Get ready, because Amazon Prime Day 2023 is just around the corner! Scheduled for July 11-12th, this year’s Prime Day is expected to surpass last year’s remarkable $3.5 billion in sales for third-party sellers. Top-selling items are predicted to include post-pandemic essentials such as luggage, makeup, and apparel, along with in-demand products that faced shortages during the pandemic, such as fitness equipment, home-office essentials, laptops, and gaming consoles. Notably, the competition will be fierce, with major retailers like Walmart and Target hosting their own annual sales events. It’s clear that Prime Day 2023 is poised to be a massive retail extravaganza. The question is, are you fully prepared? To ensure your business enjoys a successful Prime Day, we’ve compiled five invaluable selling tips. Read on and get ready to seize the opportunity!

Tip #1 Optimize Your Product Listings
There are many ways to optimize your product listing to increase traffic and sales:

• Focus on short, catchy titles with clear descriptions and copy that is optimized for mobile.
• Use bullet points to organize information and get to know Amazon’s character limits so you can optimize accordingly.
• Utilize keywords that are significant to Prime Day as well as similar words people search for that are relevant to your product.
• Take advantage of A+ Content if you’re enrolled in Amazon’s Brand Registry program.
• Put emphasis on your product, not the offer.
• Ensure the product details refer to the product itself—it’s a violation of Amazon’s Terms of Service to mention anything about Prime Day or discounts in the product details.

Your product image also plays an important role in optimizing. Take a look at top-selling products and observe the quality of their images. Your first image should show the product set against a white background while the other images highlight the product’s features. Customers always look at images before text, so make them look appealing.

Tip #2 Don’t Raise Your List Price
Savvy shoppers already use a variety of browser extensions to hunt down deals and track pricing. Raising your list price to show a greater discount not only looks suspicious to customers but can raise a red flag with Amazon, resulting in your account possibly getting suspended. If you can’t provide a discount, it’s better to highlight your product’s superior qualities.

Tip #3 Run Amazon Sponsored Ads
It’s good to have your product fully optimized before creating an Amazon PPC campaign. A PPC ad will increase visibility of your product by showing up when people search for similar items. Automatic campaigns can help you find popular keywords that can be used for your manual campaign with higher bids. To increase the chances of your ad getting seen, avoid bidding on overly popular keywords like “Prime Day.” Make sure to download search term reports and check your maximum bids regularly to ensure your ads are performing.

Tip #4 Run Off-Amazon Promotions
There are many different platforms you can use to drive external traffic to your Amazon Prime Deals:

• Email blasts
• Amazon wish lists
• Blog posts
• Influencers
• Affiliates
• Google Ads
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• Organic social media
• Facebook groups

If you don’t have a Facebook group or audience, Facebook Ads can help you reach potential customers. Something to keep in mind with Facebook Ads is that if you send the user straight to your product listing it can be difficult to track ad progress as well as can potentially undermine your Amazon keyword ranking. Instead, send traffic to a custom landing page that has the ability to capture email addresses.

Tip #5 Take Advantage of the Halo Effect
The halo effect of Prime Day can significantly help your business long after the event ends. Draw attention to your non-Prime Day deals with targeted ads for popular keywords. This can boost your products in the queue. Notice if your item is included in a “frequently purchased together” category and capitalize on the traffic overflow. Consumers are already in shopping mode during this time, so take advantage of it.

In conclusion, Prime Day 2023 holds immense potential to become the standout shopping event of the year. With thorough research and careful planning, this event can yield substantial profits for your business. So, make sure you are fully prepared, stay focused on your goals, and implement the tips provided above to ensure that Prime Day 2023 becomes your most successful sales event to date! Get ready to seize the opportunities and thrive during this remarkable retail extravaganza.

Did you know? Stamps.com has a direct integration with Amazon!
Stamps.com allows Amazon.com third party sellers to easily print shipping labels at discounted rates for UPS® and USPS® shipping services. Get more info on Stamps.com’s Amazon Integration.

Effective July 9, 2023, USPS will be implementing updates to various services. These updates will involve modifications to Hazardous Material (HazMat) labels and the introduction of a new service called USPS Ground Advantage™. Although these changes are quickly approaching, we are committed to providing you with all the essential details to ensure you are well-prepared.

What is USPS Ground Advantage™?

USPS Ground Advantage is a new service that combines domestic Parcel Select Ground, Retail Ground, and the domestic iteration of the First-Class Package Service. USPS Ground Advantage can be used for packages up to 70 pounds and 130 inches in length + girth but will compare actual and DIM weights like other USPS services. Other USPS Ground Advantage features include up to $100 in free insurance and a delivery window of 2-5 business days. 

Please note that if you have any outbound or return labels connected to the services that will no longer be available, USPS will continue to accept and process those labels until September 30, 2023.

