![\"\u2122\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png\")
shopper.\u00a0U.S. tariffs have reportedly left Chinese companies on\u00a0Amazon\u00a0with a tough choice: Hike their prices, or leave the platform altogether.
\nThat\u2019s according to a\u00a0report\u00a0late Wednesday (April 9) by Reuters, citing interviews with those merchants and the head of China\u2019s largest eCommerce association.
\nThe shift follows President Donald Trump\u2019s announcement that he would increase tariffs on Chinese imports to 125% from the 104% level already in place, even as the White House placed tariffs on other nations on hold.
\n\u201cThis isn\u2019t just a tax issue, it\u2019s that the entire cost structure gets entirely overwhelmed,\u201d Wang Xin, head of the\u00a0Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association, told Reuters.
\n\u201cIt\u2019ll be very hard for anyone to survive in the U.S. market,\u201d she said, pointing out the tariffs could also lead to customs delays and increased logistics costs.
\n\u201cSo for all of us in the\u00a0cross-border eCommerce\u00a0business today, this is truly an unprecedented blow,\u201d said Xin, whose organization represents more than 3,000 Amazon sellers.
\nThe report notes that China is home to roughly half of Amazon merchants, with more than 100,000 based in the city of Shenzhen alone, generating annual revenues of $35.3 billion.
\nOf the five sellers interviewed by Reuters, three said they would look at hiking prices for their exports to the U.S., while two planned to exit the market altogether.
\nIn related news, a report earlier this week by Bloomberg News said that Amazon had\u00a0canceled orders\u00a0from multiple vendors in China and other Asian countries. While the cancellation orders did not mention the tariffs, their timing suggests they were in response to the duties.
\nThe extent of the cancellations wasn\u2019t clear. One vendor told Bloomberg that Amazon had canceled a $500,000 order, while an eCommerce consultant said the company had canceled orders from \u201cseveral\u201d clients.
\nMeanwhile, PYMNTS on Thursday (April 10)\u00a0examined the fallout\u00a0from the tariffs so far in the wake of Trump\u2019s suspension.
\n\u201cThe pause provided temporary relief to many industries and markets, as seen in the Dow Jones surge by nearly 2,200 points,\u201d that report said.
\n\u201cHowever, companies and economists remain cautious about its long-term implications. The freeze does not eliminate tariffs entirely, leaving uncertainty about future trade policies but also pulling the covers on what companies may do if the temporary freeze is lifted for an appreciable amount of time.\u201d
\nThe post Tariffs Force Chinese Sellers to Raise Prices or Leave Amazon appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "U.S. tariffs have reportedly left Chinese companies on\u00a0Amazon\u00a0with a tough choice: Hike their prices, or leave the platform altogether.\nThat\u2019s according to a\u00a0report\u00a0late Wednesday (April 9) by Reuters, citing interviews with those merchants and the head of China\u2019s largest eCommerce association.\nThe shift follows President Donald Trump\u2019s announcement that he would increase tariffs on Chinese imports to 125% from the 104% level already in place, even as the White House placed tariffs on other nations on hold.\n\u201cThis isn\u2019t just a tax issue, it\u2019s that the entire cost structure gets entirely overwhelmed,\u201d Wang Xin, head of the\u00a0Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association, told Reuters.\n\u201cIt\u2019ll be very hard for anyone to survive in the U.S. market,\u201d she said, pointing out the tariffs could also lead to customs delays and increased logistics costs.\n\u201cSo for all of us in the\u00a0cross-border eCommerce\u00a0business today, this is truly an unprecedented blow,\u201d said Xin, whose organization represents more than 3,000 Amazon sellers.\nThe report notes that China is home to roughly half of Amazon merchants, with more than 100,000 based in the city of Shenzhen alone, generating annual revenues of $35.3 billion.\nOf the five sellers interviewed by Reuters, three said they would look at hiking prices for their exports to the U.S., while two planned to exit the market altogether.\nIn related news, a report earlier this week by Bloomberg News said that Amazon had\u00a0canceled orders\u00a0from multiple vendors in China and other Asian countries. While the cancellation orders did not mention the tariffs, their timing suggests they were in response to the duties.\nThe extent of the cancellations wasn\u2019t clear. One vendor told Bloomberg that Amazon had canceled a $500,000 order, while an eCommerce consultant said the company had canceled orders from \u201cseveral\u201d clients.\nMeanwhile, PYMNTS on Thursday (April 10)\u00a0examined the fallout\u00a0from the tariffs so far in the wake of Trump\u2019s suspension.\n\u201cThe pause provided temporary relief to many industries and markets, as seen in the Dow Jones surge by nearly 2,200 points,\u201d that report said.\n\u201cHowever, companies and economists remain cautious about its long-term implications. The freeze does not eliminate tariffs entirely, leaving uncertainty about future trade policies but also pulling the covers on what companies may do if the temporary freeze is lifted for an appreciable amount of time.\u201d\nThe post Tariffs Force Chinese Sellers to Raise Prices or Leave Amazon appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-10T09:49:31-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-10T09:49:31-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/tariffs-Chinese-sellers-Amazon.png", "tags": [ "Amazon", "Amazon sellers", "china", "eCommerce", "global economy", "international", "News", "pricing", "PYMNTS News", "Retail", "tariffs", "What's Hot" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2615022", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2025/china-opposes-sheins-plans-to-shift-production-overseas-amid-us-tariffs/", "title": "China Opposes Shein\u2019s Plans to Shift Production Overseas Amid US Tariffs", "content_html": "China has reportedly opposed Shein\u2019s plans to move some production outside the country.
\nIt\u2019s part of an effort by the Chinese government to avoid manufacturers from leaving the country following new U.S. tariffs, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday (April 8).
\nA source familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that China\u2019s Ministry of Commerce has communicated with Shein and other companies to dissuade them from diversifying supply chains by sourcing goods from other countries.
\nThis source said the requests came before President Donald Trump announced his \u201creciprocal tariffs\u201d on countries like China, leading companies to seek ways to avoid the levies. For Shein, this has meant doing things like stopping the reconnaissance tours it arranged for its major Chinese suppliers of factories in places like Vietnam, another source said.
