#ecommerce businesses

[brunhildeelke]

How does Predictive Analytics in eCommerce businesses become a big deal?

"Discover how predictive analytics in eCommerce can boost conversions, enhance personalization, and optimize operations for a competitive edge."

Imagine knowing what your customers will buy before they do. What if you could tailor your marketing strategy to individual shoppers based on their future behaviors?

In today's fast-paced eCommerce landscape, that's no longer a distant dream—it's a reality made possible by predictive analytics. And if you're not using it yet, you're leaving money on the table.

Predictive analytics in eCommerce is rapidly transforming how businesses operate. It's not just a fancy buzzword; it's a critical competitive advantage that helps brands anticipate customer needs, optimize inventory, and boost conversion rates.

In this guide, we'll dive deep into why predictive analytics for eCommerce is a must-have, how it works, and what you need to consider before implementing it in your business. Ready to unlock the potential of your data? Let's get started.

What is Predictive Analytics in eCommerce?

Predictive analytics in eCommerce uses data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning to forecast future outcomes. It analyzes past customer behaviors, browsing patterns, and purchase history to predict what customers will do next. For eCommerce businesses, this means anticipating demand, personalizing customer experiences, and making informed decisions on everything from pricing to inventory.

Predictive analytics for the eCommerce industry go beyond simple reporting. Predictive analytics also drives actionable insights that allow businesses to stay ahead of the competition by making data-driven decisions in real time.

How Does Predictive Analytics Work in eCommerce?

Predictive analytics for eCommerce relies on four key components:

Data Collection

The first step is gathering relevant data. This includes historical sales, customer browsing history, demographic information, and external factors like trends or seasons.

Data Analysis

Once collected, the data is analyzed using advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms. AI-powered predictive analytics in eCommerce allows for faster, more accurate data processing.

Pattern Recognition

Predictive models identify patterns and trends in customer behavior. For example, a frequent shopper might buy baby products, indicating they may be expecting a child. This insight helps eCommerce businesses tailor their marketing efforts.

Forecasting Future Actions

The final step is generating predictions. Predictive analytics software can forecast product demand, suggest personalized recommendations, or predict customer churn rates, allowing businesses to take proactive measures.

Why is Predictive Analytics a Big Deal in eCommerce?

The eCommerce industry is highly competitive, and customers expect personalized, seamless shopping experiences. Predictive analytics empowers businesses to stay one step ahead of their competitors by:

Personalizing Customer Experience

Predictive analytics in eCommerce solutions help companies to recommend products based on customer behavior and preferences. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also boosts conversion rates.

Improving Inventory Management

AI-powered predictive analytics in eCommerce allows businesses to forecast demand accurately, reducing the risk of overstocking or understocking. Thereby improving cash flow and reducing holding costs.

Enhancing Marketing Campaigns

Predictive analytics helps in creating targeted marketing campaigns. Businesses can allocate their marketing resources more effectively by understanding what products are trending and which customers are most likely to buy.

Reducing Cart Abandonment

Predictive models can analyze customer browsing behavior to identify users likely to abandon their carts. Businesses can then use retargeting strategies, like offering discounts or sending reminders, to encourage these users to complete their purchases.

Boosting Customer Retention

Predictive analytics helps identify customers at risk of churning. eCommerce businesses can then take targeted actions, such as personalized offers or improved customer service, to retain these valuable customers.

Predictive Analytics and eCommerce Examples: Who's Doing It Right?

Some prominent eCommerce players have implemented predictive analytics and gained remarkable results. Here's how they're winning the game:

Amazon

Amazon uses predictive analytics to power its recommendation engine, suggesting products based on user behavior. This AI-powered system accounts for 35% of the company's total sales.

Netflix

While not a typical eCommerce site, Netflix's recommendation algorithm is a gold standard for predictive analytics. It predicts what users will watch next, keeping them engaged and increasing the likelihood of continued subscription.

Walmart

Walmart uses predictive analytics to optimize inventory management. They analyze customer data to forecast demand and ensure the right products are in stock at the right time.

Key Benefits of Implementing Predictive Analytics in eCommerce

Implementing predictive analytics for your eCommerce business can unlock a wealth of benefits:

Higher Conversion Rates

Predictive models can show exactly which products will appeal to which customers. Such personalized recommendations and targeted offers increase customers' likelihood of purchasing.

Better Customer Insights

Predictive analytics goes beyond basic customer segmentation. It offers deep insights into individual behaviors, allowing businesses to cater to specific needs and preferences.

Increased Customer Loyalty

Companies can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer needs and offering personalized experiences. Satisfied customers are more likely to return and make repeat purchases.

Cost Efficiency

Predictive analytics optimizes operations by reducing marketing waste, minimizing inventory holding costs, and effectively allocating resources. This can significantly improve your bottom line.

Proactive Decision-Making

Predictive analytics helps businesses take preventive actions instead of reacting to issues like stockouts or customer churn after they happen. This leads to smoother operations and a better customer experience.

Challenges in Implementing Predictive Analytics in eCommerce

While the benefits of predictive analytics are clear, the implementation does come with challenges. Here are a few things to consider before jumping in:

Data Quality

Predictive models are only as good as the data they're based on. Only complete or accurate data can lead to reasonable predictions.

Complexity

Building and maintaining predictive models requires technical expertise. Small businesses may need the help of an eCommerce app development company with the complexity of setting up AI-powered predictive analytics.

Integration with Existing Systems

Predictive analytics solutions must integrate seamlessly with your existing eCommerce platform, CRM, and inventory management systems. Compatibility issues can slow down implementation.

