Juphy’s Weekly E-Commerce News Express – 29 July-02 August 2024
Ceyda Duz
Welcome to this week’s edition, which includes everything about e-commerce and AI! We’ve got exciting updates for you: Etsy Insider is rolling out new perks for buyers this September, TikTok Shops is set to launch in Ireland and Spain, and the latest product updates from Addlly, Vayu Robotics, and LTK. Dive in to stay ahead with the hottest trends and insights in e-commerce, online shopping, and AI!
Etsy Insider: New Perks for Buyers Coming This September
Etsy has announced the upcoming launch of a paid membership program called Etsy Insider, set to debut in mid-September. This initiative, aimed at strengthening customer loyalty despite recent revenue challenges, will initially be available to select buyers in the United States through an invitation-only beta phase.
Benefits of Etsy Insider Membership
To attract signups, Etsy Insider will offer a range of exclusive perks, including:
Free U.S. Domestic Shipping: Enjoy free shipping on millions of items.
Birthday Bonus: A special treat to celebrate your birthday.
Limited Edition Annual Gift: A unique gift designed by an Etsy seller.
Early Access: Be the first to access special discounts and select merchandise.
Double Impact with Donate the Change: Enhance your contributions to Etsy’s Uplift Fund through this round-up donation program.
Etsy ensures that these benefits, including free shipping, will be funded by the membership fees and will not bring on additional costs for the seller community.
Strategic Response to Market Challenges
Etsy’s decision to introduce a paid membership program comes in response to a challenging market environment for consumer-optional products. The company reported a 3.5% year-over-year decline in gross merchandise sales for the first quarter of 2024. The launch of Etsy Insider is seen as a strategic move to strengthen customer loyalty and increase engagement, making it easier for buyers to discover unique products from independent sellers, especially in the face of growing competition.
The introduction of Etsy Insider represents a unique approach among online marketplaces, particularly given Etsy’s model as a pure marketplace without centralized fulfillment. This initiative is part of Etsy’s broader strategy to navigate the competitive and evolving e-commerce world while continuing to support its community of sellers and buyers.
TikTok Shop Set to Launch in Ireland and Spain
TikTok Shop, a feature of the popular social media platform owned by ByteDance, was initially expected to launch across several European countries this summer. However, the rollout has been postponed, with a change in launch scheduled for October in Ireland and Spain, followed by other European countries next year.
Initial Launch and Delays
TikTok Shop was first introduced in parts of Asia in early 2022, and it then expanded into the United Kingdom and the United States. Despite these initial efforts, the expansion faced a setback due to underwhelming performance in the UK, where TikTok had also launched its fulfillment services.
This spring, TikTok began inviting merchants to beta-test TikTok Shop in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, signaling a future expansion into continental Europe. However, ByteDance decided to delay this broader rollout to concentrate on strengthening TikTok Shop’s presence in the US and to address regulatory issues in Europe.
Revived Plans for Europe
According to Bloomberg, TikTok has now selected Ireland and Spain to lead its renewed e-commerce push in Europe, which will start in October. ByteDance has communicated with partners, including merchants and creator agencies, to prepare for the upcoming launch in these two countries.
The decision to focus on Ireland and Spain is seen as a strategic move to revive TikTok Shop’s expansion efforts in Europe. As TikTok Shop prepares to launch in these markets, merchants and creators are getting ready to leverage the platform’s extensive user base and innovative commerce features.
Addlly AI’s Shopify AI Writer
Singapore-based Addlly AI has launched an AI SEO Writer app for Shopify. This tool simplifies content creation by allowing users to pick products from their Shopify store and choose from trending blog topics suggested by the AI tailored to their products. The AI then crafts a comprehensive e-commerce article with automatic internal links to the selected products. Users can review, edit, and enhance the content with product images. Additionally, the app generates ready-to-post social media content, making it easier for Shopify merchants to manage their online presence.
Vayu Robotics’ On-Road Delivery Robot
Vayu Robotics has introduced an on-road delivery robot that uses AI foundation models and low-cost passive sensors, eliminating the need for traditional light and ranging detection. This autonomous robot navigates without pre-mapping and is capable of operating inside stores, on city streets, and delivering packages to driveways or porches. With a carrying capacity of up to 100 pounds and speeds under 20 mph, Vayu’s delivery robot promises a cost-effective, safe, and reliable solution for modern delivery needs.
LTK’s Video-First Shopping App
The creator commerce platform LTK has introduced a new video-first shopping experience within its app. The update features Full-Screen Continuous Video, offering a seamless shoppable video feed that plays creators’ videos back-to-back. Additionally, the app includes Daily Drops, a feature that allows shoppers to quickly access the latest shoppable video content from their followed creators, published within the last 24 hours. This new video-centric approach aims to help creators better engage with shoppers on the platform.
Juphy AI: Breaking Language Barriers for Global E-Commerce
E-commerce offers unparalleled global reach, allowing you to sell to customers anywhere in the world without needing a physical presence. However, language barriers can become a challenge. To truly connect with your diverse customer base, you need to offer support in their preferred language. Meet Juphy’s AI Shopping Assistant for Shopify. Juphy’s ChatGPT-powered AI supports over 98 languages, providing round-the-clock assistance to your customers, no matter where they are or what time it is. Acting as a virtual sales representative, Juphy AI not only handles inquiries but also educates and guides customers throughout their shopping journey. Enhance customer satisfaction, build loyalty, and increase your sales effortlessly. Discover the power of Juphy AI today and try it out now: apps.shopify.com/juphy
Key Takeaways
Etsy Insider – New Perks for Buyers: Etsy is launching a paid membership program, “Etsy Insider“, in mid-September to enhance customer loyalty. The program offers free U.S. shipping, birthday bonuses, annual gifts, and early access to sales, funded by membership fees without extra costs to sellers. This strategic move aims to boost engagement and counter recent sales declines.
TikTok Shop Set to Launch in Ireland & Spain: After initial delays, TikTok Shop is scheduled to launch in Ireland and Spain in October, with further European expansion planned. This adjustment aims to strengthen TikTok Shop’s market presence and address regulatory concerns.
Addlly AI’s Shopify AI Writer: Singapore-based Addlly AI has released an AI SEO Writer app for Shopify, enhancing e-commerce content creation. The app allows users to generate articles and social media content linked to their products, streamlining online content management.
Vayu Robotics’ On-Road Delivery Robot: Vayu Robotics debuts an on-road delivery robot utilizing AI foundation models and passive sensors designed to operate without pre-mapping in various environments. This innovation aims to provide a cost-effective delivery solution.
LTK’s Video-First Shopping App: LTK launches a new video-first shopping experience in its app, featuring a continuous video feed and “Daily Drops” of the latest content. This update enhances the way creators engage with shoppers, making it easier to access and purchase featured items.
