Home Blog Page 17

Hong Kong Ecommerce Guide: Where Do People Shop And What Should I Sell?

Are you considering starting an ecommerce business in Hong Kong? With its population of more than 7 million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. 

It also has a thriving economy with a high level of internet penetration, making it an ideal place to launch an online store. 

However, before you dive into launching your own ecommerce business in Hong Kong, there are some things that you need to know about the market and what kind of products are popular among consumers. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from where people shop online in Hong Kong to which products sell best so that you can make informed decisions when setting up your store. 

We’ll also provide tips on how to get started and advice on marketing strategies for success. 

So let’s get started!

Overview Of The Hong Kong Ecommerce Market

Hong Kong’s flourishing ecommerce market is fueled by its large population, high internet penetration, and robust economy. 

Over 7 million people live in Hong Kong, with approximately 96% of them having access to the internet.

This makes it one of the most densely populated cities in the world with a large base of potential customers for any online business.

The market is also relatively mature, with online retail sales estimated to exceed $2.7 billion in 2020. 

This growth is expected to continue due to the increasing popularity of mobile commerce and the expansion of logistics infrastructure in the region.

Hong Kong is home to a sophisticated infrastructure that supports its thriving ecommerce market. 

The city has an efficient transportation network with the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) providing access to many areas of the city, while roads and railways connect it to mainland China.

Several major ports serve as hubs for freight and cargo shipments from around the world.

Popular Shopping Platforms In Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the most popular ecommerce platforms are Amazon, eBay, and Taobao. 

Amazon and eBay have been operating in the region for over a decade now and offer customers a wide selection of products ranging from books to electronics. 

Meanwhile, Taobao is a Chinese online marketplace that has become increasingly popular in Hong Kong due to its low prices and wide selection of products.

Other popular shopping destinations in Hong Kong include local marketplaces such as HKTV Mall, IKEA, and ToysRUs. 

These sites offer customers a convenient way to shop for items without having to leave the comfort of their home. 

Popular Product Categories For Selling Online In Hong Kong

When it comes to popular product categories for selling online in Hong Kong, apparel and accessories, electronics and home appliances, as well as health and beauty products are some of the top choices. 

Apparel and accessories are especially popular among young adults, while electronics and home appliances are a hit with everyone. 

Health and beauty products have become increasingly sought-after in recent years due to the health-consciousness of local consumers. 

In addition, items that are related to lifestyle and hobbies such as pet supplies, craft materials, and travel accessories tend to do particularly well in Hong Kong’s ecommerce market. 

This is because many locals enjoy indulging in leisure activities or taking trips abroad, making them more likely to purchase related items online. 

Tips For Starting An Ecommerce Business In Hong Kong 

Hong Kong’s thriving ecommerce market is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start an online store. 

With its large population, high internet penetration, and robust economy, it has become a hotspot for online shopping. 

To capitalize on this growth, businesses should focus on popular product categories such as apparel and accessories, electronics and home appliances, and health and beauty products.

Apart from selecting the right products, businesses should also make sure that their website is optimized for mobile devices. 

This will ensure that customers can make purchases swiftly and conveniently on any device. 

Businesses should also invest in marketing efforts such as social media campaigns and search engine optimization to help spread awareness of their store. 

Social media campaigns are an important part of any ecommerce business in Hong Kong. Facebook, Instagram, WeChat and other popular platforms offer business owners the opportunity to reach a large and diverse audience. 

With the help of creative content and targeted ads, businesses can create highly effective campaigns that resonate with their target audience.

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram also provide businesses with detailed insights about the behavior of their customers, which can be used to refine their marketing efforts. 

By leveraging these insights, ecommerce businesses can create highly personalized experiences for their customers and increase conversion rates.

Strategies For Promoting Your Store And Generating Sales

One of the best strategies for promoting an ecommerce store in Hong Kong is to leverage social media. 

With over 6 million active Facebook users and more than 10 million active mobile internet users, Hong Kong has an incredibly vibrant social media landscape. 

Businesses can use popular platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to spread awareness of their products and interact directly with their customers.

Another effective strategy for generating sales is to leverage influencer marketing. 

Influencers are an increasingly important part of the Hong Kong market and have the power to reach a wide audience and influence purchasing decisions. 

Businesses can team up with popular influencers in the region and use their networks to promote their products.

Final Word

Hong Kong is a great place to start an ecommerce business due to its large population and high internet penetration. 

To succeed in this market, businesses should focus on popular product categories and optimize their websites for mobile devices.

Leveraging social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook can help spread awareness of the store while influencer marketing can be used to generate sales. 

With the right strategies in place, entrepreneurs can take advantage of Hong Kong’s thriving ecommerce market and build a successful online venture.

LLC Bank Account Rules

Having a limited liability company (LLC) bank account is essential for any business owner who wants to keep their personal and business finances separate. It also helps create an image of professionalism, since customers and vendors can pay or be paid through the LLC’s own bank account rather than your personal one. 

But there are certain rules that you must follow in order to open and operate an LLC bank account. 

Let’s discuss some important things you should know about setting up an LLC bank account so that you can get started on the right foot.

Bank Account Eligibility Requirements

Most banks have specific requirements that must be met in order for an LLC to open a business bank account. These rules often vary depending on the type of entity the LLC is, such as a single member or multi-member LLC.

Generally, bank account eligibility requirements require that the business is registered with the state as an LLC, and must provide proof of registration such as a Certificate of Formation or articles of organization. 

The bank may also request additional documents proving the legal existence and ownership of the business (such as a partnership agreement). 

Banks sometimes require personal identification documents from the LLC owners to ensure that they are authorized signers of the business accounts.

By understanding these eligibility requirements, LLCs can be better prepared when opening a new bank account and avoid any unnecessary delays. 

This is especially important in today’s digital banking landscape where many transactions must occur electronically. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to have the necessary documents in place and to understand the bank’s requirements before attempting to open a new account.  

Setting Up an LLC Bank Account

Setting up an LLC bank account is a straightforward process that should take no more than 15 minutes. 

First, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS in order to open the account. 

Most banks require applicants to present a valid EIN when opening a new business account. 

Once you have obtained an EIN, you can open the LLC bank account with any financial institution of your choice.

When opening a business account, it is important to make sure that you provide all necessary documentation. 

Most banks will require proof of ownership of the company, such as Articles of Organization or an Operating Agreement

Some banks may require additional documents such as a voided check from the company’s existing bank account.

Once you have gathered all of the necessary documents, you can fill out an application for an LLC business account. 

On the application, you will be asked to provide information such as your EIN number, contact information, and any other relevant details about your business. 

After submitting the application, you will likely receive a response within 48 hours.

Once your business account has been approved, you will be able to make deposits and withdrawals from the account. 

It is important to note that most banks require LLCs to maintain a certain minimum balance in their accounts at all times. 

Make sure to review the rules and regulations of your financial institution before opening an LLC bank account.

Managing Your LLC Bank Account

Having a separate bank account for the company helps to ensure that personal and business funds are kept separate. 

This allows you to easily track expenditures, provide evidence of financial stability and maintain accurate records when filing taxes. 

Having a dedicated business bank account can help to establish credibility with vendors, customers, and suppliers.

It’s important to remember that an LLC’s business bank account should never be used for personal purposes. 

All income and expenses related to the company must go through this account. 

It’s best practice to ensure that all funds deposited into the account are from legitimate business sources. 

When setting up a bank account for your LLC, be sure to select a reputable financial institution that offers the services and features best suited for your business needs. 

It’s also important to make sure you understand any associated fees or minimum balance requirements as well as how long it will take for deposited funds to become available. 

Finally, keep in mind that as the owner of an LLC you may be personally liable for any losses or debts incurred by the business. This is why it’s important to maintain accurate records and pay close attention to all transactions made through your LLC’s business bank account.

