Author: Ina Steiner

Ina Steiner is co-founder and Editor of EcommerceBytes and has been reporting on ecommerce since 1999. She's a widely cited authority on marketplace selling and is author of "Turn eBay Data Into Dollars" (McGraw-Hill 2006). Her blog was featured in the book, "Blogging Heroes" (Wiley 2008). She is a member of the Online News Association (Sep 2005 - present) and Investigative Reporters and Editors (Mar 2006 - present). Follow her on Twitter at @ecommercebytes and send news tips to ina@ecommercebytes.com. See disclosure at EcommerceBytes.com/disclosure/.

EcommerceBytes Update Editorial – November 12, 2017

November 11, 2017November 11, 2017 Ina Steiner

Online sellers are busy with Christmas only 6 weeks away. Typically marketplaces put a moratorium on changes and tests during the holiday shopping season, but not this year. Whether announced or unannounced, changes are impacting sellers on eBay, Etsy, and Read more

Tips on Dealing with the 2018 Postal Rate Increase

November 11, 2017December 11, 2017 Ina Steiner

It’s official – USPS rates are going up in 2018. The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the USPS request on Wednesday. Sellers who use online postage to print shipping labels (commercial) for Priority Mail will see prices increase about 6 percent Read more

Tips on Dealing with the 2018 Postal Rate Increase – Part 2

November 11, 2017December 11, 2017 Ina Steiner

In part one of this two-part series, we outlined some of the major changes in the USPS postal rates for next year going into effect on January 21, 2018. In part two, we delve into some additional tips provided by Read more

EcommerceBytes Update Letters to the Editor – November 12, 2017

November 11, 2017December 11, 2017 Ina Steiner

In every issue, readers soundoff about issues important to them. From shipping issues to payment processing, from fees to online marketplace policies, EcommerceBytes Soundoff gives you a chance to air your views. ******** ******** Dear Ina, Please do more news Read more

Brands Can Now Open Amazon Stores in Canada

November 10, 2017November 10, 2017 Ina Steiner

Amazon Marketing Services is now available for brands on Amazon.ca. That means brands can open Amazon Stores and can use Amazon’s self-service portal to run pay-per-click ads to increase product discovery and brand awareness in time for the holiday shopping Read more

Etsy Asks Sellers to Discount Items for Sitewide Holiday Sale

November 9, 2017August 13, 2018 Ina Steiner

Etsy is holding a sitewide sale that will kick off on November 20 and run through December 1st. The nearly 2-week promotion will feature a special landing page where Etsy will feature sale items, which must be discounted between 10 Read more

eBay Seller Hub Provides Competitive Information to Sellers

November 9, 2017November 9, 2017 Ina Steiner

eBay is encouraging sellers to use its Seller Hub to sell more competitively. The new seller portal provides a Growth tab, which includes advice on pricing, product popularity (for sourcing decisions), and restocking information. Announcement follows: Nothing beats that nugget Read more

Postmaster General Narrates New USPS TV Commercial

November 8, 2017 Ina Steiner

The US Postal Service has launched its new holiday marketing campaign that includes TV commercials, and Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan is narrating the first 60-second spot – other ads will debut throughout the holiday shopping season: “More people shop Read more

Amazon Sellers Face Damaged Inventory and Cash Flow Challenges in Europe

November 8, 2017 Ina Steiner

Amazon sellers in Europe are experiencing some major challenges as the holiday shopping season ramps up. UK newspaper the Sun reports a fire broke out at an Amazon fulfillment center in Rugeley on November 4th in what is suspected to Read more

Amazon to Open Fourth Maryland Fulfillment Center

November 8, 2017 Ina Steiner

Amazon announced it will open its fourth Maryland fulfillment center. Calling it a state-of-the-art center, Amazon said the 855,000 square-foot facility will fulfill items such as electronics, books, housewares and toys. Press release follows: Amazon.com, Inc. today announced plans to Read more