\nMost Chinese products are facing a tariff of at least 54% upon entering the U.S., which has placed suppliers under pressure to take on most of the tariff burden or consider shifting production to somewhere else to lower costs, the report added.
\nThe Bloomberg report noted that the tariffs are threatening China\u2019s future as a major expert hub. Tariff exemptions on small parcels are due to expire, which will drive up the cost of products sold by Shein and its rival fast fashion company Temu. This will in turn likely raise prices for American shoppers who had flocked to those retailers instead of Amazon.
\nThe news follows reports from earlier in the week that Apple is planning to deal with the tariffs on goods made in China by bringing more Indian-made iPhones to the U.S. As the Wall Street Journal reported, the tariffs on products coming from India are 26%, half of the levy charged on goods imported from China.
\nMeanwhile, forthcoming research by PYMNTS Intelligence \u2014 set to be published Wednesday (April 9) \u2014 examines the impact of the tariffs on smaller businesses.
\nAs noted here Tuesday, these small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) could be in for \u201cacute pain\u201d as the tariff situation drags on and the chances of a recession increase.
\n\u201cWhile large companies typically have financial safety nets through retained earnings, lines of credit and options such as raising capital through debt or equity offerings, fully half of all U.S. SMBs \u2014 the backbone of the American economy \u2014 currently rely on their day-to-day sales just to keep the lights on,\u201d PYMNTS wrote.\u00a0\u201cNearly one in five are pessimistic about their odds of survival over the next two years. Almost 7% think they might not make it.\u201d
\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.
\nThe post China Opposes Shein\u2019s Plans to Shift Production Overseas Amid US Tariffs appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "China has reportedly opposed Shein\u2019s plans to move some production outside the country.\nIt\u2019s part of an effort by the Chinese government to avoid manufacturers from leaving the country following new U.S. tariffs, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday (April 8).\nA source familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that China\u2019s Ministry of Commerce has communicated with Shein and other companies to dissuade them from diversifying supply chains by sourcing goods from other countries.\nThis source said the requests came before President Donald Trump announced his \u201creciprocal tariffs\u201d on countries like China, leading companies to seek ways to avoid the levies. For Shein, this has meant doing things like stopping the reconnaissance tours it arranged for its major Chinese suppliers of factories in places like Vietnam, another source said.\nMost Chinese products are facing a tariff of at least 54% upon entering the U.S., which has placed suppliers under pressure to take on most of the tariff burden or consider shifting production to somewhere else to lower costs, the report added.\nThe Bloomberg report noted that the tariffs are threatening China\u2019s future as a major expert hub. Tariff exemptions on small parcels are due to expire, which will drive up the cost of products sold by Shein and its rival fast fashion company Temu. This will in turn likely raise prices for American shoppers who had flocked to those retailers instead of Amazon.\nThe news follows reports from earlier in the week that Apple is planning to deal with the tariffs on goods made in China by bringing more Indian-made iPhones to the U.S. As the Wall Street Journal reported, the tariffs on products coming from India are 26%, half of the levy charged on goods imported from China.\nMeanwhile, forthcoming research by PYMNTS Intelligence \u2014 set to be published Wednesday (April 9) \u2014 examines the impact of the tariffs on smaller businesses.\nAs noted here Tuesday, these small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) could be in for \u201cacute pain\u201d as the tariff situation drags on and the chances of a recession increase.\n\u201cWhile large companies typically have financial safety nets through retained earnings, lines of credit and options such as raising capital through debt or equity offerings, fully half of all U.S. SMBs \u2014 the backbone of the American economy \u2014 currently rely on their day-to-day sales just to keep the lights on,\u201d PYMNTS wrote.\u00a0\u201cNearly one in five are pessimistic about their odds of survival over the next two years. Almost 7% think they might not make it.\u201d\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.\nThe post China Opposes Shein\u2019s Plans to Shift Production Overseas Amid US Tariffs appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-08T12:04:41-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-08T22:27:49-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Shein.jpg", "tags": [ "B2B", "B2B Payments", "china", "commercial payments", "eCommerce", "economy", "fast fashion", "News", "PYMNTS News", "Retail", "shein", "Supply Chain", "supply chain management", "tariffs", "temu", "trade war", "What's Hot", "What's Hot In B2B" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2585739", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2025/mercadolibre-to-boost-investment-in-brazil-by-48/", "title": "MercadoLibre to Boost Investment in Brazil by 48%", "content_html": "MercadoLibre reportedly plans to increase its investment in Brazil by 48%, from 23 billion reais (about $3.7 billion) in 2024 to 34 billion reais (about $5.8 billion) in 2025.
\nThe eCommerce and FinTech firm will focus its investment on logistics, technology, marketing and increasing its staff in the country by 14,000, to reach a total of 50,000, Bloomberg reported Monday (April 7), citing an emailed statement from the company.
\nMercadoLibre\u2019s investment in Brazil follows its announcement that it plans to invest $3.4 billion in Mexico, which is the company\u2019s second largest market behind Brazil, according to the report.
\nThe firm has not disclosed its plans for Argentina, where it was founded more than 25 years ago, the report said.
\nMercadoLibre is Latin America\u2019s most valuable company, with a market capitalization of $92 billion and operations in 18 countries across the region, per the report.
\nThe company reported in February that it saw double-digit growth year over year in unique active buyers and items sold across its marketplace, along with momentum in its credit card business, during the fourth quarter.
\nThe number of unique buyers rose by 24% to 67.3 million individuals and the number of items sold was up 27% to 525.5 million.
\nDuring a Feb. 20 conference call with analysts, MercadoLibre Chief Financial Officer Martin de los Santos said, in discussing the credit card business, \u201chaving a solid credit card offering is critical to our ambition of being the largest digital bank in Latin America, and leveraging our unique competitive advantages in underwriting and distribution. So we\u2019ll continue investing in our platform to capture these opportunities even if some time they put short-term pressure on margins.\u201d
\nIt was reported in December that MercadoLibre, which has its roots in the eCommerce world, aims to become Latin America\u2019s dominant digital banking force by gleaning data from its customer base of tens of millions of consumers to offer products like loans and insurance.