Data Privacy

With more customer data being used, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations like GDPR is crucial. Mishandling data can damage customer trust and lead to legal consequences.

How to Get Started with Predictive Analytics in eCommerce

Ready to implement predictive analytics in your eCommerce business? Follow these steps:

Identify Your Goals

Start by defining your goal with predictive analytics. Is it improving sales, reducing cart abandonment, or optimizing inventory?

Choose the Right Tools

Many predictive analytics tools are available, from built-in features in platforms like Shopify to advanced third-party software. Choose one that fits your budget and technical expertise.

Collect and Clean Your Data

Ensure your data is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date. The better your data, the more reliable your predictions will be.

Build Predictive Models

Work with a data scientist or use AI-powered tools to build predictive models tailored to your business needs. These models will evolve over time, becoming more accurate as more data is fed into them.

Test and Optimize

Don't expect immediate perfection. Test your predictive models, gather feedback, and continuously optimize for better performance.

Conclusion: The Future of eCommerce is Predictive

Predictive analytics is not just a trend—it's the future of eCommerce. With AI-powered predictive analytics, businesses can stay ahead of the competition by anticipating customer needs, optimizing operations, and driving higher revenues.

Now is the time to leverage predictive analytics in your eCommerce strategy. Whether you're a small business or an industry giant, predictive analytics for the eCommerce industry offers opportunities to unlock new levels of success. Get started today and watch your business grow more innovative, faster, and profitable.

[trending-tech-news]

Excited about the future of mobile apps. Unearth how AI mobile apps revolutionizing and offering advanced solutions to user experiences. If you have ecommerce business and want to boost your business you should take into account about AI apps. Read more about how AI boost the ecommerce businesses.

[meetthakkar1]

10 Common Mistakes eCommerce Businesses Make  

Right now online businesses are becoming very popular because of constant positive changes in technology and to survive and take a competitive advantage in the e-commerce business is not easy so in this article we will explore common mistakes e-commerce businesses make. 

[inwizardssoftwaretechnology]

How Odoo Helps Your eCommerce Business Grow

Are you in search of an article that can elucidate how Odoo contributes to the growth of your eCommerce business? Look no further; this article will delve into the pivotal role Odoo plays in the evolution of eCommerce ventures, guiding them from their initial startup phase to achieving scalable success. Throughout the exploration, we will examine the challenges confronted by eCommerce startups, the application of Odoo solutions to address these challenges, and the tangible benefits derived from this collaborative partnership.

The eCommerce landscape is a battleground, and startups find themselves navigating a digital domain fraught with challenges. Balancing inventory, nurturing customer relationships, and driving sales require a delicate juggling act, testing even the most resilient entrepreneurs. Fear not! Armed with the right tools and strategies, these obstacles can be transformed into stepping stones on the path to eCommerce triumph.

Odoo transcends being a mere software; it is a transformative tool that propels the growth of eCommerce businesses. This comprehensive suite goes beyond basic management, offering an extensive library of modules seamlessly integrating to streamline everything from inventory management to customer relationships and financial processes.

Join Inwizards, a leading Odoo development company, as we unravel the narrative of how Odoo has metamorphosed an eCommerce startup into a scalable success story. Discover how it can catalyze similar transformative journeys for your business.

How Odoo Fueled the Growth of Our eCommerce Business

Section 1: The Startup Phase

Embarking on an eCommerce startup is an exhilarating journey accompanied by its fair share of challenges. In the fiercely competitive realm of online retail, startups grapple with limited resources, intense competition, and the formidable task of establishing brand recognition and consumer trust.

Efficient resource management poses a primary challenge for eCommerce startups. From handling inventory to tracking sales and managing customer data, startups must multitask while ensuring operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Without proper systems in place, the absence of streamlined processes can lead to inefficiencies, errors, and missed growth opportunities.

Moreover, eCommerce startups must navigate the dynamic nature of consumer preferences and market trends. Adapting to changing customer demands and outpacing the competition demands agility and flexibility in both strategy and operations.

Enter Odoo, addressing these challenges by streamlining business operations. As a comprehensive suite of business management software, Odoo provides a range of modules designed to meet diverse eCommerce needs. From inventory management and order processing to customer relationship management (CRM) and accounting, Odoo offers a centralized platform to seamlessly manage all aspects of the business.

Section 2: Implementing Odoo Solutions

Integrating Odoo into the eCommerce business ecosystem is a strategic decision yielding substantial benefits in efficiency, productivity, and scalability. The process initiates with a thorough assessment of business requirements and objectives, followed by the selection of relevant Odoo modules and customization options.

The first step involves identifying specific pain points and areas for improvement within the eCommerce business. This may entail conducting a comprehensive audit of existing processes to pinpoint inefficiencies and bottlenecks.

Once identified, the next step is selecting the appropriate Odoo modules to address these needs. For example, the Inventory Management module offers robust features like real-time tracking and warehouse management for inventory management challenges.

Odoo’s flexibility and customization options allow businesses to tailor the solution to their specific requirements. Whether customizing workflows, adding new features, or integrating third-party applications, Odoo can adapt to align with the unique needs and goals of the eCommerce business.

Through Odoo solutions, eCommerce startups can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and position themselves for sustainable growth in the competitive online marketplace.

Section 3: Streamlining Operations

Odoo plays a pivotal role in streamlining operations for eCommerce businesses by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflows. Leveraging Odoo’s robust features, businesses can significantly reduce manual intervention, minimize errors, and improve overall efficiency.

