Bengaluru: Even as a significant number of active merchants have returned to ecommerce marketplace Amazon over the last three weeks after restrictions on shipping non-essential goods were relaxed, the number of unique products available on its platform is lower than what it was prior to the nationwide lockdown.
This has led to improved visibility for Amazon’s own private labels, including Amazon Basics, Solimo, Presto, Symbol and others, and in some instances have also translated into higher sales for the private brands.
According to data sourced from US-based analyst Marketplace Pulse, 85% of the 200,000 sellers that were active on Amazon on March 20 — five days before the lockdown to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus outbreak was imposed — have once again become active.
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However, the total number of unique products, or stock keeping units (SKUs) in retail parlance, that are available on Amazon stands at 30% or 15 million SKUs, compared to 50 million SKUs before the lockdown.
This steep reduction in product selection, combined with steady availability of its in-house brands have led to higher sales for the company’s private labels, analysts said.
“Sales (of private labels) is certainly up, but growing this business is part of a broader plan at Amazon. So, the groundwork was already laid, but you could say we reaped the benefits of that during this tough period,” said a senior executive at Amazon who pleaded anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.
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An Amazon spokesperson told ET that it was witnessing a 15-20% week-on-week increase in the number of sellers returning to its platform.
“We are confident that sellers will continue to increase selection as they overcome their operating challenges,” the spokesperson said, without commenting on its private label business.
Analysts and industry executives pointed out that it has been far easier for ecommerce companies to maintain supply of private label products since they control manufacturing and procurement, as opposed to having to work with third-party sellers and manufacturers who are currently facing working capital, raw material and labour shortages.
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“The supply of certain items has been impacted as production and manufacturing have been affected due to the lockdown, among other reasons,” a Flipkart spokesperson told ET, adding that the company had seen a 9X increase in the number of active sellers on its platform, compared to during the first week of the lockdown.
A Flipkart insider told ET that although its private label product sales have seen good growth over the last few weeks, it still accounted for under 5% of overall sales.
Having been part of internal discussions on competitor analysis, the executive pointed out that private brands were a far larger business for Amazon.
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Amazon has been steadily growing its portfolio of private brands in India over the last few years. Starting with smartphone cables under its Amazon Basics brand, the company has diversified into everything from toilet cleaners to recliner sofas. Amazon, like competitors, ramps up its private labels ahead of the festive season sales.
Earlier this year, the company expanded its portfolio to include more furniture, gym equipment and some large appliances, competing in the mass premium segment in each of these categories. It has also grown its selection of packaged food, which it sells through Amazon Retail, its fully owned subsidiary.
“Just like how we’re seeing an increase in sales of products from local brands in offline stores because supply from national FMCG players has been hit, a similar trend is being seen with private labels on e-commerce platforms,” said Satish Meena, forecast analyst at Forrester Research.
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A reduction in choice of products and value conscious buying among consumers are causing an uptick in sales of private label products on e-commerce marketplaces, Meena added.
A similar trend was seen in the online grocery segment when the lockdown was announced.
“Every disaster brings an opportunity. For Amazon, it’s their private label business which they are aggressively advertising at a time when there’s dearth of competition. They are specifically targeting all the categories that are in high demand right now – utensils and kitchen appliances, workout equipment, summer appliances, home furnishings and basic furniture,” said an analyst who did not want to be named as he works with Amazon.
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Amazon’s growing private label business has, however, been at the centre of many controversies globally. In India, groups such as the All India Online Vendors’ Association have alleged that it uses private labels to undercut prices of popular products, in turn forcing sellers to offer discounts to remain competitive.
Earlier this month, the US Congress called on Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to testify in an ongoing antitrust probe into the company and other technology enterprises. The move followed a Wall Street Journal report that alleged that Amazon employees had accessed information, such as sales of third-party vendors, to build competing in-house brands, which the company has denied.