\nBrazil has emerged as the global leader in digital engagement among its consumers, according to the PYMNTS Intelligence report, \u201cHow the World Does Digital.\u201d
\nThe report found that among the 11 countries studied, Brazil had the highest number of activity days \u2014 days consumers engaged in core activities of digital life, such as banking, shopping and entertainment.
\nThe post MercadoLibre to Boost Investment in Brazil by 48% appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "MercadoLibre reportedly plans to increase its investment in Brazil by 48%, from 23 billion reais (about $3.7 billion) in 2024 to 34 billion reais (about $5.8 billion) in 2025.\nThe eCommerce and FinTech firm will focus its investment on logistics, technology, marketing and increasing its staff in the country by 14,000, to reach a total of 50,000, Bloomberg reported Monday (April 7), citing an emailed statement from the company.\nMercadoLibre\u2019s investment in Brazil follows its announcement that it plans to invest $3.4 billion in Mexico, which is the company\u2019s second largest market behind Brazil, according to the report.\nThe firm has not disclosed its plans for Argentina, where it was founded more than 25 years ago, the report said.\nMercadoLibre is Latin America\u2019s most valuable company, with a market capitalization of $92 billion and operations in 18 countries across the region, per the report.\nThe company reported in February that it saw double-digit growth year over year in unique active buyers and items sold across its marketplace, along with momentum in its credit card business, during the fourth quarter.\nThe number of unique buyers rose by 24% to 67.3 million individuals and the number of items sold was up 27% to 525.5 million.\nDuring a Feb. 20 conference call with analysts, MercadoLibre Chief Financial Officer Martin de los Santos said, in discussing the credit card business, \u201chaving a solid credit card offering is critical to our ambition of being the largest digital bank in Latin America, and leveraging our unique competitive advantages in underwriting and distribution. So we\u2019ll continue investing in our platform to capture these opportunities even if some time they put short-term pressure on margins.\u201d\nIt was reported in December that MercadoLibre, which has its roots in the eCommerce world, aims to become Latin America\u2019s dominant digital banking force by gleaning data from its customer base of tens of millions of consumers to offer products like loans and insurance.\nBrazil has emerged as the global leader in digital engagement among its consumers, according to the PYMNTS Intelligence report, \u201cHow the World Does Digital.\u201d\nThe report found that among the 11 countries studied, Brazil had the highest number of activity days \u2014 days consumers engaged in core activities of digital life, such as banking, shopping and entertainment.\nThe post MercadoLibre to Boost Investment in Brazil by 48% appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-07T21:15:09-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-07T21:15:09-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MercadoLibre-3.jpg", "tags": [ "digital marketplace", "digital transformation", "eCommerce", "FinTech", "Investments", "Mart\u00edn de los Santos", "MercadoLibre", "News", "PYMNTS News", "What's Hot" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2540371", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2025/clearco-and-cavela-team-to-help-ecommerce-firms-weather-tariffs/", "title": "Clearco and Cavela Team to Help eCommerce Firms Weather Tariffs", "content_html": "Clearco, a provider of growth capital for eCommerce, has teamed with\u00a0Cavela, an eCommerce product sourcing/vendor management platform.
\nThe collaboration, announced in a\u00a0news release\u00a0Wednesday (April 2), is designed to simplify operations for online businesses by linking Clearco\u2019s funding options with Cavela\u2019s network of more than 200,000 suppliers.
\n\u201cWith tariffs on everyone\u2019s radar, this partnership is timely,\u201d Cavela CEO Anthony Sardain said in the release. \u201cWe\u2019re helping brands scale confidently and efficiently through these market shifts. In times of change, it\u2019s crucial to conserve production costs, and that\u2019s exactly what we unlock.\u201d
\nAccording to the release, eCommerce brands that use Cavela can now access Clearco\u2019s capital to pay manufacturers and suppliers more efficiently, with the goal of improving vendor relationships and managing costs, particularly in light of tariffs.
\nThe companies say the partnership is designed to remove funding obstacles and enhance sourcing capabilities, allowing faster scaling and better margin control for eCommerce merchants and streamlining the product lifecycle, from sourcing to payment, for online retailers.
\nThe announcement comes hours ahead of the White House\u2019s planned unveiling of new reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries. These will join the tariffs President Donald Trump has already imposed on Canada, Mexico and China, and on\u00a0automobiles, steel and aluminum.
\nAs noted here Tuesday, economists say the tariffs \u2014 intended to drive down other countries\u2019 trade barriers by applying rates matching the tariffs each country levies on American imports \u2014 could hurt America\u2019s GDP, thanks to\u00a0lower sentiment\u00a0for the country and product boycotts.
\nPYMNTS explored some of the ways companies can survive the tariff situation in a recent\u00a0conversation with\u00a0Matt Carey, senior vice president, office of the CFO at\u00a0FIS.
\n\u201cThere\u2019s technology that can help,\u201d Carey said. \u201cBut it really depends on the industry. If I\u2019m a computer manufacturer and I have a bunch of chips on order from my suppliers, I can\u2019t just change my chip supplier overnight.\u201d
\nHe added, \u201cIf I have visibility into my\u00a0working capital, I can negotiate better agreements and pre-buy materials like aluminum or steel,\u201d and noted that for companies lacking large reserves, supply chain financing solutions present an alternative. \u201cThat\u2019s a win-win for businesses, suppliers, and even banks, who favor these financing arrangements.\u201d
\nVisibility is key to these strategies, Carey told PYMNTS, noting that without a centralized view of their finances, it\u2019s tough for a company to gain the upper hand when negotiating.
\n\u201cBanks love when companies have clear financial visibility because it mitigates risk,\u201d he said. \u201cRisk mitigation is what payments and finance are all about. If you demonstrate accurate liquidity management, it strengthens credit ratings and lowers the cost of capital.\u201d
\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily\u00a0B2B Newsletter.
