Hello, MyFBAPrep Sellers!

This week, we’re diving into the future of ecommerce logistics, how to navigate seasonal trends, and the ins and outs of Amazon’s Grade and Resell program. Plus, don’t miss our featured chat with Michelle Barnum Smith on maximizing success with TikTok Shop. Let’s get started!

Selling on TikTok Shop: A chat with Michelle Barnum Smith of TikTok Shop Sellers

Thinking about selling on TikTok Shop? Michelle Barnum Smith explains why the platform is growing rapidly and how it stands out from other marketplaces and social platforms.

She dives into sellers’ biggest mistakes, why some businesses struggle to gain traction, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Plus, discover key insights on logistics and fulfillment, helping you navigate the operational side of selling successfully on TikTok Shop.

Discover how to succeed on TikTok Shop, watch the full interview here!

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How Cloud-Based Solutions Are Shaping the Future of Logistics

Cloud-based logistics solutions are transforming supply chain operations, making them more scalable, cost-efficient, and data-driven.

The Sigma Solve team explores how cloud computing enhances visibility, automation, and real-time decision-making in logistics, with insights into industry leaders like Amazon, DHL, and Maersk.

They also break down the challenges of implementation and what businesses should consider when choosing a cloud logistics provider.

Discover how cloud technology is reshaping logistics

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Seasonal Trends 101: How to Shape Your Product Strategy Year-Round

Seasonal trends play a crucial role in shaping a successful product strategy. By aligning offerings with changing consumer behaviors—like New Year’s resolutions in January or holiday shopping in November—businesses can boost sales, maintain customer engagement, and stand out from competitors.

This blog explores key seasonal trends throughout the year and provides best practices, such as analyzing historical sales data, adjusting inventory levels, and leveraging themed marketing campaigns. Additionally, it highlights strategies for adapting to unexpected trends to maximize opportunities.

Discover how seasonal trends can boost your sales

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Amazon FBA Grade and Resell Explained: Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies for Success

Amazon FBA Grade and Resell is an innovative program designed to help sellers recover value from returned inventory that may not meet the standards for resale as new. Instead of absorbing the full loss, sellers can grade and resell returned items in various conditions, turning them into a source of revenue.

This program minimizes waste by giving products a second chance and appeals to budget-conscious customers. It also reduces operational burdens, helping sellers boost profitability while supporting sustainability in eCommerce.

Learn how to recover value from returned inventory

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Top Industry News

E-commerce: Logistics Redefined (Logistics Management)
E-commerce, in particular, is driving unprecedented shifts in logistics and transportation. The relentless demand for faster fulfillment, real-time visibility, and greater operational efficiency is reshaping traditional supply chain models at a pace few could have predicted.

TikTok Shares Insights Into the Rise of Ecommerce in the App (Social Media Today)
TikTok’s in-app shopping push is steadily gaining steam, not as fast as it has in China, but the platform is gradually driving more and more sales. Which is a key focus for TikTok, especially given that in-app sales in the Chinese version of the app (Douyin) generated close to $US500 billion in sales last year. That’s a lot of motivation for TikTok to keep pushing this element, and this week, TikTok has published a new report which looks at how TikTok shopping is evolving, and how brands can tap into this element.

The Future of eCommerce: Insights From 200+ Retailers (MarTech)
Shoppers expect fast, accurate, and personalized search results—but many retailers still struggle with product discovery. The State of Product Discovery in Digital Commerce 2025 report, based on insights from 200+ retailers, reveals how AI is transforming ecommerce.

The Future of American Ecommerce (Digital Commerce 360)
This 2nd annual comprehensive Report predicts the growth of American-based online retailers, projected through 2026, and provides an in-depth analysis of category performance and expert commentary from the Research team. It also offers an insider’s look at category performance and expert insights into four key retail segments: Apparel & Accessories, Automotive Parts & Accessories, Consumer Electronics, and Health & Beauty.

Walmart Lags eCommerce While Amazon Laps Mobile Shopping (PYMNTS)
As the battle for eCommerce dominance intensifies, Walmart is making strides in expanding its online presence. The retail giant has elevated its digital sales and profits, cementing eCommerce as a core element of its strategy. But despite these gains, Walmart still faces a daunting challenge: it remains a distant second to Amazon, whose overwhelming online sales continue to set the standard. According to the PYMNTS Intelligence “Whole Paycheck” report, “Walmart Holds Grocery Lead Over Amazon Despite Overall Share Declines,” in Q3 2024 Amazon’s eCommerce sales totaled $152.25 billion, while Walmart’s reached just $22.45 billion, highlighting room for further growth.

Why Asian Logistics Operators are Leasing More US Warehouses (AP News)
A leasing surge by Asia-based companies seeking to take advantage of favorable market conditions has emerged as a bright spot for the industry, real estate company CBRE Group said in a June 2024 report. E-commerce companies and logistics providers based in China were estimated to account for 20% of new U.S. warehouse leases in the U.S. through the third quarter of 2024.

New Effective Date for FBA Inventory Reimbursement Policy (Amazon Central)
The updated Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) inventory reimbursement policy will now go into effect on March 31, 2025, instead of March 10, 2025. We made this change to give you more time to manage your costs through the Manage Your Sourcing Cost page in the Inventory Defect and Reimbursement portal.

The Number of China-Based Sellers on Walmart’s Third-Party Marketplace has Skyrocketed (Modern Retail)
According to Marketplace Pulse, Chinese sellers represented 28% of all active sellers on Walmart in 2024, up from 20% at the end of 2023. The firm pegs the total number of Walmart sellers at around 160,000 — the company does not disclose an official number publicly. This could mean heavier competition for U.S.-based sellers on the fast-growing e-commerce platform and more risk of low-quality products or counterfeits. In 2021, for example, Amazon started removing some of its top sellers — many of whom were based in China — after it started cracking down on fake reviews.

Until next time,
Rachel Andrea Go
Marketing Director, MyFBAPrep