Hey Reader,

This week, we’re diving into new shopping trends, Amazon’s robotics expansion, and key insights from sellers like you. Here’s what you need to know:
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News

​Amazon Haul Struggles to Gain Traction Against Shein and Temu​

Three months after launch, only 16% of U.S. shoppers use Amazon Haul monthly, compared to 23% on Shein and 28% on Temu. Analysts suggest Amazon needs better pricing, faster shipping, or exclusive deals to compete in the low-cost e-commerce market.

While Amazon’s pricing remains competitive, rising tariffs on Chinese imports and shifting consumer preferences toward U.S.-made goods could challenge Haul’s expansion. Despite slow adoption, Amazon remains optimistic about its potential and plans to scale the platform further.

​Amazon Deals Breakdown: Key Insights for Sellers​

​Scott Needham analyzed over 14 million Lightning Deals and 29 million Prime Exclusive Deals, revealing that Lightning Deals average a 19.6% discount while Prime Exclusive Deals come in at 16.9%. Apparel dominates both deal types, with Chinese sellers accounting for nearly 80% of promotions.

Brands like PRETTYGARDEN and DREAM PAIRS use an “always-on” promotion strategy to drive click-throughs and conversions, a tactic also leveraged by premium brands like Jackery. Needham highlights that running frequent deals not only boosts visibility with badges but also creates urgency, making promotions a powerful tool for Amazon sellers.

​Amazon Deploys 750,000+ Robots to Enhance Fulfillment Operations​

Amazon Robotics has integrated over 750,000 robots across its fulfillment centers, using AI and automation to improve efficiency and worker safety. These robots, including Sequoia, Hercules, and Proteus, handle tasks such as inventory sorting, picking, packaging, and loading, significantly increasing productivity.

Scott Dresser, VP of Amazon Robotics, highlights that AI-driven automation is expected to improve fulfillment center productivity by 25%, streamlining operations and accelerating delivery speeds. With continued expansion, Amazon plans to implement these robotic systems across more facilities to optimize logistics and support employees.

​Amazon Sellers Get Access to Real Sales Data with Analyzer.Tools Upgrade​

Analyzer.Tools has introduced a major update, now providing Amazon’s “Bought in Past Month” data for bulk spreadsheet searches. Unlike estimated sales numbers, this feature pulls real sales data directly from Amazon, giving sellers a competitive advantage when analyzing wholesale supplier catalogs.

This upgrade allows sellers to track actual demand, spy on competitors, and make better sourcing decisions with verified data. Early adopters can gain an edge before the tool becomes widely used.

​Voice of the Seller Report 2024: Key Insights for Amazon Sellers​

The “Voice of the Seller Report 2024” provides valuable insights into current e-commerce trends, emphasizing the increasing importance of social media as a sales channel. Notably, 56% of sales professionals leverage social media to discover new prospects, with platforms like Facebook (75%), Instagram (51%), and LinkedIn (43%) leading the way.
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For Amazon sellers, integrating social media strategies can enhance product visibility and customer engagement. Additionally, the report highlights the significance of customer service, with 88% of customers more likely to repurchase after a positive service experience, underscoring the need for sellers to prioritize exceptional customer support.

​Inflation Drops to 2.8%—What It Means for Amazon Sellers​

Inflation in the U.S. fell to 2.8% in February 2025, beating expectations and marking the lowest core inflation rate since April 2021. While energy and gasoline prices dipped, shelter costs remained high, and overall consumer prices are still up year-over-year.

For Amazon sellers, this slight economic relief could stabilize the stock market and potentially boost consumer spending, but don’t expect major price drops on Amazon just yet. With tariffs helping U.S. sellers compete against Chinese imports, this could be a key moment to watch for shifts in pricing and demand.

​Sellers Helped Raise $192 Million for eBay’s Charity Program​

eBay sellers contributed to raising a record-breaking $192 million for eBay’s charity program in 2024, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. The eBay for Charity program allows sellers to donate a percentage of their sales to charities, while nonprofit organizations can sell directly on eBay with 100% of proceeds going to their cause.

Since launching in 2003, the program has generated over $1.3 billion in donations, with buyers also able to contribute at checkout. Sellers interested in participating can review the program’s terms and conditions to explore ways to support charitable causes while selling on eBay.

​New Recommended Product Groups for Ships in Product Packaging Program​

Amazon’s Ships in Product Packaging program allows sellers to ship orders in their own custom-brand packaging without additional Amazon materials. To simplify certification, Amazon now recommends grouping physically similar product variations, such as those differing only in flavor, scent, color, or size.

If the primary ASIN (largest and heaviest product) in a group is already certified, similar secondary ASINs may not require additional testing, except for liquids and fragile items. Sellers can check their eligibility and recommended product groups under the Growth Opportunities section in Seller Central.

