess how it will be best used by marketers, or how exactly it will change the e-commerce landscape long term. We do know that one fast-growing use case for AI is in multivariate ad testing. Marketers can test multiple campaigns, each with different variables, at the same time. This gives sellers the power to test and tweak targeted segments and messages down to the campaign level in much less time than with traditional A/B testing. The opportunity is huge, but the gray area is just as large. Some experts speculate that generative AI (genAI) search technology could render current SEO tactics useless, forcing marketers to dramatically shift gears overnight. Merchants and retailers must adapt quickly to avoid getting left behind, but the ability to move from hype to ROI with emerging tech still feels out of reach for many. Consumer Trust A recent PWC report found that 46% of consumers will spend more if they can put their trust in a company. However, that trust just isn’t there. According to... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-03-21 - Modified: 2025-01-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-funding-options/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending, Trending As you scale your e-commerce business, you might also be thinking about better ways to serve your customers. You may need increased inventory, new products, and supercharged marketing — all of which require cash.   In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the range of e-commerce funding sources available so you can find your best-fit funding solution. A Simplified Guide to E-commerce Funding Options  How Do Most E-Commerce Businesses Get Funding?   E-commerce financing is a type of business financing designed to meet the needs of online merchants and retailers. It may come in the form of a term loan, line of credit, revenue-based financing, or other funding solution intended for e-commerce companies.   As an e-commerce merchant, you know traditional banks can’t keep up with the pace of your business. You need quick, consistent cash flow to fuel your growth while avoiding reputation-killing stockouts and other costly setbacks. But banks tend to evaluate e-commerce sellers based on metrics that don’t truly reflect your success and can take months to assess your eligibility for a loan, resulting in a large gap in funding options for many online businesses.   To make it possible for e-commerce businesses to access funding, more e-commerce financing options are beginning to emerge — each with its own set of advantages and challenges.   SellersFi’s Holistic Financial Solutions  At SellersFi, we know e-commerce. After reviewing the funding solutions in the market, our co-founders realized something was missing.   With SellersFi, our goal is to deliver the first truly comprehensive financial solution built entirely for e-commerce businesses. Whether you’re a marketplace seller, DTC brand, B2B business (or hybrid), our complete suite of strategic financial solutions makes scaling fast and easy.   Our e-commerce working capital isn’t a traditional loan — it’s a flexible solution that gives you the capital and cash flow you need for accelerated, sustainable growth.   SellersFi Working Capital empowers you to make the best choices for your business, giving you up to $10M to invest however you want. The Amazon Revenue Advance gives you no-delay payouts, delivering your total earnings within two days, so you can spend more on ads, stave off stockouts, and keep cash flowing. And with SellersFi Invoice Factoring, you can get marketplace and retailer payouts in as little as 48 hours, no matter where you sell.   Pros  Rates can be as low as 1%  Approval in as little as 48 hours  Terms are flexible and customized to your needs  No impact on your credit score  Dedicated account manager  Free analytics for insights into your business  Instant access to an International Wallet for global business  Cons  None we can think of!   Bank Loans  From a bank’s point of view, an online store is a relatively new business model, and the banking industry is still trying to figure out how it fits into portfolios. Though there are some early signals that banks are slowly starting to embrace e-commerce, most still don’t offer the flexibility merchants want to see in a funding option. A bank also requires quite a bit of... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-03-15 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-insurance-requirements/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon From fees to fulfillment, as an Amazon seller, you need to understand where your responsibilities end and Amazon’s begin. That includes getting to know Amazon’s insurance requirements and whether or not you’re exempt. Is seller insurance really necessary? And what exactly are Amazon’s rules? Most importantly, what are the potential consequences if you decide to forego insurance? Today we’ll walk through the ins and outs of business insurance for Amazon sellers and the reasons you may want this type of coverage. We’ll also cover how to choose the right kind of policy for your business. Amazon Seller Insurance Requirements Explained Why Do I Need Insurance as an Amazon Seller? What Are Amazon’s Insurance Requirements? What Type of Insurance Do I Need as an Amazon Seller? Why Do I Need Insurance as an Amazon Seller? Amazon requires certain sellers to hold insurance in order to keep selling on its platform. The e-commerce giant wants to ensure that larger merchants are covered, as a means of limiting its own liability exposure. Amazon Seller Insurance Requirements If your US-based business does $10,000 USD or more per month in gross sales on Amazon, holding insurance is an Amazon requirement. That requirement kicks in as soon as you hit that number, and you’ll have 30 days to find an appropriate policy. If you’re based in Canada, the threshold is $10,000 CAD in gross sales, over a period of three consecutive months. If you’re based in Mexico, the threshold is $100,000 MXN, also over three consecutive months. In either country, you don’t need to hold insurance if you don’t exceed the threshold for more than a month at a time. Regardless of which countries you operate in, as soon as you hit the threshold, Amazon gives you a period of 30 days to find a policy. Amazon may or may not notify you and ask you to provide proof of coverage. Amazon may also require certain other businesses to hold insurance, at its discretion. In those cases, it will reach out directly and request that you obtain coverage. Product Liability Insurance In the 2020 case of Bolger v. Amazon, an Amazon shopper was hospitalized for severe burns after her laptop battery exploded. She had purchased the battery through a third-party seller on Amazon, and decided to sue both the marketplace and the seller. Amazon argued that the third party seller should be held responsible, since Amazon itself didn’t actually produce the product. While the courts ultimately decided that Amazon was liable, the case illustrates the vulnerability of third-party sellers to expensive lawsuits. Plaintiffs may seek large settlements from the e-commerce giant, not realizing the burden could fall on marketplace sellers. Even if your products aren’t inherently dangerous, you may still benefit from business liability insurance. It provides an additional layer of protection, in case of accident or injury. For instance, you could be liable if your product has small parts that could lead to a choking hazard. Any damage caused by your products could result in... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-03-14 - Modified: 2024-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-minimum-inventory-level/ - Categories: Amazon Resources Hub, Blog - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain Late last year, Amazon announced the launch of a new Minimum Inventory Level metric for FBA sellers. The metric will help sellers keep sufficient inventory on hand and avoid the upcoming low inventory level fee scheduled to go into effect on April 1, 2024. Amazon also introduced a new inbound placement service fee to help cover the cost of distributing sellers’ inventory to regional facilities, as well as a new inbound defect fee for shipments that don’t arrive when or where they’re supposed to. These changes come in the wake of a broader push by Amazon to shift to a more regionalized fulfillment model and are part of a growing list of other fee changes and guidelines due to be introduced this year. So what does this mean for sellers? Read on to learn more about the Amazon Minimum Inventory Level and how it could impact your business. What Is the Minimum Inventory Level? The Amazon Minimum Inventory Level is an inventory metric that tells sellers the minimum number of units per product to have on hand in Amazon fulfillment centers. Sellers whose inventory levels dip below the minimum will be subject to Amazon’s low inventory level fee. To determine your Minimum Inventory Level, Amazon uses a machine learning algorithm to analyze forecasted demand and replenishment settings for each of your SKUs. It then uses this forecast to generate a recommendation for how much inventory you should hold in stock at any given time. Amazon says the metric will help sellers meet customer demand and offer faster delivery, since meeting minimum inventory levels means it can hold stock closer to customers at local fulfillment centers. According to Amazon, this is important because insufficient stock makes it harder to distribute products to fulfillment centers and increases collective transportation costs for Amazon and its sellers. To view your Minimum Inventory Level, go to your FBA Inventory page. You’ll see this metric listed alongside your historical days of supply and Inventory Performance Index (IPI) score. How Does the Amazon Low Inventory Level Fee Work? The Amazon low level inventory fee is applied to products whose inventory levels fall short of historical demand. Amazon measures these inventory levels in terms of “historical days of supply,” or how many days remain before all on-hand stock of a given SKU will sell out. Amazon calculates historical days of supply by dividing the average daily inventory units on hand by the average daily shipped units: Historical Days of Supply = Average Daily Inventory Units on Hand ÷ Average Daily Shipped Units Amazon calculates two types of historical days of supply: short-term and long-term. Short-term historical days of supply measures demand for a given product over the last 30 days. Long-term historical days of supply measures demand for that same product over the last 90 days. In order for Amazon to apply the low level inventory fee, both long- and short-term historical days of supply must fall below 28 days or 4 weeks. The minimum inventory level is... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-03-13 - Modified: 2024-03-12 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/unlock-potential-ecommerce-growth/ - Categories: Blog, Events & Webinars - Tags: Expansion, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data How do you take your business from $1M to $10M? From $10M to $100M? Adrien Levinger (CEO at FAVsolution) and Russell Walraven (CMO at SellersFi) connect for an interactive discussion on the steps a brand or business needs to take in order to achieve that next level of success. Doing what is necessary to take your business to the next level can be daunting (and expensive). Often, it means a mindset shift from just selling products to providing an overall customer experience. This is reflected in everything from your products to your packaging to your loyalty programs to your website infrastructure. Unlock Your E-commerce Potential If you're more of a reader than a watcher, catch up with our TL;DR recap of the live webinar below. When starting an online DTC store, many brands will build themselves. Once they hit a roadblock, they'll outsource to someone to fix that particular obstacle. If another obstacle comes up, they bring in another person to fix it. This often results in a Frankenstein's monster-esque website, making scaling difficult. The recommendation: Take a step back and clean up your website and infrastructure. Brand owners and decision makers often make these decisions based off of gut feeling or emotion. The recommendation: Remove both of these from the equation, and make decisions based off of actionable data. No one can be an expert at many things. Thus, proceed with caution when you interact with businesses that claim expertise in marketing, development, P&L, etc. The recommendation: Work with someone you trust who is transparent in bringing in additional resources. All platforms and online marketplaces were not created equal. Expanding your business to one of these other platforms does not mean doing the same thing everywhere. The recommendation: Find a product feed tool that allows you to customize to different marketplaces to ensure your message is getting across in the right way. Adreien's Two Key Takeaways: Keep it simple. Don't get too big for your boots too quickly and try to do too many things at once. Make decisions based on data, not on gut instinct. Don't be afraid to grow your e-commerce business! At the end of the day, take your time and do it right. Outsource to the experts that can help in areas where you don't succeed. You'll need capital, which is where SellersFi comes in. With no business use restrictions on how you use your funds, you can hire companies like FAVsolution, or work with any of our other preferred providers to unlock your e-commerce potential. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-03-12 - Modified: 2024-03-11 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/supply-chain-trends/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing If you’ve been anywhere near the world of retail over the past several years, you’ve heard this question before: Is the supply chain back to normal yet?   The answer has been a resounding, “What the heck does ‘normal’ even mean anymore? ” From geopolitical disruptions to labor strikes and more, it’s anyone’s guess what a stable supply chain could look like when the dust finally settles on the pandemic-fueled domino run. One thing is clear. Resilience matters, perhaps now more than ever. In the fast-changing world of e-commerce, it’s time to find new ways to use the unknown to your advantage. In this article, we’re breaking down the latest data and expert predictions to help you identify the global supply chain trends that will help you sharpen your competitive edge this year. A Recent History of the E-commerce Supply Chain Four years post-pandemic, the disruptions that first brought the phrase “supply chain” into the national vocabulary have more or less subsided. No one’s clawing empty grocery shelves for stray jars of baker’s yeast, and those toilet paper tussles finally feel like distant fever dreams. However, a tight labor market and rising fueling costs have brought new challenges to the supply chain table. Stagnant demand and a “freight recession” have led to massive layoffs among shipping companies, warehouses, and parcel carriers. Cost Cutting on the Rise Supply chain managers are working to cut costs however possible, with many shifting from a “just-in-case” to a “just-in-time” approach to avoid the costs of overstocking. However, keeping low stock levels could backfire, leaving e-commerce businesses out of stock and in the lurch — especially when you factor in increased global volatility. Geopolitical Factors Increasing Complexity Experts predict material shortages on the horizon this year, due in part to rising geopolitical concerns along the Red Sea. Many believe supplier lead times could as much as quadruple overnight. Trucks may run half empty and freight rates between Europe and Asia could increase exponentially. Meanwhile in Latin America, Panama Canal drought restrictions are reducing cargo traffic through the corridor by nearly 40%, forcing some companies to shift to rail transport. Further route diversions could result in more pressure on the already overwhelmed Suez Canal. Although no one knows exactly how these pressures will play out, there are several steps you can take to optimize your supply chain and protect your business. Supply Chain Trendspotting: 5 Opportunities to Watch Many retailers are happy just to get by, but in the current supply chain climate one wrong move could spell disaster.   While most businesses cross their fingers, tighten their inventory budgets, and try to coast through the uncertainty, others are revamping their inventory management and investing in stronger retail operations. If you consider yourself part of the latter group, now is the perfect time to dive deeper into the most impactful supply chain trends this year. 1. Generative AI As you might expect, AI will continue to dominate the news, the workplace, and your brainspace in 2024.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-02-29 - Modified: 2024-02-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/3pl-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing Third-party logistics providers, also known as 3PLs, specialize in order fulfillment for e-commerce businesses. But how do you know if now is the time to hire one? It probably doesn’t feel like it, but finding the right 3PL is a great problem to have. It means the online orders are pouring in and your business is growing. If you just can't keep up anymore, a reliable 3PL partner can definitely help. With a strong 3PL, you can access a broader fulfillment network, offer faster shipping, and elevate the customer experience. In this article, we’ll cover what a 3PL is, how it works, and tips to help you choose the best partner for your business. What Is Third-Party Logistics? Third-party logistics (3PL) is the practice of outsourcing order fulfillment and shipping to specialized providers. These third-party logistics providers, also known as 3PL companies or simply “3PLs”, take on key logistics functions for e-commerce businesses, including order process, order management, shipping products and returns processing. Certain 3PLs may also offer a range of additional services, such as overseas shipping and trade compliance when expanding abroad. When Should I Hire a 3PL? If you’re struggling to keep up with sales, slipping from same-day or two-day orders to third- or even fourth-day orders, or storing inventory in an empty swimming pool somewhere — it’s probably time to hire a 3PL. Here are some common signs it’s time to take the leap: You struggle to fulfill orders in a timely manner. You’re quickly running out of storage space. Your parcel bill just keeps growing.   At the end of the day, if your costs are rising faster than your revenue, third-party logistics companies can help you plan a more efficient and profitable path forward. However, of course, costs are increasing for 3PLs too. Warehouse rents have grown by nearly 67% over the past three years, labor rates are rising, and even the most common inventory mistakes are more expensive than ever. With the right 3PL, you don’t just outsource fulfillment. You also outsource the cost pressure.   The right partner will help you access a larger storage and distribution network at a fraction of the cost required if you decide to keep fulfillment in-house. How Do 3PL Providers Work? There is a huge variety of 3PL providers, each with their own culture, specialty areas, and service offerings. Needless to say, not all 3PLs work exactly the same way. However, there are a few key areas most of them can cover for you, including: Procurement and Receiving You or your suppliers deliver your inventory to your 3PL’s fulfillment centers, where they take responsibility for organizing and storing each of your products until an order is placed. Order Receipt Your company shares order information with the 3PL so they can handle the fulfillment process. You may be responsible for manually forwarding each order, or orders may be transmitted by an automated system, in real-time. Picking and Packing 3PL or warehouse employees pick and pack orders and prepare... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-02-27 - Modified: 2024-02-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/non-dilutive-funding/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Funding & Lending When people think “funding”, they usually think of banks, big-time investors, or flashy venture capitalists.   These are all common avenues for securing growth capital, but they also require you to give up a percentage of your ownership, diluting your stake in the business you’ve worked so hard to build. Unlike equity financing, non-dilutive funding keeps you in the driver seat. For growing merchants and brands, it can be an excellent path toward greater growth on your terms. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what non-dilutive funding is, the various types of non-dilutive capital available, and how to choose the best financing for your business. What Is Non-Dilutive Funding? Non-dilutive funding refers to financial support or capital that a company receives without giving up equity or ownership in the business. Unlike traditional funding methods such as venture capital or angel investments, non-dilutive funding does not require the company to issue new shares or dilute existing shareholders' ownership.   Examples of non-dilutive funding include grants, sponsorships, awards, government subsidies, and loans that do not require equity stake or collateral. This type of funding is attractive because it allows businesses to raise capital while maintaining their current ownership structure. Dilutive Funding vs. Non-Dilutive Funding The main difference between non-dilutive and dilutive funding is right there in the name. With non-dilutive funding, you’re not diluting the ownership of your business. This is different from dilutive funding, also known as equity funding, where investors purchase company shares in exchange for capital. Common types of dilutive funding include: Venture Capital (VC): A type of private equity where the investor provides capital to startups or small businesses with strong growth potential. Despite the high risk of this type of investment, the possibility of substantial ROI is attractive for venture capitalists. However, in return for these funds, you're often required to give up a portion of your company's equity. Angel Investing: Angel investing is another form of dilutive funding, where wealthy individuals provide capital for businesses in return for equity or convertible debt. Like venture capitalists, angel investors often provide more than just money — they can also provide valuable management advice, as well as key business contacts. Equity Crowdfunding: This financing option allows a broad group of investors to fund your business in exchange for equity. Businesses can solicit investments from hundreds or thousands of individuals, primarily through online equity crowdfunding platforms. Unlike these forms of financing, non-dilutive funding doesn’t require you to relinquish control of your business. But that doesn’t mean it’s free money. With non-dilutive funding, you are still accountable to repay the funding you receive, usually via interest or fees. Another important point of differentiation is repayment.   Dilutive funding does not typically require repayment, as investors have a share in the company and recoup returns from its performance. Non-dilutive funding, on the other hand, will often require repayment, with terms based on the company’s risk profile and the nature of the funding. Types of Non-Dilutive Funding Here are some of the most... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2025-01-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/merchant-cash-advance/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending A merchant cash advance (MCA) is an alternative source of financing for e-commerce sellers and other small business owners — especially those who need fast funding, and may have trouble meeting the requirements for traditional loans and other financing options. In an MCA, a lender disburses funds to a business as a single lump sum payment. The business can then use these funds to cover immediate costs, purchase inventory, invest in growth initiatives, or for other business expenses. The funding provider then deducts a fixed percentage directly from the borrower’s sales, usually at daily or weekly intervals, until the advance is paid off. Unlike traditional business loans, MCAs may be approved and paid out in as little as 48 hours, making them well-suited for the fast-paced world of modern e-commerce. Here’s how to use them wisely to scale your business. Key Takeaways A merchant cash advance is paid back by taking a percentage of future sales. MCAs can be a strong financing option if you have trouble qualifying for traditional loans. Approval and payouts are fast and easy, but repayments can eat into profits.   MCA fees and interest rates can be much higher than rates for traditional loans. Always use MCAs judiciously, for the right reasons, and always with trusted providers. How Does a Merchant Cash Advance Work?   The process for obtaining a merchant cash advance is fairly straightforward. Here are some of the common steps involved. 1. Application: In the initial part of the application process, you may need to show proof of sales. You may also need to upload other documents to prove your eligibility, like bank statements, tax returns, or a business license, or undergo a soft credit inquiry. You typically don’t need to have strong personal credit, collateral, or business credit to get approved, but you do need to meet the provider’s requirement for credit card and non-invoice sales. 2. Offer: Next, the lender will analyze your sales statements to determine your average monthly revenue, and decide what kind of advance you qualify for. Once approved, they’ll offer you a lump sum payment, usually between $5,000 and $500,000. 3. Agreement: You’ll be asked to sign a contract that details the terms and conditions of your advance. This should include your factor rate, holdback percentage, and any additional fees and repayment terms. Read the contract carefully to make sure you understand how much you’ll owe. What is a Factor Rate? A factor rate is the interest you’ll pay back on your advance, and is perhaps the most important consideration when choosing an MCA.   Unlike annual percentage rates (APRs), factor rates are written in decimals, typically ranging from 1. 1 to 1. 5. This factor rate is multiplied by the amount of the MCA to determine how much you’ll pay back. For instance, if the advance amount is $50,000 and your factor rate is 1. 3, you will owe $65,000 plus fees. Your factor rate is built into your payment schedule, and the cost of borrowing... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-02-20 - Modified: 2024-04-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/womens-day-marketing-ideas-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising International Women’s Day is March 8. The goal of this day is to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. It’s also a part of Women’s History Month, taking place throughout all of March.   It has also become another “e-commerce holiday” that successful brands utilize to promote products, sales, and missions. That’s why creative and innovative IWD marketing campaigns can help bring you to the next level in what might also be a less-than-busy sales time.   To get you inspired to take on the challenge, we’ll share how International Women’s Day can help you grow your sales and improve cash flow. We’ll also reveal some top product and marketing ideas, plus real-life examples to inspire you to show up and show out on this one-of-a-kind holiday.   International Women’s Day Marketing for E-commerce  How International Women’s Day Can Help You Scale Your E-commerce Brand 5 International Women’s Day Marketing Ideas International Women's Day Marketing Inspiration How International Women’s Day Can Help You Scale Your E-commerce Brand  International Women’s Day is not a traditional “sales holiday” in the way events like Prime Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday are. It is certainly designed more around female empowerment and equality.   Does it make sense to invest resources toward promoting this event? While we highly recommend consulting your buyer personas to see if this is a relevant effort for your business, running International Women’s Day marketing campaigns could certainly pay off. Increased Traffic Can Help Boost Lead Volume  On International Women’s Day, people of all genders from all around the globe take to the internet to share interesting facts, words of encouragement, and acknowledgements of the important women in their life. Community-minded brands can take advantage of the elevated traffic to start conversations with potential customers, kickstart a relationship with new buyers, and increase their overall number of qualified leads.   Get Ahead of Gift-Giving Opportunities  In the run-up to International Women’s Day, many online shoppers will be seeking out gifts to say thank you to the women in their lives. This holiday also comes on the back end of Valentine’s Day, when people are shopping for gifts for their loved ones.   Bundling complementary products can help boost average order value while making it easy for shoppers to deliver gifts with a little extra wow. Plus, this helps your buyers think less and spend more. Boost Cash Flow to Subsidize Slow Seasons  With the state of the supply chain where it is, merchants need to be increasingly far ahead in inventory planning and purchase orders. Unfortunately, this leaves even less time to generate the cash flow needed to cover these orders. Your Q4/holiday sales may get you through the first half of the year, but how do you make up the difference to get through the rest of the year.   By leaning into relevant holidays like International Women’s Day, you can boost your sales and... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-02-15 - Modified: 2024-02-14 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-financial-strategies/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Funding & Lending As an e-commerce entrepreneur, you’ve seen no shortage of challenges. From inflation to changes in marketplace policies and shifting customer behaviors, there’s always something new on the radar. While many e-commerce challenges can be solved with any combination of new marketing promos, products, or tech, the fact is — these things cost money. Is your financial strategy fit for scaling in the current e-commerce climate?   With a clear plan for success, you can pursue a range of growth strategies, no matter the circumstances. A Plan For Smarter Scaling Things To Think About Before Scaling Your E-Commerce Business 7 Financial Strategies For Rapid E-Commerce Growth How To Choose A Financial Partner Things To Think About Before Scaling Your E-commerce Business As you set out to expand your e-commerce business, give some thought to how you can be as intentional as possible. Here are three things to do before you take action. Define Your Goal First, decide exactly how you want to start scaling. What makes the most sense for your business right now? For instance, do you want to: Expand to new geographical regions and sell cross-border?   Invest in advanced data analytics to optimize your logistics and inventory acquisition? Launch a buzzy new product line ahead of a major sales event like Black Friday, and a clever microinfluencer campaign to go with it? Do some brainstorming on different growth options and approaches. Then get clear on which ones are right for right now. Determine How Much Funding You Need Next, figure out how much funding you need to launch these new initiatives.   While debt and debt financing often get a bad name, approaching funding responsibly can spell tremendous momentum for your business, so don’t be afraid to dream big. To run the numbers, start by: Analyzing your current cash flow levels by creating a cash flow statement Using analytics tools to generate an accurate sales forecast Calculating your projected ROI on any planned investments Once you have a strong estimate of how much e-commerce funding you need, you can start approaching potential financing partners to see how their offers compare. Create A Clear Plan For How You’ll Use It Some lenders will have strict requirements about how you can qualify for and use their funds. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a tight repayment schedule and a high interest rate that has you pinching every penny. Even if you find a more flexible funding option with fair fees and terms, it still takes smart financial planning to maximize your growth. Before you get started: Understand how long it might take to see a solid ROI Decide which KPIs you’ll track to measure your success Make sure you have a clear understanding of how you can and can’t use your funding For optimal flexibility, be sure to choose a funding partner that allows you to use your funds as you choose. Some will limit funding usage to things like inventory or advertising expenditures. 7 Financial Strategies... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-02-13 - Modified: 2024-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-funding-myths/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending In the world of commerce, “debt” isn’t the bad word some people think it is. Done right, it can lead to increased sales and a stronger, more resilient online business. The wrong kind of debt can drain your profits and resources, making it harder or even impossible to scale. When the growth of your brand is at stake, it’s critical to understand the difference. In this article, we’ll unpack some of the biggest myths around using debt to scale your e-commerce business. Whether you’re a B2B seller, marketplace merchant, DTC brand, or all of the above, learn how to choose the right lending solutions to meet your business needs. 5 Common Myths about E-commerce Funding Debt Will Kill Your E-commerce Business Debt Hurts Your Business Value Equity Is Safer than Debt It’s Hard to Secure the Right Amount of Funding Debt Comes with Massive Fees and High-Interest Rates Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: What's the Difference for E-commerce Businesses? When we talk about “good debt,” we’re referring to money borrowed that creates a positive growth opportunity for your business. It’s an investment in your future, which will pay for itself over time with a bit of hard work and a high quality product. “Bad debt,” on the other hand, is incurred without a clear purpose and may not be expected to yield a return. It’s a big purchase you make on a whim, or a band-aid you use to put off solving more serious problems with high overhead or low profitability. Here are some examples of the differences: Bad DebtGood DebtUsed to bulk-purchase inventory, without solid profit margins or evidence of future demandUsed to purchase inventory you can sell at a profit before your next planned purchase orderTaken on with no analysis or projections, and no solid repayment planTaken on after reviewing sales numbers and projections, and accounting for market factorsUsed to pay for a risky investment or depreciating asset, costly ad campaign, or unnecessary infrastructure not guaranteed to help the businessUsed to acquire assets and investments or fund marketing with proven ROI, increasing cash flow and/or adding value to the business over timeUsed to hire new employees or cover excessive business expenses or taxes, with no plan for repaymentUsed to cover reasonable expenses based on near-term sales projectionsHas high interest or factor rates, terms that can change, or payments that can increase over timeHas low or competitive interest rates and transparent repayment terms, with no fine-print surprises Myth 1: Debt will kill your business. Reality: Even the biggest brands use debt to grow. Contrary to popular belief, debt has helped all kinds of companies — from Amazon to Uber to NVIDIA — reach whole new levels of growth. When profitable opportunities come knocking, you’ve got to be able to answer.   Here are some of the ways to use e-commerce funding to fuel your growth: Strengthen your inventory acquisition with a data-driven approach Expand your brand across borders by launching in new territories Test out profitable new digital marketing... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-02-08 - Modified: 2024-02-07 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-business-model/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Expansion In 2024, e-commerce retailers can no longer rely on one channel, product, or strategy for success. With rising competition and cost pressure, you need to engage your audience from multiple angles, meeting customers wherever they are with the quality products they need. For some brands, this may mean setting up the right hybrid brick-and-mortar and DTC strategy, while others may be better suited to wholesale and marketplace channels for maximum growth. Expansion in the modern e-commerce landscape takes many forms. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of e-commerce business models, and the leading brands and retailers getting it right. E-commerce Business Models Business-to-Consumer Business-to-Business Business-to-Government Consumer-to-Consumer Consumer-to-Business Consumer-to-Government Types of E-commerce Business Models Before we dive into the various ways to adjust your business model for maximum growth, let’s take a look at the core types of e-commerce business classifications and how each one works. Business-to-Consumer In the business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce model, a business sells its products or services to individual customers. Not to be confused with direct-to-consumer (DTC), B2C includes sales that take place through retailers and e-commerce marketplaces.   A B2C sale isn’t defined by which channel(s) it’s sold through, but by the fact that the consumer is the end-user of your product or service. The outlook for B2C business models is strong. Global B2C e-commerce revenue is expected to top $5 trillion worldwide by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of over $14%. B2C is also arguably the easiest e-commerce business model to break into — virtually anyone can start an Amazon or Shopify store with relatively little capital or experience. Business-to-Business  A business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce model involves selling products or services to other businesses via direct and wholesale channels. Many well-known businesses with a strong e-commerce presence have both a B2C and a B2B operation. Apple and Keurig, for example, both market their products in bulk to small and large enterprises.   You may need an established customer base and solid working capital to get started, but the B2B opportunity is undeniable. The global B2B e-commerce market is estimated to reach $36 trillion by 2026, with much of this growth coming from relatively untapped international markets like Latam and MENA. Business-to-Government In a business-to-government (B2G) model, an e-commerce business sells its products to local, state, and/or federal government agencies and institutions. E-commerce and other businesses typically land government contracts by searching and/or bidding on opportunities through a web portal like SAM. gov. In the US, every federal government purchase between $10,000 and $250,000 is expected to come from a small business. Women-owned, disabled veteran-owned, and other special interest group-owned small businesses may qualify for priority access to federal contract opportunities.   Securing a B2G contract can require a lot of time and red tape, but deals can also be larger, more stable, and can lead to more contracts down the line. Consumer-to-Consumer  In a consumer-to-consumer (C2C) business model, an e-commerce business provides a platform for customers to buy from or trade with one another. Examples... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-02-06 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/virtual-payments-technology/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Tech & Data Once upon a time, paying for goods online was a chore (remember postal orders? )—but in just a few years, the online payments industry has skyrocketed.   Today, it’s faster and so much easier to use one-click payment options and online wallets, with some virtual payment providers even offering currencies like Bitcoin and flexible payment options like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL).   With the cryptocurrency market on track to reach $5 million by 2026, and 4 in 10 UK buyers saying they’ve used BNPL to make e-commerce purchases, there are a ton of sales up for grabs if you can get your virtual payments systems setup right. With the industry booming, it can be hard to keep up. In this ultimate guide to virtual payments, we'll give you the lowdown on the most popular trends, the hype-free pros and cons, and the differences in using virtual payment technology for B2B vs. B2C selling.   Virtual Payments for Sellers: What We'll Cover  Why Virtual Payment Methods Are a Must-Have For E-commerce Growth The Ultimate Virtual Payments Breakdown for B2C and B2B E-commerce Brands  The Path to Virtual Payment Methods that Keep Customers Hooked Why Virtual Payment Methods Are a Must-Have For E-commerce Growth It's easy to see virtual payments as “nice to have” rather than essential for success, but this couldn't be further from the truth.   Here are some undeniable reasons jumping into the virtual payment revolution could prove crucial to your long-term success: Gain a competitive edge: As the e-commerce landscape grows more competitive, it's vital to find ways to coax shoppers into your store. Offering a variety of virtual payment methods may tip the scale in your favor and lead to more sales. Align your brand with societal shifts: These days, people are increasingly comfortable splitting resources, and it's now completely normal to split bills online for things like cab rides, house bills, meals, and even presents. When you support consumer behavioral changes like this, customers are more likely to prop up your business by buying from you.   Make life easier for your customers: Virtual payments set your store apart by making it easy for shoppers to purchase in a way that suits their lifestyle. They can avoid the inconvenience of multiple bank transfers and inputting card details, and opt for fuss-free and enjoyable shopping. At best, you'll rock your customers' worlds and keep them coming back. At worst, your brand would have done a good deed for shoppers. The Ultimate Virtual Payments Breakdown for B2C and B2B E-commerce Brands  Flexible payment options are all the rage in today's market. From start to finish, consumers value choice in their shopping experience.   Yet not all e-commerce stores have caught up with this customer trend—leaving forward-thinking brands like yours with the opportunity to boost sales from flexible payment options by offering them before your competitors do.   To get started, let's break down each payment option: Cryptocurrency (Crypto)  What is crypto? Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that hold... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/leading-retail-brands-2023/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Expansion, Marketing & Advertising From cleverly curated content to custom art and an endless array of colorful SKUs, brands are discovering new ways to differentiate and win market share. But no two growth stories are the same. In this article, we’ll dive into the strategies of three of 2023’s leading retail brands and reveal the practical lessons and takeaways to help you scale your business. 1. Stanley A thermos invented in 1913 and favored by World War II pilots may seem like an unlikely contender for the role of overnight viral sensation. But between 2020 and 2023, the 110-year-old brand’s annual sales grew from $70 million to $750 million. The massive growth was due in large part to the launch of dozens of new SKUs, especially in the brand’s TikTok-famous Stanley Quencher category. In 2023 alone, Stanley saw a 275% year-over-year increase in Quencher sales and a 215% lift in the hydration category. As of early 2024, Stanley stans are camping out overnight and physically tackling other shoppers just to get their hands on the $40-50 steel cup.   New drops of the Quencher, featuring never-before-seen colors or designs, often sell out in minutes. The cups then resell for hundreds of dollars. The Winter Pink tumbler, part of a collaboration with Starbucks and Target, is listed at nearly six times the original price on eBay. The Quencher is famously durable and fans love its accessible design, but those factors alone weren’t enough to catapult the brand from trusty army canteen to the ultimate status symbol. So how did Stanley win in 2023? Let’s take a look at some of the key factors driving the brand’s success. Winning with Women In 2017, the three women founders behind The Buy Guide featured the Stanley Quencher in one of their posts. They told followers they thought the Quencher could be “going away” (a detail Stanley SVP of global commerce Matt Navarro later said wasn’t exactly true). The Buy Guide purchased 10,000 of the cups wholesale and sold out within five days. This initial push jolted Stanley’s brand image from that of an outdoorsy, male-oriented technical vessel to a smart hydration device working mothers might want at their desks. As women from all walks of life started to take interest, the brand began releasing an array of new colors and sizes, fueling its transformation from camping companion to stylish everyday accessory. The Takeaway: Pay close attention to who's buying your products. You may be targeting one market segment while quietly attracting the interest of another. Be willing to adjust your marketing and product strategy to expand quickly in new demographics or market segments. Limited Edition Drops With a wide array of colors, patterns, finishes, and brand collaborations, Stanley added another tactic to its arsenal. The company began releasing limited-edition drops to heighten the buzz and maintain a sense of scarcity. The products rapidly sell out online, sending shoppers to physical stores where reports of long lines and customer quarrels lead to even more press. These special edition releases... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-11-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-amazon-lending-credit-limit-us/ - Categories: News & Announcements - Tags: Amazon Weston, FL, January, 30, 2024 – SellersFi, a global e-commerce financing and financial services company, today announced a financing solution with Amazon that will provide eligible Amazon sellers with access to credit lines of up to $10 million through Amazon Lending. Through this relationship, eligible Amazon sellers can now seamlessly access broader lines of credit to support their Amazon stores. “SellersFi was launched seven years ago to address e-commerce sellers’ paramount challenge: to secure the right capital to grow their businesses,” stated Ricardo Pero, co-founder and CEO of SellersFi. “This relationship with Amazon highlights our dedication to transforming e-commerce financing to empower small and medium-sized businesses with the accessible financial tools they need to focus their energy and aspirations on amplifying their businesses and attaining exceptional growth. " Sellers face a range of hurdles in building successful online businesses including competition, order fulfillment, visitor conversion, marketing and more. Even when effectively addressing those factors, however, 32% of e-commerce startups fail due to running out of money, according to research by Marketing Signals. These lines of credit from SellersFi and Amazon Lending are meant to support sellers experiencing such challenges. "Working with the Amazon Lending team has been an exceptional experience for SellersFi," said Leonardo Felisberto, Head of Global Business Development and Partnerships at SellersFi. "Their dedication to empowering sellers aligns perfectly with our mission, and together, we've unlocked more possibilities for e-commerce entrepreneurs. We’re hopeful this can be another step toward supporting the growth aspirations of online sellers in the US and beyond. " “Amazon is committed to providing our sellers with flexible and convenient access to capital, regardless of their size,” said Tai Koottatep, director and general manager, Amazon WW B2B Payments & Lending. “Through this lending option with SellersFi, we’re able to strengthen that commitment and offer sellers even more opportunities to grow their business. ” This announcement bolsters SellersFi’s expansion as a financial services platform. The company currently offers working capital, prepaid debit cards and digital wallets with insurance, business credit and debit, and checking accounts in the pipeline. For more information about investment opportunities with SellersFi, please visit www. sellersfi. com. To learn more about SellersFi lines of credit via Amazon Lending, please visit sell. amazon. com/programs/amazon-lending. About SellersFi: SellersFi, formerly SellersFunding, is a global financial technology company that utilizes AI-driven credit scoring models and extensive integration with leading e-commerce platforms to offer working capital and cash management solutions to empower e-commerce merchants looking to grow. As e-commerce evolves, SellersFi will drive the fintech innovations that allow sellers and brands to worry less about funding and finance and to focus more on growth and achieving their business goals. From inventory and marketing to product launches, international expansion, and more, thousands of e-commerce sellers trust SellersFi to achieve limitless success. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-01-25 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/guide-to-amazon-live/ - Categories: Amazon, Amazon Resources Hub, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising In 2019, Amazon launched its newest, shiniest feature: Amazon Live. While its earlier livestreaming efforts with Style Code Live ended up going out with a fizzle rather than a bang, Amazon Live has seen increasing success recently.   From a consumer perspective, shopping via Amazon Live can be a form of entertainment, creating an immersive and interactive experience — one that also proved indispensable during the pandemic when people physically couldn’t go out shopping.   Today, Amazon Live gives brands the opportunity to grab shoppers’ attention, build human connections, and make more powerful impressions with their products.   If you’ve been hesitant about tapping into the power of Amazon Live, now might be the time to give it a shot.   The Seller’s Guide to Amazon Live  What Is Amazon Live?   Inside Amazon Live: What Every Seller Should Know  Top Tips for Sellers Who Want to Get Started with Amazon Live  Make Amazon Live Work for You  What Is Amazon Live?   Amazon Live allows e-commerce sellers to advertise and showcase products through Amazon’s livestreaming service. Amazon offers a Live Creator app that lets merchants register their own “channels,” add any products they want to feature, and chat directly with shoppers as the audience posts questions or comments. As a merchant, Amazon Live can help you:  Establish a one-on-one connection with your shoppers  Showcase your best products through an interactive experience  Alleviate any fears or concerns your customers may have  Grab attention and increase brand awareness  Now, for the big question: Do Amazon shoppers like live shopping?   All signs point to yes. For example, in China, livestream shopping is huge. In 2021, it generated $300 billion in revenue accounting for 11. 7% of total retail e-commerce sales in the country. In the US, we’re seeing a similar spike in livestream popularity.   With livestream shopping, brands can alleviate customers’ fear of missing out, while meeting their needs for personalization, and keeping them up to date on new products. If you’re looking for ways to improve brand engagement, livestreaming can offer a solution that benefits both you and your customers. But there are some important nuances to getting it right.   Inside Amazon Live: What Every Seller Should Know  As an Amazon seller, Amazon Live gives you three ways to engage with your audience and promote products: Amazon-Produced Live Shows  Amazon Influencers  Brand-to-Viewer (self-service) streaming platforms  Amazon Live Shows are produced by Amazon. They include a curated display of products from different brands, testimonials and demonstrations. Expect to spend a minimum of $50,000 if you want Amazon to include your product.   You don’t need featured videos to get your ROI out of this channel. Amazon Live is 100% free if you’re the one streaming, although hiring influencers or external video streaming producers can be worth the investment. For example, Kim Kardashian’s livestream for her signature KKW fragrances sold 150,000 bottles in seconds.   How do I get started with Amazon Live?   Whether you’re looking to do the... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-01-23 - Modified: 2024-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/business-finance-terms-glossary-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Tech & Data - Tags: Funding & Lending, Tech & Data Business finance terms can be overwhelming, even for seasoned sellers. How do you keep your CAC, COGS, and CapEx straight without losing your (over)head? The good news is, you don’t need to be a financial expert to make sense of it all. In this straightforward guide, we’ll cover the key business finance terms for e-commerce, including the need-to-know metrics you need to succeed. Business Finance Terms for E-commerce Quick Reference TermDefinitionAcid Test RatioDetermines whether or not a company can easily cover its short-term expenses with current liquid assets. Average Order ValueThe amount an average customer spends on an individual transaction. Balance SheetFinancial statement listing a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity. Bounce RateThe ratio of visitors to a company’s website who never make it past the first page. Capital ExpendituresFunds a business spends on acquiring, maintaining, and upgrading its fixed and/or physical assets. Cash Conversion CycleThe amount of time it takes a business to turn its inventory into cash.  Cash FlowThe amount of money that moves in and out of a business over a given period of time.  Contribution MarginMoney generated by sale of a given product, after subtracting variable production costs. Cost of Goods SoldDirect costs associated with producing products a business sells. Credit ScoreA measure of how likely a business is to pay borrowed funds back, on time. Current AssetsAll the resources company could convert to cash within one year or one operating cycle. Customer Acquisition CostThe total cost of persuading a potential customer to buy your product or service. Customer Lifetime ValueThe total revenue a customer contributes to a business over the duration of their relationship with that business. Debt-to-Equity RatioA measure of a company’s total debt relative to its shareholder equity.  DepreciationAn accounting method of spreading the cost of an asset out over its lifetime. EBITDAEarnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. A figure that helps measure a company’s core profitability. Economies of ScaleWhen a company increases efficiency and lowers costs by producing more of the same item. Economies of ScopeWhen a company increases efficiency and lowers costs by producing a greater variety of items. Fixed CostsExpenses that aren’t impacted by how much a company produces. Also known as overheads. Leveraged BuyoutWhen one company purchases another primarily using borrowed funds. LiabilitiesAny debts a business owes. Marginal CostAn increase or decrease in production costs when a business produces one more unit or serves one more customer. Market LiquidityHow quickly or easily large assets can be bought or sold, as well as the stability of pricing. Merchant Cash AdvanceA lump sum cash advance with a flat fee. Net Operating IncomeA company’s direct profit, after direct operating expenses are subtracted from income. Overhead CostsAll of the expenses a business incurs, excluding direct production costs like materials and labor.  ProfitMoney generated by a business when its total revenue is higher than its total costs.  Profit MarginA ratio for measuring the amount of profit a company makes. Return on InvestmentA measure of how profitable a given investment is for a business,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-01-18 - Modified: 2024-04-03 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ultimate-guide-ecommerce-kpis/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Expansion, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data In the cutthroat world of e-commerce, stagnation means falling behind. How can you keep a pulse on your business and ensure you’re always progressing toward your goals? Three words: key performance indicators. What Are E-commerce KPIs? Key performance indicators (KPIs) are metrics that help sellers track their progress toward specific business goals. In e-commerce, KPIs typically measure performance in business-critical areas like marketing, sales, and customer service. For example, DTC brand Lovevery sells high-end toys individually, in bundles, and through several popular subscription models. Here are a few of the KPIs the company might track: To measure how much it costs to gain a new customer: Customer Acquisition Cost To reveal how efficiently they’re producing toys: Gross Profit Margin To gauge which subscription offers are the most successful: Customer Retention Rate There are a ton of KPIs you can track. But which ones are the best for measuring your online store’s performance? Let’s dive in and take a closer look at some of the top e-commerce metrics. Benefits of Tracking and Analyzing the Right E-commerce KPIs When you choose the right KPIs and consistently work on improving them, your online business can reach levels you only dreamed of.   Here’s how a solid set of metrics can help you grow. Stay on track and meet your goals. KPIs help you set goals and then prioritize the most crucial work to achieve them. Make better business decisions. Spotting trends in your data quickly gives you a competitive advantage and helps you make the right decisions at the right time. Catch issues before they blow up. Without tracking KPIs, significant business problems can sneak up on you and tank your profitability. Motivate yourself and your team. Using KPIs to track key milestones can be a huge motivator to stay the course and prove that your efforts aren’t wasted. For e-commerce merchants and sellers, pursuing growth without carefully selecting the right KPIs will be, at best, frustrating. At worst, it could cause you to move away from your goals. Here’s a closer look at the top e-commerce KPIs for marketing, sales, and customer service — plus, why they matter and how to incorporate them into your growth plan. Top Marketing KPIs for E-commerce 1. Store Traffic Volume This high-level metric tracks how many visits your e-commerce website or marketplace store gets over a given period of time. While it doesn’t mean much on its own, it’s a useful leading indicator. If traffic volume significantly increases or decreases, you’ll want to investigate why using a platform like Google Analytics, then take steps to increase your number of site visitors via search engine optimization (SEO) and other methods. Why Traffic Volume Matters See whether your digital marketing efforts are successfully driving shoppers to your store or e-commerce site More traffic gives you a bigger pool of potential customers to convert Formula for Store Traffic Volume Traffic Volume = Total Number of Visits in Selected Date Range 2. Conversion Rate Your conversion rate is the percentage... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-01-16 - Modified: 2024-06-03 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/best-shopify-apps/ - Categories: Blog, Shopify - Tags: Marketing & Advertising, Shopify, Tech & Data You don’t have to be in the e-commerce business to know that Shopify is a big deal — after all, there’s a reason they’re one of the leading e-commerce platforms on the market today. But one of the best things about Shopify is the opportunity to customize your store with add-on features and give your sales a serious boost. But how do you know which apps are best suited for your Shopify business? In this article, we’ll share our recommendations for some of the best apps Shopify has to offer so you can take your online store to the next level. The Best Shopify Apps & Why You Need Them  Make the Most of Your Shopify Store with Apps & Add-ons (The Right Way)  Marketing  Subscriptions  Data & Reporting  Upselling & Cross-Selling More Products  Brand Discoverability  Social Proof & Product Reviews  Customer Loyalty  Global Commerce  Shipping & Logistics  Make the Most of Your Shopify Store with Apps and Add-ons (The Right Way)  There’s no doubt about it: e-commerce is a super competitive world — which means you not only need the right tools to make your store stand out, you’ve also got to make sure those tools deliver a solid return on investment. Here’s how to make sure the apps you invest in don’t turn out to be a flop:  Don’t be afraid to give free apps a shot. There are some surprisingly powerful apps that you can get at literal rock-bottom prices.   Take advantage of free trials before you commit. And while you’re in the trial period, make sure you get a good feel for how it works.   Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Even easy-to-use apps can have a learning curve — and if you add too many at once, odds are you won’t successfully optimize them.   Count the cost carefully. Paid add-ons can add up in a flash. If cash flow issues are making things a bit squirrelly, make sure you’re reviewing your add-ons on a quarterly basis so you can cut anything that’s no longer needed.   Measure your results. Trust your data, not your gut. Another reason to take add-ons one at a time — if you change too many things, you may not know what’s really responsible for any improvements (and end up paying for things that aren’t actually doing anything for you). Note: This list excludes the apps that Shopify has created to help sellers. These are external applications, created by third-party companies.   Best Shopify Apps: Marketing  From email to affiliates, SMS to social, these Shopify marketing apps have you covered! Privy Privy brings you a suite of tools for marketing your online store, including customizable pop-ups and banners, embedded email forms, A/B testing, follow-up emails, and more. With over 26,000 reviews and rated at 4. 6 stars, Shopify sellers are big fans of this customer engagement app.   Pricing: Free plan available (limited features). 15-day free trial. Paid plans vary from $24-$45 depending on what you’re... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-01-11 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/what-is-social-commerce-guide-for-dtc-brands/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Social media has evolved from a way to connect with friends into an integral part of people’s lives, including how and where they shop. Social commerce integrates shopping directly into the social experience, meeting modern consumers where they already are. For DTC brands, getting in on social commerce now means building momentum for the future. Let’s explore what social commerce means for consumers and brands, which platforms to consider, and key strategies to drive sales in 2024. What Is Social Commerce? Social commerce is the integration of e-commerce and social media channels. While retailers have relied on social networks as a valuable promotion channel for years, there is growing demand for seamless and instant shopping experiences via social channels. As the world of online shopping becomes increasingly headless, DTCs are empowered to bring the brand experience straight to the consumer, no matter where in the digital world they are. Let’s explore some of the key reasons brands are actively investing in social commerce and explore some of the top social shopping strategies for 2024 and beyond. Social Commerce vs. E-commerce Social commerce reflects a fundamental shift in the buyer’s journey compared to traditional e-commerce marketplaces like Walmart and Amazon. At its core, the difference is about the consumer’s intention. Users visit an e-commerce site with one intention: to buy. On the other hand, social media users are there for a variety of reasons — to connect, be entertained, and shop. At a more granular level, this dynamic leads to differences in: Discovery: Happens via referrals and in communities rather than search Buying decisions: Recommendations and influencers shape decisions more than ads and product descriptions Content formats: Video demos, shoppable posts, digital collections vs. straightforward product images Customer data: Social commerce paints a multidimensional picture of customers Checkout: Shopping natively may lower the barriers to checkout with fewer steps to purchase products While classic e-commerce remains vital, social commerce is an ecosystem intertwined with modern consumer habits and technology. Most DTC brands will continue to find a place for both in their future selling strategies. Why Growing DTCs Are Prioritizing Social Commerce In the US, social buyers increased from almost 97 million in 2021 to an estimated 118 million by 2027. The appeal is no mystery, especially for DTC brands. Social commerce is all about meeting consumers where they already spend time. Today, buyers feel “at home” on social media. It’s where they go to consume content from influencers and other communities they know and trust. For brands, it’s the perfect environment to provide a convenient purchase opportunity. From quizzes to help shoppers find the perfect lipstick shade to collaborative influencer livestreams, social commerce trends are always evolving to engage shoppers in a way that feels fun. The Benefits of Social Commerce With plenty of benefits for both shoppers and brands, social commerce is only going to grow. Here are some of the top benefits for modern consumers, and the brands that sell directly to them. What’s In It For Shoppers?... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-01-09 - Modified: 2024-01-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/competitive-intelligence/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Marketing & Advertising Today’s shoppers can buy anything. At any time. Virtually anywhere.   If they don’t like your product or pricing, there’s a good chance they’ll go straight to a competitor. If they can’t find what they need in their own market, they’ll simply hop online and buy it from abroad. As an e-commerce founder, you’re competing with brands all across the world for market share. However, you wouldn’t have made it this far if you didn’t have what it takes to win. In an environment where the next two to three years could define the next 20, it’s time to rethink your growth playbook and identify new ways to stand out. Competitive Intelligence Tactics for 2024 Deploy the Best New Tools Predict and Plan New Product Launches Assess Your Competitors’ Discoverability Analyze Competitor Pricing Strategies Understand Brand Sentiment Dissect Your Competitors’ Tech Stacks Know Where They’re Headed What Is Competitive Intelligence? Competitive intelligence is the art and science of studying a business’s competitors. E-commerce businesses can do this by gathering and analyzing competitor data in a variety of business areas, including marketing, product development, customer sentiment, and more. Benefits of Competitive Intelligence in E-commerce From Amazon’s deep data analytics to Zara’s ahead-of-the-curve trendspotting, many of the world’s biggest brands have used competitive intelligence to reach unprecedented levels of growth. By taking time to regularly observe your competitors’ strategies, strengths, and weaknesses, you can get a sharper view of the unique value you bring to the market. A robust competitive intelligence strategy can help you: Adopt emerging market trends early Quickly identify rising competitors Discover new ways to differentiate Uncover gaps in the market Develop and launch products faster Optimize your pricing Plan a profitable forward strategy But it’s not always as simple as running a SWOT analysis. In the early days of e-commerce, sellers could experience massive growth with a single product and channel. In 2024, that’s no longer the case. According to research from McKinsey, the top 10% of publicly traded retailers now account for 70% of the sector’s economic profit. In the words of the researchers themselves, “It’s a winner-take-most industry. ” In the future of retail, competitive insights aren’t optional. They’re critical. Let’s take a closer look at some of the leading competitor intelligence tactics to add to your playbook this year. 7 Tactics to Sharpen Your Competitive Analysis The following list includes a mix of can’t-miss best practices, plus new and emerging tactics to test. Not every approach will align with every business. Choose the tactics that best align with your specific category and business model as you plan your forward strategy. 1. Deploy the Best New Tools There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Competitive intelligence research can be time-consuming.   Fortunately, emerging technology like GenAI and automation are making it easier to pinpoint actionable signals amongst vast amounts of market data. With the right tools in your e-commerce tech stack, you can create an agile competitive intelligence program that delivers the insights you need, when you... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2024-01-02 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/retail-trends/ - Categories: Blog, Tech & Data Blink, and you might miss it. The retail landscape is evolving at an unprecedented rate and staying ahead of the curve has never been more crucial. Sellers, retailers, and inspiring new brands are experimenting with new ways to make retail more immersive. From virtual reality (VR) wearables to innovative new customer activations, 2024 is all about breathing new life into the shopping experience — both in-store and online. In this article, we unveil the top 10 trends that will reshape the retail industry in 2024. 10 Retail Industry Trends to Watch Out for in 2024 AI: The Big Game-Changer for E-Commerce Brands Omnichannel: Be Everywhere All at Once Social Commerce 2. 0: The Community Marketplace AR and VR: Revolutionizing Product Interaction Brick-and-Mortar Evolves to Survive Delivery and Returns Get More Efficient Smarter Inventory Management The Personal Gets Hyper-Personalized User-Generated Content vs. Brand and Influencer Marketing  Social-First Product Discovery Top 10 Retail Trends for 2024 Whether it’s emerging technology like artificial intelligence (AI), or finding creative new ways to use it, there are countless ways to scale your business next year. Here are some of the top trends retail experts are leaning into. 1. AI: The Big Game-Changer for E-Commerce Brands Of all the new trends, artificial intelligence (AI) is almost certain to be the biggest disrupter of all.   In the coming year, we’ll continue to see even more adoption of AI in retail and e-commerce as companies like AWS and Google expand access to generative AI-building tools and other AI solutions for retailers. "Generative AI is poised for a breakthrough in 2024,” says Paul Silverglate, vice chair, Deloitte LLP and US technology sector leader. “Expect to see Generative AI integrated into enterprise software, giving more knowledge workers the tools they need to work with greater efficiency and make better decisions. ” AI will provide the virtual brain power behind a host of evolving technologies, including social commerce, inventory management, customer service, and much more. Some of the AI use cases we’ll see more of in 2024 include: Delivering hyper-personalized product recommendations Creating virtual experiences tailored to each customer Forecasting demand and planning inventory Offering almost-human customer service experiences Giving users enhanced product visualization tools with AI-generated AR and VR Offering smarter pricing and promotions Honestly, there are too many potential use cases for AI to list them all here. The best way to figure out which ones make the most sense for your business is to simply dive in and start using it. “AI holds the biggest growth potential for every e-commerce brand,” says Jared Day, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, Nuleev. “From customer service to logistics, as AI grows, e-commerce is going to grow with it. We've already used AI to create applications that streamline some of our processes, and can't wait until AI is advanced enough to power frustration-free chatbots. ” Get Started with AI: Try a software solution that incorporates AI — consider a sales forecasting tool, personalized product recommendation engine like Dynamic Yield or Depict. ai, or... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-12-28 - Modified: 2023-12-27 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/conscious-consumerism/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising In her book Dear Sisters: Your Nature is to Bloom, entrepreneur Ashley Asti said: "When you buy a product, you don't just buy the product: you buy everything that company stands for. " What she's talking about is the idea of "voting with your wallet. " We all have a responsibility to support ethical companies. Giving even one dollar to an exploitative company has a direct negative impact on our world. This concept is conscious consumerism. Who are conscious consumers and why should you care about them as an e-commerce seller? In this article, we'll dig into: What Is Conscious Consumerism? Why E-commerce Sellers Should Care About Conscious Consumerism How to Sell to Conscious Consumers: A Game Plan for Retailers What Are the Barriers to Conscious Consumerism? Leave Your Mark on the World We Share What Is Conscious Consumerism? Conscious consumerism is the practice of making purchasing decisions based on your values and beliefs. This approach is all about choosing products that are produced sustainably and ethically — in a way that's good long-term for our communities and the environment. The History of Conscious Consumerism While signs in coffee shops about fair-trade beans might seem like a trend that's surfaced in the past couple of decades, the concept of ethical consumerism actually has a long, rich history in the US. The notion can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution when people began to become aware of the negative impact mass production had on workers and the environment. In the 1820s, groups of Quakers and free Black abolitionists led the "free produce" movement — encouraging people to steer clear of products made with slave labor, and buy free-made goods instead. Over the next two centuries, the popularity of conscious consumerism would ebb and flow. In the 1960s and 70s, a renewed interest in social justice and environmentalism led to the rise of movements supporting organic food and fair trade. These movements created a market for socially- and environmentally-conscious products and paved the way for a huge wave of support in the 90s, which is still growing today. Why E-commerce Sellers Should Care About Conscious Consumerism What does this widespread conscious consumption mean for you as an e-commerce seller? If you haven't thought about this before, don't panic. Millennials and Gen Z have made sure that consumer activism is here to stay. Research conducted by Harris Poll revealed that 82% of shoppers prefer a consumer brand's values to align with their own. And 75% reported parting ways with a brand over a conflict in values. According to a survey by supply chain company Blue Yonder, consumers are more committed to environmental sustainability than ever: 48% said their interest in shopping sustainably increased in the past six months 86% are willing to delay their shipping for sustainability 77% have changed (or considered changing) their loyalty to sustainable brands Sellers who embrace conscious consumerism can tap into these growing markets to increase profits, build customer trust, and boost brand loyalty. How to Sell... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-12-21 - Modified: 2023-12-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/sellersfi-year-in-review-2023/ - Categories: Blog It’s that time of year when we’ve all been reflecting both on our businesses as well as on our personal lives. We’re setting business goals or personal resolutions for the year (or years) ahead. SellersFi is no different.   2023 Year in Review  Recently, someone on our team was on a call with someone outside of the company where they were asked, “Have you seen any big changes in your company in the last year? ” It feels like an unfair question because of just how far we’ve come. We started 2023 as SellersFunding. In March, we launched our new brand, SellersFi, at The Prosper Show in Las Vegas. This rebrand came with a new look, new products, and a brand-new approach to how we plan to serve our customers. We went bigger and better at Prosper, including a 360-degree photo booth. We’ve been lucky to travel to a variety of events all over the world, meeting brands of all shapes and sizes and expanding our partner network to better serve our clients. To name a few:  Innovation Show East (New York, NY) and West (Santa Monica, CA), presented by FounderMade  ASD Market Week  CampEcom – You'll see us again in 2024!   ASGTG – Connect with Alfredo in New York in January!   Money 20/20  Amazon Accelerate  And so many more!   We also launched our Elite Sellers Dinner, bringing a select group of entrepreneurs and influencers together for a night of networking and knowledge exchange. Keep an eye out for more of these in 2024!   Recently, we announced a credit and equity facility investment from Citi, an equity investment from MUFG, and continued support from our investors at Northzone and Fasanara. If you’re not a paid Axios subscriber, you can check out the releases below:  SellersFi Closes Credit Facility up to $300M with Citi and Fasanara Capital  SellersFi Announces Strategic Equity Investment by MUFG Innovation Partners, Unlocking Growth Opportunities  SellersFi Announces Strategic Investment by Citi to Expand Financial Offerings for E-commerce Businesses  This year, we have launched four new products, created with e-commerce sellers in mind: Invoice Flex: Extend your payment terms and let SellersFi fund your invoices.   Invoice Factoring: Fund your retailers’ invoices so you get paid sooner.   Commerce Pay: Funding created with early-stage sellers in mind.   Sellers Protect: General liability insurance for your business (with additional coverage coming in 2024), provided by our partners at XCover.   Our company and our leaders have received some incredible awards in 2023 as well: Great Place to Work  Endeavor Outlier Class of 2023  Top 10 Companies Revolutionizing Retail  We produced and updated more than 75 pieces of content, touching on everything from international expansion to trending marketplaces to ways to use your e-commerce funding to Amazon releases you just needed to know. As part of this, we launched our new Amazon Resources Hub with content for all stages of Amazon sellers. While we are so unbelievably proud of the year we have had, we would... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-12-19 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/niche-marketplace-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Marketing & Advertising If you’re looking to scale your e-commerce business, adding new marketplaces can be a low-risk way to increase sales and move toward an omnichannel strategy. But adding a Shopify store or major online marketplace like Amazon or Walmart may or may not be the best move for your business — especially when you consider the hefty fees and marketing campaigns needed to stand out and capture ROI. If you’ve already considered all the best e-commerce marketplaces and are still looking for the right fit for your business, you may want to look into some smaller, newer, or more unique options.   Here are some of the most compelling niche and emerging marketplace platforms to consider as you scale your business. 7 Niche Marketplaces To Boost Sales in 2024 Poshmark Mercari Depop Chewy Chairish Whatnot MakerPlace by Michaels Why Sell On Niche Marketplaces? Taking advantage of niche and emerging marketplaces can be a simple, cost-effective way to expand into new sales channels and grow your reach. Niche marketplaces often have lower fees and less competition, helping you reach your target audience without a large capital investment. Types Of Marketplaces Multi-vendor marketplaces usually fall into two categories: vertical and horizontal.   A horizontal marketplace caters to a wide range of product categories, but might have a more specific user demographic (Gen Z shoppers, B2B buyers, conscious consumers, etc. ). The main advantage of horizontal marketplaces is they tend to be lower in cost, with less competition than their more established counterparts. A vertical marketplace deals in one product category or a much smaller group of categories, like electronics, home furnishings, or outdoor supplies. Their primary advantage is that shoppers are actively looking for specific products and are highly motivated to purchase. What Are The Advantages Of Selling On Niche Marketplaces? Here are some of the key benefits of diversifying your sales, with the help of both types of niche and emerging online marketplaces: Access to your target audience: Specialized marketplaces help you meet specific needs, sell specific products, or reach specific demographics. More credibility: Niche sites often vet sellers more carefully, with rigorous application processes and verification procedures. Better visibility: Unlike running your own site or competing with sellers on high-traffic marketplaces, visibility on niche marketplaces often comes organically through the platform’s efforts to increase its customer base. Less competition: With fewer sellers than the big-name marketplaces, you don’t need to spend big on sponsored ads to stand out. Potentially lower fees: Many niche marketplaces are more affordable for sellers, with low or no fee for product listings. Fewer rules: Niche marketplaces can be less demanding when it comes to rules and requirements for keeping your listings active. Customer experience: Depending on the marketplace, you may be able to offer personalized or curated brand interactions not yet seen on high volume channels. Sense of community: Some small and niche marketplaces have strong social media followings and a base of loyal fans that could help take your brand viral. 7 Niche Marketplaces To Boost... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2024-06-03 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-announces-strategic-investment-by-mufg-innovation-partners/ - Categories: News & Announcements — SellersFi, the leading fintech company at the forefront of e-commerce financing, is delighted to announce an equity investment by MUFG Innovation Partners (MUIP). This strategic partnership signifies a significant milestone for SellersFi and sets the stage for expansion that will transform the landscape of e-commerce financing. Ricardo Pero, CEO at SellersFi, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome MUIP as a strategic partner in our journey help e-commerce businesses grow through the utilization of our industry leading financial services products. This investment indicates a shared vision by SellersFi and MUIP allowing us to fully utilize MUIP’s extensive global network and deep-rooted expertise in financial markets. Together, we are ready to bring SellersFi's innovative e-commerce financing solutions to a larger audience. " Mayank Shiromani, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, MUIP quoted, "E-commerce seller businesses do not generally fit the underwriting methodology of traditional FIs. As these businesses behave differently and face unique challenges as compared to traditional SMBs, to underwrite these an understanding of the seller’s category, positioning, seasonality, and the global nature of transactions is needed. Moreover, not only capital but these businesses need money movement, business planning and management support. We are impressed by SellersFi’s strong insights and technology to provide critical services to sellers. We want to partner and help to expand the businesses globally. " SellersFi has been redefining e-commerce financing solutions, making it easier for online sellers to manage cash flows and scale their businesses. With MUIP's strategic investment, they are poised to take their innovative financial services to e-commerce businesses around the world, offering them the support they need to thrive in the digital marketplace. This partnership is not just about a financial investment but a shared vision to promote financial inclusivity and drive innovation on a global scale. “We are excited to embark on this journey with MUIP and are confident that the collaboration will lead to mutual growth and success for both parties,” said Pero. For media inquiries, please contact: Russell WalravenCMOSellersFirussell@sellersfi. com About SellersFi: SellersFi is a pioneering fintech company specializing in e-commerce financing solutions. Our cutting-edge platform empowers e-commerce sellers to streamline their cash flow management, access working capital, and propel their businesses to new heights. Our mission is to provide seamless financial solutions to online sellers, enabling them to thrive in the competitive e-commerce landscape. For more information, visit https://sellersfi. com/. About MUIP: MUIP was established in January 2019 as the corporate venture capital of Japan’s leading financial group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), to promote its open innovation strategy. With $650m AUM, MUIP is working on strategic investments in startups globally and driving business collaboration between the startups and MUFG group companies. For more information, visithttps://www. ip. mufg. jp/ --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2023-12-13 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-announces-strategic-investment-by-citigroup-inc/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFi, an emergent FinTech offering innovative financial products to online sellers, today announced a funding round that includes an investment from Citi in addition to support from existing investors Fasanara Capital and Northzone. The investments demonstrate the growing excitement in the market around SellersFi's innovative approach to empowering online merchants worldwide. This financing marks a significant step in the company's mission to revolutionize e-commerce finance and foster economic growth for sellers across the globe. Citi's Key Role Citi, a globally recognized financial institution, made its investment under Citi’s Strategic Investments program for Services, Markets and Banking. Citi’s investment exemplifies its dedication to furthering the development of and supporting innovation in the financial services industry. Joining Citi in investing in SellersFi are Fasanara Capital and Northzone, both well-established venture capital firms known for identifying and nurturing promising startups in the fintech space. Their continued support and investment in SellersFi showcases the potential they see in the company's unique business model and the immense market opportunity it addresses.   “Embracing innovation and fostering growth in the rapidly evolving financial landscape is essential for Citi to continue serving the ever-changing needs of its clients,” said Mickey Bhatia, Head of Global Spread Products at Citi. “Our investment in SellersFi reflects our commitment to supporting transformative businesses and deepening our capabilities in key growth sectors such as e-commerce marketplaces. ” said Christopher Cox, Head of Trade & Working Capital Solutions at Citi. Citi’s investment has been jointly made across Markets’ SPRINT and TTS product groups. SellersFi's Vision for the Future SellersFi has been gaining rapid momentum in the e-commerce industry with its comprehensive suite of financial tools tailored to meet the unique needs of online sellers. By providing quick and easy access to working capital, as well as other financial tools, SellersFi empowers sellers to optimize their businesses and seize growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive market. SellersFi's CEO, Ricardo Pero, expressed excitement for the future engagement with Citi. "We are thrilled to welcome Citi as a strategic investor in SellersFi. This investment marks a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionize the e-commerce financing landscape. Citi's investment not only validates our vision but also strengthens our mission to empower online sellers worldwide with innovative financial solutions. Together, we will unlock new possibilities and drive unparalleled growth for e-commerce businesses, disrupting the way e-commerce merchants meet their needs of working capital and manage their finances. " The new investment will be deployed to further develop SellersFi's innovative product offerings, expand its portfolio, and enhance its technological infrastructure. About SellersFi SellersFi, formerly SellersFunding, is a global financial technology company that utilizes AI driven credit scoring models and extensive integration with leading e-commerce platforms to offer working capital and cash management solutions to empower e-commerce merchants looking to grow. As e-commerce evolves, SellersFi will drive the fintech innovations that allow sellers and brands to worry less about funding and finance and to focus more on growth and achieving their business goals. From inventory and marketing to product... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2024-01-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-credit-facility-citi-fasanara-capital/ - Categories: News & Announcements — SellersFi, a global, cutting-edge financial technology startup, closed a new US credit facility with Citi and independent asset manager Fasanara Capital for $135MM with the potential to grow up to $300M as SellersFi expands. The senior capital is provided by Citi with a portion from Fasanara, and the mezzanine capital is provided solely by Fasanara. Also, Fasanara is renewing its commitment in SellersFi by continuing its support to SellerFi as senior lender for other jurisdictions and products. The new investment will be deployed to further develop SellersFi's innovative product offerings, expand its portfolio, and enhance its technological infrastructure. Ricardo Pero, cofounder and CEO of SellersFi, said "We are delighted to secure this credit facility with Citi, one of the largest banks in the world, and having Fasanara Capital renew its trust in SellersFi’s team, strategy and products. In the current macro environment, this is an important milestone for enabling our growth with both existing and new partners and answering the financing needs of thousands of e-commerce businesses. " “This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering excellence in financial services and strengthens our ability to meet the dynamic needs of our clients. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are confident that this funding will pave the way for continued success and growth,” said Abhi Chakraborty, CFO at SellersFi. “Fasanara has been a finance partner to SellersFi since February 2020,” said Francesco Filia, CEO at Fasanara. “This new facility builds on the existing relationship. We are excited to once again work with SellerFi and welcome the new credit facility Citi. ” Fasanara provides flexible and innovative capital solutions to meet the SellersFi’s evolving needs. About SellersFi SellersFi, formerly SellersFunding, is a global financial technology company that utilizes AI driven credit scoring models and extensive integration with leading e-commerce platforms to offer working capital and cash management solutions to empower e-commerce merchants looking to grow. As e-commerce evolves, SellersFi will drive the fintech innovations that allow sellers and brands to worry less about funding and finance and to focus more on growth and achieving their business goals. From inventory and marketing to product launches, international expansion, and more, thousands of e-commerce sellers trust SellersFi to achieve limitless success. To learn more about SellersFi and its transformative financial solutions, visit www. sellersfi. com. Media Contacts: SellersFiRussell WalravenCMOrussell@sellersfi. com CitiRekha Jogia-SoniRekha. JogiaSoni@citi. com --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/slow-business-period-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Marketing & Advertising It’s not just the gray skies, chilly weather, and pre-dinner sunsets that make January and February dreary. It’s also the sudden absence of whirlwind holiday business. An end to the flurry of customer calls and urgent to-dos. If you’re like many merchants, as the weather cools down, so does your business. Slower than average sales, coupled with the potential for a “returns tsunami” every January, can lead to dull days in the wake of a hectic Cyber 5. You light a fire and cozy up for the long, dark months — but you’re left with one burning question: How can I maintain my momentum and keep the business growing through the post-holiday slump? In this article, we’ll share six ways to take advantage of the more relaxed sales pace to set yourself up for a profitable year ahead. How to Use the “Slow Season” Wisely Analyze Your Seasonal Data Study Customer Feedback Audit Your Tech Stack Develop and Launch New Products Build Your Omnichannel Foundations Supercharge Your Marketing Why Slow Business Periods Can Be Good for Growth After a busy Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM), it can be a little disheartening to see your numbers dip. But there’s one key metric that always spikes in January and February: the amount of time on your hands. In a world where 85% of executive leadership teams don’t even spend one full hour per month discussing strategy, this extra time represents a major opportunity to leap ahead of the competition. Here’s a quick overview of just some of the ways you can choose to use this time: Make strategic plans: Develop a plan to implement key strategic initiatives over the next year or more. These can include specific goals around sales, technology adoption, or broader initiatives like sustainability or brand image. First, set and review your goals. Then develop a timeline in your project management system, with pre-scheduled meetings on a monthly or quarterly basis. Learn new tools and software: If you’ve recently adopted new technology, now is a great time to start training your employees on it. If you haven’t made the leap, but are considering investing in new tools, this may be a good time to shortlist and test potential solutions via a 14- or 30-day trial. Make sure your team knows the purpose and advantages of each new piece of software, and where to direct any questions. Analyze sales data: Check in with your core key performance indicators (KPIs) and determine where you’re pulling ahead or falling behind. If higher margins are a priority this year, take time to evaluate your pricing structure or identify any key markets you might be missing out on. And don’t forget the inventory side of the equation. Study your stockouts, dead stock volumes, and other key metrics for a healthier sales to inventory ratio. Nurture customers: Catch up on customer emails, respond to product reviews, and reach out to valued brand ambassadors for feedback. Respond to mentions and direct messages (DMs) on social media,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-12-07 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/headless-commerce/ - Categories: Blog, Tech & Data Headless commerce might sound like a macabre Halloween event to promote early holiday shopping, but the reality of this e-commerce solution isn’t as grim as you might think. For fast-growing brands, headless commerce offers a way to break free of plug-in heavy systems and build a seamless omnichannel experience for shoppers. If you’re still not sure what decapitating — err, decoupling — your frontend from your backend system could look like, this complete primer on all things headless will tell you everything you need to know. A Closer Look at Headless Commerce What Is Headless Commerce? Traditional E-commerce vs. Headless E-commerce The Top 10 Benefits of Going Headless 3 Headless Use Cases From Real Brands Best Headless Commerce Platforms What Is Headless Commerce? Headless commerce is a type of e-commerce infrastructure in which customer-facing, front-end elements like fonts, colors, and images are separated from back-end architecture like inventory, security, and checkout. Changes to the look and feel of the site don’t impact functionalities like pricing or order fulfillment tools, and vice versa. This separation of frontend and backend systems makes it possible to quickly add sales channels or create immersive shopper experiences across brand touchpoints, without making massive updates to your infrastructure every time. A marketing, design, or other creative team can implement changes to the user interface and experience with relatively little tech expertise. With the help of application programming interfaces (APIs) — essentially, code that lets two pieces of software talk to each other — headless commerce prevents e-commerce sites from becoming bloated with plug-ins or add ons. Site owners can easily retrieve data and display elements while keeping their infrastructure lean. Today, 77% of companies with headless commerce architecture are expanding into new channels, compared to 54% of non-headless companies. Traditional E-commerce vs Headless E-commerce In traditional, also known as “monolithic” e-commerce, the front and back end of a site are intertwined. The more complexity you add to your site, the more difficult it becomes to make changes, without risking slowdowns or crashes. Here are some other core differences between traditional and headless e-commerce. Traditional E-commerceHeadless E-commerceSkill LevelEven minor changes require developer involvementChanges can be made with minimal coding and riskCostInitial investment may be lower, but each new channel, feature, or redesign can incur costsInitial investment may be higher, but costs may be offset by increased sales and lower CACScalabilityEvery new channel requires back- and front-end changes that can temporarily bring the site downNew features or channels can be quickly added, without jeopardizing backend functionalitySpeedAdding new functionalities can slow page load and impact conversionsAPIs pull data in real-time to keep infrastructure leanUniversalityImages, text and fonts may display incorrectly or appear differently from channel to channelElements display correctly regardless of platformTime to MarketNew channels, user experiences and front-end designs can take weeks or monthsFront-end upgrades can go live within a few days or weeks The Top 10 Benefits of Going Headless Whether you’re looking to expand into new markets or delight users with novel shopping experiences, a headless framework can help make... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-12-05 - Modified: 2024-04-08 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/omnichannel-vs-multichannel/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising, Trending Today’s customers expect a seamless brand experience — no matter where, when, or how they shop. From store aisle to online cart, they want their preferences and purchase history to follow them for one personalized, hiccup-free experience. They’re not alone. An impressive 90% of retailers say omnichannel is a must. But an aggressive omnichannel strategy isn’t right for every brand. The cost and complexity can be out of reach for some, and a poorly executed plan can actually hurt your company’s value.   Depending on your current growth phase, a multichannel approach may make more sense. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key differences between an omnichannel and multichannel retail strategy to help you make the choice for your business. Omnichannel vs. Multichannel Retail What Is Omnichannel Retail? What Is Multichannel Retail? Examples of Omnichannel vs. Multichannel Retail Omnichannel vs. Multichannel Retail: Key Differences Multichannel vs Omnichannel: Which Is Right for Your Business? What Is Omnichannel Retail? Omnichannel retail is a customer-centric strategy that unifies a brand’s sales channels with a streamlined message and brand experience. No matter which touchpoints a user interacts with, their data is shared across channels for optimal customer engagement. Data, shopping carts, and purchase histories are synchronized across platforms and marketing channels. Inventory is synchronized and products ordered online can be picked up in-store and vice-versa. The omnichannel experience can be unified across every available channel, including: Physical stores, showrooms, and pop-up locations Company websites and mobile apps Social media channels Targeted e-mails and click-through pages Chatbots or AI search interfaces SMS or WhatsApp message shopping Branded storefronts at online marketplaces A flagship element of an omnichannel strategy is that it equips the consumer to make informed buying decisions. Product recommendations and other personalized elements flow instantly across each interface. The experience is optimized and personalized to the consumer’s taste, via purchase history, demographic data, first- and third- party data, and more. The Benefits of Omnichannel Retail Deep personalization: Personalization across multiple channels helps you forge deeper connections with customers. As you gain shoppers’ trust, you become a go-to resource, helping guide future decisions and increase repeat purchases. Increase brand loyalty: Omnichannel shopping is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s expected. By giving shoppers the flexibility and choice they want, you can position your brand for long-term customer loyalty. Boost your revenue and profits: When customers feel valued, they spend more. Research has found that customers who use four or more channels may spend 9% more in-store. The Drawbacks of Omnichannel Retail Setup can be costly: Building an omnichannel infrastructure is no overnight endeavor. It can take significant investments in market research, high-tech solutions, and expert consultants to give your brand the best chance at success. These costs can initially cut into your margins and bring down profitability if sales volumes aren’t high enough. Your message needs to be top-notch: Since omnichannel retail relies on open communication across channels, there’s a greater chance of inefficiencies and glitches. Tech issues can crop up, interrupting... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-11-28 - Modified: 2024-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/working-with-influencers-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Working with influencers can be a complicated, time-consuming process. Check out these key insights on building partnerships that drive big revenue for your ecommerce business! At around $29 on average, customer acquisition costs are only getting higher. Changes to Google’s search results page, Apple’s iOS guidelines, and the death of third party cookies are just some of the factors making it harder for brands to leverage sponsored ads. For some, the price of acquiring new customers has become untenable. For others, they’ve found a silver lining in the world of influencer marketing. Influencer partnerships are no longer a growth hack — they’re foundational to modern e-commerce marketing. But as more brands pivot away from paid ads, instead directing a projected $7. 14 billion toward influencer marketing, you'll need a clear plan to capture its potential. In this article, we’ll share tips for finding the right content creators to increase your return on investment (ROI) on influencer marketing. Working With Influencers 5 Fast Facts About Influencer Marketing What Is An Influencer Marketing Strategy? The Pros and Cons for E-commerce Brands What Does An Ideal Social Media Influencer Partnership Look Like? Top Influencer Marketing Tools How To Choose The Best Influencers For Your Brand 5 Ways To Form Successful Influencer Relationships 5 Fast Facts About Influencer Marketing 1 in 4 people buy based on influencer recommendations Influencer marketing is a $21 billion industry — up 29% from $16 billion in 2022 Over 80% of brands budgeted for influencer marketing in 2023 67% of brands are spending more on influencer marketing this year Influencer spending is expected to rise 3. 5 times faster than social ad spending What Is An Influencer Marketing Strategy? An influencer strategy refers to partnering with subject matter experts and content creators to achieve a specific set of marketing objectives. The right influencers will authentically align with your brand’s vision and values, and deliver campaigns that resonate with your audience. Dunkin’ Donuts’ long-term partnership with celebrity TikToker Charli D’Amelio is one of the best known influencer campaigns, earning the company a 57% increase in app downloads and 20-45% sales lift in the days following the release of her new drink, The Charli. Other brands, like La Croix and Stitch Fix, have adopted micro-influencer marketing campaigns, deploying a community of nano-influencers and creators with a smaller number of followers to engage with more intimate groups of target shoppers. The Pros and Cons for E-commerce Brands ProsConsCostDepending on campaign and size of following, influencer marketing could mean higher ROI compared to paid ads. Rates will likely continue to increase over time. CollaborationMatching platforms make it easy to find the right people for your niche and budget. Finding, negotiating with, and paying multiple creators can get complicated. ImageThe right creators will engage authentically with followers to create meaningful connections. If an influencer makes a wrong move, it could impact your brand reputation. ROIInfluencer marketing can bring around $6. 50 for every dollar spent. KPIs can be hard to measure, especially on platforms where direct links aren’t allowed. CompetitionIt’s easier to reach your target audience and avoid overspending on the wrong people. Content must be engaging to win... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-11-21 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/excess-inventory-holidays/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing What could cause Nike’s Chief Financial Officer to say the word “inventory” a whopping 48 times on an analyst call? If you’re like many e-commerce owners, you already know. Excess holiday inventory gathering dust on shelves is costing the modern retailer big time. With rising warehouse storage fees, the current “holiday hangover” and its impact on over-inventoried retailers might be the biggest inventory headache yet.   This, coupled with layers of confusion around inflation and inconsistent consumer trends, has made demand forecasting a legitimate challenge for almost every e-commerce brand. The past year has been a whirlwind of unpredictable price hikes, supply chain mishaps, and impossible forecasting.   But that’s just one side of the coin.   Even though inventory planning in Q4 feels like peering into a murky crystal ball, you can still put strategies in place to ease your post-holiday inventory hangovers and keep the revenue coming.   What to Do with Excess Inventory After the Holidays  What Is Excess Inventory?   5 Ways to Deal With Excess Inventory After the Holidays  Sell Your Excess Inventory and Cure Your Holiday Hangover  What Is Excess Inventory? (And Why There May Be More of It Than Usual This Year)  In short, excess inventory or ‘overstock’ is exactly what it sounds like. When you have more products than you can sell, you have excess inventory.   After the pandemic-driven sales spike and inevitable market correction, it has been a bit uncertain where the future of e-commerce holiday sales will fall. After a peak in 2020 and 2021, and the subsequent drop in 2022, where does that leave us in 2023? Fortunately, we’re seeing a gradual increase (AKA more sustainable growth) in e-commerce sales, bolstered largely by the growth of mobile shopping. In fact, mobile shopping is seeing the largest holiday sales growth at 14. 8% YoY increase.   Taking a broad view, this may mean overall revenue from this holiday season will be roughly the same. But thanks to increased product costs, sellers will likely see more inventory left on shelves as consumers purchase fewer products for the same amount of money.   5 Ways to Deal with Excess Inventory After the Holidays  If your products are non-perishable, you can store them until the next holiday season rolls around. However, with soaring storage costs, this option isn’t always feasible for growing brands. This year, sellers may have to get more creative about how to liquidate or store excess inventory. The tactics you choose will depend on your unique brand and e-commerce business model, but here are a few ideas to consider. 1. Host a Post-Holiday Sale  Once the holiday season is over, many consumers cut down on their purchases, but remain on the hunt for lower prices.   In fact, 68% of holiday consumers will likely shop the week after Christmas to take advantage of post-holiday sales and promotions, while putting their holiday gift cards to use. The mentality of shoppers shifts from gifts for others to “rewards” for themselves.  ... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-11-16 - Modified: 2023-11-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/international-expansion-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion According to research, cross-border expansion presents a $1 trillion opportunity for e-commerce brands. As more marketplaces offer international options, expansion into foreign markets is becoming an increasingly attractive growth tactic for modern retailers. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Expanding your business internationally can be a complex undertaking — one that requires thorough planning and a healthy working knowledge of local customs, regulations, and more. If you’re actively planning to take your business into a new market, this detailed checklist is the perfect place to start. Preparing for International Expansion Research New Territories Localize Your Content Offer the Right Payment Options Update Your Fulfillment Network Localize Customer Acquisition And Support Prepare Your Financial Strategy The Pros and Cons of Going International Taking your e-commerce business across borders is a multi-step process that often requires local, on-the-ground connections with suppliers, warehouses, fulfillment centers, transportation companies, and more. If it sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is. But for many sellers, the payoff is worth it.   Expanding internationally can increase your market reach, boost your sales, and elevate your brand visibility. Before you dive in, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the potential drawbacks. Some of the core benefits of foreign expansion include: Access to untapped markets Increased brand visibility Sales and revenue growth Some of the potential drawbacks include: Complicated customs and regulations Challenges marketing to new audiences High startup costs 6 Steps For A Successful Expansion When preparing for any new market, you’ll need an agile, incremental plan for securing more sales abroad. This straightforward checklist will help you get started. 1. Research New Territories Different countries will have different trends and cultural expectations that can impact your success. The first thing you’ll need to do is decide where you want to sell, and which of your products are most likely to succeed in your new market. To-Dos Choose Where To Sell: For US-based sellers, Australia, Canada, the UK, and Europe may be more accessible options when you first start expanding, since you’ll have fewer cultural differences to contend with. However, China, Japan, Latin America, South Korea, and South Africa also have large untapped e-commerce markets. Investigate The Market: Study the key e-commerce and consumer interest trends in your new market to confirm that it’s the right choice. If you have the budget, consider developing a market research survey, or working with a research consultancy to gather deeper insights. Conduct Keyword Research: Review the trending Google searches in your product category for each new country or market. Different markets utilize different words for the same thing (Ex. “cookie” in the US is a “biscuit” in the UK). Analyze The Competition: Identify your competition and do a deep dive into their product catalog, pricing, reviews, and keyword strategy. Select Your Sales Channels: Investigate the top channels and e-commerce marketplaces in your chosen market. Determine whether to take your own website overseas, expand into a new marketplace (like Temu or MercadoLibre), or add international channels on... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-11-14 - Modified: 2023-11-14 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/grow-your-shopify-store/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising, Shopify Running a successful Shopify store is something to be proud of. After all, nearly half of Shopify businesses fail within the first five years. With 28% of the US e-commerce market and 4. 6 million active stores, Shopify isn’t slowing down — and neither should you. Even profitable stores need to step up their game to stay ahead of the curve. Every year, customers want faster deliveries. Smoother checkout interfaces. Slicker mobile experiences. The good news? With the right knowledge and a little elbow grease, you have what it takes to level-up your Shopify store. 9 Ways to Grow Your Shopify Store Shop Channel App Shop Pay Shop Promise Badge Shopify Plus Checkout UI Extensions Funding Options For Growth Apps and Integrations Advanced SEO Strategies Multichannel Selling But First, Back to Basics Since you’re here, we’ll assume you’ve already got your bases covered in terms of the following: Leveraging data and analytics. Shopify provides a variety of insights and reports to help you understand your customers and make smart business decisions. Experimenting with SEO. Keyword research and a basic content strategy are table stakes. Testing different page layouts, images, and offers. Conversion testing and iteration are your best friends. E-commerce marketing strategies. Social media, paid ads, and email marketing are starting points. You’ve covered the basics, but have you checked out all that Shopify has to offer for growing your business? Here are nine areas to explore — from advanced Shopify features to growth-focused retail strategies. Features and Strategies to Position Your Shopify Store For Maximum Growth 1. Shop Channel App Shopify’s Shop Channel is an app that helps sellers promote their businesses and increase sales. Perks include: Customizing your store details Engaging directly with customers by replying to reviews Tracking detailed analytics Creating product bundles and loyalty programs Displaying personalized recommendations based on customers’ history The Shop App is all about customizing your customer experience to increase discoverability and engagement. Best for: Almost any seller. The Shop app is automatically added to your Shopify admin if you meet the Shop Merchant Guidelines — so it’s probably on your radar. Making the most of it is another story, as it opens up many different settings that improve your customers’ shopping experience. Shopify Plus users can check out Shopify Academy’s course Getting Started on Shop to discover all the opportunities. 2. Shop Pay Shopify’s Shop Pay option is an accelerated checkout that lets customers save their payment info like email, credit card, and shipping address. They can opt in on any Shopify store as long as they provide an email address at checkout. Every seller knows that removing friction from the checkout process is one of e-commerce’s golden rules for increased conversions. Enabling Shop Pay gets it done. To activate it, go to your Shopify admin and select Settings > Payments. Select Manage in the Shopify Payments section, and then check Shop Pay. Best for: Activating Shop Pay is basically all pros and no cons, but it’s particularly advantageous for businesses... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-11-09 - Modified: 2023-11-08 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-business-valuation/ - Categories: Blog, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data - Tags: Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data How much is my business worth? If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone.   Whether you’re focused on Amazon, Shopify, or building the next global omnichannel brand — the idea of one day selling your retail business has probably crossed your mind. But selling your business can have major emotional and financial implications. It’s important to keep an accurate and up-to-date estimate of exactly how much your business is worth to help keep a clear focus on the end game.   The problem is, assessing your store’s value can be a complex task. Let’s dive into the benefits of having a strong e-commerce business valuation on hand and how to arrive at an accurate valuation, step by step. How Do I Calculate My Business Valuation? Gather key information Calculate earnings Determine revenue streams Assess growth potential Find your valuation multiple Account for intangible assets Retain legal counsel Consider tax implications What Is An E-Commerce Valuation? A valuation determines the current worth of your e-commerce business. It’s a rigorous process that involves analyzing your financials, growth, competitive position, and future outlook. There are different methods of valuation that can be helpful, depending on your business’s size and growth history. Ultimately, the goal of a valuation is to give business owners and potential buyers a quantitative estimate of what the business is worth. The Benefits Of A Strong Business Valuation Whether you’re ready to sell in the next few months or just getting a sense of where you stand in your market, there are many benefits to knowing the value of your e-commerce business. Here are just a few of the benefits an up-to-date business valuation can bring: E-commerce is constantly changing. The e-commerce landscape is evolving fast — and so are the trends that impact your store’s value. A real-time business valuation will ensure you always present the most accurate numbers to potential investors. Business valuations are a door opener. Nothing kicks off an acquisition conversation better than a valuation number showing your online store is a great investment. Investors want to know how your company performs financially before they dig into your everyday operations because it makes the due diligence process easier. Manual valuations = costly errors. Manual tools and off-the-cuff valuations leave room for human error, like confirmation bias and double counting. An objective business valuation reduces the margin of error, so you can get an accurate value when you need it. Get your store on (and off) the market faster. You already have multiple tasks on your plate. When opportunity arises, you want to be able to jump without having to rush or forego your valuation. Being prepared can save time and get you to a profitable agreement sooner. Gain confidence and clarity. With an accurate valuation at your fingertips, you can wave goodbye to the guesswork and gain the confidence you need to find the perfect buyer. Even if you’re not considering selling today, there are several evergreen benefits to knowing your business’s value. Establish... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-11-07 - Modified: 2023-11-08 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/cyber-5-weekend/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising If you have been in e-commerce long, you already know how it goes. Activating coupon codes online or opting into deals is the new pushing through crowds on Black Friday.   The market is wide open for a boost in holiday e-commerce sales, particularly during Cyber 5 weekend. But the uptick in online shopping this time of year also means increased competition, supply chain overload, and a higher risk of site crashes. For sellers looking to tap into more than $281 billion across the world this Cyber Week, preparation is key. There's still plenty of time to act and implement small tactics for big impact.   How to Prep for Cyber 5 Weekend  Why It’s All About Cyber 5  5 Things You Can Still Do for a Winning Cyber 5 Weekend  Making the Most of Cyber 5 2022  Need a boost to your Q4 cash flow? We’ve got you covered. From affordable multi-currency payments to flexible working capital, SellersFi is the funding partner you need to scale this holiday season (and beyond). Why It’s All About Cyber 5  Cyber 5 is the long weekend that includes Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday, and of course, Cyber Monday. In 2023, the dates for Cyber 5 are Thursday, November 23rd to Monday, November 27th.   In the world of e-commerce, Cyber 5 is a pretty big deal. 37% of shoppers reported that they shopped more online than in-store in 2023. Beyond that, about 76% of buyers made more than one shopping trip across the weekend.   While holiday shopping may have traditionally started just after Thanksgiving, the dates are moving earlier and earlier year after year. In fact, many are citing Amazon Prime Big Deal Days as the “new” start to holiday shopping. Without missing a beat, many e-commerce sellers and platforms have bumped up their sale days, offering deals as early as the first week of October. But that doesn’t mean the November to December shopping period is cooling. But if you’re slow getting started this year, don’t worry! You’ve still got time to prep for a profitable Cyber 5.   5 Things You Can Still Do for a Winning Cyber 5 Weekend  #1. Revamp your emails.   As Cyber 5 gets closer, it’s time to up your communication game. This includes your marketing emails, returns communications, follow up with past customers, and more.   Approximately 91% of people open their email inboxes daily. This is just one of the reasons email marketing has proven to be 40 times more effective than social media. Getting your email game in order is always a great strategy to prime your customers for Cyber 5. Email marketing is one of the places in your business where small changes can make a big difference.   Here are a few ideas to improve your email marketing and communication strategy:  Launch holiday-themed emails. If possible, link them to any existing social media or influencer marketing campaigns. Keep in mind when launching holiday themes that you should... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-10-31 - Modified: 2023-10-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/walmart-pro-seller/ - Categories: Blog, Walmart Effective September 20, 2023, Walmart is updating its approval requirements for the Pro Seller Badge offered to high-performing sellers on the Walmart Marketplace. This is the first time the requirements have been changed since the badge was introduced in October 2020. The new requirements include higher on-time delivery rates and lower seller-accountable cancellation rates, as well as new requirements around delivery times and seller responsiveness. This latest move from Walmart comes in the wake of several other big moves to compete harder with Amazon’s offerings for third-party sellers, including a massive web and mobile marketplace redesign with an overhauled search function, and Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) options for multi-box and big and bulky items. Here’s what you need to know about earning or maintaining your Pro Seller status under the new requirements and what these changes could mean for your future e-commerce sales. Getting the Walmart Pro Seller Badge What Is the Walmart Pro Seller Badge? What Are the Benefits of the Pro Seller Badge? What Does it Take to Get the Pro Seller Badge? 4 Tips to Help you Win the Badge What Is the Walmart Pro Seller Badge? The Walmart Pro Seller Badge is the little blue “verified” check mark of the Walmart. com world.   Like the Amazon Prime badge, it’s a mark of excellence that adds an extra layer of credibility to your store and product listings, letting customers know they can rely on you to deliver on-time shipping and responsive customer service. The badge appears alongside your seller name across the Walmart Marketplace, including on your storefront, product listing pages, in search results, and in customer carts. How to Check Your Pro Seller Badge Status To check your Walmart Pro Seller Badge status: Log in to your Walmart Seller Center account Go to Analytics & Reports Click on Growth Opportunities Navigate to the Listing Quality Dashboard View the Pro Seller Badge section If you have a Pro Seller Badge, you’ll be able to see it in this section, as well as key information on your performance and what to do in order to maintain your Pro Seller status. The Benefits of the Pro Seller Badge As of September 2023, there are over 150,000 sellers on Walmart Marketplace — more than double the number of sellers than just three years ago. At that time, only about 350 sellers had secured the Walmart Pro Seller Badge. The Pro Seller Badge isn’t awarded to just anyone. Now that the standards to get and keep the badge are even higher, it’s important to know what’s in it for you. Higher Discoverability According to Walmart, products with a Pro Seller Badge are “designed to be eye-catching in search results and increase visibility” for top-performing sellers. Anecdotally, having the badge can also boost your search rankings and give you higher odds at the Buy Box. Either way, customers are much more likely to see and notice your page and product listings with the badge. Customer Trust The Walmart Pro Seller Badge... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-10-24 - Modified: 2024-03-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/shopify-capital-pros-cons-alternatives/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Shopify - Tags: Funding & Lending, Shopify Whether it’s to restock inventory in time for the next holiday sale or invest in a new can’t-miss marketing channel, consistent cash flow is everything. But even if your business is on a firm upward trajectory, cash flow gaps are part of the game. Luckily, the right kind of e-commerce funding can provide the working capital you need to keep the business moving. Receiving capital, however, isn’t always easy. If you run your business on Shopify, you’ve probably heard about Shopify Capital. If not, read on. We’ll cover everything you should know about the program, including when it makes sense to use it and when to look into alternatives. Everything You Need to Know About Shopify Capital What Is Shopify Capital? How Does Shopify Capital Work? What Is Shopify Capital Used For? How Do You Qualify for Shopify Capital? Shopify Capital Alternatives Shopify Capital Customer Reviews Grow Your Business With Working Capital What Is Shopify Capital? Shopify Capital is a business funding program offered directly by Shopify (similar to the Amazon Lending setup). Pre-qualified sellers can use Shopify’s small business loans and merchant cash advances for, according to Shopify, anything they need for their business. Borrowers receive a lump sum of funding and agree to a fixed borrowing fee. Shopify Capital: Pros and Cons Shopify Capital funding is only available to sellers pre-qualified by the marketplace. This can be both a pro and a con. On one hand, if Shopify reaches out to you with an offer, the path forward is simple. There’s no detailed application and no minimum credit score. Shopify will simply share your funding options based on its underwriting process. On the other hand, if you don’t hear from Shopify, you’re not eligible. Unfortunately, since Shopify doesn’t share eligibility guidelines, you’ll find little insight on how to become eligible. Shopify merchants who qualify can use the funds on almost anything business-related and manage repayments directly through an online dashboard. ProsCons- Simple application process- No credit check- No repayment deadline- Quick availability of funds- Use funding on anything business related- Manage repayment through Shopify dashboard- Only for Shopify users- Funding availability limited based on business location- Amounts are non-negotiable- Unclear eligibility guidelines- Expensive rates How Does Shopify Capital Work? Through Shopify Capital, sellers can receive funding between $200 and $5 million based on sales history and volume. Funding recipients agree to a total payment amount, which includes the borrowed amount plus a fixed borrowing cost. Shopify Capital offers two forms of funding: loans and merchant cash advances. These options vary based on your Shopify business location but essentially function the same. Shopify Capital Availability Business locationAvailable funding optionsAustraliaLoansCanadaMerchant cash advancesUnited KingdomMerchant cash advancesUnited StatesLoans Source: Shopify Help Center How Does Repayment Work? Neither of Shopify’s funding products has a traditional interest rate. Instead, Shopify uses a factor rate which, based on the examples Shopify provides, is around 1. 1-1. 13. Under your Shopify Capital loan or merchant cash advance purchase agreement, you’ll agree on a total payment amount,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-10-18 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/seller-fulfilled-prime/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain On October 1, 2023, Amazon reopened new seller enrollment for Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP). It has also begun charging sellers an additional 2% fee on all SFP orders, including those sellers who have been with the program since its inception in 2015. With the new fee taking effect right at the start of Q4, some SFP sellers are concerned about their holiday plans and profit margins. “We’ve got until October 1 to decide, do we pass this on to customers? ” Pattern COO Rob Hahn told Modern Retail, “A lot of brands have already ordered stuff and planned for volume for the rest of the year. ” Potential applicants to the program also have questions. With new fees and requirements, does SFP still offer sellers cost-saving potential and Prime credibility? Read on to find out what you need to know before taking the leap on SFP. Table of Contents What Is Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)? How to Apply for Seller Fulfilled Prime Is SFP Right For You? What Is Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) is a fulfillment option that allows Amazon sellers to handle their own order fulfillment, while still displaying the Amazon Prime badge on their product listings.   Launched in 2015, Amazon SFP was conceived as a way for sellers to handle their own fulfillment and save on costs, while still boasting the coveted Amazon Prime badge — and all the customer trust it brings with it. But SFP sellers must adhere to strict standards to participate in the program, including offering consistent one- and two-day shipping. In 2019, Amazon paused new applications to the program citing a need to improve program standards and build in more support for sellers. Now, in 2023, SFP is finally reopening to new applicants on the waitlist. How Does Seller Fulfilled Prime Work? SFP sellers are responsible for storing their own inventory, as well as picking, packing, and shipping all orders within the same day that they are placed. Orders must be shipped by Amazon SFP-approved carriers, using Amazon-approved shipping labels that sellers are required to purchase from these carriers. According to Amazon, sellers who participate in the Seller Fulfilled Prime program must:  Offer Premium Shipping Options Ship over 99% of their orders on time Have an order cancellation rate of less than 0. 5% Use Amazon Buy Shipping Services for at least 99% of orders Have nationwide delivery coverage for all standard-size products Use shipping methods that support weekend delivery and pick up (Saturday or Sunday) Meet targets for 1-day and 2-day delivery promises Deliver orders with supported Seller Fulfilled Prime carriers Agree to the Amazon Returns Policy Allow Amazon to deal with all customer service inquiries SFP sellers can choose to meet these requirements by self-fulfilling orders from their own warehouses, or by partnering with one or more third-party logistics (3PL) providers. SFP vs. FBA With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), merchants ship their inventory for storage in Amazon’s warehouses. When a customer places an order, Amazon picks,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-10-16 - Modified: 2024-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/walmart-seller-fees/ - Categories: Blog, Walmart Walmart has been a household name in the US since before Amazon was a twinkle in Jeff Bezos's eye. The retail behemoth has adapted to an evolving commerce landscape again and again over the decades — including some major improvements to the Walmart Marketplace. Walmart has been a household name in the US since before Amazon was a twinkle in Jeff Bezos's eye. The retail behemoth has adapted to an evolving commerce landscape again and again over the decades — including some major improvements to the Walmart Marketplace. But how does Walmart stack up to other e-commerce marketplaces in terms of fees and overall viability? We've got all the details you need. Let's Explore: The Benefits of Selling on Walmart What Are Walmart Seller Fees? Walmart Fulfillment Services Fees Comparing Marketplace Fees: Walmart vs. Amazon How Do Sellers Get Paid on Walmart? What Are the Benefits for Walmart Marketplace Sellers? Amazon might not be invincible, but isn't likely to lose its #1 title anytime soon. While Walmart Marketplace doesn’t yet have the market share that Amazon does, its low fees are a clear advantage for merchants. Whether you're expanding your sales channels as an Amazon seller, or seeking a larger market share for your DTC brand, Walmart deserves strong consideration for your e-commerce channel mix. Why Walmart? For starters: Walmart's e-commerce revenue increased 90% from pre-Covid to the end of 2022. About 220 million customers visit Walmart's site each week. In 2020, Walmart launched its Walmart Fulfillment Services option for sellers. Despite the perks, there are only around 130,000 third-party sellers on the Walmart Marketplace compared to Amazon's 1 million+ active sellers — so there is still plenty of opportunity for approved Walmart Marketplace sellers. However, as with every marketplace, your success depends largely on the cost of selling. Let’s take a closer look at the fees required for selling on Walmart. What Are Walmart Seller Fees? Walmart seller fees are your payment to Walmart in exchange for access to their customer base. Unlike Amazon, eBay, and other e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, Walmart only charges sellers a fee when they sell a product. This simple pricing structure provides huge benefits for sellers who may be contending with subscription or account fees on other marketplaces. Walmart does not charge setup, subscription, or monthly account fees. That means if your product doesn't sell, you pay nothing. The only fees that Walmart charges sellers are referral fees — that is, a percentage of each sale you make on the marketplace. Referral fees are based on the category of each product listing. Quick Look: Walmart Referral Fees by Product Category CategoryReferral Fee PercentageApparel & Accessories15%Automotive & Powersports12%Automotive Electronics8% for categories including Dash & Backup Cameras, Car Speakers, Power Inverters, Vehicle Tracking Systems, Car Video Monitors, Radar Detectors, Automotive Remote Starters, Anti-Theft Devices & Car SpeakerphonesBaby8% for items with a total sales price of $10 or less15% for items with a total sales price greater than $10Beauty8% for items with a total sales price of $10 or less15% for items with a total sales price greater than $10Books15%Camera & Photo8%Cell Phones8%Consumer Electronics8%Electronics Accessories15% for the portion of the total sales price up to $1008% for the portion of the total sales price greater than $100Decor15%Gourmet Food15%Grocery8% for items with... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-10-09 - Modified: 2023-10-27 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/black-friday-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising Last year, e-commerce shoppers spent a record $9. 12 billion on Black Friday, continuing a trend of upward growth going as far back as 2014. Can we expect the same results for Black Friday 2023? Are you truly ready to capture peak Black Friday sales? As sales on Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) have increased, competition has intensified. To stand out and win this year, you’ll need to know where to focus your time, energy, and resources. Whether it’s improving your e-commerce tech infrastructure, stockout-proofing your inventory, or launching irresistible deals to boost your on-the-day sales, there are endless ways to maximize your Black Friday success. The only question is, where should you start? Here are some of the core business areas to optimize for Black Friday 2023. BFCM E-commerce Readiness Strengthen Your Inventory and Order Fulfillment Plan Your Holiday Season Deals Amp Up Your Advertising Optimize for Search Perfect Your Checkout Process Create Your ‘Best Black Friday’ Budget Black Friday E-commerce Strategy: What’s Different This Year? Black Friday is the sales boost online retailers can count on, but this year things are a little less predictable. Shifting consumer behavior combined with increased inflation and rising storage fees means you’ll need to be even more mindful of which parts of your business will deliver the best ROI on your Black Friday investments. Here’s a snapshot of what we might expect to see this year: A shift towards essentials and lower-cost options as pandemic-era savings diminish and consumers become more mindful of their online shopping habits. Increased competition and ad prices as the number of US-based e-commerce sites has tripled since 2019. Steady (but not jaw-dropping) growth as shoppers aim to maximize their reduced capacity to spend by taking advantage of limited time Black Friday deals. This year’s holiday retail sales growth is predicted to be between 3. 5% and 4. 6%, down from 7. 6% in 2022. However, many experts believe last year’s Black Friday growth was largely due to inflation. While the current market signals are anything but clear, Black Friday 2023 is still a great opportunity to increase your sales. You’ve just got to know which parts of the business to apply your focus. 6 Ways To Level Up Your Store For Huge Black Friday Wins 1. Strengthen Your Inventory and Order Fulfillment Inventory distortion will cost retailers nearly $1. 8 trillion this year and Black Friday can often be a nightmare for stockouts and supply chain issues. With so much at stake during the holiday season, you can’t afford to get it wrong with inventory. Here are some ways to make sure your products get to your customers on time. Hit Your Fulfillment Deadlines Keep a close eye on deadlines to make sure all your inventory is into FBA, your 3PL(s), and all other fulfillment locations by the date advised by your provider.   How to Prep: For Amazon sellers, the last day to get inventory to Amazon warehouses is November 1, 2023. Keep a close eye... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-10-04 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/holiday-inventory-prep/ - Categories: Blog, Holiday & Q4 In a recent CNBC supply chain survey, only 36% of respondents said they expected inventories to return to normal by the end of 2023. While we’ve come a long way from the Great Toilet Paper Wars of 2020, inventory is still an unpredictable beast — especially around the holiday season. As Black Friday approaches, retailers continue to grapple with an inventory glut, while labor issues and other supply chain setbacks loom. Consumer spending habits have also become much less predictable, with many people doing their holiday shopping significantly earlier or later than usual. In short, it’s anyone’s guess what the 2023 holiday shopping season will look like for e-commerce sellers. The only way to prepare is to brace for all possible scenarios. In this guide, we’ll discuss how and when to start preparing your holiday inventory and walk through the key dates and steps to take. Holiday Inventory Prep Why Your Holiday Prep Needs to Start Now Key Holiday Dates for 2023 7 Essential Holiday Inventory Planning Tips Your Holiday Prep Needs to Start Now It’s always been important to get your holiday inventory up to speed early. Whether you’re fighting to meet strict Amazon FBA deadlines or navigating your relationships with 3PLs or not-so-on-time suppliers — it pays to have a head start. But the market keeps getting less and less predictable. And consumer spending habits continue to puzzle economists. This Q4, it’s more crucial than ever to treat inventory like a core part of your strategy — not a last-minute triage operation. As an e-commerce seller, you can no longer afford to make broad assumptions about seasonal spending patterns. Nor can you guarantee all of your shipping partners will get your products to your customers on time. What you can do is make sure you have a lean, agile, and proactive inventory strategy in place. One that saves you money, while getting your products into your customer’s gift wrap-wielding hands well before the trees are trimmed and the menorahs are lit. Key Holiday Dates for 2023 To make the most of the holiday season, take note of the following days. Then, plan your inventory, schedule marketing campaigns, and target your social media accordingly:  October 26: Amazon’s recommended arrival date for seasonal FBA inventory (US) October 31: Halloween & last day to order inventory ahead of Lunar New Year November 1: Last day to get Black Friday/Cyber Monday inventory to FBA (US) November 5: Daylight Savings Time November 23: Thanksgiving November 24: Black Friday November 25: Small Business Saturday November 27: Cyber Monday December 1: Last day to get Christmas inventory to FBA (US) December 7-15: Hanukkah December 17: Super Saturday (AKA Panic Saturday for last-minute shoppers) December 24: Christmas Eve December 25: Christmas December 26: Boxing Day December 26-Jan 1: Kwanzaa December 31: New Year’s Eve Pay special attention to Amazon FBA deadlines, as last-minute changes can occur. Be sure to also keep an eye on the news: supply chain holdups, unexpected press, or other outliers could impact your inventory... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-10-02 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-small-and-light-whats-next/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Inventory & Sourcing Most sources credit the Greek philosopher Heraclitus with the idea that the only constant in life is change. “Everything changes and nothing remains still,” he left in his writings. Amazon seems to have taken Heraclitus’s musings to heart this year with the introduction of several major changes to its seller policies. This past spring, the mega marketplace announced big changes to its FBA storage capacity limits, as well as a plan to start charging for UPS store returns. If you’re like most Amazon sellers, you probably weren’t surprised to see yet another announcement, this time regarding the closure of Amazon’s Small and Light fulfillment pricing program. So what are the latest changes? And what do they mean for your business? Let’s dive in. Goodbye Small and Light What Was Amazon’s Small and Light Program? Meet the New Low-Price FBA Rates What Does the End of FBA Small and Light Mean for You? 4 Tips to Continue Winning Without Small and Light What Was the Amazon FBA Small and Light Program? On August 29, 2023, Amazon announced that its Small and Light program would be replaced by low-price Amazon FBA fees across the board. The Small and Light (S&L) program was specifically designed for low-priced products with small profit margins. It offered sellers with lightweight products reduced fulfillment costs on qualified items based on product weight and dimensions. Fulfillment fees under S&L ranged between $2. 47 for ASINs less than 4 oz and $5. 40 for items up to 3 lb. The aim was essentially, light fees for light products. The top benefits of Amazon Small and Light were: Free delivery for customers Reduced fulfillment fees Amazon-sponsored discounts for customers ordering two or more units These benefits made selling low-priced items profitable when they otherwise wouldn’t have been under Amazon’s standard FBA products pricing. Read Next: The 5 Best Amazon FBA Alternatives to Strengthen Your Fulfillment Strategy. Why Is Amazon Sunsetting FBA Small and Light? The reasons Amazon gives for shutting down the Small and Light program are customer satisfaction and simplification. Here’s Amazon in its official announcement: We have learned a great deal over the last few years, including how these lower fees have helped enable sellers to offer far more low-price selection to customers and how much customers value the continued improvements we have made in speed. As a result, we have decided to end the US FBA Small and Light program and instead lower the standard FBA rates for all low-price products. With the S&L program, sellers enjoyed lower FBA fees. The tradeoff was slower shipping speeds compared to standard FBA SKUs. According to Amazon, as Prime customers have gotten more accustomed to two-day shipping and receiving items the next day, they are no longer satisfied with slower shipping speeds. After the closure of S&L, all products will be shipped with the same faster FBA shipping speeds. Meet the New Low-Price FBA Rates Small and Light fulfillment rates will be replaced by lower standard FBA rates for all... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-09-26 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ups-teamsters-strike-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain UPDATE: According to Reuters, “On August 22, U. S. workers at United Parcel Service ratified a new five-year contract, the Teamsters union said on Tuesday, closing the door on a potential strike that could have put timely Christmas deliveries in doubt and sent shipping costs soaring. ” While this incident may have come to a close, these issues will continue to arise. Here’s what you need to know about this near miss and potential shipping instability in the future. On June 25, UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters reached a landmark deal that averted what could have been the most expensive strike in US history.   For many retailers, this news brought a welcome sigh of relief. A UPS strike would have cost the US economy billions in losses, causing countless delays, stockouts, and other supply chain issues. Though a strike was ultimately avoided, the threat of disruption this catastrophic has brought attention to ongoing vulnerabilities in fulfillment. However, there could also be large-scale disruption in a brighter sense. Big changes to the shipping and logistics ecosystem, and a new playing field for innovative startups, could lead to better fulfillment strategies for businesses like yours. Let’s look at the circumstances that led to the strike warning, plus ways to protect your business. Unpacking the UPS and Teamsters Strike (and Deal) A Brief History of the UPS and Teamsters Near-Strike The End of an Era: A Million Daily Parcels Move to Other Carriers New (or Improved) Fulfillment Options Gain Ground What’s Next? 3 Ways to “Strike-Proof” Your Business A Brief History of the UPS and Teamsters Near-Strike In early July, negotiations broke down between UPS and the Teamsters Union. This impasse meant that 340,000 UPS workers were slated to walk off the job on August 1st, when their contract expired. Among the union’s demands were higher pay, better benefits, and stronger workplace protections. The union also demanded an end to forced overtime and the elimination of a wage system with unfair terms for part-time employees. The agreement reached on July 25 included all of the above, as well as: New full-time job opportunities An official holiday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Air conditioning in all new delivery vehicles purchased after 2024 An immediate pay raise for part-time employees While this “new standard in the labor movement” may seem too good to be true for UPS workers, the strike warning came at an interesting time in US labor history — including the widely publicized SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes.   With huge economic risk and an increasingly large media spotlight, UPS proposed the five-year tentative agreement. This was unanimously endorsed by the UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. But for many businesses, other plans had already been made. In the weeks leading up to the contract deadline, business leaders scrambled to shift their shipments to alternate carriers. Providers large and small stepped in to fill the gap (some a tad more assertively than others) as many modern commerce businesses... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-09-25 - Modified: 2023-09-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/preparing-for-amazon-second-prime-day/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon Amazon recently announced that it will again offer a second Prime member-exclusive sale this year. Get ready for the Prime Big Deal Days event! The sale will take place in October 2023. Deals will be available to Amazon Prime members across 19 countries — including the US, UK, Brazil, China, and Australia. If you’re an Amazon seller planning to participate, here's what you need to prepare for the biggest possible sales boost. If you’re on the fence, read on to learn more about how this Prime member-exclusive sale could benefit your business. Inside This Year's Amazon Second Prime Day Why Is There a Second Prime Day? What Did We Learn From July's Prime Day? How Can Sellers Prepare For a Second Prime Day? Prime Big Deals Day: Why Is There a Second Prime Day? Despite some skepticism and negative press, Amazon believes last October’s Prime Early Access sale was a hit. The mega marketplace is now looking to recreate that success with another fall sale event exclusive to Amazon Prime members. In 2015, Amazon began offering Amazon Prime Day, an exclusive annual sale available only to Amazon Prime Members. The sale was typically held annually in July. Over time, the sale expanded from a single-day Prime Day event to a 36-hour event, then finally to a two-day event in 2019. In 2020, Prime Day shifted from July to October to adapt to pandemic-related disruptions. After supply chain hold-ups bungled shoppers’ gift-giving efforts in 2021, consumers and retailers sought to bump up the holiday shopping season in 2022. That year, Amazon offered its usual two-day event in July, but it also introduced a new two-day Prime member-exclusive event in October called the Prime Early Access Sale. Some media reports criticized this second Prime event for not drawing as much traffic as the July event, but by many accounts (including Amazon’s) the event was a success. The e-commerce giant hasn’t shared much about Prime Big Deals Day, which is being offered for the first time this year, but many experts see it as the latest evolution of the October Prime events. What we do know is that Prime Big Deals Day will be offered in October 2023, and open to sellers and Amazon Prime members in the following countries: Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China France Germany Italy Japan Luxembourg Netherlands Poland Portugal Singapore Spain Sweden US UK What Did We Learn From July's Prime Day? Amazon called the first Prime Day of 2023, which took place on July 11, “the single largest sales day in company history” and “the largest ever for independent sellers in Amazon’s store. ” Prime shoppers purchased over 375 million items globally, and some small businesses — like Caraway, True Classic, and TUSHY — increased their average daily Amazon sales by over eighteen times during the first day of Prime Day. As in years past, the best-selling products overall were in categories like home, fashion, and beauty. The top five items purchased, by number of units, were Temptations... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-09-25 - Modified: 2024-11-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfi-launches-invoice-flex/ - Categories: News & Announcements Next-Gen Invoice Financing That Allows Sellers to Scale Quickly and Strategically Is Here! — SellersFi, a leading finance platform serving e-commerce merchants worldwide, has launched Invoice Flex, a next-generation invoice financing solution for e-commerce merchants and brands.   Traditional invoice financing (often limited to inventory) simply extends single-invoice repayment terms beyond the usual 30/60/90 days offered by vendors and suppliers. SellersFi Invoice Flex strategically closes the cash-flow gap between when merchants order goods and when they sell them.   With Invoice Flex funding, sellers always have plenty of inventory without ever straining cash flow, freeing them to scale quickly and systematically. And they can use Invoice Flex to pay for any business-related invoices, not just for inventory. This allows e-commerce businesses to invest in marketing, research and development, logistics, staffing, equipment, and anything else for which they are invoiced in efforts to grow their businesses.   With generous extended repayment terms (up to 5 months and rates starting at just 1% per month), funding for invoices in amounts as low as $5,000, and coverage for multiple invoices, Invoice Flex delivers increased value for the needs of growing sellers.   “Invoice financing has historically been used as a short-term solution for merchants to ‘buy now and pay later. ’ While SellersFi Invoice Flex can be used in this way, it can also be used as a longer-term, bigger-picture solution that allows businesses to create a purchasing-through-sales cadence that takes into account factors such as seasonality and annual growth goals. ” said Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFi.   For merchants seeking funding beyond (or in addition to) invoices, SellersFi offers a complete Working Capital solution comprised of products including Term Loans, Credit Limits, and Revenue Advances. Funding ranges from $5K-$10M and can be approved in as little as 48 hours. For B2B merchants, SellersFi offers Invoice Factoring and “Buy Now, Pay Later” for no-wait receivable payments. All products, including those for payments and analytics, are part of the SellersFi growth suite that integrates seamlessly with Amazon, Shopify, and other leading commerce platforms.   About SellersFi  SellersFi, formerly SellersFunding, is a global financial technology company that empowers e-commerce merchants looking to grow. As e-commerce evolves, SellersFi will drive the fintech innovations that allow sellers and brands to worry less about funding and finance and to focus more on growth and achieving their business goals. From inventory and marketing to product launches, international expansion, and more, thousands of e-commerce sellers trust SellersFi to achieve limitless success.   --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-09-20 - Modified: 2023-09-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/news-from-amazon-accelerate/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising Amazon Accelerate once again delivered! The annual conference returned to Seattle on September 13-14, welcoming over 2,500 sellers. As expected, Amazon released quite a few exciting updates and teased at even more. Our team was in the audience for all the updates, and we’re here to share them with you. Plus, we’re giving you some bonus tips on how you can make the most of these Amazon new doings.   An Overview of Amazon Accelerate 2023  Dharmesh Mehta, Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Amazon, opened the show and shared the five foci of the event:  Delivering innovative capabilities to empower seller success  Building a valuable and inclusive community where your voice is heard  Offering an amazing place to launch and build a successful brand  Partnering with you at every stage of your journey  Being a force for good in your local community  Presentations, breakouts, and more were geared toward one of these five points of the event. As the various members of Amazon’s team presented onstage, our team noticed one more focal point: Listening. The Amazon teams have been listening to sellers’ pain points and are actively working to improve the process of selling in the Amazon store. This leads us to ... The Big Amazon Accelerate Reveal: Supply Chain by Amazon  Amazon FBA got its start in 2006, providing the cheapest two-day shipping options in the market (approximately 70% less expensive! ) The program now includes over 300 million products available worldwide.   A common pain point for sellers was the sheer volume of programs needed to manage their comprehensive supply chain, from warehouses to buyers’ doors.   Enter Supply Chain by Amazon.   Supply Chain by Amazon will start from the suppliers and factories, whether you’re working with someone globally or domestically. It includes freight (through Amazon Global Logistics or the NEW Partnered Carrier Program), bulk storage (for your Amazon or multi-channel operations) as well as distribution and replenishment. From there, it goes to the fulfillment centers through to the end customer.   Part of this program also includes auto-replenishment planning via AI. Through data, Amazon can determine where your products will be most valuable to customers, helping to relocate them where customers can get them in hand even sooner. In fact, more than 1. 8 billion items have been delivered either the same day or the next day.   Amazon also announced the launch of Amazon Shipping, the “last mile” offering from Amazon. The program will be open to more than FBA sellers (looking at you Fulfilled by Merchant folks). This allows for item delivery in 2-5 days, resulting in up to a 7% higher sales conversion. The only drawback? This is only available in 15 metro areas across the U. S. currently. Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD) Is Available for ALL Sellers!   As part of the improvements Amazon is making in light of the Supply Chain program, it’s also making changes to the AWD options. The program is now available to all sellers. There is no longer... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-09-18 - Modified: 2023-12-29 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-small-business-empowerment-report/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog Between rising fees, regular re-verification processes, and an influx of new competition, you might be wondering if selling on Amazon is really worth it. If the latest Amazon Small Business Empowerment Report is anything to go by, the answer is probably yes. In May 2023, Amazon released its 2022 Amazon Small Business Empowerment Report, highlighting the ways growing e-commerce businesses are succeeding on the platform. Because while the mega-marketplace does come with its challenges, Amazon remains a major engine for small business success. Here are some of the top highlights from the latest Amazon Small Business Empowerment Report, plus a few tips to help you scale your business on Amazon. Amazon Small Business Empowerment Report: 8 Top Takeaways for Growing Merchants 60% of sales on Amazon are from independent sellers. Brand owners grew sales more than 20% year over year. Sellers who used A+ Content Manager saw 25% more customer interest. Health, personal care, home, beauty, grocery, and apparel lead the way. Shipping with FBA costs 30% less. Amazon sellers exported over 260 million products globally. Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator fuels innovation. Selling with Amazon can also mean giving back. 1. 60% of sales on Amazon are from independent sellers. You know Amazon is a go-to platform for budding entrepreneurs. But did you know that independent sellers actually defined Amazon’s existence as a marketplace? In 2000, Amazon opened up its platform to third-party sellers. Seven years later, independent sellers claimed the majority share of sales on Amazon — turning the company into a full-fledged marketplace, rather than just a retailer. Decades on, independent sellers have continued to grow, accounting for 60% of Amazon sales in 2022. While a more crowded marketplace may mean increased competition and a higher risk of issues like counterfeiting and organized retail crime, Amazon’s enormous and still-growing customer base also means more opportunities for fast-growing businesses.   Merchants who focus their efforts on landing the right niche and optimizing their listings for the customer journey can still see increased traffic and sales. 2. Brand owners grew sales more than 20% year-over-year. The stats look even better for brand owners and private-label products.   Sellers with their own unique products are eligible to register their brands with Amazon, which brings advanced protection against counterfeiting, patent disputes, and black hat competition tactics. Registered brands on Amazon also get access to special benefits, like Sponsored Brands ads, and branded Amazon storefronts, with the ability to attractively showcase multiple products at once.   Brand Store pages can also boost your business’s organic rankings, making it even easier to outpace competitors. 3. Sellers who used A+ Content Manager saw 25% more customer interest. Amazon A+ Content, previously called Enhanced Brand Content, is one of the perks available only to registered brands on the platform. The feature allows sellers to create content for product descriptions and product detail pages with rich text, image carousels, and video. A+ Content also includes a tool for testing different versions of each page, to see which... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-09-13 - Modified: 2023-09-13 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon/amazon-delivery-date-reserve-policy/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Resources In e-commerce, you have your eye on a variety of metrics. Revenue. Sales volume. Profitability. But most sellers would agree that none of these matter to your business’s long-term growth plan quite like cash flow. In short, Wu-Tang Clan said it best: “Cash rules everything around me. ” Without positive cash flow, it’s all but impossible to achieve your growth goals. And for sellers with a significant presence on Amazon, the issue of cash flow is a big one. Amazon’s payment schedule and payout guidelines are, to put it gently, kind of a pain. There’s nothing more frustrating than making a sale (win ) and then having to wait weeks to get the money from that sale. So how long does Amazon hang onto your funds and how is that period determined? Let’s dig into the details, and explore five ways to get your cash sooner. All About the Amazon Delivery Date Reserve Policy Amazon’s Base Reserve Policy and Account Level Reserve How Amazon’s Delivery Date Reserve Policy Impacts Your Business 5 Ways to Get Paid Faster Healthy Cash Flow on Your Terms Amazon’s Base Reserve Policy and Account Level Reserve Why do Amazon sellers see such a long delay between making a sale and receiving the profits?   In short, Amazon has a conservative payout timeline to hedge risk and protect the parties involved in each transaction. For most sellers, Amazon’s payment schedule requires the funds from a sale to be held in reserve for a period of time to make sure you actually deliver the product that the customer paid for. This built-in delay is intended to protect you from liability, your customers from fraud, and Amazon from unnecessary administrative work resolving issues and disputes. What Is the Amazon Account Level Reserve? Amazon’s seller account level reserve is a chunk of money reserved to cover potential chargebacks, returns, refunds, or guarantee claims after a customer receives your product. Seeing these funds reserved in your account, while frustrating, is par for the course when selling on Amazon.   Your account could have a reserve for any of the following reasons: You’re subject to delivery date-based reserves (more on this below) You have open A-to-z Guarantee claims You have chargebacks from the past 90 days Your seller performance fell below benchmarks Your account is under review Local regulations require Amazon to withhold income tax from you Before this holding period existed, scammers took advantage of the system by selling high volumes of inventory with extended shipping times — then collected payments and vanished before customers could complain that they didn’t receive their products. The Amazon Delivery Date Reserve Policy Amazon’s base reserve policy impacts how much your account level reserve is and how long it’s held. In summer of 2023, Amazon informed many Europe-based sellers that their base reserve policy would be changing to a Delivery Date-Based Reserve. Previously, many of these sellers’ reserve periods were based on the shipping confirmation date. After the changes take effect, the reserve period... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-09-11 - Modified: 2023-12-29 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/social-commerce-trends/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising, Resources The term “social commerce” is often used to describe shopping through social media channels — like when a customer makes an in-app purchase through an ad on Instagram.   But social commerce makes up a much broader e-commerce ecosystem, encompassing many areas where commerce and the collective collide. Product reviews, influencer marketing, livestream shopping — there are many moving pieces to a healthy social commerce strategy. The only real constant is that it’s always changing. According to a recent Accenture report, social commerce could grow up to three times as fast as traditional e-commerce, from $492 billion to $1. 2 trillion by 2025. As social media becomes a force for online product discovery, much of that business will go to growing sellers. If you’re not already investing in social commerce, now’s the time to start. Here’s a look at some of the latest and most promising social commerce trends, plus actionable steps for how your business can benefit. The Top 5 Social Commerce Trends A Mass Migration to Social Less Influencer Marketing, More User-Generated Content Smaller Followings Could Mean Larger Impact Livestream Is Lagging (But Don’t Give Up On It Yet) AR Shopping and Virtual Try-On 1. A Mass Migration to Social With increasing fees, confusing rules, and pay-to-play sponsored search, boosting your presence on Amazon isn’t getting any easier. Brands are looking for new ways to get noticed, with nearly half saying they want to be less reliant on a single channel and are ready to lean deeper into social media as an alternative. Meanwhile, TikTok is in the midst of a noticeable pivot toward social commerce and may have plans for its own fulfillment network. Meta is shifting Shops sellers to its own in-app checkout. And Web3 proponents are pushing for brands to build their own communities. No matter your long game, social media plays a role. 59% of global users surveyed said they would be more likely to buy from smaller brands on social media and 44% said they would buy from a brand they’d never heard of. Whether you're just beginning to scale or struggling to stand out in a crowded niche, a strong social media strategy can increase your success. Tap Into The Trend: Sell on social. If you’re not already, now is the time to consider selling your product via social media. You probably already have an idea of your best channels, but when in doubt, use data and consumer demographics to prioritize your platforms. Sell smaller. If you’re new to social selling, focus on pushing affordable, impulse-buy products. You can use email marketing and retargeting to nurture new customers toward bigger ticket items. Invest in seamless checkout. Customers experience at least one pain point in 60% of their social media transactions — far more than on brand websites and marketplaces. Use a shopper-friendly checkout system, with multiple payment options and solutions that migrate user data from other platforms or past purchases to your site. 2. Less Influencer Marketing, More User-Generated Content Trust in... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-08-31 - Modified: 2024-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/invoice-flex-invoice-financing/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing Nearly every e-commerce seller has been there. To grow, you need to sell more. To sell more, you need ... well, there’s a lot you need, including: More inventory. You can’t sell what you don’t have, plus Amazon hates stockouts! Increased cost efficiency. Shipping fees and small batch orders drive costs up. Better marketing and tech. A top-tier brand experience is crucial to growth. Strong cash flow is central to all of the above, but tight payment terms don’t make it easy. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce you to Invoice Flex. What Is Invoice Flex for Invoice Financing? Invoice Flex is SellersFi’s innovative take on invoice financing. Invoice Flex is simple upfront funding for a specific purpose: to empower you to balance purchases (inventory and more) and business investments without straining your cash flow. Here’s how Invoice Flex works: You submit an invoice and choose your payment terms. We pay you, and you pay your supplier. (Suppliers will love you for fast payment in their currencies. Use the SellersFi Digital Wallet for maximum purchasing power. ) You pay us back over time, up to 5 months to be exact. Yes, it’s that simple. No, invoice financing doesn’t have to be hard. Invoice Flex is next-gen invoice financing. It lets you extend your payments on goods and services beyond the typical 30-, 60-, or 90-day terms, giving you time to capture the ROI on those investments before your payment terms are up. The result? Short-term and long-game wins! With Invoice Flex, you can accelerate growth on your terms. You’ll also be able to strategically balance your inventory and cash flow needs for longer periods. And that longer-term planning will give you the edge over your competition. How Does Invoice Flex Work? At SellersFi, we know simplicity and transparency are two crucial elements of every healthy finance strategy. With Invoice Flex, you can finance any invoice over $5,000 and enjoy the payment terms that work for you: Repayment terms of 2-5 months Interest rates starting at just 1% per month To qualify for Invoice Flex, you must: Be a selling entity based in the U. S. Have at least 6 months of online sales history Have at least $20,000 in net sales per month No matter your niche, category, or growth strategy, Invoice Flex puts the flex in flexibility. You choose the goods and services you want to purchase (inventory, R&D, marketing, staffing, logistics, etc. ). We give you upfront funding coverage and generous repayment terms. 4 Ways To Incorporate Invoice Flex Into Your Business Strategy Invoice Flex closes the cash flow gap between when you order goods and when you sell them.   But it isn’t just about getting inventory now and paying for it later.  Here are some of the ways to use Invoice Flex as a strategic lever to help you increase profitability and scale your business. 1. Capture Opportunities Faster With Invoice Flex, you’re ready to, as Alec Baldwin famously says in cult classic Glengarry Glen Ross,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-08-28 - Modified: 2023-08-29 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-working-capital/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Walmart - Tags: Funding & Lending, Walmart Small business loans are meant to help entrepreneurs, but when it comes to e-commerce, traditional lenders aren’t likely to meet your needs. Stringent requirements disqualify more than half of total SBA applicants, with large banks approving only 25% of the SBA loan applications they receive. Only 31% of small business owners get the full amount of funding they need, with the vast majority of SBA loan approvals going to non-minority applicants. One of the main reasons business owners from historically underrepresented backgrounds struggle to get funding is unequal access to collateral — yet many lenders still won’t lend without it. To qualify for a loan, you’re expected to already have assets that match or exceed the value you’re asking to borrow. It’s a system that makes little sense and one that disproportionately disadvantages people who are building their businesses from the ground up. Let’s take a closer look at the loan requirements that can make it hard to get e-commerce financing and explore new solutions based on your real business potential — not your personal assets. E-commerce Funding Without Personal Collateral Eligibility Terms Shouldn’t Hold You Back Alternative Funding Options That Don’t Require Collateral The Best Funding Options for Growing E-commerce Businesses What You’ll Need to Secure Funds Without Collateral What to Look for in a Lending Partner Eligibility Terms Shouldn’t Hold You Back Personal collateral requirements are one of the biggest barriers to entry for small businesses applying for SBA and other traditional loans, and entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities often feel it the most. Black founders are more likely to be denied loans or offered worse loan terms than their white counterparts, even when they have stronger applications. They may also have less access to generational wealth and are more likely to work a second job while they build their businesses. No one should have to put personal assets at risk to grow a business.   With unequal loan requirements, everyone loses. If you’re considering a traditional loan, think carefully before you apply. Here’s what you could be signing over in exchange for those funds. Secured vs. Unsecured Loans Many SBA and bank loans are structured as secured loans. This means they require you to put up specific assets as collateral, like real estate, inventory, or business equipment. These assets can belong to the business, or they can be your personal property. If you default on the loan, the lender can seize these assets. All SBA loans over $25,000 require some type of collateral. In some cases, a lender may not ask for collateral. This is called an unsecured loan. Unsecured loans aren’t tied to any particular assets. If you don’t pay back the debt, it’s sent to collections and can leave a dent in your credit score. Even with unsecured loans, the lender may still require a personal guarantee — a contract that holds you, as an individual, responsible for your business's debts. This means that if your business fails to pay off the loan, the lender can... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-08-23 - Modified: 2025-01-14 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/best-e-commerce-marketplaces/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Walmart - Tags: Amazon, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Walmart Exploring new e-commerce marketplaces is a great way to break into an omnichannel strategy. The right e-commerce website can elevate your brand’s perceived value and make your products more discoverable, often doubling as high-traffic search engines. Plus, it’s never a good idea to have all your revenue eggs in one basket. Expanding your brand’s horizons by launching on a new marketplace will not only help protect your business, it will also give you more avenues to scale your sales and dominate your niche. But with so many e-commerce sites to choose from, how do you know which global marketplaces are really worth your time? As a marketplace seller, the answer to that is always going to depend on your unique goals and business model — but here are some of the best e-commerce marketplaces to get you started. The Best E-Commerce Marketplaces for Sellers Amazon Walmart Etsy eBay Shein Temu Mercado Libre About the 7 Best E-commerce Marketplaces From household names like Amazon and Walmart to rising stars like Temu and Rakuten, there’s an e-commerce marketplace to help you meet a wide range of e-commerce goals.   Let’s explore some of the top benefits and drawbacks of some of the world’s best online marketplaces. 1. Amazon With 9. 7 million sellers and over 310 million active customer accounts globally, Amazon is a marketplace that needs no introduction. Its unmatched product selection and free same- and next-day delivery have earned the loyalty of the masses, setting the stage for ambitious sellers to win big. What’s Great About Amazon Scale worldwide from one platform: With customers in 180 countries and counting, Amazon is an ideal place to build an international brand.   Ideal for medium to large stores: From its user-friendly customizable storefronts to its extensive fulfillment network, Amazon has the plug-and-play infrastructure needed to get started quickly and scale bigger and faster. Increase your sales velocity: Amazon’s massive customer base combined with endless product selection, lightning-fast delivery, and stellar customer service leads to what everyone wants — more sales. What’s Not So Great About Amazon Fees add up fast: There is a growing list of Amazon fees for things like storage, aged inventory surcharges, high-volume listings, removal and disposal fees, and more. Securing a healthy ROI on Amazon can become more challenging as fees increase. Pay-to-play culture: Given the stiff competition, it can be difficult to rank new products organically. To win on Amazon, you’ll need a budget and strategy for running Amazon ads and driving external traffic. Rules are always changing: To keep your listings active and avoid having funds withheld, you’ll have to stay on top of Amazon’s policy updates. Harsh penalties for inventory misfires: Going out of stock on Amazon can be devastating to your success on the platform, especially if it happens during peak sales season. Amazon has also begun penalizing excess inventory through increased storage fees.   2. eBay With over a billion visitors per month, eBay holds the title of the world’s second-largest marketplace after... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-08-22 - Modified: 2025-01-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/account-level-reserve-amazon/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Amazon Account level reserves can be a serious setback for rapidly growing Amazon sellers. How can you keep your business running when Amazon won’t release funds until at least two weeks after your customer receives the product? In the game of e-commerce, healthy cash flow is essential to business-critical tasks like securing inventory, keeping your ads running, and ensuring a healthy stream of sales for your store, and like it or not — the Amazon account level reserve is just as much a part of the game.   While it’s true that account level reserves can slow your Amazon payouts and stall your cash flow, they also protect your business from serious financial liabilities and potential fraud. Let’s take a closer look at what sellers need to know about account level reserves on Amazon and how to get access to funds if you ever find yourself in a cash flow stalemate. Understanding the Amazon Account Level Reserve What is the Amazon Account Level Reserve? Breaking Down Amazon’s Reserve Tiers How Long is Money Held in the Amazon Account Level Reserve?   Why is My Amazon Account Level Reserve So High? How to View Your Current Amazon Reserve Amount Tips to Avoid an Account Level Reserve How Does Amazon's Seller Payment Schedule Work?   Scale Your Growth with Faster Amazon Payouts Get your full payout with our Amazon Revenue Advance. No waiting, no reserve, Funding comes from SellersFi in the form of short-term working capital of 1-3 months and fees as low as 1. 5%. Plus, you also get all the features of our Digital Wallet at no cost. What Is the Amazon Account Level Reserve? The Amazon seller account level reserve is a sum of money Amazon reserves from your balance to cover potential chargebacks, returns, refunds, or guarantee claims after customers receive your product. It’s also called an “unavailable balance”. You can think of it as a type of insurance — a proactive strategy meant to protect the financial liability of your store, Amazon, and the customer. By holding onto a part of the money in your Amazon seller’s account, Amazon guarantees all parties will be taken care of in the event that you can’t fulfill an order. This also helps prevent fraud, since before Amazon had a holding period, many scammers took advantage of the system by selling high volumes of inventory for cheap with extended shipping times. This gave scammers the perfect opportunity to collect their profits and vanish before Amazon even noticed. Here are some of the other reasons Amazon may put a reserve on your seller account: You didn’t provide shipping confirmation You have open A-to-z guarantee claims Your seller performance has fallen below Amazon’s benchmarks Local tax regulations require Amazon to withhold income tax from you (this varies by store) You have chargebacks on one or more of your orders Your seller account is under review You have payment information errors By offering this service, Amazon is both protecting itself and helping you carry out... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-08-21 - Modified: 2024-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/china-sourcing-alternatives/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Expansion, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing Fill in the blank: Made in _____. If you’re like most Americans, your gut response was “China. ” For decades, China has been one of the US’s largest trade partners, always with a significant trade deficit (read: The US imports more than it exports). However, the tides may be changing. Fill in that blank again in 10 or 20 years, and the average American might have a different response. After years of political shifts and unexpected events, merchants have started diversifying their product-sourcing portfolios as the risks associated with relying only on China have increased. Since the early 2020s, it’s become painfully clear that disruption can happen anytime and anywhere. For growing sellers, having multiple sourcing options just makes sense.   