HazMat label updates 

Back in April, we originally reported that some USPS HazMat changes would take effect in the spring. However, the Dangerous Goods Service Type Code (STC) updates and the new barcode banner text will now be implemented with the upcoming July 9th changes. As a reminder, USPS considers hazardous materials to be anything that can cause harm to people, property, or packages/mail. More information on USPS hazardous materials can be found on their website. 

USPS HazMat labels will include updated Dangerous Goods STCs, which are numerical sequences that categorize a package’s mail classification and attributes. This helps your package be handled properly and efficiently by the USPS. Additionally, the banner barcode text will now indicate that the package contains hazardous goods. 

Highlights of the July 2023 changes 

• USPS will raise the price of its first-class stamps to 66 cents, an increase of 4.8% from its current 63 cents.
• Parcel Select Ground, Retail Ground, and the domestic First-Class Package Service will become USPS Ground Advantage™. 
• HazMat labels will now include updated Dangerous Goods STCs and new banner barcode text.

For more information on the upcoming USPS changes, visit the Learning Center.

Also, if you missed the January 2023 USPS rate and service changes, you can find them below!

The United States Postal Service’s 2023 rate and service changes have been approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), and the updates will take effect on January 22, 2023. We’re going to address all of the upcoming changes, so you’ll have time to adjust accordingly and prevent negative shipping experiences for your customers.

Important USPS 2023 rate and service changes

More detailed highlights of the upcoming changes are: 

• Priority Mail® commercial rates will see an increase of 3.6%, keeping them below the rate of inflation
• Priority Mail Express® will see an increase of 6.7%
• First-Class Package Service will see an increase of 7.8%
• Priority Mail service prices will see an increase of around 5.5%
• USPS First Class Package International rates will see an increase of 6.2%
• USPS Priority Mail International® will see an increase of 5.9%
• USPS Priority Mail Express International® will see an increase of 5.9%
• Zone 1, Zone 2, and Local have traditionally seen the same shipping rates. However, Local will now be combined with Zone 1, and Zones 1 and 2 will have individual rates 
• The pricing for Parcel Select Ground won’t see any rate increases
• Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes® will no longer be available
• All Canadian Zones will be combined into one pricing zone for USPS Priority Mail International
• Commercial Base and Commercial Plus will be merged into one entity

Flat Rate Priority Mail changes

Flat Rate envelopes and boxes will be included in the 3.6% increase for Priority Mail services. USPS will continue offering Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes and boxes through their website. Also, you’ll be able to order some of these supplies directly from your Stamps.com account.

Local Zone changes

Previously, Local, Zone 1, and Zone 2 all had the same shipping rates. Moving forward, there will no longer be a Local Zone, and Zones 1 and 2 will have two different shipping rates. If your business ships to customers who live close by or in the same state, you’ll see the impact of this change. The changes will be more noticeable when you’re shipping to customers in Zone 2, which is a 51-150 mile radius. 

Regional Rate Boxes are being retired 

Regional Rate A & B Boxes, used for 15-20 pound shipments traveling a short distance, will be discontinued. If your business uses Regional Rate Boxes after January 23, 2023, USPS will accept your shipment, but the cost won’t be calculated in the same way Regional Rate Boxes were. For this reason, USPS recommends using these materials by January 22. Additionally, check the automation rules currently running on your Stamps.com Online account to ensure this service isn’t applied to any of your shipments. 

Priority Mail® Cubic will still be an option for shippers, as it has seen a rise in popularity, and sometimes even offers a lower rate than what was seen with Regional Rate Boxes. The biggest difference with Priority Mail Cubic is that supplies aren’t free. Parcel Select Ground offers: 

• An estimated delivery window of 2-5 days 
• A service for shipments up to 20 pounds 
• Uses the Commerical rates with your Stamps.com account 

How will the 2023 changes impact international shipping?

The biggest change to international shipments will involve your Canadian packages. Similar to the US Zones, Canada was previously broken down into 8 different pricing groups. Now, all of Canada will fall under Pricing Group 1. Also, USPS will change Turkey to Turkiye, so don’t be alarmed if the spelling of the country is updated on your labels to reflect this update. 

How can Stamps.com help?

In our recent study, 30.3% of customers stated that delivery costs were the most important factor in deciding whether or not they’d purchase from a business; the second most important factor was the speed of delivery. Rising USPS costs could mean raising shipping costs for your customers. However, you can still enjoy the discounted shipping rates included with your Stamps.com account to help offset these costs. 

Start your free 30-day trial today on Stamps.com.

International shipping should never be a hindrance for small businesses. That’s why Stamps.com offers GlobalPost as a carrier option for our customers! GlobalPost is committed to modernizing and simplifying the international shipping process, so your small business can focus on expanding to other markets with ease. 