Automation tools enable eCommerce startups to automate tasks such as order processing, inventory updates, and customer notifications. This not only saves time and resources but ensures timely and accurate order fulfillment, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, Odoo’s centralized platform fosters better communication and collaboration among different departments. With all relevant data accessible from a single interface, teams can easily share updates, collaborate on projects, and coordinate activities in real-time. This streamlined communication improves productivity and fosters a cohesive work environment conducive to innovation and growth.

Streamlined operations extend beyond internal efficiency to encompass productivity and cost-effectiveness. By eliminating manual processes and optimizing workflows, eCommerce businesses can operate more efficiently, achieving more in less time. Increased productivity results in tangible cost savings as resources are allocated more effectively, and operational overheads are reduced.

In essence, Odoo empowers eCommerce startups to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and achieve greater productivity and cost-effectiveness, positioning them for success in the competitive online marketplace.

Section 4: Scalable Growth with Odoo

A key advantage of Odoo lies in its scalability, enabling businesses to adapt and grow seamlessly in response to changing market dynamics and business needs. Odoo solutions are designed to scale alongside the business, ensuring relevance and effectiveness as the business expands.

For example, as an eCommerce business experiences increased sales volume, Odoo’s scalable architecture handles growing transaction volumes and data loads without compromising performance. This ensures smooth and efficient business operations, even during periods of rapid growth.

Odoo’s adaptability supports the expansion of eCommerce businesses into new markets or product lines. Whether entering new geographical regions, launching new product categories, or targeting different customer segments, Odoo provides the flexibility and functionality needed to support diverse business requirements.

Illustrating the scalability and adaptability of Odoo, numerous case studies and testimonials highlight eCommerce businesses successfully leveraging Odoo to support their growth initiatives. Real-world examples demonstrate how Odoo’s comprehensive suite of business management tools enables businesses to scale operations, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable success in the competitive eCommerce landscape.

Section 5: Achieving Success and Future Prospects

The journey of our eCommerce business, powered by Odoo, is marked by numerous achievements and milestones. Odoo’s comprehensive suite of business management tools has enabled us to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and drive growth. From automating repetitive tasks to improving communication and collaboration, Odoo has played a crucial role in our success story.

Leveraging Odoo’s modules, such as inventory management, sales, CRM, and accounting, we gained greater visibility and control over our business processes. This empowered us to make informed decisions, optimize workflows, and deliver exceptional experiences to our customers.

Odoo provided us with a competitive advantage in the marketplace by centralizing operations and offering real-time insights into key metrics and performance indicators. This allowed us to stay ahead of the competition and seize growth opportunities.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the future prospects of our eCommerce business empowered by Odoo. With its scalability and adaptability, we are confident in our ability to continue growing and innovating in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether expanding into new markets, launching new product lines, or implementing new business strategies, we trust that Odoo will support us every step of the way.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Odoo has played a vital role in facilitating the journey of our eCommerce business from startup to scalable success. Through its comprehensive suite of business management tools, Odoo has helped us overcome challenges, streamline operations, and achieve significant milestones.

From automating repetitive tasks to enhancing communication and collaboration, Odoo has empowered us to operate more efficiently and effectively. As a result, we gained a competitive advantage in the marketplace and positioned ourselves for continued growth and success in the future.

We encourage readers to consider Odoo development services for their own businesses, as we believe it offers unparalleled functionality, flexibility, and scalability. With Odoo by your side, you too can unlock the full potential of your eCommerce business and achieve your goals with confidence.

[thebulkcart]

Unlock the World of Bulk E-Commerce with The Bulk Cart

Unlock the world of bulk e-commerce with The Bulk Cart - the leading ready-to-ship B2B Marketplace in the USA. Shop smarter, faster, and in bulk with us! Visit our website here: https://www.thebulkcart.com

[cognegiacsolutions]

4 Imperative Approaches for Doing Search Engine Optimization in a Right Way

It appears you are emphasizing the importance of SEO for improving an eCommerce business's online presence and providing some insights on the right approach to SEO. Here are some additional points and clarifications:

White-Hat vs. Black-Hat SEO: You're correct that White-Hat SEO practices are essential for long-term success. Black-Hat SEO techniques can indeed lead to short-term gains but can result in severe penalties from search engines, damaging your website's reputation. It is vital to avoid unethical practices.

Content Marketing Strategy: You're right that content is critical for SEO. However, it is not just about creating content; it is about creating valuable, relevant, and engaging content that addresses the needs of your target audience. Moreover, monitoring your website's performance and user behavior through tools like Google Analytics can help you identify and address issues like high bounce rates.

SEO Tools: While tools like Yoast, HubSpot, and Moz can be helpful, it is important to note that some are more geared towards specific tasks, such as keyword research, while others offer a broader range of SEO capabilities. Choose tools based on your specific needs and goals.

Long-Form Content: While long-form content can be valuable, the length of content should be driven by the topic and user intent. Some topics may require shorter, concise articles, while others may benefit from more extensive, in-depth coverage. The focus should be on providing valuable information.

Long-Tail Keywords: Integrating long-tail keywords into your content is a good strategy. These keywords can help you capture more specific search queries and reach a targeted audience. However, ensure that they fit naturally within your content and do not disrupt readability.

Marketing Research: Conducting market research and understanding your audience's needs and preferences are indeed essential for effective SEO. Keyword research, competitor analysis, and staying updated with industry trends can help you tailor your SEO strategy to your specific market.

