After the 2020 pandemic forced many students to learn remotely at home, schools are finally reopening for in-person learning. Parents want a fresh start for their kids this fall and will set them up for success by making sure their K through 12 and college students have all the right tools and essentials. With the National Retail Federation expecting around $82.8 billion in back-to-school sales for 2021, sellers need to prepare for a season that will likely exceed pre-pandemic spending.

E-commerce sales for Back-to-School are expected to be 53% higher than 2019, according to a forecast by Mastercard SpendingPulse.

Let’s Look at the Stats
With parents feeling like their kids missed out last year and children excited to reunite with classmates, this year’s back-to-school and college seasons are expected to be the biggest ever. Many retail experts are projecting a sales growth of 6.7% from 2019 and 5.5% from 2020, with online shopping expected to be 53% higher than it was in 2019. Additionally, gone will be the days of wearing pajamas to the virtual classroom. Apparel sales will likely rise a sizable 78% with footwear up 21% from 2020.

Here are three tips for E-Commerce Sellers to Increase Back-to-School Revenue:

Tip #1 – Create a Back-to-School Landing Page:
Customers are looking for an easy way to shop for school supplies. A custom back-to-school landing page with items organized into convenient categories helps them find everything they need. You can categorize items using a variety of demographics such as gender, age, price or best sellers. Get people to return to your landing page by utilizing Google Ads, email lists and social media.

Tip #2 – Demonstrate How Your Products Fit Into People’s School Lives:
Get creative with your displays! You can boost your sales by taking the extra step beyond just showing your merchandise on a shelf or as a standalone item. If you’re selling pens, pencils and paper, arrange them on a school desk. If you’re selling bathroom decor, bedding or other furniture, create a dorm-like setting to stage your wares. Photograph your items in a classroom setting and use them in your marketing collateral.

Tip #3 – Market the Correct Products to the Right People:
When stocking items, think beyond the obvious back-to-school shoppers. There are a variety of people to keep in mind when it comes to going back to the classroom. Parents of younger students are looking for snacks, travel eating utensils, computer and audio equipment, stickers, paper, pens, uniforms and a variety of educational materials. College-aged students will shop for phone cases, bathroom supplies and sportswear while also looking to outfit their dorm rooms with desks, bedding and decor. Don’t forget about teachers! Cleaning products and general school supplies are always a necessity.

Final Back-to-School Thoughts
Besides the Christmas and holiday seasons, back-to-school season is one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year for online retailers. With in-person learning fast approaching, now is the time for retailers to prepare so they can ace this year’s back-to-school rush.

This article includes updates effective March 12, 2021

Shipping Regulations
When shipping lithium batteries, businesses must comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) standards for preparing shipments that contain lithium batteries.  The standards are in place to ensure the safe transportation of shipments that include these batteries and cells.  Shippers are responsible to comply with these regulations or risk fines.

Luckily the USPS shipping regulations align with DOT and PHMSA regulations—so as long as your shipment follows USPS regulations, you are in the clear.

USPS Standards for Domestic Shipments Containing Lithium Batteries

• Each cell cannot contain more than 1 gram of lithium
• Each battery cannot contain more than 2 grams of lithium
• All packages must contain a complete return address
• For non-installed batteries, your package must have a DOT-approved lithium battery mark (UN3090)

Standards for Shipping Installed Batteries

• Installed batteries must be protected from short circuit
• Devices with batteries must have protection to prevent accidentally being powered-on
• Equipment must be cushioned

Shipping Lithium Batteries to International Destinations?

Lithium batteries can only be shipped internationally if they are installed in the equipment they operate.  Shipping carriers are not allowed to ship packages containing only lithium batteries or cells to international locations – they must be included inside a product.  No markings or documentation are allowed on these international mailpieces.  This rule applies to all international as well as APO/FPO/DPO destinations.

More info on the U.S. Postal Service’s Lithium Battery mailing standards is available on the USPS.com site.

Unprecedented.

If there’s a word that has been used more than any other to describe 2020, that’s quite possibly it. People have changed their routines and habits in everything from work to school to dining out to shopping, and it’s likely that this will continue into Q4. With the 2020 holiday season fast approaching, it’s anybody’s guess how it will go. This is especially true since one of the biggest online shopping events of the year — Amazon Prime Day — has now entered the fray.

As a result of the global pandemic, Amazon Prime Day, which is typically held in July, will be on October 13th and 14th this year. This brings significant — yes, unprecedented — changes to the online retail landscape. Prime Day is now close enough to Black Friday and Cyber Monday and ready to give those long-standing shopping extravaganzas some serious competition.

What Is Prime Day?

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Amazon held its first Prime Day in 2015. For Prime members only, it was a one-day event that saw prices on many items slashed to historic lows. Now in its fifth year, Prime Day is a two-day retail sensation that sees prices drop to levels that often beat out the legendary Black Friday doorbusters.