But there are several other benefits to a well-diversified supply chain — including, increased cost savings, product innovation, access to new markets, and a greater socioeconomic impact. If there were ever a time to think seriously about diversifying your supplier base beyond China, this would be it. And the good news is you now have more options than ever. Best China Sourcing Alternatives: Sourcing Alternatives in Central and South America Mexico Colombia Brazil Peru Sourcing Alternatives in South Central Asia India Bangladesh Turkey Sourcing Alternatives in Southeast Asia Malaysia Indonesia Thailand Cambodia Philippines Vietnam Sourcing Alternatives in Europe Poland Hungary Questions to Ask Potential Suppliers Building a Sourcing Strategy With the Right Funding Partner 15 China Sourcing Alternatives China — by Region Finding new suppliers is easier said than done. Which countries could compete with China — a manufacturing hub that’s both cost-efficient and highly skilled? It’s a wide world out there and many sourcing alternatives have so far been overlooked. While China may still be a viable supplier for many sellers, diversifying your suppliers across the globe is becoming both more necessary and more viable. Sourcing Alternatives in Central and South America Mexico A growing number of e-commerce sellers are adding Central and South American countries to their supplier mix. Countries in Latin America have been rapidly leveling up with progress in every step of the supply chain stage from raw material sourcing to shipping. If you’re a US-based retailer, linking up with suppliers in Mexico is a practical option. Here are some of the top reasons to partner with suppliers in Central and South America: Free trade agreements through NAFTA Proximity means lower shipping costs and quicker shipping time Shipping smaller quantities is more practical — no more warehouse hoarding! Similar time zones aid communication Not based in the US? Mexico may still be a workable option as it has lower labor costs than China, better intellectual property protection, and a highly skilled workforce. Top exports from Mexico: Automobiles Electronics Medical devices Plastics Top websites to find reliable partners in Mexico: Mexico Business Associates  Papaya Marketplace MFG. com Allbiz Quick look: Evaluating Mexico as a sourcing alternative Mexico: Sourcing ProsMexico: Sourcing Cons-Low tariffs-Quick and affordable shipping-Low labor costs-Regional crime and corruption-Language barriers-Complex regulations and compliance Colombia Colombia... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-08-14 - Modified: 2023-08-23 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-ai-search/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog Arriving fashionably late to the generative AI party, Amazon is planning to incorporate a ChatGPT-style conversational search function into its online marketplace. With other internet behemoths like Google and Bing already offering (occasionally unhinged) versions of conversational search, and marketplaces like Walmart, Mercari, and Alibaba jumping on the trend, Amazon will likely need to roll out the new feature quickly if it wants to keep up. While the mega marketplace has not revealed whether it will be overhauling its existing search function, Amazon spokesperson Keri Bertolino told Time that the company would be “significantly investing in generative AI across all of our businesses. ” Conversational search works very differently compared to the conventional keyword-based algorithms you’re used to. But will you have to throw out everything you know about Amazon SEO and start over? Today we’ll explore what a ChatGPT-style conversational search could look like, and what it could mean for your growing Amazon business. Amazon's Future GPT-Style Search The State of GPT in E-commerce What Does This Mean for Amazon Search? How Can Sellers Capitalize on Amazon’s New Search? 4 Ways to Prepare for Generative AI Search on Amazon The State of GPT in E-commerce You’ve likely heard the buzz about how GPT and related technologies have the potential to transform the e-commerce landscape. Before we dive into what GPT-style search might mean for Amazon sellers, let’s look at some of the basics of AI and e-commerce. What Exactly Is “GPT"? GPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, a type of natural language processing model that can create text, images, music, and more. It can also interact with humans conversationally, incorporating user responses and feedback into future results. One extremely popular implementation of this technology is OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a mostly free, text-only application of GPT that any user with an internet connection can converse with. E-commerce businesses can use ChatGPT’s API to create live chat functions on their websites, generate text for product listings, and more. How Is GPT Used in E-Commerce? Walmart is already a major player in the generative AI space, using the technology to power several offerings including Text to Shop, and experimenting with GPT for other conversational experiences. Levi Strauss is using AI to create virtual, size-inclusive models for its clothing. And Coca-Cola may be using OpenAI’s technology to optimize its sales and marketing strategies. But perhaps the most compelling use case for GPT in e-commerce is for product searches and recommendations. That’s because GPT uses natural language processing to incorporate multiple shopper questions and parameters into a single query, while also keeping past conversations, context, and even a user’s data in mind.   Instead of typing a handful of keywords into a search box, consumers can have a text conversation with a chatbot that actually listens. Generative AI is so disruptive to the way current search algorithms work, it may be poised to overturn e-commerce as we know it. Bill Gates even went as far as to say that, with conversational search, “You’ll never go to... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-08-09 - Modified: 2023-09-14 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/the-future-of-cryptocurrency-in-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Tech & Data In March 2023, several prominent banks collapsed in what was described as “the first bank crisis of the Twitter generation. ” In the wake of the collapses, cryptocurrency prices surged, with users looking for ways to beat volatility in traditional banking. Even before the banking crisis, a growing number of e-commerce businesses were beginning to lean into cryptocurrency. A 2022 Deloitte study found that 75% of retailers planned to accept some form of digital currency within the next two years. In a world where social media and digital banking lead to quicker and more unpredictable financial disasters, you may wonder whether your e-commerce store should jump on the crypto bandwagon. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about accepting crypto payments and help you make the best decision for your business. The Crypto and E-commerce Essentials What Is Cryptocurrency? How to Accept and Receive Crypto Payments The Pros and Cons of Accepting Cryptocurrency Payments How 3 E-commerce Brands Approach Cryptocurrency Payments What Is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency, or “crypto,” is a virtual form of currency. It is decentralized, which means users exchange currency directly with each other, rather than going through banks, governments, or other intermediaries.   Crypto isn’t tied directly to an individual’s personal information. Instead, each crypto user gets a key — a long string of letters and numbers — that proves ownership and gives them access to their funds. Any transaction you make with crypto is permanently recorded on a digital ledger called blockchain. Since data stored with blockchain technology can’t be changed or deleted, crypto is, at least in theory, less susceptible to hacking and fraud than ordinary bank or credit card transactions. There are over 22,000 cryptocurrencies currently in existence, but the most traded cryptocurrencies are still Bitcoin and Ethereum. Cryptocurrency ATMs, also known as BTMS, can be found at thousands of locations around the world, and businesses ranging from Domino’s and KFC to Gucci and Balenciaga have dipped their toes in the world of crypto payments. How to Accept and Receive E-commerce Cryptocurrency Payments If you’re considering accepting crypto payments, you’ll first want to double-check that they won’t land you in any legal hot water. Some countries have strict bans on crypto. Others have implicit or partial bans, meaning banks can’t deal in cryptocurrencies or offer services to businesses that use them. Assuming crypto is legal in your area, your next move will be to set up a crypto wallet, a place to store your digital currency. Crypto wallets fall into two basic categories: cold wallets and hot wallets. Cold wallets, or offline wallets, can be hardware devices similar to USB sticks, or they can be printed on paper. Cold wallets can’t be hacked, but if they’re lost or stolen, you lose access to all your crypto funds. Cold wallets are typically best for long-term investors and those storing funds that don’t need to be accessed very often. Hot wallets are connected to the internet and accessed by logging into a website or... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-08-07 - Modified: 2024-05-02 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/map-pricing/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog Whether you’re a brand selling DTC on Amazon or a distributor reselling a product with a Minimum Advertising Pricing (MAP) policy, you might be hitting a major roadblock on Amazon: Getting undercut by sellers violating MAP policies. Or worse, losing your Buy Box positions. MAP policy violations are a real problem for growing brands and distributors who are playing by the rules. And even though these violations happen on the Amazon platform, it's up to you to enforce MAP. Here’s what you need to know about MAP pricing, plus the latest tips to protect your profitability on Amazon. Minimum Advertised Pricing on Amazon What is a Minimum Advertised Price? Benefits of a MAP Policy How Do You Set a MAP Price? What Is a MAP Violation? 7 Tips and Tools to Enforce MAP Pricing on Amazon Reclaim Your Balance Sheet with Minimum Advertising Pricing Strategies What Is a Minimum Advertised Price? The Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) is the lowest price a third-party seller can advertise a product for, as agreed upon with the manufacturer. The idea is to help prevent the price wars that inevitably happen when sellers undersell the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MAP pricing benefits both the manufacturer and the seller, but it does take some work on the brand side to implement an effective policy. MAP vs. MSRP The differences between MAP and MSRP pricing involve flexibility and plain old numbers. The MSRP is always higher than the MAP, and it’s geared more toward the consumer than the seller. It’s a reference point that gives consumers an idea of the product’s value, and a seller can set a lower price if they want. Meanwhile, the MAP is more strict, and violating it can have serious consequences for the distributor. For example, if a sweater has an MSRP of $120, a third-party seller could price it at $90 and advertise a 25% savings. But if the manufacturer has assigned the sweater a MAP of $100, the seller can’t advertise it for $90. Note that the seller could still sell the sweater for $90 — they just can’t advertise it. Why Is a MAP Pricing Policy Important? Whether you’re a manufacturer or a seller, you probably know this already: As long as customers are getting the best deals and keep coming back, Amazon is happy. In other words, if you're being undercut by other sellers, don’t count on Amazon to help you. Instead, take your business into your own hands by implementing a solid pricing policy. However, the policy by itself isn’t enough. You also need strategies to enforce it. Experts like Bill Johannesen, founder of Vision Werks Consulting, and Anthony Capozzoli, Amazon expert and financial strategies designer, emphasize the importance of ensuring you have the means to enforce your pricing policy before telling sellers you’ll be holding them accountable. In the podcast episode “Why a Pricing Policy Can Make or Break Your Brand Integrity,” Bill and Anthony explain that, "Implementing a MAP policy is either the best... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-07-26 - Modified: 2023-12-29 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/q3-e-commerce-roi/ - Categories: Blog Q3 can sometimes feel like the wait at the airport gate after you’ve made it past security.   But instead of waiting to take off on the long-haul flight that is Q4, you could use this time to reflect on your success so far and prepare for a profitable holiday season. Big-box marketplaces and brands use this time to run test sales that give them valuable Black Friday data, prep their holiday inventory, uplevel their marketing, and optimize their listings. Whether you use Q3 as a time to experiment and innovate, or to simply ensure you’re as prepared as possible for Q4, there are many ways to use this "quiet" time to increase your future results. Make the Most of Q3 E-commerce ROI What Trends Should You Watch Out for in Q3? 5 Practical Steps You Can Take in Q3 to Prep for a Strong Q4 What Trends Should You Watch for in Q3? From getting prepped for Prime Day to the impact of early holiday shopping, e-commerce trends are always evolving. July to September is the perfect time to get creative and think more holistically about the long-term vision for your business. Here are some of the key trends to keep on your radar in Q3. AI Product Recommendations While there seem to be limitless use cases for generative AI in e-commerce, product recommendation seems to be the most on-trend. Brands like Instacart, Shopify, and Klarna are using ChatGPT-based technology to offer customers tailored product recommendations. Instacart’s AI extension responds to food-related inquiries by serving up food and recipe information and helping customers easily order the right ingredients. Shopify’s plugin lets users input budget, product, and brand preferences, then offers customized product suggestions. Secondhand marketplace Mercari and German retailer Zalando have also launched similar tools. Even Coca-Cola and other beverage companies have jumped on the AI bandwagon. Beyond nudging shoppers to explore similar products, merchants can also use AI to draft product descriptions, provide customer service via always-on chatbots, analyze hundreds or even thousands of product reviews, and more.   Start experimenting now so that you'll be ahead of the pack as generative AI technology becomes more affordable and accessible. Hyper-Personalization On the topic of generative AI, this is just one of many technologies that can offer much deeper (and sometimes, creepier) degrees of personalization.   Startups like Maverick are working with personalized, AI-generated videos that can speak to thousands of individual customers for as little as $100 per month. Imagine a video popping up as you’re about to close the checkout window prompting you, by name, to stick around and buy those sneakers you were on the fence about. AI and machine learning software like Session AI can also predict a customer’s behavior within their first five clicks on an e-commerce website, generating a score for how likely they are to make a purchase during that session. Brands can then serve that customer personalized content to make them more likely to follow through with a purchase. Unpredictable Buyer Behavior... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-07-24 - Modified: 2023-07-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-payouts/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Amazon, Funding & Lending The Amazon seller payment schedule can lead to high hurdles for merchants. You must move fast to navigate market shifts, stay ahead of the competition, and walk the line between taking on too much inventory or letting stockouts destroy your Amazon Account Health.  But slow Amazon payouts can make it hard to stay agile. Nothing empowers you more than having the security of a well-funded business operation, plus the cash on hand to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. Amazon’s payout system can slow your ability to grow — but it doesn’t have to. Here’s how to get your payouts faster, so you can keep your business moving forward. Accessing Your Amazon Payouts Faster A Quick Primer on Amazon Payouts How Faster Payouts Can Help You Scale Your Business Stop Waiting for Your Amazon Seller Payout A Quick Primer on Amazon Payouts When a customer pays for your product, Amazon typically reserves your funds for about seven days after the product delivery date. This protects both you and Amazon in case of any chargebacks, refunds, disputes, or guarantee claims. This is also known as your Amazon Account Level Reserve or Seller Reserve. When you see an unavailable balance in your seller account on Amazon, these are the funds that Amazon won’t release until the next disbursement, or “payout”. When your account is settled and your balance is positive, Amazon initiates an ACH or other electronic funds transfer every 14 days. Funds transferred by Amazon can take up to five additional days to land in your bank account. You can (and should) learn more about the Amazon payout process. In short, you could be waiting up to a month — or more if there’s an issue — to access your sales. How Faster Payouts Can Help You Scale Your Business With immediate access to your Amazon sales, you no longer have to wait weeks to execute your next growth play.   At SellersFi, our Amazon Revenue Advance solution was purpose-built so sellers like you don’t have to hit pause while you wait for your disbursements.   Whether you work with SellersFi or another e-commerce funding partner, here are some of the ways faster access to your Amazon revenue can help fuel your growth: Amp Up Your Digital Ad Spend According to Amazon, 70% of shoppers don’t bother to click past the first page of search results, and the first three items in a product search get 64% of clicks. With the current search algorithm covering most of that first page with sponsored product results — upping your spending on Amazon ads is all but a requirement if you want your brand to show up in a keyword search. You can get the most out of your Amazon ad spend by: Optimizing your Amazon PPC ad strategy and bidding on the right keywords Running Lightning Deals and other premium promotions on significant sales days like Prime Day and Black Friday Considering an Amazon Live campaign Increasing your ad spend off the platform with... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-07-17 - Modified: 2023-08-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-seller-accounts/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing For growing e-commerce brands, creating an Amazon seller account can bring huge money-making opportunities. With more than 2. 4 billion visitors in the US alone, selling on Amazon is often presented as an obvious way to grow your e-commerce business. While Amazon is a very profitable channel for some, others may be less comfortable with the potential risks. It all comes down to your unique goals and growth model. So is now the right time to start selling on Amazon? Whether you’re already a successful Amazon seller or a new brand looking to use Amazon as part of a broader multichannel strategy, here’s what you need to know about Amazon seller accounts today. A Complete Guide to Amazon Seller Accounts How to Become an Amazon Seller Types of Amazon Seller Accounts How to Create an Amazon Seller Account How to Handle Multiple Amazon Seller Accounts Optimize Your Amazon Selling Experience With Brand Registry FAQs About Selling on Amazon Create a Winning Strategy for Selling on Amazon How to Become an Amazon Seller So you’ve decided to ramp up your presence on Amazon — or dip your toes in the water for the first time. As a soon-to-be member of one of the world’s most powerful e-commerce marketplaces, the world of online shopping is your oyster. If you’re here, you likely already have your business basics nailed down, including which products you sell and how (and where) you source them. To prepare for the Amazon seller account creation process, you have some additional decisions to make regarding your relationship with Amazon. 1. Your Business Model If you’re already selling your products on other e-commerce marketplaces, you probably have an idea of which business model you’re operating with.   Some popular e-commerce business models include: Private Label: Rebrand existing products under your own label. Wholesale: Purchase new products in bulk at discounted prices for resale. Retail Arbitrage: Find discounted products in physical stores or online to resell. Dropshipping: Transfer customer orders directly to the product manufacturer or supplier instead of holding inventory. 2. Your Fulfillment Method One of Amazon’s greatest differentiating features is its fulfillment options. Amazon allows new sellers to choose how they’ll get products to customers, using these two options: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Amazon FBA spans the globe, thanks to the Global Selling program which allows sellers to fulfill orders internationally by shipping goods through Amazon’s expansive network. With FBA, sellers ship their goods to a fulfillment center assigned by Amazon. As orders roll in, Amazon will take care of the picking, packing, shipping, and returns for a fee that depends on the item’s size, height, and category. This frees up your time to focus on other important tasks, like marketing and product development. Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM): FBM puts sellers in the driver’s seat. You get more control over shipping times and products — e. g. , you can conduct a final inspection before sending goods out and can use custom packaging instead of the classic Amazon box.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-07-12 - Modified: 2024-05-02 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-returns/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog Amazon has quietly begun charging some customers for making UPS returns. Customers who live closer to an Amazon Fresh, Kohl’s, or Whole Foods location — but who choose to return their purchases via UPS anyway — may now have to pay a $1 fee for each return. The move comes as Amazon works to cope with slowing growth following the pandemic. But it could also signal bigger changes, like a shift away from free returns across the e-commerce ecosystem. Given the ever-rising price of doing business with Amazon and the costs and complications of accepting returns, you may be wondering what this new return fee could mean for your growing e-commerce business. Could it lead to fewer returns and a little less headache? Or will it discourage some of your customers from buying? Could this result in new costs or fees for sellers? Let’s take a closer look at how this change could impact your business and some potential ways to turn that $1 fee into an opportunity for increased growth. Amazon’s New UPS Returns Charge What’s New with Amazon’s Return Policy? How Are Free Returns Changing? Why Would Amazon Start Charging for UPS Returns? What Does This Move Mean for Sellers? What’s New with Amazon’s Returns Policy? In spring 2023, The Information reported what one clever Reddit user had already noticed a few days earlier: Amazon had begun charging a $1 fee for returns made through UPS stores.   The fee only applies if the customer’s shipping address is within the same distance or closer to an Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, or Kohl’s location — all of which accept returns for free. If UPS is the closest option for the customer, returns made there do not incur a charge. Previously, Amazon offered free returns at most UPS Stores. Some customers could even schedule free UPS pickups at their homes. Last year, Amazon began tacking on a $7. 99 fee for at-home UPS pickups, but customers could still drop their returns at UPS store locations for free. How Are Free Returns Changing? For years, Amazon has been setting the industry standard for free returns, sending return labels and boxes to customers’ homes, and offering label-free and box-free returns at thousands of dropoff locations throughout the US. Initially, the company only offered free returns on bedding, apparel, and clothing. But in 2019, Amazon expanded its free returns policy to include millions of items across categories including electronics, pet supplies, household items, and kitchen appliances. Major retailers followed suit and it wasn’t long before free returns became business as usual in the world of e-commerce. The rate of returns has skyrocketed in recent years, with customers returning $218 billion in merchandise in 2021 — more than double the amount returned in 2020. Practices like wardrobing and bracketing have also become mainstream, and extremely profitable rackets continue to drain sales from both Amazon and its third-party sellers. Faced with rising costs and an adjustment in post-pandemic demand, many retailers have started to walk back their free returns... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-07-05 - Modified: 2023-08-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/walmart-marketplace-redesign/ - Categories: Blog, Walmart If you’re like many e-commerce entrepreneurs, you may be wondering whether now’s the time to start selling via Walmart Marketplace. If so, Walmart’s recent website and app redesign might help sweeten the deal. Walmart Chief E-commerce Officer Tom Ward recently announced a flashy new redesign of Walmart. com and the Walmart app, calling it “a sleek new look and experience that offers a more engaging way to browse and discover our incredible assortment. ” At the start of the pandemic, Walmart saw a massive uptick in online sales. Since then, its e-commerce profits have continued to climb steadily — albeit more slowly — digging deeper into Amazon’s share of the market. What does Walmart’s new online experience offer, and what could it mean for your growing e-commerce business? A Closer Look at Walmart Marketplace Redesign What’s New with Walmart’s Latest Web Redesign? How Walmart’s New Storefront Stacks Up Against Amazon’s Why This, Why Now: Making Sense of Walmart’s Latest Play Is Now the Time to Start Selling on Walmart? What’s New with Walmart’s Latest Web and App Redesign? As lockdowns came and went and the metaverse exploded, even brands who weren’t planning on opening a 3D virtual store or selling red carpet NFT dresses were looking for ways to bring the experience of brick-and-mortar shopping online. In a world where a return to real life didn’t seem guaranteed, the big question on everyone’s lips was: How can we digitize the sense of delight a shopper gets when they stumble across the unexpected? With its recent redesign, Walmart seems to be the latest e-commerce marketplace embracing this form of immersive browsability. Rather than heading straight to the search box, the new shopping experience feels thoughtfully engineered to keep the customer exploring. Walmart’s new site design includes: Smoother, Sleaker Visuals: The new homepage features larger, glossier images on a scrolling interface reminiscent of Pinterest. A user can add or subtract many of the pictured products from their shopping cart with a single click — without leaving or reloading pages. Social Media-esque Scrolling: Walmart says the new look and feel are meant to replicate the experience of social media, and there has been talk of adding TikTok-esque scrollable, shoppable video shortly. The current rollout also has more long-form video offerings, via a partnership with TalkShopLive. Seasonal Approach to Promotion: The new design is extremely calendar-driven, with timely products and seasonal colors dominating the layout.   The net effect of all these changes is a festive interface that evokes the playfulness of in-store merchandising. For the Mother’s Day season, palettes of purples and pastels showcase photos of diverse women and children. Among them are product suggestions for products like purses, jewelry, and spa items, alongside taglines like “Her day, her way,” and “Dazzle her, under $50. ” Three Paths Toward More Visibility for Marketplace Sellers According to Ward, the redesign is meant to help customers by “highlighting the items that matter most to them at any given moment,” and allow third-party sellers to “showcase... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-06-26 - Modified: 2023-07-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-seller-verification/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog Starting June 27, 2023, high-volume third-party sellers must provide Amazon with new verification documentation — even if they did so recently.  Amazon went on to clarify that: To see if you have any outstanding requests for verification, check your Account Health dashboard. If any information is required, follow the instructions provided. You’ll also receive an email notification if you’re still required to take any action. If you do not provide the required information within 10 days of this notification, disbursements for your Amazon selling account will be put on hold starting July 7. --SellerCentral: "If you have outstanding verification requirements to comply with INFORM, provide now" by News_Amazon The new policy is a requirement under the INFORM Consumers Act. This law is designed to help protect businesses and consumers from counterfeiters and other bad-faith marketplace sellers. Besides Amazon, other large marketplaces like Target and eBay will also need to comply with the act. Under INFORM, certain Amazon sellers will need to provide Amazon with up-to-date documentation including government IDs, tax IDs, bank account information, and contact information. Sellers who fail to submit the appropriate verification documents on time will risk suspension of their seller accounts and could have holds placed on their Amazon payouts. Here’s how the new seller re-verification process could affect you and your business, and how to stay on top of the changes so you don’t miss a single sale. The New Amazon Seller Verification Process What Is the INFORM Consumers Act? A Timeline of Amazon's Implementation of the Law What Does Amazon Seller Verification Require? The FAQs What Is the Likely Impact of the New Law on Amazon Sellers? What Is the INFORM Consumers Act? The INFORM Consumers Act — also known as the “Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act,” if you’ve got enough time on your hands to say it — is a bill that was passed in November 2022 and takes effect on June 27, 2023. The bill requires online marketplaces to collect — and, in some cases, publish — certain identifying information about their high-volume third-party sellers. For the purposes of the law, a high-volume seller is any business that generates $5,000 in revenue and over 200 transactions in a given 12-month period. About INFORM Requirements Under INFORM, sellers need to provide their bank account numbers, government-issued ID, tax ID numbers, and contact information to the marketplaces they sell on. Marketplaces are responsible for verifying this information and certifying any changes annually. Marketplaces will also need to display some sellers’ contact information in their product listings and offer consumers various ways to report questionable marketplace activity. The act authorizes the FTC to fine marketplaces $46,517 per violation — i. e. , for each and every seller that isn’t properly verified. The law also gives state attorneys the authority to bring civil actions against marketplaces that don’t comply. The stated purpose of the INFORM Act is to go after organized retail crime practices like counterfeiting and the sale of stolen goods. Brick-and-mortar stores say... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/debt-financing-pros-and-cons-for-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending Have you ever wondered about the best way to fund your growth? Should you use debt or seek equity financing? For e-commerce entrepreneurs, funding decisions are a special kind of challenge. Even when you’ve moved beyond startup status, the capital required to fuel further growth is often tied up in slow cash conversion cycles. High demand for inventory combined with sluggish payment schedules from e-commerces marketplaces can prevent you from investing in projects that move your business forward. To hit the next level, you need to select a financing option that will help you act quickly on profitable opportunities. Debt and equity financing are two of the most common ways to do that, but each has its benefits and drawbacks. Today we’ll clarify both types of funding as well as the unfiltered pros and cons of each. Debt vs. Equity Financing in E-commerce What Is Debt Financing? What Is Equity Financing? Debt vs. Equity Financing: More Ways to Grow Choose the Financing Option That Works for You What Is Debt Financing? Debt financing is borrowing money to finance your business. Also known as debt funding or debt lending, it typically works like a loan. You agree to pay back the funds you borrow, plus interest, to your creditor. Debt financing contrasts with equity financing, the other common way to finance a business, in that it doesn’t require a business owner to relinquish any ownership of the company. Traditional examples of debt financing include bank loans and business loans. With the right amount of debt financing, you can maintain your existing operations while you invest in future growth. With the additional funding, you can launch products, expand into new territories, broaden your supplier base, and take any number of actions that can help you scale your business. Debt financing has many advantages and some drawbacks to be aware of. Many debt financing providers require collateral, usually company assets, to secure funding. Some may even require personal collateral, as well as insight into your credit history and current credit score. Before you consider debt financing as an option, make sure your business has the following fundamentals in place: Healthy revenue Stable sales and cash flow Sufficient assets (equipment, real estate, etc. ) If you already have existing shareholders in the business, you may also want to calculate your current debt-to-equity ratio (D/E ratio). The D/E ratio measures how much debt a business has relative to its assets. You can find your D/E ratio by dividing your total debt by total shareholder equity. The higher a D/E ratio is, the harder it may be to cover your liabilities. Common Types of Debt Financing Here are some of the most common types of debt financing. Installment loans, also called term loans, are the most common form of debt financing. Your lender provides you with a lump sum upfront, which you repay with interest over a fixed period. This type of loan may require collateral ("secured") or not ("unsecured"). Common examples of installment loans are... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-06-05 - Modified: 2024-05-02 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/financial-partner-iso-certified/ - Categories: Blog At SellersFi, we offer the only financial solutions built by e-commerce experts for e-commerce entrepreneurs. That means we’re also committed to your growth and security. And we’ve got the ISO certifications to prove it. When you’re looking for an e-commerce funding solution, every potential partner says they’re committed to your success. Six months in, the reality could be a different story. So how can you identify business partners that are truly committed to quality?   Allow us to introduce ISO certifications. At SellersFi, we offer the only financial solutions built by e-commerce experts for e-commerce entrepreneurs. That means we’re also committed to your growth and security. And we’ve got the ISO certifications to prove it. Understanding ISO Standards What Does It Mean to Be ISO Certified? What Are ISO Standards and How Are They Measured? ISO 9001: Quality Standards You Can Count On ISO 27001: Security Standards That Protect Your Business The Benefits of Having Both ISO Certifications Fueling Growth in E-commerce Today and Tomorrow What Does It Mean to Be ISO Certified? ISO certification is a standard set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). To get certified, companies must comply with specific management system requirements. ISO standards cover a wide variety of areas including quality management, information security, environmental management, and occupational health and safety. Funding providers get a bad rap — and justifiably so. Trusting a financial partner with your business’s future is tough. You can’t leave it in the hands of a shaky start-up or partners with confusing terms and hidden fees. ISO certification is an internationally-recognized method for measuring a company’s commitment to its customers’ future and its ability to deliver on its promises. Whether you choose to work with us or another funding partner, these are the standards to look for. What Are ISO Standards and How Are They Measured? Each ISO standard has a long list of stringent requirements that an organization must pass to become certified. These requirements are set by technical committees using a consensus-based process. ISO committees include a wide range of stakeholders, such as: Industry experts Government authorities Non-governmental organizations Consumer groups To become ISO certified, a company must undergo a detailed audit to show that they meet the standards.   This audit must be independent. In other words, you can’t audit yourself. It’s typically carried out by a third-party certification body that evaluates whether your processes and management systems comply with the necessary requirements. ISO 9001: Quality Standards You Can Count On ISO 9001 is a standard focused on quality management. It provides a framework for businesses to ensure they consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. To become ISO 9001 certified, a company must show that they do the following: Establish and maintain a documented quality management system Understand customer needs and expectations Define performance metrics related to quality Implement processes to ensure its products and services consistently meet requirements Monitor quality performance data to find areas for improvement Undergo regular internal and external audits to verify compliance Certified organizations must have a process in place for maintaining a quality customer experience. It’s a few extra steps, but the benefits for both the certifying company and its customers are worth it. Benefit... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-06-02 - Modified: 2024-03-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/2023-great-place-to-work/ - Categories: Blog, News & Announcements SellersFi Achieves Great Place to Work® Certification for the 2nd Consecutive Year, Solidifying Commitment to Employee Well-Being and Excellence in the Workplace — SellersFi, a leading finance platform serving e-commerce merchants worldwide, is proud to announce its certification as a Great Place to Work®. This prestigious recognition is a testament to SellersFi's unwavering commitment to fostering a positive work environment that empowers and supports its employees. The Great Place to Work® certification is awarded based on extensive employee feedback and an in-depth assessment of the organization's workplace culture, policies, and practices. SellersFi's certification is a testament to its exceptional performance in creating a workplace that encourages collaboration, celebrates diversity, promotes growth, and prioritizes employee well-being. "We are thrilled to receive this esteemed certification from Great Place to Work® for the second year in a row, as it reinforces our dedication to cultivating an exceptional work environment where our employees can thrive," said Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFi. "At SellersFi, we believe that our success is directly linked to the happiness and fulfillment of our team members. This certification validates our efforts to create an inclusive, supportive, and engaging workplace culture. " SellersFi has implemented many initiatives to prioritize employee well-being and development, ensuring a fulfilling work experience for its staff. These initiatives include robust employee benefits, comprehensive training and development programs, flexible work arrangements, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. SellersFi also promotes open communication channels, encourages innovative thinking, and fosters a sense of belonging among its diverse team. "We are committed to continuous improvement and are grateful to our employees for their valuable feedback, which has played a significant role in shaping our workplace practices," added Jessica Cummins, Executive Director of Human Resources at SellersFi. "This certification serves as a reminder that our people are at the heart of our success. We will continue to invest in their growth, nurture their talents, and provide a supportive environment where they can excel both personally and professionally. " The Great Place to Work® certification further strengthens SellersFi's reputation as an employer of choice within the e-commerce industry. It demonstrates the company's ability to attract and retain top talent, driving innovation and excellence in its services. About SellersFi SellersFi, formerly SellersFunding, is a global financial technology company that empowers e-commerce merchants looking to grow. As e-commerce evolves, SellersFi will drive the fintech innovations that allow sellers and brands to worry less about funding and finance and to focus more on growth and achieving their business goals. From inventory and marketing to product launches, international expansion, and more, thousands of e-commerce sellers trust SellersFi to achieve limitless success. About Great Place to Work Certification™ Great Place to Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get certified. About Great... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-05-23 - Modified: 2023-09-14 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/b2b-ecommerce-buying-process/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Many sellers think building a successful B2B buying process means copying brick-and-mortar buying strategies, but there’s a better (and more profitable) way to do it. The B2B buying process and customer journey aren't what they used to be. Traditional B2B buying processes conjure images of a funnel, which prospective buyers enter neatly at the top and slide methodically down from educational content, to problem identification, to solution research. At this point, the marketing team wraps the prospect up with a bow and hands them off to the sales team to work out the contract. Today, this clean, linear idea of the B2B buyers' journey of making purchase decisions is outdated and inaccurate. Baby boomers are on their way out and millennials are on their way in. E-commerce is no longer a subsection of B2B buying — it is B2B buying. Buyers are relying on digital channels during every phase of their journey. And again, research tells us that those phases are not linear. So what does today's B2B buying process look like? And how can you support this modern journey as a seller? Let's dive in. A Better B2B Buying Process Facilitate the entire B2B buying process online Support omnichannel experiences Make personalization the norm Support buying groups with more decision-makers Make purchasing your product a no-brainer Offer purchasing terms that attract buyers and increase AOV Create a consistent experience for your customers The Truth About the B2B Buying Journey If you have a solid handle on the traditional B2B sales process described above, don't panic. Not everything has changed. But what has changed, according to Gartner's latest research, is that B2B customers are no longer following the steps in order as they make purchasing decisions. Instead, they're tackling all the tasks simultaneously — making progress in one area, switching focus to another, then revisiting the first. The shift comes down to today's abundance of information. Today's B2B buyers are empowered by a wealth of high-quality information that they simply didn’t have access to before. Information uncovered during one task can influence previous work done on another task. As Gartner puts it, the buying journey looks less like a linear process and a “lot more like a big bowl of spaghetti. ” Every decision point throughout the sales process is a potential driver to loop back to a previous question or decision. Is it complex? Yes. Can it make your job as a B2B business more challenging? Sure. But for buyers, this is all excellent news, because better information leads to better purchasing decisions. And when customers are empowered to make better decisions, they’re happier with their purchases and more likely to stick with you. The Critical Differences Between the B2C and B2B Buying Processes Buying is in our DNA. From carefully choosing a candy bar at the convenience store to spending our hard-earned allowance on just the right games at the arcade, we’re all seasoned shoppers by the time we hit school age. These days, we often hear the adage that there is no B2C or B2B — there's only H2H (human to human). And while B2B buyers are certainly people too, the fact... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-05-22 - Modified: 2023-08-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-buy-with-prime/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Shopify - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Shopify What is Amazon Buy with Prime? And what’s its real implication for growing DTC brands? The answer is still unclear, but here’s what we know so far. Initially launched as invite-only in April 2022, Amazon is now expanding Buy with Prime, a feature designed to increase shopper conversions for e-commerce merchants and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. The idea is simple — brands that add the “Buy with Prime” button to their online storefront offer a stress-free and seamless way for shoppers to buy products outside of Amazon using their Amazon Prime account. For merchants, Buy with Prime offers a way to get the best of both worlds — a loyal customer base through your DTC website and the ease and convenience of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Initial results have shown that some brands have achieved a 25% increase in conversions after adding the button to their site. But there’s a catch. Made more widely available to US-based merchants in January 2023, Buy with Prime has seen little adoption so far. While there are benefits to offering Buy with Prime, get a full picture of what the feature offers and how it works. Understanding Buy with Prime for Merchants What Is Buy with Prime?   How Does Amazon Buy with Prime Work? The Pros and Cons of Buy with Prime for Merchants What Is Buy with Prime? And What Does It Mean for Sellers? With Amazon Buy with Prime, merchants can include a ‘Buy with Prime’ button and checkout option on their DTC website so that Prime members can enjoy the same seamless checkout experience and fast delivery they’re used to on Amazon. com. There’s no need to enter credit card information or personal data. The Buy with Prime logo also signals an efficient and trustworthy shopping experience, alleviating many common fears, such as lack of trust and fear of fraud, that often prevent shoppers from purchasing from an unknown website. Merchants offering Buy with Prime can also take advantage of Amazon’s other services. These include Amazon Pay for payment processing and Fulfillment by Amazon for product storage, packing, delivery, and returns. Buy with Prime comes with 24/7 support and sellers can use existing FBA inventory to fulfill Buy with Prime orders.   Buy with Prime also offers sellers marketing solutions designed to drive website traffic. With these features, you can download a toolkit to create Facebook and Instagram ads that feature the Buy with Prime badge to help attract and convert new shoppers. Last but not least, Buy with Prime helps build credibility by allowing brands to display ratings and reviews, which according to Amazon will “help merchants increase shopper trust and conversion, and better inform shopper purchase decisions. ” This could be a big potential benefit to sellers, with up to 99% of consumers reading online reviews before they buy and 46% reporting that they trust online reviews as much as they would a recommendation from a friend or family. Why Is Buy with Prime a Promising Option for Merchants? Buy with Prime could mean higher conversions and lower fulfillment complexity for merchants, and its benefits could be significant. How significant exactly? Here’s some back-of-the-napkin math from... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-05-15 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-amazon-currency-converter-works/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon Just because the Amazon Currency Converter is baked into seller tools doesn’t mean you have to use it. In fact, doing so could hold your business back. Here are some money-saving options. With international e-commerce expected to hit $8. 1 trillion by 2026, cross-border merchants face massive growth opportunities and a lot of extra math to go with it. Shifts in foreign markets, production costs, shipping, insurance, payment delays, and more all play a role when expanding your business internationally. To help simplify the currency conversion costs involved in cross-border shopping, Amazon launched the Amazon Currency Converter for Sellers (ACCS) in 2008, with the goal of “allowing international customers to pay for their purchases in the currency of their payment card, instead of U. S. dollars. ” Today the Amazon Currency Converter is available in 44 payout currencies, helping sellers connect with shoppers around the globe. But like everything else, the ACCS is not without its drawbacks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the ACCS works, plus practical steps you can take to get more out of your Amazon payouts. The Amazon Currency Converter for Sellers Amazon’s Currency Converter: What Is It and How Does it Work? The Pros and Cons of Amazon Currency Converter for Sellers A Complete Currency Exchange Solution Get More Out of Your Marketplace Payouts with SellersFi Amazon’s Currency Converter: What Is It and How Does it Work? Before the ACCS, receiving and changing currencies across territories was far from simple. Customers didn’t know their final purchase price and sellers had to go to great lengths to set up the right bank accounts, forecast exchange rates, and work with multiple banks in multiple regions to negotiate lower fees.   If you were an Amazon. com. uk seller, you would have to open a separate bank account in the EU to sell via Amazon. de. You would then receive the funds in euros in Amazon Central, then have to head back to your bank to change those euros into sterling. But that was then. With the catchphrase, “Sell globally. Get paid locally,” Amazon’s Currency Converter is designed to streamline this process, allowing international customers to pay for products on Amazon in their local currency.   Amazon then automatically converts the payment amount into the seller's preferred currency using a competitive exchange rate, before depositing the converted amount into the seller's account. Sellers starting with ACCS need to follow three steps: Log into Amazon Seller Central, then navigate to Deposit Methods via Settings.   Add your local bank account information, add a new deposit method, then assign it to your Amazon store. Get paid. According to Amazon, when your information is verified, funds arrive in your account within one to five business days. While that may seem easy enough, there are some additional costs to plan for. The ACCS uses a volume-based fee (VBF) to determine how much a seller is charged. This is calculated by the number of sales completed over the past 12 months, known as the Total Processed Volume (TPV). To find out how much you’re being charged, head to the view exchange rate button on the payment summary page in your Seller Central account.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-05-08 - Modified: 2023-08-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-roi-seller/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon What Is a Good ROI for Amazon Sellers? If you’ve been anywhere near the world of e-commerce, you know there’s money to be made on Amazon. Just how much money exactly, depends on a variety of factors. When you’re just starting out on Amazon FBA, an ROI of 100% is often considered healthy.   You’re doubling your money, with plenty of room to adjust pricing and experiment with new products. Not too shabby! But as you scale your Amazon store (and be sure to have your Amazon Storefront in good shape), the answer to what makes a good ROI becomes more complex. You might introduce products in completely new categories, expand into unfamiliar territories like Amazon UK, or begin working with a range of new suppliers as you refine your sourcing strategy — all of which can play a big role in determining your ROI. In the following sections, we’ll take a look at how to find your Amazon ROI and practical ways to safeguard your success on Amazon as you grow your business. Demystifying Your Amazon ROI What Is a Good ROI on Amazon? How to Calculate Your Amazon FBA ROI Aligning Your Amazon ROI with Your Selling Strategy First Things First: What Is a Good ROI for Amazon Sellers? Your return on investment (ROI) is the percentage of profit you make compared to the cost of purchasing and selling an item on Amazon. For example, if you purchase an item for $5, pay another $5 in fees and advertising, then sell the item for $20, you’re left with a $10 profit or 100% ROI. 100% ROI = $10 net profit / $10 CoGS * 100 In Amazon selling, calculating your ROI involves taking the net profit, dividing it by the cost of goods sold (CoGS), and then multiplying this figure by 100 to get a percentage amount.   You can plug in your own numbers using this simple formula for calculating your Amazon ROI: ROI = Net profit / Product cost * 100% While this may seem straightforward enough, anyone who’s been at it for a while can tell you there’s a lot more to it than first meets the eye. Selling on Amazon involves a range of fees that can eat into your profit margins. If you’re an FBA seller, here are just some of the Amazon fees you may need to account for in your ROI formula: FBA fulfillment fees Monthly inventory storage fees Referral fees Per-item fees Labeling fees FBA prep-service fees Return processing fees Stock removal fees Variable closing fees Of course, that’s without even factoring in the impact that Amazon’s seller payment schedule and account level reserve can have on your cash flow. (Not a fan of math? Don’t sweat it! Use the Amazon FBA Calculator in your Amazon Seller Central account to get a clearer picture. ) How to Calculate Your Amazon FBA ROI Calculating your real ROI on Amazon is about more than increasing your net profits and reducing your CoGS.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-05-01 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-listings-google/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising Want more traffic to your Amazon listings? Find out how to optimize your Amazon product listings for Google to increase traffic to your top products. Ready to drive more traffic to your Amazon listings? Winning the Buy Box can put you in a prime position for increased sales. But optimizing your Amazon listings is only the halfway point. While Amazon search is a crucial piece of the e-commerce marketing puzzle, there’s another platform that deserves your attention. That’s right — Google. As the world’s most powerful search engine, optimizing your Amazon listings on Google can help you get even more ROI mileage out of your marketing. But how exactly do you do it? What SEO strategies will help you rise to the top of the Search Engine Results Page (SERP)? And how long will it take for you to rank on the world’s most popular search engine? Read on to find out. Rank Your Amazon Listings on Google Amazon SEO vs. Google SEO — How to Get the Best of Both Practical Ways to SEO Your Amazon Listings FAQs about Optimizing Amazon Product Listings for Google Amazon SEO vs. Google SEO — How to Get the Best of Both Both Amazon and Google have powerful search engines, but you’re dealing with two very different algorithms here. So how are they different?   The first major difference between Amazon SEO and Google SEO is the use of keywords. Optimize Amazon Product Listings for Google: Use Long-Tail Keywords for Google, BoF Keywords for Amazon When optimizing Amazon product listings for Google, you typically choose a long-tail keyword and center your content around it.   This keyword or phrase should appear in your product title, image alt text, throughout your copy, and in the page’s meta description to tell Google’s search bots exactly what it is. But no one goes on Amazon and types in “What’s the best cleaning product for cars? ”  Instead, they’ll just enter “car cleaner” into the search bar and see what pops up. That means your listing needs to focus on bottom-of-the-funnel keywords for Amazon, while still going after long-tail terms for Google. We’ll dive deeper into keywords in a minute. First, let’s take a quick look at the importance of linking on Amazon vs. Google. Building Links for Authority and Clicks External “backlinks” are key for Google SEO.   When you generate links back to your product pages on relevant and authoritative sites, it’s like a letter of recommendation to Google. It says, “This page is an authority on this topic, and I stand by its content. ” With Amazon SEO, links alone won’t affect your page’s performance. However, when someone clicks these links, you can see a boost. Amazon’s A10 algorithm update in 2021 placed more importance on external traffic. That also includes traffic from advertising platforms like Facebook and Google Ads. Practical Ways to "SEO" Your Amazon Listings Amazon and Google SEO are two different animals. But they can come together to create a more profitable e-commerce store. Let’s take a closer look at how you can bring your Amazon listings further in line with Google’s SEO guidelines to expand... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-04-26 - Modified: 2023-06-21 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-prime-day/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon Update, June 21, 2023: This year's summer Prime Day (and yes, there may be a fall PD blitz too) has been confirmed as July 11-12, 2023. Happy selling (and shopping)! Prime Day began as an anniversary celebration and has since altered the holiday shopping schedule across all of retail (not just e-commerce). Amazon has trained buyers and sellers well, with both anticipating July Prime Day deals galore. Amazon has historically released the Prime Day dates with fewer than four weeks to prepare. This means that sellers should start preparing early. Here’s what we know about Prime Day in 2023. The Evolution of Amazon Prime Day The first Amazon Prime Day event was on July 15, 2015. It was an anniversary celebration of 20 years of Amazon. This shopping event lasted 24 hours and was available to shoppers in nine countries.   Since that first event in 2015, Prime Day has expanded to a two-day event, available to shoppers in more than 20 countries. The shopping holiday has become so successful, in fact, that Amazon released a Prime Early Access Sale in October 2022, leading up to the Q4 holidays (and looking VERY similar to the summer Prime Day event). The shopping holiday has become such a success that its sales have surpassed that of Black Friday and Cyber Monday consistently. In fact, it has become a staple of the retail calendar, with stores like Target, Walmart, and Macy’s jumping on the summer sales boon. In practice, Prime Day appears to be a reward for loyal Amazon Prime subscribers, offering deals exclusive to these subscribers. However, it’s also used as a way to garner even more Prime subscribers. For sellers, it’s a way to run some tests and learn more about the shopping audience ahead of Q4. Amazon Prime Day 2023: Important Dates & Deadlines* April 28, 2023: Deadline to submit deals to be considered for Prime Day.   June 15, 2023: Deadline for incoming inventory to be included in the Prime Day sale.   Current speculation has Prime Day running either from July 11-12 or July 18-19.    *Note: Prime Day is evolving, so keep coming back for updates and new deadlines to stay on top of this shopping holiday. Merchants & Brands: How to Prepare for Amazon Prime Day 2023 Many people will tell you that it’s too late to start preparing for Prime Day. However, the official date has not yet been announced, so there is still plenty of time. As well, the supply chain has rebounded some since the worst of the bottlenecks.   In prepping for Amazon Prime Day 2023, start with this checklist to be sure your business is prepared for the influx of sales.   Inventory: Look at comparable sales holidays from the past (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Early Access Sale, etc. ). See if you can spot trends and calculate a relative number you need in stock to cover all your sales because running out of stock could be the kiss of... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-04-24 - Modified: 2023-08-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/dtc-b2b-brands-on-amazon/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Expansion - Tags: Amazon, Expansion Selling on Amazon can be lucrative for DTC and B2B brands — but there are some trade-offs. Is it the right time to dive in? YES! As the world’s largest e-commerce marketplace, Amazon has been making moves to attract a broader range of merchants. On top of its proven infrastructure, features like Amazon Storefronts and Amazon Business make the platform an appealing option for DTC and B2B brands alike. But competition on Amazon is notoriously fierce and brands that aren’t already selling there might wonder if it’s still profitable to expand into this key sales channel in today’s climate.   Let’s break down the pros and cons of selling on Amazon for DTC brands and B2B merchants so you can make the right decision for your business. And no, it’s not too late to start selling on Amazon. Here’s more of what you need to know. Selling DTC and B2B Brands on Amazon Selling on Amazon: What’s in It for DTC Brands? Benefits of Amazon for B2B Sellers Top 4 Challenges to Consider Before Selling on Amazon Selling on Amazon: What’s in It for DTC Brands? Nearly 2 million small- and medium-sized businesses are Amazon selling partners. And 60% of those sellers say Amazon is their fastest-growing channel. Here are some of the biggest benefits of selling your private-label products on Amazon. Lower Customer Acquisition Costs Amazon is the most visited e-commerce site in the US and has more than 300 million active customer accounts. In other words: Your target customers are already shopping on Amazon.   You could be missing a huge opportunity by not selling your products there.   When you sell on Amazon, you’ll likely see lower customer acquisition costs compared to other channels. Why? It’s all about the audience. Users who find your products on Amazon are already in buying mode. They’re at the very bottom of the funnel. And if they’ve made it to your product page, it’s because they’re looking for what you’re selling. They’ve either searched for it or seen an ad for it based on their shopping behavior. It doesn’t get much more in-market than that. Efficient Advertising Speaking of ads, advertising on Amazon is also an efficient way to reach more buyers. The average cost-per-click (CPC) is low, at $0. 75 compared to around $1. 00 for Walmart advertising and $2. 32 for Google search ads. How do they keep CPCs so low? It comes down to the sheer amount of in-platform data they collect. People go to Amazon to buy. All the data about what a user is searching for, which products they browsed, and purchase history is readily available for brands. When it’s time to serve your ads, Amazon has an excellent idea of which shoppers will be interested in your product. Selling DTC and B2B Brands on Amazon Delivers Robust Branding Opportunities When it comes to researching and buying a product, Amazon does everything it can to make sure customers don’t leave the platform. That means detailed product pages, which are great news for you as a DTC brand. Product pages on Amazon are very robust. In addition to basic product information, they also include... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-04-17 - Modified: 2023-08-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-fba-capacity-limits/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog The new system for assigning Amazon FBA capacity limits lets sellers bid for extra storage. Here’s how it works and what it means for Amazon sellers. Being an FBA seller has its perks. No individual mailing hassles, low shipping costs, Prime eligibility, and help with refunds and returns are just some of the benefits sellers love.   But intertwining your business with a major marketplace like Amazon means any changes to its processes and guidelines can have a big impact on your bottom line. Case in point? Amazon announced that on March 1, 2023, it would activate a new system for determining inventory capacity limits for FBA sellers. There’s already quite a bit of buzz about what this could mean for growing sellers. But how does the new system really work? All About Amazon FBA Capacity Limits What Are Amazon FBA Capacity Limits? Amazon's New Storage Capacity Manager: The Latest What Do the Updated Amazon FBA Capacity Limits Mean for Sellers? Seller Reactions: Pros and Cons of the New Capacity Limit System What Are Amazon FBA Capacity Limits? Amazon FBA capacity limits restrict the amount of inventory FBA sellers can keep in an Amazon fulfillment center. Amazon limits the number of orders your account can process based on your inventory levels. These guardrails prevent sellers from overusing or mismanaging Amazon’s fulfillment service.   Currently, the amount of warehouse storage space available to FBA sellers is based on their Inventory Performance Index (IPI) score. While Amazon hasn't shared the exact calculation, we know there are four main factors that affect a seller’s IPI score: Excess inventory Sell-through rate Stranded inventory In-stock inventory Amazon carefully tracks these metrics to avoid having extra inventory sitting around and ensure warehouse space is going to the most successful sellers. Sellers with excess inventory face higher storage fees and even penalty fees for long-term storage (six months or more). While Amazon’s motivation is its bottom line, having stagnant inventory doesn’t do sellers any favors, either.   Using up your storage capacity with slow-moving products means less space for your top sellers. If sales start to fall for your most popular products — or worse, you go out of stock on a best-seller, your product pages will start getting less attention from Amazon’s search algorithm and you could lose your hard-earned rankings. But if you’ve been selling on Amazon for any significant amount of time, you know this already. Since inventory considerations are at the forefront of every FBA seller’s mind, this latest announcement about changes to Amazon’s capacity limits has the FBA community buzzing. Amazon's New Storage Capacity Manager: The Latest In the latest update, FBA sellers learned that Amazon would add a new element to its inventory storage capacity — a bidding system. According to Amazon, the new capacity management system has four stand-out features. Month-long capacity limit. This single monthly limit replaces the previous weekly restock and storage limits. Sellers will get notifications in the third week of each month of their limits for the upcoming month. Estimated capacity limits three months in advance. When Amazon notifies sellers of their limit for the upcoming month, they'll also provide estimated limits... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-04-12 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/linear-exponential-growth-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion Looking to scale your store? To find out if a linear or exponential growth strategy will serve you best, let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two. Linear vs. Exponential Growth for E-commerce Entrepreneurs As an established e-commerce business, you know how to bring your ideas to life in a profitable way. But successful entrepreneurs are never satisfied. We want our businesses to grow.   If we’re making good money, we want to make great money. If we’re making great money — well, there’s always a higher level to reach. Ben Reed, creator of Diamond Whites Aligners, found that higher level through exponential growth. While sitting in the dentist’s chair one day, Ben was struck by a burst of inspiration. But unlike many who simply dream and never do, Ben followed through on his big idea — bringing the promise of straight teeth without the expense to consumers. It worked. Because of Ben’s well-crafted plan for strategic scaling, the business achieved 110% year-over-year growth. Ben and the team chose a growth model that made sense for their unique business needs and growth goals. But do you know what that looks like for you? To discover whether a linear or exponential growth strategy will serve you best, let’s look at differences between the two. Linear vs. Exponential Growth What Is Linear vs. Exponential Growth in E-commerce? Linear vs. Exponential Growth Models — A Closer Look at the Pros and Cons of Each A Peek Into the Growth Strategies of Four Real Brands What Is Linear vs. Exponential Growth in E-commerce? Understanding the Linear Growth Model  A linear growth model is a focused business plan that involves creating a single product and selling it in one geographic location.   With this model, you’re banking on a slow-and-steady increase in profits over time, much like an upward diagonal line. Expansion happens steadily with solid goals and KPIs to measure your success along the way. Here’s how a linear growth model works: With the linear growth model, your e-commerce store invests in materials to create a product and you then sell that product in a single market (typically your domestic country). For example, if you own a liquor brand in the US, you might turn grain and water into whiskey and sell it online in US territories only. You then scale customer by customer. Once you’ve got a sale, you’ll move straight on to the next prospect. There may be less of a focus on cross-selling and upselling.   If all goes well, you eventually sell your flagship product in different territories to hit your expansion goals. The linear growth model often takes a less aggressive but no less effective approach. It is simple to grasp and is the first choice for many e-commerce entrepreneurs. As Compared to the Exponential Growth Model The exponential growth model involves rapid growth in many areas simultaneously.   It often involves many products and even multiple product lines. E-commerce entrepreneurs employing an exponential growth model want to beat their competitors to market with the next big idea and see explosive growth quickly. Businesses using the exponential growth model tend to shoot for the stars. They... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-04-10 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ways-to-use-ecommerce-funding/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Funding & Lending There are more ways to use e-commerce funding than most sellers realize. Find out how the right e-commerce funding can take your business beyond what you previously imagined. After years of rapid growth, e-commerce has become a crowded market in nearly every sector.   To stand out, you have to be willing to bet on yourself. And nothing empowers you more than having the cash on hand to capitalize on unexpected opportunities as and when they arise.   From optimizing your operations for optimal ROI to getting ahead of the curve with marketing and advertising, there are ways to use e-commerce funding to take you wherever you want to go in your business. Today we’ll cover 17 ways to use e-commerce funding to achieve significant and sustainable growth for your business, beyond financing your inventory or bridging short-term cashflow gaps. If you’re ready to hit the next level, you’re in the right place. Powerful Ways to Use E-commerce Funding Strengthen your inventory acquisition with data Launch your brand in a new territory Power up your advertising to increase conversions Test profitable new marketing tactics Invest in experts for SEO, social media, and more Get ahead with first-party data Optimize your website with A/B testing Double down on content marketing Launch a loyalty rewards program Invest in your own logistics Optimize your sales with new technologies Get more out of Amazon Research new products to launch Launch new products Offer new payment options Expand into a new audience segment or customer channel Acquire another brand (or optimize yours to sell) 1. Strengthen Your Inventory Acquisition with Data Data-driven decision-making is no longer an option. It's an essential part of running a modern business and one of the biggest areas of impact is your inventory optimization. Financing inventory may be a given in e-commerce, but a truly data-driven approach can be the differentiator you need to get (and stay) ahead of the competition. Data-driven inventory management helps you pinpoint when and how much inventory to reorder, keeping you free from costly stockouts and overstocks. By keeping your finger on the pulse of product demand you can move quickly to replenish inventory on your bestsellers. With real-time insights into your supplier network, you can stay a step ahead of supply chain disruptions to protect your margins and keep the right products in stock. With access to flexible e-commerce working capital, you can act on inventory data in real time, rapidly replenishing your inventory and keeping your sales momentum strong without having to wait for your accounts receivables to catch up. While your competitors grapple with increased storage fees and tight cash flow due to excess inventory, you’ll keep moving right along, winning more new and repeat purchases by consistently stocking the right products at the right time. 2. Launch Your Brand in a New Territory Consumers are more comfortable than ever with purchasing products from anywhere in the world. PayPal reports that nearly half of all shoppers around the globe make international purchases, and data from McKinsey predicts that the total value of cross-border e-commerce merchandise will more than triple its current value to reach $1B by 2030. Ambitious merchants can... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-03-30 - Modified: 2023-08-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/working-capital-healthy-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending Looking for the right kind of funding? Fuel profitable growth and overcome common cashflow problems using SellersFi Working Capital. Though many talk about rising to the top and reaching their maximum potential as an e-commerce brand, that summit is a place of fiction. There’s always a higher peak to strive for — room to grow, expand, and increase your sales and profits. But your growth can be limited by your capital. In an inventory-driven business like e-commerce, cashflow challenges are inevitable. Fortunately, there are now many options for securing flexible, transparent working capital to help you continue scaling your business no matter what challenges may come your way. In this article, we’ll help you understand the real role of working capital in driving e-commerce growth and the criteria to consider when searching for the right funding solution for your business. Understanding Working Capital for Healthy E-commerce What Is Working Capital? And How to Calculate It Why Is Working Capital a Challenge for E-commerce Businesses?   What Problems Does Working Capital Solve? Working Capital for Healthy E-commerce: Bank Loans vs. a Flexible Line of Credit What Is Working Capital? And How to Calculate It Working capital is the amount of money available to a business to meet its current liabilities and expenses. To calculate your working capital, you can simply subtract your liabilities from your current liquid assets, such as cash and accounts receivable. Cash on Hand - Current Liabilities = Working Capital While some working capital formulas include less liquid assets like inventory and prepaid expenses, for the purpose of this article, we’ll be focusing on the amount of cash on hand today to help you scale to the next level tomorrow. Whether it’s shipping delays, sudden stockouts, or a limited-time advertising opportunity, unexpected expenses are a reality in this business. But unplanned cash flow disruptions can stagnate or even derail your sales. While your competitors take advantage of peak season opportunities, discount inventory, or exciting new advertising deals, you’re left trying to restock inventory and set aside the budget for your next big product launch. Unlike your brick-and-mortar counterparts, turning to traditional lenders isn’t always an option. Many banks and credit unions simply don’t understand the unique challenges of e-commerce. Among those that do provide working capital solutions to online retailers, many offer unfavorable terms that may seem doable in the short term but can leave your business in a vulnerable position over the long run. Why Is Working Capital a Challenge for E-commerce Businesses? With the global e-commerce industry valued at $6. 3 trillion, you might think growth is inevitable. But often, the speed of your growth is faster than your cash inflow. Many high-momentum Amazon sellers see an increase in sales combined with tighter cash flow simply due to a slow seller payment schedule that they have little to no control over. Without the cash in hand to restock inventory, fuel your ad campaigns, or launch new products, it becomes much harder to build on that increased sales velocity. Unfortunately, failing to meet the demand created by sudden sales growth can lead to missed revenue opportunities.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-03-27 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/what-is-a-good-profit-margin-in-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising Learn everything you need to know about retail profit margins for e-commerce, including what they are, how to calculate them, and proven ways to scale profits. For fast-growing brands, conversations around what is and isn’t a “good” retail profit margin can present a stream of loaded questions. Some say a 50% net profit is a great margin in e-commerce while others will swear that nothing less than 500% is worth your time. The truth is, multiple factors play into what qualifies as a “healthy” profit margin for your brand, including some you may not always have full control over. Market conditions, inflation, and supply chain issues can all have an impact on your margins. So how do you figure out what a good e-commerce profit margin is for you? Let’s take a closer look at three key formulas to help you calculate your retail profit margin, plus some of the best ways to preserve your profits as you grow. What Is a Good Retail Profit Margin for E-commerce? What Is Profit Margin? What’s a Good Net Profit Margin in E-Commerce? 3 Profit Margin Formulas to Consider 5 Ways to Optimize Your Profits As You Grow Skyrocket Your Profits With SellersFi First, What Exactly Is Profit Margin? Your profit margin is your profitability ratio. It shows what percentage of your overall e-commerce sales have become actual profit.   For example, a margin of 70% means that 70 cents of every dollar are profit. The remaining 30 cents cover operational costs like manufacturing, shipping, or anything else you have to pay for in order to manufacture, market, and deliver your product. There are three main types of profit margins: Gross profit margin Operating profit margin Net profit margin We’ll cover all three types in more detail, but when e-commerce brands discuss their profit margins, they’re often referring to their net profit margin. What’s a Good Net Profit Margin in E-Commerce? Start by Setting Some Benchmarks According to Shopify, the average e-commerce profit margin is 10%. A high profit margin would be around 20%, while 5% is usually considered low. Of course, the average profit margin can also differ greatly based on your industry and business model, including your: Niche Sales velocity Brand reputation Marketing and pay-per-click (PPC) expenditures Sourcing costs Storage costs Marketplace fees And more As we’ve established, profit margins aren’t a one-size-fits-all affair. Different industries have different definitions of what an optimal profit margin is. For example, a 5% net profit margin might be considered excellent in a specific food or beverage niche but dismal in the category of health and nutrition. Similarly, if you sell a high volume of low-ticket items, you might be doing just fine on lower margins. On the other hand, if you sell high-ticket items at a lower velocity, you may need to make a higher margin on each sale. While having a higher profit margin than the next store doesn’t necessarily mean you’re more profitable in terms of hard dividends, there are some general figures for good and bad profit margins that can help set a range to benchmark against as you grow. 3 Profit Margin Formulas to Consider We... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-03-21 - Modified: 2024-01-08 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/inspirational-brands/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising Need sales inspiration? These e-commerce brands are turning heads and increasing sales year over year. Dive into their strategies to learn from their success. Growing an e-commerce business is no easy feat. From keeping your inventory on track to examining new markets and maintaining a five-star customer experience, there are endless ways to up your game. And we have just the inspirational brands to spark your creativity! The good news is, you’re not in this alone. Leading e-commerce brands are learning many of the lessons for you: turning heads, generating buzz, and creating meaningful impact resulting in increased sales. Which brands, you ask? Liquid Death, NERF, The Farmer’s Dog, Fly by Jing, and Madhappy are just five of hundreds of all-star inspirational brands that hit the e-commerce headlines in a big way last year.   Today, we’re diving headfirst into their strategies to help you draw inspiration for your own growth journey. Growth Journeys of 5 Inspirational Brands Liquid Death Kills the Competition NERF Keeps Up with the Kids Online The Farmer’s Dog Grows Up Fly by Jing’s Recipe for Success Madhappy Advocates for Mental Health  Liquid Death Kills the Competition Water has been around for 3. 8 billion years but has never been as exciting as its rebranding as Liquid Death. The canned water company (tagline “murder your thirst") hit the scene in 2019, quickly becoming a top seller on Amazon. Today, it can be found in more than 60,000 stores nationwide. But Liquid Death is also killing the competition on social media. It is surpassing mega legacy competitor Aquafina just a few months after its launch. To date, this inspirational brand has 1. 6 million followers on Instagram and 3. 3 million followers on TikTok, making it the most-followed beverage brand on the platform. Due to its rapid success, Liquid Death reached a $700 million valuation in October 2022 after closing an impressive $70 million Series D funding round. The brand was expected to generate $130 million in revenue in 2022, up from $45 million in 2021 and $2. 8 million in 2019.   Though the latest revenue numbers aren’t yet released, Liquid Death is currently valued at $350 billion globally. Keys to Liquid Death’s Success Founder Mike Cessario never expected the brand to take off, but in retrospect, we can certainly see why it did. Let’s take a closer look at the key elements driving its success. Standout Inspirational Brands and Their Branding Techniques Liquid Death dared to reinvent something as simple as water with clever branding that gives it an entirely new meaning consumers can connect with.   Boosted by an edgy Super Bowl commercial in 2022, its ads command your attention, make viewers laugh, and make it clear that this is one brand that isn’t afraid to step outside the box — or in this case, the bottle.   Whether you love or hate the approach, Liquid Death’s marketing tactics have undeniably captured the hearts of the living. “We realize that 98% of people actually hate marketing,” Cessario told Marketplace. org. “If you can make people laugh, they will have a deeper connection with your brand, regardless of the... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-03-14 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/free-seller-forums/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog Online seller forums are excellent avenues for connecting with peers who might be able to provide a unique angle, experience, or opinion to help you grow your business. Read more for 6 free outstanding online seller forums for e-commerce entrepreneurs. They say no one is an island and that’s as true in the world of e-commerce as it is in life. But while peer relationships are vital to your growth as an e-commerce entrepreneur, they’re not always easy to come by. Thankfully, there are a variety of online seller forums available for merchants at every level. In these online meeting places, you can instantly connect with like-minded sellers and get practical tips and insights from experts and real e-commerce entrepreneurs who understand your journey. In this post, we’ll share an overview of some of the best online seller forums available today. We’ll review the core topics each platform discusses and what types of sellers they’re best suited for. The 6 Best Online Seller Forums for E-commerce Amazon Seller Forums E-Commerce Entrepreneurs Facebook Group Shopify Community SitePoint Community Forums BigCommerce Community Forums Reddit E-Commerce Forum What Are Online Seller Forums? And Why Are They Worth Your Time? Online seller forums are groups and communities where e-commerce merchants can share knowledge and nurture professional connections. Online seller forums are typically free, but some may require a membership fee. While brick-and-mortar retailers have access to local events and networking mixers where they can meet and share experiences, e-commerce entrepreneurs have online forums where they can do the same. Online seller forums are excellent avenues for connecting with peers who might be able to provide a unique angle, experience, or opinion to help you grow your business. Pro Tip: We all know the web is full of rabbit holes down which to go. But this is about your business. Make the most of your time inside online seller forums. Stick to topics and threads that align with your current business and growth goals. Wherever possible, give as much as you receive and keep the conversation constructive. Doing your part to contribute to the discussion can help inspire a more meaningful and engaged community. And remember, don’t feed the trolls! The Top 6 Online Seller Forums for Growing Merchants Now let’s take a closer look at which forums might be right for you. Remember, what’s great for one e-commerce entrepreneur might not be as helpful to another. With this in mind, it’s important to point out that the following online seller forums are not ranked in any particular order. Take time to review each forum, including its owner, topics covered, type of forum, and who its primary audience is. Let’s start with one you already know. 1. Amazon Seller Forums As the name implies, the official Amazon Seller Forums are online seller forums specifically designed for Amazon sellers. Given the size of Amazon’s seller community, there are many different online seller forums available.   The largest and best known is, of course, Amazon Seller Central. But it's not the only one.   Here are some of the other leading forums for Amazon sellers: E-CommerceFuel Warrior Forum WebRetailer Digital Point WebRetailer Tamebay FBA All-Stars Amazon Sellers Amazon FBA Wholesale Sellers Topics Covered in Amazon Seller Forums ... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-03-07 - Modified: 2024-03-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-is-now-sellersfi/ - Categories: News & Announcements The new SellersFi has arrived to deliver the first comprehensive financial solution built entirely for e-commerce businesses. SellersFunding is now SellersFi to reflect the increased breadth of our products, services, and our growth since its founding in 2017. Weston, FL, March 14, 2023 SellersFunding, the leading provider of financial solutions to e-commerce sellers, today announced that it is rebranding to SellersFi, effectively immediately, to reflect its robust suite of products and services for e-commerce businesses. In addition to funding, payments, and analytics products, SellersFi has plans to launch more products, such as business insurance, corporate credit cards, and products traditionally only offered by banks, in the upcoming months to help sellers grow. “While funding has and will continue to be a cornerstone of our product offering, we feel that we needed to create a brand that reflects all of the ways we can help e-commerce sellers grow,” said Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFi. “Our goal is for SellersFi to drive fintech innovations that allow sellers and brands to worry less about funding and finance and to focus more on growth and achieving their business goals. ” SellersFi provides industry-leading funding and financial solutions to e-commerce entrepreneurs. We will add offerings previously only available through banks, as well as innovative e-commerce products.  This expanding suite will deliver the first truly comprehensive financial solution for growing e-commerce businesses.   As e-commerce evolves, SellersFi will drive the fintech innovations that allow sellers and brands to worry less about funding and finance and to focus more on growth and achieving their business goals. Our commitment to best-in-class customer service always guides us. About SellersFi SellersFi, formerly SellersFunding, is a global financial technology company that aims to empower e-commerce merchants looking to grow. As e-commerce evolves, SellersFi will drive the fintech innovations that allow sellers and brands to worry less about funding and finance and to focus more on growth and achieving their business goals. From inventory and marketing to product launches, international expansion, and more, thousands of e-commerce sellers trust SellersFi to achieve limitless success.   See All Solutions --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-03-01 - Modified: 2023-05-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-much-ecommerce-funding-do-you-need/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending When you've hit your stride in e-commerce, the last thing you want to do is over- or under-invest in your business. Find out how much e-commerce funding you need to continue growing. Becoming a successful seller is a great feeling. However, if you want to become a true e-commerce pro — it’s time to invest in your business like one. In the wider world of commerce, business funding is used every day to help entrepreneurs hit the next level. But in e-commerce, many entrepreneurs stay stuck in a scrappy startup mentality long after it’s time to start rolling big. Nothing is better than cash on hand for strategic growth projects or for when an unexpected opportunity arises. But just how much capital do you really need? When you've hit your stride in the competitive world of e-commerce, the last thing you want to do is over- or under-invest in your business. Ready to figure out exactly how much e-commerce funding you need to hit the next growth level in your business? Read on for clear steps to running your e-commerce funding numbers. Or, head to our Working Capital page to instantly calculate your funding amount and register to prequalify for up to $5M in as little as 48 hours. How Much E-commerce Funding Do You Need? Start by analyzing your cash flow levels. Define your next step for scaling. Get an accurate reading of your future sales Calculate your projected ROI. Start By Analyzing Your Cash Flow Levels The right e-commerce funding gives you the freedom to experiment.   