\nThe post Clearco and Cavela Team to Help eCommerce Firms Weather Tariffs appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Clearco, a provider of growth capital for eCommerce, has teamed with\u00a0Cavela, an eCommerce product sourcing/vendor management platform.\nThe collaboration, announced in a\u00a0news release\u00a0Wednesday (April 2), is designed to simplify operations for online businesses by linking Clearco\u2019s funding options with Cavela\u2019s network of more than 200,000 suppliers.\n\u201cWith tariffs on everyone\u2019s radar, this partnership is timely,\u201d Cavela CEO Anthony Sardain said in the release. \u201cWe\u2019re helping brands scale confidently and efficiently through these market shifts. In times of change, it\u2019s crucial to conserve production costs, and that\u2019s exactly what we unlock.\u201d\nAccording to the release, eCommerce brands that use Cavela can now access Clearco\u2019s capital to pay manufacturers and suppliers more efficiently, with the goal of improving vendor relationships and managing costs, particularly in light of tariffs.\nThe companies say the partnership is designed to remove funding obstacles and enhance sourcing capabilities, allowing faster scaling and better margin control for eCommerce merchants and streamlining the product lifecycle, from sourcing to payment, for online retailers.\nThe announcement comes hours ahead of the White House\u2019s planned unveiling of new reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries. These will join the tariffs President Donald Trump has already imposed on Canada, Mexico and China, and on\u00a0automobiles, steel and aluminum.\nAs noted here Tuesday, economists say the tariffs \u2014 intended to drive down other countries\u2019 trade barriers by applying rates matching the tariffs each country levies on American imports \u2014 could hurt America\u2019s GDP, thanks to\u00a0lower sentiment\u00a0for the country and product boycotts.\nPYMNTS explored some of the ways companies can survive the tariff situation in a recent\u00a0conversation with\u00a0Matt Carey, senior vice president, office of the CFO at\u00a0FIS.\n\u201cThere\u2019s technology that can help,\u201d Carey said. \u201cBut it really depends on the industry. If I\u2019m a computer manufacturer and I have a bunch of chips on order from my suppliers, I can\u2019t just change my chip supplier overnight.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cIf I have visibility into my\u00a0working capital, I can negotiate better agreements and pre-buy materials like aluminum or steel,\u201d and noted that for companies lacking large reserves, supply chain financing solutions present an alternative. \u201cThat\u2019s a win-win for businesses, suppliers, and even banks, who favor these financing arrangements.\u201d\nVisibility is key to these strategies, Carey told PYMNTS, noting that without a centralized view of their finances, it\u2019s tough for a company to gain the upper hand when negotiating.\n\u201cBanks love when companies have clear financial visibility because it mitigates risk,\u201d he said. \u201cRisk mitigation is what payments and finance are all about. If you demonstrate accurate liquidity management, it strengthens credit ratings and lowers the cost of capital.\u201d\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily\u00a0B2B Newsletter.\nThe post Clearco and Cavela Team to Help eCommerce Firms Weather Tariffs appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-02T11:24:13-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-02T22:39:32-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Clearco-Cavela-eCommerce-tariffs.png", "tags": [ "B2B", "B2B Payments", "Cavela", "Clearco", "commercial payments", "eCommerce", "eCommerce product sourcing", "financing", "News", "partnerships", "PYMNTS News", "tariffs", "What's Hot", "What's Hot In B2B", "working capital" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2519114", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2025/exclusive-perplexity-firmly-build-merchant-network-to-power-genai-commerce/", "title": "Perplexity, firmly Build Merchant Network to Power GenAI Commerce", "content_html": "In a bold bet on the future of GenAI-driven commerce, Perplexity.ai has announced a partnership with firmly.ai that could change how consumers discover and purchase products and services, including travel and sports.\u00a0
\nThe agreement gives merchants a front-row seat on Perplexity\u2019s rapidly growing GenAI-driven platform, giving them a potential sale at the moment they seek detailed buying guidance. Several sources have put Perplexity\u2019s user base north of 15 million users.
\nAccording to exclusive interviews with executives from both companies, the move is set against a backdrop of rapid adoption of GenAI-based shopping tools, with more consumers turning to Perplexity\u2019s \u201canswer engine\u201d to guide their purchases.
\nBy teaming with firmly, Perplexity users will be able to browse and buy products without leaving the platform, preserving consumer attention while streamlining the journey from inquiry to checkout. The technology also promises to protect merchants\u2019 data and brand identity by allowing them to remain the merchant of record, even as they plug into this new digital sales channel.
\nfirmly\u2019s business model centers on what it calls an \u201cAgentic Commerce Platform,\u201d enabling merchants to reach new buyers across diverse digital channels with minimal engineering effort. Acting as the behind-the-scenes connector, firmly allows merchants to integrate once \u2014 through a single API \u2014 and instantly make their products available to platforms like Perplexity, social media sites and other digital touchpoints.
\nBy letting merchants maintain full control over transactions and customer relationships, firmly positions itself as a discreet ally in the eCommerce ecosystem, removing the technical hurdles that typically hamper multi-channel expansion.
\nYet the ultimate vision for shopping on Perplexity is about more than plug-ins.
\nAccording to Taz Patel, Perplexity\u2019s head of advertising, the strategy hinges on following \u201cuser behavior traits\u201d to serve the consumer at the right moment in their path to purchase.
\nSpeaking in a recent conversation hosted by PYMNTS CEO Karen Webster, Patel said that Perplexity\u2019s approach is user-driven: \u201cWe\u2019re seeing that the users are actually acting and engaging with the queries they\u2019re putting into Perplexity,\u201d he told Webster. \u201cOnce we provide them the ability to actually shop in a quicker fashion, they\u2019re doing it.\u201d
\nHe emphasized that shoppers who find the right product details and trusted sources in one place \u201ctend to do more of it and do more of it frequently.\u201d
\nWhen asked how Perplexity differs from giants like Amazon and from traditional search engines, Patel described Perplexity\u2019s evolving \u201canswer engine,\u201d which is less about linking people out to various sites and more about equipping them with the details they need right then and there.