Is Prime Day really that big? Yes, it is. Global sales hit an estimated $7.16 billion during the 48-hour period in 2019, up a whopping 71% from the previous year. And with more people than ever shopping at home because of COVID-19, that number could exceed all expectations in 2020.

Tips for Sellers

What can online retailers do to capitalize on the popularity and online shopping frenzy surrounding Prime Day? Here are a few tips:

• Don’t try to compete with Amazon. The best-selling products on Prime Day — and the ones that are promoted most heavily on its website — are Amazon’s own, such as Kindle and the Alexa system. And make no mistake, Amazon has enough inventory to last the entire holiday season. Any business that promotes similar devices is going head-to-head against this juggernaut, and that’s just not a good strategy. Instead of competing, it’s better to focus on ancillary products like covers, chargers, stands, screen protectors, and other accessories.
• Price it right. According to Marketplace Plus, the most successful Prime Day discounts are in the 10%–50% range. This is important for retailers to know, as they don’t have to lose all their margin by cutting prices by more than half. A 30%–50% discount is enough to attract customers, while a 5% or 10% discount will hardly raise an eyebrow.
• Know what to promote. The most popular Prime Day items in 2019, comprising more than 50% of sales, were in the $25 and under category. Items in the $26–$50 range grabbed a respectable 21%, but the numbers significantly dropped from there. In fact, items over $200 made up only 5% of total sales. The lesson? Prime Day promotions should focus heavily on items in the optimum price range.
• Don’t promise what can’t be delivered. Carriers are already experiencing delays in shipping times due to COVID-19, and that will certainly get worse as the holidays draw closer. A retailer’s website should clearly inform customers of this and prepare them for delays and longer shipping times. It’s also a good idea to monitor COVID-19 stats in various parts of the country. Local restrictions and lockdowns can be put in place without warning, and that could affect a retailer’s ability to deliver on time. Finally, there should be plenty of inventory on hand, especially for highlighted items.
• Diversify. This will be the first Prime Day of its kind, and there’s no telling what will happen. But it’s a safe guess that online shopping numbers will hit an all-time high this year in terms of both shoppers and dollars spent. So be ready. No one knows what the best sellers will be, but a broad product line is more likely to tap into this year’s hot items — whatever they may be.
• Be creative. What sold well last year may not be much more than a blip on the screen in 2020. COVID-19 has changed people’s behaviors and habits, and products that can be marketed as addressing problems stemming from staying at home and lockdowns are likely to be big sellers this year.
• Optimize listings. Prime Day is a good time to sharpen the proverbial pencil and rewrite old, dull product descriptions. Titles and descriptions can be freshened up with snappy writing that will grab the attention of potential customers. And there’s nothing wrong with checking competitors’ websites to see what keywords and terminology they’re using.
• Use Amazon’s promotions and deals. When a retailer offers a discount by using an Amazon coupon, a highlighted label draws attention to this. It’s a great way to ride the coattails of Prime Day without having to pay for additional promotions. And it’s a good idea to check Amazon’s terms for coupons several days before Prime Day, since they don’t become active immediately.

Last year, Amazon raked in more sales on Prime Day than on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Yes, it’s that big. With some forethought and planning, sellers can capitalize on what very well could be the biggest shopping event of the holiday season.

Amazon’s latest virtual conference, Amazon Accelerate, is scheduled for Sept. 1-3 from 9:00 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. Pacific. It’s a great opportunity to meet up with other online retailers and storeowners to learn about how they can adapt to a post-pandemic economy.

What to Expect From the Amazon Accelerate Event

So what’s happening with Amazon Accelerate? Prominent e-commerce experts will be holding speeches, followed by 70 sessions for both new and current sellers to take part in.

New sellers can learn about how to set up shop on Amazon, create attractive product listings, mark up competitive prices, and use the Amazon fulfillment network.

Established sellers will gain a better understanding of the best practices in the industry. Some of these include partnering with sponsors to boost their brand outreach, expanding their product lines overseas, and implementing a brand strategy into their sales funnel. Additionally, sellers will have the option to ask the pros some important questions about running an Amazon store during their FAQ session.

Why Amazon Sellers and E-Commerce Merchants Should Attend

As one of the largest events dedicated to selling on Amazon, it will teach you the tried-and-true methods for growing your business, from promoting your products to navigating a changing market environment. Moreover, there will be key speakers covering topics like branding, consumer trust, customer support, and even Amazon’s outlook on their internal operations.

Amazon Accelerate is the perfect place for you to connect with other merchants. With over 60 sessions, their seminars are sure to touch upon a wide range of topics. It’s also going to have interactive panels, lightning talks, and breakout lessons. 

