Category: News

  • FTC Proposes Crackdown on Fake Online Reviews

    The FTC has proposed new rules to tackle fake online reviews, which make up an estimated 30 to 40 percent of reviews. The rules, currently in the proposal stage and not yet law, aim to impose fines of up to $50,000 for each fake review, per consumer exposure. The regulations target fabricated experiences, non-existent reviewers,…

  • Overstock.com Acquires Bed Bath & Beyond Intellectual Property

    Overstock.com, an online shop for furniture and home stuff, has bought parts of Bed Bath & Beyond online. They spent $21.5 million on this. Now, Overstock owns the Bed Bath & Beyond brand, their online customer list, and more.

  • Closing the Loophole: U.S. Targets Tariff Exemptions Exploited by Chinese E-Commerce Giants

    In a critical step towards fair trade, U.S. lawmakers are set to introduce a bill called “The Import Security and Fairness Act.” This proposed legislation aims to dismantle the minimis rule, a tariff exemption that has been regularly leveraged by Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress to circumvent import taxes on goods shipped…

  • The Bubble Wrap Deception: Are You Getting What You Paid For?

    What if I told you that the 700 feet of bubble wrap you ordered was actually just 400 feet? Shocking, isn’t it? In the bustling world of e-commerce, bubble wrap is a crucial component, safeguarding our goods during transit. But are we really getting what we order? FJ Treasures, a popular YouTube channel, decided to…

  • Adobe’s Generative Fill: A Highly Effective Image Editing Tool for Sellers

    Adobe Photoshop’s new tool, Generative Fill, is shaking things up. It’s an AI-powered tool that lets you tweak your product images in a flash. I’ve been trying it out, and it’s impressive! It’s as simple as typing what you want to change, and the AI does the rest. And it’s all powered by Adobe’s AI…

  • EU Proposes Simplified Customs System

    The European Commission is making moves to simplify trade. They’ve proposed a plan to change the customs system, hoping to bring together 27 different national customs authorities and over 100 IT systems into one online data hub.

  • Find Small Business Products on Amazon with the New Badge

    Amazon has launched a test for a Small Business Badge to help buyers easily identify products sold by small businesses on its platform. This move comes after the success of independent third-party sellers during the holiday season, with nearly 60% of sales coming from small businesses.

  • Google’s Inactive Account Deletion: What Sellers Need to Know

    Google’s recent announcement regarding the deletion of inactive accounts, including Gmail, YouTube, and Photos, has implications for online sellers. This policy change aims to enhance security by removing dormant accounts that are more susceptible to compromise. However, sellers who utilize multiple Google accounts, separating their personal and business activities, should be aware of the potential…

  • USPS Audit Reveals Inaccurate Package Tracking System

    Did you notice USPS tracking numbers’ low accuracy? An audit conducted by the postal Inspector General (IG) confirms it. The recent audit revealed that 64% of the tracking messages examined were inaccurate, emphasizing the need for improved communication regarding the delivery status. This poses a significant challenge for online sellers who strive to keep their…

  • The IRS Develops Free Online Tax Filing System

    The IRS is building its own online tax filing system allowing taxpayers to directly send electronic returns to the government at no cost, bypassing commercial options like TurboTax. In a pilot test planned for next year, the IRS aims to offer an alternative to the $14 billion tax-preparation industry.