Hi E-commerce Enthusiasts!
Welcome to this week’s edition of the SKULabs e-commerce update! As the holiday season approaches, we’re here to keep you informed on the latest trends and updates that matter most to your e-commerce business. From shipping price changes to AI-powered retail innovations, there’s a lot happening in the industry.
This week’s edition covers:
- Updated USPS shipping prices for the 2024 holiday season
- Drone delivery advancements in Texas
- Canva’s dramatic price increases for AI features
- Google Shopping’s virtual try-on feature for dresses
- Whatnot: The new marketplace making waves
- eBay’s new search-focused UX updates
- Shopify’s legal victory over patent claims
- The future of retail conversations with AI
Stat of the Week
Nearly 70% of consumers say retail website search functions need ‘upgrade’
1. USPS Announces Temporary Price Increases for Holiday Season
The U.S. Postal Service has announced temporary price increases for the upcoming 2024 holiday season. Starting October 6 and lasting until January 19, 2025, USPS will raise rates for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage packages. This seasonal price hike aims to cover the extra costs of handling the holiday rush while aligning USPS rates with market competition. Whether you’re shipping small packages or bulk orders, it’s essential to adjust your shipping strategies accordingly. If you want the best USPS shipping rates use SKULabs, we are an USPS eCommerce Connect Partner which means you will receive
- Discounted shipping: USPS Connect eCommerce offers special pricing for merchants on shipping platforms.
- No minimum volume commitments: There are no minimum volume commitments required to participate in the program.
- Easy package returns: The program offers easy options for returning packages.
2. Drone Delivery Milestone in Texas
North Texas has made history with the first FAA-approved commercial drone flights that do not require visual observers. This breakthrough could pave the way for large-scale drone deliveries, transforming last-mile logistics and cutting delivery times. As drone technology evolves, e-commerce businesses should watch closely to see how they can leverage this for faster, more efficient deliveries.
3. Canva Dramatically Increases Prices for AI Features
Canva is raising the price for some of its services by up to 300%, citing the launch of new AI-powered design tools. The pricing changes will impact Canva Teams subscribers, with a 40% discount for the first 12 months before full pricing goes into effect. Canva’s AI features, such as Magic Studio, are aimed at helping businesses create content faster, but the higher price point could influence smaller companies to seek alternatives.
4. Google Shopping’s Virtual Try-On Feature for Dresses
Google Shopping is rolling out a virtual try-on feature in the U.S. for dresses, allowing shoppers to see how outfits might look before making a purchase. This feature is part of Google’s broader effort to improve the online shopping experience with AI and virtual reality tools, setting new standards for e-commerce platforms.
5. Whatnot: The New Marketplace Revolutionizing Online Shopping
Whatnot is an emerging online marketplace combining live streaming and e-commerce, creating a unique shopping experience. Sellers can interact with buyers in real-time, offering a more engaging and personalized shopping experience. This platform is gaining traction, particularly among younger audiences, signaling a shift towards more interactive e-commerce models.
6. eBay Prioritizes Search with New UX Updates
eBay is improving its user experience by focusing on search functionality in its latest UX update. The platform is enhancing search algorithms to help buyers find products more efficiently and accurately. This change is aimed at boosting the visibility of sellers’ products and improving overall customer satisfaction, which could be a game-changer for sellers during the holiday season. For more information about our integration with eBay click here.
7. Shopify Wins Patent Infringement Lawsuit
Shopify has successfully defended itself against a patent infringement lawsuit regarding its Buy buttons and social media integrations. A California court ruled in Shopify’s favor, stating that the e-commerce technology in question was not patentable. This win is significant for Shopify and its users, ensuring continued innovation without legal hurdles. For more about our integration with Shopify click here.
8. AI-Powered Conversations in E-commerce
Retailers are increasingly using AI to create conversational shopping experiences, replicating in-store interactions online. Google is one of the leaders in this innovation, offering AI chat tools to guide customers through their shopping journey. These tools could replace traditional search, making online shopping more personalized and interactive.
Thank you for reading this week’s edition of the SKULabs Blog! We hope you found these insights helpful as you navigate the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. Stay in the know every week with our updates! Check out all other updates here on our blog
See you next Week