\n\u201cWe have something called \u2018related questions,\u2019\u201d he said, \u201cwhich really enhances the experience for someone to have a follow-up that feels very natural to their initial query. When people get the information with the right citations and sources provided in a way they can consume it, they feel more comfortable taking action.\u201d
\nThat comfort factor, he suggested, was key to the decision to integrate a native checkout feature \u2014 an undertaking that, on the back end, required a scale partner like firmly to tie in real-time inventory, shipping data and merchant of record status without burdensome integrations.
\nThe basis for Perplexity\u2019s new partnership was the platform\u2019s emerging insight that consumers were already doing more than simple product comparison. Shoppers posed long, specific questions \u2014 \u201cWhich 55-inch TV under $2,000 fits in a 10-by-10 room?\u201d \u2014 that signaled strong intent to buy.
\nPatel noted that by the time these users arrive at Perplexity with such detailed queries, \u201cthey\u2019re already moved down the funnel because they\u2019re thinking about something.\u201d
\nThat insight underpinned the need for a frictionless, in-platform checkout. \u201cWe launched in our initial sort of shopping experience, and it was fantastic,\u201d Patel said.\u00a0
\nEnter firmly, which solves a long-standing hurdle in eCommerce: bridging merchants to new channels without expensive or lengthy tech revamps. \u201cIt\u2019s almost impossible for an individual merchant to integrate with these types of platforms one by one,\u201d said firmly Co-Founder and CEO Kumar Senthil during the conversation. \u201cAnd that\u2019s where we come in and provide this type of bridge, which connects to all the merchants and also makes it easier for a marketplace like Perplexity to scale quickly.\u201d
\nThe firm\u2019s zero-engineering approach means that merchants can reach Perplexity\u2019s users simply by opting in \u2014 no 18-month development cycles or complicated point-of-sale overhauls. \u201cIf I have to go and integrate with these types of platform experiences, it\u2019s a problem for both parties,\u201d Senthil said. \u201cWe\u2019re solving for both.\u201d
\nPatel stressed that Perplexity sees consumer trust and user privacy as integral to its approach. While typical search engines rely heavily on sponsored links and targeted ads, Perplexity relies on a combination of paid Pro subscriptions, an early-stage advertising program, and \u2014 now \u2014 transaction-based partnerships.
\n\u201cYes, it\u2019s early. But we see ads as a natural integration over time,\u201d Patel said. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sure there will be new things we don\u2019t know, because we\u2019re really following what our users are doing.\u201d
\nFrom a monetization standpoint, he outlined several high-growth areas: personal subscriptions through Perplexity Pro, an API for third-party developers building on top of Perplexity\u2019s platform, and commerce streams enabled by the new checkout experience.
\nAs for how users are specifically employing Perplexity for shopping, Patel shared that the earliest power users often asked about technology gear \u2014 computers, televisions or software. But the platform is moving swiftly into new verticals, including household essentials, meal planning and even health and wellness products. Travel and sports are on the launch pad as well, particularly as consumers use Perplexity to structure more complex questions or trip-planning routines.
\n\u201cWe don\u2019t just have this navigational use,\u201d Patel said. \u201cPeople aren\u2019t coming to Perplexity to get to something.com, they\u2019re coming for an answer that helps them do something. In this case, it\u2019s about shopping. But there\u2019s a lot more that folks are doing, and we want to enhance each category.\u201d
\nBy furnishing real-time data \u2014 inventory, shipping times and user reviews \u2014 Perplexity aims to save people the typical \u201cblue link chase\u201d that can leave them uncertain or lost.
\nMuch of the excitement stems from a vision of personalized, concierge-like GenAI assistance. Patel envisions a day when Perplexity can detect that a user is planning a trip to Las Vegas \u2014 perhaps after scanning their queries about flights, hotels and show tickets \u2014 and recommend a last-minute rain jacket if inclement weather is forecast.\u00a0
\nAsked about the business model behind these efforts, Patel said merchants do not pay a fee to join Perplexity\u2019s marketplace, while consumers gain immediate, frictionless access to purchase flows.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re not looking to disintermediate anyone,\u201d he said.
\nInstead, the aim is to deepen the ecosystem that Perplexity\u2019s GenAI engine has been cultivating since its inception in 2022. Patel also said Perplexity is not planning to stop with retail: \u201cWe introduced enriched experiences initially for finance, and now for shopping. Next is travel, sports, and who knows what else? If we see a need for a new feature, or if user behavior points that way, we\u2019ll pursue it.\u201d
\nLonger term, Patel believes that personalization \u2014 learning from each user\u2019s history of queries \u2014 is where Perplexity will shine, since the platform can serve more relevant recommendations and results.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re not dictating user behavior,\u201d Patel told Webster. \u201cWe\u2019re following it, seeing how and where we can remove friction.\u201d He added that all signals point to a future in which consumers carry out more of their everyday tasks, from product comparisons to final checkouts, within Perplexity itself. The key challenge is maintaining the trust that has drawn millions of queries each week.
\nYet in Patel\u2019s own words, the journey is just getting started.