Whether it’s strengthening your inventory acquisition, launching in a new territory, or powering up your advertising at just the right moment — the correct amount of funding can help you make profitable moves in your business without impacting your current cash flow position. First, you’ll need to get a clear reading of what your existing cash flow levels actually are. The classic way to do this is by creating a cash flow statement using one of two methods: Direct Method - Incoming cash from sales and outgoing cash for expenses.   Indirect Method - Starting with net income, then adding or subtracting based on various operating activities such as inventory, payroll, depreciation, taxes, and more. If you use an accounting tool like Quickbooks or Xero, the direct method can be a quick and easy way to take the temperature of your current cash flow levels. For a deeper look, you may want to connect with a professional accountant who can help you analyze your cash flow using the indirect method. To quickly check the temperature of your operating cash flow, the following formulas can help. Operating Cash Flow (OCF) = Net income + Non-cash expenses – Increase in working capital Then apply the following formula to reach your operating cash flow ratio: Operating Cash Flow Ratio (OCR) = OCF/Current Liabilities (CL) Most experts agree that a healthy operating cash flow ratio is 1 or greater. If your OCR is below 1, you may need to take additional steps to ensure you won’t be putting your business at risk by taking on funding. If your OCR is above 1, great! You’ve got cash on... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-02-23 - Modified: 2023-04-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/should-i-sell-my-product-on-amazon/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon Is it still a good time to sell on Amazon? Find out if selling your products on Amazon is really worth it with a complete walkthrough of the latest pros and cons. For e-commerce entrepreneurs, the prospect of selling on Amazon sounds almost too good to be true. As a growing seller, you get access to a global audience with millions of loyal Prime members and endless advertising opportunities. But as you get deeper into your research, questions may start to pop up.   How much control will you have when selling on Amazon? Will the fees limit your profitability? What’s to stop counterfeiters from hijacking your listings? Eventually, you’ll arrive at the biggest questions of them all: Is selling on Amazon worth it and should I sell my products on Amazon? In this article, we’ll take an objective look at the pros and cons of selling or scaling your sales efforts on Amazon. This will help to clarify if it’s really right for you. Understanding the Value of Selling on Amazon Is It Still a Good Time to Sell on Amazon? Your Top FAQs Answered The Real Pros and Cons of Selling on Amazon What’s the Verdict? Should I Sell My Product on Amazon? Is It Still a Good Time to Sell on Amazon? Your Top FAQs Answered Before getting into the potential benefits and drawbacks of selling on Amazon, let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Amazon selling process. Is It Easy to Sell on Amazon? Amazon makes it very easy to sell on its platform with a simple sign-up process that requires you to supply some key information about yourself and your business.   This includes:  Bank account number and bank routing number Chargeable credit card A government-issued ID Your tax information A phone number You’ll also have to decide if you want to sell as an individual (and pay Amazon $0. 99 per sale) or as a professional (and pay Amazon a flat fee of $39. 99 per month). Once that’s done, you’ll gain access to the Amazon Seller Central dashboard where you can start selling your products. Is It Profitable to Sell on Amazon? Because of Amazon’s global reach and brand recognition, selling on Amazon can be a great way to sell your products to the masses. But as you may already know, Amazon takes several fees which can eat into your profits. Regarding specific profit margins, 60% of Amazon sellers report seeing margins higher than 10%, while 32% of sellers report profit margins of over 20%. What Are The Best Products to Sell on Amazon? The most popular product categories on Amazon include: Home and kitchen products Beauty and personal care Toys and games Apparel and jewelry How Much Capital Do I Need to Start Selling on Amazon? One of the benefits of selling on Amazon is that you can get started without much upfront capital. If you become an Amazon FBA seller, you also don’t have to worry about bearing the full weight of fulfillment costs. However, you may need some startup capital to cover FBA costs, digital assets, and marketing. Depending on your unique business model... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-02-21 - Modified: 2024-03-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-out-of-stock/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog Running out of stock on Amazon? Don’t panic. Learn what to do to master your Amazon seller inventory, create a bulletproof plan, and make sure this never happens again. Congratulations! Your best-selling product has gone viral on social media. Your influencer campaigns are paying off, and there’s a rush of shoppers lining up to buy your products. Everything is perfect! Not exactly. Like many FBA sellers, you might notice that as your sales increase, your Amazon inventory diminishes. Replenishment is weeks away and eventually, it happens — you're out of stock. When the notification hits, you’re going to feel it where it hurts. Obviously, you’ll lose sales, but Amazon can also take away your Buy Box positions and even suspend your seller account if this situation becomes a trend. But don’t panic. With a proactive attitude, iron-clad strategy, and a dash of creativity, you can keep your Amazon inventory in line, starting now. Running Out of Stock on Amazon What Happens When You’re Amazon Out of Stock? Out of Stock on Amazon — What to Do When Your Worst Nightmare Comes True How to Avoid Running Out of Inventory on Amazon What Happens When You’re Out of Stock on Amazon?   As an Amazon seller, you already know that when you’re out of stock — you’re out of luck and out of Amazon’s good graces. It’s an unfortunate reality in the life of an FBA seller. Even for well-established stores with a long-running reputation for success, going out of stock on Amazon can be dangerous to your bottom line. This is because Amazon sees a seller going out of stock as a sign that there may be a bigger problem with your store. With its ultimate goal of protecting the customer, going out of stock can cause Amazon to take action to protect shoppers. These actions include: Removing your Buy Box position Delisting your products Suspending you for multiple infractions But perhaps the single most significant issue you’ll face comes from a loss of momentum.   If one day you’re moving inventory left and right, then suddenly there’s no more inventory for shoppers to purchase, this gives your competitors a prime opportunity to catch up or even outrank you on Amazon. With 69% of shoppers saying they will gladly head to another store if something they’re looking for is out of stock, that could lead to a whole lot of missed opportunities. If the worst has already happened and you’ve run out of stock on Amazon, don’t worry. It may take some time but with a clear plan, you’ll be able to get your sales back on track. Out of Stock on Amazon – What to Do When Your Worst Nightmare Comes True First, don't panic. There are steps you can take to rectify the situation and return to Amazon’s good graces. Here's what to do. Call in Reinforcements from Your Suppliers As soon as you get the “out-of-stock” notification, you know you need to act fast. The first step is to try to accelerate your replenishment order.   Call your supplier directly to express the urgency of the situation and ask if they can produce your goods quicker... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-02-16 - Modified: 2023-03-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-to-create-buyer-personas/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Learning how to create buyer personas is so important for long-term success. Follow our ultimate guide to learn more. When it comes to the origin of your business, did you start with a product you were passionate about, a community you wanted to serve, or a problem you wanted to solve? There’s no right answer here. However, at the heart of every business is the buyer persona. Regardless of what inspired you to create your business, there’s a target audience you are serving, which is why learning how to create buyer personas is so important for long-term success.   What Is a Buyer Persona?   According to Shopify, a buyer persona is a fictionalized characterization of your best customer(s) based on information about them and how they use your products or services. It’s similar to an ideal customer profile (ICP), but in more of a narrative form. Buyer personas help marketing teams, product development teams, and entire companies work toward reaching and helping their target customers. Rock Content has defined the variation between ICP and persona well:  The short and sweet of ICP vs. persona is that an ICP represents an ideal business that you want to sell to, while a persona is a detailed account of the people who could benefit from your products or services. Oftentimes, a persona will represent a specific buyer or decision-maker within your ICP. Why Do Brands and Retailers Need to Create Buyer Personas?   Buyer personas have the potential to add purpose to everything a company does. Launching a new product? Which persona would buy it? Want to try a new advertising placement? Is your persona spending time on that channel?   Brands will likely have a few personas, and those personas will continue to evolve over time. This is an important point. So many brands will create personas when they first get started, and then fail to return to them. For example, you may have a “Sorority Sarah” as one of your personas. In five years, she’s not necessarily a sorority girl anymore. Or maybe you no longer cater to sorority sisters as much as you did years ago. The environment that the customer occupies is no longer the same, so what happens then?   The Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create Buyer Personas  Before you dive into this process, remember that creating a buyer persona is like writing a story for your target customer. Have fun! Also, this isn’t something that you can do alone, so grab a few people from different departments who represent different demographics and generations. 1. Gather the Data  As much as creating buyer personas is storytelling, you also need data to back it up. Remember, personas are likely representations of your ICP. You have data from your ICP, so start there. Pull as many data points as you can. Are you able to see a customer journey from when they first entered your funnel? How long between first touch and purchase? Did they come to you from a social media channel? Based on their demographics, what’s the order volume? Amass as much data as you... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-02-02 - Modified: 2023-07-13 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/growing-an-ecommerce-business/ - Categories: Blog What do HelloFresh, Scrub Daddy, and Quibi have in common? They can all teach you a lot about growing an e-commerce business. Business owners are constantly bombarded with clickbait and buzzwords promising to help “scale your business overnight! ” But as any experienced e-commerce entrepreneur can tell you, sustainably growing an e-commerce business takes time, effort, and a strategic plan.   E-commerce has experienced significant growth (as well as a significant reset) over the past few years. The landscape has become increasingly competitive. How can you differentiate and elevate your business in a way that sets you up to win long term? Today we’re diving into real-life examples of brands that have experienced healthy and not-so-healthy growth. Whether it’s a lesson for your own playbook or a cautionary tale to prevent a misstep, tapping into the experiences of the brands that came before can help keep you on the road to success. Growing an E-commerce Business: Lessons in Good vs. Bad Growth Go Viral (and Stay There) Like Scrub Daddy Wrapped Content for Individuals: Personalize Like Spotify Seller Beware: Cautionary Tales from Grooveshark and Quibi HelloFresh vs. Blue Apron: A Tale of Two DTC Meal Kit Subscription Services 1. Go Viral (and Stay There) Like Scrub Daddy If you’re looking to grow an e-commerce business, you already know a strong social media presence is essential.   The right social content does more than get you in front of the right shoppers. It also helps to generate incredible product content, build a loyal community of followers, and deliver priceless insights into customer behavior and preferences. From Shein unboxing videos to top Amazon finds on TikTok, fast-growing brands know how to get shoppers buzzing about products. But not all brands have marketing budgets to rival that of Shein or Amazon. As the cost of advertising continues to rise, growing brands are getting both smarter and scrappier in terms of how they leverage social media. From TikTok to Instagram, you can find creators everywhere serving up genuinely entertaining videos using new products they found online. Even the professional ads are starting to look more and more like user-generated content. This brings us to our first growth lesson, one of the best ways to go viral and stay viral is to simply entertain. Scrub Daddy’s “Cleantok” Takeover A masterclass in disruptive marketing videos created by Scrub Daddy.   Just a couple of years ago, America’s favorite sponge was nothing more than a dream and a Shark Tank pitch. Today it’s a $100M brand that has seen 80% revenue growth from 2020 to 2021. This is due in no small part to the fact that Scrub Daddy’s social media accounts are filled with hilariously relatable memes and video content, all with their trademark sponge featured. Scrub Daddy is killing it when it comes to marketing to Gen-Z shoppers. Where others have failed to tap into influencer marketing with any lasting results, Scrub Daddy has partnered with creators like Vanesa Amaro to create “Cleantok” content shoppers actually want to watch and special-edition products they actually want to buy. With a viral everywhere-at-once approach to social media marketing, the... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-01-19 - Modified: 2025-01-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-seller-payment-schedule/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog The Amazon seller payment schedule can be complicated. Get a handle on how long it takes to get Amazon seller payouts and how to get paid up to 90% of your previous day's sales daily. Selling on Amazon can be a fairytale or a nightmare depending on your cash flow. That’s why keeping up with the latest Amazon seller payment schedule guidelines is critical. Because a lengthy seller payout process may be part of Amazon, you may need funding more frequently so you don’t put your inventory, advertising, and other investments at risk while you wait for your disbursement from Amazon. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Amazon’s seller payment schedule works so you always know when to expect your next Amazon seller payout. We’ll also walk through proven ways to strengthen your cash flow, so you can keep the sales coming while you wait. Understanding the Amazon Seller Payment Schedule How Does Amazon Pay Sellers? Your Top FAQs Answered Know the Lingo: Amazon Seller Payment Schedule Terminology Why Haven’t I Been Paid Yet? How to Stay a Step Ahead of Amazon’s Payment Schedule How Does Amazon Pay Sellers? Your Top FAQs Answered Congratulations, you've just made a heap of sales. Excited to check out your increased account balance, you head over to your business bank account, log in, and... nothing. One of the first (and possibly hardest) lessons every Amazon seller must learn is that there are a series of steps your money will go through before Amazon pays you.   While this can be a tough pill to swallow, the truth is that the Amazon payout process is there to help ensure all chargebacks, refunds, disputes, and guarantee claims are handled correctly before your sales are paid out. In other words, the payout process is there to protect you, Amazon, and the customer. By holding your marketplace payments for a set time, Amazon can help make sure your customers are satisfied with their products before releasing funds. This takes a big element of customer service off your plate. Now that you know why Amazon keeps your cash for as long as they do, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Amazon’s seller payment schedule. How Long Does It Take to Get Paid as an Amazon Seller? If everything is up-to-date and you don’t have an unavailable balance, Amazon will remit payment every 14 days. Are Amazon Seller Payments Paid Weekly? Typically, Amazon sellers do not get paid weekly. Bi-weekly payments are more common. Do Amazon Sellers Get Paid Right Away? Amazon doesn’t pay sellers right away. However, if you’ve been selling on Amazon for 10 years or more, you may qualify for next-day payouts. (More on this below! ) How Long Does It Take for Amazon to Pay Its Sellers? While payments are typically released bi-weekly, it can take up to five business days to receive the payment in your bank account after Amazon remits it. How Do I Check My Payment Schedule on Amazon? Check your Payments Dashboard to see when Amazon will pay you and how much. This information updates automatically in the Payment report. You can also visit the Account Health page in... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2023-01-04 - Modified: 2023-11-13 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/social-media-community/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising A developed social media community has the ability to create a LARGE impact on your business, from sales to reviews to content. In the current state of e-commerce, social media marketing is a necessary channel for reaching target audiences. It has become one of the simplest levers to pull to communicate and connect with customers and prospects alike. Building an engaged social media community is a great way to succeed in 2023.   Social Media’s Impact on Shopping Behavior  As of February 2021 (the most recent available data), 72% of U. S. adults said they use social media. In the broader global picture, that number is 44%. That is a powerful medium. Your goal as a marketer or business owner should be to reach your target audience where they are already spending their time. Don’t make shoppers come to you; meet your customers where they already are.   Social media platforms have realized the importance of conversion to sales. Most platforms now include “Buy Now” or similar options, allowing social media users to check out in app. This is the growing trend of “social commerce” and is increasingly important in larger e-commerce. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, “Social purchasing is the way of the future. It’s a dynamic, engaging experience that replaces tedious, time-consuming transactions. ”  It's Not Just About the Buy Beyond the actual shopping experience, potential buyers are also quick to turn to social media platforms for customer service. The publicity of a disgruntled customer is likely to get that customer both a favorable and a quick resolution. Future shoppers also want to see how a brand handles interactions like this to measure customer care.   Also consider the impact of influencers on buying behavior. Thousands of influencers worldwide make comfortable (if not lavish) incomes by promoting products and swaying their communities. Working with one of these influencers or even positioning someone at your company as an influencer is another way to level up the community game. The Importance of a Social Media Community  Let’s set the scene:  You and your team have worked for months on launching a new product. There has been a substantial investment of time, energy, and funding. Multiple people and departments have contributed. Your whole heart is in this product, and you are so proud. It comes time for launch day, you click “publish” on your product listing, and...   Then what? Without a social media community (assuming you don’t have an email list either), you’re stuck waiting for sales to come to you organically while spending heavily on ads. You’ve taken great pains to make sure that everything is optimized for organic and paid search, marketplaces, and your branded website, but you’re still struggling to get your message heard by people who are actively interested.   With an engaged social media community, you can accelerate that product launch! Build hype for the launch ahead of time, run a promotion on your social media channels once it’s live, offer bundles and giveaways ... the options are endless. In fact, we’ve known brands (as we’re sure you have too) that have sold out of product on... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-12-28 - Modified: 2023-12-29 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-trends/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Marketing & Advertising E-commerce trends move at lightning speed. We checked in with leading CEOs and founders for their take on what to expect next — in just one word. From community building and AI to hybrid shopping models, 2022 was a year of exploration and innovation. With advances in personalization, social commerce, and globalization, there were many developments that left retailers reflecting in awe. According to industry experts, these e-commerce trends (plus some new ones) will go even further in 2023. Looking toward a new year of e-commerce adventures, we checked in with leading CEOs and founders for their takes. We asked them to describe the shifting e-commerce landscape in just one word. And you know what? They delivered. Here’s what they had to say about e-commerce trends into 2023: Videos “We've seen how more and more brands use Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts to promote their businesses. They will continue to do so next year. We can expect more creative and interactive ways for consumers to engage with the brand through these short-form videos,” says Nunzio Ross, CEO and Founder of Majesty Coffee. Nunzio predicts short-form video will continue to dominate in 2023 and beyond. His reasoning? Short videos are eye-catching, digestible, and just long enough to give viewers the information they need to buy the product.   While TikTok might’ve kickstarted the trend, almost every social media platform — Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook — has adopted this format, leading to the next wave in social commerce. Today 86% of businesses use video as a marketing tool and 87% report positive ROI. Majesty Coffee’s adoption of short-form videos on their social media, particularly Instagram reels, has been impressive. It illustrates how any brand can easily jump into the art of short-form video — no mega-influencers necessary. Omnichannel “Throughout this year, we've seen consumers increasingly demand in-store experiences alongside seamless online interactions. Companies unable to provide a mix of online and in-person shopping experiences are facing increased customer turnover and loss of revenue,” says Mark McShane, Managing Director of Manchester First Aid Courses. Mark emphasizes that “e-commerce companies that want to succeed in 2023 will have to provide more fluid and seamless omnichannel and multi-channel shopping experiences to retain customers. ”  Whether that means investing in headless commerce or launching on new marketplaces, more brands are getting in on omnichannel selling. According to Shopify’s latest Future of Retail Report, 53% of brands are investing in tools to boost their omnichannel strategies.   The way experts like Mark see it, the sooner brands adopt these strategies, the longer they’ll stay in the game. Disruptive “From Amazon to eBay to Walmart, e-commerce is a lot more than just a website. It’s changing the way we shop, how we shop, and how we think about shopping,” says Jamie Irwin, Director and Founder of Straight Up Search. As a search engine optimization (SEO) expert for leading e-commerce brands and affiliates, Jamie makes it his mission to know how the landscape is changing.   Jamie honed in on several potentially disruptive e-commerce trends as we move into 2023: Interest in unique, eco-friendly, and handmade items: As shoppers become more aware of the... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-12-21 - Modified: 2023-11-13 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/subscription-boxes/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Discover how e-commerce brands are compounding revenue with subscription boxes, plus the subscription box industry analysis and best practices to guide your strategy. As a growing e-commerce brand, you’re no stranger to the hype around subscription boxes. But maximizing their results is another beast entirely. Offering subscription boxes can be a savvy way to generate recurring revenue, create personalized customer experiences, and help shoppers save time and money.   In Q4 2020, subscription-based businesses saw revenue grow at a rate of 21%. An impressive seven times faster than companies on the S&P 500. But the days of peak pandemic shopping are largely over. And adding subscription boxes to your business model may or may not be feasible for your unique brand. From product alignment to fulfillment to meeting customer needs, creating a subscription channel takes careful thought and consideration.   We've already covered the best types of subscription boxes for Amazon sellers. Today, we’re going to break down the subscription box best practices for multichannel DTC brands. What You Need to Know About Subscription Boxes Do Subscription Boxes Actually Increase Revenue? What Do Consumers Look For in a Subscription Box?   Advice From Two of the Most Popular Subscription Box Company CEOs Ready to Add Subscription Boxes to Your Offers in 2023? Do Subscription Boxes Actually Increase Revenue? Let’s tackle the biggest question first. As with any business strategy, subscription boxes may increase revenue if they address unmet consumer needs and deliver real value. According to McKinsey, it’s crucial to make sure your new subscription boxes are part of a sustainable model that: Supports your overall brand strategy. Has a value proposition and business case tied to a clear unmet need. To address your target customer’s needs head-on, start by identifying pain points in the consumer journey, conducting market research, and testing your concept.   Send out polls, questionnaires, and surveys to your most loyal fans. You can also interview a few of your VIP customers and start a focus group to gather deeper insights. Once you’ve proven your concept, ask your customer cohort to detail the types of experiences they’d like to have when they enroll in your subscription service. By integrating customer research and machine learning to spot purchase predictors, you can create subscription boxes tailored to your audience’s shopping preferences and get one step closer to meeting your recurring revenue goals. How Do Companies Make Money from Subscriptions? E-commerce businesses make money from subscriptions when their customers pay a set amount for a service or bundle of goods every month. The longer a customer subscribes, the higher their customer lifetime value (CLV or CLTV) is, and the more money the business makes. But there’s a caveat. To make money from subscriptions, experts and analysts like those at McKinsey are quick to stress the importance of nourishing your subscription business rather than treating it as an experiment. A committed approach is vital if you want your new subscription channel to win and keep subscribers. Subscriptions also come with a full host of data straight from customers, which lets you in on their key buying habits and patterns. If they sign up... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-12-19 - Modified: 2023-07-24 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/2023-ecommerce-playbook/ - Categories: Events & Webinars - Tags: E-commerce, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing Just when we all thought we had “the new e-commerce" down, supply chain issues and inflation turned everything upside down. Just when we all thought we had “the new e-commerce" down, supply chain issues and inflation turned everything upside down. This abrupt shift left even the hardiest brands feeling as if so, much is now out of their control. However, for everything that feels tenuous, there’s one thing very much still up to you: an adaptability mentality.   Out of inventory due to shipping delays? No problem! Start a waitlist and grow your email list. Miss out on a Lightning Deal? Run a coupon through social media to sell more and gain followers. Website traffic down? Optimize your Amazon listings or advertising campaigns ... It really is in your hands.   Bring your adaptability mentality to this webinar and get problem-solving actionable strategies that put you back in the driver’s seat. Some of the brightest minds (and familiar faces) in e-commerce share their tactics and tips on for 2023 success.   --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-12-05 - Modified: 2024-03-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/sell-on-walmart/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Walmart - Tags: Expansion, Walmart Should you sell your products on Walmart Marketplace? As with every e-commerce platform, there are benefits and drawbacks. We’re covering it all right here. As a growing seller, you already know how successful Walmart Marketplace has become. But that still doesn’t mean it’s the right platform for your store. From price match scares to watching your referral fees stack up, is selling on Walmart Marketplace really worth it?   Ready to dig in and decide once and for all whether Walmart Marketplace is worth adding to your sales mix? In this guide, we’ll answer the latest and most common questions about selling on Walmart Marketplace. We'll also share strategies to help you get the most out of the platform. What we’ll cover in “Selling on Walmart in 2023: Is It Really Worth It? ” Walmart Marketplace: What’s in it for sellers? Is selling on Walmart Marketplace worth it? And other top FAQs How to get approved to sell on Walmart Marketplace Tired of slow marketplace payout schedules? You’re not alone. SellersFunding Daily Advance clients grow 75% faster by breaking free of rigid marketplace payment schedules. Learn how you can receive up to 90% of your previous day’s sales with rates as low as 0. 5%. Walmart Marketplace: What’s in it for sellers? Walmart is now the second leading e-commerce retailer in the US after Amazon, with more than 410 million unique visitors visiting Walmart. com each month. A recent Statista report reveals that the number of Walmart Marketplace sellers has surpassed 150,000 — that’s a 66% increase within a single fiscal year. If you’ve overlooked the idea of selling on Walmart until now, there are new reasons to give it another thought. To recap, here are the hard-and-fast numbers of Walmart’s massive impact: More than 410 million unique visitors visit Walmart. com each month One of the world’s largest retailers, second only to Amazon There are now over 150,000 sellers on Walmart Marketplace (a 66% increase in just one year) Walmart Inc. ’s fiscal year 2021 revenue totaled $559 billion Clearly, there’s a lot to be gained for growing sellers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the unique advantages you can benefit from when you sell on Walmart Marketplace. Not all e-commerce marketplaces are created equal. Pinpoint the right sales channels for your growing brand with the Seller’s Guide to the Best E-commerce Marketplaces. Benefits of Selling on Walmart Marketplace While there are many reasons to love selling on Walmart Marketplace, these eight are high on our list: 1. Instant Credibility While browsing the platform, you may notice that all products listed on Walmart Marketplace (even those listed by third-party sellers) look similar to those owned by Walmart. This is no accident. Walmart Marketplace’s consistent product page structure helps reinforce consumer trust, as shoppers may associate third-party seller items with a trusted Walmart product. In other words, you get to take advantage of Walmart’s major street cred when selling on its marketplace. 2. Wide Customer Base  With 410 million unique visitors heading to Walmart. com each and every month, you have the benefit of accessing Walmart’s gigantic (and still growing! ) customer... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-12-01 - Modified: 2023-12-13 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/transforming-economic-uncertainty/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion - Tags: Expansion Experts participated in a discussion about the future of e-commerce and how retailers, brands, and entrepreneurs can begin transforming economic uncertainty. SellersFunding is honored to have co-hosted Transforming Economic Uncertainty into E-commerce Opportunity in London earlier this Q4. We presented alongside Shopify, Eastside Co, and Ernst & Young, with world-renowned entrepreneur, Steven Bartlett. Experts from the presenting companies participated in a nearly 90-minute-long panel discussion about the future of e-commerce and how retailers, brands, and entrepreneurs can plan when so much is unknown.   While this was an invitation-only event, we’re sharing key takeaways with you here so that you can include them in your 2023 plans and have the best year yet. 5 Key Takeaways from Transforming Economic Uncertainty into E-commerce Opportunity (London, 2022)  Lean into building connections with your shoppers and existing customers.   Be ready and willing to adapt in order to create long-term success.   Focus on what is important and what will make a difference. Don’t be afraid of failure; embrace setbacks as lessons and revise your approach.   Set the example from the top so you encourage quality and consistency across your business. 1. Build Connections  A key thread in almost every answer from our panelists touched on the importance of connection. In fact, Shopify is starting to refer to shopper interactions as “Connect to Consumer” or CTC (rather than "direct-to-consumer"). And for Shopify, this means reaching out further than standard direct-to-consumer (DTC) efforts in order to make and keep long-term customers. Successful e-commerce is about so much more than producing and offering good products. Shoppers now want to have a positive experience from the points of initial search and browsing to the potential of a future purchase or recommending a brand to a friend. This experience includes everything from your website speed to your product listings to packaging to social media presence. Every touchpoint to which your brand name is attached is part of a customer’s journey – and customers are paying attention and they are open to choosing other brands if their expectations are not met.   “Trust no longer comes from a brand. Trust comes from people’s experience of that brand that’s shared through their social network where you can actually get trust (secondhand, if you like) from the people you do trust. ” —Paul Hunter, Director, Ernst & Young  Shimona Mehta from Shopify brought up a recent study the company has been conducting. Shopify has found that “consumers are saying that they’re planning on spending as usual this Black Friday and holiday season, but in preparation to stop spending for next year. ” Just because consumers are planning on pulling back on spending in the new year doesn’t mean you should assume they won’t continue buying from you in the new year. Don’t abandon them; reach out to them. Continue building and nurturing connections so that you are the first brand that comes to mind when they’re looking for their next purchases. Brands are now competing not only for shares of consumers’ wallets, but for shares of their hearts and their minds. 2. Adapt  At its very core, the definition of... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-11-29 - Modified: 2023-12-13 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/preparing-for-a-profitable-new-year/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4 - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4 Maximize Q4 and prepare for a profitable year ahead. Use these 5 powerful tactics for smart decision-making, customer engagement, and cost optimization. Q4 is officially in full swing. Such an exciting – but high-pressure – time for e-commerce. Brands are working to get the most out of these opportunity-filled months. It's all about capitalizing on Cyber 5 and other holiday promotions to maximize profit before closing out the year. But what about preparing for a profitable new year ahead? Without the right prep, you're likely to play catch-up in the first few months of the new year. Compounding this challenge is an economy that still feels as uncertain as ever. Inflation is leaving its mark on consumer spending in Q4 and possibly throughout 2023. So what can you do to drive growth now and build momentum for the future? How can you stay laser-focused on Q4 results while preparing for a strong start in January? In this article, we’ll dive into the challenges e-commerce brands are facing as they navigate the busiest time of year. Then, we’ll walk through five actionable tips for making Q4 count while setting the stage for a profitable 2023. Gearing Up for a Profitable New Year The Q4 Conundrum (and Why It’s Intensified This Year) Why It’s Always Essential to Look Ahead 5 Ways to Set the Stage for a Profitable 2023 The Q4 Conundrum (and Why It’s Intensified This Year) Q4 comes at you fast! The time between October and December is chock-full of holidays and the year’s biggest spending weeks. This period requires special promotions, agile inventory management, and precise planning to align your supply chain with growing consumer demand. The calendar is packed, and there isn’t much time to stop and look beyond the new year. Still, January looms. Sales in January may be slow initially, but businesses must lay the foundation for growth over the next twelve months. This year will require navigating unpredictable inflationary pressures. KPMG reports that 72% of consumers are not only expecting a recession in the next year — they’re planning for it by adjusting spending. Why It’s Always Essential to Look Ahead Pending recession or not, depending too heavily on Q4 to meet your annual revenue targets is a misguided strategy. It’s true that many of the biggest consumer spending days are packed into those last few months of the year — but Q4 as a whole accounts for about an equal percentage of total annual consumer spending as each of the three quarters preceding it. The US Census Bureau’s Annual Retail Trade Survey data shows that in 2020 (the most recent full-year data available), Q4 made up 27% of total sales. Larger Census Bureau datasets analyzed by Business Insider in 2017 show that between 1992 and 2016, Q4 never accounted for more than 27. 88% of total retail sales. There’s no denying that Q4 is busier than other times of the year, but from an objective sales data perspective, it shouldn’t be prioritized at the expense of others.   Preparing now to kick off the new year with strong Q1 sales positions your business to earn higher... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-11-17 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/chinese-new-year-shutdowns/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing In 2023, Chinese New Year (CNY) will officially kick off on January 22nd. But as an online retailer, the run-up to CNY also happens to be your busiest season. From executing holiday campaigns to preparing for 2023, you have a lot on your plate. In 2023, Chinese New Year (CNY) will officially kick off on January 22nd. But as an online retailer, the run-up to CNY also happens to be your busiest season. From executing holiday campaigns to preparing for 2023, you have a lot on your plate. The last thing you want to deal with? Getting thrown off by factory shutdowns in China as the country celebrates the Lunar New Year. What Christmas is to the U. S. and other western cultures, the Lunar New Year is to China. But when it comes to this particular holiday, celebrations can go on for weeks. For online retailers, that presents a major problem. Chinese suppliers will shut down for anywhere from three weeks to a couple of months. Planning ahead for CNY needs to be an essential part of your business strategy. And with ongoing supply chain disruption, port shutdowns, and increasing inflation, a plan for navigating CNY has never mattered more. But here’s the good news. Planning ahead is totally doable. Not only that, the right planning for CNY can help you develop better inventory and supply chain practices year-round. All About Chinese New Year Shutdowns: What’s the Supply Chain Situation During CNY? How Can Chinese New Year Affect Your Store? How Can Online Retailers Prepare for Chinese New Year Shutdowns? What’s the Supply Chain Situation During CNY? If you’re in the wild world of e-commerce, you already know China is the leading supplier of goods to the U. S. , with products from China amounting to nearly $506. 37 billion dollars in 2021.   CNY has always had a significant impact on the global supply chain. There are a few specific market conditions that may make CNY 2023 especially challenging. Let’s break them down one by one. Drought Conditions Across China The devastating heatwave across China, which ravaged the country over the summer, has let up, but drought conditions haven't.   From crop failures to wildfires to power outages, lower water levels took a major toll on China’s hydropower capacity. This led to restrictions on industrial power consumption and shutdowns across major companies. Although the power is back up and running, there’s still a risk of disruption to global supply chains, further pointing to the fact that creating a proactive plan is absolutely crucial. U. S. Export Restrictions In an aim to slow Beijing’s technological and military advances, the Biden administration published new export controls recently, which included a measure to cut China off from certain semiconductor chips made with U. S. tools. This, along with ongoing supply chain disruptions, suggests that a China+1 strategy — diversifying your production or supplier base by investing in operations in other countries — may be the way to go. In fact, Apple is already moving toward a China+1 strategy and has diversified its manufacturing network to include countries such as Vietnam and India. But despite the many challenges, the U. S. and other countries still don't have the infrastructure in place to create a solid supply... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-11-16 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-listing-hijacked/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon If this is your first time having your Amazon listing hijacked, or you've been through it before, we can help. Here’s exactly what to do next to get your listing and your seller reputation back on track. Imagine logging into your seller account in the morning, only to be hit by the following customer reviews: “Do not purchase this product, it’s a total fake. ” “Warning: This product is a dupe! ” “The product I ordered fell apart in a day. ” Confused? Well, we hate to break it to you, but you got hijacked. Or more specifically, you had your Amazon listing hijacked. Here’s what probably happened: A fraudulent seller noticed your product was selling well, decided to make a counterfeit, and sold it for less on Amazon.   Enticed by the low price, shoppers then bought the product from the hijacker instead of you (usually without even realizing it). Then they received low-quality products and marched right back onto Amazon to leave a scathing review of your listing. Your hijacker profits. You and your customers both lose.   Unfortunately, in the world of e-commerce, it happens to the best of us. But while Amazon listing hijacking might seem out of your control, there are ways to take action and regain power over your product listings. The Truth About Amazon Listing Hijacking What Is Amazon Listing Hijacking? (And Why It's Just as Scary as It Sounds)The True Cost of Hijacked Amazon ListingsFirst, Who Exactly Are These Amazon Listing Hijackers? 3 Proven Ways to Give Hijackers the Boot Protect Your Listings from Future Hijackings Selling on Amazon isn’t for the faint of heart. Before diving in, make sure you're clear on the A to Z of Amazon Seller Accounts, including all the benefits and drawbacks of growing your brand on the world’s leading marketplace. What Is Amazon Listing Hijacking? (And Why It's Just as Scary as It Sounds) According to JungleScout’s State of the Amazon Seller survey, 48% of Amazon sellers reported feeling concerned about hijackers, and for good reason. Here are just a few of the ways Amazon listing hijackers can damage a growing brand: Lower prices on counterfeit products means you lose customers. By taking over popular listings, they also hijack your chances of winning the Buy Box. High returns and bad reviews could get you suspended from Amazon. Not to mention, it also takes a lot of time to resolve these issues. And Amazon Customer Service is notoriously complicated. When asked about their biggest challenge, one seller interviewed by JungleScout put it like this: “Hijackers and Amazon glitches that have gotten my listing or account suppressed multiple times. I have spent more hours this year dealing with non-issue ‘issues’ than I have for product research. ” Amazon’s seller payment schedule can be tough to navigate. Fortunately, there’s an answer for that too. With SellersFunding’s Daily Advance, sellers can access up to 90% of incoming sales in as little as 48 hours. Find out how SellersFunding’s Daily Advance helps sellers see an average 75% increase in growth. The True Cost of Hijacked Amazon Listings Unfortunately, hijacked listings don’t just come with a time cost.   When a hijacker successfully takes over your listing for an extended... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-11-15 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/global-expansion/ - Categories: Events & Webinars You’ve gone multi-channel. You’ve expanded into more marketplaces. Now what? The next wave of explosive growth lies in global expansion. For merchants able to take that multi-channel knowledge they’ve acquired and apply it across borders, profitable opportunities abound. A whole new world is now truly open for business. But international expansion can be complicated. In fact, many merchants who try it on their own find themselves quickly in over their heads, which can be costly and have legal ramifications. The good news for you is that until now, this high barrier to entering new markets has deterred many brands from going global. This means that this moment offers elevated levels of profitability with lower levels of competition – but only for merchants who proceed with global experts on their side. Enter our new Global Growth Program. Between SellersFi’s international payment capabilities and AVASK’s tax and policy compliance knowledge, you have the partners you need to truly scale your business to new heights. Join our experts from SellersFi and AVASK as we get into the details of expanding businesses beyond borders and answer your most pressing questions. https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Global_Expansion_for_Next_Level_Growth. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-11-09 - Modified: 2024-01-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/cross-border-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising In the world of e-commerce, growth is an ever-moving target. If you’ve ventured into new marketplaces, launched a multi-channel strategy, and are looking for the next profitable path forward, you’re probably thinking about expanding your e-commerce presence across borders. Global expansion presents a $1 trillion opportunity for e-commerce brands. However, launching in a new market brings all kinds of unfamiliar challenges.   Unlike selling in your home country, where you know the people, customs, rules, and regulations, you’re leaping straight into the unknown each time you launch a new store in a new territory. Still, for an increasing number of e-commerce brands, expanding internationally is worth it. If you’re ready to take your brand across borders, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll share the latest insights on the size of the cross-border e-commerce market, plus practical tips to help you make your mark on a global scale. What We’ll Cover: What Is Cross-Border E-commerce? What's the Size of the Cross-border E-commerce Market? The Biggest Cross-Border E-commerce Markets to Enter Right Now 6 Surefire Tips for Successful Cross-Border Expansion What Is Cross-Border E-commerce? Cross-border e-commerce eliminates geographic barriers, enabling consumers to access products no matter where in the world they are. E-commerce merchants can launch a cross-border strategy through their existing sites, platforms, or marketplaces, or even set up new ones for specific regions. From international e-commerce marketplaces like Shopify Markets to fully customized headless commerce, today’s brands have a plethora of options when it comes to executing international expansion strategies. For example, DTC brands like Warby Parker and J. Crew execute international e-commerce directly through their websites. Other brands partner with third-party retail platforms like Alibaba or Amazon. Some even partner exclusively with one platform, like those in the Amazon Exclusives program. What's the Size of the Cross-Border E-commerce Market? The size of the cross-border e-commerce market has grown significantly since its initial boost in 2020. All signs point to a continued upward trajectory over the next several years. Vantage Market Research reports that the total market, valued at about $793 million in 2021, is expected to reach a staggering $304 billion by 2028 — a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25. 1%. PayPal’s 2022 Borderless E-Commerce Report found that in almost every country surveyed, more than 40% of shoppers currently make cross-border purchases. In some countries — like Canada and Brazil — that number is significantly higher (63% and 72%, respectively), and 42% of overall survey respondents said they are more comfortable shopping cross-border now than they were in 2020. The opportunity looks promising from a holistic market perspective as well. McKinsey predicts that cross-border e-commerce merchandise value will reach $1 trillion by 2030 (more than triple its current valuation of $300 billion) — and that’s a conservative estimate. Why is cross-border e-commerce important for growing your brand? Smart DTC brands and e-commerce players are taking advantage of this current and projected growth trend. Lululemon, for example, expanded into Asian markets earlier this year and... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-11-08 - Modified: 2024-01-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-tech-stack/ - Categories: Blog, Inventory & Sourcing, Shopify, Tech & Data - Tags: Inventory & Sourcing, Shopify, Tech & Data An e-commerce tech stack is a suite of software tools merchants use to run the front and back ends of an e-commerce business. In this day and age of all things automated, building the best e-commerce tech stack for your business is anything but easy. With a wide range of tools and platforms available, you may feel overwhelmed by the countless choices available to you. Here’s the key: When it comes to choosing the right tech tools for your business, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. While it can be tempting to be an early adopter and jump on every new tech recommendation, the truth is that some patience and research will benefit most businesses. Merchants need to think carefully and take their own strategic approaches to choosing the right tech tools for their businesses. One stack does not fit all. Let’s look at some core areas of e-commerce businesses so that you can confidently choose the tools and systems that work for you. Building Your E-commerce Tech Stack What Is an E-commerce Tech Stack? (And Why You Need One) What Should You Think About When Building Your E-commerce Tech Stack? Core Areas to Consider When Building a High-Performance E-commerce Tech Stack At SellersFi, our e-commerce clients always come first. With our all-in-one funding solutions, we support brands worldwide to grow sustainably and at speed. Get in touch to learn how we can help your store win. What Is an E-commerce Tech Stack? (And Why You Need One) An e-commerce tech stack is a suite of software tools merchants use to run the front and back ends of an e-commerce business. From vendor management to order fulfillment, the right e-commerce tech stack can help carry you through every stage of selling, as well as make your business operations seamless, efficient, and scalable. Let’s take a look at some of the priorities to keep in mind when building your e-commerce tech stack. Need a way to easily track your store's selling performance? Discover how our Sellers Signals solution streamlines all of your store’s core data for the complete picture of performance. What Should You Think About When Building Your E-commerce Tech Stack? When you sit down to brainstorm your e-commerce tech needs, it’s important to keep your priorities and growth stage in mind. Before you do anything else, grab a notepad or open up a Google Doc and start thinking about your tech stack must-haves. Here’s a quick checklist you can use to guide your brainstorming: Cost: What’s your overall tech budget? Most software is subscription based now. How much can you afford to spend per month? How much can you spend per year? Business Stage: What current business stage are you in and how can the right tools help you reach the next level? For instance, do you need to automate last-mile deliveries? Do you need tools that can help you reduce cart abandonment? Processes: What does your current operational framework look like? How much time are you spending on repetitive processes that could be replaced with automated ones? Which processes do you absolutely need a human for and which ones can you replace with... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-11-03 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/black-friday-winning-ecommerce/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing We’re not going to sugarcoat it; Black Friday in 2022 may not deliver the kind of standout results we’re used to seeing. But when approached with the right mindset and strategy, this key shopping day still offers a fantastic opportunity to unlock new growth in your business. Apart from taxes, late inventory, and abandoned shopping carts, the only constant in e-commerce is change itself. Unfortunately, winning Black Friday sales in 2022 is no exception. Increasing pressure from excess inventory due to months of delayed shipments, combined with the highest inflation in decades, is putting a major strain on shoppers and retailers alike. Last year, nearly 40% of all Black Friday dollars were spent online during Cyber 5. This year, even Amazon’s own early holiday shopping event failed to deliver projected sales. But just because the picture has changed doesn’t mean you should throw your hands up and walk away. With a clear plan and strategy, there’s still plenty to be gained this Black Friday — but you may need to make some significant changes to your usual strategy to make it a win. Black Friday 2022: Sellers Are Hoping for the Best and Planning for the Worst How to Prep Your Store for Black Friday 2022 Black Friday Success Is Still Within Reach This Black Friday, Sellers Are Hoping for the Best and Planning for the Worst If you’ve been in the e-commerce game for a while, you know that when Q4 rolls around, consumers go into full-on holiday shopping mode. And while Black Friday 2022 is expected to increase by just 1% since last year, playing your cards right during the holiday season could still set you up for increased sales year-round. Like every year, the biggest Black Friday winners are the retailers who know the magic is in the prep work. Let’s take a closer look at why getting your store primed for Black Friday is critical for success, even with lower predicted holiday sales. Win long-term shoppers with a seamless experience: When you invest the time in optimizing your store for Black Friday, you put your brand in a position to wow shoppers with stellar products and bundles, on-time delivery, and excellent service. Impress them now, and they’ll keep coming back for more in the new year. Boost your store’s year-round profitability: With a strong plan for Q4, you don’t need to stress over costly errors like stockouts. Instead, you can dedicate more time to revenue-generating tasks, like marketing and customer loyalty. The shift can make a huge impact — from having more cash to test new products, to having the freedom to expand into new territories. Get working capital up to $5M in as little as 48 hours with SellersFunding. Use Black Friday to grow your product portfolio: The holiday season presents the ultimate product development opportunity. Now is your chance to test new products without increasing your risk, especially if you’re also looking to offload excess inventory. And who knows? You might even find your next best-seller! While not all of these will provide the kind of instant rewards past holiday seasons have delivered, Black Friday 2022 still presents a great opportunity to optimize your store for consistent profits throughout the year. Because the good news is that there is still plenty... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-11-01 - Modified: 2023-10-17 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/is-black-friday-canceled-the-rise-of-early-holiday-shopping/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising Is early holiday shopping all it’s cracked up to be? We’re separating fact from fiction in this breakdown on early holiday shopping. Retailers are offering holiday deals earlier than ever before, but could these early holiday shopping promotions actually hurt sales instead of helping? Today we’re helping growing merchants make sense of the many hot takes and headlines surrounding early holiday shopping trends by sharing some of the most important insights on the subject. If you’ve heard conflicting information on early holiday shopping (or if you’re experimenting with offering your own early shopping deals) you might be wondering: What's the real value of early holiday shopping? And what are the potential opportunities or drawbacks for online retailers?   We’re answering both of these questions and more in today’s article on all things early holiday shopping. All About the Rise of Early Holiday Shopping: Will Early Holiday Deals Increase E-commerce Sales? (Or Are We in for a Rude Awakening? ) Holiday Spending Is Projected to Be Weak After Months of Early Discounting Putting the Spotlight on Your Customers: What Do Shoppers Want and Need This Holiday Season? Plan to Win Before the Holidays Begin Will Early Holiday Deals Increase E-commerce Sales? (Or Are We in for a Rude Awakening? ) Inflation is hitting retailers and consumers hard as it continues to accelerate to its highest rate in four decades. In response, retailers have been coming in strong with early holiday discounts, hoping to inspire shoppers to capture more savings by buying from their online stores, instead of a competitor’s. It’s no secret that Q4 is a critical time of year for e-commerce, with November and December typically accounting for nearly 19% of annual retail sales on average. Rodney Sides, Deloitte’s US retail lead, says what many sellers are thinking: “If I can take care of that demand early, then I get a chance to win against my competition. ”  In addition to the pressures stemming from increased inflation, excess inventories have been looming over retailers all year, adding to the contraction in the US economy. In fact, US e-commerce stores have been sitting at a record-high inventory rate of $732 billion since July, a whopping 21% increase since just last year. Elaine Kwon, managing partner at retail consulting firm Kwontified, and a former manager at Amazon Fashion, believes “There is an increasing smell of desperation in the air because retailers are saddled with a ton of excess. Some brands that claim they never discount are going to start discounting, especially outerwear, winter wear, cold weather items, inventory from last winter — they’re desperately trying to get rid of that before their new stuff comes in. ” To both avoid and offload excess inventory, “discount early and discount often” has become this holiday season’s slogan for large retailers, such as Target, Walmart, Amazon, Nike, Gap, and Dell. Matt Friend, Nike’s chief financial officer, sums up the problem perfectly: “Because we had late product arriving for the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons, we effectively have a few seasons landing in the marketplace at the same time. We’ve decided to take that inventory and more aggressively... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-10-25 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/e-commerce-horror-stories/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising Growing an e-commerce store can be a terrifying business. Read 12 spooky e-commerce horror stories that’ll make your spine tingle! Sometimes e-commerce growth is as breezy as a cheesy Hallmark holiday movie. Other times? It’s downright scary. From inventory management curses to cash flow issues that’d haunt any store owner’s dreams, growing an e-commerce business can sometimes feel like a collection of e-commerce horror stories. To celebrate the season, we're sharing true stories of the many horror happenings e-commerce sellers have experienced while attempting to scale their businesses. Be it the sleazy competitor, the curse of the slow checkout process, or apocalypse-level supply chain issues, we know just how real it can get. So grab your popcorn (or candy corn, if that’s your thing) and get ready for some eerie e-commerce campfire tales! E-commerce Horror Story #1 — Boo! Locked Funds! As an e-commerce merchant, you need cash flow like vampires need fresh blood. So what happens when the money cauldron runs out? We asked Filip Pejic, Co-Founder of Pearly Drinks, a store that sells DIY bubble tea kits, to share the frightening tale. And let us say, it’ll send shivers down any e-commerce owner’s spine! “Our biggest nightmare to date has been with a large payment processor (let's call them Bank X). We had a very large wholesale order from an office come in (they were hosting a big corporate event with bubble tea) and the only way they could pay was by credit card. While we were able to accept their payment, Bank X ended up locking up 25k in funds for three months. ”  Oh, Filip! That is a lot of money out of reach! Unfortunately, the cash flow horrors didn’t stop there. “This was definitely not ideal from a cash flow standpoint because, at the time, we had shipped 40% of our inventory to our client and needed the cash to replenish our inventory position. We had no idea if Bank X would give us our money back in a week, a month, or six months. We had to take out a small loan to fund the next inventory buy. Luckily, we were able to pay it back quickly once our funds came through. ” Needless to say, Pearly Drinks stopped working with Bank X, but this story still haunts them. Don’t let locked-up funds hold you back! With the SellersFunding Daily Advance, you can access up to 90% of your incoming sales, no matter what your marketplace’s payout terms are. E-commerce Horror Story #2 — The Case of the $37K Romance Novel Never did we think a steamy romance novel could cause such a fright, but in the case of Corey Donovan, President of Alta Technologies Inc. , a book almost changed the course of the business forever. Corey calls this story “The Case of the $37,000 Romance Novel” and here’s how it happened: “As an industrial products seller, we were incredibly confused when an ophthalmologist in Tennessee called to ask why we had sent her clinic a very used, very steamy, 1980s Judith Krantz book. Worse yet, the return address contact was me! With... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-10-20 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-fba-alternatives/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain Looking for reliable Amazon FBA alternatives? There may be more options than you think. Read on for the best FBA alternatives. Amazon is a giant in the e-commerce landscape. And they’re making even bigger strides to dominate in the fulfillment category as well. Their accelerated expenditure on projects like warehouses and aircraft, in addition to efforts to grow their fulfillment and logistics network by 50% is lowering delivery costs for shoppers, especially for those with Prime memberships. Customers are getting the best deals available, but sellers aren’t always happy about the changes. Not to mention the ever-increasing fees that go along with them. The consequences of global supply chain disruption are now materializing. With newly imposed inflation price hikes, it will only get worse during the peak season holiday months. So while Amazon FBA has often been the first choice for many, the tides are now shifting, with more sellers looking for fresh fulfillment alternatives. We’ll take a closer look at five of the best FBA alternatives that can help you scale your business — minus the rigid rules and constant fee hikes. But first, let’s understand the FAB landscape for challenges and areas of opportunity. Thinking about FBA alternatives? Here’s why now might be the time to make your move. For many sellers, Amazon FBA’s one-stop shop for storage, fulfillment, and customer service is a great way to offset these often expensive and time-consuming tasks. But while FBA can certainly be a solid option for the early stages of a brand’s growth journey, expanding into new and more bespoke fulfillment strategies is becoming increasingly popular as brands grow. Of course, FBA’s chronic inventory misfires are also a major motivating factor for sellers thinking about making the switch — not to mention the ever-increasing fees that can constantly chip away at your margins. Here are some of the fee hikes FBA sellers have been hit within the past few months alone. A 2-8% Increase in Fulfillment Fees Amazon explained that this increase was in part due to inflation. Another equally important reason is its massive investments in warehouses, many of which are now sitting empty. It’s hardly surprising that sellers are angry about the price increases, especially in light of recent headlines about how Amazon is trying to recoup its losses. Since the increased fees only apply to shipping, storage, and order management, many sellers are exploring Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) options while continuing to list their products on Amazon. Increase in Monthly Storage Fees FBA announced that as of February 2022, inventory storage fees would increase from $0. 75 to $0. 83 per cubic foot. Until May, Amazon didn't charge extra fees for inventory in warehouses for up to 365 days. But that was then. Now, Amazon’s aged inventory surcharge adds $1. 50 per cubic foot for unsold inventory in fulfillment centers from 271 to 365 days, and $6. 90 per cubic foot after 365 days. These costs add up.   To add insult to injury, the fee hikes have come just two years after the 220% increase in peak season storage costs, which many sellers are still reeling from.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-10-19 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/conversations-with-ceos-2023-e-commerce-outlook-2/ - Categories: Events & Webinars Chances are that you’re familiar with Marketplace Pulse for their in-depth reports. They’ve conducted research into top marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart and they’ve compiled key data from millions of sellers and have a deep understanding of the 2023 e-commerce outlook. With access to this kind of information, Marketplace Pulse is on point when it comes to forecasting trends. Listen in as SellersFi co-founder and CEO Ricardo Pero will be sitting down with Marketplace Pulse CEO Joe Kaziukėnas for a deep dive into the e-commerce outlook for 2023.   We may all be heads down focusing on Q4, sales are likely to spike (plus the added Prime Early Access Sale), which results in greater effort across the board. Now’s the time when you need to be planning and aware of potential market changes ahead. Start the new year strong by ending this year right. https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Conversations_with_CEOs_2023_E-commerce_Outlook. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-10-14 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-inflation-and-pricing/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Shopify, Walmart - Tags: Amazon, Shopify, Walmart Should merchants raise prices based on inflation? Discover how to adapt your e-commerce pricing strategy to inflation and economic changes. If your store has been feeling the effects of inflation, you’re not alone. Though rising inflation in the US has begun to slow down in recent months, many e-commerce merchants are facing the fact that they may have to adapt pricing to inflation to protect their profitability. But knowing how to react and adapt your price structure to inflation can be confusing. If you price too high, you risk losing valuable customers to your competitors. If you price too low, your profit margins may suffer. So what are the best strategies to adapt pricing to inflation? And what are the best ways to communicate these price changes to your customers? In this article, we’ll cover some of the latest insights on inflation and how it affects consumer spending. We’ll also cover how to adapt your e-commerce pricing strategy to inflation so you can preserve your margins and continue to grow a loyal customer base. Making adjustments to product pricing while still retaining customers can be tough. But with the right strategy, you can adjust pricing in a way that fits your business goals, while still keeping your best customers on your side. E-commerce Inflation and Pricing Covered What does inflation mean for commerce? What has been the impact of inflation on online shopping specifically? How much should I raise my prices based on inflation? 5 ways to adapt pricing to inflation Adjusting to e-commerce inflation and pricing strategically What Does Inflation Mean for Commerce?   When it comes to commerce, working with instead of against inflation means getting creative. It’s about rethinking your pricing strategies so you can meet customers where they are, without sacrificing your margins. Without understanding this intricate dance, both merchants and consumers risk not having their needs met. Let’s take a closer look at how inflation typically affects the retail industry. How does inflation affect the retail industry? According to a report by Bank of America, 88% of business owners say inflation is impacting their businesses. Of those surveyed, only 31% felt confident that the national economy would improve and only 39% felt satisfied their local economy would improve. As far as specific industries go, revenue is healthy in the beauty and luggage categories, but all other industries are taking a profit hit, especially apparel, electronics, and appliances, according to a recent report by JungleScout. Unsurprisingly, the same report also found that grocery is one of the categories most affected by inflation, with some products jumping as high as 35% in the last year. The good news? Even amidst these drastic economic changes, 86% of brands reported positive experiences when raising prices, with revenues either increasing or staying the same. As far as what lies ahead, McKinsey reports that inflation will create opportunities. “Inflation is a challenge for commercial leaders, but it also creates opportunities ... The first is to maintain margins and rectify the pricing mistakes of the past. The second is to help frontline salespeople move beyond mere pricing discussions with customers to deeper... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-10-06 - Modified: 2023-06-06 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/future-of-drone-delivery/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Tech & Data - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Tech & Data While the idea of drone delivery has often felt like a sci-fi fantasy, e-commerce and delivery companies are working hard to bring this technology to life as quickly as possible. Read more to learn where things stand. While the idea of drone delivery has often felt like a sci-fi fantasy, e-commerce and delivery companies are working hard to bring this technology to life as quickly as possible. From Alphabet-owned Wing offering deliveries in the US, Finland, and Australia, to Amazon’s recent drone roll-out in California and Texas, drone delivery is already making its way across several states and countries. But the question still remains: Could automated drone delivery really be the future of e-commerce? If so, what obstacles could hinder its success? Will legislation be able to keep up with these rapid technological advancements? And most importantly, what does this mean for the e-commerce industry as a whole? Here’s what we know so far. The Future of Drone Delivery Common FAQs about drone delivery Pros and cons of drone delivery Ready to embrace the future of drone delivery? Common FAQs About Drone Delivery Let’s start by laying a foundation. In this section, we’re answering some of the most commonly asked questions about drone delivery. First off, how much of a thing is drone delivery? Are drones the future? As you might have guessed, drone delivery exists, but it hasn’t fully rolled out to the mainstream just yet. In the meantime, suppliers are conducting rigorous testing and working hard to make sure their drones live up to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and consumer safety standards. As the FAA works to support suppliers by promoting advancement, and suppliers step in to make sure their devices live up to the hype, drones are expected to replace traditional delivery services, or at the very least, become part of hybrid delivery models. Be on the lookout for brand use cases. Amazon, Walmart, DHL, Google/Wing, Domino’s, and UPS are making tremendous headway in the drone delivery space. How big is the drone delivery market? In the last three years, there have been over 660,000 commercial drone deliveries to consumers, according to a recent McKinsey report. The report also estimates that more than 2,000 drone deliveries are occurring every day worldwide. As the growth rate accelerates each week, it’s estimated that there will be nearly 1. 5 million deliveries by the end of the year. This is a staggering increase of over one million deliveries in the span of just one year. Do consumers want drone delivery? Consumers are always looking for the fastest, most efficient way to receive their packages. If they know they can receive a package in 30 minutes or less, their answer to the above question (Do consumers want drone delivery? ) is always yes, as long as it doesn’t compromise their values. But there is some consumer resistance, specifically around safety and privacy issues. We’ll take a closer look at these concerns in the cons section below. Pros and Cons of Drone Delivery Though it’s been in the making for nearly a decade, drone delivery still sparks worries among consumers and brands alike. not to mention the additional legal and safety concerns some legislators have. If you’re feeling skeptical... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-10-04 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-avask-partnership/ - Categories: News & Announcements By combining the financial capabilities of SellersFunding with the experience of AVASK’s e-commerce accountants and cross-border VAT experts, e-commerce merchants will be able to grow their businesses internationally with fewer hassles and greater peace of mind. NEW YORK, NY / SOUTHAMPTON, UK / October 4, 2022 / SellersFunding (now SellersFi), a leading fintech provider for e-commerce sellers, today announced its partnership with AVASK, a leading accounting firm specializing in cross-border expansion. As a global financial solutions company on a mission to empower growth for e-commerce sellers, the partnership will help sellers expand globally by eliminating the once-prohibitive barriers. By combining the financial capabilities of SellersFi with the experience of AVASK’s e-commerce accountants and cross-border VAT experts, e-commerce merchants will be able to grow their businesses internationally with fewer hassles and greater peace of mind. By cutting through the red tape for these businesses, SellersFi and AVASK have paved the way for accelerated scaling. "We're thrilled to enter this partnership with AVASK," said Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFi. "There is a massive opportunity for online businesses to expand beyond their current borders and grow their footprints globally. This partnership means that e-commerce sellers will be able to access the financial products of SellersFi and the cross-border expansion experts of AVASK so they can expand quickly and easily. ” “International expansion is perhaps one of the more complicated elements of running an e-commerce business as each country has its own tax laws, rates, regulations, and requirements. By providing expert indirect tax advice and accounting services along the way, AVASK can help businesses expand cross-border and grow,” said Melanie Shabangu, Tax Director and Partner at AVASK. “We are so excited to partner with SellersFi to bring value-added services to the global e-commerce ecosystem and provide businesses with the correct financial solutions and consultancy support to grow internationally – safely, securely, and quickly. ” About SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding) Founded in 2017, SellersFunding (now SellersFi) is the go-to global financial technology company for e-commerce sellers looking to grow their businesses. The SellersFi digital platform delivers a full suite of financial solutions that streamlines global commerce for millions of marketplace merchants by offering best-in-class working capital, cross-border cash management, tax solutions, and business valuation. SellersFi was recently included in Growjo's 500 Fastest Growing Startups in NYC and recently awarded Best E-commerce Support Business at the eCommerce Expo in London. Today the company has over 40,000 registered users and has offices in New York, London, and Miami. For more information, visit SellersFi. com. About AVASK Founded in 2012, AVASK is a global firm of e-commerce accountants and expert tax advisors who specialize in international taxation and expansion solutions for e-commerce sellers, including accounting and business advisory services. AVASK works with the most outstanding and proactive professionals to deliver excellent value for more than 10,000 e-commerce sellers and companies across the world. AVASK is known for its drive, ambition, and focus on building success through cross-border activities. The company delivers clear, simple advice and creates new strategies that ensure growth and development. For more information, visit www. AVASKgroup. com. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-29 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/growth-secrets-from-top-brand-aggregators/ - Categories: Events & Webinars Earlier this year, SellersFunding hosted How the Aggregator Landscape is Changing for Good, and you showed up in droves. The aggregator landscape is one full of questions, so we are back with Growth Secrets from Top Brand Aggregators! SellersFunding brought together a knockout panel of aggregator and brand growth experts from Elevate Brands, Intrinsic, GOJA, and more. Discover how aggregators choose the brands they acquire and how they manage to grow all of these brands. Listen to the replay to get a first-hand perspective on what makes brands attractive to aggregators and how to reach exponential success. During the webinar, we’ll be covering the burning questions at the top of our minds including: How do you see this space evolving in the next 3 years?  How will it contribute to the ecosystem? Is now a good time to sell? Why or why not?  Where would you turn first?  What has worked in terms of positioning as an aggregator to brand owners? https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Growth_Secrets_from_Top_Aggregators. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2023-02-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-adds-woocommerce-funding-integration/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFunding financial resources are now integrated within the WooCommerce platform so Woo merchants are always connected to funding for growing their businesses. SellersFunding, a leading global fintech provider, announced funding integration capabilities with WooCommerce, an open-source e-commerce platform built on WordPress and currently powering sales on more than six million websites. With SellersFunding financial resources now integrated within its e-commerce configurations, WooCommerce merchants and marketplace sellers are always connected to the funding they need to grow their businesses. The new capabilities underscore the mission of SellersFunding to help sellers achieve their full potential by removing financial barriers. With the new integration, merchants on the WooCommerce platform now have safe, secure, seamless access to financial solutions that include working capital up to $5M and daily advance marketplace payouts. These merchants are just a few clicks away from no-restrictions funding that delivers the cash flow they need to support advertising, inventory management, research and development of new products, hiring new talent, overall international business expansion, and more. Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFunding, said, "With WooCommerce, sellers have always been able to build the stores of their dreams; with the SellersFunding integration, they'll now have all the capital they need to make their larger e-commerce dreams into realities. " Contact us for more information about the new WooCommerce funding integration. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-26 - Modified: 2022-09-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-prime-early-access-sale/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising While many consumers and merchants expected an October Amazon sale, the official announcement of the Prime Early Access Sale came on September 26, leaving sellers only two weeks to prepare. Two weeks isn’t much time in terms of inventory and logistics, so do your best there and focus on the rest. Here’s what sellers can (and should) do to make the most of the new Prime Early Access Sale, in time for October 11-12. Today Amazon introduced the “Prime Early Access Sale — A New Holiday Shopping Event for Members to Save Big October 11 and October 12. ” News outlets are picking up the announcement for shoppers, but what about news for merchants? Read on for everything sellers need to know to maximize this quick-turn opportunity. Key Details about Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale Deals begin Tuesday, October 11, and continue through Wednesday, October 12. Deals are exclusively for Amazon Prime subscribers. Amazon is marketing the Prime Early Access Sale as the beginning of the holiday shopping season. This is a full six weeks before the traditional Black Friday kickoff. The Prime Early Access Sale is an international commerce event but not a fully global one. The two-day sale is limited to the U. S. , Canada, China, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the UK. This omits many emerging markets as well as heavy-hitters India, Japan, and Australia. How Amazon Sellers Should Attack the Prime Early Access Sale While many consumers and merchants expected an October Amazon sale, the official announcement came on September 26, leaving sellers only two weeks to prepare. Two weeks isn’t much time in terms of inventory and logistics, so do your best there and focus on the rest. Here’s what sellers can (and should) do to make the most of the new Prime Early Access Sale: Remember that this sale is all about Prime. If you have non-Prime products, put them on the back burner. Make it easy for shoppers to choose you. Concentrate on volume. The more you sell leading up to Prime Early Access and during the sale, the more sales velocity you’ll generate and the higher you’ll rank in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Advertise boldly to give organic sales an even bigger lift in terms of volume. To become the buyer’s choice, you’ll need to win key placements like Sponsored Ads and Sponsored Brands. To do so, you’ll need to outbid your competitors. Be prepared to spend more to make a lot more. SellersFunding will lend you the working capital for a full-on marketing blitz (or anything else you think will drive your business). Be generous with promos to keep fueling sales volume and connect additional products that Amazon will suggest as “frequently bought together. ” Optimize your listings so that they keep with Amazon’s best practices and provide tremendous value to shoppers. If you take advantage of Brand Registry freebies like Amazon Storefronts, optimize those vehicles as well. /li> Always have cash on hand so that when the game changes (as it is apt to do on Amazon), you have the resources you need in order to pivot. You can get up to $5M in as little as 48 hours with no usage restrictions or get a daily advance where you get paid for your sales when they happen with no waiting on Amazon for payouts. Listen to the Signals Amazon Is Sending... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-22 - Modified: 2022-09-22 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/e-commerce-merchants-guide-to-gen-z-shoppers/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising Tap into the huge Gen-Z consumer market. Learn everything you need to know about Gen-Z shopping habits as they relate to e-commerce. Ahhh ... Gen-Z shoppers. An inspiring customer cohort that e-commerce brands are eager to tap into. And we can see why. Making up a healthy chunk of the population (more on this in a bit), Gen-Z presents a group of shoppers ripe with opportunity. But while there's a ton of info out there on how e-commerce brands can grab a slice of the growing Gen-Z market share, many e-commerce owners still don't know how Gen-Zers think about online shopping. In today’s guide, we’re getting straight to the facts so you can get a closer look into the minds of Gen-Z shoppers — a. k. a. “Zoomers”. Ready to learn more about who Gen-Z is, what their shopping habits look like, and how you can satisfy their needs? Let’s take a look at the top insights and trends e-commerce brands need to know in order to win over the hearts of Gen-Z shoppers. The scoop on Gen-Z shoppers Who is Gen-Z? And why you should care? What do we know about Gen-Z’s shopping habits? Practical tips to help brands get more from Gen-Z Who is Gen-Z? And why you should care On track to be the most well-educated generation to date, Gen-Zers are a savvy bunch who know what they want, how, and when they want it. Born between 1997 and 2012, Zoomers are digital natives with little to no memory of how the world operated before smartphones. If you were born in a previous generation, can you imagine what that’d be like? (Wait... no oversized brick phones to lug around? Score! ) More racially and ethnically diverse than previous generations, Zoomers make up about 20. 7% of the population, clocking in at roughly 68. 6 million (and that's just in the US! ). But you might be thinking, with an age group so young, where’s the money coming from? With Gen-Zers earning roughly $43 billion from their allowance and $100 billion from worked income, this generation has a total spending power of $143 billion. And yet, what do we really know about Gen-Z’s shopping habits? How can brands understand the “why” behind their purchases and create more aligned buying experiences? In the next section, we’ll reveal an inside look into the minds of Gen-Z shoppers. What do we know about Gen-Z’s shopping habits? Gen-Z is an inspiring demographic that makes purchases with intention. Old tips and tricks don’t appeal to Zoomers as they’re more concerned with ethics and responsibility than traditional media tactics. Let’s learn more about Gen-Z’s habits and preferences and how they’re shaping the world of online shopping. Gen-Z vs. Millennial shopping habits: Online and holistic shopping experiences While online shopping has become more convenient for Millennials, Gen-Zers prefer shopping across all formats. In fact, Emma Spagnuolo, the associate partner at McKinsey, says: “Gen-Zers might go online while they’re at school, look at something there, then decide they want to go to the store for fun and to enjoy the experience. Then they get home; suddenly, they see... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-21 - Modified: 2023-03-15 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-reset-explained/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Tech & Data - Tags: Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Tech & Data Stay up to date on the latest shifts in the e-commerce landscape. Discover ways your business can thrive no matter what’s happening in the market. Have shifts in the e-commerce market taken your store for a bumpy ride? You’re not the only one. In fact, the changes have been so dramatic that this volatile period has become known as the E-commerce Reset. Countless sellers are navigating the same unpredictable waters as the e-commerce market continues to change and evolve. The bad news? It looks like the impact is here to stay. But the good news is, many online retailers are still seeing strong sales and profitability simply by sticking with the core strategies that got them through the past two years. However, the question remains. Now that the pandemic rush is fading, what are the real risks and opportunities high-growth sellers should be ready for? If you’re actively looking for ways to increase sales and continue scaling your store despite an uncertain market, we’ve got you covered. We’re pulling back the curtain on the top shifts affecting the world of e-commerce today and sharing nine practical ways you can continue building your e-commerce empire, no matter what’s happening in the world around you. Let’s get into it. The Scoop on the E-commerce Reset Repercussions from market misreads bring uncertainty for all e-commerce players How to thrive as a seller no matter what happens in the market Ready to pandemic-proof your e-commerce business? Access to capital is consistently ranked as one of the top five challenges for sellers. Learn more about how transparent e-commerce funding can help you build a resilient business. Repercussions from market misreads bring uncertainty for all e-commerce players As an online retailer in a booming e-commerce market, you've probably experienced huge growth over the past couple of years. But that growth has come with a price. While the e-commerce market has grown exponentially, inventory hasn’t always kept up. Modern shoppers have another offer waiting at their fingertips just as soon as they log into their email or hop onto social media. The fallout for brands was a whopping $1 billion in missed sales due to outages according to the 2022 eCommerce Trends Report by eCommerce Fuel, which surveyed over 600 seven- and eight-figure stores. The culprits at play? There are almost too many to count... Pandemic-related market changes, high ad fees, rising shipping costs, and major supply chain issues, to name a few. Seeing the e-commerce industry go from soaring heights to what must understandably feel like lukewarm sales hasn’t been easy. But while being a part of a booming industry was a dream come true for many, viewing the market through rose-colored lenses led to unrealistic expectations for many e-commerce players — even some of the biggest. Because skyrocketing growth did come to a halt. Sales for essential products did drop year on year. And unfortunately, stores with a poor focus on long-term staying power did too. Even titans like Amazon and Shopify saw stock prices drop so low that even Target outperformed them. These repercussions — along with rising Amazon fees, inventory restrictions, and the aggregator market cool-down — have... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-20 - Modified: 2023-05-30 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/dtc-on-web3/ - Categories: Blog, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data - Tags: Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data How are some of the best DTC brands capitalizing on Web3? For growing DTC brands with an eye for cutting-edge tech, there are still plenty of ways to win with Web3. Any tech geek will tell you Web3 is a revolution. But with brands like Coca-Cola, Gucci, and even Burger King minting their own non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the world of Web3 is becoming more mainstream with each passing minute. The concept really took off when Facebook launched Meta — a rebrand received with awe, skepticism, and some seriously cringey avatars. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands rushed in with custom avatar skins, digital wearables, and real-life perks to drive increased loyalty with fans and customers. But recently, we’ve seen a notable correction in the Web3 market. The NFT market in particular has been put through the wringer with OpenSea, one of the largest NFT marketplaces, seeing a 99% drop in trading volumes since May 1, 2022. So what does this mean for growing DTC brands? Well, the good news is, many experts remain optimistic about Web3. According to a recent Vantage report, the Web3 blockchain market was valued at $2. 9 billion in 2021 and is forecasted to grow up to $23. 3 billion by 2028. Even certain government agencies are initiating digitization programs to promote the responsible development of Web3 tech. Whether you’re a new or experienced merchant, you might still see the potential of Web3 as a meaningful way to scale your brand. After all, Web3 completely changes the way brands can approach marketing — customizing the user experience like never before while gaining deeper insights into customer behavior. So, yes. Even after the recent NFT crash, Web3 remains a potential game changer. And you don’t have to look far to find brands that are doing it right. The scoop on winning with Web3 What the heck is Web3? The basics behind the buzz How are some of the best DTC brands capitalizing on Web3? What will the Web3 future look like for your brand? Thinking about going all-in on DTC? Don’t miss our free ebook All About DTC detailing the benefits, drawbacks, and opportunities for marketplace sellers! What the heck is Web3? The basics behind the buzz: By now, we’ve all heard of Web3. But how many of us could actually explain it? So what exactly is Web3? Web3 is a new iteration of the world wide web that aims to put the power back into users’ hands through the use of blockchain technology. To better understand this shift, here’s a quick refresher on the genesis of Web3: Web 1. 0 is when the internet first started. It was the early age of passively looking up a word or reading simple site pages. The user’s interaction was limited. If you’ve ever accidentally clicked on a link and seen a webpage that looked about 100 years old with outdated graphics, fonts, and images, you’re probably looking at a page that hasn’t been updated since Web1. Web 2. 0 kickstarted the era of online interaction. It gave users access to create and post their own content online. Messaging and social media exploded, but so did targeted ads as the internet learned from users,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-16 - Modified: 2023-03-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/walmart-fulfillment-services/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Walmart - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Walmart Learn how Walmart Fulfillment Services works and the unique challenges and opportunities it offers to sellers. With slashed prices and unbelievable discounts, Walmart has become the go-to for all types of shoppers — from frantic parents on a last-minute diaper run to college students looking for the best deals on late-night snacks. With thousands of retail stores and a steady flow of customers, it’s no surprise Walmart has grown by an astounding 6. 4%. And it’s not over yet. Walmart plans to grow even more, both physically and logistically. With the help of Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) launched in 2020, the mammoth-sized retailer plans to host over 200 million e-commerce items by the end of 2023. Given the amount of competition in this space, it’s amazing that Walmart Marketplace hasn't only stood its ground but has also developed one of the best supply chains in the world. So, why is this a good thing for sellers? If you’re already a seller on Walmart Marketplace or you’d like to sell there in the future, the WFS model can add stability and support — and increase your business's bottom line.  By taking advantage of Walmart Fulfillment Services, you can tap into the number one ranked marketplace in customer loyalty and boost sales without stressing about inventory. In today’s article, we’re taking a closer look at how Walmart Fulfillment Services works, and the unique challenges and opportunities it has in store for sellers. We’re also taking a look at how Walmart Fulfillment Services stacks up against one of its top competitors, Fulfilled by Amazon. Ready to learn more? Here’s what we’re covering today: The Scoop on Walmart Fulfillment Services First, how does Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) work? What’s so great about WFS for sellers? Walmart Fulfillment Services vs. Fulfilled By Amazon: What’s the difference? Making the choice: WFS challenges and opportunities for sellers Psst... if you’re thinking about expanding to Walmart Marketplace, don’t miss our complete online retailer’s guide to selling on Walmart. com! First, how does Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) work? Walmart Fulfillment Services prides itself on helping sellers set up and scale their WFS sales quickly and efficiently. Its mission? Providing the tools third-party sellers need to grow their businesses sustainably. To start selling through WFS, create an account on Walmart Marketplace and set up your products in the Seller Center. Once your application is approved, you can ship your inventory to a WFS warehouse.  And that’s it! WFS takes care of everything else from that point on, including storing, packing, shipping — and even, customer assistance. (Insert heart eyes here. )In other words, WFS takes care of the heavy lifting for you, so you can focus on more important things, like product development and growing your business. Or, you know, lounging around in your pajamas, if that’s your jam. Some other perks WFS offers sellers include: Low-cost two-day shipping Higher search rankings Improved visibility and conversions Quick two-day stocking Personalized optimization recommendations WFS is especially helpful for sellers that have a high volume of products that are easy to pack and ship.   What’s so great... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-12 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/road-to-q4-how-the-aggregator-landscape-is-changing-for-good/ - Categories: Events & Webinars There are many aggregators who’ve historically focused on sustainable acquisition through a proven, sound business model. These are the companies that will ride the tide and — ultimately — come out on top to pave the way in a new era for aggregators.   While it may not happen overnight, brands are in prime position to scale up now to achieve the greatest value for an exit in the near future.   Listen in for an in-depth look at everything you need to know about the current landscape of the aggregator market. In this webinar, attendees will learn:  Why current market changes are a good thing for e-commerce sellers  The external and internal factors affecting the market shift  How aggregators and operators are valuing businesses today  Future predictions of where the industry is headed  This panel of experts as they take a deep dive into the aggregator landscape and what it means for the future of e-commerce. Featured Industry Experts:  Rowan Lawson - Head of UK Acquisitions at Heroes  Santiago Nestares - Co-Founder at Benitago Group  Walter B. Gonzalez - Founder, President, and CEO at GOJA  Chris Shipferling - Head of Business Development at Global Wired Advisors https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/How_the_Aggregator_Landscape_is_Changing_for_Good. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-12 - Modified: 2023-07-11 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-storefronts-why-nows-the-time-to-get-started/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising Want your store to rank among the trendiest Amazon Storefronts out there? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to get started with Amazon Storefronts. The e-commerce era is officially here to stay. And despite any ebbs and flows, the online shopping market is predicted to grow from $3. 3 trillion today to $5. 4 trillion in 2026. But with increased opportunities, comes an uptick in competition — especially on high-traffic e-commerce marketplaces like Amazon. With the rising pressure to win and keep customers’ attention, many e-commerce sellers have made a push for improving their online stores, including their Amazon landing pages. In fact, more than 30,000 small and mid-sized businesses now sell on Amazon Storefronts in an effort to differentiate their brand and improve the consumer experience on Amazon. Fortunately, getting on this wagon is easy. Custom Storefronts are freely provided to all Amazon marketplace sellers — which means optimizing your Amazon page won’t cost you a dime. With a low barrier to entry and a high potential for boosting your Amazon ROI, there’s no time like the present to start building or optimizing your Amazon Storefront. The Scoop on Amazon Storefronts What are Amazon Storefronts? And why is now the time to care? 5 conversion-friendly Amazon Storefronts to inspire your own Can anyone have an Amazon Storefront? Your FAQs are answered! Make your Storefront the next Amazon trendsetter When it comes to Amazon’s payment cycle for sellers, there’s a lot more than meets the eye. For the full rundown on how (and when! ) Amazon sellers get paid, don’t miss our complete Guide to the Amazon Seller Payment Schedule. What are Amazon Storefronts? And why is now the time to care? Amazon Storefronts are essentially your e-commerce store or website but on Amazon. Your Storefront is a landing page where customers can browse your entire range of products and completely immerse themselves in shopping with your brand on Amazon. An Amazon Storefront can convey your brand’s tone, style, and mission directly to the user, increasing the likelihood of an impressed customer buying more products directly from your page. No more generic product listings or struggling to move shoppers to your website post-purchase. With Amazon Storefronts, your brand can make a powerful impression while increasing customer loyalty in the world's busiest marketplace. Source / Source Here’s a quick example of what a brand looks like with an Amazon Storefront vs. without an Amazon Storefront. Pretty big difference, right? Are Amazon Storefronts a big deal? You bet. An Amazon Storefront offers your customers uninterrupted shopping. Shoppers see products from your brand and your brand only. No competitors are listed on your page, not even sponsored ads. This means you have a shopper’s undivided attention to not only showcase your products but also to tell your brand story. Not only that, Amazon insights can help you track your traffic and sales, helping you create an effective Amazon ads strategy and continue optimizing your Storefront for peak conversions. Just think: If you develop strategies to retain your customers by even 5%, you could increase ROI by 25-95%. Clearly, the potential to use your Storefront to fuel greater... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-12 - Modified: 2023-04-17 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/is-the-ecommerce-aggregator-market-finally-cooling-what-every-seller-should-know/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Expansion - Tags: Expansion Is the ecommerce aggregator market still hot? Discover what the current aggregator market means for sellers along with practical signs to look out for when choosing an aggregator. The news has spread and every seller wants to know... Is the e-commerce aggregator market finally cooling? And if so, what’s going to happen to booming stores when they’re ready to sell? Will there be any aggregators left to buy? How will sellers know which aggregators to lock arms with? We hate to burst your bubble (no pun intended) — but yes, the e-commerce market is cooling. And the aggregator market is cooling right along with it. But for merchants with solid strategies and operations, it may not be as bad as it sounds. If you’re ready to learn more about what a slower market might mean for your e-commerce business, stick around. In today’s article, we're separating the facts from the fiction to help growing sellers like you understand how these shifts might affect your game plan. We’ll also let you know what to look for when thinking about selling your store to an aggregator in the future, and which key factors aggregators will consider before buying your store. Ready to discover more? Here’s what we’ll cover. The Scoop on the E-commerce Aggregator Market Why is the e-commerce aggregator market cooling? What does the current aggregator market mean for sellers looking to sell their stores? How to position your business so it’s attractive to aggregators 5 practical signs to look out for when choosing an aggregator How to approach the new e-commerce aggregator market Not sure what else to expect from the aggregator market? Check out our update on the 3 Ways Aggregators Are Changing Ecommerce for Good. Why is the e-commerce aggregator market cooling? Less than a year ago, aggregators were boasting about their promises to find and buy the best Amazon brands. But lately, things are changing. The e-commerce aggregator market is feeling the pain from supply chain disruptions, increased seller valuations, and general growth struggles. And now, with interest rates rising and e-commerce growth slowing, some aggregators are having difficulty getting the capital they need to buy businesses. In other words, the Amazon ecosystem has become more challenging. “Most parts of the Amazon ecosystem have become more difficult. Post-2020, ecommerce businesses saw huge gains and record demand — but supply chain crunches led to out-of-stocks, while platforms like Amazon raised their fees. ” --Jason Lee, co-founder of FBAFlipper, which connects Chinese Amazon sellers with acquisition companies All of this and more has inevitably led to less aggressive bids for sellers. Your plan for exiting your business is just as important as your plan for growing it. Don’t miss our free e-book all about Exit Strategies When Selling to an Aggregator. What does the current aggregator market mean for sellers looking to sell their stores? With the ongoing readjustment and some aggregators pausing acquisitions, what does the current aggregator market mean for sellers looking to sell their stores? Well, you might be surprised, but these market changes are actually a good thing. Yes, you read that right. In fact, we invited some of e-commerce's top aggregators to... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-01 - Modified: 2023-05-02 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-ceo-ricardo-pero-talks-working-capital-on-bank-on-it-podcast/ - Categories: News & Announcements Ricardo and Bank On It host, John, discuss e-commerce funding and business. Listen to Bank On It episode 534 as Ricardo Pero, SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding) co-founder and CEO, discusses SellersFi's exciting future with podcast host John Siracusa. If you’re a seller, aggregator, or entrepreneur, this is a must-listen so you can grow your business by sharing Ricardo’s vision. In this episode, you’ll get the story of SellersFi’s origins and how our data-backed strategies for e-commerce funding were born and how they have helped thousands of sellers and brands grow their e-commerce businesses. You’ll gain insight into how SellersFi’s integrated financial platform transforms e-commerce businesses through funding options like working capital, payments solutions, analytics and insights, and more. Ricardo also shares key lessons learned from his experience as a fintech leader. He discusses: Why all growth isn’t good growth and how to cultivate the good and cope with the bad. The toughest challenges a founder will face and how to overcome them. Tips to attract and retain top talent committed to company vision and goals. Plus, hear some CEO fun facts (including the skiing experience Ricardo will never forget! ) Tune in to Bank On It Episode 534 Ricardo Pero from SellersFunding (now SellersFi) for the full interview. Ready to get more cash on hand and ignite your business growth Ricardo-style? Apply for funding today. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-09-01 - Modified: 2023-03-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ricardo-pero-funding-interview/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Tech & Data - Tags: Funding & Lending, Tech & Data Ricardo and John of the Bank On It podcast discuss ecommerce funding and business. Listen to Bank On It episode 534 as Ricardo Pero, SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding) co-founder and CEO, discusses SellersFunding's exciting future with podcast host John Siracusa. If you’re a seller, aggregator, or entrepreneur, this is a must-listen so you can grow your business by sharing in Ricardo’s vision. In this episode, you’ll get the story of SellersFunding’s origins and how our data-backed strategies for e-commerce funding were born, and how they have helped thousands of sellers and brands grow their e-commerce businesses. You’ll gain insight into how SellersFunding’s integrated financial platform transforms e-commerce businesses through funding options like working capital, payment solutions, analytics and insights, and more. Ricardo also shares key lessons learned from his experience as a fintech leader. He discusses: Why all growth isn’t good growth and how to cultivate the good and cope with the bad. The toughest challenges a founder will face and how to overcome them. Tips to attract and retain top talent committed to company vision and goals. Plus, hear some CEO fun facts (including the skiing experience Ricardo will never forget! ) Listen now for the full interview. Ready to get more cash on hand and ignite your business growth Ricardo-style? Apply for funding today. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-08-29 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/shopify-markets/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Shopify - Tags: Expansion, Shopify Discover what Shopify Markets is, where it’s available, and how it benefits sellers looking to expand into new geographical markets. In July 2021, over 27% of all traffic to Shopify stores came from international buyers. But that doesn’t mean selling internationally has been easy. From currency conversion nightmares to juggling dozens of third-party apps just to execute a single cross-border transaction, international sellers have experienced quite a few growing pains. Amid all the cross-border retail drama, one thing is clear. As e-commerce becomes increasingly global, merchants and brand owners need new ways to make international selling simpler. And that’s where Shopify Markets comes in. If you’re ready to expand your business into new geographical markets without the stress, Shopify Markets might be the answer to your prayers. Let’s take a closer look at exactly what this new service is and how it can help growing merchants streamline international selling. The scoop on Shopify Markets What is Shopify Markets? When did it launch? Where is itavailable? In which countries is Shopify most popular? How do I enable Shopify Markets? What are the potential benefits of Shopify Markets for merchants? Is Shopify Markets worth it? Tired of unfair currency exchange rates? We get it. At SellersFunding, our Digital Wallet makes it easy to pay and get paid in multiple currencies using the real mid-market rate. What is Shopify Markets? Shopify Markets is an e-commerce platform solution that helps Shopify merchants manage global commerce. Think of it as a centralized hub that includes all the tools you need to sell internationally.   With Shopify Markets, you can find, create, launch, and optimize your brand across international markets, all from a single Shopify store — enter praise hands here! But what about those pesky growing pains we mentioned earlier? How can sellers overcome serious operational issues when selling to an international audience? Luckily, Shopify Markets has come up with several ways to streamline cross-border selling. But before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s answer some common questions sellers have about Shopify Markets. Want to learn more about the biggest selling opportunities the world has to offer? Check out our Guide to Cross-Border Ecommerce for the full scoop on the biggest online retail markets worldwide! When did the service launch? Shopify Markets launched globally in September of 2021. Before launch, merchants interested in global commerce had to create new stores for each location they wanted to target. Not only was this process expensive and draining, it also came with a host of risks, including: Duty and import tax complications Language barriers Inconsistent product availability Shipping delays And more But here’s the good news. Since the launch of Shopify Markets, merchants don’t have to waste time on redundant, manual processes or expose their business to unnecessary risks.   With Shopify Markets, online retailers can take advantage of tools that automate and streamline international selling every step of the way. (More on each of these below! ) Where is Shopify Markets available? While Shopify is working hard to make Markets available to all stores, you might find yours is temporarily ineligible for access. If your... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-08-25 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/supercharge-your-next-product-launch/ - Categories: Events & Webinars If you’re staying competitive, chances are you are launching new products. Whether you’ve been in business for years or are just getting started, having the perfect strategy to launch a new product (or even relaunch an already existing product) can make all the difference. Businesses can get so caught up in the exciting parts of a product launch (marketing tactics, packaging improvements, influencer connections, etc) that it’s easy to forget about the parts of a business that help you scale successfully. We brought together a panel of experts from all over the product launch process to help you supercharge your next product launch. Sebastian Herz – Co-Founder at ZignifyVanessa Hung – CEO at Online Seller SolutionsCanaan Schadale-Zink – CRO at QuartileCaroline Powell – Events Marketing Manager at SellersFunding These experts have helped thousands of sellers all over ecommerce source products, get organized, and scale successfully. https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Supercharge_Your_Next_Product_Launch. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-08-19 - Modified: 2022-08-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/higher-holiday-amazon-seller-fees/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4 - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4 Fulfillment merchants will experience a first-of-its-kind holiday surcharge this year. Inflation has impacted every aspect of our lives. While there are signs of prices stabilizing (best reflected in the price of fuel), merchants and consumers are still very much feeling the sting of high costs. The costs associated with selling on Amazon are no exception. In fact, the August 2022 fee changes are some of the most dramatic ever, resulting in Amazon fulfillment fees increasing by 30% since 2020. You’ve probably already factored those fees into your plans, but now’s the time to analyze store performance to better understand how these new fees will affect you. The Scoop on Amazon’s Holiday Fee Hike Amazon states that the increased fees will be limited to the holiday season and that the fees will be in effect from October 14, 2022, through January 15, 2023. Amazon also shared that this holiday increase is not limited to this Q4 and that sellers should expect it going forward. The increase will average about 35 cents per item sold for US and Canadian merchants using Amazon Fulfillment Services. Depending on store size, this could result in thousands of dollars of additional costs. Amazon cites rising fulfillment and logistics costs due to the volume of transported shipments as a reason for the increase. An Amazon spokesperson noted that temporary price hikes like this have been a common practice for many years. FedEx and the US Postal Service have already announced their fee increases for the holiday season. Change Up Your Q4 Plan to Mitigate New Amazon Holiday Fees Marketplace fee changes can throw off operations and inventory management and put a strain on cash flow. This newest round of Amazon fee hikes springs a further cost on sellers. While you can’t change the fees, you can change your forecast. And you should do so immediately so that your budget is up to date and realistic. Don’t limit your recalculations to fees. Think about your plans for marketing and advertising costs. Shift your budget accordingly. Don’t get caught underfunded when it comes to Amazon fees. Get ASAP cash to help you take the sting out of the new fees without sacrificing profitability. Choose the SellersFunding working capital solution that best fits your needs. Also, check out The Ultimate Roadmap To Q4 Succes for even more resources. How to Handle Amazon Holiday Fee Increases Amazon’s notice of increased holiday fees comes with little time to prepare or find alternatives for this Q4. It’s late in the game to pivot your inventory and fulfillment strategy and tactics for this holiday season. But the increased fees and short notice should give sellers reason to think longer term and to try to find more affordable solutions, including these: Consider moving away from Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon). For many sellers, this isn’t an option given the convenience and benefits of FBA, but remember that Amazon is not the only fulfillment game in town. Investigate Amazon FBM/MFN (Fulfillment by Merchant AKA Merchant Fulfilled Network) solutions. Don’t stop there. Google “alternatives to amazon FBA”... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-08-09 - Modified: 2022-08-09 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/choosing-the-right-funding-partner/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Expansion, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing How do you know which is the right e-commerce funding partner for you? Here are five reasons to choose SellersFunding, backed up by real results from brands and sellers like you. We know what you’re thinking. “Is this going to be another one of those articles every company publishes as an excuse to soapbox about how great they are? ” In a way, yes. That’s exactly what this is. Because the truth is, finding a trustworthy e-commerce funding partner — one who understands where you are in your business today and where you want to take it tomorrow — is an extremely challenging task. Online retailers have an ever-growing list of funding options to choose from, each one claiming to be better than the last. We want to help you cut through the hype and get clear on the things that make sense for your growing business as you continue your search for the best e-commerce funding provider. If it seems like that might be us, great! But to keep things fair, we’ve decided every item on this list must be backed up by actual experiences from our e-commerce clients — real DTC brands and marketplace sellers who have seen tangible results from working with us. With that in mind, here are some things that set us apart here at SellersFunding. #1. We know e-commerce Whether you’re a DTC brand looking to secure your largest purchase order yet or a marketplace seller planning ahead for Q4 inventory — we’ve been where you are. At SellersFunding, every member of our founding team has either a finance or e-commerce background — as does the majority of our global team. When we set out to create SellersFunding, we knew firsthand just how large a gap we were attempting to fill. Despite a steady stream of fintech advances in the second half of the 2010s, banks remain top of mind when it comes to business financing — and it makes sense. For decades or even centuries, if you needed a business loan, your local bank was your first stop. Today, it’s not so easy. Even sellers who have existing relationships with their banks walk away feeling unheard and misunderstood after approaching a bank for funding. Many banks just can’t comprehend the speed at which successful e-commerce businesses move, not to mention the extremely unique sales and inventory challenges they face. Then there’s the process itself. Getting a loan from a traditional bank can be a long and tedious process. One that doesn’t typically end in a successful loan disbursement for e-commerce businesses. Unlike banks and traditional funding partners, our solutions are purpose-built for scaling e-commerce stores. And we don’t believe in unnecessary red tape. “I was looking to expand and scale my business. The problem is, with e-commerce, you can't just go to a bank and show them the numbers. I needed new ways to get funding for my Amazon store. ” — Jon Drummond, Owner, Drummond Gaming & Tech With the help of our team at SellersFunding, Jon Drummond was able to bridge the gaps between sales and inventory to continue scaling his sales, which had just reached $1M. But Jon didn’t want just... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-08-05 - Modified: 2022-08-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/5-ways-to-prepare-your-ecommerce-business-for-a-cooling-economy/ - Categories: Blog, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising High Impact Strategies To Amplify Your Business' Growth When Consumer Patterns Slow Down Supply chain issues, inflation, and growing interest rates are things you can't control. Focus on what is within your control. Set up your e-commerce business to thrive in a cooling economy and bounce back better when the economy strengthens. In this article, we’ll deep-dive into 5 ways to prepare for success no matter the economic landscape (plus some actionable tips to get started). The Scoop on Preparing Your E-commerce Business for Success in a Cooling Economy  Analyze common business metrics to discover opportunities to enhance operations. Increase customer retention with programs that create excitement. Nail your branding by getting to know your customer base better than ever before. Develop a strategic inventory approach so you never go out of stock. Use data to discover what’s working and optimize, optimize, optimize. As the economy changes, so will your funding needs. Don't let a cooling economy derail your e-commerce business! Get fast, flexible, and simple Working Capital Funding to stock up on inventory, invest more in advertising, and much more.   #1 Get a Handle On Your Business Metrics Understanding trends can reveal hidden opportunities to fortify your business. Take a closer look at these common KPIs — along with tips on how to improve them during an economic slowdown. 1.  It may seem like a no-brainer, though sales revenue is the first place to analyze. While sales revenue may be on a downward trend because of shifting consumer behaviors, reviewing competitor pricing may give an indication of whether or not products are priced right for the current market. Traffic sources are another area to dig into in case there are shifting trends to get ahead of. In any case, look for the levers that are driving growth — then double down. Get hands-on with your cash flow to truly understand what is driving it. If costs are lower than sales, cash flow will be positive. If the opposite is happening, it's time to analyze and prioritize spending. 2. Net profit margin is another important metric that is not to be ignored. There are several tactics that can be implemented to improve profit margin. One is to reduce operational costs. Dig in deep and analyze your expenses. See which areas take up a disproportional amount of the budget. This could be labor, shipping, or maintenance costs. Reduce wherever you can to improve your profit margin. Another method is to offer a subscription service. It sets up a recurring revenue stream that works to bolster your net profit margin. You can start a subscription by offering auto-shipping for products on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. This builds a seamless system for customer purchases and your profit forecasting. 3. Average Order Value (AOV) is an indicator of consumers’ purchasing habits and buying patterns. A high AOV translates to increased revenue and typically profit. One easy way to increase AOV is to ensure upsells are positioned well in product photography, listing info, and description copy. D2C brands can also make these upsells front and center... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-07-28 - Modified: 2023-03-13 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-launches-b2b-buy-now-pay-later-solution/ - Categories: News & Announcements We've launched a new Business-to-Business (B2B) Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) product to better serve our partners and their customers. We're thrilled to announce the addition of a new B2B Buy Now, Pay Later product to our all-in-one financial solution platform. B2B BNPL product is designed to give software-as-a-service providers, agencies, enterprise vendors, and other partners the opportunity to empower their customers (small and mid-sized e-commerce brands) with flexible extended payment options. Customers have the freedom to choose from up to 12 months of interest-free payments. Offered digitally and integrated seamlessly into partners’ point-of-sale, it is easy for their customers to apply and be approved for installments quickly. This helps growing brands overcome cash flow boundaries that prevent them from tapping into the services they need in order to evolve and grow. Partners benefit from accelerated momentum in successful conversions. Meeting the Needs of Growing Businesses “We find there is an unmet need among businesses to offer their products and services flexibly and conveniently to the customers that need them the most. We are excited to bring frictionless working capital to the ecosystem, equipping our partners and their customers with smart extended payment options,” said Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding). SellersFi has seen success with the product through its partnership with Escala, an agency supporting the scale of small and mid-sized businesses through consulting services, and has recently integrated the product with WOW Group of Companies, an e-commerce development agency. “SellersFi shares our goal to help e-commerce brands turn big dreams into tangible realities. We want our door to be open to as many business owners as possible, and by offering Buy Now, Pay Later, we are alleviating any roadblocks and unlocking growth potential,” said Eli Lipshatz, Co-Founder and Director of Escala. “We’re committed to helping the e-commerce industry grow as much as possible - and that’s why we’re so excited to be partnering up with SellersFi,” said Qasim Majid, WOW Group of Companies Founder and CEO. “This partnership will allow us to offer more of our digital services to e-commerce businesses in the UK with the desire to scale. It’s an absolute win-win; and no doubt, a step in the right direction for our industry. ” Seeking to scale this product, SellersFi aims to collaborate with additional partners committed to providing the resources brands need to double down on sales and compete in the increasingly crowded marketplace. Learn more about the Buy Now, Pay Later product here. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-07-25 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/roadmap-to-q4-success-secrets-to-retail-readiness-review/ - Categories: Events & Webinars “Retail Readiness” has a lot of variations in its definition. However, in a nutshell, a product is retail ready when all parts of the listing are completed to an extent where a customer is adequately informed about the details of the product they are viewing. Brands should take it one step further. Yes, listings should be retail-ready, but how much more business can you do if your entire brand is retail-ready? Beyond products, do you have a clear brand identity? Will people want to do business with you? Remember, people want to do business with people (not just a brand name on the internet). Listen in as our panel of e-commerce experts, Emma Schermer Tamir Co-Founder & CEO of Marketing by Emma, Clayton Atchison Director of Affiliates at Carbon6 Technologies, and Caroline Powell Events Marketing Manager at SellersFi discuss how you can get your brand retail ready in time for Q4. Roadmap To Q4 Success is the master class-style webinar series you’ve been waiting for. We’re bringing you top industry experts to discuss everything you need to know for year-end success. From inventory and logistics to marketing, store optimization, and beyond, we’ve got you covered with winning strategies to unleash your growth potential. https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Roadmap_to_Q4_Success_Secrets_to_Retail_Readiness. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-07-12 - Modified: 2023-07-27 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/q4-marketing-guide-ecommerce/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising In Q4, every seller on the market ups the ante when it comes to drawing in new and returning customers. The once-a-year holiday sales rush means an influx of revenue for your store, but it also means some seriously steep competition for holiday dollars. If your marketing game isn’t competitively strong, then sitting on the sidelines as your competitors make the big bucks could be your unfortunate fate. The key to winning big this Q4? A rigorous, well-funded, and strategic Q4 marketing plan.   Jungle Scout’s 2021 consumer trends report found that during Q4, 78% of shoppers shop online for holiday gifts and almost 47% source their gift ideas through social media ads and campaigns. While social media is often the main stage for influencing consumer holiday trends, other platforms like email, paid ads, newsletters, and SEO strategies can also drive gift-buying customers to your store.   So what does holiday-optimized marketing look like? Glad you asked. Let’s dive in. The scoop on Q4 marketing: Refining your Q4 marketing plan: Where should you start? Coupons, deals, and promos: The marketing musts for Q4 Q4 calendar days that can drive your sales through the roof Let’s talk Q4 social media Know your Q4 marketing costs Ready to get super-optimized for Q4? Download our free roadmap to Q4 success! Refining your Q4 marketing plan: Where should you start? To come up with a successful holiday season marketing plan, there are a few key things to do beforehand, starting with: 1. Research, research, research As an e-commerce seller, you already know research is your best friend. Gather as much information as you can on last year’s performance, how your marketing strategy needs to revamp for Q4, and how much that could cost you. You’ll want to include additional influencer partnerships, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) budget, and more. Take time to research your competitors' marketing strategies for insights on what works well for your niche versus what could end up just being a waste of cash. Looking back on some of the greats and fails of past Q4 marketing campaigns can also help you understand which trends work and which just... don’t. For example, Bloomingdale’s 2015 “funny” holiday ad ranks among the worst of Q4 marketing campaigns. The copy between a man on one side and a woman looking away from him on the other reads: “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking. ”  Obviously, this holiday ad was doomed to fail. Once the internet got a hold of it, it quickly blew up for its date-rape implications. While adding a touch of humor can be great for connecting with your audience, a distasteful joke can be a PR nightmare. And that’s the last thing you need during the busiest time of year.   When mapping out your Q4 marketing campaigns, knowing ‘what’s in’ can be great for engagement, but be sure to draw clear boundaries and maintain a healthy dose of empathy when planning your creative. 2. Scrutinize your previous plan If you’ve tackled Q4 before, pull out last year’s drawing boards and look for any gaps. Pay attention to what strategies worked well last time and which didn’t. Looking through your financials could also help you figure out which platforms are worth investing your holiday budget... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-06-29 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/roadmap-to-q4-success-attract-shoppers-the-right-way/ - Categories: Events & Webinars How do you know if you are attracting the right shoppers? We’ve gathered a top-notch panel of ecommerce and marketing experts for a live webinar addressing all of your marketing questions. What’s the most important channel? How can I know that metrics to watch? Everyone is talking about TikTok... is it right for my business? Listen in to our panel of marketing experts who have helped thousands of brands strategize and succeed moving into Q4. - Lindsey Dulin – Executive Director of Marketing at SellersFunding- Tyler Gregg – Director of Operations at Ampd- Qasim Majid – CEO at Wow Group of Companies- Patrick Quaggin-Smith - Partnerships Manager at Perpetua About the Roadmap To Q4 Success Series Roadmap To Q4 Success is the master class-style webinar series you’ve been waiting for. We’re bringing you top industry experts to discuss everything you need to know for year-end success. From inventory and logistics to marketing, store optimization and beyond, we've got you covered with winning strategies to unleash your growth potential. https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Roadmap_to_Q4_Success_Attract_Shoppers_the_Right_Way. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-06-27 - Modified: 2023-03-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/resilient-ecommerce-brand-for-crisis-proof-growth/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data - Tags: Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data From $4.6 billion in stockouts to quadrupling container costs, it’s fair to say the last couple of years have been quite the rollercoaster for ecommerce. Just two years ago, sellers couldn’t look left or right online without seeing some type of warning to build more resilience into their store’s operations. But as the dust has finally begun to settle, these messages have slowly faded into the background. That could be a problem. Because the truth is, there will always be major systemic shifts that impact your store’s success. Whether it’s a global health pandemic, a supply chain crisis, or any number of inevitable market challenges, there simply is no such thing as “business as usual”. At least, not in e-commerce. In e-commerce, the brands of the future will be the ones that take time to build resilience into the fabric of the business today. In this post, we’ll share the latest on why leveling up your store’s operations is an absolute must for success on the road ahead, plus practical ways to get you started. The scoop on building a resilient e-commerce brand and store Why it literally pays to make your e-commerce business more resilient How to build a more resilient e-commerce store in 8 simple steps Learn from past mistakes to build a better future for your store Don’t let changes in the market take your store by surprise. Find out how flexible e-commerce funding can help you stabilize inventory, optimize your margins, and keep the revenue coming, no matter what. Why it literally pays to make your business into a resilient e-commerce brand Even if your store’s sales are booming, resilience will be one of your brand’s greatest assets in the post-pandemic e-commerce market. Whether you’re hoping to expand into a new market or sales channel, or simply want to keep your current sales on track, strengthening your operations is essential for future success. Let’s explore some of the reasons why. Get ahead of your competitors and stay there Every day, Amazon sees approximately 2,000 new sellers joining the 1. 9 million already active on its platform. Needless to say, competition in e-commerce is getting fiercer by the second. A nimble e-commerce business that can handle the (occasionally not-so-gentle) blows from the pressures of the global supply chain, changing consumer trends, and whatever else may come, will be positioned shoulders above the competition. As your store keeps improving its operations, you’ll slowly but surely become the market leader in your niche. Keep sales steady no matter what Averageness kills in e-commerce. If your store lacks creativity and agility it is extremely vulnerable to setbacks. Even the smallest disruption could be the catalyst for costly (or even deadly ) mistakes in your store. The good news is, for a resilient business the reverse is true. For example, when you’ve optimized your sales, fulfillment, and customer support systems, your store is equipped to stay operational through any number of disruptions such as a sudden warehouse closure or impending Amazon stockout. With a strong foundation and clear business continuity strategy, your store will be ready to win no matter what. Keep up with changing trends... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-06-24 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-earns-2022-great-place-to-work-certification/ - Categories: News & Announcements We've been certified as a Great Place to Work®! We couldn’t be prouder of our team – we put our people first. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at SellersFi. This year, 98% of employees said it’s a great place to work – 57 points higher than the average U. S. company. Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation. “Great Place to Work Certification™ isn’t something that comes easily – it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. “It’s the only official recognition determined by employees’ real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that SellersFi is one of the best companies to work for in the country. ” According to Great Place to Work research, job seekers are 4. 5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits, and have a fair chance at promotion. About SellersFi SellersFi is a global financial technology company on a mission to empower growth for e-commerce sellers. The SellersFi digital platform delivers a suite of financial solutions that streamlines global commerce across marketplaces including working capital, cross-border cash management, and business valuation. About Great Place to Work Certification™ Great Place to Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place to Work-Certified. About Great Place to Work® Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All™. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-06-22 - Modified: 2023-05-24 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-enrolls-in-amazons-payment-service-provider-program/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFunding is committed to being a trustworthy and secure partner for ecommerce sellers. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 22, 2022 / SellersFi, a leading fintech provider for e-commerce sellers, today announced it is participating in Amazon’s Payment Service Provider Program (PSP). As a global financial solutions company on a mission to empower growth for e-commerce sellers, SellersFi understands the importance of providing customers with an additional layer of security to safeguard their hard-earned assets. To continue to protect customers and sellers from fraud and abuse, Amazon’s PSP program is designed to enhance its ability to detect, prevent and take action against bad actors. SellersFi provides its customers with convenience and dependability, as Amazon has required sellers working with non-enrolled payment service providers to switch to a participating PSP member or use a bank account directly issued to them by a bank, as of May 2021. SellersFi, which aims to provide seamless and secure solutions to its customers, offers Digital Wallet, an all-in-one payment platform to manage its global e-commerce finances. Digital Wallet provides e-commerce sellers with the advantage of receiving marketplace payouts from multiple stores in one place. It gives sellers the ability to hold payments in multiple currencies, pay suppliers in over 180 countries and save on costly currency conversion fees. All SellersFi customers currently receiving Amazon payouts via their Digital Wallet will continue to receive payouts without interruption. “Being enrolled as a member in Amazon’s PSP program is a testament to the highly trusted financial solutions we provide at SellersFi,” said Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFi. “Our goal is to help online merchants mitigate any potential risks they may face in this continually-evolving ecosystem and support their opportunities to grow and thrive. We are proud to offer this benefit to current customers and eager to offer our secure services to future customers. ” About SellersFi SellersFi is a global financial technology company on a mission to empower growth for e-commerce sellers. The SellersFi digital platform delivers a suite of financial solutions that streamlines global commerce across marketplaces including working capital, cross-border cash management, and business valuation. For more information, visit www. sellersfi. com. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-06-17 - Modified: 2023-09-19 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/black-owned-brands-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Growing an ecommerce business is anything but easy. From creating the right products, to keeping up with demand and selecting the right investors, there are endless challenges to keep up with. And it’s all too easy to make a misstep. Knowing how to stay on course (or correct the course when things get tough) — well, that’s a whole lot harder. Today, we’re sharing three fundamental growth lessons from the launch and meteoric rise of five inspiring Black-owned brands. From recognizing an unmet need to maintaining your customer’s trust as you scale, these founder insights will help any seller stay on course toward rapid growth. Growth lessons from leading Black-owned brands: Lesson #1. Solve a problem other brands have ignored. Lesson #2. Choose your partners wisely. Lesson #3. Always be transparent. Lesson #1. Solve a problem other brands have ignored. In the 1890s, Madame C. J. Walker became the first Black hair care millionaire, launching her own line of products and styling tools. And it all started with a daily unmet need she herself had experienced in her work as a laundress. The harsh chemicals she was forced to use made her hair and skin dry and brittle. Products made for white women often didn’t work for her, or for thousands of other silently suffering Black women. An entrepreneur at heart, Madame Walker recognized the magnitude of the problem. She set out to create a solution specifically for Black hair, skin, and nails.   And the rest is history. Today, all-natural e-commerce marketplace BLK + GRN follows in Madame Walker’s footsteps, curating some 214 products from over 65 Black artisans. From rich body butters, sunscreen, and multivitamins, all products are custom created for Black and Brown audiences. Soft-launched in 2017, BLK+GRN founder Kristian Henderson told Beauty Independent she is on a mission to “radically disrupt the global economy to equitably include small, black-owned businesses by empowering artisans to grow and scale their businesses. ” By creating an e-commerce marketplace specifically for Black products and audiences, Henderson and her team are solving the problem of finding the right wellness products for millions of shoppers across the US. And the growth potential is virtually limitless. According to an article by Tamara E. Holmes for Essence magazine, “African-Americans spend $1. 2 trillion each year. ” Yes, that’s trillion with a ‘t’. While the growth of the wellness category is certainly massive, it’s also indicative of a fundamental truth for e-commerce sellers in any niche: If you know your customer and cater specifically to their needs, the growth will always follow. “In 2018 the Black hair care industry raked in an estimated $2. 51 billion, as Black consumers have progressively made the switch from general products to those that specifically cater to them,” wrote Holmes. Top takeaway: E-commerce is an especially lush marketplace for brands serving niche communities. Any brand that can commit to targeted product research can tap into a deeply loyal customer base other retailers don’t cater to.   Lesson #2. Choose your partners wisely. Speaking of health and wellness, the green revolution is alive and well — and ambitious brands are taking note. Coupled with the right lifestyle messaging, these brands are... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-06-16 - Modified: 2023-03-13 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-strengthens-bench-of-credit-expertise-vp-of-credit-abhi-chakraborty-scales-asset-based-lending-initiatives/ - Categories: News & Announcements Rapidly growing fintech has doubled its credit team and size of transactions in 24 months NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 14, 2022 / SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding), a leading fintech provider for e-commerce sellers, is expanding its Asset-Based Lending offerings under the guidance of the newly appointed Vice President of Credit Abhi Chakraborty. Since its inception in 2017, SellersFi has grown to amass over 45,000 registered users across the globe. To date, with the help of its suite of long-term, non-dilutive financial solutions, clients’ gross sales have exceeded $10 billion. The company is introducing new Asset-Based Lending offerings to better meet its clients’ demands for increased cash flow. Chakraborty joined the team to support the growth of the credit department. He oversees all functions performed by the credit team, including underwriting and funding loans, leveraging new technology to automate the credit decision function, and identifying opportunities to increase transaction volume. Chakraborty is responsible for developing and growing the Asset-Based Lending department with SellersFi. “Our people are our greatest investment. I look forward to breaking even more boundaries with Abhi and the credit team,” said CEO Ricardo Pero. “Abhi joined at a perfect time, bringing vast expertise in analytical, quantitative, and qualitative assessment, pipeline sourcing, and data synthesizing to our credit department. ” “The credit team drives significant traction for SellersFi and its clients, offering entrepreneurs the necessary capital to scale their businesses,” said Chakraborty. “I am eager to scale our operations and endeavor to provide creative financing solutions to grow our global footprint. ” Bringing more than 10 years of experience, Chakraborty has worked across the investment banking (M&A), venture capital, real estate financing, and fintech startup industries. Throughout his career, Chakraborty has collaborated with industry leaders and been involved with the closing of $1. 2B+ in transactions. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and a Masters in Accounting and is an International Baccalaureate Degree holder. More about SellersFi: SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding) is a global financial technology company on a mission to empower growth for e-commerce sellers. The SellersFi digital platform delivers a suite of financial solutions that streamlines global commerce across marketplaces including working capital, cross-border cash management, and business valuation. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-06-09 - Modified: 2023-03-31 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-expands-leadership-team-names-vinayak-gurjar-as-new-chief-financial-officer/ - Categories: News & Announcements Sellersfunding, a leading fintech provider for ecommerce sellers, today announces the appointment of Vinayak Gurjar as Chief Financial Officer. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 7, 2022 / SellersFunding, a leading fintech provider for ecommerce sellers, today announces the appointment of Vinayak Gurjar as Chief Financial Officer. Gurjar will take ownership of all company financial and fiscal matters, act as a trusted advisor and partner to CEO Ricardo Pero, lead the charge in building out a strong finance team, and develop corporate strategic plans in support of scaling SellersFunding’s business model. “Vinayak’s success in financial operations, capital markets, portfolio management and budgeting serve to be an invaluable asset to our leadership team,” said Pero. Gurjar is assuming the role as the company’s former CFO Nicholas Weiksner will take on other responsibilities with a joint venture project. Gurjar’s appointment and Weiksner’s mobility is a reflection of the strides SellersFunding has made in building out its robust teams to accommodate sustained year-over-year growth. The company recently appointed Iain McNicoll as Vice President and Global Head of Sales, Russell Walraven as Chief Marketing Officer, and Michael John Cass as Director of Sales. ADVERTISEMENT “I am honored to join the SellersFunding team. Working in lockstep with Ricardo, I look forward to supporting our team, our customers and our investors as we enter this next phase of growth,” said Gurjar. Gurjar brings over 16 years of corporate finance leadership experience to SellersFunding. In his most recent role as CFO of World Business Lenders, LLC, he led the finance, treasury, accounting, and loan servicing departments. Gurjar also brings perspective from his previous roles at Citigroup and S&P Global Ratings. He holds an MBA in Corporate Finance from The University of North Carolina and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology. More about SellersFunding: SellersFunding is a global financial technology company on a mission to empower growth for ecommerce sellers. The SellersFunding digital platform delivers a suite of financial solutions that streamlines global commerce across marketplaces including working capital, cross-border cash management, and business valuation. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-06-07 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/what-are-liquid-assets/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Expansion, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing What do you think is key to having a healthy ecommerce balance sheet? A strong profit and loss ratio? Recurring vendor credits? Little to no debt? Yes, yes, and yes. But, you might be forgetting something else. While automated credits, low debt, and a strong profit and loss ratio are admirable qualities, if you don’t have the proper liquid assets, you could be playing with fire. Why? When it comes to e-commerce, you have to play the game right if you want your business to grow. From covering unexpected expenses to solving inventory challenges and taking advantage of time-sensitive growth opportunities, balanced liquidity is vital if you want to scale sustainably.   Today, we’ve got the scoop on four tips you can use to increase liquidity and obtain a healthier e-commerce balance sheet for your online retail business. We’ll also give you the skinny on liquid versus non-liquid assets so you know how each one impacts the value of your store. The scoop on liquid assets What are liquid vs. non-liquid assets?   4 proven tips to boost your store’s liquidity Ready for a healthier e-commerce balance sheet? Are you thinking about selling your store? Find out how our Sellers Signals solution can help you optimize your store for the best offers. What are liquid assets?   A liquid asset is anything of monetary value that can be converted into cash quickly and easily. Liquid assets give you the cash you need, without adding to your liabilities.   As you grow your store, liquid assets can increase business equity and help you reduce lingering debt — a. k. a. every store owner's dream, right? What are liquid assets examples? Here’s something else that’s interesting. Did you know that your e-commerce inventory and equipment are considered liquid assets? It may sound surprising, but if you can exchange them for cash at any time, then... yes! They’re considered liquid assets. Other types of assets include: Cash equivalents Stocks Bonds  Mutual funds Cryptocurrency Accounts receivable Money market assets To be considered liquid, an asset must tick the following boxes: Have many readily available purchasers Exist in an established and liquid market Have a secure and relatively easy ownership transfer  Is cash an asset?   Yes. Cash is a liquid asset in its purest form. If you have cash on hand — or something you can easily convert into cash — then, tada! — you have liquid assets. What are non-liquid assets? Non-liquid assets, sometimes called fixed assets, are difficult to liquidate quickly. Not only does it take longer to sell these items, but the cash you receive may be lower than the market value of other assets you have.   Some examples of non-liquid assets include: Real estate Art Handbags Jewelry  Cars Collectibles  Watches If you have a sudden obligation or debt that needs to be paid soon, non-liquid assets may not be the quickest or most lucrative option for you. In other words, building up your liquid assets is a more solid game plan than relying on your non-liquid ones. There’s a caveat here, though. We’ll get to that in a minute. For now, let’s get to those tips we promised.   Oh, hey there! Did you know that... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-05-31 - Modified: 2023-12-29 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-plot-twist-is-walmart-now-saving-us-small-businesses/ - Categories: Blog, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Walmart - Tags: Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Walmart Walmart’s effect on small business is infamous — but is that all changing thanks to their online marketplace? Here’s what e-commerce brands need to know. Walmart is often viewed as the Goliath to small businesses’ David, stomping out local retail competition and dragging down employee wages with every new location they open. Whether or not that reputation is justly earned, with over 11,000 stores worldwide and $524 billion in annual revenue, it’s no wonder Walmart is still seen as the original ‘retail giant. ’ For brick-and-mortar retailers, the so-called 'Walmart Effect' is old (albeit still frustrating) news. Meanwhile, online retailers — who aren’t limited to a local customer base — haven’t had to worry about it all that much, at least when compared to other retail giants (looking at you, Amazon). That is, until Walmart Marketplace emerged as a new player in the e-commerce market.   Walmart’s online sales got a serious boost during the pandemic, and as the balance of online vs. in-store shopping continues to grow, you can bet they won’t be left behind.   So, what does this mean for online retailers — especially now that Shopify sellers can easily bring their products to the Walmart Marketplace? Will the 'Walmart Effect' come into play? Or is Walmart actually helping small businesses “live better”? In this article, we’ll bring you the inside scoop on whether that notorious 'Walmart Effect' is something your online business should worry about, as well as the pros and cons of being a Walmart seller.   The scoop on how Walmart affects small business Let’s talk about the 'Walmart Effect' What Walmart’s effect on small businesses means for your e-commerce store Golden opportunity... or golden handcuffs? 3 major challenges for Walmart sellers 6 awesome benefits for Walmart sellers Is the Superstore becoming a small biz superhero? Let’s talk about the 'Walmart Effect' The 'Walmart Effect' and its negative impact on small businesses derives from the company’s enormous buying power, which enables them to dictate to wholesalers and offer lower prices to consumers. It can even impact suppliers who have to drive down their own production costs to make their relationship with Walmart profitable.   At least, that’s the part that usually gets all the buzz: ousting mom-and-pop stores, turning downtowns into ghost towns, etc.   The reality of the 'Walmart Effect' is it’s not all bad: In addition to curbing inflation and helping consumers save money, some research has shown Walmart’s presence may actually boost entrepreneurial ventures and drive economic progress. Since 2013, the company has also hosted annual Open Call events, inviting small businesses from across the country (and around the world) to pitch their US-manufactured products for in-store placement at Walmart and Sam’s Club. What Walmart’s effect on small businesses means for your e-commerce store Of course, the rules of engagement are a bit different online than they are for physical stores. Instead of foot traffic, you’re competing for online traffic; rather than real estate, you’re fighting for SERP positions.   There’s no doubt Walmart is coming into the game with deeper pockets than most small online businesses can dream of. So, e-commerce SMBs have good reason... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-05-27 - Modified: 2023-05-11 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-appoints-russell-walraven-as-chief-marketing-officer/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFunding, a leading fintech provider for ecommerce sellers, today announces that Russell Walraven has been appointed as their inaugural Chief Marketing Officer. Walraven will oversee sales and marketing efforts globally. Coming on the heels of a period of impressive momentum, this marks the company’s first hire of this nature and is illustrative of its commitment to its marketing strategy. Walraven, based in Athens, Georgia, brings over a decade of experience of holding senior marketing roles, most recently as Vice President of Marketing at CAN Capital. As CMO, Walraven will be responsible for ensuring that the company’s marketing strategy is purposeful and impactful. He’ll oversee the planning, development, and execution of SellersFi’s marketing and advertising initiatives, and will ensure the right message is distributed across channels to targeted audiences in order to scale SellersFi’s presence. Additionally, he’ll provide business development strategies based on demand forecasts, historical data, and industry trends to optimize revenue generation. “I’m delighted to begin a new journey with a growing company that prioritizes its advertising and marketing initiatives,” commented Walraven. “SellersFi plays an important position in the e-commerce industry at large. This global role will enable me to utilize my experience in both fintech and marketing to bring their momentum to the next level. ” “It’s time we have a marketing expert of this tenure join our team, and Russell’s expertise and dedication to our company’s mission made us certain he was the right addition to SellersFi,” said Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFi. “We look forward to the initiatives he’ll add to our global workflow. ” Walraven’s hire is the latest in a string of senior additions to the SellersFi team. Most recently, Michael John Cass was appointed as Director of Sales based in London. Currently, SellersFi has over 150 employees and is constantly looking for strategic additions to its staff of industry experts. SellersFi has over 40,000 registered users and has offices in London, New York, Miami, São Paulo, and Porto Alegre. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-05-20 - Modified: 2023-02-27 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-hires-iain-mcnicoll-as-vice-president-and-global-head-of-sales/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFunding achieves client acquisition milestones across geographies, underscoring the need for continued business development support SellersFunding, a leading fintech provider for ecommerce sellers, today announces the appointment of Iain McNicoll as VP, Global Head of Sales. McNicoll, based in the US, will play a pivotal role in SellersFunding's international operations, as the company also expands across the UK, EU & LATAM. McNicoll will assume responsibility for overseeing all sales functions and for the leadership of the inbound and outbound sales teams, customer success, and account management teams. McNicoll brings a history of exceeding company revenue goals. McNicoll has most recently worked as VP of Americas, Regional Head at Payoneer and has held senior roles at several other companies including American Express. "Iain stands to be highly motivational to our sales team members, and to foster a culture of professional development and sustainable performance," said Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFunding. "He is an excellent addition to our team. " "Ecommerce businesses around the world have immense opportunity to scale, if put in touch with the proper financial resources, and I am driven to enable as many sellers as possible to have awareness and access to SellersFunding's product suite," said McNicoll. SellersFunding continues to attract talent across the globe at impressive rates, having recently welcomed Russell Walraven as Chief Marketing Officer based in the US, and Michael John Cass as Director of Sales based in the UK. SellersFunding continues to build out its team of more than 150 employees, bolstering areas across the business and focusing on sales and marketing to support its growth ambitions. About SellersFunding SellersFunding is a global financial technology company on a mission to empower growth for ecommerce sellers. The SellersFunding digital platform delivers a suite of financial solutions that streamlines global commerce across marketplaces including working capital, cross-border cash management, and business valuation. For more information, visit www. sellersfunding. com. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-05-13 - Modified: 2023-05-24 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-announces-addition-of-director-of-sales-to-fuel-international-growth/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFunding, a leading fintech provider for ecommerce sellers, today announces Michael John Cass joined the team as Director of Sales, based in the London office. Michael John Cass is responsible for embodying the mission of SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding) -- to empower e-commerce sellers to reach their full growth potential. Cass leads the activation of new business plans, oversees the introduction of SellersFi in new markets, and generates innovative product ideas. He also identifies opportunities to drive sales forward and increase SellersFi's revenue. He works closely with Leonardo Felisberto, Global Head of Business Development, to ensure effective marketing, advertising, and promotional planning. He also works with the Product Development and Operations teams to innovate credit underwriting and pricing strategies across funding products. Cass brings a decade of industry experience and a diversified background in business finance and market analysis. He most recently served as Head of Secured & Structured Finance at Capitalise. "Michael was introduced to the team at an opportune time," said Leonardo Felisberto. "With his vision and in-depth regional knowledge, he's the right addition to our rapidly growing team as we look to strengthen our presence across the UK, Continental Europe, and more broadly across the globe. " "The e-commerce industry is ripe with opportunity, and I am thrilled to generate plans that extend the reach of our products and offerings that are truly game-changing for the small and mid-size merchants powering the industry right now," said Cass. Today, SellersFi has over 40,000 registered users and has offices in London, New York, Miami, and São Paulo and Porto Alegre in Brazil. Its team has grown to over 150 members and is constantly looking for passionate individuals to join. About SellersFi SellersFi is a global financial technology company on a mission to empower growth for e-commerce sellers. The SellersFi digital platform delivers a suite of financial solutions that streamlines commerce across marketplaces including working capital, cross-border cash management, and business valuation. For more information, visit www. sellersfi. com. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-05-12 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/shopify-plus-might-be-the-next-goldmine-for-growing-sellers-heres-what-you-should-know/ - Categories: Blog, Shopify What is Shopify Plus? And if you’re already a successful marketplace seller or ecommerce brand owner, could it be the next goldmine for your business? Get the full scoop inside! If you’re reading this article, chances are your online store is growing faster than ever.   But just like any venture that’s experiencing rapid sales, it’s important to consider the obstacles that can threaten sustainable e-commerce growth. The key? Having systems in place to support your store’s growth so you don’t have to go back to square one later. While we can’t cover every obstacle your online store might face, we can let you in on a platform built for fast-growing sellers just like you.   It’s called: Shopify Plus.   With its foray into B2B and its revamped Shop app, the Shopify Plus platform gives enterprise sellers functionalities that Shopify alone can’t offer. In this article, we’ll compare the key differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus. We’ll also take a look at nine unique Shopify Plus benefits and features so you can make an informed decision for your business. Ready to learn more? Let’s get started. The Scoop on Shopify Plus What are the key differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus? What is Shopify Plus and how does it serve enterprises? 9 top Shopify Plus features enterprise stores love Is Shopify Plus right for you? Thinking about one day selling your store? Find out how our Sellers Signals analytics platform can help you optimize your store for the best offers. What are the key differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus? At a glance, Shopify Plus looks pretty similar to Shopify.   But while the store editor and dashboard may look the same, the tools function a bit differently.   For instance, Shopify Plus is built for scalability. The platform’s SaaS servers allow thousands of transactions per minute without crashing your site or slowing your store’s overall performance. Shopify, on the other hand, remains a one-stop shop for small e-commerce brands just getting started and growing brands with manageable transaction volume. There’s also quite a bit of difference in price between the two platforms. While Shopify offers tiered packages starting at $29 per month, Shopify Plus plans start at $2,000 per month on a monthly term for plan upgrades.   If you earn more than $800k in any given month with a Shopify Plus plan, your price changes to 0. 25% per sales transaction. The bottom line? While it works great for small e-commerce businesses, Shopify’s standard version lacks the functionalities B2B enterprises need and crave.   What is Shopify Plus and how does it serve enterprises? Shopify Plus is a SaaS e-commerce platform designed for high-volume enterprise brands.   Recent news of Shopify overtaking its competitor, eBay, as the second-largest shopping site after Amazon, continues to demonstrate Shopify's commitment to serving bigger brands.   So what exactly is in it for enterprise-level sellers? Shopify Plus has advanced features designed to help enterprises scale, sustainably, including: Checkout customization with advanced discounts and shipping rates Fast integration across tech stack and tools Automation for campaigns, discounts, and complex processes  18% higher conversion and a 60% faster checkout with Shop Pay Is... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-05-10 - Modified: 2023-08-10 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellers-signals-launched-for-shopify-stores/ - Categories: News & Announcements Sellers Signals, our all-in-one analytics, and reporting tool is now available for Shopify sellers. Shopify merchants represent a significant part of our user base, and we’re happy to give them an additional tool to help them gain valuable insights to scale their businesses. All SellersFi app users with a Shopify store can now use Sellers Signals to their advantage and start taking control of their numbers. Specially tailored for e-commerce companies, Sellers Signals empowers sellers with performance data and insights to make smarter decisions and optimize sales and profits. Sellers get all the data they need in one central spot to gain clarity of their store's overall health in a matter of minutes. Take a look at the top reports now available for Shopify stores: · Sales Forecast: Get a sense of future sales performance by week, month & quarter. · Products: Analyze performance by product to identify your best SKUs. Coming soon: · Profitability: Track revenue and expenses to get a clear picture of your profits. · Business Valuation: Learn how much your store is worth (AKA what matters most to buyers). With comprehensive and easy-to-use reports, sellers can quickly identify their strengths and areas of improvement to decide where to focus time and resources. On top of that, Sellers Signals provides access to valuable resources and expertise that can help them take their business to the next level, including the following: Financial Solutions — A suite of funding, payment, and cash-management products tailored for e-commerce sellers. Check if your Pre-Qualification in seconds directly from Sellers Signals and without a commitment. Partners & Influencers — Tap into our vetted network of e-commerce service providers and influencers to find the expertise you need to address your growth challenges. Access exclusive deals directly from Sellers Signals. If you don’t currently have Sellers Signals, here’s how to access these reports and resources: 1. Log in to your SellersFi account. 2. Navigate to Sellers Signals. 3. Connect your Amazon or Shopify store. Start taking control of your performance today! Get started with Sellers Signals. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-05-02 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/finding-success-with-amazons-everchanging-fees/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing Supply chain issues, shipping costs, and now ever-increasing Amazon fees and restrictions can make a difficult environment for Amazon sellers. It was just a few years ago when Amazon had relatively simple and straightforward fees. This fee structure made it much easier for sellers to focus on their growth. Fast forward a couple of years and Amazon fees have started to feel more like a moving target.  As an Amazon seller, it is important to know and understand all these fees and when they are changing so you can be ready to pivot for continued success  Let's take a deep dive into the fee changes that have or will occur in 2022:  FBA fulfillment fee changes  Starting on April 28, 2022, a 5% fuel and inflation surcharge will be applied to FBA fulfillment fees. The surcharge is subject to change.   FBA monthly storage fee and aged inventory surcharge  Starting February 1, 2022, off-peak monthly inventory storage fees (January-September) were increased by $0. 08 per cubic foot for standard-size products and $0. 05 per cubic foot for oversize products. This change was first reflected in March 2022 charges for storage that occurred in February 2022.   Amazon referral fee changes  In 2022, the only decrease is the Amazon marketplace charge for Amazon referral fees. Amazon charges referral fees when you make a sale. The referral fees are based on the total sales price, which includes the item price and any shipping or gift wrap charges.   Starting January 18, 2022, Amazon will reduce the referral fee for lawnmowers and snow throwers. It will decrease from 15% to 8% for products with a total sales price greater than $500.   FBA removal and disposal order fee changes  FBA removal fees are charged when an item is deemed unsellable in its current condition. This is the cost Amazon charges when those items are sent back to the seller to dispose of.   FBA Disposal fees are charged when an item is deemed unsellable in its current condition. Unlike removal order fees, which are charged when items are sent back to sellers, disposal fees are the cost Amazon charges to destroy the items for sellers.   For every product size (minus the smallest one), you can expect to see the Removal or Disposal order fees rise by over 2x the previous fee.   FBA Small and Light fee changes  This year, Amazon also updated fulfillment fees for small and light units. In general, the weight limit for FBA Small and Light was adjusted from 12 oz to 3 lb.   FBA prep and label service fee changes  These are bagging, labeling, and bubble-wrapping fees of 13-40% increases.   FBA New Selection program changes  Starting March 2022, Amazon will provide a monthly rebate of 5% on your sales of eligible new-to-FBA parent ASINs for brand owners who complete the Brand Registry.   While Amazon has always adjusted fees they are doing so more often, with less notice, and sometimes they are steep increases. The short notice can really affect how you set your pricing and your expectations for your margins. One way to help you stay on top... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-29 - Modified: 2023-05-24 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/cash-flow-and-supply-chain/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing Supply chain has never been more important. Here’s why optimizing your cash flow and supply chain practices is crucial to every seller’s growth. In just a couple of years, the world of e-commerce has evolved beyond recognition. While online sales are undeniably here to stay, margin-crippling shipping delays, lengthening lead times, and rising costs have also become the norm. In 2021 alone, there were 11,642 supply chain disruptions globally.   For marketplace sellers and high-growth brands, the struggle to get ahead of inventory has never been more real. The good news is, that there have also never been more ways to optimize your supply chain for increased sales and profits. Today, we’ll get into some of the proven ways e-commerce owners can secure the right inventory at the right time while bolstering cash flow and protecting the business from unnecessary stockouts and losses. What we’ll cover: Inventory and supply chain have never mattered more  How to optimize your cash flow and supply chain for maximum profit Get ahead of inventory with the right funding partner Is your store stocked and ready for a successful Q4? Grab our latest ebook and get ahead of the holiday inventory crunch. Inventory, cash flow, and supply chain have never mattered more. There’s nothing like the feeling of waking up to a slew of notifications alerting you to new sales that came in while you were sleeping. But now that you’ve reached that next revenue level, it’s time to aim even higher.   But there’s just one problem. Your inventory and supply chain is anything but predictable. Late shipments, supplier politics, stockouts. It’s a lot to keep up with. Then there’s the simple fact that managing your supply chain, well... it’s just not as sexy as other areas of the business. Thankfully, there are some very real benefits to help sweeten the deal. Here are just some of the perks you stand to gain by boosting your supply ops and cash flow. Less chaos = more revenue Supply chain disruptions can and will happen. As much as we wish it weren’t true, global supply chain chaos is here for the foreseeable future. It’s bound to impact your inventory, sales, and cash availability at some point. The only way to really manage that fact is to face it head-on. With adequate working capital, sellers can secure inventory in advance, get ahead of long lead times, and ensure that each stakeholder in your supply chain is equipped to handle the inevitable delays and extra costs thrown its way. Looking for a flexible funding partner? Find out if you qualify for fair and fast working capital that doesn’t impact your credit score. Prep your supply chain for the future As you break the stockout cycle and develop strong internal capital, you can invest in your supply chain as you scale, without needing to incur bad debt.   "Since we get paid every 14 days, our cash was tied up, especially considering the amount we hold in reserve,” says the founding team at the premium online wedding gift store, Deluxy. “It put stress on our cash flow. We've also been getting used... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/roadmap-to-q4-success-the-keys-to-optimizing-your-inventory-logistics-strategy/ - Categories: Events & Webinars In a landscape where inventory and logistic challenges continue to stagger, how do you pivot your business strategy for profit recovery? In this webinar, you’ll learn: Implementing planning and flexibility as tools to diversify risk Uncovering new opportunities with partnerships Utilizing non-dilutive capital as a lever to pull The advantages of adopting inventory-minded marketing Featuring e-commerce experts Chelsea Cohen, SoStocked CEO; Keith Myers, Shipware Senior Consultant; and Ricardo Pero, SellersFunding CEO. About the Roadmap To Q4 Success Series Roadmap To Q4 Success is the master class-style webinar series you’ve been waiting for. We’re bringing you top industry experts to discuss everything you need to know for year-end success. From inventory and logistics to marketing, store optimization, and beyond, we’ve got you covered with winning strategies to unleash your growth potential. This webinar gives high-impact, actionable tips for getting your store ready for Q4 with the inventory and supply chain strategies you can use to win. These methods can help you to minimize risks and maximize profits going forward. https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Roadmap_to_Q4_Success_The_Keys_to_Optimizing_Your_Inventory_Logistics_Strategy. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-26 - Modified: 2023-04-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/agile-brands-that-boosted-cash-flow-in-a-crunch/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing Cash flow as a growing store doesn’t have to be so hard. Learn how three online retail brands overcame cash flow challenges for increased sales and growth. As a high-growth online retailer, there are few faster ways to find out whether it’s going to be a good or bad day in the office than to check your business bank balance. Life is great when the sales are rolling in and your customers are singing your praises. But what happens when you run low on inventory with no restocks in sight? Or when you suddenly need to take your brand digital overnight? With 23% of growing companies citing a lack of capital as their biggest business challenge, the question isn’t “How can I get more sales? ” If you want sustainable growth for your e-commerce brand, the real question is, “How can I build strong, consistent cash flow to help keep revenue on track? ” We’ll share stories of how three growing brands overcame their cash flow challenges while investing in future revenue growth. The scoop on e-commerce cash flow Are you making these common cash flow mistakes? How 3 e-commerce brands battled funding woes to come out on top The secret to healthy cash flow  A healthy Amazon business is possible. Check out our complete guide to Amazon ROI for tried-and-tested strategies that work. Are you making these common cash flow mistakes? Whether you’re fresh on the e-commerce scene or a longtime industry expert, at some point you will have had your own facepalm moment with cash flow. And that’s ok. Cash flow mistakes are a natural part of the e-commerce game. To get clear on what to avoid, let’s explore some of the common cash flow mistakes e-commerce entrepreneurs make. Mistake #1. Not planning for seasonality Seasonality can impact even the most stable products.   During these periods, your cash flow will be put to the test. For peak periods, you’ll not only have to secure your inventory early, but you may also need to buy more inventory upfront to account for supply chain delays. On the flip side, during slow periods, you’ll need cash to cover operations and working capital to pay for upcoming seasonal stock as you wait for sales to pick up again. Without proper preparation for both scenarios, even the smallest blip could send your cash flow tumbling. Mistake #2. Underestimating project costs Planning for a new product or business project typically starts off well. But all it takes is an unforeseen cost or underestimation of service or material goods to throw your cash flow off track.   Without surplus capital on hand, e-commerce owners often find themselves without enough cash to keep their operations afloat, let alone invest back into the business. Mistake #3. Zero cash reserves Love them or hate them, the personal finance influencers are on to something.   