SERP Features: You're correct that search engine results pages (SERPs) are evolving, and they now include various features like carousels, featured snippets, local results, and more. Understanding how to optimize for these features can enhance your SEO efforts and improve visibility.

Personalization: Personalizing your SEO efforts based on market research and user behavior is a valuable strategy. It allows you to tailor your content and SEO techniques to match the specific needs and preferences of your target audience.

In summary, SEO is a multifaceted and evolving field. It is essential for eCommerce businesses to stay informed about best practices, conduct thorough research, and adapt their strategies to meet the changing landscape of online search. Additionally, focusing on providing value to users and adhering to ethical SEO practices is key to long-term success.

[avasamdropshipping]

Social media marketing statistics

Social media refers to a set of online platforms and technology that allow users to create, share, and communicate ideas, ideas, and material in live time with other people. It is a type of interactive digital information in which users connect and interact with one another through the sharing and consumption of user-generated content such as text, photos, video files, and audio recordings.

The features and functionality of social networking sites differ, but they all allow users to interact with others based on common interests, demographics, or relationships. Members may establish and personalise their accounts, follow or be followed by other users, like or comment on postings, and share material with their virtual community.

FB, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest are some of the most prominent social networking networks. Digital networks have become an essential aspect of many people’s lives, transforming how we interact, exchange information, and consume media.

People’s lives in the United Kingdom have been significantly impacted by social media. These are some examples of how social media has altered people’s lives in the United Kingdom:

Communication: Social networking sites have altered how individuals interact with one another. Websites such as FB, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp have made it simple for people to communicate with friends and family no matter where they are in the globe.

Sharing of information: The internet has rendered it simple for anyone to obtain and share information. News, entertainment, and instructional information are only a click away, and social media algorithms guarantee that individuals see the most relevant stuff.

New media has also had a huge influence on the commercial scene in the United Kingdom. Businesses may utilise social networks to market their products and services, reach out to new consumers, and connect with their audience more personally.

While social media has numerous advantages, it has also been linked to harmful consequences on mental health. Excessive social media use has been associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in surveys.

Political: In recent years, social media has played an important role in UK politics. Politicians have utilised platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to engage with their people, and social marketplace has also been a significant tool for political campaigns, with numerous political groups embracing social media to contact voters.

However, social media has had a significant influence on people’s lives in the United Kingdom, altering how we interact, obtain information, do business, and engage in politics. While social networking offers several advantages, it is critical to be aware of its possible negative impacts on mental health and to use it appropriately.

We are attempting to construct a list of data concerning Social Media for the year 2023.

1). There are roughly 48 million social media users in the UK as of January 2023, representing a penetration rate of 71.4% of the entire population. 2). Facebook continues to be the most popular social media network in the United Kingdom, with an estimated 37 million members in January 2023. 3). With an anticipated 27 million users in January 2023, Instagram is the second most popular social media network in the UK. 4). Just since January 2023, Twitter is predicted to have 15 million users in the United Kingdom. 5). As of January 2023, LinkedIn has around 12 million users in the United Kingdom, making it the most popular social media site for professionals. 6). TikTok’s popularity has surged in the United Kingdom, with an estimated 10 million users in January 2023. 7). Social media is increasingly being used for online purchases, with 62% of UK customers reporting making a purchase through social media in the preceding year. 8). With 85% of UK internet users watching online videos, video material posted to social media remains popular. 9). Influencer marketing is on the rise in the UK, with 78% of UK marketers aiming to raise their expenditure for influencer marketing in 2023. 10). Social networking site marketing spending in the UK is predicted to reach £4.4 billion in 2023, up from £3.5 billion in 2021.

AVASAM recognises the value of social media influence and has established a presence on all social media channels. Their knowledge of the best-selling items and categories is beneficial to anyone trying to grow their business.

[theambitiouswoman]

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[cindylouwho-2]

The European Union's General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR): A Huge Mess For Some Small & Micro Businesses

Above is an email Amazon sent to sellers many months ago that covers the basics. Not all marketplaces were as forthcoming - or early - with info.

As many of you know, new laws coming into effect Friday December 13, 2024 affect businesses' ability to sell products into the European Union and Northern Ireland (EU and NI). The General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) impose various requirements on most goods being sold to the EU and NI, and some of those new rules will be very onerous for some small businesses. Furthermore, there are still some unanswered questions that the relevant government bodies hadn't covered until the European Commission did release some more details and an FAQ page very recently [pdf for download at the end of the first section on that page], and until public Q & A sessions were held.

This post contains a brief summary of the GPSR and of the key questions for common small business types, with the best answers I can find at this time. There is a section discussing problems on Etsy (which hasn't yet adapted their platform to the new regulations). I also compiled a list of helpful links including government and marketplace information pages, and places to obtain an "EU Responsible Person" to represent your business.

If anything gets clarified in the near future, this post will be updated.

What Does GPSR Require?

The Amazon summary in the screenshot at the top of this post is one of the easiest to understand, but a shorter overview may work better for some, so here is what eBay has to say:

To comply with the GPSR and related regulations, all business sellers listing items for sale in the EU and NI must include the following information: 1. The product manufacturer's name and contact information 2. If the manufacturer isn’t located in the EU or NI, you’ll have to indicate an EU-based Responsible Person or entity, along with their name and contact details 3. Any relevant product information like model number, pictures, and type 4. Product safety and compliance information like warnings and safety information (which can be included in labels and product manuals) in the local language 5. The CE marking when required by the related regulations applicable to your product

And yes, all of this applies to merchants of all stripes, including small and microbusinesses. Per the EU, “...the GPSR obligations apply to businesses of all sizes. Consumers are entitled to only safe products and therefore exceptions cannot be made based on the size of a business.”