Reporting Tax Information to the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires business owners to report all income and expenses associated with their LLC. Failure to do so can result in the assessment of penalties, interest, and other tax liabilities. 

It is important to keep accurate records for tax filing purposes as well as for potential audit or legal defense at a later date.

The most important way to report taxes for an LLC is to file Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income. 

This form will provide information on the income and expenses of the LLC, as well as distributions to members who receive profits from the business. 

All members should complete Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) every year to report their share of the LLC’s income, deductions and credits.

It is important to file state tax returns and make estimated tax payments as necessary. 

Your LLC may have to pay taxes on a quarterly or annual basis, depending on the amount of money earned. 

You should consult with a qualified tax professional to determine what type of taxes need to be paid and when.

Finally, it is essential to keep good records for your LLC bank account. This includes accurate bookkeeping on all income, expenses, transfers between accounts, and other financial transactions. 

Accurate banking records are necessary for filing tax returns as well as for providing information during an audit or in the event of legal action.

Closing an LLC Bank Account

Closing an LLC Bank Account is a straightforward process, but there are certain steps that must be taken to ensure that everything is done properly. 

Inform Your Business Partners

Make sure all of your business partners, including any members with signatory authority on the account, are informed about the decision to close the bank account and agree to the action. 

Provide Written Notice

Provide written notice of your intent to close the LLC’s bank account. 

This should include the date that you intend to close the account, and be provided either in person or via mail/email to both your banking institution and any other parties with signatory authority on the account.  

Transfer Funds

Once the account is closed, you will need to transfer any remaining funds in the LLC’s bank account to another financial institution or deposit them into a different LLC-associated bank account. 

This must be done before closing the account to avoid having your funds stuck in an inactive account. 

Finalize the Account

After notice is provided and all remaining funds are transferred, you can then finalize the account closure by contacting your bank. 

Make sure to ask for a letter of confirmation document that states that your LLC’s bank account has been officially closed and that any remaining funds have been removed from the institution. 

Final Word

In conclusion, having a Limited Liability Company (LLC) bank account is an important step in keeping your business finances separate from your personal accounts. 

It also helps protect you and the LLC by building credibility with potential customers, vendors and partners. 

Having an LLC bank account will help to keep track of all expenses related to the company while ensuring that taxes are paid properly. 

Following these rules for setting up and using your LLC’s banking accounts will ensure smooth operations throughout the life of your business.

10 Tips for Writing an Effective Essay

Writing an effective essay is a critical skill for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively. An effective essay is one that conveys a well-researched and thought-out argument in a clear and concise manner. It should be well-structured, organized, and easy to follow, with a strong thesis statement and supporting evidence.

Importance of Effective Essay Writing Skills

Effective essay writing skills are essential for success in many areas of life. Whether you are applying for college, seeking a job, or just communicating with others, the ability to express your ideas clearly and convincingly is crucial. Effective essay writing skills can help you stand out from the crowd, make a compelling case for your ideas, and achieve your goals.

Brief Overview of the 10 Tips

To help you develop your essay-writing skills, we have compiled a list of 10 tips that will guide you through the essay-writing process. These tips include understanding the assignment, researching your topic, developing a thesis statement, creating an outline, writing a strong introduction, using effective language and tone, providing supporting evidence, structuring your paragraphs, crafting a conclusion, and proofreading and editing your work. By following these tips, you can improve your essay-writing skills and create effective essays that will impress your readers.

Understanding the Essay Writing Assignment

Before starting to write an essay, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the essay prompt or question. This understanding will help you craft an essay that addresses the topic, meets the requirements, and ultimately, earns a good grade. Below are two sub-sections outlining the steps to understanding the essay writing assignment.

Read and Understand the Essay Prompt or Question

The first step to understanding the essay writing assignment is to carefully read and analyze the essay prompt or question. This will help you identify the main topic or theme of the essay, as well as any specific instructions or requirements that the assignment may have. Take note of any keywords or phrases in the prompt that can guide your research and writing process. Approach online professionals with a “help me write my psychology essay” request if you can’t understand the essay question. 

Identify Key Requirements such as Word Count, Format, and Citation Style

Once you have a good understanding of the essay prompt, the next step is to identify the key requirements of the assignment. These requirements may include the word count, format, and citation style that you should use in your essay. Pay attention to any specific formatting requirements, such as font size and spacing, as well as the citation style that is expected, whether it’s APA, MLA, or Chicago style.

It is also important to keep in mind any other requirements that may be specific to the assignment, such as the inclusion of a bibliography or the use of specific sources. By understanding these requirements, you can ensure that your essay meets the expectations of your instructor or professor and earns you a good grade.

In conclusion, understanding the essay writing assignment is a crucial first step in the essay writing process. By carefully reading and analyzing the essay prompt or question and identifying key requirements such as word count, format, and citation style, you can ensure that your essay meets the expectations of your instructor or professor and earns you the grade you deserve.

Conduct Research and Gather Information

Before starting to write an essay, it is important to conduct thorough research to gather information and support your arguments. Below are two sub-sections outlining the steps to conducting research and gathering information for an essay.

Identify Credible Sources

The first step to conducting research for an essay is to identify credible sources of information. These sources may include books, academic journals, government publications, and reputable websites. It is important to ensure that the sources you use are reliable, accurate, and unbiased. This can be achieved by checking the author’s credentials, the publisher’s reputation, and the date of publication. If you’re stuck at this point, approach online helpers at writemyessays.

When conducting research, it is also important to consider different perspectives and sources that may challenge your own views. This will help you develop a well-rounded and balanced argument and will demonstrate to your instructor or professor that you have done thorough research.

Take Notes and Organize Your Research Material

Once you have identified credible sources, the next step is to take notes and organize your research material. This can be done by creating an outline, using note-taking apps, or keeping a research journal. It is important to keep track of your sources and to take note of any important quotes, statistics, or information that you plan to use in your essay.

Organizing your research material will help you develop a clear and concise argument, and will make the writing process easier and more efficient. By having all of your research material organized in one place, you can easily reference it when writing your essay.

In conclusion, conducting research and gathering information is an important step in the essay writing process. By identifying credible sources and taking notes to organize your research material, you can develop a well-researched and well-supported argument that will impress your instructor or professor.

Develop a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a crucial part of any essay as it provides a clear and concise summary of the main argument or point that will be discussed in the essay. Below is a sub-section outlining the steps to develop a strong thesis statement.

Craft a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement that Reflects the Purpose of the Essay

The first step to developing a strong thesis statement is to craft a clear and concise statement that reflects the purpose of the essay. The thesis statement should provide a clear idea of what the essay will discuss and what the writer’s main argument or point is.

To craft an effective thesis statement, it is important to consider the purpose of the essay, the audience, and the main argument. The thesis statement should be written in a way that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

It is also important to ensure that the thesis statement is debatable, which means that it should not be a simple statement of fact. The thesis statement should reflect the writer’s position or argument and should be supported by evidence from the research.

Developing a strong thesis statement is an important step in writing an effective essay. By crafting a clear and concise thesis statement that reflects the purpose of the essay, the writer can provide a roadmap for the reader and establish the main argument or point that will be discussed in the essay.

Create an Outline

Creating an outline is an important step in the essay writing process as it helps to organize ideas and thoughts into a logical structure. Below is a sub-section outlining the steps to create an effective essay outline. 

Organize Your Ideas and Thoughts into a Logical Structure

Before creating an outline, it is important to brainstorm and organize ideas and thoughts into a logical structure. This can be done by jotting down ideas on paper or using a mind map to connect related ideas. 

Once ideas are organized, they can be grouped into main topics or themes. These themes will form the basis for the essay outline. 