\n\u201cYes, growth is important,\u201d he said, reflecting on where Perplexity\u2019s commerce experiment might go in the next 12 months. \u201cBut personalization is going to be embedded across everything you do on Perplexity,\u201d he added.\u00a0
\nUltimately, however, Patel acknowledged that the true roadmap will be shaped by unpredictable user demands.\u00a0
\n\u201cWe have a good handle on the things we do know,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I\u2019m sure there\u2019ll be new things we don\u2019t know yet \u2014 because we\u2019re really following what our users are doing.\u201d
\nThe post Perplexity, firmly Build Merchant Network to Power GenAI Commerce appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "In a bold bet on the future of GenAI-driven commerce, Perplexity.ai has announced a partnership with firmly.ai that could change how consumers discover and purchase products and services, including travel and sports.\u00a0\nThe agreement gives merchants a front-row seat on Perplexity\u2019s rapidly growing GenAI-driven platform, giving them a potential sale at the moment they seek detailed buying guidance. Several sources have put Perplexity\u2019s user base north of 15 million users.\nAccording to exclusive interviews with executives from both companies, the move is set against a backdrop of rapid adoption of GenAI-based shopping tools, with more consumers turning to Perplexity\u2019s \u201canswer engine\u201d to guide their purchases. \nBy teaming with firmly, Perplexity users will be able to browse and buy products without leaving the platform, preserving consumer attention while streamlining the journey from inquiry to checkout. The technology also promises to protect merchants\u2019 data and brand identity by allowing them to remain the merchant of record, even as they plug into this new digital sales channel.\nfirmly\u2019s business model centers on what it calls an \u201cAgentic Commerce Platform,\u201d enabling merchants to reach new buyers across diverse digital channels with minimal engineering effort. Acting as the behind-the-scenes connector, firmly allows merchants to integrate once \u2014 through a single API \u2014 and instantly make their products available to platforms like Perplexity, social media sites and other digital touchpoints. \nBy letting merchants maintain full control over transactions and customer relationships, firmly positions itself as a discreet ally in the eCommerce ecosystem, removing the technical hurdles that typically hamper multi-channel expansion.\nThe Perplexity Shopping Vision\nYet the ultimate vision for shopping on Perplexity is about more than plug-ins. \nAccording to Taz Patel, Perplexity\u2019s head of advertising, the strategy hinges on following \u201cuser behavior traits\u201d to serve the consumer at the right moment in their path to purchase. \nSpeaking in a recent conversation hosted by PYMNTS CEO Karen Webster, Patel said that Perplexity\u2019s approach is user-driven: \u201cWe\u2019re seeing that the users are actually acting and engaging with the queries they\u2019re putting into Perplexity,\u201d he told Webster. \u201cOnce we provide them the ability to actually shop in a quicker fashion, they\u2019re doing it.\u201d \nHe emphasized that shoppers who find the right product details and trusted sources in one place \u201ctend to do more of it and do more of it frequently.\u201d\nWhen asked how Perplexity differs from giants like Amazon and from traditional search engines, Patel described Perplexity\u2019s evolving \u201canswer engine,\u201d which is less about linking people out to various sites and more about equipping them with the details they need right then and there. \n\u201cWe have something called \u2018related questions,\u2019\u201d he said, \u201cwhich really enhances the experience for someone to have a follow-up that feels very natural to their initial query. When people get the information with the right citations and sources provided in a way they can consume it, they feel more comfortable taking action.\u201d \nThat comfort factor, he suggested, was key to the decision to integrate a native checkout feature \u2014 an undertaking that, on the back end, required a scale partner like firmly to tie in real-time inventory, shipping data and merchant of record status without burdensome integrations.\nPartnership Insights\nThe basis for Perplexity\u2019s new partnership was the platform\u2019s emerging insight that consumers were already doing more than simple product comparison. Shoppers posed long, specific questions \u2014 \u201cWhich 55-inch TV under $2,000 fits in a 10-by-10 room?\u201d \u2014 that signaled strong intent to buy. \nPatel noted that by the time these users arrive at Perplexity with such detailed queries, \u201cthey\u2019re already moved down the funnel because they\u2019re thinking about something.\u201d \nThat insight underpinned the need for a frictionless, in-platform checkout. \u201cWe launched in our initial sort of shopping experience, and it was fantastic,\u201d Patel said.\u00a0\nEnter firmly, which solves a long-standing hurdle in eCommerce: bridging merchants to new channels without expensive or lengthy tech revamps. \u201cIt\u2019s almost impossible for an individual merchant to integrate with these types of platforms one by one,\u201d said firmly Co-Founder and CEO Kumar Senthil during the conversation. \u201cAnd that\u2019s where we come in and provide this type of bridge, which connects to all the merchants and also makes it easier for a marketplace like Perplexity to scale quickly.\u201d \nThe firm\u2019s zero-engineering approach means that merchants can reach Perplexity\u2019s users simply by opting in \u2014 no 18-month development cycles or complicated point-of-sale overhauls. \u201cIf I have to go and integrate with these types of platform experiences, it\u2019s a problem for both parties,\u201d Senthil said. \u201cWe\u2019re solving for both.\u201d\nPatel stressed that Perplexity sees consumer trust and user privacy as integral to its approach. While typical search engines rely heavily on sponsored links and targeted ads, Perplexity relies on a combination of paid Pro subscriptions, an early-stage advertising program, and \u2014 now \u2014 transaction-based partnerships. \n\u201cYes, it\u2019s early. But we see ads as a natural integration over time,\u201d Patel said. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sure there will be new things we don\u2019t know, because we\u2019re really following what our users are doing.\u201d \nFrom a monetization standpoint, he outlined several high-growth areas: personal subscriptions through Perplexity Pro, an API for third-party developers building on top of Perplexity\u2019s platform, and commerce streams enabled by the new checkout experience.