Clearly there are significant hurdles for small and micro businesses: the cost of hiring a responsible person, and the cost of producing the required safety and use instructions and of translating them into local languages. Some may choose to stop sales to the EU and NI instead of complying.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes, several types of products are excluded, but most of those already subject to equally strict or even stricter regulations, e.g., medicine, foods, animals etc.

The two main known exceptions of interest to most of my readership are:

Antiques, which seem to be limited to items that are old (but no age is given, as far as I can tell) and generally to art or other collectible items.

Items already available for sale before December 13 of this year.

That second point is good news for many businesses, but please note it only seems to apply to stock made before December 13, not just listings made before that date. Once you run out and need to order or make more products, they then become subject to the GPSR.

Does The GPSR Apply To Digital Products?

It now appears that the new regulations cover items such as digital downloads. The FAQ pdf put out by the European Union very recently states "[t]he GPSR applies to all types of products (physical or digital products too, including software) that are placed or made available on the EU Single Market". At least some analysts agree this can include pretty much everything digital:

I can understand why some folks think that a knitting pattern or a simple art downloadable file should not be covered, and in the future once there is more discussion of and action taken under the GPSR, those products might be excluded. But note that the pdf of FAQs also states "[t]he GPSR is about avoiding and preventing “risks to both physical health and mental health”. Including image files and similar downloads therefore makes some sense.

How Do I Find A "Responsible Person" To Represent My Digital Download Business In The EU?

That's a good question, because I haven't found any verified sources saying they will cover digital items, or any digital sellers mentioning they have found coverage. Many have been denied by the companies they have contacted. [UPDATE: A company called EAS has agreed to represent at least one digital seller.]

If you are aware of any other firms or individuals offering "Responsible Person" services for digital products, please let me know!

(Remember, If you are in the EU/NI, you are the Responsible Person. If your products are manufactured in the EU/NI, the manufacturer is the Responsible Person.)

Does the GPSR Apply To Free Products?

Yes. From the FAQ pdf: "an item provided free of charge falls within the scope of the GPSR.”

In addition to complimentary physical items ("free gifts") sent out with orders, this would seem to include free downloads provided on blogs and social media, on a Patreon site, in YouTube descriptions etc. I’ve not seen much discussion on this aspect of the law for some reason.

Items Offered For Sale Before December 13 Are Exempt, But How Would The Government Know When I First Offered The Product Or When It Was Made?

If you had 100 widgets in stock before December 13 and had them listed on a marketplace or website, by law you can continue to sell those widgets to the EU and NI until all 100 are gone. And if you created a digital file and offered it online before December 13, it should be exempt forever, as long as you do not edit the file after December 13.

But proving you had 100 widgets already made, or that you listed a specific product before the law took effect could be difficult, especially for anyone handmaking their own items. If you are going to continue to sell to the EU and NI after December 13, keep careful records of which stock needs labelling, safety information and translations of use instructions.

Online marketplaces could also create problems if they don't display the date an item was first offered for sale, as happens on Etsy, for example. Every time an item renews, the visible date is reset, and it can be difficult to go through spreadsheets looking for the original listing date, and csv files may not be adequate proof under this law (since they can easily be changed after downloading).

Unfortunately, we won't truly know what evidence will be accepted in these circumstances until the authorities start enforcing these regulations, but this will only be a concern for anyone continuing to sell "old stock" into the EU and NI after December 13, so it is far from the largest concern.

The Case of Etsy - Failure To Comply With The GPSR

Unlike some other marketplaces, Etsy was fairly late in warning its sellers that the GPSR affected them, and how Etsy will approach the law. The blog post included the line "[s]hould Etsy receive a notification from an authority that your product is non-compliant, we will take appropriate action, which may include removing your listing and/or suspending your account." So, the stakes are high here - you could lose your Etsy shop if accused of not complying with the GPSR.

There are currently 2 problems for sellers who decide they can't/won't comply with the GPSR and therefore do not want to offer their items to the EU and NI any more:

Shipping to the UK on Etsy includes Northern Ireland, and sellers anywhere within the UK cannot remove the UK from their shipping profiles. That means they are forced to offer their goods to NI even if they don't want to.

Digital products on Etsy are sold to the whole world by default; there is no way to exclude any countries that Etsy allows sales to. That means every digital listing on Etsy is currently offered in the GPSR jurisdictions, regardless of the seller's wishes or compliance.

The GPSR was published on May 10, 2023. That gave everyone 19 months to get their ducks in a row. However, Etsy has so far done nothing to allow UK and digital sellers to remove their listings from being available in the EU and NI. Nothing.

Support has told some sellers that the corporation is working on it, and that UK sellers could just cancel any sales to NI:

However, it is not good enough to refuse to complete orders to the EU and NI. Any item offered for sale in the EU and NI is automatically subject to the GPSR; just allowing someone to check out is a violation, if the listing and product does not meet the law's requirements.

As of December 13, there is still no way to stop selling to Northern Ireland on Etsy if you are a seller in the United Kingdom, and there is no way for a digital product to be excluded from offer in either the EU or NI. Sadly, this means the only way shops can follow the law is to close for the time being, and some are planning on doing that.

Etsy has failed its sellers, and there is no excuse.

UPDATE (December 13, 2024): Etsy now says it is working on the issues of excluding the EU and NI, but still advises cancelling sales to those locations in the interim, which does not comply with the GPSR. The company had 19 months to figure this out, but they still need a few more weeks at a minimum? Absurd.