Create an Outline that Includes a Clear Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion

The outline should include a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction should provide background information on the topic and include the thesis statement. The body paragraphs should each focus on a main point or theme and include supporting evidence. The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis statement.

The outline should be structured in a way that is clear and easy to follow. It should also be flexible enough to allow for adjustments or changes as the writing process progresses. 

Write the Essay

When writing an essay, there are several important sections to consider to ensure that your writing is effective and engaging for your readers.

Use Proper Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation

The first aspect to focus on is proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. These elements are crucial for ensuring that your essay is clear and easy to understand. Poor grammar and spelling mistakes can distract your reader from your message and make your writing appear unprofessional. To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to carefully proofread your work before submitting it. You can also use online tools such as spell checkers and grammar checkers to help you identify and correct errors.

Write Clear and Concise Sentences

The second thing to consider is writing clear and concise sentences. This means using simple, direct language that is easy to understand. Avoid using long, complex sentences that may confuse your reader. Instead, focus on communicating your ideas in a straightforward manner. Use active verbs and avoid using passive voice, which can make your writing feel dull and lifeless.

Use Transitional Words and Phrases to Connect Ideas

Focus on is using transitional words and phrases to connect ideas. These words and phrases help to create a sense of flow and coherence in your writing, making it easier for your reader to follow along. Examples of transitional words and phrases include “in addition,” “however,” “nevertheless,” and “consequently.” By using these words and phrases, you can effectively link your ideas and make your writing more compelling.

Overall, writing an effective essay requires careful attention to detail and a focus on communicating your ideas clearly and concisely. By using proper grammar, writing clear and concise sentences, and using transitional words and phrases, you can create an essay that is engaging and impactful for your readers.

Use Evidence to Support Your Argument

When writing an essay, one of the most important aspects of developing a strong argument is using evidence to support your claims. Using evidence not only strengthens your argument but also demonstrates your credibility as a writer. Here are some important sections to consider when using evidence to support your argument:

Cite Credible Sources to Support Your Argument

When using evidence in your essay, it’s important to use credible sources. This means that you should use sources that are reputable and reliable, such as scholarly articles, books, and other credible sources. You should also consider the expertise of the author and the publisher. This will help you to ensure that your argument is well-supported and that your evidence is accurate and reliable. It’s also important to cite your sources properly to give credit to the original author and to avoid plagiarism.

Use Quotes, Statistics, and Other Evidence to Back up Your Claims

To effectively use evidence in your essay, you should use a variety of types of evidence, such as quotes, statistics, and other examples. These can help to illustrate your point and make your argument more convincing. When using quotes, make sure to use them in context and provide an explanation of why they are relevant to your argument. When using statistics, make sure to provide a clear explanation of the data and how it supports your argument. Other types of evidence, such as personal anecdotes or case studies, can also be effective if used properly.

Overall, using evidence to support your argument is an essential part of writing a strong essay. By citing credible sources and using a variety of types of evidence, you can make your argument more compelling and persuade your readers to accept your point of view.

Revise and Edit Your Essay

Revising and editing an essay is a critical part of the writing process that can help you to refine your ideas, clarify your message, and correct any errors. Here are some important sections to consider when revising and editing your essay:

Read Your Essay Out Loud to Check for Errors and Clarity

One effective way to identify errors and improve clarity in your essay is to read it out loud. This can help you to catch mistakes that you may have missed when reading silently, such as awkward phrasing or unclear sentences. As you read, pay attention to the flow of your essay and the organization of your ideas. This will help you to identify any areas that may need revision or improvement.

Use Grammar and Spell Check Tools to Identify Mistakes

Grammar and spell check tools can also be helpful when revising and editing your essay. These tools can help you to identify common errors, such as spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, that may have slipped through the cracks. However, it’s important to remember that these tools are not foolproof, and you should still carefully review your essay to ensure that it is error-free.

Edit Your Essay for Clarity and Conciseness

 Finally, when revising and editing your essay, it’s important to focus on clarity and conciseness. This means eliminating unnecessary words or phrases, simplifying complex sentences, and ensuring that your ideas are communicated clearly and effectively. As you edit, ask yourself whether each sentence is necessary and whether it contributes to the overall message of your essay. This will help you to refine your writing and create a more effective, compelling essay.

Overall, revising and editing your essay is an essential part of the writing process. By reading your essay out loud, using grammar and spell check tools, and editing for clarity and conciseness, you can create a polished, effective essay that effectively communicates your ideas to your audience.

Get Feedback

Getting feedback on an essay is an essential part of the writing process that can help you to improve your ideas, refine your argument, and correct any errors. Here are some important aspects to keep in mind when seeking and using feedback on your essay.

Seek Feedback from Peers, Professors, or Tutors

One of the best ways to get feedback on your essay is to seek input from others. This can include peers, professors, or tutors who have expertise in the subject matter of your essay. When seeking feedback, it’s important to be open to constructive criticism and to ask specific questions that will help you to improve your essay. For example, you might ask for feedback on the organization of your essay, the strength of your argument, or the clarity of your writing.

Use Feedback to Improve Your Essay

Once you have received feedback on your essay, it’s important to use it to make improvements. This may involve revising your essay to address specific comments or suggestions, or simply taking the feedback into account as you continue to refine your writing. When using feedback, it’s important to prioritize the most important issues first and to focus on making changes that will have the greatest impact on the overall quality of your essay.

Overall, getting feedback on your essay is an important part of the writing process that can help you to improve your ideas, refine your argument, and correct any errors. By seeking feedback from others and using it to make improvements, you can create a more effective, polished essay that effectively communicates your message to your audience.

Finalize Your Essay

Finalizing your essay is the last step in the writing process before submission. Here are some important issues to consider when finalizing your essay.

Ensure That Your Essay Meets All the Requirements

In addition to reviewing your essay for content and clarity, it’s important to ensure that it meets all of the requirements set forth by your instructor or assignment guidelines. This may include formatting requirements, citation guidelines, or word count limits. By carefully reviewing these requirements, you can ensure that your essay is complete and meets all necessary criteria for submission.

Submit Your Essay on Time

Finally, it’s important to submit your essay on time. This means taking into account any deadlines set by your instructor or assignment guidelines and ensuring that your essay is submitted in a timely manner. By submitting your essay on time, you can demonstrate your commitment to the assignment and ensure that you receive full credit for your work.

Overall, finalizing your essay is an important part of the writing process that involves making final revisions and edits, ensuring that your essay meets all requirements, and submitting it on time. By carefully reviewing your work and ensuring that it is complete and error-free, you can create a compelling, effective essay that effectively communicates your message to your audience.

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, writing a college essay is an important process that requires careful planning, research, and organization. The essay provides an opportunity for students to showcase their skills and personality to the admissions committee, making it a crucial aspect of the college application process. To write a successful college essay, it is important to understand the prompt, brainstorm ideas, create an outline, draft and revise the essay, and proofread for errors. By following these steps and putting in the necessary effort, students can create an essay that highlights their unique qualities and increases their chances of being admitted to the college of their choice.

 

Shein’s last-mile delivery service, UniUni, raises Series B round

UniUni
UniUni

If we have to talk about the delivery services in the US, they are mostly FedEx or Amazon or other national players like the USPS or others. However, just like what Amazon did with their own delivery, Shein has done with their products as well. While it is a big challenge to launch a last-mile delivery service in a market that is as cluttered as the US is, the company still took the challenge and launched UniUni just before the pandemic. Even after the pandemic, the company has managed to create a good base for itself and now we have some news for you.

Shein’s last-mile delivery service UniUni has just raised a Series B round of CAD $20 million and it expects to raise three more trenches of its Series B round of funding by the end of this year. UniUni’s founder also said that they aim to reach the Unicorn mark of $1 Billion in valuation by 2025 which could be quite an achievement given the fact that they started operations in 2019. UniUni’s founder says that most e-commerce services will either opt for courier services or postal networks to provide last-mile delivery from warehouses to customers’ doorsteps. UniUni’s idea is that they provide “crowdsourced drivers” also known as gig drivers to deliver these parcels to customers’ doorsteps.

