[ BDSN ] 📬 This FBA fee has risen 460%!

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HEADS UP! Keep an eye on your social media (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and X) for some fun photos and videos this Sunday afternoon and evening (US time), May 19.

28 teams will be scurrying across the island of Kauai during BDSS 10 competing for prizes while they experience the stunning beauty of one of the most amazing places on Earth.

They will be posting lots of photos (some pretty funny) throughout the event to social media to earn extra points. You don’t want to miss them in case they delete them later!

📬 SOME FBA FEES HAVE RISEN 460%

This chart compiled by Scott and his team at Smart Scout pretty much says it all. Amazon's FBA fees have changed considerably over the last decade.

The FBA fees for standard size products have increased 96%. The FBA fees for oversized products have increased 74%. The removal fees have increased 460%.

🏷️ CHINESE SELLERS TEACHING AMERICANS

Chinese TikTok experts are teaching American influencers how to sell products through livestream shopping, a trend that has taken China by storm, accounting for 25% of online sales in 2023.

Although the trend has not yet caught on in the U.S., Chinese entrepreneurs believe a boom in U.S. livestream shopping is inevitable and are investing in anticipation by setting up agencies with experienced staff to train local influencers.

These agencies work closely with TikTok, which launched TikTok Shop in the U.S. in September 2023, receiving incentives and products to sell.

Influencers are taught Chinese livestream selling tactics, such as ringing a bell for purchases and using catchphrases, though some tactics may not work as well for U.S. consumers due to cultural differences.

The agencies face challenges, including TikTok's strict guidelines and the difficulty in retaining livestreamers, as they often switch studios or start their own.

Despite these challenges, Chinese entrepreneurs and agencies remain optimistic about the potential for livestream shopping to take off in the U.S. market, and are investing in training and support for American influencers to help drive the trend forward.

🔭 YOU GOTTA SEE THIS

🔎  SELLING on AMAZON versus WALMART

Teikametrics has put out a free benchmark report comparing selling on Amazon and Walmart. You can download it here for FREE.

Some interesting stats:

• Amazon’s highest CPC (cost-per-click) was $0.82, the average decreasing 2% YoY.

• Walmart CPCs climbed to $0.54, a whopping 28% increase YoY compared to 2022.

• Average Order Values showcased that both platforms offer high value for sellers. Amazon kept consistent around $32, while Walmart fluctuated, reaching a high of $21 in November.

• Amazon and Walmart are strong contenders for growth in 2024, depending on your strategies for either marketplace.

Sellerapp also did a deep dive to provide a comprehensive comparison between selling on Amazon and Walmart, examining key factors such as market share, selling fees, onboarding processes, pricing, buy box competition, shipping and fulfillment, performance standards, and customer service expectations.

Here's a summary of the main points:

1. Market share: Amazon dominates the e-commerce market with a 37.6% share in the US, while Walmart is gaining ground as the second-largest online retailer.

2. Selling fees: Amazon charges monthly subscription fees and referral fees ranging from 8-15%, while Walmart has a leaner fee structure with only referral fees (6-20%) but requires UPC codes for listings.

3. Onboarding and listing: Amazon offers quick onboarding but frequent policy changes, while Walmart has a more rigorous application process but provides stability and support post-approval.

4. Pricing and buy box competition: Amazon has intense competition but powerful pricing tools, while Walmart has less competition but strict pricing policies.

5. Shipping and fulfillment: Amazon's Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) is extensive, while Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) is limited, but alternative fulfillment partners are available.

6. Performance standards: Amazon has tailored metrics for sellers and vendors, while Walmart focuses on just three core standards and tends to work collaboratively with sellers.

7. Customer service: Amazon customers expect fast, free delivery and hassle-free returns, while Walmart shoppers prioritize competitive pricing and may be more patient with traditional retail-style service.

Green Energy Meets Bitcoin, Hidden Gem Company

This tiny company has all but cemented itself in the future list of bitcoin mining giants.

An industry shakeup of environmental regulations could spell catastrophe for others, while this company begins to soar.

The underlying factors?

Cheap production and carbon neutral mining.

But that’s just the start of it.

Here’s the real kicker…

Subscribe to Bullseye Trade to learn more.

LAST TWO BDSN NEWSLETTERS …
May 13→ 🌎 Amazon releases more info on Cosmo AI
May 9 → 🤜 New fees a punch in gut to sellers

MARKETING MISFITS PODCAST by Kevin & Norm …

🕵🏽  FIX AMAZON RETURN & REMOVAL LOSSES

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They also send back eligible items back into Amazon plus file for reimbursements on damages that happen during the sale and removal process.

Pricing starts at $1.50 per unit for up to 2,500 per month and goes down from there with higher volumes.

Contact them here and use the code “Billion” to get the first month’s fee waived.

Want to be featured in this section? Use your referral link in this email to refer at least 10 active subscribers to get your event, course, webinar or tool “Shouted-Out” free to 8,700+ subscribers.

🧳 TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE 
→ here’s looking at you kid

My “why” has led me to visit 94 countries and all 7 continents. I create my business around my life. Not my life around my business.

I hope to inspire you in your journey of business and life with photos, a short video I filmed, and a brief description of my time there.

Complex land of beauty & diversity

Exploring the Landscapes, Culture, and Wildlife of South Africa

South Africa offers a captivating blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the vibrant city of Cape Town, let me take you through the heart of a nation still healing from its tumultuous past.

The journey begins at Victoria Falls, a natural wonder shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia. The falls, discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, are a breathtaking sight, with a mile-wide curtain of water cascading down into the Zambezi River. Visitors can take sunset cruises and spot wildlife along the river banks.

In Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum provides a sobering look into South Africa's history of racial segregation. The nearby township of Soweto, once home to Nelson Mandela, offers a glimpse into the lives of those who struggled under the oppressive system.

Cape Town, nestled between mountains and the sea, is a city of contrasts. Table Mountain provides a stunning backdrop, while the colorful houses of Bo-Kaap and the ritzy Camp's Bay showcase the city's diversity. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a hub of shopping and dining, while the nearby Cape of Good Hope marks the southernmost point of the African continent.

For wildlife enthusiasts, South Africa is a paradise. At Boulders Beach near Cape Town, visitors can observe a colony of African penguins. In Gansbaai, thrill-seekers can cage dive with great white sharks in the infamous Shark Alley.

Safari adventures await in Chobe National Park in Botswana, where elephants, giraffes, and hippos roam freely. Kruger National Park and the neighboring Sabi Sands Game Reserve offer chances to spot the Big Five: leopards, lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.

Throughout the journey, South Africa's culinary scene impresses, with world-renowned restaurants like The Test Kitchen in Cape Town offering gourmet experiences at surprisingly affordable prices.

South Africa is a land of contrasts, where natural beauty and cultural diversity intertwine with a complex history. It is a destination that will leave you in awe of its landscapes, wildlife, and the resilience of its people.

✌🏼 Have a great weekend and save travels for those going to Hawaii for BDSS.

See you again on Monday.

The answer to today’s STUMP BEZOS is
Mobile commerce will be $856 billion by 2027