Resources and Responsible Person Offerings

I've compiled a separate post on my Patreon, listing some of the official legal and government resources on GPSR, as well as rules and Help pages from some major marketplaces and Print on Demand companies, and a short list of places you can hire a "Responsible Person" for your products:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/sources-and-for-117871846

Please let me know if you find any broken links there, or have other resources to add!

This post will be updated as required.

UPDATED: December 13, 2024

[indiesellersguild]

New article: Is Dropshipping Indie Selling? (No.)

There has been a recent influx of social media accounts made to advertise The Wonders Of Dropshipping on any post mentioning ecommerce. Many of these seem to be bots, but a real person must be behind them -- so our very own Alex R. of @handmadehazefromtheheart decided to write up an article responding to the idea that these ecommerce "guru" types overlap with our member base of online indie sellers.

Excerpt:

To a consumer, the process of buying from big name versus indie online storefronts is the same: see the pictures, read the description, click “purchase,” and wait for a package. That standard makes it pretty easy for another kind of online seller to present you with a product on an original-looking webpage, accept your money in exchange for the promise of shipment — and then turn around and give (some of) that money to an actual supplier that sends you your purchase. [...] Ultimately, the Indie Sellers Guild seeks to be an online extension of the labor movement. In capitalism, things are often divided into a working class and an owning class, and we’re here for the working class. [...] [D]ropshipping is a way to claw at the benefits of being part of the owning class: gaining profit for nothing more than inserting yourself into a transaction that doesn’t need you to operate fairly. We don’t condone that, and we don’t represent that.

View it in full here.

For some insightful thoughts on print-on-demand selling -- something that we don't all agree falls under "dropshipping" but does overlap -- you'll find a link inside to another article by Valerie of Artisans Cooperative.

[handmadehazefromtheheart]

There's gonna be a post on @indiesellersguild about it later, but I wrote an article about dropshipping that got published yesterday.

There seems to be a "dropshipping guru/ecommerce expert" bot problem on Tumblr rn. The whole thing is honestly an insult to small business and just another part of hustle/grindset/content farm/passive income off other people's labor/get rich quick culture. I link this Folding Ideas video at one point in there that goes over that stuff much more.

[notfinancialadvice]

Shopify has a blog problem, this creates a really simple and straightforward opportunity for freelance designers/programmers

Earlier this year I settled the editorial decisions I needed for a lot of blogging going forward, and recently I've experimented (repeatedly) with the idea of having a blog on a separate platform, or using Shopify's system.

Having two sites would allow me to blog on a WordPress site, but creates... two sites, therefore complicates everything more. More maintenance, design, etc. etc.

I am actively seeking to make my life easier so I am foregoing two sites and learning to live with the limitations.

A personal struggle to the surprise of no one.

You can use WordPress and thread Shopify through it via the "buy" button, which is a shortcut for small stores and/or larger stores where you are very comfortable in WordPress.

You cannot use Shopify and thread WordPress through it.

Which is a shame.

Because Shopify's native blog platform is fucking horrible.

An independent graphic designer who can program, or a programmer who can design, cannot solve Shopify's problems.

They are inherent to the system and likely built on legacy code Shopify doesn't want to update because it'll cost a fortune.

I'll just be mad about this until the market forces them to address this opportunity and they revamp their blogging platform. That's fine.

Or maybe decades will pass and they won't. That's... fine too. I guess.

I am rambling this out because if I were in the business of freelance graphic design and/or programming I would jump on this immediately. I used to be and always shared opportunities with friends and it was fun and I kinda miss that aspect of the life.

I'm not in that business, and I have in-house programming, please don't pitch me, but do consider pitching... pretty much everyone with a Shopify site and a blog as Phase 01 of your plan, and everyone who has a Shopify site and does not have a blog as Phase 02 of your plan.

Here is what I would tackle:

Shopify blogs have two structures: "blog" and "blog post".

A blog in Shopify is essentially a category in WordPress, with more limitations, such as, a blog post can only be in a single "blog". That sucks but it means your life as a designer/developer gets more interesting.

Most Shopify themes come out of the box with 1 "blog" and 1 "blog post" template. They are exceptionally simple, usually. I would build a few test templates and offer them to clients "these will be modified to fit your direct style."

For some reason -- I'm guessing focus -- most blogs in Shopify have the image on top. If you structure "image on the left, image on the right" as options you can offer clients, you've just tripled their layout capabilities.

For another reason, I don't know why, but almost all shopify blog post templates I've seen do not have sidebars. Which is insane?! You can control that from the fucking "blog post" template so it would be an easy win.

You could work around the "a post can only be in one blog on Shopify" issue by having a sidebar that pulls the latest 3 (or 5 or whatever) posts as links for other blogs on the site: TEST SITE has 3 blogs. When you're looking at a post on BLOG 01, in the sidebar, you see a link to the latest post on BLOG 02 and BLOG 03. Similarly, when you're looking at a post on BLOG 02, the sidebar has the latest post from BLOG 01 and BLOG 03 (and so on)

The template I use, off the shelf, uses the Shopify's user name and details for the author of the blog. Once a blog post is created, in Shopify, you cannot alter the author. This is dumb as fucking rock salt on slug popcorn. But, again, systematic, I'm pitching ideas on ways around it -- exclude this and just use a CUSTOM DATA field to allow the Shopify owner to pick the relevant author. This cuts down on the need for extra Shopify users, tremendously, and builds in the opportunity for WordPress-style author footers on blog posts.