The founder also claims that they were able to shorten the time it takes to deliver Shein’s parcel from 10-14 days to just 3-4 days. They also mention that their delivery costs half as much as DHL and their speed is on par with them. By the end of this year, UniUni wants to be profitable in Canada and wants to expand in the US where they have just started operations. It is also worth noting that they have a strong network of 6000 drivers in Canada already and want to surpass a target of 200,000 packages delivered per day. While UniUni is operating on gig worker model so it does not have to pay full salary as well as employment benefits for its delivery partners, it says that their costs will increase if drivers gain full employment status.

Chinese shoppers have been cautious on e-commerce spending so far: Alibaba

Alibaba
Alibaba

You must be aware that the global economic situation is such that while no one is ready to call it just yet, it is known that there is a recession looming over everyone’s heads. Already, there have been millions of job cuts across the companies related to e-commerce, technology and other sectors and that is a clear indication that there is an economic slowdown which could lead to a recession in the coming months as well. One reason why no one wants to announce that there is a recession is because of the effect it can have on the markets globally. However, if the growth goes into negative then there is no option left but to announce that we are in a recession.

This is one reason why people all around the world are being very cautious with their money, and this is precisely what Alibaba is suggesting as well. The company says that Chinese e-commerce shoppers were very cautious with their money so far this year. While this is a sign that people are worried about the economy, it does not go down well for e-commerce companies that rely on people spending more. Due to that reason, we reported that China’s JD is spending $1.4 Billion on giving discounts so that people are forced to buy stuff from them.

Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang said, “From January to early February of this year, overall sales of online physical goods remained weak,”. He added, “Our China commerce continued to be highly impacted due to Covid cases as well as people traveling home or to other places during the Spring Festival holidays,”. Zhang mentioned that they saw a recovery in apparel, sports and outdoor products after the COVID wave and it could be because the lockdowns were lifted and people started to spend much more time outdoors.

As seen everywhere else around the world, Alibaba’s CEO also says that “What we see across all merchants is a strong desire to get back to business. They want to have a bumper year in 2023 to make up for everything they lost over the past three years.”

China’s JD to offer discounts worth $1.4 Billion to attract customers

China's JD
China's JD

You must be aware that there are two major players in the Chinese e-commerce market at the moment and they are the Alibaba Group and the JD Group of companies. Now, we also know that the e-commerce market is so competitive that the players need to spend a whole lot of cash to acquire customers even after making a huge name for themselves and that is what we are seeing right now as well. JD, China’s biggest e-commerce player, is looking to spend close to $1.4 Billion to provide discounts for its customers and acquire new ones in a bid to gain market share.

We already know that these e-commerce giants work on a burn model where they need to spend money to gain new customers, and that is totally normally for them. This is also the reason why newer e-commerce players without tons of cash are unable to make a mark on the markets. Talking about the discounts, it is worth noting that JD.com will start offering discounts from Monday in order to acquire new customers and even take market share from Alibaba.

It is worth noting that there are concerns that the price cut from JD.com will prompt players like Alibaba and others to have price cuts of their own and have a price war in the market which is a win for the consumers in the end. Alibaba released a statement saying that they would not indulge in a price war with JD as they did earlier because it is not beneficial for either players. The Chinese Government launched a crackdown on e-commerce players in 2020 due to what they called the “reckless expansion of capital”. However, the government has now decided to lift these restrictions, so these players are again looking to expand their market share.

JD.com expects an economic recovery in the Chinese market this year and that is also the reason why they are spending so much money in the next few days. With all that said and done, it is definitely going to be an interesting next week for Chinese users who are looking to buy new products.

Amazon joins the Indian e-commerce initiative aiming to challenge Amazon

Amazon
Amazon

Have you ever heard of a similar incident where someone joins an initiative that is trying to challenge their own business? For example, if you are a startup owner then you might not fund a startup that is trying to do exactly what you are doing. That is exactly what Amazon has done as its CEO Jeff Bezos has pledged to join an Indian e-commerce initiative which plans to challenge the likes of Amazon and Walmart among others in the Asian markets. This initiative has a goal to “democratize” e-commerce in the Indian and other subcontinental markets and challenge the major players in the industry.

Right now, we know that the dominance of Amazon and others in Indian market, on the back of huge loads of cash, is such that smaller players trying to enter the market find it extremely difficult without enough funding. That is why an initiative was started by the Indian Government in 2021 known as Open Network for Digital Commerce. Amazon has announced that it will integrate its logistics network and SmartCommerce on this platform.

Amazon India’s Manish Tiwary said, “Amazon’s vision and commitment for India is closely aligned with ONDC’s objectives of digitally enabling small businesses, and providing convenience and choice to customers across the country,”. With this announcement, it definitely looks like Amazon is trying to be in the good books of the Indian Government and while we are not sure how helpful this integration will be, we do hope that it is fruitful for the initiative.

CEO of ONDC said, “We are happy that Amazon has a definite roadmap to being a part of the ONDC network and is taking its first step in coming in as the logistics partner in the ONDC network which is a globally pioneering idea established with a view to democratize digital commerce in India,”. Right now, the concept of ONDC is not very much clear but what is clear is the GOI’s vision that it wants to make a platform similar to UPI. With ONDC, the government wants to make an “interoperable” network where buyers and sellers can do business regardless of the app or service they use.

10 Best Fulfillment Services for eCommerce

10 Best Fulfillment Services for eCommerce

eCommerce fulfillment services are one of the main areas to check on to maintain a very easy and promising business along with your customers. Though the process is apparently very easy for the merchants, it’s really tricky when you have to manage it all on your own. Also, fulfillment asks for a lot of energy, time, resources, sales, research, and full-proof marketing. All this can be very daunting for a person to handle at once while managing the orders.

However, the pressure becomes minimal when you go outsourcing the orders to avoid such kinds of issues. And to outsource the fulfillment service is undoubtedly very beneficial to offer a very professional order fulfillment service. Hence there are various fulfillment companies to help you in a variety of ways. All you need to do is avail the service from one who suits your requirements.

Also Read: AliExpress Appeal: Process and Handling in 2023

What is eCommerce Order Fulfillment?

eCommerce fulfillment refers to the process of storing the goods, packing the orders, and shipping those goods to the customers. The fulfillment centers take all the care of the behind the scene activities after someone places an order from your store. The fulfillment companies usually start the process by accepting orders from the customers. Then they opt for sorting the stock of the product, picks the items out, packs the item, labels and finally ships the item to the customer. The delivery partner of the fulfillment centers finally delivers the product to customers.

What are the Top eCommerce Fulfillment Companies?

There is a multitude of order fulfillment companies present in the market for helping out the eCommerce sellers. The best fulfillment companies take care of the top-notch procedure to enhance the user experience regarding the service. Hence here are the 10 top eCommerce fulfillment companies to rely upon for the best delivery services.

1. Shopify Fulfillment Network

Shopify Fulfillment Network; one of the best eCommerce Fulfillment Services

The Shopify fulfillment network is undoubtedly one of the best in the market. This very recently started order fulfillment service, along with the Shopify Network, is undoubtedly very reliable. If you are a Shopify client, then this option is simply great for you. This is very affordable and works as a very quick solution for your service offerings.