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(Note: This is a Article Automatically Generated Through Syndication, Here is The Original Source
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In the realm of e-commerce and product distribution, the importance of choosing the right shipping label cannot be overstated. A shipping label is not merely a piece of paper with an address; it serves as a vital communication tool between the sender, carrier, and recipient. From ensuring package security to complying with regulations, the right shipping label can streamline your shipping process and enhance customer satisfaction. However, with various options available, selecting the appropriate shipping label for your specific needs can be daunting. This comprehensive guide aims to navigate you through the maze of choices, empowering you to make informed decisions.
Understanding Shipping Label Basics
Before delving into the specifics, let’s start with the fundamentals. A shipping label typically contains crucial information such as the sender’s and recipient’s addresses, package weight, tracking number, and barcodes. It serves as a passport for your package, facilitating its journey from sender to receiver. Additionally, shipping labels often include information about the contents of the package, handling instructions, and compliance markings for hazardous materials.
Factors to Consider
When choosing the right shipping label, several factors come into play, including:
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Package Type: Different packages require different types of labels. Whether you’re shipping small parcels, envelopes, or large boxes, selecting the appropriate label size and format is crucial.
Shipping Method: Consider the shipping method you’ll be using. Labels for domestic shipments may differ from those for international deliveries. Moreover, carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL may have specific label requirements.
Durability: If your package is exposed to harsh conditions or requires long-distance travel, opt for durable labels that can withstand moisture, abrasion, and other environmental factors.
Barcode Compatibility: Barcodes play a vital role in tracking and sorting packages. Ensure that your shipping label is compatible with the barcode systems used by your chosen carrier.
Regulatory Compliance: Depending on the nature of your shipment, you may need to adhere to regulatory standards and include specific markings or warnings on your shipping label. This is particularly important for hazardous materials, perishable goods, and international shipments.
Types of Shipping Labels
Now, let’s explore some common types of shipping labels and their features:
Integrated Labels: Integrated labels combine the shipping label with other essential documents, such as packing slips or invoices. This streamlined approach simplifies the packing process and reduces the risk of document misplacement.
Thermal Labels: Thermal labels utilize heat-sensitive paper to create high-quality, smudge-free prints. They are ideal for high-volume shipping operations and do not require ink or toner cartridges.
Peel-and-Stick Labels: Peel-and-stick labels feature a self-adhesive backing, allowing for quick and easy application to packages. They are available in various sizes and can be customized with branding elements or additional information.
Waterproof Labels: Waterproof labels are designed to withstand exposure to moisture, making them suitable for shipments that may encounter rain, snow, or humidity during transit.
Custom Labels: Custom labels offer a unique opportunity to enhance brand visibility and convey specific messages to recipients. They can be tailored to include logos, slogans, promotional offers, and special handling instructions.
Label Printing Options
Once you’ve selected the appropriate label type and size, you’ll need to decide how to print your labels. Common printing options include:
Direct Thermal Printing: Direct thermal printers use heat-sensitive paper to produce high-quality prints without the need for ink or toner. They are cost-effective and ideal for printing shipping label on demand.
Thermal Transfer Printing: Thermal transfer printers utilize a ribbon to transfer ink onto the label, resulting in durable, long-lasting prints. While slightly more expensive than direct thermal printing, thermal transfer printers are suitable for applications requiring enhanced durability and longevity.
Desktop Printers vs. Industrial Printers: Desktop printers are compact and affordable, making them suitable for small businesses and low-volume shipping operations. Industrial printers are designed for high-volume printing and offer advanced features such as faster printing speeds and larger label capacities.
Cloud-based Printing Solutions: Cloud-based printing solutions allow you to print shipping labels from any location with internet access. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple shipping locations or remote employees.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shipping label is a critical step in ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of your products. By considering factors such as package type, shipping method, durability, barcode compatibility, and regulatory compliance, you can select the label that best meets your needs. Whether you opt for integrated labels, thermal labels, peel-and-stick labels, waterproof labels, or custom labels, investing in the right shipping label solution will streamline your shipping process, enhance package security, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction.