​New Return Credits for Remote Fulfillment with FBA​

Starting March 25, 2025, Amazon will provide return fee credits for items sold and returned through Remote Fulfillment with FBA in Mexico and Brazil. This ensures that sellers pay the same fulfillment fees for returns as they would through standard US FBA.

Credits will be automatically issued within 30 days of a return and can be found in the Transaction view under “Remote Fulfillment credit.” This update helps sellers manage return costs more efficiently while expanding into international markets.

Seller Tips & Tricks

​Navigating the 2025 U.S. Tariff Changes: What Ecommerce Sellers Need to Know​

New U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico—ranging from 10% to 25%—are set to increase costs for ecommerce sellers, especially those relying on international supply chains. The removal of the de minimis $800 exception means all shipments now face taxes, customs fees, and compliance delays, further complicating fulfillment.

To stay competitive, sellers must adapt by diversifying suppliers, optimizing pricing strategies, and exploring alternative sourcing options. With potential trade negotiations on the horizon, staying flexible and monitoring policy shifts will be critical for maintaining profitability.

​How to Use Amazon Top Search Terms to Boost Sales​

Understanding Amazon’s top search terms is key to increasing visibility and driving more sales. By incorporating high-ranking keywords into product titles, bullet points, and descriptions, sellers can improve their organic rankings and attract more buyers.

Regularly updating search terms based on trends and using tools like Amazon Brand Analytics or Ad Badger can help refine keyword strategies. Avoiding keyword stuffing and leveraging long-tail keywords will further enhance listing effectiveness and conversion rates.

​How to Fix an Amazon Buy Box Suppression Due to Pricing Errors​

​Chris McCabe shares a step-by-step approach for sellers who lose the Buy Box because Amazon incorrectly flags their price as too high. The first step is verifying external pricing to ensure Amazon isn’t comparing the product incorrectly, followed by opening a case with Seller Support and escalating it to the Pricing Team.

Sellers should provide evidence of any mismatched comparisons and push for a manual review to correct the issue. Since Amazon’s system isn’t always accurate, persistence and repeated escalations may be necessary to regain Buy Box eligibility.

​Webinars: Maximize B2B Sales Growth with Amazon Business​

Amazon is offering free live webinars to help sellers expand their B2B sales by leveraging Amazon Business features. These sessions will cover strategies for optimizing business pricing, creating professional listings, and using business certifications to attract more buyers.

Sellers will also learn how to build a compelling business profile and identify high-value B2B opportunities. The webinars include a live Q&A and are scheduled for March 18 and 19.

Video of the Week

​Should Amazon Sellers Expand Internationally or Focus on the U.S.?​

Strong Opinions

​Trump’s Tariffs: Which Retailers Will Win or Lose?​

New U.S. tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada are shaking up the retail industry, with big-box chains like Skechers and Bath & Body Works warning of higher costs and potential price hikes. Meanwhile, resale platforms like ThredUp and Etsy see an opportunity, as rising prices may push consumers toward secondhand and handmade goods.

Retailers with minimal exposure to China, like TJX Companies (T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods), expect to navigate the tariffs without major disruptions, while Walmart is taking a wait-and-see approach before adjusting its growth outlook. As these trade policies unfold, e-commerce sellers should monitor potential shifts in consumer demand and pricing strategies.

​How Trump’s 2025 Tariffs Impact eCommerce Sellers​

New U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China—ranging from 10% to 25%—are raising costs for eCommerce businesses, especially those relying on international supply chains. The removal of the $800 duty-free exemption (Section 321) adds further financial strain, making it crucial for sellers to reconsider pricing strategies and fulfillment options.

To maintain profitability, sellers should explore domestic 3PL solutions, compare multi-carrier shipping rates, and optimize customs clearance to minimize costs. As these trade policies continue to evolve, staying informed and adapting supply chains will be key to navigating this shifting landscape.

​Trump’s Tariffs Unpacked: What E-Commerce Businesses Can Expect​

New U.S. tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada—ranging from 10% to 25%—are set to increase costs and disrupt supply chains for eCommerce sellers. With consumers already adjusting their shopping habits by stockpiling essentials and seeking deeper discounts, sellers must rethink pricing and supply strategies to stay competitive.

Retailers can mitigate these challenges by leveraging AI-powered pricing tools, optimizing supply chains, and refining product messaging to highlight value rather than just price. Adapting now with smart discounting and dynamic pricing will be key to maintaining profitability in this evolving trade landscape.

Featured Software and Services

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Top Upcoming Amazon Events

• ​ASGTG EVENT 2025– March 20, 2025, Brooklyn, NY, USA
• ​MDS INSPIRE 2025– March 24-25, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• ​PROSPER SHOW 202​5 – March 25-27, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• ​MIAMI SELLERS CONFERENCE 2025 – May 1-3, 2025, Miami, FL, USA
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That’s a wrap for this week’s newsletter! Stay ahead of the game by keeping up with the latest trends, and don’t forget to apply these insights to grow your business.

God Bless,
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Todd Welch
Amazon Seller School