Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Avalara Expands Partnership with Shopify for Global Tax Compliance
- Zoovu: Enhancing Accessibility in Ecommerce
- eBay’s New Feature for Reselling Clothing
- Purple Dot’s Pre-Commerce Solutions to Reduce Unsold Inventory
- Astound Digital and Shopify Partnership
- Mastercard and Salesforce Integration for Faster Dispute Resolution
- Highperformr’s Social AI Platform for B2B
- Poshmark’s Promoted Closet Marketing Tool
- Gorgias Boosts AI Customer Experience Tools
- CedCommerce’s MCF Connector for Order Fulfillment
- Grip’s Pulse System for Perishable Goods
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
The realm of ecommerce is rapidly evolving, necessitating the need for merchants to stay ahead with the latest technological advancements. From tax compliance automation to AI-powered customer experiences, the innovations in ecommerce tools are designed to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and improve customer satisfaction. But navigating through these options can be challenging. Here's a comprehensive review of the newest tools available to ecommerce and omnichannel merchants as of May 21, 2024, that can transform your business operations.
In this blog post, we'll examine the latest offerings, ranging from global tax compliance solutions to tools designed for managing perishable goods. Whether you're a small retailer or a large-scale operation, these updates hold the potential to significantly impact your ecommerce strategy. By the end of this post, you’ll have a detailed understanding of the current tools available and how they can be leveraged to optimize your business.
Avalara Expands Partnership with Shopify for Global Tax Compliance
What It Does
Avalara, a leader in cloud-based tax compliance automation, has expanded its reach through a partnership with Shopify. By joining the Shopify Tax Platform, Avalara helps Shopify merchants automate and manage global tax compliance effortlessly.
Key Features
- Sales Tax Management: Effortlessly calculate and file sales taxes across different regions.
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): Simplify the complexities of VAT for international transactions.
- Exemption Certificate Management: Maintain and manage tax-exempt status documents efficiently.
- Document Issuance: Automate 1099 and W-9 issuance for freelancers and contractors.
- Property Tax Management: Keep track of property tax obligations across various localities.
Benefits
This partnership removes the hassle of tax compliance, allowing ecommerce merchants to focus more on scaling their businesses. It particularly benefits small and mid-sized merchants who may lack the resources to manage intricate tax requirements manually.
Zoovu: Enhancing Accessibility in Ecommerce
What It Does
Zoovu has launched tools to ensure ecommerce platforms are accessible to all users, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
Key Features
- Live Video and Audio Captions: Makes multimedia content accessible.
- Enhanced Readability: Ensures text readability with 4.5-to-1 contrast ratios.
- Text Resizing: Allows up to 200% text resizing for easy reading.
- Simplified Navigation: Consistent menus and buttons for better user experience.
Benefits
These tools are not just about compliance; they also enhance user experience for all customers, potentially increasing the user base and improving user satisfaction. Enhanced accessibility is increasingly becoming a key differentiator in the competitive ecommerce landscape.
eBay’s New Feature for Reselling Clothing
What It Does
eBay’s new “resell on eBay” feature simplifies the process of listing pre-owned clothing, using Certilogo’s Secure by Design digital ID.
Key Features
- Smart Labels: Integrate digital IDs easily scanned for listing.
- Secure Listings: Authenticate items to boost buyer confidence.
- Scalable Service: Extendable to more brands using Certilogo digital IDs.
Benefits
By making it easier to list and authenticate pre-owned items, eBay boosts consumer confidence and facilitates smoother transactions, potentially enhancing sales and user retention.
Purple Dot’s Pre-Commerce Solutions to Reduce Unsold Inventory
What It Does
Purple Dot offers a pre-order and waitlist platform that helps brands reduce unsold inventory by allowing them to sell products before they are in stock.
Key Features
- Pre-Order Management: Accept orders before goods are available.
- Inventory Risk Reduction: Manage inventory based on actual demand.
- Waitlist Functionality: Keep potential customers engaged even when items are out of stock.
Benefits
Purple Dot aids in managing inventory more effectively, minimizing the risk of overstock and potential losses from unsold goods. This proactive sale approach enables better capital management and customer satisfaction.
Astound Digital and Shopify Partnership
What It Does
Astound Digital and Shopify have formed a partnership to bridge the gap between different sales channels, including D2C, B2B, and point of sale.
Key Features
- Unified Commerce: Integrates various retail channels for seamless operation.
- Enhanced Customer Support: Provides training and certification to support comprehensive customer solutions.
Benefits
Retail brands can streamline their operations across multiple channels, ensuring a more cohesive and efficient sales process. This integration helps in reducing operational silos and enhancing customer experience.