Available GlobalPost services 

GlobalPost provides Stamps.com merchants with two carrier service options: GlobalPost International Economy and GlobalPost International Standard. Each of these services comes with its own set of benefits, including tracking. GlobalPost International Economy shipments can be tracked up to clearing US customs, and GlobalPost International Standard shipments can be tracked throughout their entire journey. A breakdown of each service can be found in the table below.  

	GlobalPost International Economy	GlobalPost International Standard
Weight Limit Per Package	4.4 pounds	Up to 70 pounds
Package Types	Flats up to 16 ounces and Packages up to 4.4 pounds*	Packages up to 70 pounds*
Transit	10-14 days	8-12 days
Tracking	Door-to-country	Door-to-door
Max Value of Goods	$400	Varies by country
Free Coverage	Not included	Up to $100 in loss or damages, plus shipping cost
Duties and Taxes	Paid by buyer	Paid by buyer

*Note: Weights are rounded to the nearest pound, so packages over the weights listed will be considered too heavy for these services. 

Canada DDP 

Additionally, merchants using Stamps.com can use Canada DDP for shipments to Canada. Canada DDP allows you to pay a flat fee of $7.95 for Priority Mail International® and Priority Mail Express International® and $9.95 for USPS First Class Mail International® shipments, so your customers don’t have to pay taxes and duties when a shipment arrives. You also won’t need to print separate customs forms; just include all of the information needed when purchasing your label! 

Note: Flat Rate boxes can’t be used with Canada DDP. 

GlobalPost features and benefits 

GlobalPost works with an extensive network of partners to find the best route for your package and take the stress off merchants and customers alike. Additionally, GlobalPost provides merchants with a Free HS Code Classification Service; as long as all of the correct information is entered with your shipment, GlobalPost will automatically include the HS codes for products. 

When using GlobalPost, you’ll also have access to: 

• Fewer service disruptions with your international shipping 
• The HS Tariff lookup tool for up to five daily searches on HS Codes 
• A free duty calculator to calculate taxes and duties for international shipments 
• No printed customs forms – just include all necessary information when creating a label 
• Free customer support, Monday through Friday from 6AM-6PM PT, via email or phone 888-899-1255

Whether you’re shipping internationally for the first time or the millionth, GlobalPost will help your small business streamline the process. GlobalPost is available as a carrier option to Stamps.com merchants, so it’s easily incorporated into your international shipping process. Grow your small business without growing your worries, and let GlobalPost help you ship around the world! 

Try GlobalPost today with a 30-day free trial to Stamps.com.

Like, follow, and subscribe are three words that have become commonplace in our world. Social media has become a nexus of promotion and advertising, especially for small businesses. If your business has yet to enter the social media space, this is your sign. Creating a social media presence doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to reflect your brand. You’ll be the best you can be with our four tips to creating a social media strategy. 

Be accessible

Social media platforms are a direct connection to your customers. Customers can tag photos, comment on posts, and participate in polls. In today’s world, it’s vital for businesses to have a social media presence. Take the time to open and cultivate social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest. Give customers multiple platforms to reach your business. 

Be receptive 

Being accessible also means being receptive. If customers are reaching out with feedback, it’s likely other customers are experiencing the same issues. Also, ask customers for their feedback. Use polls to influence new products or policies. Your followers are the ones buying products and want their voices heard. Let your customers lead the way (within reason). 

Be practical 

With the rise of platforms like TikTok, social media trends cycle through at an insane rate. Additionally, our research shows that 31% of customers shopped on TikTok throughout last year. This doesn’t mean your business should hop on every trend, though. 

For example, if your business sells athletic shoes, TikTok dances would be a great way to showcase your product. However, participating in a TikTok trend that only shows someone from the waist up wouldn’t be ideal. View your social media from a customer perspective, and think about what content would make you buy a product from your business. 

Be creative

This might seem contradictory to the previous paragraph, but hear us out. Being creative means trying trends and posting unique content that makes sense for your business. Brainstorm creative ways to showcase your products that still highlights their use and purpose. Don’t limit your creativity; just be thoughtful when choosing your strategy. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box, but keep it on brand. 

On the flip side, staying on brand might mean keeping it simple! If your brand prides itself on philanthropy, show customers how you’re helping the community. If your business started in a basement, show customers how much you’ve grown. Our study showed that 81% of customers want to support small businesses, with 45.5% of customers wanting to shop with small businesses in their area. Being creative doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the boldest approach. Sometimes, it simply means trying an approach you haven’t before. 

Tips for your social media strategy

• Be accessible to customers by staying connected and active on social media platforms. 
• Be receptive to customers by asking for feedback and taking their feedback seriously. 
• Be practical in your social media strategy, and don’t take part in trends simply for views. 
• Be creative without losing your brand’s message or identity within all of your content. 

reat way to build your brand and develop a relationship with your customers. Still, while many ecommerce businesses have already established a social media presence, devising a plan for your posts leverages the power of social media even more.