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has been slapped with a lawsuit which alleged that the company misled the investors with false claims regarding its business, operations and prospects.
The class-action lawsuit made a number of allegations which included overstating the demand of its Electric vehicles and also not making it clear how it will handle the negative and near-term macroeconomic impacts.
The lawsuit also revealed that Rivian’s business was experiencing reduced demands as well as increased customer cancellations precipitated by inter alia, high interest rates.
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The orders had significantly reduced and this has significantly reduced the profits and the manufacturing of vehicles in 2024.
Rivian Faces New Class-Action Lawsuit Alleging Deceptive Statements
The lawsuit also alleged that the Company’s public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
Rivian’s stock, like all other EV startups, has been tanking and this has angered the investors who saw a major portion of their investments eroded and a number of law firms like Bernstein Liebhard LLP announced this week that it has filed a securities class action lawsuit on investors’ behalf.
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The lawsuit stated that the EV manufacturer had violated the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and has asked investors who had bought shares of Rivian Automotive, Inc. between March 1, 2023, and February 21, 2024, to join its suit.
The company’s stocks have fallen and one of the primary reasons was the high interest rates. Rivian’s products are beyond the reach of an average income household.
The Rivian’s Electric vehicles target customers were wealthier clients and the spurt in order cancellations means this class is walking away from Rivian’s product.
The stocks of the company were popular for the investors but the reduced demands caused by higher borrowing cost have hit its stock prices badly.
The price war has also affected the EV sector and the company also with its competitors like Tesla has been uniformly affected.
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The EV sector marked value has tanked by more than 57% year-to-date.
The chance of a fall in interest rates is not expected since the Federal Reserve will not lower the benchmark interest rate since it could lead to a bout of hyperinflation.
Also another factor which will discourage the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates is the soaring energy prices caused by the war in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Kennywood’s Steel Curtain roller coaster will not be available this 2024 season, and this has miffed a Kensington man to the extent that he has filed a lawsuit against Kennywood and its parent companies, alleging that the officials had known this fact long before but withheld it to boost season pass sales.
Lawsuit Against Kennywood
The lawsuit, filed in the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court by Joshua Miller and his attorney, John A. Biedrzycki III on Monday, alleges that it was a deliberate attempt to hide the fact to accrue financial benefits by boosting season pass sales.
The lawsuit alleges that Kennywood has created advertising campaigns targeting consumers like Mr. Miller and others to purchase the 2024 season pass under the belief that the benefits included myriad park attractions, including the Steel Curtain.
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In the lawsuit, it was revealed that Mr. Miller bought his season pass under the assumption that all rides would be operational.
However, on April 17, three days before the park opened for the season, it was revealed that Steel Curtain would be closed for the season.
The announcement was made by Ricky Spicuzza, the park’s assistant general manager, and the reason for the closure was cited as the coaster undergoing an “extensive modification project.”
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Ricky Spicuzza said,
“We understand the frustration many of you have felt not being able to experience the Steel Curtain. On behalf of our entire team, we absolutely share that frustration with you.”
However, the lawsuit contends that the fact was known long before last week that the 220-foot-tall coaster would be out of commission.
The lawsuit states,
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“The company withheld this information from season pass purchasers so as not to lose season pass customers, or, alternatively, so as not to offer a discount on season passes due to the unavailability of the Steel Curtain.”
The lawsuit also details numerous violations of the state’s unfair trade practices and consumer protection law. This includes failure to disclose the Steel Curtain’s closure with the full knowledge that the consumer believed that it would be functional for the 2024 season.
The park offered varied passes, which ranged from season passes priced from $109.99 to $239.99.
The lowest endowed pass was the bronze pass, which provided unfettered admission except on certain blackout dates.
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The premium range included the platinum pass, which offered year-round admission to Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild, and Palace Entertainment’s Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster.
Additionally, it also offered free parking, discounts on food and retail, and three free guest tickets.