Mastercard and Salesforce Integration for Faster Dispute Resolution
What It Does
Mastercard and Salesforce have introduced an integration aimed at speeding up transaction dispute resolutions and reducing associated costs.
Key Features
- Dispute Management: Combine transaction dispute tools under one platform.
- Real-Time Alerts: Receive notifications when a chargeback is raised.
- Purchase Insights: Gain insights to resolve disputes efficiently.
Benefits
This integration helps in minimizing financial losses from disputes and enhances customer service by providing quicker resolutions. It’s particularly valuable for high-volume merchants who frequently deal with transaction discrepancies.
Highperformr’s Social AI Platform for B2B
What It Does
Highperformr has launched a social AI platform designed to help B2B companies enhance their social media presence.
Key Features
- Streamlined Workflows: Automate and manage social media tasks.
- AI Capabilities: Develop native AI tools for better social media strategy.
- Distribution Network: Build a robust network for content distribution.
Benefits
B2B companies can leverage these tools to optimize their social media operations and boost their online presence. Effective social media management can result in improved brand visibility and customer engagement.
Poshmark’s Promoted Closet Marketing Tool
What It Does
Poshmark’s new marketing tool, Promoted Closet, helps sellers boost their sales by leveraging machine learning to promote listings.
Key Features
- Machine Learning Matching: Aligns shoppers’ search terms with relevant listings.
- Marketing Budget: Set and manage weekly budgets for promotions.
- Data Insights: Access listing-level data reports, including impressions and clicks.
Benefits
For sellers on Poshmark, Promoted Closet can significantly enhance visibility and sales, making it easier to attract and convert potential buyers.
Gorgias Boosts AI Customer Experience Tools
What It Does
Gorgias has secured additional funding to expand its suite of AI-powered customer experience tools for ecommerce brands.
Key Features
- Automated Customer Support: Provides instant on-brand answers to customer questions.
- AI-Driven Insights: Gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Streamline customer support operations to reduce response time.
Benefits
Improving customer support with AI not only enhances customer satisfaction but also frees up resources that can be directed toward other critical business operations.
CedCommerce’s MCF Connector for Order Fulfillment
What It Does
CedCommerce has introduced MCF Connector to streamline cross-channel order fulfillment for non-Amazon sellers.
Key Features
- Platform Integration: Connect various platforms like Shopify, eBay, and TikTok Shop.
- Centralized Management: Manage orders and inventory from a single platform.
- Efficiency Gains: Reduce the need for multiple systems and manual work.
Benefits
This tool simplifies the complexity of multichannel fulfillment, making it easier to manage and deliver orders accurately and efficiently.
Grip’s Pulse System for Perishable Goods
What It Does
Grip has launched Pulse, a next-generation order management system tailored for D2C brands that deal with perishable goods.
Key Features
- Real-Time Inventory: Monitor perishable inventory in real-time.
- Batch Tracking: Track batch numbers and manage SKU-specific data.
- Live Data Updates: Sync updates with Shopify and other POS systems.
Benefits
For brands dealing with perishable items, accurate inventory management and real-time tracking are crucial. Pulse offers a hassle-free solution, helping to reduce waste and ensure timely deliveries.
Conclusion
The new tools for ecommerce and omnichannel merchants launched as of May 21, 2024, reflect a robust push towards greater efficiency, enhanced user experiences, and comprehensive management solutions. From tax compliance to AI-driven customer support, these advancements offer significant benefits that can transform various aspects of ecommerce operations. By integrating these tools into your business strategy, you can stay competitive and meet the growing demands of the digital marketplace.
FAQ
What is Avalara's main benefit for Shopify merchants?
Avalara helps Shopify merchants automate and manage global tax compliance, freeing them from the complexities of sales tax, VAT, and exemption certificate management.
How does Zoovu enhance ecommerce accessibility?
Zoovu provides tools that comply with ADA and WCAG, making it easier to provide captions for live video and audio, ensuring readability with proper contrast ratios, and simplifying navigation for all users.
What unique feature does eBay's "resell on eBay" offer?
The feature leverages Certilogo’s Secure by Design digital ID, allowing users to authenticate and list pre-owned clothing easily.
How does the integration between Mastercard and Salesforce benefit merchants?
The integration speeds up transaction dispute resolutions and reduces costs associated with disputes, offering a unified platform for managing and resolving chargebacks quickly.
What problem does Purple Dot's pre-commerce solution address?
Purple Dot's pre-commerce solution helps brands sell products before they are in stock, reducing the risk of unsold inventory and managing demand effectively.
