Top 5 Seller Reads this Week: Issue #244

The SPS Commerce Team

By The SPS Commerce Team, The SPS Commerce Team

Last Updated September 5, 2025

3 min read

Top 5 this week

1. Amazon Seller Updates: 90% OTDR Rule Hits Amazon UK FBM While Walmart Opens Global Doors

“Amazon and Walmart’s latest policy updates mean another round of major changes for marketplace sellers: Amazon UK FBM sellers face a new 90% OTDR or risk losing listings, while Walmart is opening its global marketplace and rolling out advanced AI tools for smarter selling. This is another call to meticulously evaluate your operations to avoid penalties, leverage automation, and grab new growth opportunities. ~Vanessa Cox

2. Amazon Ends Prime Free Shipping Sharing and Lower Sign-ups are Reportedly to Blame

“All good things do come to an end. It appears Amazon is going the way of Netflix and will begin to limit password sharing for Amazon Prime.” ~Tom Rohlf

3. Introducing Amazon Lens Live: Instant Scanning, Real-time Product Matches, and Insights from Amazon’s AI Shopping Assistant

“Amazon is betting that pointing your phone at things will compete with a text based search bar. This move from text to visual search is a significant shift that I’d pay attention to. It could become a whole new category of discoverability sellers need to consider when optimizing their listings. As always, tracking actual consumer adoption is critical before over-investing in Amazon’s new shiny feature.” ~Nikko Patten

4. Amazon launches First-ever Second Chance Deal Days, offering Customers High-quality Returned and Refurbished Items at Great Prices

“Use this opportunity to offload returns or overstock via these established channels. What’s really worth watching is how this “pre-loved” initiative accelerates new supply chain standards for product grading, returns automation, and sustainable profitability. It’s worth incorporating your participation in the circular economy into branding and marketing, aligning with growing consumer values on sustainable choices.” ~Mak Bidikar

5. Amazon must face US nationwide class action over third-party sales

“Amazon now faces a certified nationwide class action over price parity rules, adding pressure alongside the ongoing FTC antitrust case. These legal challenges aren’t just noise; they often drive quiet but significant policy shifts. Sellers should monitor closely. Amazon hasn’t pulled its pricing parity rule yet, but pressure is increasing to do so.” ~Vanessa Hung

Hidden Amazon Costs.png

The Hidden Amazon Profit Margin Erosion from Promotion Costs

For Amazon 1P vendors, promotional deductions may be silently draining millions from the bottom line – often hidden beneath layers of complexity and scattered reports. From invisible compliance chargebacks to unverified promotional fees, the real profit impact is not easy to measure. Rebuilding your profit margin starts with proactive control.

Read more to learn how to take it back.

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