To get ready for this upcoming event, reserve a spot before Aug. 31 to watch the live session. As an Amazon seller, you can take advantage of these helpful workshops and webinars for small-business owners.

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed a temporary, holiday shipping rate increase to start on Sunday, October 18, 2020 and end on Sunday, December 27, 2020.  Subject to approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), the proposed USPS holiday rate increase will impact five specific mail classes for shippers using Commercial Base pricing – Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First Class Package Service, Parcel Select and Parcel Return Service. There will be no holiday rate increase for customers who purchase postage at the Post Office (retail).

The USPS has stated the temporary price increases are due to higher expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic and increased demand in holiday e-commerce activity.

Listed below are the proposed 2020 USPS holiday rate increases for customers buying postage online:

Priority Mail Express – 2020 Holiday Shipping Rate Increase (Commercial Base)

Weight (lbs.)	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
0.5	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50
1	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50
2	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50
3	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50
4	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50
5	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50	$1.50

Priority Mail Express will see an average increase of 4.4%, with some cells going as high as 6.59% (0.5 lb., zone 1/2).  Lower weights under 4 lbs. traveling to zones 1-4 have larger rate increases by percentage. A 1 lb. package going to Zone 8 using Priority Mail Express will cost $39.55 in the 2020 holiday period (October 18 through December 27, 2020), compared to $38.05 currently.

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate – 2020 Holiday Shipping Rates (Commercial Base)

Mailpiece	Proposed	Current	Increase
Flat Rate Envelope	$24.25	$22.75	$1.50
Legal Flat Rate Envelope	$24.45	$22.95	$1.50
Padded Flat Rate Envelope	$24.75	$23.25	$1.50

All three options (regular, legal and padded) of Priority Mail Express Flat Rate envelopes are increasing by $1.50 per shipment in the 2020 holiday period (October 18 through December 27, 2020).

Priority Mail – 2020 Holiday Shipping Rate Increase (Commercial Base)

Weight (lbs.)	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
0.5	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
1	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
2	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
3	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
4	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
5	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40

Priority Mail will see an average increase of 4.2%, with some cells going as high as 5.70% (1 lb., zone 1/2). Lower weights under 3 lbs. traveling to zones 1-5 have larger rate increases by percentage.  A 1 lb. package going to Zone 8 using Priority Mail will cost $8.82 in the 2020 holiday period (October 18 through December 27, 2020), compared to $8.42 currently.

Priority Mail Regional Rate – 2020 Holiday Shipping Rate Increase (Commercial Base)

Box Type	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
A	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
B	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40

Priority Mail Regional Rate prices are increasing by $0.40 per shipment. A 1 lb. package going to Zone 8 using Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A will cost $12.50 in the 2020 holiday period (October 18 through December 27, 2020), compared to $12.10 currently.

Priority Mail Flat Rate- 2020 Holiday Shipping Rate Increase (Commercial Base)

Mailpiece	Proposed	Current	Increase
Flat Rate Envelope	$7.55	$7.15	$0.40
Legal Flat Rate Envelope	$7.85	$7.45	$0.40
Padded Flat Rate Envelope	$8.15	$7.75	$0.40
Small Flat Rate Box	$8.05	$7.65	$0.40
Medium Flat Rate Box	$13.60	$13.20	$0.40
Large Flat Rate Box	$18.70	$18.30	$0.40
APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Box	$17.20	$18.00	$0.40

All Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes (regular, legal and padded) and boxes (small, medium and large) are increasing by $0.40 in the 2020 holiday period (October 18 through December 27, 2020).

First Class Package Service – 2020 Holiday Shipping Rate Increase (Commercial Base)

Mailpiece Weight	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
1 ounce	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
2 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
3 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
4 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
5 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
6 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
7 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
8 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
9 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
10 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
11 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
12 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
13 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
14 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
15 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25
15.999 ounces	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25

First Class Package Service will see an average increase of 7.0%, with some cells going as high as 9.12% (one ounce, zone 1/2). Lower weights under 4 ounces traveling to zones 1-5 have larger rate increases by percentage. A 15.999 ounce. package going to Zone 8 using First Class Package Service will cost $5.95 in the 2020 holiday period (October 18 through December 27, 2020), compared to $5.70 currently.

Parcel Select Ground – 2020 Holiday Shipping Rate Increase

Weight (lbs.)	Zones 1 & 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
1	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
2	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
3	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
4	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
5	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
6	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
7	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
8	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
9	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40
10	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40

Parcel Select Ground will see an average increase of 3.0%, with some cells going as high as 5.78% (1 lb., zone 1/2). Lower weights under 5 lbs. traveling to zones 1-5 have larger rate increases by percentage. A 1 lb. package going to Zone 8 using Parcel Select Ground will cost $8.52 in the 2020 holiday period (October 18 through December 27, 2020), compared to $8.12 currently.