It comes with a two-day shipping rate at the 99% areas of the US. The platform announced that it is available for the merchants who tend to ship 10- 10000 packages on a daily basis. Hence the fast delivery service makes it very reliable. Here are some of the benefits it offers:

  • It comes with an affordable pricing option
  • Offers early access for the US customers
  • Provides quick shipping to the various US locations
  • Best way to qualify as a Shopify client with the Easyship

2. FedEx Fulfillment

FedEx Fulfillment

If you want to have access to a brilliant and solely e-commerce fulfillment-based service, then FedEx is definitely the one you are looking for. FedEx fulfillment comes with a very top-notch service along with their warehousing, packaging of the products, and with fulfillment and logistic service for the eCommerce sellers.

FedEx started its journey in 2017 and since then giving very reliable service to small and medium-sized businesses. FedEx works with multi-platform integration, which makes it very acceptable and reliable for any of the eCommerce services. Moreover, the tracking system is very good, which makes it worth availing. Here are some of the benefits you can get from it:

  • It comes with a reverse logistic service.
  • Best for global customer reaching
  • Offers supply chain consulting
  • The service is very easy to customize

3. Fulfillment by Amazon

Fulfillment by Amazon; the best eCommerce Fulfillment Services

When it comes to eCommerce fulfillment, Amazon is a tough competitor for any of the services. This fulfillment service comes to help the retailers who are selling their products easily on the Amazon platform. It easily handles all kinds of picking up of products and packing them along with the shipping services after someone orders your product.

However, the sellers have to ensure that their stock is currently available in the amazon warehouse while paying the service fees. The Fulfillment by Amazon works like a gigantic handling house for all the storage and returns to give the participating sellers a solid backup. Here are the benefits Amazon fulfillment offers:

  • Best multi-channel selling
  • Very reliable policy for return
  • Vast network for warehouses on a global scale
  • Discounted shipping rate

4. Whiplash

Whiplash

Whiplash can easily be considered as one of the best order fulfillment companies with its multitude of backup support. Whiplash is very reliable as it takes all the day-to-day inventory management on itself. Also, it strives to fulfill all the fulfillment needs with the SMB. Hence it comes with complete integration and technical support, which easily makes your eCommerce selling very easy.

Being one of the best fulfillment companies, it offers very reliable service to small companies and startups. Also, it is very cost-effective and works with efficiency in handling everything. Here are the benefits it offers:

  • Clearly laid out charges.
  • Works as a connected system
  • It comes with an automated process.
  • Works as a very scalable operation

5. eFulfillmentService

eFulfillmentService; best eCommerce Fulfillment Services

For your fulfillment job, the eFulfillmentService does exactly the right job. This fulfillment center comes as an old fulfillment service offering that has been working since 2001 in this field. It offers a very fast order delivery to the customers. Moreover, its end-to-end fulfillment service comes in a variety of sizes and types for businesses worldwide.

The pricing option for the eFulfillmentServices is very flexible, and it also offers the discounted shipping rates, which makes it quite reliable. Moreover, the service caters the complete support to the eCommerce sellers, which helps them to stay always ahead with the business fulfillments. Here are the variety of benefits it offers:

  • A variety of shipping options are available
  • It comes as a return handling service.
  • Offers insurance coverage for the standard, expedited, and overnight shipment services
  • It comes with tracking codes.

6. Fulfillrite

Fulfillrite

To help the various types of eCommerce fulfillment, Fulfillrite comes as the ideal one. This outstanding fulfillment services inc comes with a variety of services to streamline the business in a very effective way. It includes all sorts of effective technologies along with product management to fulfill the delivery in a very skilled way.

As an order fulfillment center, it is located close to the major airport areas and seaports in New Jersey to ensure that the product is delivered fast. It offers a very great. The best part about this fulfillment center is, it comes with brilliant compatibility for all the major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, Magneto, WooCommerece, Amazon, etc. Here are the benefits you can enjoy:

  • Complete integration along with Easyship
  • Offers unlimited customization for the packages
  • Provides discounted shipping rates
  • Works as a focused service manager

7. Ingram Micro Commerce and Lifecycle Services

Ingram Micro Commerce and Lifecycle Services

The Ingram Micro Commerce and Lifecycle services for fulfillment services undoubtedly work as a reliable one for all the eCommerce business persons out there. It offers a very user-centric service to a wide range of customers all around the world.

When it comes to proper selling management, Ingram Micro Commerce works with much efficiency in managing the inventory to packing and delivering the items within the time. For the large eCommerce selling needs, it is undoubtedly the best one for more streamlined support. Here are the benefits that you can get from Ingram Micro Commerce and Lifecycle Services:

  • Proper inventory management service
  • Comes with both owned and leased   fulfillment service
  • Offers fast delivery
  • Customized fulfillment solution

8. Rakuten Super Logistics

Rakuten Super Logistics

When it comes to the best order fulfillment companies, the Rakuten Super Logistics is definitely the note-worthy one. It brilliantly works for startups who want to expand their business more with reliable order fulfillment service offerings. Rakuten Super Logistics offers brilliant interactive online order fulfillment services for a variety of businesses.

For the large companies and e-Commerce fulfillment services, it extends the services with better access to the warehouse network along with a variety of inventory. Hence it is suitable for both small and large e-Commerce service offerings. Here are the benefits it offers:

  • Rakuten integrates with a variety of online shopping carts.
  • Easy integration with a variety of marketplaces
  • Brilliant inventory management
  • Discounted rate on the fulfillment services

9. Printful

Printful

When it comes to looking for one of the best e-commerce fulfillment services, Printful caters to very reliable coverage. With its centers all around Europe and the US, Printful works as one of the leading service solutions. From drop shipping services to the most efficient startup choices for SMBs, the Printful offers everything under one roof.

Printful comes with the fulfillment of the partnerships along with a variety of leading eCommerce platforms like Amazon.  It allows for multi-channel selling. Also, there are services for the quick shipping of the branded products. There are no monthly fees needed for selling on Printful. Here is some more benefit that you can get from it:

  • It comes with no minimums.
  • Offers an automated order importing
  • Complete eCommerce integration and partnership along with top eCommerce platforms
  • It comes with custom branding options.

10. Xpert Fulfillment

Xpert Fulfillment

The Xpert Fulfillment is undoubtedly very reliable as an e-commerce fulfillment center. This USA-based company started its journey in 2008 and continues to offer a very note-worthy service on a global scale. Along with the cloud-based inventory and order management system, this order fulfillment service helps its customers along with real-time access and proper communication with the goods transit and the delivery period.

Also, the service includes a very reliable e-commerce fulfillment service with top-notch inventory management and delivering the products on a fast note. Here are the benefits that you can enjoy with this platform:

  • It comes with a very transparent pricing solution.
  • It is centrally located for distribution in Michigan.
  • Works as a very efficient automated tracking and a very efficient communication system
  • There is no minimum order requirement.

How does an eCommerce Order Fulfillment Works?

Here is how an eCommerce fulfillment works:

  • The inventory gets delivered to the fulfillment company.
  • The fulfillment company receives, manages, and stores the stock.
  • The customers place their orders.
  • The orders of the customers are routed to the order fulfillment companies.
  • The orders are picked from the inventory, and then it is packed, labeled, and shipped to deliver to the customers.

Do the eCommerce Order Fulfillment Services Cover the Return Services?

Yes. Most of the time, the fulfillment company which is handling your order and fulfillment needs is also going to process any of the customer returns. However, for this, the extra charges can be imposed with the handling of the returns based on the prevailing agreement that you and your company are having.

What is the Difference Between a Fulfillment Center and a Distribution Center?

The distribution centers work as the hubs, which are much focused on business and are not dependent on the location. The fulfillment centers, on the other hand, store the inventory and ship the products to the customers. The distribution centers handle the shipping and selling, and they do not ship to the retailers.

How do the Fulfillment Centers make Money?

There are a variety of areas from where the fulfillment centers make money:

  • Setup fees
  • Packaging fees
  • Weight handling fees
  • Return and processing fees
  • Fees for account management and customer support
  • Reporting and technology fee
  • Rush-order fees
  • Credit card processing fees

How much do the Order Fulfillment Services Cost?

