TikTok Ends Shopify Integration, Major Seller Events, and More News
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Hi folks! Hope you’ve been well this week. Friday is here yet again, and it’s time for your favorite eCommerce News Digest. Last week we had great news from the fashion world, and this week we have very important information regarding TikTok. There’s also some major seller events that you might be interested in. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive right in.
Today’s news is 1552 words and takes 6 minutes to read.
TikTok Ends Shopify Integration
TikTok is making a bold move to establish itself as a comprehensive commerce platform by ending its integration with Shopify’s Storefront service, effective September 12.
This decision forces merchants to sell directly on TikTok Shop, eliminating the traffic previously directed to independent websites and external eCommerce platforms. The aim is to transition from a semi-closed loop model to a fully closed model, where TikTok controls all generated traffic. The platform’s aspiration is to become a centralized destination for users’ shopping needs, abandoning the display of external eCommerce sites in favor of becoming a self-contained one-stop shop.
The partnership between TikTok and Shopify began in 2020, enabling Shopify merchants to manage TikTok marketing campaigns from their Shopify dashboards. In 2021, the collaboration expanded, allowing US and UK-based Shopify sellers with TikTok For Business accounts to create mini-storefronts on their TikTok profiles. This integrated service will now come to an end, as TikTok seeks to maximize its revenue potential by owning all the traffic it generates.
Despite potential initial losses attributed to expansion efforts, ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, aims for long-term profitability and hopes to match the success of its Chinese counterpart, Douyin, projecting a merchandising volume of $200 billion by 2028.
What does it mean for eCommerce sellers?
Here’s what this move could entail for online retailers:
Loss of External Traffic
Previously, Shopify sellers could leverage TikTok to direct traffic to their external websites or online stores. With TikTok transitioning to a closed-loop system, that source of traffic will no longer be available, forcing retailers to adjust their digital marketing strategies.
Compulsory Use of TikTok Shop
If sellers wish to continue using TikTok as a sales channel, they’ll have to adapt to selling directly through TikTok Shop. This means acclimating to a new platform, its features, and possibly a different set of analytics.
Revenue Sharing Concerns
Selling directly on TikTok Shop may come with its own set of financial considerations, such as revenue sharing or fees imposed by the platform. This could impact profitability for sellers who were previously only concerned with Shopify’s fee structure.
Looks like there’s some big changes in store for TikTok sellers. Perhaps now is a good time to look at some alternative eCommerce platforms?
Big Retailer News
Major Seller Events—Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Others
We have something exciting in store for you.
The giants of online commerce are gearing up for a month filled with virtual and in-person events designed to empower sellers. Sellers will have an array of event choices from companies like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Alibaba, and many others. So what can you expect?
The events
- The Amazon Accelerate conference will kick off in Seattle on September 13-14. The conference is an in-person event that promises to provide invaluable insights.
- eBay, on the other hand, is going virtual with its eBay Open seller conference from September 27-29. Thanks to the virtual character of the event, sellers won’t miss out on any action.
- As for Walmart, the company wowed attendees with its inaugural Let’s Grow! Marketplace Seller Summit in Las Vegas on August 30. But for those of us who couldn’t attend, there’s some good news. The company will host the Merry Marketplace free virtual event on September 27th to “learn about top trends, category insights, actionable tips for new & existing sellers and so much more.”
- Last but not least, Pinterest has an event for advertisers. Pinterest Presents will take place on the 13th of September. The company’s CEO tweeted, “On September 13th, join us to see how we’re making Pinterest more measurable, shoppable and actionable than ever. We’ll share our latest products and even more ways to reach your customers.”
Are you planning on going to any of these events? Make sure to leave us a comment down below!
Stamp’s Free App Free
Stamp Free, a digital postage innovator, has unveiled a groundbreaking service named AppFree, revolutionizing consumer parcel shipping through WhatsApp. This innovative platform streamlines the process of booking deliveries, eliminating the need for dedicated apps from delivery companies.
The move comes in response to the widespread frustration among consumers, as indicated by a survey from Heady.io, which highlighted that nearly 80% of individuals abandon transactions due to app installations. Stamp Free’s research additionally found that a significant portion (55%) of UK consumers find current online return methods exasperating, with half of them stating that app downloads deter them from using certain retailers or carriers.
Stamp Free’s AppFree addresses this concern by offering a comprehensive solution via WhatsApp, with over 84% of respondents showing interest in using such a service.