Having 6-12 months of expenses saved in your store’s capital reserve is essential for growth and security on your e-commerce journey. Without a financial buffer, your store could be one setback away from the kind of cash flow crunch that halts your sales long-term. Mistake #4. Too many product launches... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-22 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/storing-q4-inventory/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising A successful Q4 is all about how you manage your store’s inventory. Don’t miss the latest on how to beat inventory restrictions, lower storage costs, and win big this Q4. As a high-growth seller or brand, you might think success in Q4 is all about your marketing strategy, ad budget, or exclusive holiday product drops. But if that’s the case, you’d be wrong. If recent e-commerce history has taught us anything, it’s that the number one thing that will separate the winning brands from the rest this Q4 is actually a lot less sexy — it’s your inventory prep. As we all know, the last three months of the year hold the most excitement for e-commerce marketplace sellers. And despite recent Amazon results proving to be a little less robust than predicted during the height of the pandemic, Q4 is still an undeniable force for growth. In fact, according to its Q4 2021 earnings report, more than 130,000 Amazon sellers surpassed $100,000 in sales between Black Friday and Christmas Day alone.   But just because sales have increased rapidly year after year, doesn’t mean success for sellers is guaranteed. After years of Inventory Performance Index (IPI) changes, neverending supply chain disruptions, and climbing storage fees, there’s no time like the present to reevaluate your options for storing your inventory to stay in stock this holiday season. The scoop on storing your Q4 inventory: Managing Q4 inventory has never been tougher (or more important) Overcoming IPI whiplash and rising storage fees Better ways to plan and store your Q4 inventory Want a running start with your Q4 sales? Download our free ebook on Why Inventory Planning for Q4 Starts Now for six simple steps to help crush your Q4 inventory prep! Managing Q4 inventory has never been tougher (or more important) If there’s one time of year you definitely do not want to go out of stock on Amazon, it’s during the long-awaited peak year-end sales season. Now that we are officially in the second quarter of 2022, it’s already past time to start planning your fourth quarter inventory. For many sellers, that can be a hard pill to swallow. But don’t worry.   If you haven’t finalized (or even started ) your Q4 inventory strategy yet, there’s still time to start executing a profitable plan. Problem is, sellers are facing never-before-seen challenges when it comes to managing inventory and fulfillment — especially during peak seasons.   With everything from volatile FBA restrictions to the rising cost of goods and excruciating port delays on their plates, the struggle for sellers is real. Here’s just a handful of the challenges experienced over the past year (or less): Globally, there were 11,642 supply chain disruptions in 2021. Cost rises are tipped to increase the price of goods by 1. 5% in 2023. Waiting times at Western US coasts have reached 25 days. Every day, sellers wake up to a seemingly endless list of inventory and supply chain headaches. And yet, recent years have largely been good to online retailers. The boom in online shopping brought on by the pandemic helped usher in compound increases in sales for many stores — and even completely... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-19 - Modified: 2023-03-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/strengthen-your-ecommerce-business/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data - Tags: Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data Prep your ecommerce business for a new decade. Now is the time to build strength and agility in your store. These simple steps will help get you started. From $4. 6 billion in stockouts to quadrupling container costs, it’s fair to say the last couple of years has been quite the rollercoaster for e-commerce. Just two years ago, sellers couldn’t look left or right online without seeing some type of warning to build more resilience into their store’s operations. But as the dust has finally begun to settle, these messages have slowly faded into the background. That could be a problem. Because the truth is, there will always be major systemic shifts that impact your store’s success. Whether it’s a global health pandemic, a supply chain crisis, or any number of inevitable market challenges, there simply is no such thing as “business as usual”. At least, not in e-commerce. In e-commerce, the brands of the future will be the ones who take time to build resilience into the fabric of the business today. In this post, we’ll share the latest on why leveling up your store’s operations is an absolute must for success on the road ahead, plus practical ways to get you started. The scoop on building a future-proof e-commerce business Why it literally pays to make your e-commerce business more resilient How to build a more resilient e-commerce store in 8 simple steps Learn from past mistakes to build a better future for your store Don’t let changes in the market take your store by surprise. Find out how flexible e-commerce funding can help you stabilize inventory, optimize your margins, and keep the revenue coming, no matter what. Why it literally pays to make your e-commerce business more resilient Even if your store’s sales are booming, resilience will be one of your brand’s greatest assets in the post-pandemic e-commerce market. Whether you’re hoping to expand into a new market or sales channel, or simply want to keep your current sales on track, strengthening your operations is essential for future success. Let’s explore some of the reasons why. Get ahead of your competitors and stay there Every day, Amazon sees approximately 2,000 new sellers joining the 1. 9 million already active on its platform. Needless to say, competition in e-commerce is getting fiercer by the second. A nimble e-commerce business that can handle the (occasionally not-so-gentle) blows from the pressures of the global supply chain, changing consumer trends, and whatever else may come, will be positioned shoulders above the competition. As your store keeps improving its operations, you’ll slowly but surely become the market leader in your niche. Keep sales steady no matter what Averageness kills in e-commerce. If your store lacks creativity and agility it is extremely vulnerable to setbacks. Even the smallest disruption could be the catalyst for costly (or even deadly ) mistakes in your store. The good news is, for a resilient business the reverse is true. For example, when you’ve optimized your sales, fulfillment, and customer support systems, your store is equipped to stay operational through any number of disruptions such as a sudden warehouse closure or impending Amazon stockout. With a... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-15 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-partners-with-bigcommerce-opening-direct-to-consumer-channelopportunities-for-ecommerce-sellers/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFi and BigCommerce have partnered to create an integrated solution for fast-growing and established B2C and B2B e-commerce brands New York, NY — March 31, 2022 — SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding), a leading global fintech provider, has joined forces with BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading Open SaaS e-commerce platform for fast-growing and established B2C and B2B brands. The partnership underscores the mission of SellersFi to help sellers innovate, exceed customers’ expectations for an omnichannel experience, and ultimately grow. To push that mission forward, SellersFi, which offers a suite of financial solutions including working capital has developed custom extended payment terms that allow sellers to pursue a platform transition to a direct-to-consumer model with BigCommerce. When merchants face a transformative overhaul that requires the proper funding, BigCommerce’s customers can access working capital with SellersFi, whether they need cash flow to support advertising, inventory management, the research and development of new products, hiring new talent, overall international business expansion, and more. Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFi, said: At SellersFi we pride ourselves on being on the cutting edge of what our clients need to ensure their e-commerce businesses can operate seamlessly and competitively. Both BigCommerce and SellersFi are dedicated to putting the most comprehensive set of resources possible at sellers’ fingertips. This partnership allows us to complement each other’s offerings and heighten the potential for even more sellers to break out and be the next big name in retail. Russell Klein, Chief Commercial Officer of BigCommerce, said: Our partnership with SellersFi further illustrates our commitment to providing merchants access to the highest-caliber technologies and service providers available in the industry. SellersFi shares our desire to help merchants sell more and grow faster to maximize success, and we look forward to working together to mutually support customers. About SellersFi SellersFi is a global financial technology company on a mission to empower growth fore-commerce sellers. The SellersFi digital platform delivers a suite of financial solutions thatstreamlines global commerce for millions of marketplaces including working capital,cross-border cash management, and business valuation. For more information, visit SellersFi. com. About BigCommerce BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open software-as-a-service (SaaS) e-commerce platform that empowers merchants of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides merchants with sophisticated enterprise-grade functionality, customization, and performance with simplicity and ease of use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries use BigCommerce to create beautiful, engaging online stores, including Ben & Jerry’s, Molton Brown, S. C. Johnson, Skullcandy, SoloStove, Ted Baker, and Vodafone. Headquartered in Austin, BigCommerce has offices in London, Kyiv, San Francisco, and Sydney. For more information, please visit BigCommerce. com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. BigCommerce® is a registered trademark of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-partytrademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Media Contact for SellersFiHeather Valleheather@calibercorporateadvisers. com --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-14 - Modified: 2022-04-14 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/alie-ramirez-sellernomics-on-growing-amazon-businesses-in-2022/ - Categories: News & Announcements Listen in as gain strategies for growing your Amazon store and see all the ways SellersFunding is your growth partner as you sell and scale. In this Sellernomics Podcast episode Alie Ramírz, Director of Sales joins the Sellernomics Podcast to discuss strategies for growing any Amazon business and overcoming common obstacles for sellers trying to get funding such as receiving rates that seem great on paper but cost much more in reality. This could result in a worsening cash flow and shrinking margins. Get a deep dive into what sets SellerFunding apart from its competitors. Including how an Amazon business can get funding in as little as 48 hours and the many different tools that we provide as your growth partner. SellersFunding delivers the tools, great, terms, and transparency any scaling business can use to improve their business operations from cash flow to business visualization and so much more. About Alie Ramírez of SellersFunding Alexandra graduated with an undergraduate degree in Biology. Always thinking she would become a doctor; she would soon realize her passion was elsewhere and transitioned into the business world. She holds an MBA in International Business, is multilingual, and has a passion for traveling the world. Since then, she has taken the business world by storm with 10 strong years of experience in sales and over 6 years working within FinTech organizations; she is currently the Director of sales in the US at SellersFunding. As part of her role, she partners with the executive, business development, and marketing teams to identify key solutions to address the needs of her clients. The Sellernomincs Podcast hosted by Rob Stanley is a meeting house for everyone to learn from some of the best Amazon sellers, influencers, and industry moguls about all things Amazon. It features incredible No-fluff and straight to the point information. The Sellernomics Podcast helps Amazon sellers and e-commerce professionals grow their business up and out. Listen to the full podcast here. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-08 - Modified: 2022-04-08 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-aggregators-are-changing-the-market/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog Aggregators are a controversial topic in the market. Whether you’re looking to compete with them or sell to them, here’s what every ecommerce seller should know. From record-breaking fundraising to hot acquisitions, 2021 was a milestone year for the e-commerce aggregator market. And with over $13. 6 billion already invested into marketplace aggregators, growth in this area shows no sign of slowing. Yet the way in which aggregators operate hasn’t gone unnoticed either. While some e-commerce owners aspire to sell their business to an aggregator, others aren’t thrilled with their influence in the market. But one thing’s for sure, whether you love them or hate them, aggregators will have a major impact on how you scale your e-commerce business. In this article, we’ll expose the core trends aggregators are introducing into the ecommerce market to help you understand their impact and plan your next steps. We’ll also share actionable tactics to help you use these shifts to your advantage as a fast-growing e-commerce business. The Scoop on Aggregators What is an aggregator? And why is it such a huge deal? How to stand out in an aggregator-led market Position your store to win Understand your store’s worth before the aggregators come knocking. Track your KPIs with Sellers Signals. What is an e-commerce aggregator? And why are they such a huge deal? An aggregator — A. K. A. a ‘roll-up company’ — is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a holding or investment company that gathers a group of developing brands under one umbrella. By buying up brands with huge growth potential, aggregators can use their experience, accumulated data, road-tested strategies, and large-scale operations to grow the acquired stores faster. And they’re making a pretty massive impact on the e-commerce industry as a whole. For example, Amazon aggregators Thrasio and Elevated Brands scooped up a jaw-dropping $1 billion and $55 million in capital respectively during their last fundraisers. Even a relative newcomer in the aggregator space, Ecommerce Brands, secured $40 million highlighting the lighting-speed at which this industry is growing. With so much capital under their belts, aggregators are tough competition for high-growth sellers. As your brand continues to come up against these deep-pocketed competitors, you’ll need to get creative with how you carve out and cement your place in the market. You may also find yourself needing to increase your investment in core areas of your business, including: Product development Supply chain operations Marketing Inventory Fulfillment Knowledge is power. Gain a clear understanding of your store’s performance with Sellers Signals. 3 Trends Sweeping the E-commerce Aggregator Market The aggregator niche is changing fast and will shape how you approach online selling in the coming months and years. It’s critical to get a head start. Let’s dig into some developing trends that could impact your business. 1. Aggregators are going multichannel. No longer tied to competing online, aggregators aren’t only joining forces, they’re also eyeing up physical stores as a way to diversify their income streams and enter more niches. Take venture capitalist Keith Rabois for example. He partnered with Atomic co-founder Jack Abraham to create a roll-up online store OpenStore to purchase e-commerce businesses at scale.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-05 - Modified: 2023-05-24 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/making-borderless-payments-simple-4-tips-for-brazil-based-amazon-sellers/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Expansion - Tags: Expansion If you’re an Amazon Brazil seller who needs to send and receive payments abroad, you know the struggle is real. Luckily, there’s a better way to make cross-border payments. Unfair currency exchange rates, hidden charges, and massive transaction fees are just another day in the life for Amazon Brazil sellers who need to send and receive payments abroad in order to run their business. And to top it all off, Amazon’s payment schedule can have you waiting weeks for your payouts, putting additional strain on your cash flow. The good news is, making payments as a Brazil-based Amazon Seller doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Armed with the right cross-border strategy, you can avoid currency exchange headaches for good. In this post, we’ll explain some of the common challenges that arise when selling cross-border from Amazon Brazil. We’ll also reveal proven tactics to help you secure fairer currency conversion fees so you can save money and invest it back into growing your business, both within Brazil and beyond its borders. The scoop on borderless payments for Amazon Brazil sellers Why is it so costly to receive and send payments via Amazon Brazil? Tips to help Amazon Brazil sellers take control A solution to costly cross-border transactions Keep more of your hard-earned sales with fair currency exchange rates. Find out how a borderless Digital Wallet can help. Why is it so costly to receive and send payments via Amazon Brazil? Selling on Amazon Brazil offers a huge opportunity to take advantage of the global ecommerce boom, both at home and abroad.   But trading online from Brazil can be costly.   Let’s explore some of the reasons why cash flow and expenses are more difficult to manage when running an Amazon Brazil store: Brazil’s ecommerce industry is growing and banks aren’t keeping up Brazil’s ecommerce market is one of the fastest growing in the entire world, making up nearly one-third of Latin America’s online selling market.   Unfortunately, banks and marketplace currency converters are yet to catch up. Many take advantage of currency fees on both sides of the transaction, and the exchange rates offered are inflated far above the mid-market rate. For high-growth brands who both purchase inventory and sell overseas, exchanging currencies can be a long, complicated, and expensive process. If the goal is to continue to grow and scale, you’ll need to find creative and economical ways to protect your profit margins. Currency converters inflate their rates Take the infamous Amazon Currency Converter for Sellers (ACCS) for example.   For the chance to convert money on the ACCS platform, you’ll pay fees in a tiered-based system. At the time of writing this, here’s how the tiers currently work: Tier 1: 0. 75% fee for revenue equal to or over $10 million  Tier 2: 1. 00% fee for revenue equal to or over $1 million Tier 3: 1. 25% fee for revenue equal to or over $500,000 Tiers 4-6: 1. 50% fee for revenue equal to or under $100,000 This may seem fair enough when you’re first starting out selling on Amazon Brazil. But when you reach a high volume of sales, you quickly realize just how... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-04-04 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/the-impact-of-supply-chain-and-inflation-on-ecommerce/ - Categories: Events & Webinars In this Fireside Chat, sellers will discover the causes of supply chain issues and inflation, and how sellers can successfully manage in an everchanging e-commerce landscape. This Fireside Chat will discuss how sellers can: Act on practical solutions to continue growing, scaling, and staying competitive during these times Establish best practices to stay ahead of logistics challenges Set up their supply chain from launch to scale This fireside chat is best for: Established e-commerce sellers looking for information and solutions as they navigate the current e-commerce landscape New and experienced e-commerce sellers who want insights they can use to increase their cash flow New sellers looking to grow and scale their e-commerce business in the face of supply chain and inflation issues Supply chain and inflation issues are becoming the new normal for the e-commerce industry. The best way to ensure success is by preparing and executing thoughtful plans. In this fireside chat, John Elder and Amanda Hanono discuss the challenges involved with rising supply chain issues and inflation across the e-commerce landscape including: How to successfully manage your business with the uncertainty that supply chain issues impose on the e-commerce industry Steps to take to ensure customer loyalty as shipping time and delays occur Why positioning yourself as a premium seller can lead to a healthier cash flow https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/The_Impact_of_Supply_Chain_Issues_and_Inflation. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-03-28 - Modified: 2023-02-27 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-ceo-joins-nasdaq-tradetalks-in-ecommerce-discussion/ - Categories: News & Announcements Nasdaq TradeTalks video broadcasts feature conversations with e-commerce thought leaders on trends, news, and education. Watch our CEO Ricardo Pero's exclusive interview with Nasdaq TradeTalks host Jill Malandrino to discuss how technology and access to capital are imperative for e-commerce businesses. Watch the full conversation here --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-03-25 - Modified: 2023-05-23 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/seasonal-inventory/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing Planning your seasonal inventory? In the game of ecommerce, staying in-stock during peak seasons can make or break your bottom line. Find out how to stay one step ahead! Ahh, seasonal inventory. Can’t live with it, can’t live without it.   On the one hand, seasonal lines can be wildly profitable for e-commerce sellers. And on the other? If you don’t sell your units at just the right time, seasonal inventory can be a major drain on sales and cash flow. And the struggle has never been more real.   During Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) 2021, out-of-stock messages were up 169% versus pre-pandemic levels, and 258% compared to two holiday seasons ago. Staying in stock during peak seasons can make or break your bottom line. But don’t worry. We’re about to get into the nuts and bolts of why it pays to be an early bird when prepping your seasonal inventory, and the best ways to get ahead of the game. The scoop on seasonal inventory Why the time to start prepping for peak season is now  7 tips for fuss-free seasonal inventory management The early bird gets the worm: Why you should start prepping for peak season now A killer BFCM starts now. Learn more about how to get your store financially fit with SellersFi. Why the time to start prepping for peak season is now  The new year has begun and you’ve likely got a fresh set of goals to conquer. But no matter what your to-do list looks like, there is one top-priority task you should start on right now if you want to win in every season:  Your inventory P-R-E-P. Here are just a handful of the reasons preparation is everything when stocking seasonal items: Stay one step ahead of the supply chain: Logistics definitely ain’t what they used to be. Unpredictability in pricing, timing, and inventory availability means preparing seasonal stock a couple of months in advance is simply too risky. One-up the competition: Humans are creatures of habit. Unfortunately for them, many sellers won’t change their buying habits unless circumstances force their hand.   This creates a huge opportunity for brand owners that take action now to prepare for seasonal sales later in the year. When the stockouts happen (and they will happen), you’ll be able to swoop in and claim the sales. Slash inventory costs: When you prep for peak seasons early, you’ll have enough time to shop for deals before specific products become popular. And with lower product costs, come better profit margins. Lower your customer acquisition costs: Marketing costs have a sneaky way of jumping up as mega-events like BFCM approach. Starting your preparations ahead of time will allow you to take advantage of lower marketing costs and build a solid relationship with agencies and influencers that you can later bank on when the big dates arrive. 7 tips for fuss-free seasonal inventory management If you have any experience selling goods during a peak holiday season, you already know traffic, sales, and your workload can go from 0 to 100 in a blink.   That’s why it’s crucial to have a ready-made and efficiency-driven strategy to get the results,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-03-25 - Modified: 2023-02-27 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-nominated-for-the-benzinga-awards/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFunding Highlighted As A Benzinga Spotlight Company for 2022 We are so proud to announce that SellersFunding has been nominated for the Benzinga Awards in The Most Impactful Fintech Executive category! Benzinga, a media and data provider bridging the gap between retail and institutional investors, will be holding its annual Benzinga Global Fintech Awards. Where top companies and executives are recognized for their accomplishments in innovating and merging the best of finance and technology. SellersFunding is also honored to be highlighted as a spotlight company for Benzinga leading up to the Awards Read more here --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-03-15 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/unlocking-growth-through-international-expansion/ - Categories: Events & Webinars If you weren't able to attend our live event, don't miss out on your chance to learn more about global expansion to grow your business cross-borders. Our experts will talk through best practices, and reasons why NOW is the time to expand globally. Check out our latest webinar where Kevin Sanderson - Founder of Maximizing eCommerce, Riki Hooker - General Manager at Global Ecommerce Experts, Leonardo Felisberto - Global Head of Partnerships at SellersFunding, and hosted by Amanda Hanono - Business Manager at SellersFunding on why now is the time to expand into your own ecommerce platform globally. This webinar will help you to prepare and understand how to expand to a new global market and reach customers excited about your products. In this webinar you'll discover how to: Launch in a new region in as fast as 14 days Preserve margins by knowing costs up-front Increase conversions & customer reach Choose the best markets for expansion Easily understand the tax landscape https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Unlocking_Growth_Through_International_Expansion. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-03-10 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/mothers-day-uk/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising Looking for another money-making event to add to your ecomm calendar? Try UK Mother’s Day. Start with these inspiring Mother’s Day campaigns from top global brands. What’s not to love about Mother’s Day? Mother’s Day doesn’t just allow us to stop and appreciate all the mums and mother figures out there, it provides an excellent opportunity to win more customers and pull in additional cash flow to prep for peak seasons like Q4.   In 2021, Mother’s Day brought UK retailers a solid 47% increase in sales — despite ongoing lockdowns and supply chain disruptions. But if you’ve never sold products for Mother’s Day, or struggle to know what to sell, it can be hard to take advantage of this key shopping day. Today, we’ll jump into why Mother’s Day is becoming more important for e-commerce brands selling in the UK. We’ll also take a look at how some global retailers crushed their Mother’s Day campaigns, and share unmissable tips for how to make your store’s Mother’s Day promos a smashing success. The scoop on Mother’s Day UK Why Mother’s Day coming up is huge for e-commerce brands 6 can’t-miss Mother’s Day campaigns to inspire your own Get bragworthy results this Mother’s Day The clock is ticking. Get your store ready to spread the love this Mother’s Day with flexible working capital from SellersFi. Why the UK Mother’s Day come-up is huge for e-commerce brands Classic shopping days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day have hogged the limelight as the undisputed rainmakers for e-commerce brands.   But as consumer spending has shifted increasingly online, online retailers are seeing spending rise even for smaller holidays like Mother’s Day.   Here are a few of the reasons Mother’s Day is totally worth your attention (and marketing dollars) this year. Boost your revenue and cash flow ahead of peak season While Mother’s Day is a relatively small-scale holiday compared to its Q4 counterparts, it can pack quite a punch for your bottom line.   As the cash rolls in, you can set some aside to help fund your peak seasons and give your store more financial stability year-round. Build strong customer connections (and grow your long-term sales) As you help your customers put smiles on the faces of the people closest to them, you’ll also win their loyalty long-term.   Once you’ve earned their trust, it’ll be both easier and cheaper to sell more products to them throughout the year. Reach across generations to boost conversions Since people buy gifts for mother figures or their mum, Mother’s Day is a chance to introduce your brand to whole new audiences. You have the chance to build relationships with shoppers across different generations and walks of life, improving your odds of boosting conversions in the long run. 6 can’t-miss Mother’s Day campaigns to inspire your own When it comes to Mother’s Day promos, some brands know how to tick all the right boxes.   So if you’re hoping to create the mother of all Mother’s Day campaigns, look no further. These six brands launched stellar Mother's Day promos that we can all learn from. 1. Teleflora’s emotion-driven Mother’s Day... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-03-04 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/post-pandemic-shopping-trends/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Funding & Lending, Marketing & Advertising Product trends come and go, but in the wake of the pandemic, the ecommerce landscape is forever changed. So what post-pandemic shopping trends can sellers expect? Let’s find out. If there’s one thing modern humans love, it’s online shopping. A few simple taps on a screen and boom — a package (or three ) arrives the next day like magic. And while we’re all aware of the massive 2020 uptick in online shopping, the truth is e-commerce has been on the rise for years. Looking back to 2019, retail online sales stood at $3. 5 trillion — and that was well before the days of toilet paper stockouts and sky-high face mask sales. But as the dust from the “Covid boost” starts to settle, many e-commerce entrepreneurs are wondering what’s next. Today, we’ll take a look back at online shopping pre-Covid versus now. We’ll also dive into key post-pandemic shopping trends to help you plan for a profitable 2022 and beyond. The scoop on post-pandemic shopping trends Online shopping in the pandemic era: then vs. now 5 e-commerce product trends to watch in 2022 Stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing e-commerce market Ready to make this your best year yet? Find out how SellersFi can help you boost cash flow, stay in stock, and keep the sales coming. Online shopping in the pandemic era: then vs. now No two ways about it, the pandemic has changed the world of retail for good. And while we appear to be on the tail end of it (knock on wood), the global health crisis has had lasting effects on the way consumers find, compare, and purchase products. Of course, online shopping was already alive and kicking in countries like China, the US, and the UK. It was also rapidly picking up pace in regions like Latin America, which experienced a whopping 36% growth in mobile commerce sales in 2019 alone. Prior to the pandemic, most shoppers preferred to shop on-site, citing reasons varying from product discovery, to simply preferring to touch and feel products in person. But with lockdowns and social distancing, came a quick willingness to let these preferences go in order for shoppers to get the products they want when they want them. And from 2019 to 2020, e-commerce sales claimed a larger share of the total retail sales pie, jumping from 11% to 15% in the US alone. What’s next for sellers in the post-pandemic era? In 2020, it wasn’t uncommon for sellers to go to bed one evening and awake the next morning to a deluge of incoming orders as lockdowns were introduced. As shoppers became more and more accustomed to buying online, these upward trends led to results like the US market growing by 32. 4% in 2020. Demand for online shopping continued well into 2021, even causing headline-worthy supply chain problems like the 253% rise in out-of-stock notifications during the holiday sales season.   When compared to numbers like that, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking e-commerce sales are waning. And while that may be true of the initial lockdown-era sales boost, the data is clear. Online shopping isn’t going anywhere.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-03-01 - Modified: 2023-07-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/suppliers-in-latin-america/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing The manufacturing game has changed. Asia is no longer the only option for suppliers. Here’s why you might want to look to Latin America for your next supplier. Decade after decade, Asian countries like China have been the go-to for e-commerce brands looking to get stocked up on the latest goods at affordable prices.   And for good reason. The massive labor force, low production costs, and enviable worker skill sets have made trading the East a no-brainer for growing brand owners.   But these days, China isn’t the only player when it comes to viable e-commerce suppliers. Countries in Latin America have been leveling up their supplier game, tackling every supply chain stage from raw material sourcing to shipping. Take Puerto Rico, for example. In 2020, manufacturing made up a whopping 48% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).   And it’s not the only Latin American country to see massive supplier development. Mexico’s manufacturing production hit nearly 50% in April 2021, its highest level yet. If you’ve been looking for ways to protect your business from global supply chain disruptions, help is on the way! Today, we’ll get into the many reasons why searching for your dream supplier in Latin America just makes sense. Looking to expand your inventory manufacturing horizons? Find out how flexible funding can help boost your options. The scoop on sourcing and suppliers in Latin America Why partnering with suppliers in Latin America is a boss move 5 Latin American production hubs you need to know  How to find the best suppliers in Latin America The right way to find suppliers in Latin America Why partnering with suppliers in Latin America is a boss move --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-02-23 - Modified: 2022-02-23 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/come-see-us-at-prosper/ - Categories: News & Announcements We are so excited to see you at Prosper this year! Here is the complete SellersFunding schedule. We Can't Wait To See You At Prosper! Prosper Show is an amazing networking event for established Amazon sellers looking to gain insights from industry insiders and innovators in Las Vegas, NV on March 14-16. Visit us at booth 755 for plenty of fun things over the weekend including wine tastings and a LinkedIn headshot photo booth. If you will also be joining us at Casino in the Clouds and the Teikametrics dinner we'd love another opportunity to connect and network there! March 14 Meet us at booth 755 near the matchmaking section in the Mandalay Bay exhibit hall. Come enjoy wine 1 - 5 PST. Teikametrics VIP Dinner - 7:30 PST The Teikametrics dinner is hosted at the Bellagio will be a night of impeccable food and fun while you build relationships and explore opportunities for growth. Prosper 2022 After Party Event - 10:00 PST Enjoy a unique Las Vegas party experience where you can connect with other sellers and create lasting memories. March 15 Meet us back at booth 755 near the matchmaking section in the Mandalay Bay exhibit hall where a photographer and a Linkedin photo booth will be available. Casino in the Clouds - 8 PST  Casino in the Clouds will be located in the beautiful Stratosphere. Enjoy a night of hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and incredible prizes while mingling with Eight-Figure mega sellers. Fortunet's Prosper Show Party Join us at Fortunet's Prosper show party for a night of fun and music at the Danny Mcmillan Skyfall Lounge in the Delano Tower! Can't wait to see you there! --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-02-08 - Modified: 2023-03-29 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-business-loans/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Expansion, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising With online sales predicted to rise to 22% by 2023, hitting nearly $5 trillion, eCommerce is BIG business. As an eCommerce seller, often all that stands between you and a successful online business is cash—after all, you've got inventory, marketing, fulfillment, and warehousing costs to pay before you can look at expansion projects. You may have even invested your savings and still come up short.   Luckily, funding options for eCommerce businesses have improved over the years. These days, you can choose from traditional bank loans or more flexible options like those offered by the SBA. But the question is: are eCommerce business loans right for you? Let's dive deeper into the world of eCommerce funding to find out. It can be tough to know which funding option is right for you. Don't go it alone. Speak with a SellersFi expert today. Everything You Need to Know About E-commerce Business Loans What Is an E-commerce Business Loan? What Can I Use an E-commerce Business Loan For? The Ultimate E-commerce Business Loan FAQ E-commerce Business Loans: Know Your Options Invoice factoring (a. k. a. debt factoring) SBA loans Business lines of credit  Business cash advances Working capital loans Bonus: Credit cards 3 Quickfire Tips to Choose the Right E-commerce Business Loan Secure External Capital for Enviable Business Growth  What Is an E-commerce Business Loan? An eCommerce business loan is a funding option designed to help online stores launch, operate, or grow. Some loans can help you do all three, while others have more narrow usage guidelines like only taking out the loan if you intend to buy real estate. E-commerce is on the up and up. In the UK alone, online sales grew by 36% in 2020—the highest growth rate in 13 years. Even characteristically slow months have picked up: in January 2021, eCommerce sales rocketed by a whopping 74%. With eCommerce sales accelerating at such an astounding level, it's the perfect time to lay down strong operational roots—to help you accommodate more sales, showcase your brand, and cast your eCommerce net even wider.   There's just one problem: Capital. Or should we say, lack of.   Cash flow issues are common in eCommerce—not surprising when you consider 64. 4% of eCommerce businesses use the owner's or their family's resources to get started, compared to just 16. 5% that secure bank loans. Yet eCommerce business loans vary in flexibility, affordability, speed, and repayment terms. So, it pays to research which one (if any) is right for you. What Can I Use an E-commerce Business Loan for? E-commerce business loans have come a long way since their inception. These days there's a loan to suit nearly every eCommerce activity, including: Launching your startup Organizing working capital Sales and marketing initiatives Paying for business expenses, i. e. payroll, inventory, marketing  Buying real estate Expanding into new territories Restructuring or refinancing debts Implementing an omnichannel selling strategy Increasing your product range Covering payroll Purchasing supplies Securing or renewing licenses and permits Paying taxes The Ultimate E-commerce Business Loan FAQ How much do I need, and can I afford it? If you still... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-02-03 - Modified: 2023-02-27 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/fintech-leader-sellersfunding-receives-tracxns-soonicorn-status/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFunding Recognized As A Emerging Startup For 2022 We are so proud to announce that SellersFunding has been named a 2022 Soonicorn! A Soonicorn, or "soon to be Unicorn" is a highly valued startup that has shown impressive levels of growth that has attracted valuations of over a few hundred million. We are delighted to be included amongst other successful Fintech startups. Tracxn's Emerging Startups team handpicks each year's Soonicorns - high growth and high potential companies that show promising performance across the board from high-status investments to future growth prospects. These startups are have both current successes with bright futures. About Tracxn Tracking 1. 4 million entities through 1,800 feeds categorized across industries, sectors, sub-sectors, geographies, affiliations and networks globallyTracxn is the research partner of choice for 850+ Investors, Corporates and Government bodies across the globe Private market investors and Investment Banks - venture capital and private equity investors, investment banks Corporations - M&A, Innovation and Digital Transformation Teams Government agencies, universities, accelerators and incubators About SellersFunding SellersFunding is a global financial technology company on a mission to empower growth for ecommerce sellers. The SellersFunding digital platform delivers a suite of financial solutions that streamlines commerce across marketplaces including working capital, cross-border cash management, and business valuation. For more information, visit www. sellersfunding. com. Today, SellersFunding has over 40,000 registered users and has offices in London, New York, Miami, and São Paulo and Porto Alegre in Brazil. Its team has grown to over 150 members and is constantly looking for passionate individuals to join. We look forward to serving more sellers as we grow our suite of financial solutions. Check out the complete list here --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-28 - Modified: 2023-04-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/sba-loans-for-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending SBA loans can be game changing for eCommerce businesses. But do they really make sense for your business? Let's find out with a deep dive into the pros and cons. Since the pandemic hit, Small Business Administration loans (SBA loans) for e-commerce brands have been the talk of the town.   This is thanks to a flood of applications to loan programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which helped businesses maintain operations and retain staff during the pandemic. With the deadline for PPP loans now passed, e-commerce businesses are eyeing other SBA loan types as possible funding options. But the situation isn't clear cut.   SBA loan programs are notorious for long application processes and narrow rules on who can qualify. Plus, there are no outright SBA loans for e-commerce—leaving e-commerce business owners to question whether SBA loans are truly a viable option for them.   In fact, the Federal Reserve's Small Business Credit Survey found that 32% of small businesses turned to online lenders in 2018. In this ultimate guide to SBA loans for e-commerce, we’ll dive deep into the world of SBA loans, unveiling their real pros and cons for online retailers. Let's get into it! # It can be tough to know which funding option is right for you. Don't go it alone. Speak with a SellersFi expert today. SBA Loans for E-commerce: Here’s What We’ll Cover What Is an SBA Loan? How to Qualify for an SBA Loan 7(a) loans Community development corporation (CDC)/504 loans Microloans CAPLines Disaster loans Export loans SBA Loans for E-commerce: Not the Right Fit? You've Got Options. Cash advances Working capital loans Find the Optimal Funding Solution for You What Is an SBA Loan for E-commerce? Don’t worry. You're not the first to ask this question—and you definitely won’t be the last. While people casually drop ‘SBA loans’ into the conversation, for many there's still a cloak of mystery surrounding them.   Here's the scoop: SBA loans are funding secured through a bank or credit union with the help of the US Small Business Administration (a. k. a. SBA). Because SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the government, they come with capped interest rates and fewer fees than traditional bank loans. The main purpose of an SBA loan is to give small businesses the funding they need to launch, grow, and succeed.   Consequently, there's a wide range of loans for differing business activities. For example: expanding into new territories, buying real estate, purchasing inventory, and establishing working capital.   How Many Kinds of SBA Loans Are There? Aside from the emergency PPP loan temporarily brought in during 2020, there are six types of SBA loans: 7(a) loans  Community development corporation (CDC)/504 loans Microloans CAPLines Disaster loans Export loans You can apply for an SBA loan online or by mail. SBA loans for e-commerce are a relatively new thing, so it helps to research. Check out these super useful resources created by the SBA, including checklists for each type of loan. How to Qualify for an SBA Loan for E-commerce SBA loans have a range of minimum requirements. These include: Having a high credit score (680+). Utilizing other funding sources... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-26 - Modified: 2022-01-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-predictions-vs-outcomes-2022/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising In this post, we’ll analyse some of the most recent predictions for Amazon and what these shifts can mean for sellers like you as we move forward into a new era of ecommerce. Whew! It’s been a yoyo ride for Amazon sellers these past couple of years. On one hand, Amazon sales rose by 51% in the UK and net sales worldwide hit nearly $386 billion. (Not too shabby! ) But on the other hand?   Constant changes to Amazon’s rules have made it challenging to stay in stock and profitable. And let’s not forget the sluggish Q3 Amazon experienced last year, growing its revenue by just 15%, the lowest in 6 years. With all the shifts and uncertainty surrounding Amazon’s path ahead, you’re likely wondering what’s going on at the Amazon HQ and what the future may hold for your ecommerce business.   Did Amazon’s changes throw you through a loop? Elevate your store with SellersFunding. 3 Amazon predictions and the consequences for your growing store COVID-19, supply chain issues, and rising shipping costs are just a few of the challenges Amazon has gone toe-to-toe with in the last two years. While Amazon is an undisputed ecommerce titan, it’s not immune to global events. And in recent years, sellers have borne the brunt of Amazon’s many changes with little visibility into what the future holds. So before you embark on another year of selling on Amazon, it’s important to look back on past events and predictions so that you can plan for a more stable road ahead.   Let’s explore some of the top Amazon predictions, trends, and outcomes we’ve seen so far. #1. Restocking limits will cause significant challenges for fast-growing brands When the pandemic hit, Amazon was inundated with stock from sellers eager to maintain optimal inventory levels during the pandemic. To release storage space, Amazon restricted restocks to essential items.   Although this restriction was removed, it was swiftly replaced by the much-loathed inventory limits. At one point, restock limits were set to just 200, making it a major challenge for sellers with high order volumes to launch products and stay in stock. Fortunately, Amazon has since lifted the 200 item limit, but restricts restocks according to your selling history using the Amazon Inventory Performance Index (IPI). The prediction was that IPI restrictions would stick — and they did. Now brands must work to keep Amazon happy or risk having their stock space slashed. What inventory limits mean for your Amazon store You’ll need to monitor your Amazon IPI and keep it above the threshold which is currently 400 (as of January 1, 2022), but can change. Sellers may also want to build more strategic relationships with storage and shipping providers near your allocated Amazon warehouse(s) to make sure they’re able to get inventory to Amazon fast. Working with a 3PL to maintain a “fulfilled by merchant” shipping option may be another key component sellers can use in the ongoing battle against Amazon stockouts. #2. Rising Amazon ad costs are here to stay These days, everywhere you turn prices are rocketing. And the same is true for Amazon advertising. With Amazon pay-per-click costs doubling year-on-year, your bill is going... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-20 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/new-year-new-you-3-ways-to-achieve-growth-in-2022/ - Categories: Events & Webinars If you couldn't make it to our live event, don't miss out on your chance to get the key strategies you need to maximize your growth and build profit in 2022. Watch our webinar today! Erik Silveira, Business Development Manager at SellersFunding and Yoni Mazor, Co-Founder & CGO at GETIDA talk through key ways to address challenges facing the industry in 2022 and what it takes to differentiate your business from the competition. https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/New_Year_New_Strategy_3_Ways_To_Achieve_Growth_In_2022. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-20 - Modified: 2022-01-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/sourcing-from-mexico-can-reduce-costs-and-increase-revenue/ - Categories: Blog As an ecommerce seller you have a ton of options for sourcing your inventory. Have you ever thought of diversifying the countries you work with? China is a popular option across business sectors, but other counties like Mexico can be another great option. Mexico is becoming a popular option as a supplement to an overall sourcing strategy from China. It can provide a way to ensure your business revenue remains stable as supply chain conditions fluctuate. Sourcing from Mexico can help you overcome supply chain issues. You will face challenges no matter where you choose to source your inventory. Those challenges can be managed by going through a thorough research process and creating a plan that works for your business. The country you choose for sourcing can help you mitigate those challenges or worsen them. This article will take you through some of the common sourcing challenges and how sourcing from Mexico can be a real advantage. 1. Tariffs Tariffs are one-way sourcing from Mexico that can help increase your revenue. Most products that are purchased in Mexico do not pay taxes. This in and of itself can be saved over importing products from China. 2. Product Quality Product quality is always something at the forefront of eCommerce sellers’ minds. There is a government agency that helps with product safety issues. The Office of the Federal Prosecutor for the Consumerian (PROFECO) organization of the Mexican government that works with other organizations like the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from the United States. and Health Canada from Canada to guarantee that imported products are safe for consumers. The biggest thing to remember with quality is to know your product. The more information you can give a manufacturer the better expectations are aligned with both companies. The more you know about the materials used and the engineering process the better your relationship with the manufacturer will be. 3. Raw Materials Availability Raw materials can also vary depending on the counties they were sourced from. Also, these raw materials may be sourced from countries other than the country you’re buying products from. It is good to have a conversation about it upfront with your manufacturer and inspect any product samples. Big brands have been manufacturing in Mexico for decades. Next time you are in a store like Target, pay attention to where things are made. You might be surprised how many of the products that are already used are from Mexico. 4. Logistics The proximity of Mexico to the U. S. is a huge advantage. With current shipping costs from Asia being high it’s worth your time to research how much you could reduce your overhead costs by sourcing products from Mexico. It’s these types of variable costs that can eat into your profits if you’re not careful. 5. Lead Times The lead times of shipping from Mexico can vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer. Some Mexican manufacturers can have their products at the border in just 4 days. Compare that to China where a recent study showed that as of October 2021 the average transit time from China was 73 days. Even customs wait times are much faster. It can take 2 days, but it can be as quick as just... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-14 - Modified: 2023-03-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/holiday-season-ecommerce-lessons/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Shopify - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Shopify 2021’s ecommerce holiday season has been a whirlwind. Learn how this year’s challenges will impact future holidays and how to overcome them. Whether your store has been around for decades or you’re closing off your first holiday season selling online, one thing’s for sure — the current holiday market is unlike anything you’ve seen before.   Not only is e-commerce growth finally slowing down from the initial Covid boost, but consumer buying behavior is shifting rapidly to cope with supply chain problems — the likes of which we’ve never seen before. E-commerce giants like Amazon and Shopify missed their Q3 targets despite achieving 46% year-on-year growth. Shoppers also took to the streets earlier than usual, with 61% of those surveyed by the National Retail Foundation saying they had already started buying gifts and 28% actually completing their holiday purchases when asked in November 2021. So, you’re probably wondering: “What are some lessons we can take from this one-of-a-kind holiday season? And how can it shape our strategy going forward? ” We’re glad you asked. In this post, we’ll dive into the key takeaways from 2021’s rocky holiday e-commerce performance. We’ll also share some tips and tricks to help you adjust to the road ahead. The scoop on a rocky holiday season Why was the 2021 holiday season so darn unpredictable? 5 major shifts this holiday season (and how to stay ahead of them next year) Rock the e-commerce holiday season like a total boss Did supply chain problems take you by surprise? Get the right working capital and stay ready with your inventory. Why was the 2021 holiday season so darn unpredictable? How did you feel leaving this e-commerce holiday season? Relieved? Excited? Anxious? If you’re thinking all of the above, welcome to the club. These are common emotions felt by e-commerce entrepreneurs in busy seasons like Q4. Only, this year the final quarter looked and felt completely different.   Let’s take a look at some reasons why 2021’s e-commerce holiday season stood out from the rest. COVID-19 disruptions plague the global supply chain (yes, still) Despite being nearly two years into the pandemic, problems created by COVID-19 are still causing significant challenges for e-commerce stores. From battling for manufacturing space to items sitting at ports for months as overwhelmed customs offices struggle to process goods — the pandemic has hit the global supply chain from end to end. And it all came to a head this holiday season. Rising material, labor costs, and shortages cause prices to soar... and margins to slip Political moves like Brexit and massive workforce trends like “The Great Resignation” have not only led to shortages in staff and land transportation but have also created a steep rise in labor and material costs. For example, truck drivers in the UK are commanding high rates for their services with some scooping a 40% pay rise.   These costs add up and brands are left with the tough decision to either soak up the extra charges and lose margin, or pass on the costs to customers and potentially lose sales. The freight industry creates a battle of the financially... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-14 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/ecommerce-funding-101/ - Categories: Events & Webinars Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to secure the growth capital that will take your e-commerce business to the next level! Global Head of Partnerships, Leonardo Felisberto, chats with Empire Flippers. You don't want to miss this podcast. Scaling an e-commerce business often requires large amounts of capital. Many entrepreneurs risk their financial security by bootstrapping their businesses without fully understanding the different funding options. This is where today’s guest, Leonardo Felisberto, steps in to save the day. Leonardo is the global head of partnerships at SellersFunding, a financial platform designed to help e-commerce sellers grow and scale their businesses through effective financial management. In this episode, Leonardo discusses the obstacles e-commerce sellers have previously faced when applying for growth capital, and how modern seller funding can lower the barriers to entry into e-commerce businesses. Leonardo walks us through the key criteria he looks for when approving sellers for funding and the common mistakes sellers make when trying to raise growth capital. He also explains how to set up a practical cash flow system for your business as well as the industry trends e-commerce entrepreneurs should look out for. If you’re searching for a reliable way to secure growth capital for your e-commerce business, then you don’t want to miss out on Leonardo’s expert advice! --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-14 - Modified: 2023-04-27 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/the-working-capital-in-ecommerce-report/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Funding & Lending Balancing the books is a difficult task for most businesses, but in ecommerce it’s a different ball game. Discover the latest challenges and solutions to cash flow issues to come out on top. Balancing the books is a difficult task for most businesses, but in ecommerce it’s a different ball game. Discover the latest challenges and solutions to cash flow issues to come out on top. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-11 - Modified: 2022-01-11 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/launch-on-amazon-live/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising Launch on Amazon Live with Rebaid. See how SellersFunding partner, Rebaid can help with influencer campaigns. by Brendon Fields When most brands think about influencers, million dollar post by Kylie Jenner or Kim Kardashian come to mind. For that reason many brand owners are quick to dismiss Influencer marketing as an expensive, inaccessible and an opaque industry. But that couldn’t be further from reality. When paired with the right influencer, cost can be low and the ROI high. Consumers trust recommendations from influencers they are familiar with, resulting in far higher conversion rates than would be generated through other marketing methods. Successful influencer campaigns are often attributed to brands “leveling up” with record sales and broader brand recognition almost overnight. There are many platforms where influencers post content. B2B business often find Linkedin or YouTube to be best, while consumer product businesses typically generate the strong results from Instagram or Tik Tok. But for the purpose of this article we will specifically focus on the newest and potentially most lucrative influencer marketing channel! Amazon Live For brands that sell on Amazon, there is no better influencer marketing opportunity than Amazon Live. A top initiative of Amazon, Amazon Live is a live streaming video platform that allows highly followed influencers to share and demo products for their audience. Since this video platform is hosted directly on Amazon, viewers can purchase items featured in these videos in a single click. For readers in the U. S. who are familiar with QVC or HSN (Home Shopping Network) television channels, Amazon Live is the equivalent, but with some major advantages. Unlike QVC or HSN where viewers need to call a phone number, find their purse or wallet, then wait a week or longer to receive the product, on Amazon Live shopper can purchase with a single click and receive their item in 2 days. This makes Amazon Live a compelling shopping network. How Much Does it Cost? Getting your product(s) featured on Amazon Live may seem like a daunting or costly endeavor but neither are true. With the help of platforms like Rebaid, sellers are able to get their product(s) featured on Amazon Live for as little as $250. For this modest price, Amazon Live influencers will typically feature your product for a 3 minute segment, providing a demo and sharing the features they enjoy most. Entry level influencers in the $250 price range typically generate 60,000 – 75,000 views per live broadcast. This means your product will generate a CPI (cost per impression) of less than $0. 01 per shopper view. Compare this against a typical PPC campaign and you could expect to spend thousand of dollars for an equivalent number of impressions! But it get’s even better. Not all impressions are the same. When a shopper sees your Sponsored placement at the top of the search results, it’s often overlooked by shoppers as just what it is, a paid placement. On the other hand, when a shopper views an influencers live stream they are far more inclined to view and purchase your item, based on the trust placed... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2023-05-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/what-to-sell-on-valentines-day/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising Valentine’s Day has a solid rep for pulling in the ecomm coins. But what to sell on Valentine’s Day is the question. Here’s how to position your store to win big on the day of love. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a proud solo flyer, it’s hard to find something not to like about e-commerce on the day of love, a. k. a. Valentine’s Day. This is a day when people all over the world share what’s in their hearts and pockets, creating an opportunity for online retailers to secure huge paydays. In the US, for example, e-commerce online spending was tipped to hit $22 billion in 2021 and across the pond, just 25% of British people said they weren’t planning to join in on the V-Day fun. So, what’s the secret to Valentine’s Day selling success?   It all comes down to what you sell and how. We’ve curated some proven pointers to help you decide what to sell on Valentine’s Day, plus top tips to help position your store to win.   The scoop on Valentine’s Day selling Why it pays to think outside the box on Valentine’s Day What to Sell on Valentine’s Day: 6 product ideas shoppers won’t forget  How to make your offers the next Valentine’s Day best-sellers The right way to do Valentine’s Day in e-commerce Need extra cash flow to prep for big shopping days? SellersFi can help. Beyond Dropshipping Chocolate: Why it pays to think outside the box on Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is a great time to flex your creative muscles and craft offers that’ll blow shoppers away. But sometimes, discovering what to sell on Valentine’s Day is easier said than done, especially if you’re feeling a little fried from the recent Q4 rush.   To get you motivated to explore new and creative product ideas, let’s zoom in on some of the reasons you need to really let your brand shine on Valentine’s Day: Stand out from the crowd From clothing stores to insurance brokers, the market is chock-full of brands trying to get a piece of the V-Day pie. To beat the competition in your niche, you’ll need something special up your sleeve. An eye-catching product that’s different from the rest can help you rise above the noise and boost your Valentine’s Day sales. Reach new audiences To keep fresh leads flowing through your store, it’s important to test new audiences. A great way to find profitable customer segments is to shake up your product line. This tactic really comes to life on days like Valentine’s Day, as shoppers are expecting newness. Plus, you’ll have more eyes on your latest creations than on a typical day. When your product offers are done correctly, you’ll not only have a bumper V-Day but you’ll also have new fans you can nurture sales relationships with later on. Boost your store’s profitability When your brand is one of only a few selling an item, you’re in the power seat. You can charge a premium, and with some clever marketing, claim the lion’s share of sales. With higher purchase volumes, you can also negotiate better rates with your suppliers, increasing your brand’s profit margins. But the best part is,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/scaling-businesses-successfully/ - Categories: Events & Webinars Check out our latest podcast with Global Head of Partnerships, Leonardo Felisberto. He talks with Vendo about what you need to scale and to do it successfully. Financing, marketplaces, and supply chains! Oh my! The world of financing can be complicated but SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding) simplifies the process of scaling your business. SellersFi is your one-stop shop for finding financial solutions designed to grow e-commerce merchants. Hear from our own Global Head of Partnerships, Leonardo Felisberto. He’s here to offer insights into when and how a business can receive funding to escalate its revenue and how SellersFi differentiates itself from its competitors. By finding the right timing and amount of funding, you can maximize your products’ proven ROI. Tune in to hear how you can exceed your e-commerce goals in different marketplaces. Topics include:– How Leonardo got involved with SellersFi (00:01:06)– Leonardo’s take on the overall market landscape (00:04:51)– SellersFi’s options for financing and terms (00:09:22)– Signs that a business needs additional funding and what kind of funding is best (00:13:30)– What you’ll get out of working with SellersFi (00:18:36)– Leonardo’s perspective on Amazon lending (00:22:30) – Example of how SellersFi transformed a business (00:25:40)– Other marketplaces that SellersFi supports (00:27:38)– Deeper insights into marketplaces across the world (00:30:40) Featuring:– Leonardo Felisberto, Global Head of Partnerships, SellersFi– Darren Saul, CEO, VENDO Scaling your business is no easy feat. But, with the right information and resources to help you, it's possible. This podcast goes through all the things you need to scale successfully. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-05 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/future-proof-your-business-webinar/ - Categories: Events & Webinars If you weren't able to attend our live event, don't miss out on your chance to learn more about how to future-proof your business. Our experts will talk through best practices, and reasons why NOW is the time to expand into your own e-commerce platform. Check out our webinar today! Check out our latest webinar where our own expert and Global Head of Partnerships, Leonardo Felisberto chats with partners BigCommerce and Avasam on why now is the time to expand into your own ecommerce platform. This webinar will help you to prepare and understand why expanding now is the best way to future-proof your business. https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Future_Proof_Your_Business_by_Going_Beyond_the_Marketplace. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2022-01-04 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/chinese-new-year/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising Chinese New Year is a big ecommerce event both on the sales and supply side. Here are the tips you need to get ahead of one of the world’s biggest holidays. We’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret. If you sell online, Chinese New Year is a fantastic opportunity. Why? Well, not only is the Chinese New Year the biggest holiday in China, but the Chinese e-commerce market is the biggest in the world — and it’s no coincidence. China-based shoppers love to shop online and are flocking to e-commerce stores at an increasing rate. In fact, 782 million people purchased online in 2020 and 62% of shoppers said they were going to increase their online spend for 2021’s Chinese New Year. Of course, while the wins can be high on the buy side — the supply side isn’t without its issues when Chinese New Year comes around. But fear not! In this post, we’ll reveal why Chinese New Year is one of the hottest opportunities for e-commerce stores. We’ll also share how you can capture more sales and dodge operational disasters to make this Chinese New Year your biggest and brightest yet. The scoop on Chinese New Year Why the best time to prepare for Chinese New Year is right now How to win during Chinese New Year: E-commerce edition The blueprint for a profitable Chinese New Year Let Chinese New Year be an opportunity, not a setback. Discover how SellersFi can help you get ahead. Why the best time to prepare for Chinese New Year is right now Chinese New Year, or “Chunjie” as it’s affectionately known, is on its way and there’s no time like the present to get ready for it.   But if you’re just recovering from Q4 and eyeing up key celebrations like Valentine’s Day, you’ve probably got a lot on your plate. Before we dive into the practical tips to help you ace the Chinese New Year holiday both on the sales and supply side, let’s take a minute to explore some of the reasons why this is one holiday you definitely want to be ready for. Beat the last-minute supply chain crunch From buying raw materials to getting your goods shipped before the last vessel sets off, speed is the main motto in the run-up to Chinese New Year.   You’ll need to get your orders with suppliers and vendors early to avoid price hikes and delays for things like: Production Storage Shipping Plan how you’ll get and stay in stock Some suppliers shut down their operations for an entire month. That’s right, that’s an entire month without access to goods, even if you run short.   And to make matters even tighter, the cut-off date for securing goods can be much earlier than the Chinese New Year, making it easy to get caught out.   To avoid costly stockouts, you’ll need a plan that: Accounts for the increased holiday sales online. Gets you enough inventory to cover the time your suppliers are away. Covers how long it takes to get goods made and shipped to your warehouse. Reach a wider market When Chinese New Year rolls around, so does the potential... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-12-28 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/5-tips-to-supercharging-your-amazon-fba-business/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising While the Q4 holiday rush is over, Amazon sellers are already gearing up for the next retail holiday rush in 2022. Get ahead with this pre and post holiday guide. While some people may be saddened by the end of Q4, Amazon FBA business owners are busy gearing up for the next big retail holiday. Even though the Cyber Five takes place during Q4, there are several other retail holidays throughout the year to plan for beginning with Chinese New Year, and then heading into Mother's Day, Amazon Prime Day, and Back to School, to name a few. Q4 in 2021 was unlike previous years, and as Amazon FBA business owners navigated the added challenges with logistics and inventory, it only prepared them for what's to come in 2022. This article will outline the top 5 ways to supercharge your Amazon FBA business before any retail holiday rush starts and after it ends. Let’s dive in! #1 Inventory, Inventory, Inventory, and more Inventory PRE holiday By far, the biggest challenge right now is inventory and how you ship your inventory- logistics. Hopefully, you’ve considered the challenges with inventory you may have faced earlier in the year and planned as early as possible.   Monitor your ASIN level limitations, activate a robust 3PL plan, and prepare your freight forwarding needs as early as possible. Remember that Amazon fulfillment centers may also experience backlogs which may further delay the check-in process. Inventory planning and delivery will be everything. POST holiday Logistical impacts are being forecasted to be felt well into the new year. While your pre holiday inventory planning is critical, you’ll want to take a close look at what excess inventory you’re holding post holiday. It may be time to ask yourself difficult questions, such as if your products are meeting demands and profitable. #2 Increased Marketing Strategies PRE holiday Any holiday rush isn’t the time to decrease spend on marketing. With the largest holidays jammed into Q4, it’s important to focus on multiple marketing efforts to ensure your product and brand get the attention they deserve. Luckily for Amazon FBA business owners, a few on and off Amazon tricks can help sellers elevate their marketing plans ahead of the holiday rush. TikTok - If you’re a brand owner, sites like Tiktok offer massive marketing opportunities with little associated costs. Whether you choose to create a branded product-based account or have influencers support your brand, Tiktok is a great way to vamp up your marketing ability amid the most highly competitive time of year. Content Sites - Yes, back to blogging and building content authority. While these niche websites are for content marketing monetization, they can also be used to help gain credibility, authority, and SEO ranking for your Amazon FBA business. Traffic online will be at all-time highs during most holiday rushes, and since Amazon prefers traffic from multiple avenues, content sites are a great option to leverage. Be sure to get started well ahead of the holiday. Amazon Posts - We keep saying it, but not enough sellers take advantage of the free marketing space Amazon posts offer. Like Instagram, Amazon FBA business owners can create engaging and compelling... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-12-28 - Modified: 2021-12-28 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-fstech-awards/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFunding has been shortlisted for the 22nd annual FStech awards in the Most Disruptive Financial Sector Technology category! We are honored to announce that we have been shortlisted for the 22nd annual FStech awards in the Most Disruptive Financial Sector Technology category! The award celebrates excellence and innovation within the UK and EMEA financial services industry. We have proven that we are champions in the fintech because we identified a gap in the market and our financial solutions improved the current ways of working. As a company, we have the potential to disrupt the way the sector operates and displace earlier technologies. Check out the shortlist here. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-12-23 - Modified: 2023-05-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-second-chance-and-amazon-renewed/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising Amazon Second Chance and Amazon Renewed are big news for sustainability-minded sellers looking to tap into new markets. Here’s the lowdown on Amazon’s next big ecommerce opportunity. Amazon may be the biggest e-commerce retailer on the block, but it gets a bad rap for its sustainability credentials (or lack thereof).   Despite a rocky start, the e-commerce giant knows a good business play when it sees one — and with the rise of environmentally-minded consumers, investing in a new sustainable selling program was a no-brainer.   Enter, Amazon Second Chance.   This little-known program allows you to recycle, repair, and return devices — sometimes trading in your old electronics for gift cards. And there’s also great news for sellers looking for new ways to earn cash: Amazon Renewed — an online marketplace dedicated solely to selling refurbished electronics. But do Amazon’s latest attempts to reduce e-waste present new opportunities for your business? And if so, how can you get involved? In this ultimate guide to Amazon Second Chance, we’ll dish the goods on the new sustainability-focused program and let you know if it’s a suitable space for you to trade in, recycle, or sell pre-loved electronics and smart home devices.   The Scoop on Amazon Second Chance All about Amazon Second Chance  Amazon Second Chance: Options for e-commerce sellers Amazon Renewed: The lowdown What are the benefits of selling on Amazon Second Chance?   What is the downside of selling through Amazon Second Chance? Amazon Second Chance: Wrapping it up All about Amazon Second Chance In a nutshell, Amazon Second Chance features tons of pre-owned, refurbished electronics and smart home devices that customers have returned. These devices are Amazon certified, which means they are guaranteed to work, look brand-spankin’ new, and each one comes with a limited warranty.   Here’s how to get involved:  Trade in pre-loved items: Amazon Second Chance is the perfect way to get rid of electronics lying around your house while earning back a bit of what you spent on them. Plus, the list of eligible items for trade-in is pretty substantial.   Categories for trading include:  Kindle devices and other e-Readers Tablets Streaming media players Bluetooth speakers and headphones Echo and Alexa Home security devices Wireless routers Smartphones Gaming devices, consoles, and controllers Computers and laptops  Recycle old devices and packaging: Most local recycling centers won’t accept old electronics, so it’s hard to know what to do with them. Especially as electronics contain many harmful chemicals like lead and lithium that you definitely don’t want seeping out into the earth. Amazon Second Chance is the perfect alternative. What’s old is new again: You can shop bargain bin prices when you hit up the Amazon pre-owned market. Here you’ll find deals on pre-owned, refurbished electronic devices certified by Amazon. Each product comes with a warranty and live customer support free for 90 days post-purchase to help you get to know your products.   Recycle Amazon packaging: Amazon Second Chance also allows you to recycle specific types of Amazon packaging. So, if those blue and white envelopes and boxes spill out every time you open your closet — this program is perfect for you.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-12-17 - Modified: 2023-07-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/shopify-international/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising, Shopify - Tags: Expansion, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Marketing & Advertising, Shopify As a budding ecommerce store, you’re probably wondering when and how to go global. With Shopify, international selling is simple. Here’s how it works. When it comes to making a global e-commerce impact, no other platform compares to Shopify.   The e-commerce giant has ruled the e-commerce roost for a while now, but thanks to Covid it’s reached new heights — according to stats reported in late March 2021, Shopify is now home to over 1M businesses and raked in close to $1 billion in Q1.   So, what does this mean for your growing e-commerce store? Shopify may just be the perfect platform to help you reach new cross-border audiences and position your store for a global takeover.   Of course, expanding to other countries isn’t without challenges. But that’s where we come in.   In this ultimate guide to Shopify international selling, we’ll dig into the details and dish out how to take your e-commerce store across borders in nine simple steps.   The scoop on going global with Shopify international  Step 1. Do your Shopify international homework Step 2. Consider friendly local payment options for Shopify international shoppers Step 3. Get on the same page as the locals  Step 4. Get crystal-clear about delivery times  Step 5. Get to know your shipping costs Step 6. Set up your return plan  Step 7. Consider customer service based on time zones Step 8. Dial in your international ads  Step 9. Study the local culture Time to take action with your Shopify International business  Step 1. Do your Shopify international homework As a growing ecommerce brand, you already understand the importance of targeted marketing. The same, customer-centric philosophy applies when you take your Shopify store international.   Simple, right? Well... not quite. Every regional market has its own unique purchasing habits — for example the types of store layouts certain audiences expect or the online browsing patterns of different consumers in different cultures. So, before you leap into a new market, it’s essential to investigate your options and choose just one new market to dive into first. Get it right, then move on to conquer the next.   If you don’t have international sales yet, identify the markets that would ideally match your store. Start by thinking about markets that are relatively close to you, are easy to ship to, and have similar purchase habits.   Then, ask yourself the following questions:  Is there a demand for my products in this market? What’s the competition like in this market? Is English a primary language, or will I need to cater to a different language? What additional costs do I need to consider that are particular to this region? Step 2. Consider friendly local payment options for Shopify international shoppers If you’ve been selling in the US, you’ll be used to asking shoppers to pull out a credit or debit card to make an online purchase. But for many countries, that’s not how things are done. Often, international shoppers use secure banking transfer systems or other more common payment methods in their regions. To make international payments simple, here’s what to do: Offer local payment... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-12-16 - Modified: 2021-12-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-much-is-your-amazon-business-really-worth/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon You’ve worked hard to build an ecommerce store and you know it’s worth something, but do you know how much? Discover your valuation. ‘How much is my online store worth? ’ If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone.   Selling your store can have huge emotional and financial implications, so it’s important to keep an accurate and up-to-date estimate of exactly how much your business is worth. The problem is, without the right tools, assessing your store’s value is a complex task. But it doesn’t have to be. Our tool, Sellers Signals (or ‘Signals’ as it’s affectionately known), provides in-depth performance analytics in one central spot. Specially tailored for ecommerce sellers, Signals helps you gain clarity on your Amazon store’s overall health and value in a matter of minutes. In this article, we’ll explain why an accurate business valuation is crucial and go into detail on how Sellers Signals can help you uncover your store’s value, fast. The scoop on knowing what your store is worth Why it pays to have a reliable business valuation for your Amazon storeValuing your store and optimizing its value (with a little help from Signals )The best way to get a valuation for your growing Amazon store Don’t want to waste hours manually calculating your Amazon store’s value? Let Sellers Signals work it out for you. Why it pays to have a reliable business valuation for your Amazon store Here are just a few of the top reasons why an accurate business valuation is crucial to building a futureproof ecommerce company: Ecommerce is constantly changing: The ecommerce landscape is evolving fast — which means so are the trends that impact your store’s value. A real-time business valuation will ensure you are always in line with the market. Valuations are a door opener: One of the most important things you can share with a potential buyer is a business valuation that shows your store is a great investment. Investors want to know how you are performing financially before they dig into the everyday workings of your store. Manual valuations = costly errors: When you use manual tools for processes like these, it’s easy for errors to appear. A well-built business valuation reduces the margin of error, so you can say goodbye to inaccurate valuations that cost you money. Get your store on (and off) the market faster: As a busy seller, you already have multiple tasks on your plate. You may find yourself having to rush your valuation, or even shelving the idea altogether. On the other hand, with a purpose-built tool to do the groundwork for you, you can save time and get an estimate of your valuation quicker. Gain confidence and clarity: With an accurate and up-to-date business valuation at your fingertips, you can wave goodbye to the guesswork and gain the confidence and clarity that you’re on the right track. Whether or not your end goal is to sell your business, your valuation should be your north star metric. This number summarizes your store’s performance and success of your business. Valuing your store (with a little help from Signals ) Assessing your Amazon... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-12-14 - Modified: 2023-05-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/supply-chain-crisis-cash-flow/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing The supply chain crisis has become the biggest challenge for sellers. If you’re ready to stop letting it run your store and reclaim your cash flow, you’re in the right place. If there’s anything e-commerce owners have learned during these rocky past two years of selling in the pandemic, it’s that your inventory and supply chain logistics can make or break your profitability. Sellers of all shapes and sizes are reporting reduced margins and cash flow due to increasing pressure on the supply chain. Yet 43% of small businesses don’t track their inventory, and more than 32% of e-commerce businesses cite “running out of cash” as one of the main reasons their business closed. If you’re ready to put a stop to the supply chain madness and reclaim your profits, you’re in the right place. We’ll reveal why inventory and supply chain logistics are bona fide revenue levers for your brand, and share actionable tips to help get your profits back on track — no matter what the future of the supply chain holds. The scoop on supply chain meets cash flow The impact of the supply chain crisis on seller cash flow Supply chain logistics done right: The cash flow edition Better cash flow means fewer supply chain headaches Supply chain disruptions and long lead times can leave a big dent in your margins. Find out how SellersFi can help stabilize your cash flow and get your inventory back on track. The impact of the supply chain crisis on seller cash flow When you’re scaling a growing brand, your biggest concerns tend to be getting products through the door — and selling them. Forecast. Order. Sell. Rinse and repeat.   But if recent history has shown us anything, it’s that the supply chain post-pandemic makes this process way more complicated than it used to be.   In today’s unpredictable e-commerce climate — marred by chronic delays, costly disruptions, and spiraling lead times — aligning your supply chain logistics to your cash availability is crucial. Let’s dig into some of the ways cash flow affects your supply chain, and vice versa. Stock and freight costs can dry up your cash flow It’s no secret that once you pay for products and shipping services, not only does your available cash take a hit — the capital is trapped in these goods until you can sell them.   And with products stuck at ports all over the globe, the gap between purchasing inventory and selling it is getting bigger and more expensive by the second. Considering most stores take 60 to 90 days to go from purchase order to stock on shelves, you could have a long wait before you see any return from these items. And even if you’re in a niche where a 90-day wait seems doable, when you’ve got this scenario happening across multiple products simultaneously, it’s easy to find yourself in a cash flow crunch. Fragmented supply chains + costly delays = waning margins Whether your supply chain is disjointed due to a lack of product availability or additional safety restrictions, supply chain disruptions can only mean three things for your store — money, time, and brand cred down... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-12-09 - Modified: 2023-03-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/shopify-social-media-marketing-platforms/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising, Shopify - Tags: Marketing & Advertising, Shopify Need to pick, plan for and integrate a few top Shopify social media platforms? Start here! This is the overview you’re looking for. Choosing the best Shopify social media platforms for your business shouldn’t be so hard. But with all the conflicting advice out there, it can actually be pretty daunting. Let’s put on the brakes, block out the noise, and focus in on the top 5 Shopify social media platforms specifically for e-commerce businesses like yours. In this ultimate guide, we’ll highlight the top strengths and unique features of each platform, so you can decide which ones fit your needs. From there, we’ll cover everything you need to get started on a systematized Shopify social media plan. All in one big, tasty scoop. The scoop on Shopify social media platforms The top 5 best Shopify social media platforms Instagram — best for creating a digital storefront Facebook — best for highly targeted ads  YouTube — best for SEO and engaging video content Twitter — best for real-time trends and social listening Pinterest — best for project-based product marketing Get started with Shopify social media marketing Execute the perfect Shopify social media integration Work your plan and skyrocket your growth Need more useful e-commerce content in your life? Sign up for our free newsletter, and get the no-nonsense scoop delivered straight to your inbox. The top 5 best Shopify social media platforms Before we get into the details of how to get your Shopify store in all the right social media hotspots, let’s jump straight into the best channels. Here are the top Shopify social media platforms to help skyrocket your e-commerce brand’s growth.   