It comes with a variety of cost areas. Also, the cost depends on the service provider. The Inventory and storage costs approx $0.30 per cu ft/month. For the pick and pack, it costs approx $2 per order. The receiving cost is $200 per shipment. The kitting cost is usually $0.50 per kit.

Conclusion

For your e-Commerce fulfillment, then outsourcing is the best way to manage everything with ease. All you need to do is pick the one which rightly fulfills all your needs. You can opt for a customized pick-up and delivery solution to make your service more interesting. The above-mentioned fulfillment services are popular worldwide. You can pick any to grow your business in a very effective way.

EU e-commerce firm Joom enters India by launching a platform for merchants

Joom enters India
Joom enters India

You must be aware that e-commerce firms have been looking at markets where they can enter and make their mark in the industry. While we know that markets like the US and China are very lucrative and have a huge audience as well as the spending power is also big, the thing is that you need a bag full of cash and even more to enter and make your mark in these markets. Therefore, e-commerce firms are looking at other markets that are lucrative, growing and comparatively easier to enter. One such market is the Indian market which is similar in comparison to China but when we look at it, it is not as competitive as the Chinese e-commerce space.

Looking at the opportunity, an EU e-commerce firm named Joom has entered the Indian market by launching a new platform for local merchants and exporters. The company says that they have onboarded more than 350 merchants from eight Indian cities at launch and plan to onboard even more as the platform begins its operations. Joom says that they plan to launch a massive promotion campaign in the second half of 2023 and hope to 10x its sales in that time.

The company does have a logistics firm named Joom Logistics as well and they say the merchants will be able to take advantage of its logistics solution to deliver faster and at cheaper rates. Joom was founded in 2016 so it is not as if the company has been operating for decades and yet it has its own logistics solution which is quite impressive. Joom claims to have 25 million monthly active users as well as 20 million active buyers so it is already one of the big players.

Looking at the Joom website, we can see that the brand currently offers products in men’s fashion and clothing as well as pet supplies and electronics as well. Also, it does look like the website was developed by taking inspiration from AliExpress as the interface looks pretty similar. Talking about the Indian market, it does have products from India listed on the site right now and newer brands have been onboarded right now.

Target invests $100 Million on hubs to speed up e-commerce delivery

Target
Target

You must be aware that some of the biggest players in the US e-commerce industry are the likes of Amazon and Walmart and others are still trying to play catch-up because of the dominance of these two major players. However, they are also major players in the traditional commerce sector and have dozens of brick-and-mortar stores all across the US. This is the reason why they can also invest in their own infrastructure and become a major player in the e-commerce sector as well. One such major player is Target which is trying to ramp up its e-commerce division and the latest report suggests even more of that.

In the latest report by CNBC, it is revealed that Target is investing $100 Million in developing hubs for its e-commerce delivery. This is their bid to make e-commerce delivery faster which is one of the major reasons why e-commerce players like Amazon have made it so big due to their Prime delivery system. Talking about hubs, these are warehouses from where the products are dispatched for delivery. For an e-commerce company, the delivery will be faster if hubs are closest to the location from where delivery has to be made. For that reason, more hubs need to be made and investment is needed for the same.

Target said that with the $100 Million investment, it plans to develop 15 such facilities which it calls “sortation centers” by the end of January 2026. More than 100 people will work at each sortation center which means it will create more than 1500 jobs as well. At the same time, Target has revealed that it is projecting a slowdown in sales and also plans to cut “up to $3 billion in costs over the next three years”.

One of the reasons why every company is reporting a decrease in sales is also due to the extreme rise in online sales during the pandemic which can’t be replicated anytime soon because those were unprecedented times as everyone was at home and ordering whatever they wanted without any care in the world. Target claims that currently they are able to deliver their orders the next day but they want this time to be even shorter going forward.

Walmart sells e-commerce outdoor retailer Moosejaw to Dick’s Sporting Goods

Moosejaw
Moosejaw

We know that the e-commerce industry is evolving very fast and there are a lot of mergers and acquisitions taking place every year. However, when one of the bigger players does it then it is a big thing in the industry. Similar was the case with Walmart as they announced in 2017 the acquisition of an e-commerce outdoor retailer named Moosejaw. With this acquisition, Walmart wanted to enter the outdoor apparel space with a player that was already established in the market.

Now, we are reporting to you that Walmart has decided to sell the outdoor e-commerce retailer Moosejaw to its rival, Dick’s Sporting Goods. It is worth noting that the idea of selling something such as a company can’t be seen as a failure as it might be used as a flipping technique as well. However, Walmart’s decision to sell Moosejaw after just six years of acquisition does raise eyebrows. Also, the company did not share any revenue or customer numbers while announcing this deal but only said that the company grew a lot during that time.

From the statement, it does look like Walmart was not successful in running Moosejaw and that could be one of the reasons why it has decided to sell the company. In February 2017, Moosejaw was acquired by Walmart for $51 Million. Now, the amount at which Dick’s Sporting Goods is buying Moosejaw is not known yet but we will know that for sure in the coming months as more details are revealed.

Walmart, in an email statement, said “Moosejaw joined the Walmart family to expand our assortment and expertise in the specialty outdoor category, and make Moosejaw accessible to more customers,”. “Since acquiring Moosejaw, Walmart.com has grown from 70 million to hundreds of millions of items. While Moosejaw operated as a standalone business, it was able to leverage Walmart’s scale and customer reach to propel Moosejaw Madness. We’re excited about this new opportunity for Moosejaw to reach even more athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in its mission to make the outdoors more inclusive.”

With this acquisition, Dick’s Sporting Goods is looking to not only enter the apparel space but also take advantage of Moosejaw’s loyal customer base.

Temu becomes the most downloaded app in US surpassing Amazon and Walmart: Report

Temu
Temu

If you think that the craze of Super Bowl is dying in the US, then you need to think again, as the latest report suggests that the hype for Super Bowl and the ads played at halftime is actually increasing. Talking about the report published by CNN, Amazon and Walmart have been dethroned from the top of the charts as the most downloaded app in the US. This is because of a new app named Temu, pronounced Tee-Moo, which is making all the headlines right now.

This all started when Temu decided to put its ad on the Super Bowl halftime show, where Rihanna also performed, and performed very well. Temu is a Boston-based e-commerce retailer that has the same owner as Chinese social commerce giant Pinduoduo, which means it has its roots in China. Temu’s ad grabbed attention because of the headline “shop like a billionaire” which got everyone curious as to what it offers and how much is it priced. Here is the ad if you want to have a look at it:

A Temu spokesperson said, “Through the largest stage possible, we want to share with our consumers that they can shop with a sense of freedom because of the price we offer,”. The idea behind this was to grab as much attention as possible and it looks like the marketing team at Temu managed to do just that.

While looking at the prices offered by Temu, and reported by CNN as well, an eyebrow trimmer costs just 90 cents on the platform whereas a pair of wireless earphones can cost you $8.50. This is exactly what they meant when they said “shop like a billionaire” meaning that you don’t have to worry about pricing of these products. The major reason why Temu could be able to offer these prices is because of its China roots.

Interestingly, the surge in app downloads for Temu was not only after the Super Bowl ad. In fact, “Temu soared to the top of both US app store charts in November, where the app still holds the top position now,” so the Super Bowl ad was a great exposure for them but it was already popular before that.

Alibaba’s co-founder Jack Ma spotted in Australia after his departure as CEO

Jack Ma
Jack Ma

Whenever someone refers to China’s Alibaba.com or the Alibaba Group, the name of its co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer, Jack Ma, immediately springs to mind. However, if you have been following the news, then you would know that Jack Ma recently handed over control of the Alibaba Group, and he has since been globe-trotting in a move reminiscent of him before he stopped doing the same for the last few years. Regarding his departure as the CEO of Alibaba Group, it is believed that the main reason was his fallout with the Chinese officials regarding taxes and other things.