\nShopper Behavior \nAs for how users are specifically employing Perplexity for shopping, Patel shared that the earliest power users often asked about technology gear \u2014 computers, televisions or software. But the platform is moving swiftly into new verticals, including household essentials, meal planning and even health and wellness products. Travel and sports are on the launch pad as well, particularly as consumers use Perplexity to structure more complex questions or trip-planning routines. \n\u201cWe don\u2019t just have this navigational use,\u201d Patel said. \u201cPeople aren\u2019t coming to Perplexity to get to something.com, they\u2019re coming for an answer that helps them do something. In this case, it\u2019s about shopping. But there\u2019s a lot more that folks are doing, and we want to enhance each category.\u201d \nBy furnishing real-time data \u2014 inventory, shipping times and user reviews \u2014 Perplexity aims to save people the typical \u201cblue link chase\u201d that can leave them uncertain or lost.\nMuch of the excitement stems from a vision of personalized, concierge-like GenAI assistance. Patel envisions a day when Perplexity can detect that a user is planning a trip to Las Vegas \u2014 perhaps after scanning their queries about flights, hotels and show tickets \u2014 and recommend a last-minute rain jacket if inclement weather is forecast.\u00a0\nAsked about the business model behind these efforts, Patel said merchants do not pay a fee to join Perplexity\u2019s marketplace, while consumers gain immediate, frictionless access to purchase flows. \n\u201cWe\u2019re not looking to disintermediate anyone,\u201d he said. \nInstead, the aim is to deepen the ecosystem that Perplexity\u2019s GenAI engine has been cultivating since its inception in 2022. Patel also said Perplexity is not planning to stop with retail: \u201cWe introduced enriched experiences initially for finance, and now for shopping. Next is travel, sports, and who knows what else? If we see a need for a new feature, or if user behavior points that way, we\u2019ll pursue it.\u201d\nLonger term, Patel believes that personalization \u2014 learning from each user\u2019s history of queries \u2014 is where Perplexity will shine, since the platform can serve more relevant recommendations and results. \n\u201cWe\u2019re not dictating user behavior,\u201d Patel told Webster. \u201cWe\u2019re following it, seeing how and where we can remove friction.\u201d He added that all signals point to a future in which consumers carry out more of their everyday tasks, from product comparisons to final checkouts, within Perplexity itself. The key challenge is maintaining the trust that has drawn millions of queries each week.\nYet in Patel\u2019s own words, the journey is just getting started. \n\u201cYes, growth is important,\u201d he said, reflecting on where Perplexity\u2019s commerce experiment might go in the next 12 months. \u201cBut personalization is going to be embedded across everything you do on Perplexity,\u201d he added.\u00a0\nUltimately, however, Patel acknowledged that the true roadmap will be shaped by unpredictable user demands.\u00a0\n \u201cWe have a good handle on the things we do know,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I\u2019m sure there\u2019ll be new things we don\u2019t know yet \u2014 because we\u2019re really following what our users are doing.\u201d\nThe post Perplexity, firmly Build Merchant Network to Power GenAI Commerce appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-03-27T11:20:47-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-03-27T22:36:05-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Perplexity-1.jpg", "tags": [ "AI models", "artificial intelligence", "Connected Economy", "digital transformation", "eCommerce", "Featured News", "Firmly", "GenAI", "GenAI commerce", "generative AI", "generative artificial intelligence", "Kumar Senthil", "News", "online shopping", "partnerships", "Perplexity", "PYMNTS News", "pymnts tv", "Retail", "Taz Patel" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2518283", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2025/carparts-com-shifts-focus-to-new-customers-b2b-and-mobile-app/", "title": "CarParts.com Shifts Focus to New Customers, B2B and Mobile App", "content_html": "CarParts.com is working to expand its customer base and reduce its marketing expenses as its traditional customer base has faced economic pressures.
\nThe online seller of auto parts and accessories has historically served cost-conscious consumers and used paid search to reach them. However, those consumers made a \u201csignificant pullback\u201d on their spending in 2024, and paid search has proven to be \u201cexpensive,\u201d CarParts.com CEO and Director David Meniane said Tuesday (March 25) during the company\u2019s quarterly earnings call.
\nCarParts.com refocused its strategy early in 2024 to add new customers, including business-to-business (B2B) ones, and to prioritize nonpaid marketing initiatives, Meniane said.
\nBy the end of the year, the company\u2019s net sales had dropped from $675.7 million to $588.8 million, its gross profit had declined from $229.4 million to $196.7 million, and its gross margin dipped from 33.9% to 33.4%, according to a Tuesday earnings release.
\nMeniane said during the call that the sales were \u201cslightly below expectations,\u201d while the gross profit and gross margin were \u201cnear the upper end of guidance.\u201d
\n\u201c2024 was a transformation and investment year as we look to upgrade our customer base and change the long-term margin profile and unit economics of the business,\u201d Meniane said.
\nTo expand its customer base, CarParts.com is expanding its product assortment and growing its wholesale channel, Meniane said. The company is adding last-mile transportation and higher-touch sales in key markets to boost its B2B business.
\nThe company also launched a premium paid membership that currently has 3,000 members.
\n\u201cOver time, we expect this part of our business to help raise our net profit margins,\u201d Meniane said.
\nTo reduce its marketing costs, CarParts.com is enhancing its site conversion, strengthening its search engine optimization and driving its mobile app adoption, he said.
\n\u201cOur best-in-class mobile app, with over 800,000 users in less than 18 months, now accounts for over 10% of eCommerce revenue and growing, while allowing for a long-term change in our paid versus nonpaid traffic mix,\u201d Meniane said.
\nMeniane said during the call that he would not comment on the strategic alternatives process the company announced March 5.
\n\u201cThat process is being overseen by our board of directors with the assistance of financial and legal advisers,\u201d Meniane said.
\nThe company said in a March 5 press release that it began exploring strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company, after receiving inbound strategic inquiries.