1. Instagram — best for creating a digital storefront Instagram is a highly shoppable visual platform perfect for product-based businesses, with established influencer marketing features that make high ROI collaborations possible. It’s also one of the most flexible platforms in terms of available content formats, plus you can source user-generated content (UGC) and even repurpose content within the platform to save precious time creating new marketing assets.   With Instagram, you can:  Showcase products in all their glory using photo and video content. Collaborate with influencers to reach new audiences. Drive sales with product photo tags and an Instagram Shop. Turn any of your posts into an Instagram ad. Use Facebook’s Ads Manager to create advanced multi-platform ad campaigns. Instagram's hot take:  “People have always come to Instagram to shop and discover new products. e built a world of Shopping features that tap into people’s existing behaviors to turn your business’s Instagram account into a shoppable storefront. ” Top feature: We’re calling a tie between the feed grid for showing off your top products at a glance, and Instagram’s ever-expanding suite of influencer marketing tools. Pricing:  Free to create a business profile, post content, and set up an Instagram Shop. Flexible ad spend based on campaign duration and budget. 2. Facebook — best for highly targeted ads  With its huge reach, Facebook is a no-brainer for many businesses. It’s highly likely your audience already hangs out here, Facebook’s familiar messaging function can be used to provide customer support,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-12-07 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-to-prepare-for-chinese-new-year-ecommerce-2022/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing Chinese New Year is right around the corner. Are you prepared for the most celebrated Chinese holiday and one of the biggest ecommerce holidays? Stay ahead of the curve, and get your inventory and logistics in order now. While Chinese New Year is most certainly not new, you might not know just how impactful this holiday is. Not only is it important culturally to the Chinese, but this holiday has become very important in the retail space, and more recently to the e-commerce world. As this holiday grows exponentially for the e-commerce space, it's especially key that sellers prepare. COVID-19 and lingering pandemic troubles have already made planning for inventory and logistics a nightmare. Adding to that, during Chinese New Year manufacturers, vendors, and many distributors for products will be taking time off to celebrate, causing additional delays for anyone potentially working with partners in China. Chinese New Year (CNY) is February 1st, 2022, and is the first day of the “Year of the Tiger. ” The official government holiday lasts from January 31st through February 6th. All suppliers start to wind down operations one to two weeks in advance. It's also a transition time for the factories themselves as many of the workers will switch jobs or decide to stay in their hometowns. This all adds to delays in getting each factory back to full production. This is also why it can take a month or longer for some factories to get back to normal production. So how can you prepare for this? We've got some answers. What can Amazon sellers do to protect their business during this time? The first and biggest thing you can do is plan ahead. Here’s a rough timeline you should be aware of (source: ChinaImportal. com): November 1st: Confirm when your supplier is closing and reopening for the CNY December 23rd: Last day to place an order for delivery before the CNY (assuming a 40-day production time) January 5th – 12th: No new orders are started (all new orders will enter production after CNY) January 21st: Some manufacturers and material suppliers stop mass production and prepare to make their final shipments before closures January 25th: Most workers have already left the factories. Sales reps, engineers, and management may still be around for a couple of days January 28th: All personnel leaves the factory (including sales reps and managers). Packed and unfinished products that are yet to be shipped will be sealed in the factory until they open again. Nothing will leave the factory when they are closed. February 1st: Chinese New Year's Eve February 14th – 18th: Most sales reps and engineers are back in the factory, or at least respond to emails and calls. Some factories resume production February 21st – 25th: Most factories are now operational and production resumes. The suppliers normally prioritize unfinished orders and shipping cargo that were packed before closure. What are some other factors Amazon sellers should be aware of? There unfortunately can be quality issues before and after the factories shut down. It can occur before in the rush to fulfill orders and some workers taking leave prior to production shutdowns. It can occur after as many factories are training new workers and ramping... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-12-02 - Modified: 2023-09-07 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/sell-on-walmart-marketplace-already-on-amazon/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog Amazon has been the ecommerce #1 forever, but as more businesses sell on Walmart Marketplace, should you make the leap? And if you do, should you stay on good terms with Amazon too? Let’s find out. Spotting an opportunity to expand its already world-famous brand and capture some of Amazon’s market share, Walmart Marketplace burst onto the scene back in 2009. Since then, Walmart has become a force to be reckoned with in the e-commerce game. And with a 97% growth rate in US online sales, Walmart Marketplace has also become a haven for sellers nervous about Amazon’s ever-changing rules. Even better, Walmart Marketplace offers a new opportunity for ambitious eCommerce entrepreneurs hoping to expand their businesses by tapping into the brand's mammoth-sized reputation and huge customer base. But should YOU sell on Walmart? And where does Amazon fit in? In this post, we get to the bottom of what makes Walmart Marketplace a solid sales channel, and when it makes sense to hop on the Walmart bandwagon. Plus, we’ll dive into the differences between Amazon and Walmart to help you decide whether building a new store is worth the investment. The Scoop on Selling on Walmart vs. Amazon Why Walmart Marketplace? Amazon vs. Walmart: Which Marketplace Is Better? When Does Selling on Walmart Make the Most Sense? Sell on Walmart Marketplace without Messing Up Your Amazon Business Ready to kickstart your Walmart marketplace journey? SellersFi can help. Why Walmart Marketplace? If you’ve already hit big on Amazon, you might be asking, ‘Why Walmart? ’.   Here’s why opening a Walmart Marketplace store could be your next big break: Easier to play once you’re in: While it can be tricky to get approved, running a business on Walmart is simpler than on Amazon once you’re in. Less competition for sales: Since Walmart Marketplace is relatively new, it currently hosts fewer sellers (think 110,000 sellers compared to a staggering 6. 3 million global Amazon sellers). Your brand has a better chance of being seen by your target customer, securing the buy box and getting good ad placements. High traffic: Amazon’s traffic may be #1, but Walmart Marketplace’s average visitors aren’t too shabby either. In fact, Walmart rakes in over 100 million unique monthly visits. But the best part? Many businesses are yet to learn about Walmart Marketplace and its fantastic earning potential, which leaves more cash up for grabs for early takers. Better stability: When you’ve been on Amazon long enough, you’ll know its constant rule changes, requirements and storage limits can be very stressful. But Walmart Marketplace’s rules have remained fairly constant, and it's even relaxed its requirement for sellers to be based in the US. When you’re ready to expand your e-commerce business, check out our fair and flexible funding options specifically designed for sellers. Amazon vs. Walmart: Which Marketplace Is Better? There’s a fierce debate raging regarding which platform takes home the trophy as the best marketplace for online sellers. While both Amazon and Walmart have a lot to offer (and have a lot in common), there are some distinct differences that make each platform stand out. So, should you join team Amazon or team Walmart?   We’re to help you settle the Walmart... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-11-30 - Modified: 2024-03-26 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/challenges-growing-ecommerce-stores/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising As a growing seller or ecommerce brand, trying to stand out in a fiercely competitive market isn’t easy. Luckily, a few simple steps can help you protect your momentum. Each year more people are taking the exciting leap into entrepreneurship through e-commerce — and it’s easy to see why. In the UK alone, e-commerce sales are tipped to hit a whopping £148. 89 billion by 2024, up from £104. 92 billion in 2019. Once you’ve chosen a profitable product, executed a killer launch, and bagged some loyal customers things should be smooth sailing, right? Not exactly. Running a growing e-commerce store in today’s ultra-competitive arena is no easy feat. From managing budgets to swatting off competitors, there’s always a new challenge to watch out for.   While business trials and tribulations are par for the course in any industry, they can make your e-commerce journey that much more difficult. And it can be hard to see them coming.   In this post, we’ll shed some light on the most common problems sellers and brand owners encounter as they grow, plus share proven tips to help you overcome them as you scale your brand. The scoop on punching above your weight in e-commerce Scaling Ain’t Easy: 4 common challenges growing stores face How to dominate your niche (even if you’re not the biggest fish in the pond)  Use your agility as your secret weapon Don’t let cash flow challenges block your store’s progress. Scaling Ain’t Easy: 4 common challenges growing stores face If you’re here, you’ve probably been ruthlessly focused on building your brand.   Your advertising is dialed-in, your customers are loyal, and your product quality is consistently awesome. Congrats! Problem is, once you hit the $1 million and up the milestone, things can quickly start to feel a little more complicated — but don’t worry.   Many an online retailer has experienced these same challenges. Learning from their mistakes can help you know what to expect. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common problems you can encounter on the rocky road to scaling an online retail business. Challenge #1. Increased vulnerability to market shifts If there’s one thing we’ve learned since the pandemic, it’s that e-commerce is sensitive to society’s twists and turns. Case in point? When lockdowns took effect worldwide, Amazon stopped allowing non-essential goods into its warehouses.   This was great news for the sellers stocking essential items, except for the part that required them to quickly find ways to stay in stock — a huge challenge as many factories temporarily closed due to global lockdowns. At the same time, sellers with non-essential items had to switch to self-fulfillment simply to remain in stock — which created additional work and costs, especially for stores outside their home territory. Challenge #2. Suppliers don’t treat you like a VIP (yet) As a growing brand, you may not have the same buying power or track record your larger competitors have.   When peak sales times or (heaven forbid) disasters arise, it can be difficult to secure production and favorable payment terms without overcommitting to units and services. To work around this problem, you’ll need to... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2023-04-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/multiple-product-launches-for-online-retailers/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising In ecommerce, you’re only as good as your last launch and the race is on to get products to market. This simple guide will help you run multiple product launches at once. With 2 billion shoppers worldwide, e-commerce is on the come up. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Just 2% of visits convert into sales online. It’s a race to capture your target audience’s attention and win their business. Luckily, there’s a shortcut: Multiple product launches. Having more items in the market exponentially increases your store’s revenue streams and scalability. So if you’re wondering how to take advantage of new product launch opportunities, you’re in the right place.   There’s a knack to getting multiple products into the market simultaneously, while still making a profit. We’ll share a step-by-step winning formula for multiple product launches so you can maximize your time and money, and win big. The scoop on multiple product launches Why it pays to launch multiple products How to juggle multiple product launches stress-free Grow your brand with multiple product launches  Wondering where the cash will come from for your next product launches? SellersFi can help. Why it pays to launch multiple products Every retailer knows getting a new product off the ground is a major undertaking. But launching multiple products at the same time? Let’s just say, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Yet, some of the best and brightest e-commerce brands arrived at their hockey stick growth moment by way of this exact strategy — launching multiple new products at just the right time. So if it feels like that time is now, don’t shy away from the challenge. The payoff from multiple product launches can be huge.   Let’s dive deeper into some benefits you can look forward to when you run concurrent product launches: Serve more customer types: Everyone is different and our wants and needs are varied too. The more products you create, the more people you can serve. And this means two things: more fans and more revenue. Diversify your store to reduce risk: From suspended listings to stock shortages, anything can happen in e-commerce — especially when you sell on major marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart. By offering multiple products on multiple channels, you diversify your store’s risk and position your brand to always have a profitable backup plan in place, should the inevitable happen. Accelerate customer happiness, and grow your brand: When your e-commerce store is filled with the latest and greatest products you’ll be able to position your brand as one of the most trusted in the market and keep customers coming back for more. Need more inventory for your next product launch? Learn how SellersFi can help. How to juggle multiple product launches stress-free Once you’re ready to expand your product offering, it’s time to craft a solid plan to ensure each launch is a success.   From balancing multiple advertising campaigns to securing inventory and keeping your growing roster of suppliers on a consistent payment schedule — there’s a lot to juggle. Let’s take a closer look at the steps to take to make your multi-launch strategy as bulletproof as possible.   Get your financial... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-11-09 - Modified: 2023-04-27 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/is-ioss-right-for-my-business/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion - Tags: Expansion Earlier this year, the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) was introduced as part of the great EU VAT reform, the largest changes to VAT collection across the European trading bloc in 30 years. Want to know how you can incorporate the changes into your business? Avalara has the answer. Earlier this year, the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) was introduced as part of the great EU VAT reform, the largest changes to VAT collection across the European trading bloc in 30 years. Since the introduction of OSS and IOSS, here at Avalara, we have been working closely with our customers to help answer some of the most pressing questions they have about the reforms, and how they can incorporate the changes into their business.   Whether you’re a business registered within the EU or outside of the bloc, including the UK, these changes are likely to affect you. We recently hosted a webinar with our VAT specialists Mathew Harrison, James Bright, and Lyndsey Robinson to help sellers evaluate whether IOSS is right for their business. Missed the episode? Listen again to the IOSS webinar to hear from the experts. Or, if you’re short on time, we’ve recapped the conversation below. What is IOSS? Introduced on July 1, 2021, the IOSS scheme applies to goods being sold into the EU with a total consignment value of under €150. Its introduction forms the basis of the EU’s most significant change to its VAT system in a generation. As part of the reform, the EU also removed the €22 import VAT exemption, which means all businesses not using IOSS will have to pay import VAT on all goods being sold into the EU. If you qualify for the scheme but haven’t yet registered, it’s not too late to sign-up. Visit our IOSS-dedicated portal to access a range of helpful materials. Image: How the process has changed (click to enlarge) What are your options? If you are selling goods in the EU, there are now four options available to you: Delivery at Place (DAP), Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), DDP Agent, and IOSS.   Image: The four EU shipping options including IOSS (click to enlarge) Understanding which of these options is best for you and your business will depend on several considerations such as: How many sales do you make to the EU? What type of customer experience do you want to provide?   What percentage of your products are returned?   How quickly do you want your shipping process to be?   What percentage of your consignments are below €150?   What’s the value to your business of simplifying your VAT compliance?   Your answer to these questions will determine the best option that will meet your needs and those of your customers. For businesses eligible for IOSS, there are a range of benefits to be had including improved cash flow, reduced rates of returns, and improved customer service. However, it’s not without its challenges. While the scheme is designed to simplify VAT reporting, there is some initial complexity in ensuring you are set up and ready to obtain approval. The increased number of VAT rates, ensuring the accuracy of pricing, and making sure you are charging and displaying tax correctly at the point of sale are essential to the registration process. Failing to get the correct customs... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-10-29 - Modified: 2023-04-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/cyber-monday-sellers-guide/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising Yep, it’s Cyber Monday. In 2020, Cyber Monday pulled in an eye-watering $10. 8 billion, the largest US e-commerce takings ever, up more than 15% from 2019’s results. And 2021 is predicted to be even bigger. With these exciting figures in sight, you might be wondering how your store can sweep up some extra sales this Cyber Monday. We’ve got just the ticket. Here’s why you shouldn’t sleep on Cyber Monday sales (no matter how successful your Black Friday was). The scoop on Cyber Monday What is Cyber Monday? (And why every seller should take advantage) How to get your online store ready to shine on Cyber Monday The path to victory this Cyber Monday Need some cash to fund your Cyber Monday sales? Get backing from SellersFi. What is Cyber Monday? (And why every seller should take advantage) Cyber Monday is the Monday after Black Friday. This year, it falls on November 29th. But in Q4, there are so many events to take advantage of. And with so much on your to-do list this time of year, you might wonder whether Cyber Monday is really worth the effort. The answer is a resounding YES! Let’s take a closer look at a few reasons why investing in a show-stopping Cyber Monday is completely worth it for growing brands: Expand your fan base: Cyber Monday gives you another chance to introduce your brand to potential buyers and gain a mass influx of raving fans. Nurture that relationship beyond Cyber Monday, and you’ll soon see the positive effects a bigger customer pool can have on your year-round revenue. Black Friday + Cyber Monday = a whole new growth level: If Black Friday is the golden child, popular and confident with the results to back it up, Cyber Monday is the quiet but powerful underdog. Together, Black Friday and Cyber Monday’s results eclipse the sales figures seen on other big shopping days like Mother’s Day and Boxing Day. Think of these two as the power couple of e-commerce sales. Cyber Monday can put your brand on the map: With so many shoppers on the hunt for goods, Cyber Monday gives you a second chance to connect with those who may have slipped through the net during Black Friday. Nurture relationships with these shoppers and you’ll improve your conversion rates, drive ad costs down and increase your store’s profitability. This Cyber Monday is going to be unforgettable. Ensure your store is up for the job with flexible e-commerce funding. How to get your online store ready to shine this Cyber Monday Now that you know why Cyber Monday is a big deal for your brand, it's time to prep your store to win when the big day rolls around. Let’s dive into some must-know tips for a successful day of sales. Use social media to get shoppers geared up When it comes to hyping up shoppers for a big event, social media is the ultimate sidekick. Use your social channels to tease shoppers about... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-10-25 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/digital-renaissance-implications-for-ecommerce-operators/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending By Chris Shipferling At present, online and Amazon-based businesses are experiencing a digital renaissance; e-commerce operators are thriving, and new investment capital is flowing into the space. The resulting increase in M&A deal flow has presented sellers with unprecedented opportunities to execute high-value transactions. The Amazon Marketplace in particular represents a unique proposition for acquirers. As the 32nd largest economy in the world, it offers the infrastructure to quickly scale a portfolio of successful brands. Many new funds, private equity firms, and corporate strategies have dedicated significant resources to expanding their presence on Amazon. And for sellers, this means there is plenty of money to be had from a strategic exit. Increased competition in the space has created tougher barriers to entry, so new entrants are willing to pay premium valuations to acquire well-established FBA businesses. Then, it’s simply a matter of leveraging data science to identify growth opportunities and deploy capital accordingly. Successful Amazon brands are in high demand and many sellers have already achieved 7 and 8-figure exits. But for those who are not yet ready to pursue a high-value M&A transaction, the influx of new investment capital translates to increased competitive pressure. This poses a significant obstacle, as most third-party sellers cannot match the resources of a fund or firm. FBA aggregators, roll-up companies, and traditional blue-chip investors are capable of injecting massive amounts of capital to drive short-term ROI. Their expertise and resources are limited only by the funds they are able to raise, whereas independent operators do not possess the same access to capital and thus cannot compete at the same level. Consider Thras. io, an early entrant in the space that acquired Angry Orange for $1. 4 million back in 2018. Within two years, the firm was able to grow topline revenue to $30 million. It would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for an independent seller to achieve the same results on their own. Fortunately, there’s a solution. E-commerce financing can help operators defend against encroaching funds and firms seeking to capture market share through aggressive arbitrage. Moreover, we anticipate lending will play a substantial role in the success of third-party Amazon brands as the marketplace becomes increasingly complex. Access to capital empowers e-commerce operators to keep up with demand and pursue short-term growth initiatives that increase the value of their businesses. With over $1. 2 trillion across corporate balance sheets and premium valuations reserved for top-tier assets, it’s critical to grow and scale a brand with a potential transaction in mind to ensure the business attracts the most suitable acquirers. In the interim, financing can work to a seller’s advantage by lessening the competitive divide and facilitating access to the same caliber of resources commonly found within funds and PE firms. E-commerce lending is a powerful tool that unlocks strategies that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive for all but the largest operators, thus creating a more level playing field. Mitigating competitive pressure allows operators to focus on continuing to expand their foothold or... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-10-25 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/guide-to-amazon-q4-sales/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising Amazon Q4 sales mania is nearly upon us. But don’t panic. With some planning, creativity and clever marketing, you can make the most of everything Q4 has to offer. It’s official, Q4 is upon us. And despite the recent news about Amazon’s epic miss on Q4 profits and revenue, this final quarter of the year can still be a big one for your brand.   But the stakes are high. The busy holiday season is an exciting and crucial time for every e-commerce entrepreneur — but if you’re an Amazon seller, you know you need to nail it. From avoiding stockouts to navigating Amazon’s everchanging stock limits, there’s a lot to stay on top of this Q4. But don’t worry — we’ve got your back. We’ll explore the steps you need to get your store Q4 ready. Plus share everything we know about the secret sauce to hitting it big as an Amazon seller in Q4. The scoop on Amazon Q4 Why it pays to plan ahead 5 crucial steps to prepare your store for the Amazon Q4 rush The blueprint for a top Amazon Q4 result Gearing up for a busy end-of-year rush? Find out how SellersFi can get you ahead. Why it pays to plan ahead for Q4 Wondering whether you really need to invest time and money to prepare for the end-of-year rush? Maybe you’ve seen e-commerce entrepreneurs successfully chance their way through Q4, or perhaps you’re thinking your cash could be better spent elsewhere. Let’s set things straight.   Preparing for the end-of-year rush pays off big time. Here are some key reasons why you should start ticking off your to-do list now: Stay ahead of Amazon’s constant changes: If there’s one thing that’s inevitable on Amazon, it’s change. Doing the hard work now will ensure you have a plan B ready in case Amazon makes any last-minute switches. Capitalise on increased traffic: No matter how much of a hit Amazon is prepared to take this year vs. last, there are still plenty of people shopping on Amazon this Q4. If you get your store ready to serve more customers, your bottom line will likely be looking pretty healthy at the year’s end. Avoid inventory availability and storage drama: Space for goods can get tight when the Amazon Q4 rush hits. Work out any kinks in your inventory management before the rush and you’re guaranteed to have a smoother ride with more profits left over. More opportunity for (safer) product experiments: Another benefit of the increased footfall is the chance to test out new items. These tests can give you more cash to work with, help find new customer groups to target, and establish additional review streams. Need some extra cash to handle the Q4 rush? Get capital from SellersFi. 5 crucial steps to prepare your store for the Amazon Q4 rush There’s no two ways about it: Amazon rush prep is crucial. You’re going to need a solid game plan to crush this last quarter of the year.   There are a few key steps to ensure you dominate on Amazon. Let’s break it down. Forecast demand and stock up on existing products To... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-10-21 - Modified: 2024-01-08 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/url-ecommerce-quality-assurance-gone-wrong/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Are you sure the product you ordered is the one that will reach your customers? Laugh and learn from these quality assurance fails, so you can keep your store firmly outside of the internet’s QA Hall of Shame. Quality assurance is probably not your favorite part of growing an e-commerce brand, but product returns and bad online reviews are definitely worse.   The good news?   They can both be drastically reduced with an effective quality management plan. If you want happier customers, fewer returns, and more rankings, it pays to be proactive with your quality control processes.   Taking the extra steps to make 100% the product you ordered from your manufacturer is exactly what your customer ordered can save you tons of money and headaches, whether you’re starting a new e-commerce business or have been in the game for years. Ready to nail it? Let’s dive in! The scoop on quality assurance A note on quality assurance vs. quality control Avoid these 7 hilarious online retail QA fails “I believe I ordered the large cappuccino” If by “dream gown” you mean “sheath of nightmares” Someone may or may not have failed Woodshop Famous last words: “We’ll just switch suppliers, it’ll be fine! ” Giddy-up, Sparkles! Cozy up with a nice hot cup of product photo When we say ‘mini dress’, we mean ‘MINI’ Master your supply chain and logistics Save money and stay on the internet’s good side with airtight product quality control A note on quality assurance vs. quality control Just to clear up one potential point of confusion, remember that quality assurance and quality control are different parts of a quality management plan — though the terms are often used interchangeably. QA is more about process and prevention, while QC is about product and outcome assessment.   In other words, QA is the map to your destination. QC is the friend who lovingly tells you to go home when you’ve got lettuce in your teeth. So while you’re judging the people who committed the following crimes against e-commerce, make notes of where your own QA and QC processes could be improved to prevent similar headdesk moments. Avoid these 7 hilarious online retail QA fails We’re not just here for schadenfreude. (OK, mostly, but not exclusively. )  Laugh it up, but keep in mind these examples result from quality assurance mistakes you could be making right now. Learn from them, and then take steps to do better! “I believe I ordered the large cappuccino” Not that this little dude’s complaining, but aren’t dog treats usually smaller than the dog?   We’re not sure if this one’s a case of late-night drunk shopping, failure to read the description, or if it’s actually the seller’s fault. Regardless, let this be a visual reminder of the importance of getting the right product size to your customer (or their dog). Here’s how to avoid this hilarious mix-up:  There are several places along the supply chain, purchasing, and shipping processes where varieties like sizes and colors of a product can get mixed up.   Make sure everybody who plays a part is trained to avoid size and color mix-ups by checking order details at each step.   Include actual dimensions... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/q4-online-sales/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Marketing & Advertising Q4 online sales are the ultimate money-maker for ecommerce brands — and some have uncovered the secrets to hitting massive revenue targets. Here’s how they did it. Q4 is the ultimate rainmaker for well-prepared e-commerce brands. In fact, back in 2020, US Christmas e-commerce sales soared to $188. 2 billion, a mammoth 32% jump from 2019’s Q4 figures.   With the right approach, Q4 online sales can bring more cash and customers into your business than at any other time, helping you scale faster and more freely.   The problem is: with so many sales, comes stiff competition.   But don’t sweat it. With a solid plan and a dash of creativity, your brand can also hit the big time in Q4. To inspire your Q4 prep, we’ve collected strategies from 5 retail brands that used the holiday season sales to take business sky-high. We’ll also share some unmissable tips and tricks to help you mimic their success.   The scoop on Q4 online sales Q4 success strategies: 5 brands that got it right Tips and tricks for explosive Q4 online sales The right way to prep for a profitable Q4 Need capital to prop up your Q4 strategy? SellersFi can help! Q4 success strategies: 5 brands that got it right One of the great things about Q4 is there’s no set way to make your mark. You can take strategies that suit your brand’s style, goals, and resources, and run with them. To set your store up for more online sales this Q4, let's explore some winning strategies. Here are five rockstar brands that nailed it last year: 1. Farfetch: Get your digital house in order Over the years, shoppers have come to want more from the purchasing experience.   Consumers now expect businesses to stay informed on buyer trends and expectations to make the shopping process as fun and painless as possible.   Brands that step up and wow shoppers with a superior experience are more likely to win shoppers' attention. Plus, these brands are also much more memorable beyond the Q4 buying frenzy. Luxury fashion brand Farfetch led the way last year with an epic customer experience. By investing heavily in its digital framework, the five-star brand made a massive improvement in its supply chain operations and e-commerce platform to accommodate the huge shift towards online shopping.   And their dedication paid off. Farfeth pulled in $540. 1 million in Q4 2020, a 43% increase from the previous year. Here’s how you can follow in Farfetch’s footsteps to elevate the digital experience and secure more Q4 sales: Invest in robust servers to handle your projected traffic volume. Optimize your website for multiple devices like mobile, desktop, and tablets. Install heatmaps to track shopper behaviors and use the data to optimize your site. Use personalization software to recommend offers shoppers will want. Allow shoppers to save details for faster checkouts in the future. 2. Amazon: Make advertising a priority As online footfall rises during Q4, it becomes even more important to optimize your marketing campaigns and strategies so you can appeal to a wider gift-buying audience that wouldn’t typically shop with you. Amazon is the... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/events-webinars/working-capital-webinar/ - Categories: Events & Webinars Learn everything about working capital and how it can help you grow your business. In this webinar, we will help you better understand if and when funding is right for you, what working capital options are available to you, and how to choose a solution that works for your business needs. If you're looking to grow or scale your business, this webinar is for you! https://media. sellersfi. com/hubfs/Videos/Website_Videos/Webinar/Using_Working_Capital_to_Scale_Your_Business. mp4 --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/singles-day-china/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising Headed to China with your growing ecommerce business? Discover how to get ready for Singles’ day — China’s biggest shopping day on the ecommerce calendar. With some of the world’s largest online brands under its roof, the Chinese ecommerce market is an unstoppable force. Boasting over 782 million online shoppers, China is the place to sell if you’re looking to take your brand from local to global. And once you’ve set up your cross-border store, there’s one major shopping day you won’t want to miss: Singles' Day. Raking in a staggering $71. 4 billion in 24 hours for the Alibaba marketplace alone in 2020, Singles' Day is the biggest shopping day in the world — a pretty sweet opportunity for your growing store. But what is Singles' Day all about? And how can you position your store to win big? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the who, what, why and when of Singles' Day, and share a fail-proof strategy to make Singles' Day a certified rainmaker for your store.   The scoop on Singles' Day 11/11 Singles’ Day: What’s this Chinese Holiday All About? Why Is Singles’ Day Important for Ecommerce Businesses? How to Win Online Shoppers’ Hearts this Singles’ Day Need extra capital to help make your cross-border leap? Learn more about how SellersFunding can help. 11/11 Singles’ Day: What’s this Chinese Holiday All About? Before we jump into the specifics of how to nail your Singles’ Day debut, let’s iron out some details so you know what you’re getting into. Previously known as Bachelors’ Day, Singles’ Day is China’s biggest online event held annually on 11th November. The logic behind the 11. 11 date is that it symbolises 4 single people together. Singles’ Day kicked off in 1993 at Nanjing University as a Valentine’s Day boycott to celebrate singledom. As more brands compete for business with enticing promotions, discounts and competitions, Singles’ Day has continued to gain ground. The event is now so popular, even businesses across the pond in countries like the UK and US have joined in on the fun. Who is Singles’ Day for? While Singles’ Day is an ode to the unattached, everyone can benefit from the shopping experience. Shoppers and businesses from around the globe can buy on Singles’ Day too — but they have to watch out for customs duties and taxes which can wipe out any discounts. Why is Singles’ Day important for ecommerce businesses expanding into China? Thanks to its popularity, Singles’ Day is vital for a successful expansion into China.   Here’s why Singles’ Day is your ecommerce brand’s golden ticket to cross-border success: Put your brand on the map: The Chinese market values established brands from overseas. Thanks to Singles’ Day’s massive reach, participation can help your store capitalise on that momentum.   Pull in cash to fuel your growth across China: The Chinese ecommerce market is bursting with established selling platforms. But setting up on these marketplaces can get expensive. Singles’ Day can give you a quick cash injection to help fund your launch on Chinese marketplaces. Gain new customers: The fun doesn’t stop once you’ve served the... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-10-07 - Modified: 2023-05-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/halloween-ecommerce-ways-to-win/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Funding & Lending, Holiday & Q4, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising Halloween ecommerce is a huge money-maker for brands - and it’s only growing in popularity. Here’s how online sellers can profit big at the spookiest time of the year. Halloween. 🎃 When it comes to Q4 e-commerce, it’s easy to put all your effort into events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Single’s Day. But there’s a ghostly underdog in their midst. Traditionally one of the biggest holidays of the year in the US and UK, Halloween is a huge money-maker for brands both online and in-store. In fact, US Halloween sales were expected to hit $8. 05 billion in 2020.   While the pandemic dampened some classic Halloween pastimes, the spookiest day of the year is staged for a strong comeback, with 87% of shoppers planning to purchase the same amount of or more Halloween candy this year. And with more countries taking on the spooky celebration and adapting it to their own cultures too, Halloween looks set to open the cross-border e-commerce doors for sellers willing to take the plunge. As an ambitious online retailer, you have an awesome opportunity to tap into this growing holiday market. To help you attract your target customer, sweep up more Halloween e-commerce sales, and gain loyal fans, we’ve put together some unmissable tricks (and treats ). The scoop on Halloween e-commerce  Why prepping your store for Halloween makes perfect sense 7 knockout tips to prep your store for Halloween The secret to record-breaking Halloween e-commerce sales  Ready to rock this Halloween? Learn how SellersFi can help you scare up more sales. Why prep your store for Halloween? With Q4 upon us, you’ve probably got your hands full prepping for the upcoming spending frenzy — so, you’d be forgiven if other events have overshadowed your Halloween prep.   But here’s why it's time to take a closer look at Halloween and make sure it doesn’t drop off the list: Halloween is perfectly timed to kick off Q4: There’s no denying that Halloween is fun. Halloween events give your brand the opportunity to stand out, shake up your marketing, and become more memorable. Nail this holiday and your store is sure to be top of customers’ minds for other Q4 events. Halloween is a sales-driving machine: Thanks to costumes, sweet tooths, and themed parties, Halloween retail can pull in a ton of cash for e-commerce sellers. In fact, the UK’s Halloween online sales shot up from £230M in 2013 to £474M in 2019. More sales = more profits, growth, and prospects for your brand. What’s not to love? Every store can find a way into Halloween: The great thing about Halloween is you can apply it to any niche. Simply position your products around a fun, spooky, or family-friendly Halloween and you’re good to go. Gearing up for a Q4 showdown? Get the right funding for the ride. Halloween e-commerce sales: 7 knockout tips to prep your online store 1. Show customers how to use your Halloween products An easy way to boost Halloween sales is to show customers how to solve Halloween-specific problems with your products.   For example, if you sell cleaning products, you could demonstrate how to remove residue from things... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-09-28 - Modified: 2023-03-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/alternatives-to-amazon-for-sellers/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Shopify, Walmart - Tags: Amazon, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Shopify, Walmart For ecommerce sellers looking to scale their brand, diversification is key. Check out these three unmissable alternatives to Amazon and help put the pedal to the metal for your store’s growth. Amazon is the first place most shoppers go when they need just about anything — after all, where else can you purchase a kayak, glitter pens, and a cat backpack on a midnight shopping frenzy?   In fact, well over 200 million unique monthly customers head to this one-stop shop before checking out alternatives to Amazon. And with a whopping 4,000 items per minute sold by small and medium-sized businesses, that makes the e-commerce platform a no-brainer for online retailers.   But there’s more to e-commerce than Amazon. As a savvy seller, you want to scale your online presence and grow your audience base — and you probably already know that the e-commerce giant doesn’t always make it easy. There are several factors at play when it comes to success on Amazon (many out of your control), so it’s important to diversify your platforms and not dump all your eggs in Amazon’s basket.   To guide you toward the best decision, we’ll break down the pros and cons of selling on Amazon and dish out our best alternatives to Amazon Marketplace, so you can expand your reach and gain a better share of the market.   The Scoop on Alternatives to Amazon for Sellers Sell on Amazon, but anticipate challenges The 3 best alternatives to Amazon: Walmart Marketplace Instagram Checkout Shopify Alternatives to Amazon: How to choose the right one for you Sell on Amazon, but anticipate challenges Getting set up and launched on Amazon is straightforward — you don’t need to worry about building a website, warehousing products or handling customer service. Simply create your product listings, send your inventory to FBA, and you’re well on your way to selling your first product.   But getting found on Amazon is a different story.   It’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out among a crowd of similar products — and larger companies, including international ones, will pay top dollar to sponsor products and get that coveted Amazon buy box.   Issues sellers encounter with Amazon: Amazon’s fees are high: Amazon takes a 15% commission every time you sell a product. Add in the cost to store, ship, and advertise, and you’re looking at 50% (or more! ) of your revenue heading straight to Amazon’s pocket. And if the commission cost gets passed onto the consumer, you’ll have to sell products at a higher price to be profitable, meaning low-margin products may not be worth the effort.   Amazon owns the customer relationship: As an Amazon seller, you don’t get access to personal information about your customers. This makes it impossible to remarket and build a rapport with the people who purchase from you. But that doesn’t mean you wash your hands of any customer responsibility — you still handle customer service issues, and must resolve those issues fast to save your reputation. Amazon listing hijackers: You work hard to create, manufacture and sell high-quality private label products. But listing hijackers can make a substandard copycat version of the same products... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-09-24 - Modified: 2023-05-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/customer-community-marketing/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Customer community marketing offers huge benefits for ecommerce brands. But how do you turn your audience into a united community of fans? We’ll show you. Gone are the days of point-and-pray marketing. These days, brands need to build meaningful connections with fans and followers based on shared interests, beliefs, and motivations.   Because more than ever, consumers care about the purpose behind the brands they buy from, and they want to be connected with like-minded people. Unfortunately, customer communities don’t just magically poof into existence. (Not for most brands, anyways. )  To build a tribe of engaged followers and customers, you have to put in the work. But that effort is well worth it when you have a community that rallies behind you to spread your brand message far and wide.   So, what does it take to create a customer community that actually helps build your business? We’ve got you covered with seven of the best ways to nurture and mobilize your customer community to help your brand grow.   The scoop on customer community marketing 7 ways to get your customer community marketing your brand Give them a place to gather Be authentic and engaged Get them involved Make it about them, too Run an enticing giveaway Lean on influencers and affiliates Connect with a cause Believe in the power of your people. 1. Give them a place to gather You don’t have to create a special group to build a community around your brand... but it certainly doesn’t hurt. While platforms like Instagram are driven primarily by what you post, Facebook Groups open the opportunity for your community to interact with you and with each other.   One great example of this is the Instant PotⓇ Community — a Facebook Group for users of the extremely popular electric pressure cooker — which boasts over three million members and hundreds of posts per day. (Just that, then. ) Together, Instant Pot and its faithful followers have created a vibrant community full of experts and beginners who share their best recipes, offer top tips, ask and answer questions, and much more. How does this look in action? One confused group member recently shared, “So my husband gave me an Instant Pot for Christmas. I’ve used it twice and I absolutely hate it What do y’all use it for that makes your life easier/gives the value? ” By the next day, her question had garnered 500+ responses — mostly from avid fans who don’t want her to miss out on the game-changing benefits of the Instant Pot. Now imagine how things would have played out if there wasn’t an Instant Pot Community.   The customer would have received the gift and either chucked it out or stored it away to gather dust. She never would have enjoyed it, and she certainly wouldn’t have recommended it to her friends and family. But with encouragement and suggestions from the Instant Pot community, she engaged with like-minded people and got true value from the product. Plus, the more people that engaged with the post, the more it bubbled up through Facebook’s algorithm. How much work was it for... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-09-22 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/line-of-credit-too-low-ecommerce-sellers/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending A line of credit can be a game changer for scaling your ecommerce store. But what do you do when your funding provider doesn't give you enough capital? Let's find out. E-commerce is big business. In fact, UK online sales hit £141 billion in 2020, accounting for more than 30% of total retail sales — a first for the British economy. This upward trend is set to continue worldwide, with global e-commerce purchases tipped to make up 95% of all sales by 2040. But capturing this growth can be tricky. You need cash flow to keep the inventory and sales flowing, but strict supplier agreements and slow marketplace payouts can make it feel impossible to keep up. Luckily, the right line of credit can be a great way to inject cash back into your business so you can keep scaling to new heights — but there’s a catch.   Some providers make it difficult to secure a credit line or worse, don't give you enough funding because they just don't 'get' ecommerce. It's a frustrating catch-22. But we’re here to help. In this guide, we'll share the ins and outs of credit lines for e-commerce businesses, and give you the blueprint for navigating a small credit line so you can keep growing, no matter what. The Scoop on a (High Enough) Line of Credit What is a Line of Credit? Why Finding the Right Credit Line Is a Big Deal in E-commerce How to Get a Business Line of Credit: The Requirements What to Do When Your Line of Credit Comes Up Short  The Right Way to Overcome a Small Line of Credit  Need additional funding to keep your business moving forwards? Find out how SellersFi can help. What Is a Line of Credit?   A line of credit is a flexible funding option you can secure from banks, credit lenders, and, more recently, dedicated e-commerce funding providers. Here’s how it usually works:  You're assigned a pool of cash that you can withdraw from as many times as you like, and you only pay interest on the amount used.   You can use a line of credit calculator to work out how much capital you'll need and the estimated repayment amount and length. Many modern funding providers don't restrict what you can use the credit line for. For example, you can take on a credit line to: Refinance existing debt Buy stock and supplies Launch a new product or campaign Purchase real estate Fund territorial expansion Are cash flow problems holding you back? Discover how SellersFi can help you get ahead. Why Finding the Right Credit Line Is a Big Deal in E-commerce No matter which way you cut it, e-commerce is capital-intensive. Pressure to stay on top of your current operating expenses, while making sure you have enough inventory to meet future demand is difficult on the best of days. A fair and flexible credit line can give your store the financial breathing room to take on new projects while maintaining your existing momentum.   For example, say you sell baby clothing in the UK. Once you have a credit line, you could also branch out into baby bottles while... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-09-21 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/how-cash-conversion-cycle-helps-you-scale/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending A cash conversion cycle can speed up or stunt your business growth. But what is it? Why does it matter? And how can you optimise your cash flow cycle for success? Let’s find out. The exponential growth in online sales is the stuff other industries can only dream about, with e-commerce stores amassing over 2 billion shoppers and bringing in more than $4. 2 billion in sales during 2020 alone. If you're selling your products on a third-party marketplace or your own website, you're probably enjoying the online sales rush. But to keep up with demand and continue to scale consistently, there's one area you need to pay close attention to: your cash conversion cycle.   With a firm grasp on your cash cycle, you always know when is the perfect time to purchase more inventory. Not only that, you’ll also have enough cash on-hand to put out unexpected fires, invest in a new product launch, or even scale to a whole new market. Sounds pretty great, right? Let’s dive in! The Scoop on Cash Conversion Cycles What Exactly Is a Cash Conversion Cycle? The Game-changing Benefits of a Strong Cash Cycle Calculate Your Cash Conversion Cycle with 3 Essential Metrics How One Online Retailer Used a Negative Cash Conversion Cycle to Reach $1. 3 Billion Ready to grow your store to the next level? Find out how SellersFi can help. What Exactly Is a Cash Conversion Cycle? A cash conversion cycle (CCC) — a. k. a. ‘net operating cycle’ or simply ‘cash cycle’ — is the process of buying materials, turning them into stock, and converting them back into cash through sales, as defined by a set time period such as the number of days or weeks. As an e-commerce metric, CCC has three stages: Purchasing inventory Selling inventory and generating sales revenue Paying suppliers for stock purchases A high CCC indicates a sluggish process, whereas a low CCC shows that your business moves stock efficiently and gets paid quickly. Now, what exactly counts as a high or a low CCC isn't set in stone — it depends on specific variables like your product niche, territory, and business resources. Regardless of your category, there are a few core things that can impact your CCC: How you cover inventory costs (e. g, in cash, accounts receivable, external funding, etc. ) How quickly customers pay The speed at which you collect cash for goods Let’s take a closer look at the can’t-miss benefits of a healthy cash cycle, then dive into the simple three-part formula for how to calculate it. Need a hand mastering your cash flow? Discover how SellersFi can help. The Game-changing Benefits of a Strong Cash Cycle A healthy cash conversion cycle can be a pivotal growth lever for your business.   But when you’re busy with a growing e-commerce store, your CCC can easily get bumped down the to-do list. Here are a few reasons why optimizing your cash conversion cycle is 100% worth your time: Reduce business costs: When your business turns over stock and gets paid quickly, you can access more capital at a lower cost — and since you won't be reliant on external funding, it can reduce... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2023-05-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/sellersfunding-closes-series-to-power-success-of-ecommerce-sellers/ - Categories: News & Announcements Investments by Northzone, Endeavor Catalyst, and Fasanara will scale SellersFi’s international growth and investments in technology New York & London, September 14, 2021 — SellersFi (formerly SellersFunding), a global fintech company empowering growth for e-commerce sellers, today announced it secured $166. 5M in a combination of Equity and Credit Facility, with an investment round led by Northzone, and additional investments from Endeavor Catalyst and Fasanara. The funding will fuel the company’s ambitions to help e-commerce sellers succeed in today’s dynamic market environment and scale globally. Northzone, an early-stage venture capital fund partnering with founders at early-stage, across Europe and the US, was a lead investor on the funding round. SellersFi joins Northzone’s impressive portfolio of category-defining businesses including Klarna, Spotify, Hopin, and Trustpilot, among others. Endeavor Catalyst, a co-investment vehicle designed to support Endeavor Entrepreneurs with their equity financing rounds, also supported the funding round. SellersFi is a member of the Endeavor Entrepreneurs Network, a global non-profit that has advised and helped scale more than 1,000 high-impact companies in 40+ growth markets around the world. The investment will see SellersFi enhance its technology and payments platforms, and support its operational and international expansion. As a U. S. -headquartered company, SellersFi will continue to expand across North America, and also the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and Australia, to establish a presence for its growing global customer base. In addition, the investment will bolster sales and marketing efforts and help SellersFi bring aboard even more talented professionals to the team. The additional credit facility increase from European investment manager Fasanara comes after the company’s $100 million funding program with Fasanara in January 2021. The funding will be used across USD, GBP, EUR, and CAN currencies to enhance SellersFi’s liquidity. “We are thrilled to complete our capital raise and have Northzone and Endeavor joining our company, and to see the renewed commitment of Fasanara in supporting the expansion of our portfolio,” said Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFi. “This underscores our dedication to providing world-class financial solutions for our clients and partners and is a testament to the overall growth of the global e-commerce space. ” Northzone, Endeavor Catalyst, and Fasanara share a word on their commitments: “E-commerce is exploding, but we are still lacking sufficient financial solutions that serve the small, international merchants driving this boom,” said Jeppe Zink, General Partner at Northzone. “By offering seamless access to non-dilutive capital, SellersFi is doing a superb job at meeting sellers’ needs. We have been amazed by Ricardo and his team’s ability to redefine business lending and become leaders in this category. ” "We're excited to partner with Ricardo and his team on this next stage of growth for SellersFi," said Allen Taylor, Managing Director at Endeavor Catalyst. "These are the building blocks of tomorrow's economy, and we can't wait to help SellersFi expand globally. " “We believed in the potential of SellersFi and its disruptive business model from an early stage, and we are pleased to see the company continue to grow,” said Francesco... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-08-31 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/nike-ecommerce-business-model/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Nike took the brave leap into subscription boxes, a decision far from the original business model. There’s a lot to learn from their success. Let’s take a closer look! Traditionally the lifeblood of B2B brands, in recent years, the subscription industry has exploded in the B2C eCommerce space. The subscription takeover has been so successful that 75% of direct-to-consumer businesses are expected to offer subscriptions by 2023, and the subscription industry could hit a whopping $478 billion by 2025. With such a solid upward trend, it's no surprise that sportswear megabrand Nike stepped into the ring to deliver a knockout subscription to its fans. Nike dug deep into its data and analytics to uncover a sub-niche it could serve with subscriptions to boost its revenue. It landed on kids’ shoes and the rest is history. But it’s not just Nike that gets to have all the fun — you can follow in the sportswear giant’s footsteps too.   To give you some solid inspo for your store’s own subscription boxes, we'll break down all the things Nike did right in its subscription takeover, along with some actionable tips for success.   Let's jump in. Nike Business Model: What We’ll Cover Why Nike Used Subscriptions to Capture Its Audience’s Hearts and Pockets 6 Key Takeaways from the Nike Business Model Switch-Up Go where the money is Dare to go against the grain Tap into your loyal customer base and provide an unbeatable customer experience Build a community around your subscription(s) Use exclusivity and rewards to supercharge engagement and sales Apply personalization to drive customer loyalty Grow Like Nike with Wildly Successful Subscription Boxes Think subscription boxes could be your brand’s golden ticket? Find out how our eCommerce funding can help make it a reality. Why Nike Chose Subscriptions to Capture Its Audience's Hearts and Pockets  Nike has used a range of strategies and tactics to stay relevant over its 57-year reign — but the most innovative addition to the Nike business model has to be its subscription boxes.   There are lots of likely reasons Nike chose to take on this challenge (and why you should too). Let's zoom in on a few: 'One-up' competitors: Subscriptions gave Nike the competitive boost it needed to contend against other titan brands like Adidas, which has historically reported stronger growth rates and profit margins. In 2020, Nike finally jumped ahead of its rival, totaling a smart $37. 4 billion against Adidas' $19. 84 billion. The subscription market is booming: The subscription market has grown 300% in just 7 years, so tapping into this incredible strategy was a no-brainer, especially since Nike's competitors were yet to jump on board. Regular cash month after month: One of the main incentives to add subscriptions to the Nike business model was consistent income and sales. For example, Nike specifically aimed its Nike Adventure Club subscription box at kids aged 2-10 who are notorious for ruining or growing out of shoes regularly. The subscription (no longer available) had 3 pricing tiers ranging from $20-$50, which adds a healthy and regular boost to Nike's bottom line. Rich, actionable insights: The subscription models' added benefit is the data goldmine it... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-08-26 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/is-affiliate-marketing-dead/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising Is affiliate marketing worth it for online retailers? The answer is still yes! In this article, we share why affiliate marketing may be more profitable than ever for ecommerce brands. Video may have killed the radio star — but (spoiler alert) not even the biggest names in e-commerce can kill affiliate marketing.   If you’ve heard rumblings about the death of affiliate marketing, you might be wondering whether it’s still a worthwhile investment for your e-commerce business. Does it still work in the same way? Can it be profitable? Is it really worth the effort?   Before you believe any fatalistic rumors, consider this: 81% of brands use affiliate programs, and 40% of US merchants say affiliate programs are their top customer acquisition channel. In fact, affiliate marketing spend is expected to top $8. 2 billion by 2022.   Peanuts? Hardly.   The reality is affiliate marketing is alive as ever — although there have been some big shifts in the industry over the past few years. For e-commerce businesses, affiliate marketing can still be a surprisingly profitable revenue stream that connects your brand with new audiences and customers.   But be warned: things might look a little different these days.   The scoop on whether affiliate marketing is alive or dead How does affiliate marketing work? Did Amazon give affiliate marketing the axe? What does it all mean for e-commerce brands? Is affiliate marketing worth it? How does affiliate marketing work? Odds are, you’ve visited blogs or read articles with some type of affiliate disclosure: “This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through the link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. ” But you may not know exactly how affiliate programs work, or how to leverage them for your business.   Here’s how it’s done: To put it simply, affiliate marketing is a type of referral marketing and revenue sharing where advertisers (i. e. merchants) reward content creators, bloggers, or publishers who promote their products or services.   The affiliate partner earns a commission for providing a particular result — usually a sale, but sometimes for new leads, app downloads, or free-trial users, depending on the advertiser’s goals and the affiliate agreement.   In most cases, affiliate partners use a specific link, coupon, discount code, or product landing page that ensures each conversion they facilitate is attributed to them. Affiliate programs are often hands-off for the brand — it’s up to the affiliate to figure out when and how they’ll promote the product with their audience. The most well-known affiliate program is Amazon Associates (which has been around since 1996, believe it or not). But there are a variety of affiliate networks available to merchants and partners alike, including Awin, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, and many more. What’s the difference between affiliates and influencers? If you’re thinking that affiliate marketing sounds a lot like influencer marketing, you’re not wrong.   Once upon a time, the main difference was that influencers were paid a flat fee in exchange for promoting a product, independent of the results. In contrast, affiliates only received a commission if their promotion resulted in a sale.   But while there are still... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-08-20 - Modified: 2023-07-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-ppc-strategy-sellers/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising Whether you’re just starting out or are looking to up your ad game, an Amazon PPC strategy may be just what your growing ecommerce business needs. Here’s how to get started. Whether you’re just setting up shop on Amazon< or are looking to dial in your advertising game, having an Amazon Pay-Per-Click (PPC) strategy may be your ticket to growing your e-commerce business. Getting on board with Amazon PPC can help you figure out how your listings perform, so you can optimize your ad spend to turn those marketing dollars into revenue.   But let’s face it, paid advertising on any platform can feel overwhelming.   That’s why we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you build your Amazon PPC strategy, understand why Amazon PPC is crucial to your business, and help you set up an ad campaign based on your budget.   Ready to start killing it with Amazon PPC? Let’s go. The scoop on Amazon PPC Strategy The ins and outs: Understanding Amazon PPC Why an Amazon PPC Strategy is everything Choose the right Amazon PPC ads for your biz The ultimate Amazon PPC keyword strategy Rinse, repeat, and monitor your Amazon PPC Strategy Looking for straightforward e-commerce advice? We break down all the latest in our email newsletter. Sign up for free today! The Ins and Outs: Understanding Amazon PPC There is a lot of information out there about how to try and win at an Amazon PPC strategy. But before you dive in headfirst, it pays to know the basics. In a nutshell, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising is when advertisers pay a determined fee each time someone clicks on their ad. Amazon PPC is specific to the Amazon seller’s market — and when you put your hard-earned dollars to work correctly, your Amazon PPC strategy will pay you back in a big way.   Here are some of the key Amazon PPC metrics to know: Advertising Cost of Sales (ACoS) — The return on investment for the campaign determined by dividing the total ad spend by attributed sales Impressions — How many times your ads were displayed  Clicks — How many times your ads were clicked  Attributed Sales — Your total sales generated in one week of running an ad Return on Ad Spend (RoAS) — The ratio of sales generated from an ad versus how much you spent on the ad (aka how effectively you’re spending your ad dollars) Want more insights like these straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our free newsletter, and get the latest scoop on e-commerce strategies and tactics. Why an Amazon PPC Strategy Matters In an increasingly competitive e-commerce market, sometimes you have to pay to play. If you want eyeballs on your products, a sure bet is to set up Amazon PPC ads. Hands down, advertising is one of the best ways to get the right exposure to attract customers ready to purchase. And Amazon PPC is a great way to generate more revenue, but a solid strategy is what makes the difference.   Investing time in an Amazon PPC strategy allows you to test different keywords and target specific audiences to optimize your ads for conversion.   Choose the... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-08-17 - Modified: 2023-10-17 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/new-product-ideas/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data - Tags: Funding & Lending, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data There's something about new product ideas that’s exciting, but also scary. So, how do you ensure your latest ideas are worth the effort? Let's find out. If you've ever found yourself asking the classic 'Should I? Shouldn't I? ' about your new product idea, you're not alone—many new product ideas spring from random bursts of genius rather than methodical planning.   It can be scary to pull the trigger on your new ideas without some degree of certainty that they'll be winners, and as many eCommerce sellers know, the fallout from a poor product choice can be painful. Obsolete inventory can add an extra 25% onto your business goods cost, and unsold inventory costs the US economy an eye watering $50 billion every year. Combine this with the fact only 40% of product ideas make it to market and of this amount just 60% turn a profit, and it’s clear to see: product selection is no joke. While killer product ideas can have your brand inducted into the eCommerce hall of fame and provide a steady revenue source, the opposite is true for failed products. Wasted time, money, and dreams become your reality, not to mention the immovable stock which rubs salt into your wounds. But with the right strategy, you can ensure product success every time. And you’re not alone. In this post, we'll share the step-by-step process you need to validate your ideas before giving the go-ahead (knowing you’ll succeed). Need some cash to fund your next big idea? Explore our funding options. How to Validate New Product Ideas: Wait, Can I Really Launch These Products? Nail Down What Your Product Is and Who It Serves Put Your Detective Hat on and Scope Out Your Competitors 3 Alternative Ways to Ensure Your New Product Ideas Aren’t Doomed to Fail Launching The Product: Take a Deep Breath and Go for It The Masterplan for Securing Product Validations You Can Trust  Wait, Can I Really Launch These Products? Before you dive head-first into research, take a quick reality check to see whether launching a product is possible right now.   Ask yourself: Do I have enough cash to launch my new product ideas? Do we have enough time to commit to making the products successful? Do my new product ideas fit into our existing range? Can I secure funding for my project? If, after crunching the numbers and looking at the eCommerce funding requirements, you realize you have to shelve this project for now, that's OK.   It's a matter of 'when' not 'if'. So, keep a new product ideas list, save money, and work toward securing any additional capital you need. On the flip side, if you determine you can go full-steam ahead, it's time to get down to business and answer a fundamental question: Which funding option is the best for my launch? Your answer will depend on a variety of factors like your current revenue, liabilities, and goals. For example, if you're launching a spin-off product to extend your already successful range, a cash advance is a solid option. You can use the sales from your existing products to fund a new one.... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-08-12 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/multichannel-vs-global-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion, Funding & Lending, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Expansion, Funding & Lending, Marketing & Advertising You’ve got a profitable online store and you're ready to scale. But which eCommerce growth strategy is better: multichannel or cross-border selling? Let's find out! Congrats! You've beaten the odds and endured massive growing pains in order to scale your eCommerce business. Now, it's time to take your brand to the next level.   But what’s the best way to scale?   If this is the question at the top of your mind, you’ve probably been hearing a lot of buzz over two simple words: global and multichannel.   For every person who tells you the key to success in eCommerce is branching out into new geographical markets, someone else will tell you to expand into new sales channels. And the truth is, both strategies present stellar opportunities for growth. For example, businesses that take on multiple platforms experience an average 9. 5% annual revenue increase, while cross-border orders for physical goods could account for an impressive 22% of eCommerce transactions by 2022. No matter which direction you choose, taking the leap won’t be easy. But as long as you have good knowledge of what goes into both strategies, you can be confident in knowing you have the right growth path for you. That’s where this guide comes in. Today, we’re shedding a light on what multichannel vs. cross-border expansion can offer your brand, highlighting the pitfalls that come with each, and revealing why it's not only possible to have the best of both worlds, it’s also very likely to be your best option for success. Multichannel E-commerce: What We’ll Cover What Is Cross-Border vs. Multichannel Ecommerce? The Highs and Lows of Multichannel E-commerce The Highs and Lows of Cross-Border E-commerce Multichannel E-commerce or Global Expansion: Which Is Best for You? How to Go Cross-Border and Multichannel Successfully Win at International and Multichannel Selling Are you ready to scale your brand like an eCommerce megastar? Find out how SellersFi can help. What Is Cross-Border vs. Multichannel E-commerce? Cross-border eCommerce involves opening your store to shoppers outside your home territory. For example, if your store is in the US but accepts orders from countries like China, France, or the UK, this is cross-border eCommerce. Meanwhile, multichannel eCommerce is less about physical location and more about virtual location — when businesses choose to expand to more than one eCommerce platform. For example, if you have an eBay store and then decide to grow your online presence on Amazon’s platform. The Highs and Lows of Multichannel E-commerce Selling on multiple channels offers a ton of benefits that can help grow your brand — but they aren't without disadvantages. Let's take a no-holds-barred look at a few of the pros and cons:  Highs of multichannel selling Expand your store's reach: A great way to increase revenue and profits is to simply reach more people. Multichannel eCommerce allows you to do just that by reaching new audiences through new marketplaces and widening your prospect pool. Boost your reputation: When your brand is accessible from multiple platforms and websites, it positions you as a trusted player in the market and makes shoppers more comfortable purchasing from you. Protect your brand from... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-08-10 - Modified: 2023-08-03 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ultimate-formula-for-great-cx-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising Perfecting the customer experience requires some serious effort. Find out the formula from customer service experts at Replyco on the key factors that drive CX, how to perfect them, and why you should. When it comes to e-commerce or any other sales-based industry, we all hear the term ‘CX’ or ‘customer experience’ a lot these days. However, CX isn’t just some trend or passing fad. In fact, research shows that the experience a shopper has with your brand is quickly becoming even more important for positive customer retention than price or product.   This raises the question: “How can I provide the best experience to my customers? ” Thankfully, putting together a sound strategy simply involves addressing or tweaking a few key factors to keep every facet of your customer journey on point. Keep reading to discover the ultimate formula for great CX — courtesy of the e-commerce customer service experts at Replyco.   Make Shopping Simple An excellent customer experience starts with making buying from you as easy and seamless as possible. Shoppers should be able to browse your product listings, search for specific items, complete checkout, and perform any other actions relevant to perusing your wares without issue.   Here are just a few ways you can make shopping with your brand more simple:  Task your development team with ensuring every aspect of your website’s navigation is smooth and glitch-free.   Create product listings that are detailed and thorough, while also including high-quality item photos.   Make your website searchable and responsive.   Provide help documentation (such as answers to FAQs and user guides for technical products).   Include contact information on your site in case customers have questions (if selling on a specific marketplace, be sure to follow any guidelines for contact info and all other content).   Keep it simple. Use headers to break up sections. Avoid long blocks of text. Deploy streamlined design layouts or templates to maintain pleasing aesthetics.   Stock the Right Products In addition to making the shopping process simple, it is also crucial to sell the right products. Not only do you need to keep your finger on the pulse of customer demand, but you also need to foster positive connections with your vendors or suppliers. Be sure to communicate with suppliers, so you remain aware of any delays or issues with product availability. This way, you can plan your orders appropriately, while also letting your customers know of any items that are in limited supply.   Communicate with Customers Throughout the Buying Process Speaking of communication, here’s a big piece of the CX puzzle: in order to keep shoppers happy, you need to communicate with customers throughout the entire buying process.   From notifying your existing list of upcoming sales to sending “order received” and “order shipped” emails to following up after a purchase, it is crucial that you touch base with your shoppers at every stage. Doing so lets customers know that you value their satisfaction, while also giving them the chance to ask questions or provide feedback on their experience. And remember, when a customer does ask a question or have a problem, make sure to go above and beyond in... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-08-05 - Modified: 2023-05-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-preorder-sales-strategies/ - Categories: Blog, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising Pre-order sales help ambitious sellers trial new products without overspending. Here’s how you can take advantage of them to scale. With e-commerce growing at such a rapid rate, you're probably eager to get out there and grab your corner of the market. But there's one problem that seems to keep getting in the way: cash flow.   Money woes are widespread among sellers who pay for inventory upfront, especially if they've made inventory mistakes that led to overstocks. If you fall into this camp, you're not alone. 54% of budding businesses say cash flow concerns hold them back, and at one point overstocks cost the global economy a terrifying $471 billion. Luckily, pre-order sales are here to offer a clever workaround and help you establish products without emptying your bank accounts. But what are pre-orders all about? And more importantly, how can you get your business involved?   Join us as we get stuck into why pre-sales are a lifeline for ambitious sellers, and share some tips and tricks to ensure your pre-order campaigns help scale your business. Let's go! Pre-order Sales: What We'll Cover What Are Pre-Order Sales? Why Run Pre-Order Campaigns for Your E-commerce Business? How to Increase Pre-sale Orders with Buzzworthy Campaigns Figure out what you want to pre-sell Make an irresistible offer Choose a sales channel that sets you up to win Optimize your pre-order purchase sequence Market early and remember your superfans Choose the right funding option Commit to testing Quick Tips for Drama-Free Pre-order Sales The Right Way to Run Pre-Sales and Explode Your Growth Ready to scale your business with pre-orders? Scale your vision with flexible and transparent e-commerce funding. What Are Pre-Order Sales? A pre-order sale (aka pre-sale) involves listing items for sale on your e-commerce channels before officially launching them. Most times, the goods are yet to go into production, and some might even be in the development stage. Pre-orders offer customers the opportunity to get early access (and even early-bird discounts), helping the product gain more traction. In turn, you get to understand what your customers are into today and you’ll get to make some cash nice and early in the game. It's a win-win. Why Run Pre-Order Campaigns for Your E-commerce Business? If buying stock upfront works well for your business, you might wonder why to bother using pre-sales to fund your growth. But your success using the traditional sales model is the very reason to pre-sell.   If you have the customer base, products, and channels already set up, you've already done most of the heavy lifting.   Here are a few of the major benefits pre-sales offers: Understand your business' stock requirements: Pre-orders are a fantastic way to validate product ideas, test new markets, and gauge demand. They also have the added benefit of giving you insight into your inventory needs before you invest, so you can make more accurate purchasing decisions. Fund your projects: One big concern for e-commerce sellers is how to fund their ambitious dreams. Pre-order sales provide a solid way to protect your cash flow and drum up funds for production runs, marketing... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-08-03 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-lending-beyond-brexit/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending Brexit has rocked the eCommerce lending industry, stirring up fear and uncertainty. But your growth goals remain. So what are your options now? Let’s find out! We won’t sugarcoat it. The post-Brexit e-commerce lending landscape is a tough nut to crack. As financial institutions in the EU grapple with the uncertainty and risk exposure Brexit has thrown their way, growing e-commerce businesses bear the brunt of the fallout, with 34% of budding businesses feeling Brexit will have a negative impact. You can chalk this down to fear that consumer confidence will crumble and another recession will grip the economy, causing people to halt their spending. While the economic repercussions are still taking shape, the fear is present and real—and it’s prompted traditional financial institutions to pull up their funding ladders, leaving e-commerce businesses to fend for themselves. So, where does this leave your e-commerce brand? And is it even possible to secure e-commerce funding in the Brexit era? The journey to securing capital post-Brexit can be a bumpy ride. So, fasten your seatbelt, and let's get into some of the most pressing lending issues, find out which funding options are available now, and take a closer look at some of the must-know tips for securing capital in the murky Brexit waters. E-commerce Lending Beyond Brexit: What We'll Cover 6 Painful Funding Headaches You Can Thank Brexit For  E-commerce Lending: Top of the Tops and Flops Quick Tips to Dodge the Burn of E-commerce Funding Lags While on the Hunt for Cash The Roadmap for Funding Your Big, Bold E-commerce Goals Despite Brexit Need e-commerce funding to kickstart the next phase of your success? Discover your options today. 6 Painful Funding Headaches You Can Thank Brexit For  Even before the Brexit saga began, traditional lenders were already skeptical about funding e-commerce businesses, leading most sellers to view the lending ecosystem as inefficient and insufficient. And they aren't wrong.   Financial institutions' reluctance to back e-commerce brands has only amplified since Brexit became official, due to their crippling fear of the unknown. And the situation has caused a bunch of problems for e-commerce sellers: Suspiciously strict requirements: These days, it can be a fight to get your foot in the door, let alone get funded by some traditional financial institutions that claim to be e-commerce lenders. This problem occurs even when you have a profitable business with a sales history and customer base to prove it. It can feel like the banks have purposefully heightened their requirements to wean out the very businesses they are supposed to serve. You may have to take on more funding than you need: Uncertainty in the e-commerce lending sphere means if you do get funded through a traditional provider, you may have to grab the cash you need for other projects or issues now. This approach can be expensive and risky in the long run. Collateral demands that make you want to cry: You've already poured out your pockets into launching and growing your business, but traditional lenders are rarely impressed by your sacrifice. They want more in the form of cold, hard collateral. This demand is one many entrepreneurs can't meet... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-07-30 - Modified: 2023-05-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/logistics-nightmares-how-to-stay-on-top-of-inventory-stock-and-survive-shipping-delays/ - Categories: Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Inventory & Sourcing The pandemic has led to a logistics nightmare, causing shipping delays, and rising costs. How can sellers keep up with inventory and manage the demand? The global health crisis has affected businesses all over the world – in some ways good, and others bad. Prior to 2020, the e-commerce landscape had already been steadily carving its own piece of the pie and changing the scope of retail and consumer behavior dramatically. After entering a period where consumers had, and continue to have, safety and convenience at the top of their minds, e-commerce undoubtedly benefited from this, ultimately speeding up the growth of this channel exponentially. E-commerce thrived in 2020 due to store closures and the overall public fear of contracting COVID-19. Online sales in 2020 hit $791. 70 billion, up 32. 4% from the prior year. This is still the trend in 2021 as figures from Q1 show a 39% increase year over year, and there doesn’t seem to be a slowdown in sight. Even as the pandemic lockdowns and closures have started to end, consumers have appeared to permanently shift the way they shop for and buy products. While this seemingly silver lining to the pandemic appeared great for business owners, the increase in demand has also led to a delay in supply chains and created an astronomical logistical issue. An increase in sales is what every business owner strives to achieve, but what happens when you can no longer keep up with the supply to satisfy that demand?   A recent survey examined the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 and found that 35. 5% of manufacturers are facing supply chain disruptions. What exactly does this mean? It can lead to several delays for sellers leading to:  Disruptions and operational changes Lower margins leaving less capital to reinvest in inventory  Longer delivery times  Impairment on the import and export of goods  Climbing costs  Labor shortages  Ultimately, the combination of all these challenges puts sellers and their businesses under a new type of stress test. To continue to keep their traffic and sales high, they must also stock inventory to keep up with the demand. Sellers are forced to invest more into inventory to accommodate for the longer lead times, as well as account for any unexpected delays. Any amount of lag in inventory can truly harm the performance of a business, and the increase in lead times just makes the outlook even more grim. To take the bleakness to another level, sellers who work with suppliers in China are seeing even worse lead times. These extreme delays have also made shipping costs exceedingly high for Chinese suppliers due to lack of containers and increased demand. According to this report, average lead times for inputs are at least twice as long as compared to “normal” operations for Asian, European, and domestically sourced inputs. Unfortunately, these costs will likely continue to climb as we approach the peak season for inventory orders as sellers prepare for holiday and Q4 sales spikes. This means that sellers need to begin paying back balances on inventory that they haven’t even had the chance to sell yet.  For this reason and more, sellers must rely on outside capital or credit lines to top up on their inventory. This... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-07-27 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/5-tips-cash-flow-management/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing - Tags: Funding & Lending, Inventory & Sourcing Managing cash flow is a challenge for eCommerce business owners, but an online bookkeeper can help you navigate cash flow for long-term success. Feel the Heartbeat of Your Business Cash flow is described as the lifeblood of a business, yet many e-commerce business owners struggle to understand it. Among the many challenges they face, stabilizing and increasing their cash flow is vital to their long-term success. What is Cash Flow and Why is it Important? Cash flow refers to the cash you are receiving (inflows) and the cash that is being spent (outflows). In the simplest terms, positive cash flow means you have more money coming in than going out, while negative cash flow means more money is being spent than received. Profitability, however, does not necessarily indicate positive cash flow. Here is why: cash flow includes inventory and equipment purchases, debt payments, and other money spent that does not directly correlate to monthly profit or loss. Suppose you have to pay your supplier a bill of $100 on the 15th day of the month. A customer will be paying a $200 invoice, but it is scheduled for the 30th. Although you were profitable on that sale, you do not yet have the cash needed to cover the expense. This creates negative cash flow, based on the timing of the cash received. Awareness of the cash flowing into and out of your business is crucial to managing your cash. When you understand your cash flow, you can identify potential solutions including costs and savings, manage the timing of payments, and make informed decisions for growth strategies including the effective use of debt or equity. It keeps your finger on the pulse of your business’s financial success. You are Not Alone If you are experiencing cash flow struggles, you are not alone! According to the 2021 QuickBooks Payment and Cash Flow Survey, 60% of small business owners express that cash flow management is a challenge. The good news is, it does not have to be complicated. Simple steps can be taken to keep the cash flowing while continuing to grow your business. Let’s explore 5 ways you can manage and improve your cash flow!   Plan Your Cash Flow The first step of any endeavor is to form a plan. Creating a cash flow plan will help you gauge the health of your cash flow today and plan for the future. To create a simple cash flow plan, you will need to determine two things: Your expected cash inflows. Sales, loans and investments, and tax refunds are a few examples. Your monthly payments. This includes (but is not limited to) rent, payroll, taxes, debt payments, equipment purchases, and the cost of goods sold. Reports from previous months will help you account for your cash inflows and outflows. To calculate your cash flow, subtract your payments to be made from your incoming money. If the value is negative, do not panic. Now that you have your plan, you can determine what needs to be done to manage and improve your cash flow! Manage Your Inventory Levels Inventory management is a delicate balance. If you have... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-07-21 - Modified: 2023-05-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/blog-ecommerce-revenue-growth/ - Categories: Blog, Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data - Tags: Inventory & Sourcing, Marketing & Advertising, Tech & Data Record revenue growth and market expansion make ecommerce the opportunity of the century. But is obsessing over sales holding your business back? E-commerce is booming, with global online sales growing by an impressive 24% in 2020, topping $4 trillion worldwide. As an online retailer, you get a front-row seat on this exciting journey and if you’re in for the ride, you already know that few experiences can compare to the pride of seeing your sales numbers rise. But what if we told you there's more to e-commerce success than revenue growth? Growing your sales is a great instinct, but how often do your sales actually result in cash-in-pocket? The fact is, profits and margins play a much more pivotal role in your store's long-term viability than sales alone. So why is it that so many brands keep spinning their wheels with loss-making products? Today, we'll get to the heart of how revenue tunnel vision can drain profits from your e-commerce business, and reveal clear steps for identifying which parts of your business to leverage in order to scale profitably.   Ready? Let's dive in. Table of contents The difference between revenue, profits, and margins Why revenue tunnel vision is stalling your growth The benefits of prioritizing profits over revenue How to boost profitable sales for your online store Ready to scale smarter? Find out how Flieber can help increase your profitable sales. The difference between revenue, profits, and margins Terms like ‘revenue’, ‘profits’, and ‘margins’ often get thrown around in conversation, but what do they actually mean? Before you can pinpoint the right growth drivers for your online retail business, you need to make sure you have a solid working definition of these key terms. Here’s a quick refresher: Revenue: Your company’s income before deducting things like tax and expenses. These are the sales that add to your top line and without it, there is no business. Profits: The cash your business has after it pays its expenses and obligations. This capital can be paid out or reinvested in new projects, without sacrificing your existing operations. Margins: The difference between revenue and cost of goods sold. Your margin shows you how much money you make per sale, and helps to assess your profitability and the viability of any future investments.   Say goodbye to stockouts and make inventory easy with Flieber. Get your free demo today! Why revenue tunnel vision is stalling your growth In the fast-growing world of e-commerce, appearances can be deceiving—especially where revenue growth is concerned.   While sales play an essential role in every business success story, ignoring other contributing factors (e. g. , your product margins and tangible profits) can be an expensive mistake. Let's take a closer look at the price you could end up paying if you make revenue your sole focus. Your profitability could take a nosedive  Unlike revenue, your profit margin tells you the truth about your store's health—if you stop paying attention, it's easy to think you're working with more capital than you actually have. Believe it or not, this is a mistake that even household brands fall into. Take Unilever for... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-07-20 - Modified: 2021-07-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/goja-sellersfunding-partnership/ - Categories: News & Announcements GOJA, the world’s most experienced Amazon operator and aggregator, is proud to announce its partnership with the leading digital provider of integrated financial services solutions for up and coming e-commerce entrepreneurs, SellersFunding. GOJA, the world’s most experienced Amazon operator and aggregator, is proud to announce its partnership with the leading digital provider of integrated financial services solutions for up and coming e-commerce entrepreneurs, SellersFunding. As online retailing is capital intensive, this unique partnership provides solutions to many of the barriers that Amazon sellers face in scaling their businesses. SellersFunding provides access to working capital and daily advances to achieve consistent, predictable cash flow. GOJA brings 12 years of experience growing Amazon brands and providing exit solutions for passionate business owners. “At GOJA, we believe in preserving the value, passion, and commitment to growth that is at the heart of the Amazon entrepreneurs we work with,” says Walter Gonzalez, Founder and CEO of GOJA. “SellersFunding shares our vision for the future of Amazon-based entrepreneurship. Together we can help Amazon sellers through their complete journey, from operational demands, like access to capital, to how to prepare for a smooth and profitable exit. ” “Entrepreneurs face unique challenges in growing their businesses on Amazon,” says Ricardo Pero, CEO of SellersFunding. “The GOJA team knows what it means to create a brand from scratch and grow it over time. This partnership brings together intellectual and financial capital as SellersFunding is uniquely positioned to provide working capital to increase reach and grow product inventory, and GOJA brings in a wealth of Amazon expertise, and exit strategy solutions that ensure sellers have a path to success, no matter their unique journey. ” This partnership exemplifies the commitment to creating real value in the marketplace for both entrepreneurs and their brands. Together, GOJA + SellersFunding will launch educational resources designed to maximize value for Amazon sellers with big goals and great products all over the world. ABOUT GOJAGOJA creates, buys, and grows Amazon brands. Our 12 years of Amazon expertise, technology, and team of professionals have the longest and most consistent record creating Amazon best sellers. From our headquarters in Miami, with offices on three continents, GOJA continues to lead the way for marketplace success. ABOUT SELLERSFUNDING:SellersFunding is a global financial technology company on a mission to empower growth for ecommerce sellers. The SellersFunding digital platform delivers a suite of financial solutions that streamlines global commerce for millions of marketplaces including working capital, cross-border cash management, tax solutions and business valuation. For more information, visit www. sellersfunding. com. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-07-12 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-account-suspension/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon Amazon account suspension can turn your world upside down. The worry, cash loss, and uncertainty take their toll. Here’s how to get back on track as quickly as possible. Imagine the scene: It's Friday and you've got that pre-weekend vibe, but before you switch off you log into your Seller's Central account to check yesterday's sales. That’s when you realise the unthinkable has happened. Amazon has suspended your Seller's account. As panic sets in, you turn to Amazon support. But if you think they're going to be helpful, think again. When they're not giving you incorrect and inconsistent information, they're outright ignoring your message regardless of how successful your Amazon store is. Now you're left without income, a warehouse filled with stock, cash in your Seller's account you can't access, and bills approaching fast. Sadly, scenarios like this have become more frequent as Amazon widened its catchment for sending out the dreaded 'Your Amazon. com selling privileges have been removed' notice to include random to downright outrageous reasons. Even the big players aren't exempt, and losses incurred by these sellers can breach six figures. It may feel like an Amazon account suspension is an impossible task to deal with. But don't worry, we've got your back. In this ultimate guide to Amazon account suspensions, we share some must-know tips and tricks to help pry your account out of Amazon's grip. Need some working capital to see you through an Amazon account suspension? You've got options. Amazon Account Suspension: What We'll Cover Why Does Amazon Suspend Accounts? 7 Odd Reasons for an Amazon Account Suspension that Have Actually Happened How to Appeal an Amazon Account Suspension: A No-Nonsense Guide on the Dos and Don'ts Can't Get Your Amazon Seller Account Suspension Lifted? Here’s What to Do Next Navigate the Uncertain Road of an Amazon Account Suspension Why Does Amazon Suspend Accounts?   You've paid your subscription fees, followed the rules as best as possible, and are working your fingers to the bone to keep customers happy. And let's not forget the steady flow of cash you make each month.   So, why do they insist on halting your progress? The short answer is because they can.   With takings of $87. 44 billion in 2020 alone, Amazon is the most popular kid on the eCommerce block, and boy do they know it. They're on a mission to maintain their #1 spot by providing unbeatable customer service—anyone or anything that can be perceived as getting in the way of this goal will be cut loose at lightning speed. 7 Odd Reasons for an Amazon Account Suspension that Have Actually Happened Amazon wields all the power in deciding who stays and who goes—and you'll find the list of reasons for Amazon account suspensions is as long as your arm.   Here are few reasons Amazon snatches accounts: You changed your bank account details: Yep, you read correctly. You can get suspended if you change your bank account. Not only does Amazon impose a freeze on money transfers when you switch, but it can knock your site out altogether because of this simple task. You've gone from solopreneur to entrepreneur: For whatever reason,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/analytical-tool-raise-visinger-score/ - Categories: News & Announcements SellersFunding is on a mission to help ecommerce sellers grow and achieve their full potential. We have now launched a new and exclusive tool to help track your store’s performance – Sellers Signals. It’s no secret that the world of e-commerce is constantly changing. As more businesses are created, more competition appears. In order to keep your business in the game, keeping the health of your store is crucial. To do so successfully, sellers must have a clear understanding of how their stores are operating, what's performing well, and what opportunities there are to improve. SellersFi is on a mission to help e-commerce sellers grow and achieve their full potential. We have now launched a new and exclusive tool to help track your store’s performance – Sellers Signals. With Signals, you get a complete blueprint of your store. The tool provides in-depth financial results, sales projections, product performance, customer feedback, and valuation – in order to draw insights on how you can improve performance. On top of all that, you can view and access all the SellersFi's capital and payment products that best fit your needs. Interested in more? Let’s dive into what Sellers Signals is, and how to use it. Getting started  Walking through the products  Signals walkthrough  Profit & Loss  Sales  User Feedback  Products  Visinger Score  Getting Started with Sellers Signals  If you’re new to SellersFi, you can register to Signals here. Once you log into the SellersFi app, click on the Signals tab in the bottom left and connect your Amazon store. If you work with Shopify or Walmart, those will soon be added as well. You can register as many stores as you want to keep track of their performance and identify opportunities to improve them. Select the store you want to connect to and start using Sellers Signals. Signals Walkthrough  Once inside, you can monitor your store's performance through a series of tabs. Let’s go one by one.   1.  Profit & Loss - P&L  The P&L section provides a detailed breakdown of your store's Profit & Loss statement, highlighting 3 key performance indicators that you must always keep track of: 1) Gross Sales 2) Net Sales 3) Cashflow  Sellers get an in-depth view of their revenues, costs, and cash inflows & outflows, all through a series of charts and tables available in multiple currencies. In the first chart, you can choose to break down your P&L for the current month or for the past 12 months to get a better grasp of your sales and expenses– revenue indicators are shown in green, while your main operating costs are shown in red. Sellers can quickly map out where they need to reduce/increase spending. In the following graph, you can check the behavior of your gross sales and net sales over the past year to compare monthly performance, identify sales seasonality, and define your strategy accordingly.   Finally, you can review a detailed and consolidated P&L statement for the past year in the table at the bottom. Sellers can break down key variables like gross sales and fees to get a full picture of their operations and track their financial obligations on SellersFi’s products. 2.  Sales  The Sales tab displays past, present, and our estimate of your store’s future sales for a high-level overview of your top-line performance. Sellers can view their current and past sales performance by week, month, quarter, semester,... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-07-05 - Modified: 2023-05-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/news/ecommerce-sellers-latin-america-expansion/ - Categories: News & Announcements As the Latin American market continues to grow, it’s more important than ever for US sellers to become acclimated to expanding into that marketplace. SellersFunding has partnered with Nocnoc to offer you a connection into this marketplace. There is no doubt about it, e-commerce is expanding rapidly, and the need for access to buyers globally is getting bigger for sellers all over the world. Latin America just surpassed Asia-Pacific to become the world's fastest-growing region in e-commerce sales. According to a new study by eMarketer, severe restrictions imposed to curb the pandemic fueled demand in Latin American e-commerce to a new record of $66. 7Bn in 2020 – an unprecedented 3 times a year earlier. Marketplaces are key to accessing Latin American e-commerce. Their market share is significantly higher than in any other region. For example, Brazil's marketplaces account for 78% of e-commerce purchases while the worldwide average is below 48%. And it is no surprise that Mercado Libre, a marketplace, became Latin America's most valuable company. As the Latin American market continues to grow, it’s more important than ever for US sellers to become acclimated to expanding into that marketplace. SellersFunding (now SellersFi) and nocnoc have gotten together to offer a unique and seamless connection for sellers in the US to start offering their products effortlessly in 14 marketplaces to more than 650M monthly online visitors. How is the expansion important to you? We’ve teamed up with nocnoc to share some insight, and to offer you a connection into this marketplace. This new platform enables global sellers to reach buyers in Latin America with a seamless and straightforward solution, connecting sellers with 15 different marketplaces. The best part is that sellers don’t need to open a local entity, or even sign multiple agreements. Sellers can now ship orders to nocnoc’s warehouses located around the US and China. Once an order is placed, the seller can easily deliver the package to a designated US warehouse, while nocnoc takes care of the door-to-door delivery.   Additionally, customer service will be provided in the local native language and is completely included. This also applies to disputes, mediations for cancellations, and returns. Items are also sold in the local currency with installments and paid overseas in USD to sellers in the US or China. With nocnoc’s new platform, opening up to an entirely new region and reaching over 300 million online consumers is just as easy as switching to a new marketplace in the US or China. SellersFi and nocnoc together will now be able to provide sellers with the tools they need to grow their businesses and achieve success. This will provide sellers with the ability to not only sell to a new market but to be able to receive payments in USD directly through their SellersFi account in as little as 48 hours. Sellers now have the confidence to sell overseas, with the trust that they’ll be paid quickly by a trusted source such as SellersFi. --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-06-21 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/what-is-vat/ - Categories: Blog VAT is a critical part of every business' growth and expansion. But it's a tough nut to crack. Join us as we peel back the layers to position your biz for success. When you take your first steps as an eCommerce owner setting up shop in Europe, VAT registration is probably the last thing on your mind. From marketing to sales growth and customer service, there’s a ton of other (and let’s face it, sexier) tasks to think about—but like it or not, you can’t afford to ignore your VAT responsibilities. Because VAT is a big deal in the business world, especially for companies that sell goods. Traders were responsible for 72% of taxable income in the 2019/20 UK tax year, and you better believe governments will come to collect. To avoid legal headaches and penalties (which can easily reach five or even six figures), you've got to get prepared. The upside? Even though it can feel like a headache at first, you’re set to inherit some excellent benefits with VAT registration. There's a lot of ground to cover, but we've got your back. So, let’s delve into the key facts, figures, and action steps to help you nail your VAT game plan. Need a multi-currency account to support your global expansion? Find out more about our Digital Wallet. What Is VAT? What We'll Cover: VAT 101: A Complete Guide What Is VAT? What Is VAT Registration? What Happens If I Don't Pay VAT? : The Unsettling Reality The Highs and Lows of VAT Registration How to Get Your E-commerce Business VAT Ready A Game Plan to Make Your VAT Journey Stress-Free VAT 101: A Complete Guide VAT is important to your eCommerce business' bottom line and when approached right, it can feed cash back into your company that would have otherwise gone into the government's pocket. But improper calculations or failure to add VAT altogether will slice straight into your margins, and can even turn a profitable product into a loss. There’s no way around it, if you want to keep VAT in check, you’ll need to account for it in your pricing. When it comes to VAT, it (literally) pays to understand what you're signing up for before you set your prices and financial game plan. To kick things off, here are a few need-to-know facts about VAT: VAT isn't the same worldwide. There are different rates, thresholds, and payment requirements depending on where you’re registered. For example, in countries like the UK, France, Austria, Estonia, Ukraine, and Slovakia, the standard VAT rate is 20%, while the average for Europe is 21%. Hungary and Luxembourg have the highest standard VAT rate in Europe at 27%. Switzerland has the lowest standard VAT rate in Europe at 7. 7%. Certain businesses can claim a VAT refund in select countries for business travel expenses. The US doesn't have VAT. Instead, it has a Sales Tax that differs across states. What Is VAT? VAT (Value Added Tax) is a charge added to most products and services as a percentage. The majority of businesses must pay VAT when their turnover hits a certain level (more on this in a minute). The funds then get handed... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-06-07 - Modified: 2023-06-21 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/social-commerce-tactics-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising In the noisy digital world, brands work overtime to catch their target customers' attention and entice them to purchase... but it doesn't always go to plan. In fact, the average e-commerce store's conversion rate stands at just 2. 17%. The problem? Shoppers today are easily distracted. Luckily, there's a way forward: Social commerce. That’s right, by meeting your consumer in the same place where they’re already spending 145 minutes per day, you can boost your conversion rates and revenue. In fact, the social commerce market is thriving, pulling an impressive $89. 4 billion each year globally, and set to hit a staggering $604. 5 billion by 2027. But the best part is the market’s still relatively new, so many brands are yet to get involved — meaning there are tons of opportunities for your brand to shine if you jump in now. Keen to get on your target customers' social shopping radar? Stick around as we dive into the top social commerce trends, tips, and tools for success to help your business thrive in the crowded online market. Looking to bridge that cash flow gap and scale your social media marketing? Learn more about your funding options today! Social Commerce: What We'll Cover What Is Social Commerce and How Does It Work? Why Social Commerce Is the Next Big Thing for E-commerce Brands 3 Social Commerce Trends and How They Can Affect Your Bottom Line Tips for a Social Commerce Takeover Your Competitors Will Envy Make Social Commerce a Golden Ticket for Your Brand  What Is Social Commerce and How Does It Work? There’s a lot of buzz about social media and a lot of buzz about social commerce. So, what’s the difference exactly? What sets social commerce apart from the broader term ‘social media marketing’, is that users purchase items on social media platforms without having to click through to a different website — making the shopping process quick and painless, which has positive knock-on effects on your revenue, and customer happiness. Social commerce definition: Social commerce, a. k. a. social selling, involves using social media sites to market and sell goods directly from a brand’s social media platforms.   In social commerce, brands create high-quality, captivating content to give shoppers a fast way to buy the product off their digital shelves, with no website redirects in sight. Ever noticed that handbag icon in the corner of an Instagram post?   Then you’ve witnessed social commerce in action. But it's not only the super-organic way social commerce shopping carts pop into a shopper’s UI. Other examples of social commerce can include: Shoppable stories, posts, videos, and ads In-app shopfronts Social links, tags, and stickers you can buy from Third-party plugins and apps with selling capabilities Why Social Commerce Is the Next Big Thing for E-commerce Brands  Chances are you've already got your hands full with your primary (and maybe even secondary) selling channel — so should you take on even more responsibility with a social commerce platform? In short:... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-06-04 - Modified: 2023-05-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-quantity-limits/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Fulfillment & Supply Chain - Tags: Amazon, Fulfillment & Supply Chain Amazon just announced new seller level quantity limits. How can you prepare for this change? Let's find out! Back in 2018, Amazon disclosed that more than 50% of its total sales actually come from third-party sellers. Since then, e-commerce sales have continued to grow exponentially over the last few years. Most notably, increased sales have been seen through the Amazon marketplace. When it comes to the various methods and platforms from which brands can sell their products, Amazon has become the largest due to the FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon) program. The perks to this program are that global sellers can send their inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers, and Amazon will handle the distribution, warehousing, as well as, shipping. Due to its robust capabilities, many businesses rely heavily on this logistical solution. Amazon even places ranking priority on products that are in FBA fulfillment centers. The FBA program is not new to Amazon. Several businesses have been using this system for years, which has allowed them to grow and scale using this system. When the pandemic began, the FBA system was impacted by a very large increase in demand and a reduction in manpower in fulfillment centers. To reduce this logistical load on the fulfillment system, Amazon began reducing the amount of inventory that sellers could actually send to Amazon with ASIN-Level restrictions they began to impose. This was a drastic hit to sellers who relied on the program, and who were experiencing record-breaking demand for their products. However, by the first quarter of 2021, sellers began to adapt to the restrictions, and inventory limits started to increase. On April 22, 2021, Amazon officially announced “FBA products will no longer be subject to ASIN-level quantity limits. Instead, restock limits will be set at the storage-type level, offering you more flexibility in managing your shipments”. The announcement has been gaining traction as many sellers found that it would further reduce available warehouse space, and because the new policy took effect immediately. Whether or not it is widely accepted, sellers have no choice and now have to shift strategy to accommodate. So, what does this mean for you as a seller? We wanted answers, so we met up with the CEO of Marketplace Pulse, Jouzas Kaziukenas to find out more. Does this affect sellers on every level?   “Quantity limits are individual to each seller but apply to all sellers. Bigger sellers would have bigger limits, but then they are also selling more and thus must keep more products in stock. ” Which sellers are affected the most by this change? “I don't think sellers are affected differently, but sellers' ability to adapt to changes is not equal. For sellers with experience and tools to manage tight supply chains, the change is easier to adjust to. For those that are doing most tasks manually, keeping check of quantity limits is going to be considerably harder. ” What does this mean for sellers who have a large selection of SKUs all selling at different volumes? “Amazon hasn't disclosed the formula they use to calculate quantity limits. Thus it is hard to tell... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-05-28 - Modified: 2023-06-05 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/new-product-ideas-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Funding & Lending, Marketing & Advertising Launching new product ideas can be scary business.   Even if you have an amazing idea, the competition in a global digital market is fierce. There are nearly 52 million product SKUs sold on Walmart Marketplace alone, while Amazon Marketplace hosts over 353 million products in almost any category you can think of. In order to stand out and be profitable, it’s not enough for your new product idea to be awesome. It’s got to have something no other product has and it’s got to make its way to the exact target market that needs it.   That’s a lot of pressure.   What if your genius idea bombs? What if you sink all your savings into a launch, take on debt, and lose everything? Or, worse yet, what if you have one great product, and then fade into obscurity as the person who invented the piano key necktie?   Don’t worry. We’re not going to let that happen. Read on for some cautionary tales, hard questions, and actionable tips to make sure you’re launching new product ideas that people actually want. The scoop on new product ideas Spectacular new product idea fails: Classic mistakes to avoid How new product ideas protect your business 4 steps to creating new product ideas people actually want Get to know your product before you get carried away Drill down on the competition Find your fail-proof winners Choose your funding wisely Congrats! It’s time to launch your new product idea Spectacular product idea fails: classic mistakes to avoid Before we get into the details of what really makes for a “sure thing” product idea, let’s take a little trip down memory lane. We could have told you these products would flop. But these household name retailers didn’t get the memo until it was too late.   That’s right, poor product ideas can happen to anyone — whether you’re a brand new startup or the world’s largest e-commerce platform (looking at you, Amazon Fire Phone). From poor product quality to grossly misjudging the target market, there are a million and one ways promising product launches have failed. Here are just a few of them. Laugh and learn. Gerber Singles was an attempt to expand beyond the limitations of baby food and reach an adult market. Gerber Singles (1974) Ever heard of Gerber Singles? We didn’t think so. This was Gerber’s attempt to appeal to adults with, you know, grown-up palates. But you’d have to be pretty desperate to eat pureed Beef Burgundy, Mediterranean Vegetables, and the cloyingly mysterious Blueberry Delight, straight out of a jar. Colgate gave a foray into frozen foods the old college try. Consumers didn’t share their enthusiasm. Colgate Kitchen Entrees (1982) When you think of ready-made frozen meals, a brand known for its toothpaste is not the first option that comes to mind. We may never know how this got onto Colgate’s new product ideas list, but at a time when frozen meal options were plentiful, this one didn’t find its... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/banks-dont-get-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending - Tags: Funding & Lending There's one frustrating fact every online retailer with growing pains will come to know — banks just don't understand eCommerce. With the eCommerce industry generating a staggering $4. 28 trillion in sales in 2020 (and set to expand to $6. 54 trillion by 2023), you'd think banks would jump at the chance to be a part of this market.   Unfortunately, it’s more the opposite. Many (if not most) traditional banks hide their cash from eCommerce businesses as if their lives depend on it. They hit eCommerce businesses with strict requirements like high-collateral demands and long sales history, which excludes most store owners from the jump.   Even if a store does meet the banks' lofty requirements, it's still not plain sailing to secure funding — banks can catch them out with other terms. For example, the need to service balloon payments, which would affect an eCommerce store's liquidity and defeat the purpose of seeking funding, to begin with.   But is there any logic behind their skepticism? Today, we’ll zoom in on some of the reasons eCommerce opportunities fly over the heads of traditional banks, and explore some of the other eCommerce funding options you can turn to if traditional banks continue to give you the cold shoulder. Tired of rejection from old-school banks? Find greener pastures with SellersFunding. Banks Don't Get E-commerce: What We'll Cover How the Disconnect Between Banks and Ecommerce Began 4 Frustrating Reasons Banks Just Don't Get eCommerce The Banks Won't Back You? Don’t Despair The Top Online Funding Options (that Pick Up the Slack from Traditional Banks) The Keys to Thriving Without the Banks on Your Side How the Disconnect Between Banks and Ecommerce Began As our lives become more fast-paced, many consumers have turned their attention to online shopping. The lure of convenient, easy comparison shopping and bargain hunting, combined with secure payment options and protection guarantees has overcome any initial reservations about eCommerce — leading to online selling leaping from just 5. 1% of the retail market a decade ago, to a whopping 21. 3% in 2020. Innovative DIY eCommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce have also helped accelerate the eCommerce boom, going from strength to strength and ripping the market share from the hands of retailers.   But although this is great news for eCommerce sellers, investors, and consumers — the banks still aren’t convinced. The sudden influx of eCommerce sellers in the market blindsided traditional banks who enjoyed their cozy brick-and-mortar retail bubble. Worse still, the banks’ processes and rules weren’t built to cater to eCommerce's innovative structure or fast pace. The outcome? Traditional banks have been left behind when it comes to the dramatic market shifts occurring in the retail market. And eCommerce sellers are left wondering where to turn for help. 4 Frustrating Reasons Banks Just Don't Get E-commerce E-commerce: The Retail Industry's Baby Launched in 1979 by Michael Aldrich, the eCommerce industry is the youngest retail member. Its relative youth causes banks to view eCommerce stores as... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2023-06-12 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/funding-platforms-for-shopify-stores/ - Categories: Blog, Funding & Lending, Shopify - Tags: Funding & Lending, Shopify Disclaimer: This post is not financial advice. It’ll give you an overview of your options, but we recommend you do your own research before making your final decision. You’ve probably noticed that traditional lenders don’t really understand how Shopify stores work. Within the fast-evolving e-commerce landscape, your business needs to be able to adapt and scale quickly, from super scrappy startups to intentional investments in accelerated growth. And most traditional funding providers aren’t fast enough, or flexible enough, to get the job done. The good news is, there are now many more funding options beyond what your local bank or SBA can offer. But how do you know which one is the right option for your unique situation? The good news is, you’re in the right place. We’ve done the research to help you learn which criteria to think about so that you can make a confident decision, and get back to running a successful Shopify store.   Ready? Grab a cup of coffee and dive in. The scoop on funding platforms for Shopify stores Why choosing the right Shopify finance platform matters How to decide which type of funding your Shopify store needs Option 1: SBA loans Option 2: Crowdfunding Option 3: Platform-specific e-commerce financing options Option 4: SellersFi Which funding option is right for your Shopify store? Why choosing the right Shopify finance platform matters Shopify finance can feel like a minefield. There are so many options out there, and so many reasons you may need funding — and that’s actually the first thing to know: There is no one-size solution for funding every Shopify store.   Whether you’re a startup looking to make your first hire, an established retailer looking to stock up on inventory for your next busy season, or you’re ready to double down on marketing and advertising in order to hit the next level, at some point you’re going to need funding that’s designed for businesses like yours.   And that funding has to be flexible enough to meet your needs, not force you into a box you’ll regret later. Plus, finance options created with traditional brick-and-mortar businesses in mind are simply too slow and paperwork-heavy to be practical for fast-paced e-commerce businesses. Even among options designed for e-commerce, terms vary so widely that you have to know exactly what you’re looking for and how to get it. Bottom line? It pays to do some research before you make a decision. How to decide which type of funding your Shopify store needs Traditional lenders and investors don’t understand how quickly e-commerce businesses can grow and change. This means they have long, slow approval processes that hold you back from reinvesting in your e-commerce business’s growth. Here are a few criteria that will help you decide what Shopify finance option is right for you. Write down your answers before you start comparison shopping: How much do you need? Be realistic, allowing yourself to set big goals within the limits of what you know you can... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-05-17 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/product-reviews-skyrocket-ecommerce-sales/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising As a consumer, you know e-commerce product reviews are important. (Really, when was the last time you bought something online without reading several reviews first? )  But as an e-commerce business owner, what’s the best way to incorporate reviews into your strategy? And how do you make sure you’re getting the most value from them? In this article, we break down everything you need to know about product reviews, including key benefits they can bring to your business, top strategies for generating more reviews, how to successfully (and ethically) leverage incentives, and four best practices to help your reviews drive more sales. The scoop on e-commerce product reviews Product reviews are a digital goldmine How to get more e-commerce product reviews Want more product reviews? Sweeten the deal 4 Best practices for e-commerce product reviews Show me the love (and the money) Product reviews are a digital goldmine Customer product reviews are the best marketing material you don’t have to create — and they can have an enormous impact on your business growth. Here are three of the biggest ways customer reviews can give a boost to your business:  Build trust in your brand (and drive sales) Consumers are naturally skeptical of products they haven’t tried before. That’s why 95% of customers depend on reviews and ratings before making a purchase decision.   The fact is, consumers are 76% more likely to trust a review from a stranger on the internet than your marketing materials but don’t let that get you down. Research shows that reviews make customers feel significantly more comfortable making a purchase (71%) — and even lead them to spend 31% more money.   Get valuable feedback to help you improve Getting applause from raving fans feels great. But heckling and booing? Not so much. And yet, most online sellers will receive less-than-perfect reviews at some point or another.   The silver lining is, even if it doesn’t feel great, complaints in your reviews can be enormously valuable for your business by alerting you to the most important improvements to focus on.   There’s something else you should know about negative reviews — they might actually be good for business. According to Womply, businesses whose total number of reviews is 15-20% negative actually average 13% more revenue than businesses whose total number of reviews is 5-10% negative. Go figure.   The moral of the story? Even if it stings, take it in your stride and make the best of it. Amplify your SEO visibility Customer reviews can be jam-packed with juicy keywords that boost your search engine ranking and drive more traffic to your online store.   One of the great things about product reviews is they can reveal the natural language and organic search terms customers are using (but which you may not have nailed yet in your product copy). You’ll also have the opportunity to collect awesome user-generated content like photos and videos.   Plus, the more frequently customers review your products, the more frequently... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-05-14 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/leverage-voice-ecommerce-conversions/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog There’s no question: Voice search has become mainstream.   Voice-controlled virtual assistants have integrated into the fabric of everyday life — and as those tools become more capable, reliable sources of information, their popularity will only continue to grow.   ‘That’s cool,’ you might be thinking. ‘But what does voice search have to do with e-commerce? ’  As it turns out, quite a bit.   In this article, we dive deep into the voice search trend, revealing new opportunities for online sellers, delivering inspiration from big brands, and helping you take advantage of everything voice search has to offer. The scoop on e-commerce voice search What’s the big deal with voice search? E-commerce voice search: What’s the opportunity for online retailers? Alexa dominates voice commerce E-commerce brands that are killing it with voice search How to optimize for voice search and commerce Search by voice may be the future of e-commerce What’s the big deal with voice search? Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know what voice search is. If you aren’t familiar, it’s exactly what it sounds like the ability to conduct a search using your voice. Simple? Yes. Powerful? Double yes.   And it’s on a dramatic rise: 65% of consumers aged 25-49 talk to their voice-enabled devices on a daily basis. Among people who own voice-activated speakers, 72% use them as part of their daily routine (and there are more than 200 million of these devices across the globe). 43% of people shop online via voice-enabled devices. Smart speaker sales are expected to surpass tablet sales in 2021. 55% of households will use smart speakers by 2022. 58% of consumers find local businesses using voice-activated search. Why consumers love voice search So what’s driving all this popularity?   Two words: Efficiency and convenience. Consider the amount of time it takes to type out a search query (especially on a tiny smartphone keyboard). Statistically speaking, the average person types at a speed of 40 words per minute. Our speaking rate, on the other hand, is about 150 words per minute — nearly 4X faster.   But speed isn’t the only thing that makes voice search so darn popular.   Because voice search is a hands-free activity, it’s very easy to ask a question and get an answer while you’re multitasking — especially helpful if your hands are otherwise occupied by things like cooking or playing a game.   Another advantage virtual assistants bring to the table is an increased level of personalization. These tools are deeply integrated into their parent ecosystems (Amazon, Google, and Apple) which allows them to access data about your appointments, to-do list, shopping behavior, and other habits.   Combined with the powers of AI and machine learning, virtual assistants and voice search have the ability to deliver even more effective and personalized search results and suggestions.   E-commerce voice search: What’s the opportunity for online retailers? Voice-controlled virtual assistants are opening a whole new world of opportunity for retailers — and... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-05-12 - Modified: 2023-04-11 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-buy-box/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon It’s no secret that Amazon offers some serious opportunities — from the $4. 8 billion in BFCM sales made by independent businesses in 2020 to the fact that 89% of Amazon shoppers are more likely to buy on Amazon than other e-commerce sites. As a seller, you can claim a piece of that massive pie.   So how do you make sure you get the biggest piece possible? Once your business starts gaining momentum on Amazon, the Buy Box should be your next big target. This little button can push sales through the roof and deliver hockey-stick growth for your business.   But if you want to score the prime position, you’ve gotta compete to win.   In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Buy Box position, including how to ensure your products are Buy Box eligible, what to do if they aren’t, and key strategies to help you win (and keep! ) the top spot in order to drive big results for your business.   The Scoop on the Amazon Buy Box What’s the big deal with the Amazon Buy Box? How to achieve Amazon Buy Box eligibility Follow these 7 tips to win (and keep! ) the Amazon Buy Box Real talk: No one really knows the secret to the Amazon Buy Box sauce  What’s the Big Deal with the Amazon Buy Box? First off, what is the Amazon Buy Box? When multiple sellers offer the same product on Amazon, the Buy Box (also known as the ‘Featured Offer’) is that coveted seller position linked to the ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Add to Cart’ button on the main product detail page.   If your product isn’t the Featured Offer, shoppers will have to click the ‘New & Used’ or ‘Other Sellers on Amazon’ box before they have a chance to see your offer. But how much of an impact can the Buy Box really have on your business? And is it really worth putting in the work to achieve it? If you’re already gaining momentum as an Amazon seller, our answer is . That’s because 83% of Amazon sales come through the Buy Box (although that number could be closer to 90% on mobile! ). Every additional click a potential customer has to make to see your product is a point of friction for your sale — but the Buy Box makes conversions as slick as possible.   (This is especially important in the Amazon mobile app because those other buttons are even more likely to be out of sight. ) So how do you make sure you get a piece of that pie? We’ll show you.   How to Achieve Amazon Buy Box Eligibility Before you can compete for the Amazon Buy Box, you have to become eligible.   Here’s how: First off, only Professional selling accounts and new products are eligible for the Buy Box, so if you haven’t upgraded your account or you’re selling a used product, you won’t be able... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-05-11 - Modified: 2023-07-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/inventory-management-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog If you’re new to selling online, then you might be asking, "What exactly is e-commerce inventory management? "  The simple answer is that inventory is your stock, and e-commerce inventory management is how you source, store, and sell your stock.   Understanding the balance of how much stock you have, the price you should sell it for, and where to store it is called inventory forecasting. While these terms are your baseline of inventory knowledge, there are several others that are crucial to understanding e-commerce inventory management. We’re breaking down the important facts to help you better manage your inventory.   Inventory terms and what you should know  In order to best manage your stock, it’s important to get familiarised with the big keywords. Understanding the business and strategy of e-commerce inventory management will make the process smooth and leave you sailing.   Stock Keeping Unit (SKU): is an identification code used to classify and organize products.   Variants: variations of the same product, such as a different color, size, etc.   Supply Chain: the processes used in producing, managing, and distributing products.   Dead Stock: inventory you have in stock but can’t sell anymore. Buffer Stock: extra stock that’s used to limit risk if supply and demand are uncertain.   Minimum Viable Stock: the minimum amount of product you need to have to keep up with consumer demand and complete orders without delay.   Reorder Point (ROP): the predetermined level inventory must drop to before ordering more inventory.   Lead Time: the time between when inventory is ordered from a supplier and when it arrives to the fulfillment center. First in First Out (FIFO): an accounting method that assumes that sellable assets, such as inventory, raw materials, or components acquired first, were sold first. That is, the oldest merchandise is sold first, with its associated costs being used to determine profitability. Just-in-Time (JIT): a fulfillment method where inventory orders are made just in time to keep up with demand from consumers.   Dropshipping: a fulfillment method where you don’t actually store any inventory onsite. Instead, orders are fulfilled, and inventory is shipped directly from a third party to the customer.   Inventory Auditing: the act of manually counting or checking inventory to ensure that it matches the numbers that exist within your tracking and automation systems.   Inventory Forecasting: making informed decisions about ordering and reordering products based on historical data, trends, and seasonality in your business.   The ins and outs of e-commerce inventory management  In order to build a sustainable and profitable e-commerce business, it’s important to properly manage your inventory. If you start out poorly managing your inventory, it can be a challenge to overcome later on, for a business of any size or scope. The keys to success are understanding the following: When to reorder stock How to reorder stock How much stock to reorder How long your supply can stay in or out of the warehouse Overstocking and overselling  Do your best to never... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-05-07 - Modified: 2023-05-04 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-ideas-may-holidays/ - Categories: Blog There’s nothing quite like the summer in e-commerce. Sales notoriously drop and even though you know the drill, in the back of your mind you question whether they’ll ever recover. Lucky for you, there’s a discreet lifeline lurking on your calendar: the May holidays. You already know holidays are an excellent opportunity to pull in the big bucks for your e-commerce store. In fact, some are so profitable that an online store can bring in up to a year's takings in just one day. 2019's Cyber Monday was the largest e-commerce shopping day ever in the US, raking in over $9. 4 billion, while in 2020, 36% of US buyers planned to do most of their Christmas shopping on Black Friday. The holidays in May are no exception. They can keep you afloat in the slimmer months and prepare you for the Q4 showdown.   Today, we'll share some insider e-commerce ideas for the May holidays, including tips and tricks to help you create profitable promos that help keep your sales healthy year-round. Let's go! E-commerce Ideas for the May Holidays: What We’ll Cover Why You Need to Shake Up Your E-commerce Strategy for Holidays in May 5 E-commerce Ideas To Boost Revenue During the May Holidays Audit your past promotions to reveal your top-performers Prepare your marketing content way in advance Create a marketing funnel for each holiday Be bold enough to stand out Create unmissable giveaways How to Make Sure Your E-commerce Holiday Ideas Run Like Clockwork Need a way to fund the upcoming holidays? Learn more about our working capital funding. Why You Need to Shake Up Your E-commerce Strategy for Holidays in May Unlike other months in the US, May is jam-packed with festivities — offering a unique opportunity for your store to make some serious cash to prepare for Father's Day in June, the upcoming summer slump, Q4, and even future growth goals. But the truth is, many e-commerce sellers don't give May celebrations enough credit. To help you jump ahead of the competition, here are some May holidays to capitalize on: Brothers and Sisters Day Mother's Day Patriots Day Eid-Al-Fitr Cinco De Mayo National Creativity Day National Smile Day Memorial Day With so many holidays, you can bet your competitors will be gearing up to throw their best promotional punches to get more sales — run-of-the-mill promos won't cut it. Instead, you need to tweak your marketing strategy to rise above the noise. 5 E-commerce Ideas to Boost Revenue During the May Holidays It's no secret that the holiday season can help your business bring in the big bucks.   For example, Mother's Day is the third biggest festivity on the holiday calendar, pulling in nearly $25 billion in the US alone in 2019. To get you on the road to boosting sales, here are some top e-commerce store ideas to follow for the May holidays: 1. Audit your past promotions to reveal your top-performers There's no need to reinvent the wheel - chances... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-30 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/online-retailers-guide-global-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog, Expansion Did you know that the US only accounts for 15% of the world’s purchasing power? If you’re thinking, “So how can I get a piece of the other 85%? ”... well, you’re our kind of person.   The fact is, there are HUGE opportunities for online retailers who can cater to a global audience and sell across borders — now more than ever before.   Of course, it takes work and it can be pretty intimidating. But that’s why we’re here. We’re about to serve up all the info and guidance you need to tackle the challenges of global e-commerce with less stress and more success! Let’s dive in. The scoop on global e-commerce Big world, bigger opportunities The challenges of going global Challenge: Can you find fans around the world? Challenge: Don’t get lost in translation Challenge: Dollars to dinars, pounds to pesos Challenge: Shipping across the globe Challenge: Jumping through international hoops Can you afford to miss out on cross-border sales? Big world, bigger opportunities So when we say that there are massive opportunities for global retailers, just how big are we talking? Well, let’s take a look at those numbers.   Global e-commerce statistics Make no mistake: The global e-commerce market is BOOMING.   In 2020, e-commerce claimed 16. 4% of global retail sales — an all-time high! 2021 promises to keep that trend going with an anticipated $4. 891 trillion in sales... oh, and China is expected to produce $2. 8 trillion of it! But that’s not all: China will also lead in digital buyers (792. 5 million, a. k. a. one-third of the world’s e-commerce shoppers) and become the first country to take more than half of their retail sales online.   E-commerce growth is also surging in Latin America — the region led the world with 36. 7% growth in 2020.   Don’t discount Europe either: mobile sales are exploding in Germany, and more than half of the UK’s e-commerce sales will happen on mobile devices this year.   Of course, much of this growth came in response to 2020’s pandemic lockdowns, which forced many brick-and-mortar retailers to close their doors for weeks and even months. Buyer behaviors shifted significantly as many older shoppers joined Millennials and Gen Z online, with 84% of consumers choosing to shop online during the pandemic. Cracking the worldwide market online: The challenges of going global As our world grows more and more connected, it’s no surprise that e-commerce is expanding across borders too. But for many merchants, buying and selling in a new territory is, well, new territory. As an e-commerce business, it’s your job to show your global audience that your brand can be trusted to deliver a consistent customer experience, no matter where in the world your customers and products are located.   But you probably know that expanding into new global markets is easier said than done. So what are some of the challenges you might face when you take your online store global? And... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-27 - Modified: 2023-05-02 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/best-platforms-product-images/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising E-commerce product images. You already know they’re absolutely essential for your online store. But what can great photos really do for your products? And how do you make sure that your photos actually increase conversions?   Shopper expectations are higher than ever — and that includes your product photography as well, especially as leading smartphone brands have placed professional-grade cameras in our pockets. (Although many of us lack the skills to take advantage of them. ) So do you have to hire a professional? Or can you get away with using manufacturer photos? (Spoiler alert: Only as a last resort. ) If you go the do-it-yourself route, how do you make sure it’s not a DIYsaster? In this article, we’re sharing all the best tips for getting stellar product images for your online store that enhance your brand and drive more sales.   The scoop on e-commerce product images The goal of great e-commerce images Follow these 4 core rules for e-commerce product images that convert Can I use product images from the manufacturer? Should I hire a professional product photographer? Should I take my own product photos? Showcase real customers The golden rule of product photography The goal of great e-commerce images Obviously, the whole point of product images is to get people to purchase. But to make sure you get your product photography right, it helps to think about how product images help increase sales. Great product images do three things well: They inform — and set correct expectations. When you can’t physically handle the product before buying, pictures are the next best thing. Accurate, informative product images help set the right expectations for your customers. (After all, the last thing you want to get is a “not as expected” review. ) They inspire confidence in your brand. Your product images signal the legitimacy and professionalism of your brand, as well as reinforcing your brand aesthetic.   They entice shoppers to purchase. Images can help make your product look more appealing and inspire interest and desire in your customers.   Follow these 4 core rules for e-commerce product images that convert It’s one thing to understand that the right product images definitely DO matter. But establishing a set process for sourcing, posting, and optimizing stellar product images takes work.   So how do you make sure the product images on your online store meet all of the right goals?   1. Keep it consistent The most important photos in your online store are your individual product shots. Why? Because they provide the clearest information about your product and showcase it without distractions. Most stores provide product shots on a seamless background with gentle natural light.   Make sure that your principal product photos are consistent in look and feel, formatting, and size. Not only will this help your shop look more professional, but it will also make it much easier for shoppers to compare options side by side.   Consistent does NOT have to mean boring While marketplaces... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-26 - Modified: 2023-03-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/9-best-ecommerce-website-builders/ - Categories: Blog Creating your e-commerce website is exciting — but with so many possible website builders to choose from, how do you make sure you’re picking the right one for your business? E-commerce website builders can vary widely in the features they offer, the fees they charge, and the amount of work they require. And the choice of which tool you choose definitely matters because the right website can also have a significant impact on when and how you get paid. Fortunately, we’re here to help you make the best decision for you and your e-commerce business, from things to watch out for to the pros and cons of the most popular website builders (and a few other alternatives). Finally, we’ll offer a few tips to make sure you get the most out of whatever builder you choose! The scoop on website builders Questions you should ask when choosing an e-commerce site builder The inside scoop on today’s top e-commerce site builders How to make sure your choice pays off, no matter what Questions you should ask when choosing an e-commerce site builder As you begin to evaluate and compare your options, there are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind so you can start your search with a clear vision. (Grab a pen and paper, or bookmark this list. You’ll want to keep these questions handy! ) Is it easy to use? (And if not, do you have the experience and skills to tackle it? ) What kind of designs or templates are available? How customizable are they? What extra features or add-ons does the platform offer? What kinds of goods can you sell (physical, digital, services, subscriptions)? How well does it integrate with social media (and social shopping)? What level of customer or community support is available? What are the upfront and/or ongoing costs? Does the platform charge transaction fees? What payment gateways are available? What kind of security does the platform offer? What apps or tools can it integrate with? Can the platform scale with your business as you grow? Try to decide which qualities are must-haves vs. nice-to-haves and whether any are absolute dealbreakers. While it’s unlikely that any one platform will meet all of your ideal criteria, it can be helpful to come into your search with a clear priority list. The inside scoop on today’s top e-commerce site builders There are numerous e-commerce website builders available on the market today, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s the inside scoop on nine of the most popular online store builders: Wix eCommerce If you’re brand new to website building, Wix makes it crazy easy — without skimping on value. With over 500 pre-built online store templates and a drag-and-drop builder, you can get your store set up in minutes and even start selling on social media. Wix offers a number of great tools built in (like SEO), plus an excellent app market with 250+ free and premium add-ons.   But while Wix is... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-26 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/9-best-ecommerce-website-builders-2/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising, Shopify - Tags: Marketing, Shopify Creating your e-commerce website is exciting — but with so many possible website builders to choose from, how do you make sure you’re picking the right one for your business? E-commerce website builders can vary widely in the features they offer, the fees they charge, and the amount of work they require. And the choice of which tool you choose definitely matters because the right website can also have a significant impact on when and how you get paid. Fortunately, we’re here to help you make the best decision for you and your e-commerce business, from things to watch out for to the pros and cons of the most popular website builders (and a few other alternatives). Finally, we’ll offer a few tips to make sure you get the most out of whatever builder you choose! The scoop on website builders Questions you should ask when choosing an e-commerce site builder The inside scoop on today’s top e-commerce site builders How to make sure your choice pays off, no matter what Questions you should ask when choosing an e-commerce site builder As you begin to evaluate and compare your options, there are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind so you can start your search with a clear vision. (Grab a pen and paper, or bookmark this list. You’ll want to keep these questions handy! ) Is it easy to use? (And if not, do you have the experience and skills to tackle it? ) What kind of designs or templates are available? How customizable are they? What extra features or add-ons does the platform offer? What kinds of goods can you sell (physical, digital, services, subscriptions)? How well does it integrate with social media (and social shopping)? What level of customer or community support is available? What are the upfront and/or ongoing costs? Does the platform charge transaction fees? What payment gateways are available? What kind of security does the platform offer? What apps or tools can it integrate with? Can the platform scale with your business as you grow? Try to decide which qualities are must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, and whether any are absolute dealbreakers. While it’s unlikely that any one platform will meet all of your ideal criteria, it can be helpful to come into your search with a clear priority list. The inside scoop on today’s top e-commerce site builders There are numerous e-commerce website builders available on the market today, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s the inside scoop on nine of the most popular online store builders: Wix eCommerce If you’re brand new to website building, Wix makes it crazy easy — without skimping on value. With over 500 pre-built online store templates and a drag-and-drop builder, you can get your store set up in minutes and even start selling on social media. Wix offers a number of great tools built in (like SEO), plus an excellent app market with 250+ free and premium add-ons.   But while Wix is... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-26 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/ecommerce-growth-here-to-stay/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Marketing & Advertising Download the Full Infographic Since Covid hit, the growth of e-commerce has leaped into full gear, grabbing the attention of shoppers and businesses alike. In fact, a recent Adobe study found e-commerce accelerated by up to 6 years during the pandemic, reaching $82. 5 billion—a whopping 77% year-on-year rise. Covid has even bolstered notoriously slower months. In January 2021, online UK purchases made up a record-breaking 35. 2% of retail sales. While the US experienced a 45. 2% hike in online sales over the 2020 holiday period alone. These figures are exciting for e-commerce sellers—but the pandemic isn't the only reason for this rapid growth. E-commerce has made impressive strides in its own right. And thanks to technological advances, changes in consumer expectations, and more sophisticated logistics, the upward trend is here to stay. But what does the growth of e-commerce mean for your business? And is your business equipped to stand the test of time in this ultra-competitive era of e-commerce? Let's find out. The e-commerce industry is just getting going. If you’re ready to reach new markets, find out how a global Digital Wallet can help save you money! E-commerce Growth and Demand: Here’s What We'll Cover E-commerce Growth: The Gift That Keeps On Giving Why The e-commerce Growth Boom Is Here to Stay Ensure Your E-commerce Store Stands the Test of Time Optimize for e-commerce growth Onboard the right tech stack Shorten the steps in your checkout process Sell your story Invest in a strong social media presence The Ultimate Strategy for Enviable E-commerce Growth  E-commerce Growth: The Gift That Keeps On Giving There's a lot of speculation on why e-commerce has taken center stage. Are people bored and just filling their time shopping online? Or maybe it's a government-backed ploy to reignite the economy? The answer is neither. E-commerce has been winning for a while, so when the pandemic struck, e-commerce wasn't just ready to pick up the slack—it was in a position to hit the gas and thrive. Let's look at the reasons why: 1.  Online shopping blends seamlessly with social media E-commerce and social media have a strong mutually beneficial relationship—37% of consumers use social media to research, get inspired, investigate their next purchase, and then click over to an online store to seal the deal. So, it's no surprise there are 9 million advertisers on Facebook, over 25 million brand accounts on Instagram, and 60 million Instagrammers who find new products on the platform. 2.  More stores are merging offline and online experiences E-commerce isn't just building its future, it also helps physical stores secure theirs by removing in-store shopping annoyances. For example, thanks to the infrastructure laid by e-commerce, shoppers now benefit from things like: Click and collect in store and in lockers. Order online in-store for out of stocks or pre-orders. Online pre-orders save customers' time (and now for social distancing purposes). This arrangement improves customer satisfaction and helps physical stores recover sales that would have otherwise been lost. 3.  E-commerce... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-19 - Modified: 2023-04-21 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/mother-of-all-ecommerce-sales-days/ - Categories: Blog The Motherlode of All E-commerce Sales: Mother's Day So, it’s that time of year – when April showers bring May flowers, apparel, accessories, consumables and so much more for Mom. This year, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on May 9th in the US, China, Brazil, throughout the EU, and dozens of countries around the world. And the pandemic isn’t slowing anything down. e-commerce is predicted to be the top channel for Mother’s Day. Seize the Opportunity According to the National Retail Federation, 86% of consumers plan to gift Mom. They also plan to spend more on Mom than ever at $205. Shoppers are also looking at non-traditional categories, including electronics, housewares, gardening items, books, music, and more. With consumer purchasing behavior experiencing a major shift thanks to the pandemic, shoppers will no doubt be influenced by unique products, enjoyment and delight, and gifts that invoke a sense of connectedness. In general, shoppers tend to wait until the last minute to buy Mother’s Day gifts so beefing up inventory and starting promotions a few weeks out can help you capitalize on the most relevant time. Capitalize on your growth with an advance on your e-commerce sales, working capital, or an advance on your daily Amazon sales. It’s Not Too Late... Yet Don’t wait to capitalize on this MOMentous seasonal opportunity. Here are 2 strategies you can implement NOW to maximize revenue. 1. Ramp up inventory so SKUs are never out-of-stock. If your best sellers are the dreaded OOS, shoppers are moving on — to the competition. With Working Capital, gone are the days of worrying about 0 inventory. 2. Increase ad spend to reach new customers and to drive repeat purchases. While Google, Facebook, and Amazon Advertising are the big players, experimentation can give you an even bigger boost in sales during these high-traffic times. For example, Pinterest has millions of users who are literally browsing for products. Testing new channels, ad formats, creative, and more may give you positive insights to integrate long after Mother's Day is over (psst: Dads & Grads and Prime Day are just around the corner). Whatever your strategy, be sure to analyze customer behaviors from previous years and during the pandemic, so you can plan accordingly for all of your marketing channels and ad spend. Increasing cash flow, especially during high volume times, is key to the growth of any company. With a Daily Advance, you get access to your very own sales much faster than waiting 14 days for Amazon to payout. How We Can Help You You’ve worked hard to get to where you are now. Just remember: The easy path to cash flow does not have to be a sacrificial decision. Cutting costs or resources, even if temporary, may seem appealing... While many times they often dig a hole — putting you AND your business behind — stagnating your true growth potential. If you are focused on getting back to Square One, someone else is there to take the opportunity. That's where... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-12 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/improve-cash-flow-ecommerce/ - Categories: Blog Sellers Funding can help you avoid common mistakes when you're trying to improve cash flow for your e-commerce business. Contact us today. To get to where you are in your e-ommerce journey, you're bound to have had your fair share of palm-face cash flow blunders. They range in severity from annoying to straight-up paralyzing—and can even be disastrous to the health of your business. In fact, Dun & Bradstreet found that 90% of businesses fail due to low cash flow. We’ve all been there: you fail to order a goods inspection, resulting in thousands of dollars stuck in defective, unsellable products. Or, maybe you forget about your annual subscription renewals, and the charges wipe your account clean days before your other bills are due. In the game of business, there are a million cash flow crunching scenarios that can catch you off guard. And while mistakes are part and parcel of the journey, too many cash flow blunders are a recipe for trouble. If you're left wondering how to cover your expenses each month, you’ll need a way to turn things around—and fast.   To help you dodge costly mistakes, let's take a no-holds-barred look at some of the not-so-helpful tactics e-commerce sellers sometimes use in a bid to improve cash flow, and explore some better ways to go about it. What we’ll cover 5 Blunders Killing Your E-Commerce Cash Flow Attention: Stock overload! Hiding from the truth (AKA your numbers) Widening your product selection before you’re ready Throwing money at customer acquisition and crossing your fingers Scrimping on ‘looking the part’ Top Tips to Get Your Cash Flow on the Straight and Narrow Create an emergency fund Track. Every. Expense. Diversify your dinero A Better Road for Your E-commerce Business 5 Blunders Killing Your E-Commerce Cash Flow #1. Attention: Stock overload! Let's imagine your supplier just offered you a 30% discount under the condition you buy an extra 1000 units of your product. You’d buy these at some point anyway, so it seems like a no-brainer, right? Not exactly. Unless there's a valid business reason for buying more stock—like planning for the Q4 sales rush—purchasing more inventory than you need can dry up your cash flow and cause some pretty sticky issues. Here are a few of the worst: Cash locked in stock until you sell it (and there's no guarantee you will) Needing to find funds to purchase and ship additional units Having to fork out for more warehouse space to store extra goods Stock going out of style or season before you've sold it, forcing you to heavily discount or sell at a loss The unplanned purchase drains money that could be used to invest back into growing the business With the global cost of inventory mishaps hitting $1. 1 trillion, it pays to think before you commit.   Although discounts are tempting, it's best to order inventory as precisely as possible in order to maintain liquidity in your business. Avoid “winging it” when it comes to inventory management, as overstocking can be just as tedious (and expensive! ) to manage as understocking. And always remember to use smart... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-09 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/what-is-ecommerce-marketing-agency/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising As an entrepreneur, you know marketing is vital to the success of your e-commerce business.   It’s also a lot of work. And the reality is, it’s usually not something you can do halfway and expect to see any real results. Enter, the e-commerce marketing agency. The right marketing agency can take care of all the fancy ad targeting, marketing funnels, and everything in between to make sure you get the conversions you need to keep your business growing. But choosing to dive into an agency partnership can be intimidating.   How do you find the right partner? How do you decide which approach is best for your business? Should you even bother to get outside help? Or would you be better off hiring someone in-house? You’ve worked too hard to blow your marketing budget on the wrong agency partner. Luckily, we’re here to help make it easy.   In this article, we’ll dive deep into the real challenges of finding and working with an e-commerce agency. We’ll review the potential disadvantages and offer up a few of the top can’t-miss questions to make sure you hire the right partner.   The scoop on e-commerce marketing agencies What is an e-commerce marketing agency? When should you hire an e-commerce marketing agency? 6 benefits of hiring an e-commerce agency What are the cons of working with a marketing agency? How to choose an e-commerce marketing agency Whatever you do, make sure you mesh What is an e-commerce marketing agency? You probably already know that a marketing agency is a business that offers marketing services to their clients. In e-commerce, these services can run the gamut, including:  Branding and graphic design Market research E-commerce website design and development Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising Search engine optimization (SEO) Website conversion rate optimization (CRO) Copywriting Social media marketing Video content  Email marketing Ad campaign strategies Marketing analytics Print marketing Public relations And more... An e-commerce marketing agency does all of these things but specializes in the unique needs and strategies that apply to e-commerce businesses. So if you need help with e-commerce website UI/UX, SEO, social shopping tools — or anything else under the e-commerce marketing sun — you’ll definitely want to work with an agency experienced in serving e-commerce businesses. When should you hire an e-commerce marketing agency?   If you’re sitting on a pile of startup capital and you’re determined to have a high-impact launch, you might be thinking about hiring a marketing agency from day one. But if you’re like the majority of growing e-commerce businesses, it often makes sense to handle the marketing on your own when you’re still in the early days. As you grow, you’ll likely find yourself with more marketing goals and tasks than you can handle.   So, how do you know when it’s exactly the right moment to pass that growing marketing to-do list over to someone else? It might be time to hire an e-commerce agency if...   ... you don’t have time to manage (or... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-09 - Modified: 2023-04-18 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/instagram-strategy-101-product-launch/ - Categories: Blog, Marketing & Advertising Selling products is no longer a business of just simple marketing tactics. Throughout the course of the pandemic, there has been an exponential rise in e-commerce transactions, and an increasing amount of that business comes directly from social media marketing. With its image-focused strategy and ability to connect directly with consumers, Instagram is the place to sell products and engage with your audience. But where do you start? Which features will help to gain an ROI? We’re diving into the latest strategies to help you launch your product. The scoop on Instagram strategy · The Basics of Setting up Your Profile · Images and Content Strategy · The Best Features to Engage Your Audience · Scheduling Tools to Organize Your Content · Preparing Your Audience for Launch The Basics of Setting up Your Profile You’ll first need to set up a profile on Instagram, choose your Instagram name, and make your profile public. There are pros and cons to both business and creator accounts on Instagram. You can decide on setting up a business or creator account based on your need to schedule posts in advance, and your paid media goals. Images and Content for Your Instagram Strategy Your first step is going to be to map out your content, images, and graphics at least 2 months in advance. When consumers come to your Instagram page, you want to make sure that you have a brand story to tell them with the use of pictures of your products, information about your store, and what value you are offering them. All of this is before you officially launch your product. It’s important to note that authenticity is critical. The use of original images or videos will garner a greater engagement rate, rather than stock photos on this platform. The more humanized your brand is, the more active your audience will be with your page. Stick with images that tell your story and evoke a feeling in your followers. Ensure that they’re clear and accurately sized for Instagram. The Best Features to Engage Your Audience Talking about features. Instagram has various ways to share content on the platform that can help to engage your audience. Instagram’s top features include: · In-feed posts. Having regular posts in your feed will help to build up an image library for when followers visit your page. This helps to tell your brand story and to give followers a place to go back to when they want to learn more about your store. · Stories. The stories feature allows you to share multiple products or images in a short period of time, and for followers to shop your products directly with the swipe-up feature. This is a great tool to engage with your followers daily, announce product launches, and make quick sales if you have constantly changing or new products to share. · Instagram TV (IGTV). If you want to have a live conversation with your audience, IGTV is another feature to explore. It gives you the... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-04-08 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/transaction-fees-silent-killer-wallet/ - Categories: Blog, Inventory & Sourcing Transaction Fees: The Silent Killer for E-commerce Sellers These days, business is global. According to the Cross-Border Payments and E-commerce Report for 2020-2021 by The Paypers, the global cross-border B2C e-commerce market will reach €3. 9 trillion by 2027. (That’s a trillion with a ‘t’. ) Now, consider the fact that every single one of these cross-border transactions involves multiple fees — transaction fees, exchange fees, bank fees — and that’s before you account for the extortionate exchange rate markups charged by most banks and payment platforms. For e-commerce sellers with a global footprint, sending and receiving money internationally is slow, expensive, and a major pain in the you-know-what. If you sell your products abroad, or pay suppliers and staff in other countries, you’re likely paying a hefty price in cross-border transaction fees — and while solutions like Paypal, Revolut, and Wise can offer some helpful (if clunky) workarounds, these are consumer financial products and simply weren’t designed with e-commerce in mind. Today, we're going to shine a floodlight on the many hidden fees for e-commerce businesses operating across borders. We’ll dive deep into Paypal’s fee schedule and explore some better ways to make payments and receive marketplace payouts when working in multiple currencies. What Are Transaction Fees? (And Why Are They So Hard for Cross-border Sellers to Navigate? ) If you’ve been in the e-commerce game for long, you’re likely already aware of the damaging impact transaction fees can have on your end-of-year financial results. In the day-to-day, it’s easy to overlook these small fees as just another cost of doing business. But over time, they can become a serious drain on your profit margins. For businesses that operate in multiple geographies and currencies, transaction fees coupled with hefty currency exchange costs can feel like death by a thousand cuts to your P&L. So what are we talking about exactly when we talk about ‘transaction fees? ’ Here’s a straightforward definition from Investopedia: “A per-transaction fee is an expense a business must pay each time it processes an electronic payment for a customer transaction. Per-transaction fees vary across service providers, typically costing merchants from 0. 5% to 5% of the transaction amount plus certain fixed fees. ” Between the transaction fee charged by your payment processor and/or merchant service provider, the interchange fee charged by the credit card provider and/or bank, the additional per-transaction charge, the foreign transaction fee, and the (usually bad) exchange rate from one currency to another, simply being a global seller can cost you big time. It’d be impossible to review all the fee schedules out there for the dozens and dozens of different payment processors and merchant platforms, so to help you understand what the most common transaction fees are for global e-commerce businesses, we’ll stick with a classic example: Paypal. Paypal Transaction Fees: What Are Global Purchases Really Costing Your Business? As one of the longest-standing payment processors in e-commerce history, Paypal is a mammoth-sized player in the global online merchant community. As... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/amazon-subscription-boxes/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog, Marketing & Advertising - Tags: Amazon, Marketing & Advertising Sellers Funding will help you to sell subscription boxes on Amazon and increase your customer base. Contact us for further information. Subscription boxes have sprung into the limelight in recent years. Whether it's a beauty addict getting their fix of the latest glow-up products or an expert time-saver getting their monthly essentials delivered on auto-pilot, Amazon subscription boxes offer something for everyone.   In fact, the subscription box market is growing fast. According to research by UnivDatos Market Insights, the market for subscription boxes is tipped to grow an additional 68% to reach a jaw-dropping $478 billion by 2025. In typical Amazon fashion, the eCommerce giant sought to claim its slice of the subscription box pie by launching its 'Subscribe and Save' subscription service model in 2007 — and it’s been a hit ever since. Amazon's subscription services (including Prime) made a staggering $19. 21 billion in revenue in 2019, around 20% of its total revenue. Not only that, research by Hitwise (now a division of Connexity) found that 58% of eCommerce subscription buyers were Amazon shoppers, doubling the odds they'll buy on Amazon. Data also shows that Amazon's subscription buyers are more engaged and ready to spend. A study by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners found that Amazon's subscribed buyers spend $600 more than those not subscribed to any services. Clearly, Amazon has cracked the subscription box code. And there's still room for creative sellers to get in on the action. But what does it really take to succeed as an Amazon subscription box seller? Let's find out. What Are Amazon Subscription Boxes Anyway? Amazon's subscription service, 'Subscribe and Save,' allows customers to sign up for deliveries of items they frequently use at a promotional price for regular, repeat purchases. Here’s how it works: Amazon operates a tiered discount system ranging from 5-15% (with the bill footed to you, the seller). Plus, any offers your store is running at the time of purchase will also be applied to the order.   This discounting strategy removes a nice chunk of change from what the customer would have bought anyway, adding to its appeal for buyers.   To seal the deal, Amazon offers free FBA deliveries on all subscription orders and a commitment-free guarantee. This smart combination of excellent customer service, markdowns, and convenience is how Amazon lures buyers in and keeps them. Ready to sign on the dotted line for your business?   Wait one second. There is a catch. Amazon 'Subscribe and Save' isn't open to every seller. There are specific requirements you must meet in order to qualify for enrollment.   Aside from requiring that your selling account is in good shape and that you are the brand owner of the items you wish to enroll in the program, Amazon will judge your eligibility using four criteria: Fulfillment history and in-stock rate Sales performance Product category Average selling price Read Amazon's rules about what it takes to get accepted into Amazon’s 'Subscribe and Save' program. Selling Subscription Boxes on Amazon: Is It Really Worth It? If you’re the skeptical type, you may look at the Amazon subscription box model and... --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/insurance-amazon-seller/ - Categories: Amazon, Blog - Tags: Amazon Most new sellers start out thinking they can just sign up for an account and start making millions like all the TikTok and YouTubers say. But what you forget is that there are expenses that go along with running your own business. Protect your ASSETS because you should AND because Amazon Requires it.    Most new sellers start out thinking they can just sign up for an account and start making millions like all the TikTok and YouTubers say. But what you forget is that there are expenses that go along with running your own business. And yes, an Amazon 3rd party seller is your business! A huge mistake you can make is when you signed Amazon’s Terms of Service (TOS) agreement, which states you must have insurance and that you will provide it at any time to Amazon.  So, what happens when you don’t have insurance and can’t provide proof?   What is required by Amazon? If you have a Professional Selling Plan, Amazon requires you to have General Liability Insurance. The requirement states:  “Sellers with professional selling plans on Amazon. com must provide proof of Commercial General Liability insurance. This insurance, obtained at the seller’s expense, shall cover up to $1,000,000 per occurrence and in the aggregate and must include products liability, bodily injury, or personal injury, property damage, and other requirements as stated in the Participation Agreement. The insurance must indicate that “Amazon. com, Inc. , and its affiliates and assignees” are added as additional insureds. ”  What are the insurance requirements? Your commercial liability insurance policy must meet all of the following criteria:  Policy limits must be at least $1 million per occurrence and in the aggregate, covering liabilities caused by or occurring in conjunction with the operation of your business, including products, products/completed operations, and bodily injury;  The policy must cover your sales through the Amazon. com website; The policy must name Amazon and its assignees as additional insureds;  The policyholder's name must match the name of the “legal entity” provided to Amazon. You can verify your legal entity name in Seller Central at https://sellercentral. amazon. com/sw/AccountInfo/LegalEntity/step/LegalEntity; and  The policy must be valid for at least 180 days from the date of submission.   But what does all that mean?   Blah Blah Blah, buy an insurance policy. They want you to have a general liability policy that covers up to $1MM in damages if one of your products harms someone. All jargon aside, we know you take pride in your products and strive to sell only the best to your customers. But in the event that one of your products malfunctions causes a reaction or causes any other harm, you’ll want to protect your business against a lawsuit.   This is where liability insurance comes in.   Why is Amazon doing this?   Time after time, Amazon keeps getting sued for faulty goods and is being held liable for 3rd party sellers' products. If they require you to have an insurance policy and list them as additional insured, your insurance will help pay for the lawsuit, not just Amazon. Amazon has lost several recent legal decisions that hold it liable for defective products.   --- > Fuel your success with lending that’s built specifically for e-commerce sellers. There’s no impact to your credit score and no usage restrictions. With lending from SellersFi, you’re in total control. - Published: 2014-01-23 - Modified: 2025-02-25 - URL: https://sellersfi.com/resources/blog/demo-video-post/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Marketing & Advertising (Description) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna. (P) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, e‑commerce adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. (P) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, e‑commerce adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Title 1 (P) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, e‑commerce adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. (P) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, e‑commerce adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Title Exemple 2 (P) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, e‑commerce adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Looking for more capital? Apply for our Working Capital solution and take your business to the next level. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Teste 123 Looking for more capital? Apply for our Working Capital solution and take your business to the next level. Click here to learn more. Looking for more capital? Apply for our Working Capital solution and take your business to the next level. Click here to learn more. Looking for more capital? Apply for our Working Capital solution and take your business to the next level. Click here to learn... --- ---