Powered by an AI-based intelligent character recognition system, AppFree enables users to manage parcels and returns from various retailers and carriers within a single interface. The platform is compatible with Stamp Free’s proprietary label-free postage system, it’s also possible to integrate it with existing label- or QR-based systems used by partner carriers and retailers.
Tim Higginbotham, Stamp Free’s Chief Information Officer, described AppFree as a transformational moment in consumer convenience, combining AI technology with speed and simplicity to reshape the customer journey for individuals, retailers, and carriers alike. Alan Barrie, Chair of Stamp Free, emphasized the sustainability and convenience aspect of AppFree, providing consumers with an alternative choice that is as easy as sending a text.
The launch of AppFree demonstrates Stamp Free’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience and supporting the evolution of the first mile in parcel shipping. By harnessing the capabilities of AI and leveraging WhatsApp’s universality, Stamp Free has successfully addressed a common pain point for consumers, promising a seamless and efficient process for managing parcels and returns.
Speaking of returns, have you seen our latest Returns Report? We’re revealing the best brands with delivery and returns policies in the UK.
Also in the News
- Amazon lets sellers ‘Buy with Prime’ on their Shopify stores. eCommerce Bytes.
- AI written guides can get you killed? Fortune.
International Retailer News
Bahrain’s AFS Pay
Bahrain’s financial company, Arab Financial Services (AFS), has launched a groundbreaking digital payment app called AFS Pay. This app turns any Android device into a smart payment terminal, making it super easy for businesses of all sizes to accept payments without needing extra equipment. Now, going cashless in Bahrain is as simple as tapping your phone.
With AFS Pay, available on the Play Store, users can get a secure and smooth payment process that accepts a wide range of payment methods. Those include contactless cards and NFC options like Samsung Pay and Apple Pay. The app’s user-friendly design makes it a breeze for business owners to manage transactions, check detailed histories, and handle customer queries quickly.
Safety is a top priority for AFS Pay, which meets all the security standards to protect sensitive card data. Amira Ismail, the Head of Merchant Acquiring Business at AFS in Bahrain, says this app is a game-changer that’s set to transform the digital payment scene. Visa’s Country Manager for Bahrain, Malak Alsaffar, also points out how essential it is for businesses to keep up with changing payment methods. AFS Pay not only meets this need but also aligns with the government’s vision for a cashless society.
Owned mostly by Bank ABC and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, AFS is a trusted name in complete digital payment solutions. From processing cards to leading in fintech innovations, the launch of AFS Pay adds another feather to their cap, proving their commitment to shaping the future of payments.
China’s Race for Renewable Energy
In the dynamic arena of renewable energy, Chinese corporations have sprinted ahead, leaving their US and European counterparts trailing in their wake. The businesses are reaping double the profits from solar, wind, nuclear, and other clean energy sources.
While major American and European companies within the S&P 500 derive a mere 3.4% of their revenue from clean energy, their Chinese counterparts listed on the Shanghai Composite Index are earning approximately twice as much. This remarkable disparity underscores China’s commanding position within the global clean energy landscape.
At the forefront of this surge are Chinese enterprises like Longi Green Energy Technology and Tongwei, which have harnessed the country’s robust presence in the clean energy supply chain. China’s position is further validated by the abundant clean energy equity investment opportunities concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Chinese companies’ success underscores not only their ability to capitalize on the world’s growing demand for renewable energy, but also their strategic dominance in the supply chain, propelling them ahead of Western competitors.
As the race for renewable dominance intensifies, the economic windfall enjoyed by Chinese firms highlights the pivotal role played by a nation’s industrial prowess in determining its success in the realm of clean energy.
It’s not the first time we’re talking about renewable energy and sustainable businesses. It seems that more and more businesses are conscious about the environment, and how many benefits sustainability brings to the company. Make sure you’re also a part of making the world a better place, while profiting at the same time.
Also in the News
- Healthcare industry growth in China. SCMP
- Paid versions of Facebook and Instagram are coming to Europe. Economic Times.
Webinars
For everyone
Various dates: Amazon advertising’s global webinar program continues with 20+ webinars scheduled, covering Prime Day Preparation, Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, reporting, optimization, and other tips. Amazon.
For US sellers
September 13: Retail Media Rundown. Tinuiti.
For UK sellers
Various dates: Amazon advertising’s global webinar program continues with 20+ webinars scheduled, covering Prime Day Preparation, Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, reporting, optimization, and other tips. Amazon.
thanks for info