Emulate the very common filtering on products -- dropdowns, sorting mechanisms -- with tags on a sidebar on BLOG templates. This will be tricky because you cannot hook into the Search & Discovery function, but it's absolutely no where near impossible. And would be amazingly useful.

Overall Shopify is a decent platform with significant advantages.

There blogger apps but holy shit that is so unnecessary. If they were a one-time-fee, it would be fine, but they aren't, they're generally $20+/month.

I'm not interested in paying for a service that ties me into another tech system that I am fucked if they go out of business, jack up their prices, introduce a feature I don't like, or remove a feature I do like.

For something like a blog system.

Which relies HEAVILY on very structured, single-built, near-infinitely-reused templates.

A low effort, high yield opportunity exists for independent designer/programmers to come up with a suite of designs and say "hey with some very simple modifications, we can take 1 of the following, apply it to your store, and dramatically increase your in-site blogging opportunities."

You start with a base "blog post" template and a base "blog" template and then every time someone hires you to add a feature to theirs, using Shopify's core tech -- you're just applying paint -- you now have a second set of templates.

Recycle forward.

One time fee per client -- likely low, but again effort is low since 90% of the code is re-used -- and each time you secure a client, you have opened a networking door.

Just make sure you include instructions and/or a premium service for when the customer upgrades their theme version -- "occasionally your theme author will upgrade, and this may get lost... so do the following to bring it back and/or we'll handle it for you for $X and Y-days notice."

Business opportunities are everywhere.

Good luck!

I repeat don't add me to your pitch list, I have a programmer in-house, but use this idea to make a business or extend yours!

This isn't financial advice, it is annoyed rambling!

[gr8brandz]

Deerma Blender Portable Buah Juicer Wireless 1500mAh 400ml

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Fitur 2 in 1 Blender and Tumbler Blender ini diranang agar memudahkan Anda langsung meminum jus atau menyimpan hasil juicer ke botol. Nah. blender sudah dilengkapi botol khusus yang juga bagian dari wadah blender itu sendiri. Light Weight and Portable Xiaomi juicer ini memiliki bobot yang ringan dan mudah dibawa. Bahkan, anak umur 4 tahun bisa mengangkat dengan mudah melalui pegangan tali silikon. Taruh saja di mobil ataupun ke dalam tas Anda.

Powerful Juicing Function mata pisau Xiaomi Juicer yang tajam dapat dengan cepat membuat jus, milkshake hingga makanan cepat saji untuk bayi. Kekuatan mesin blender ini layar disandingkan dengan blender konvesional. Sehingga dengan ukuran sekecil ini, Anda bisa mendapatkan hasil jus yang memuaskan.

Rechargeable Battery Dengan konsep wireless alias tanpa kabel, blender ini sudah dibekali baterai charger. Sheingga Anda bisa mengisi ulang baterainya selama di perjalanan, misalnya menggunakan power bank ataupun car charger.

Easy Operation Pengoperasian Xiaomi juicer ini cukup menekan tombol power yang tersedia dan kemudian menunggu beberapa saat untuk mendapatkan jus segar dan sehat.

Safe Material with Food Grade Material Xiaomi juicer ini ramah lingkungan sehingga aman dan tidak berbahaya bagi kesehatan termasuk bayi Anda.

Isi Kemasan 1 x Deerma Blender Portable Buah Juicer Wireless 1500mAh 400ml 1 x Tutup Botol 1 x Kabel USB 1 x Brush 1 x Panduan Penggunaan ==================================================== https://s.shopee.co.id/9ezi7T2NcG https://tokopedia.link/vfg3UqLVZzb

[adbros]

30 ways to make real; money from home

Making money online from the comfort of your home has become increasingly accessible with the growth of the internet and digital technologies. In 2023, there are numerous realistic ways to earn money online. Here are 30 ideas to get you started:

1. Freelance Writing: Offer your writing skills on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer to create blog posts, articles, or website content.

2. Content Creation: Start a YouTube channel, podcast, or blog to share your expertise or passion and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

3. Online Surveys and Market Research: Participate in online surveys and market research studies with platforms like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie.

4. Remote Customer Service: Work as a remote customer service representative for companies like Amazon or Apple.

5. Online Tutoring: Teach subjects you're knowledgeable in on platforms like VIPKid or Chegg Tutors.

6. E-commerce: Start an online store using platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or eBay to sell products.

7. Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services on your blog or social media and earn commissions for sales made through your referral links.

8. Online Courses: Create and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.

9. Remote Data Entry: Find remote data entry jobs on websites like Clickworker or Remote.co.

10. Virtual Assistance: Offer administrative support services to businesses as a virtual assistant.

11. Graphic Design: Use your graphic design skills to create logos, graphics, or websites for clients on platforms like Fiverr.

12. Stock Photography: Sell your photos on stock photography websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.

13. App Development: Develop and sell mobile apps or offer app development services.

14. Social Media Management: Manage social media accounts for businesses looking to enhance their online presence.

15. Dropshipping: Start an e-commerce business without holding inventory by dropshipping products.

16. Online Consultations: Offer consulting services in your area of expertise through video calls.

17. Online Surplus Sales: Sell unused items or collectibles on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

18. Online Fitness Coaching: Become an online fitness coach and offer workout plans and guidance.

19. Virtual Events: Host webinars, workshops, or conferences on topics you're knowledgeable about.

20. Podcast Production: Offer podcast editing, production, or consulting services.

21. Remote Transcription: Transcribe audio and video files for clients.

22. Online Translation: Offer translation services if you're proficient in multiple languages.

23. Affiliate Blogging: Create a niche blog with affiliate marketing as the primary revenue source.

24. Online Art Sales: Sell your artwork, crafts, or digital art on platforms like Etsy or Redbubble.

25. Remote Bookkeeping: Offer bookkeeping services for small businesses from home.

26. Digital Marketing: Provide digital marketing services like SEO, PPC, or social media management.

27. Online Gaming: Stream your gaming sessions on platforms like Twitch and monetize through ads and donations.

28. Virtual Assistant Coaching: If you have experience as a VA, offer coaching services to aspiring virtual assistants.

29. Online Research: Conduct research for businesses or individuals in need of specific information.

30. Online Real Estate: Invest in virtual real estate, such as domain names or digital properties, and sell them for a profit.