Alibaba Group CEO Jack Ma had a public fallout with the Chinese authorities after which he was also said to be missing and everyone feared the worst for Ma. However, he came into public domain after 6 months and was spotted last year in Thailand where he was staying. He also visited Singapore and other places in Southeast Asia. If reports are to be believed, Jack Ma is currently in Melbourne, Australia where he is all set to meet the Morley family. It is known that Jack Ma is very close to the Morley family as they were the ones who supported him while he had nothing and he also set up a university scholarship fund worth $20 million in the name of his mentor, Ken Morley’s name.

Talking about the difficulties faced by Jack Ma due to his fallout with Chinese officials, it is all-but-confirmed that the decision to leave the control of Alibaba Group was a difficult one for him. Still, the fact that he criticized the Chinese policies did not go well with the government, and it is said to be the reason behind his exit. It is already known that those who go against the Chinese government have not had a great future. To avoid any action on the ANT group from Chinese authorities, it looks like Jack Ma had to take this decision and we believe that it is the right one as well. Now that the control of ANT group is in someone else’s hands, it looks like the crackdown on Alibaba will be subsided.

VPN: How to Hide Your Activity and Protect Your Data on the Internet

Any time you are browsing the web or connected to the internet for any form of activity, several people may be interested in finding out what you are doing. Hackers are lurking; your internet service provider (ISP) monitors and observes your activity; the government, advertisers, and other third parties may want to obtain your data for different purposes.

Your privacy should be sacrosanct; nobody should access your data without your express knowledge and permission; since people can access your data without your knowledge, you must protect your activities on the internet from prying eyes. It’s no longer news that most purchases today are online; traces of your browsing history while purchasing from any eCommerce store can be visible. 

You won’t want to compromise sensitive information such as your credit card details. If you belong to the group of people who believe that private browsing will confer their protection, it’s unfortunate; some modern-day browsers, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, have in-built features that ensure browsers don’t keep records of browsing activities. 

But, you need an internet protocol (IP) address that your ISP provides for browsing. Anyone that has access to your IP can track you and monitor your online activities. The best way to secure sensitive information is through a virtual private network (VPN).

What is a VPN?

 A VPN (a virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic and identity when online; VPNs make it harder for hackers and any other third party to break in and compromise your data. Your IP address is the means for anybody to track and observe your activities online; a VPN hides your IP address and issues another IP address that leads to their servers; it’s almost impossible for anyone to track your online activities without knowing your IP address. 

Why is it essential to use a VPN?

Each time you are browsing the web, your ISP provides your connection; through your IP address, the internet service provider can keep track of your browsing activities. The web traffic you generate must pass through your ISP’s servers; your ISP can easily log in to monitor and observe all you do online.

Your ISP may be one of the rogue ones that can hand your browsing history to advertisers for monetary gratifications. Even where you trust your ISP, your browsing history can still find its way to the police, government agencies, or a third party. 

“On a bad day,” your ISP can get hacked, compromising your personal and private data. Hacking becomes critical if you constantly use public Wi-Fi networks. 

Passwords, personal data, credit card details, and your whole identity are sensitive information hackers crave; they dedicate a lot of time to these nefarious cyber crimes. A VPN will protect you from these cybersecurity issues; your ISP cannot track your browsing history because the VPN will mask your IP address and encrypt your data. 

If your data accidentally falls into the wrong hands, the encryption renders it useless and gibberish to such persons. Hackers are creating a global menace; the prediction by Gartner that by 2025, 45% of organizations in the world will be impacted in some way by a supply chain attack is frightening, and we shouldn’t take it with a pinch of salt.

An attack of this magnitude on the supply chain will affect all spheres of the business world – eCommerce, retails, manufacturing, and even consumers. Fortunately, organizations such as Urban VPN, 1Click VPN, Proton VPN, and others are fighting tooth and nail by providing free VPN services to ensure everybody is secure against cyber crimes.

A VPN is essential for your security because you can’t leave the task to your security team alone; according to “Cost of a Data Breach 2022,” a report released by IBM and Ponemon Institute, security teams need an average of 277 to identify and contain a data breach. 

 

How does VPN protect you while browsing the Internet?

Your VPN host has a specially configured remote server; when your VPN redirects your IP address through this server, it masks the IP. Your IP address is hidden from prying eyes, and the VPN server’ address serves as your new IP address and the origin of any information you send and receive. 

When browsing the internet, your ISP or a third party cannot track your activities or see websites you visit. A VPN will encrypt your data; if anyone manages to access your data, it will be useless to such an individual.

Some tasks a VPN performs include:

  • Encryption of IP address – A VPN keeps your IP address hidden from your ISP and hackers; you can browse the internet, send, and receive information safely.
  • Encryption of logs – You don’t leave any trail with a VPN; it encrypts cookies so that no one sees your sensitive information or any content you don’t want people to trace back to you.
  • Kill switch – Your VPN connection can experience sudden downtime; an in-built kill switch reduces the chance of data compromise by quitting some preselected programs.
  • Multifactor authentication – An unwanted third party should not easily access your connection; a secure VPN must demand verifications from anyone trying to log into your network; the mode of verification can be through a password and sending a code.

Conclusion

Consumers are no longer restricted by borders and shores; a cybersecurity issue that affects an eCommerce store such as Amazon or Walmart can negatively impact millions of people around the globe. Concerted efforts must be made to secure everybody.

Fortunately, free VPNs now abound in the world; financial constraints must never be an excuse you give for not securing your sensitive information.

Amazon CEO calls for a return to office as it is ‘more effective’

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy

We know that the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the main reasons why everyone started working from home because it was no safe to work from office in a closed environment. A few years have passed since the first wave of pandemic came in 2020, and now most of the world’s population has taken at least two doses of the vaccine, which has proved to be effective in curbing the spread of this virus. During the pandemic, it was also said that work from home is going to be the future and that office culture is going to end and companies should offer permanent work from home jobs going forward.

However, companies have also had the chance to look at the performances of their portfolio as well as their employees working while in-office or remote and have found out the advantages and its drawbacks as well. It looks like Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is not in favour of work from home, as he has called on for his employees to return to office. andy Jassy, in a memo to the Amazon employees, said, “we should go back to being in the office together the majority of the time (at least three days per week).”

He said that the decision to return to office was taken by senior executives at a meeting who were in favour of thinking about how they could make Amazon customers’ “lives better and easier every day and relentlessly invent to do so”. He added, “When you’re in-person, people tend to be more engaged, observant, and attuned to what’s happening in the meetings and the cultural clues being communicated”

The memo further reads, “Collaborating and inventing is easier and more effective when we’re in person. The energy and riffing on one another’s ideas happen more freely,”. Amazon previously adopted a policy of team leaders to decide if they wanted their team to work remotely. Now, it seems like Amazon stakeholders want their employees to return to office, so the decisions will be difficult. Andy Jassy adds that this will take some time to figure out in the next few weeks.

Shopify stocks went through its worst days as investors fear uncertainty

Shopify
Shopify

Shopify is one of the best platforms for starting an e-commerce store, as it is an end-to-end solution for everything and takes care of payment. Recently, we covered that Shopify is experimenting with delivery and has an investment in a company. It looks like these announcements were not enough, as Shopify stocks have gone through one of their worst-ever days in the stock market. Shopify’s stocks fell because of its earnings call delivered earlier this week, where executives declined to provide any forecast beyond the current period, leading to its stock going down as much as 16% in day trading.