Here’s some information about creating and implementing an effective social media plan for your ecommerce business.

Be choosy. While it’s tempting to jump on every social media platform, be realistic about how much you or your team can keep up with. Consider too how well your business translates to the different platforms. Sometimes, a service-oriented business can skip photo-dependent sites like Instagram. If your audience skews older, that demographic is more likely to check Facebook than Snapchat. 

Be easy to find. When you create social media accounts, choose usernames that match your business name as closely as possible, and try to keep them consistent across all of your social media platforms. Include as much information about your business in your profile as possible, as this indexable content can help search engines direct interested parties to not only your social media accounts but your business website as well. Once you’ve established the accounts, be sure to add your handles to your email communication, signage, stationery and other methods you use to make your business visible.

Be organized. Develop an editorial calendar to help you build out timely and newsworthy content. Creating compelling social content can be challenging, and utilizing a calendar can help a company focus on current topics and trends.

Build your following. Put thought into your content, and followers will pay attention when what you post is original and shareable. Don’t shy away from engaging well-known bloggers, influencers and media outlets. One great way to do this is to respond with useful information when users ask a question on one of your social media channels. Offering discounts to customers is another method to consider in order to grow your following.

Be responsive. Social media is worthless unless you’re ready to have conversations with your followers. Post regularly, be prompt when answering questions and concerns, and follow any interested parties yourself. Keep your content fresh and consistent so followers have a reason to check in frequently.

Be yourself. Social media gives you an opportunity to infuse your personality into your business. Consider sharing the story behind your business, interesting links you’ve found and inspiring words with your followers. You might also want to consider sharing any challenges you faced when starting your business—chances are, other businesses will encounter the same challenges and can benefit from your experience and insight.

Be innovative. Social media gives small-business owners unique opportunities to try out new products, programs and communications. Offer your followers the first look at a new item in your shop, a discount on the first shipment or the chance to sound in about their opinions. Once your promotion or experiment is over, track the kind of response you got and add the results to your social media plan.

What would you say if we told you 68% of customers take shipping costs into account when deciding whether or not to purchase an item? That’s exactly what our recent study found. With more than half of customers expecting free or low shipping costs, it’s worth taking into account. We understand offering free shipping might not be an option for your business year-round. However, there are ways to still meet customer expectations without breaking the bank. 

Offer free shipping during big holidays 

Offering free shipping during big holidays like Christmas or popular sales times like Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a given. But, you might be missing out on sales by limiting free shipping promotions during the holiday season. Holidays like Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July also include discounts and sales, so they serve as an opportune time to offer free shipping to customers. If you can’t offer free shipping throughout the year, utilizing other holidays to offer free shipping is the way to go. 

Set a minimum cart value

We’ve all seen in-cart messages that show us how much more we need to spend to qualify for free shipping. If customers are close to the free shipping threshold, they’ll be more likely to add a couple more items to their cart. This especially rings true during big shopping seasons. Add a minimum cart value that makes sense for your business to provide customers with a free shipping option. 

Additionally, you can make free shipping available for more expensive items to give customers an added incentive to complete their purchases. In our study, almost 61% of customers stated high shipping costs were the number one reason preventing their repeat business. Your business might not be able to offer free shipping on all purchases. But, your customers will appreciate the effort to incorporate free shipping where you can. 

Reward repeat customers with free shipping 

Customers return to your business because they had a positive experience and like your products. Keep customers coming back through exclusive offers like free shipping. Whenever customers share photos of your products on social media, ask if you can repost the content and send them discount codes for free shipping or sales on their favorite items; reward followers with giveaways that range from free products to exclusive deals. 

Social media isn’t the only way to promote free shipping! Stamps.com merchants can customize branded ship notification emails. These emails allow you to personalize a tracking page to include your logo, social media links, and a promotional message to boost the visibility of any running sales. Customers will receive emails throughout the shipping process, so they can take note of any sales. Those who order from your business regularly will be the first to know about free shipping or upcoming sales. 

Prioritize free returns 

Free returns are becoming increasingly important with customers. In fact, our study found 81% of customers believe returns should always be free. Free returns and free shipping might not fall within your business’s budget, so we recommend prioritizing free returns. The customer expectation around free returns is higher than free shipping, so offering free returns is crucial. As we’ve mentioned, you can offer free shipping during holidays and over a certain threshold, but free returns should be accessible for every order. 

Tips for offering free shipping

• Offer free shipping during holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July along with Christmas and other major holidays. 
• Calculate a free shipping threshold and include in-cart messaging to show customers how much more they need to spend to qualify for free shipping. 
• Incentivize customers with free shipping and promo codes through social media and branded ship notification emails. 
• Prioritize free returns over free shipping because customers have a higher expectation for online returns.