Remember that success in making money online often requires dedication, patience, and the ability to adapt to changing trends. It's essential to research and choose the opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and long-term goals.

[avasamdropshipping]

Ecommerce how to start and succeed

Ecommerce has become an increasingly popular way to start a business in the UK. With the rise of online shopping, there has never been a better time to start your own ecommerce business. However, starting an ecommerce business can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the world of online selling.

Before we take you on the tour of the key pointer’s to be kept in mind, let us understand who an Entrepreneur is.

Entrepreneurship refers to the process of starting and running a business venture, typically with the aim of creating value or generating profit. It involves identifying an opportunity in the market, developing a product or service that meets the needs of customers, and building a sustainable business model around it.

Entrepreneurship is characterized by creativity, risk-taking, innovation, and the ability to recognize and act on opportunities that others may overlook. It often involves overcoming challenges and obstacles, such as limited resources, market uncertainty, and competition.

Successful entrepreneurship requires a combination of skills and traits, such as leadership, communication, strategic thinking, financial management, and resilience. Entrepreneurs may operate in a variety of industries and sectors, from technology and finance to retail and healthcare.

Entrepreneurship is also associated with broader economic and social benefits, such as job creation, innovation, and economic growth. As such, it is often promoted by governments and institutions as a means of spurring economic development and improving living standards.

In this blog, we will discuss how to start and succeed in ecommerce in the UK.

Choose your niche

The first step to starting a successful ecommerce business is to choose your niche. A niche in a wider industry is a concentrated area of interest. For example, instead of selling clothing in general, you could specialize in selling vintage clothing or sustainable fashion. By choosing a niche, you can stand out from your competitors and appeal to a specific audience.

Conduct market research

Once you have chosen your niche, it is important to conduct market research. This will help you to understand your target audience and competition. Look at what other businesses in your niche are doing, and identify gaps in the market that you can fill. You can also use tools like Google Trends and social media analytics to see what people are searching for and talking about in your niche.

Create Your Business Plan

Your business plan should include your goals, strategies, target audience, and financial projections. It should also outline how you plan to market your ecommerce business, how you’ll handle customer service, and how you’ll manage your inventory and shipping. Your business plan will be your roadmap for success, so take the time to create a detailed and well-thought-out plan.

Register Your Business

After your business strategy is in place, you must register your company. This will involve choosing a business structure, registering with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and registering for VAT (if your annual turnover is over £85,000).

Choose your ecommerce platform

There are many ecommerce platforms to choose from, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose one that is best suited for your business. Take into account elements like cost, scalability, and simplicity of use.

Build your online store

Once you have chosen your ecommerce platform, it is time to build your online store. This will involve designing your website, adding products, and setting up payment and shipping options. You can either do this yourself or hire a web developer to help you.

Set Up Your Payment Gateway

You’ll need to set up a payment gateway to allow your customers to pay for their purchases securely. Popular payment gateways include PayPal, Stripe, and SagePay.

Secure your website

Security is critical for any ecommerce business. Make sure your website is secure by using SSL encryption and regularly updating your software and plugins.

Get an accountant

It’s important to keep your finances in order, so consider hiring an accountant to help you manage your finances, taxes, and bookkeeping.

Get business insurance

Business insurance is essential to protect your business from unforeseen events, such as theft, fire, or natural disasters.

Launch your website

Once you have completed all the necessary steps, it’s time to launch your website and start selling!

Market Your Online Store

Marketing is essential to the success of your ecommerce business. You can use a variety of marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO), to promote your online store and attract customers.

Manage Your Inventory and Shipping

As your business grows, you’ll need to manage your inventory and shipping efficiently. You can use inventory management software to track your stock levels and automate your shipping process.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Finally, provide excellent customer service to keep your customers happy and coming back for more. Respond to customer inquiries promptly, offer refunds or exchanges when necessary, and go above and beyond to make your customers feel valued.

Analyze and optimize

Finally, it is important to analyze your ecommerce business and optimize it for success. Track the sales and visitors to your website using programmes like Google Analytics. Look for areas where you can improve, such as website design, product selection, and customer service. Continuously make improvements to your business to ensure its success.

In conclusion, starting an ecommerce business in the UK can be a rewarding and lucrative endeavor. By choosing your niche, conducting market research, choosing the right ecommerce platform, building your online store, marketing your business, and analyzing and optimizing for success, you can build a successful ecommerce business in the UK. You’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving online store that attracts loyal customers and generates revenue for years to come.

To begin with, you definitely need a straightforward internet sales channel for your goods. For this, a straightforward store template on a reliable drop shipping platform like Avasam works just well.

To assist you, we created a tutorial for setting up your account on drop shipping platform – Avasam. Although it can take you a while to get going, watch how much time you invest in the beginning.

Good luck!