It is being said that investors were not happy and clear about the data provided to them in the earnings call, with most suggesting that the numbers meant an operating loss even when adjusted based on the new price increase. Also, the fact that no forecast was provided for the next quarter meant that investors weren’t sure how the company’s growth would look in the coming months. Apart from that, there was a problem with the data executives didn’t want to share apart from forecasting its future growth. The company said they will no longer provide merchant count, which means you won’t know how many customers Shopify has from now on.

One analyst wrote, “Unfortunately, investors should not expect incremental transparency going forward as Shopify will no longer disclose merchant count, even as international growth becomes increasingly important,”. Another wrote, “Many investors had been expecting more explicit FY23 guide/commentary on [operating income] profitability, which we didn’t get,”. While the stocks were down, Shopify’s image in the Wall Street is still good and majority of them upgraded the stock while a few analysts did downgrade the stock based on the numbers that were provided.

However, it is also worth noting that Shopify managed to match the expectations that were set for the holiday season, and it is also expected that 2023 is going to be a challenging year for businesses all over the world due to the looming recession fears all around the world. On top of that, we have the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-China tensions playing a part in international trade and crude oil prices that could lead to further disruption.

Highbeam raises $10M to provide credit & spend monitoring for e-commerce retailers

Highbeam
Highbeam

If you are already running an e-commerce business or planning to start one, you might know that running every business involves overhead and operational costs. Also, there are banking operations involved in running a business, and it is tough to run everything on your own if you are a solo entrepreneur. This is where you need a service that gives you all the banking features and credit and cash flow insights on a single platform that you can see right in front of you, and you don’t have to run to different places for different things.

That is where Highbeam comes into the picture as it is a startup that provides banking features, credit and cash flow insights as well as more to its customers right from its dashboard. Highbeam’s co-founders come from a background where they have worked with e-commerce partners and they know the struggles these people face everyday. That is how they developed their own product and they now announce raising a $10 Million round via debt option.

While debt is seen as a bad thing in the industry, it is not so bad if you want to keep your equity with you and run your business on your own terms rather than hearing what your stakeholders have to say about running your business. Highbeam’s founders say that they realized very early that while e-commerce is a great way to build your business, it is also low-margin and capital-intensive, and most of the decisions that you take are based on how much money you have left in your bank account.

They say that with the help of Highbeam, you will be able to take care of your expenses and credit demands, which is how you can manage your inventory better. Highbeam also alerts the owners if vendor costs are fluctuating, which means they can track their expenses and change vendors as quickly as possible if their expenses are out of hand. While Highbeam provides loans to its customers, they say that the advantage is these loans are repaid on a per-sale basis which means if they had a slow month, then they have to repay less, which is called revenue-based financing.

Alibaba exits India’s PayTM selling all of its shares for US$167 Million

Alibaba and Paytm
Alibaba and Paytm

Two of the biggest names in the industry, India’s Paytm and China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba, have parted ways in the news that could rock the world. China’s Alibaba has officially exited Paytm in a block deal where they have sold all their remaining shares worth US$167 Million in the current market valuation. While both Alibaba and Paytm have not yet commented on this news, we can only speculate why this decision was made. On the one hand, we can consider that Paytm is burning cash, and it is fair for early investors to take an exit whenever they want. However, it also tells others that Paytm might not be doing well and indicates to its Chinese investors that they should also exit the company.

However, it is also worth noting that Morgan Stanley bought 5.42 million shares of Paytm last week, per reports. This tells you that the current outlook of investors on the company is quite good, and there is nothing to worry about right now. Also, Macquarie analyst overturned their outlook for Paytm shares from “underperform” to “outperform” which also boosted their share prices on the markets the following day.

Another thing we need to tell you is that Paytm posted its first-ever quarterly operating profits as a listed firm 8 months earlier than expected. Currently, the stock price of Paytm stocks is around 650 INR, and Alibaba Group sold their stocks at INR 642 per share. It is also worth noting that a Macquarie analyst said, “We see a very visible change in approach of the management to deliver profits, as evidenced by core EBIDTA profitability reported recently. We were earlier expecting losses to continue but at current rate of revenues and operating leverage kicking in, we expect accounting profits to be delivered by FY26.”

We must tell you that the public listing or IPO of Paytm did not go well in the markets as the stocks kept on tumbling, but since then, and now that the company has posted quarterly profits, they are on the rise again. While the reason behind Alibaba’s exit from Paytm is not known yet, it could also be linked to Indo-China relations.

China’s JD.com to launch a ChatGPT-style product of its own

China ecommerce giant JD.com
China ecommerce giant JD.com

Even if you are not following the news from the last few days, you would have still heard about ChatGPT and how it is the next big thing to be introduced in the tech industry in decades. ChatGPT, an AI tool launched by OpenAI, gives you real-time answers based on your questions. The best part is that the tool is highly conversational and lets you give prompts as if you are talking to a friend or family member. For example, you can ask ChatGPT to explain something “a 7-year-old can understand”. This makes the tool stand out, and Microsoft announced that they are integrating ChatGPT into its search platform Bing.

After that, Google also announced that they are releasing Bard, its own AI tool, inside Google Search. Having said that, one thing that is missing from these tools right now is multi-language support. Currently, it is not possible to give ChatGPT prompts in Mandarin or other languages and get answers. This is where China’s tech industry will come into play and develop a ChatGPT-rival for their market. Talking about that, we have a report from CNBC saying that Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com is already doing that.

As per the report, JD.com released a press release that they are launching a ChatGPT-styled product of its own named ChatJD, which will be an “industrial version” of the product focused on the retail and finance sector. “The product will be able to generate content as well as have a human-to-computer dialogue”, the company added. Alibaba also revealed plans to develop its ChatGPT-rival for its cloud computing customers. The difference between ChatGPT and ChatJD will be that ChatJD will be able to “add value to things like generating product summaries on shopping websites or helping with financial analysis” for its customers.

AI is clearly the next big thing in the e-commerce space too, and it looks like ChatJD will prompt others, such as Amazon and Shopify, to release their AI tools to make it easy for their sellers to list products on the platform and manage the inventory correctly. Now waiting to see what Amazon comes up with in the next few weeks.

Shopify tries to lure Amazon Sellers by providing seamless shipping and other benefits

Shopify CEO
Shopify CEO

We know that Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows sellers to sell their products online with the help of their own stores rather than one where they can list their products without having control over their listing and other benefits. For this, Shopify does charge their customers a flat fee and commission on the sales as well. However, it is still not a full-stop solution because of the logistics that need to be taken care of by the customer. But Shopify is doing things to solve that part and became a direct competition to Amazon.

Recently, Shopify announced a new department and its CEO. This new department inside Shopify is Shopify Logistics, and the company says they are working on something that the world has not seen yet. Aaron Brown, the CEO of Shopify Logistics, adds that they are trying to “liberate” sellers from the most significant pain point in the e-commerce industry, Logistics. This newly-formed department will have its recent acquisitions and services from its partnership with freight forwarder Flexport. Brown adds, “That liberation is what we believe will help a customer go from one sale a day to five sales a day to 100 sales a day,” suggesting that this service will be available to micro sellers and not just limited to the top sellers.

With their partnership with Flexport, Shopify says, sellers will get VIP access to container ships they couldn’t get earlier. Shopify says that the items will be shipped to their warehouses via a truck, and Deliverr will then spread the products across their network of warehouses. Note that Shopify acquired Deliverr in 2022 for $2.1 billion. It finally looks like Shopify is taking the one-stop e-commerce platform angle seriously and working to solve the logistics problem.

Brown added, “We now have one network, so every time a new merchant joins SFN or uses the Deliver app if they want, they’re going on to one common network,”. This is in direct competition with Amazon, providing everything from selling its products to shipping on its platform. This is why sellers who don’t want to tackle logistics prefer Amazon over other platforms due to its robust logistics network.