\nThe post CarParts.com Shifts Focus to New Customers, B2B and Mobile App appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "CarParts.com is working to expand its customer base and reduce its marketing expenses as its traditional customer base has faced economic pressures.\nThe online seller of auto parts and accessories has historically served cost-conscious consumers and used paid search to reach them. However, those consumers made a \u201csignificant pullback\u201d on their spending in 2024, and paid search has proven to be \u201cexpensive,\u201d CarParts.com CEO and Director David Meniane said Tuesday (March 25) during the company\u2019s quarterly earnings call.\nCarParts.com refocused its strategy early in 2024 to add new customers, including business-to-business (B2B) ones, and to prioritize nonpaid marketing initiatives, Meniane said.\nBy the end of the year, the company\u2019s net sales had dropped from $675.7 million to $588.8 million, its gross profit had declined from $229.4 million to $196.7 million, and its gross margin dipped from 33.9% to 33.4%, according to a Tuesday earnings release.\nMeniane said during the call that the sales were \u201cslightly below expectations,\u201d while the gross profit and gross margin were \u201cnear the upper end of guidance.\u201d\n\u201c2024 was a transformation and investment year as we look to upgrade our customer base and change the long-term margin profile and unit economics of the business,\u201d Meniane said.\nTo expand its customer base, CarParts.com is expanding its product assortment and growing its wholesale channel, Meniane said. The company is adding last-mile transportation and higher-touch sales in key markets to boost its B2B business.\nThe company also launched a premium paid membership that currently has 3,000 members.\n\u201cOver time, we expect this part of our business to help raise our net profit margins,\u201d Meniane said.\nTo reduce its marketing costs, CarParts.com is enhancing its site conversion, strengthening its search engine optimization and driving its mobile app adoption, he said.\n\u201cOur best-in-class mobile app, with over 800,000 users in less than 18 months, now accounts for over 10% of eCommerce revenue and growing, while allowing for a long-term change in our paid versus nonpaid traffic mix,\u201d Meniane said.\nMeniane said during the call that he would not comment on the strategic alternatives process the company announced March 5.\n\u201cThat process is being overseen by our board of directors with the assistance of financial and legal advisers,\u201d Meniane said.\nThe company said in a March 5 press release that it began exploring strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company, after receiving inbound strategic inquiries.\nThe post CarParts.com Shifts Focus to New Customers, B2B and Mobile App appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-03-25T21:04:30-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-03-25T21:04:30-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CarParts.com-1.jpg", "tags": [ "auto parts", "automotive parts", "B2B", "B2B Payments", "CarParts.com", "commercial payments", "Earnings", "eCommerce", "News", "PYMNTS News", "What's Hot", "What's Hot In B2B" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2518026", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2025/radial-debuts-tool-to-fast-track-b2b-and-b2c-ecommerce-fulfillment/", "title": "Radial Debuts Tool to \u2018Fast Track\u2019 B2B and B2C eCommerce Fulfillment", "content_html": "eCommerce logistics provider Radial has introduced a solution to help brands to optimize their fulfillment operations.\u00a0
\nRadial Fast Track, announced Tuesday (March 25) is designed for business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) fulfillment, the company said in a news release.
\n\u201cWith the volatile economic environment, emergence of new market disruptors and shifting consumer behavior, brands need a dependable partner to help them adapt their logistics operations,\u201d said Tom Schmitt, CEO of Radial.\u00a0
\n\u201cRadial Fast Track offers businesses an efficient, cost-effective way to confidently address market challenges with an experienced and reliable 3PL [third-party logistics].\u201d
\nThe company says its in-house surveys show that nearly half of growing retailers are struggling to manage growth and scale within their fulfillment operations and or have limited ability to add new fulfillment channels and capabilities.\u00a0
\nFast Track, the company added, lets brands scale fulfillment capabilities with Radial\u2019s network of 20-plus centers as their needs shift, while benefiting from Radial\u2019s transportation, returns and payment solutions offerings.
\n\u201cThe cost-effective, pay-as-you-go solution provides high-performance, reliable technology systems with prebuilt integrations with hundreds of commerce platforms and retail channels, as well as simple setup to get operational in as little as one week,\u201d the release said.
\nIn other eCommerce news, PYMNTS wrote recently about efforts by direct-to-consumer (D2C) retailers to eliminate the middleman in selling their products, which have met limited success.
\n\u201cThe combination of the D2C and wholesale models (and the availability via, say, Amazon), is an implicit nod to the fact that consumers want to find their brands on shelves in more \u2018general\u2019 forms of commerce,\u201d that report said.
\nResearch by PYMNTS Intelligence has underscored the appeal of the hybrid approach, as illustrated through the rise of the Click-and-Mortar shopper.\u00a0
According to that research, nearly 40% of consumers across the seven countries surveyed by PYMNTS said they use digital tools across their shopping journeys. However, 71% of consumers stated that a brick-and-mortar location and interaction is integral to the shopping experience.\u00a0
\n\u201cThe thought of no shipping costs or waiting, along with the desire for in-person assessments of product quality and suitability, drive consumers to stores,\u201d we found.\u00a0 In addition, consumers want rewards to travel with them across channels, as the data shows that 71% of shoppers surveyed across the countries said they\u2019d want to see coupons and other promotions offered in-store and online.
\nThe post Radial Debuts Tool to ‘Fast Track’ B2B and B2C eCommerce Fulfillment appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "eCommerce logistics provider Radial has introduced a solution to help brands to optimize their fulfillment operations.\u00a0\nRadial Fast Track, announced Tuesday (March 25) is designed for business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) fulfillment, the company said in a news release.\n\u201cWith the volatile economic environment, emergence of new market disruptors and shifting consumer behavior, brands need a dependable partner to help them adapt their logistics operations,\u201d said Tom Schmitt, CEO of Radial.\u00a0\n\u201cRadial Fast Track offers businesses an efficient, cost-effective way to confidently address market challenges with an experienced and reliable 3PL [third-party logistics].\u201d\nThe company says its in-house surveys show that nearly half of growing retailers are struggling to manage growth and scale within their fulfillment operations and or have limited ability to add new fulfillment channels and capabilities.\u00a0\nFast Track, the company added, lets brands scale fulfillment capabilities with Radial\u2019s network of 20-plus centers as their needs shift, while benefiting from Radial\u2019s transportation, returns and payment solutions offerings.\n\u201cThe cost-effective, pay-as-you-go solution provides high-performance, reliable technology systems with prebuilt integrations with hundreds of commerce platforms and retail channels, as well as simple setup to get operational in as little as one week,\u201d the release said.\nIn other eCommerce news, PYMNTS wrote recently about efforts by direct-to-consumer (D2C) retailers to eliminate the middleman in selling their products, which have met limited success.\n\u201cThe combination of the D2C and wholesale models (and the availability via, say, Amazon), is an implicit nod to the fact that consumers want to find their brands on shelves in more \u2018general\u2019 forms of commerce,\u201d that report said.\nResearch by PYMNTS Intelligence has underscored the appeal of the hybrid approach, as illustrated through the rise of the Click-and-Mortar shopper.\u00a0\nAccording to that research, nearly 40% of consumers across the seven countries surveyed by PYMNTS said they use digital tools across their shopping journeys. However, 71% of consumers stated that a brick-and-mortar location and interaction is integral to the shopping experience.\u00a0\n\u201cThe thought of no shipping costs or waiting, along with the desire for in-person assessments of product quality and suitability, drive consumers to stores,\u201d we found.\u00a0 In addition, consumers want rewards to travel with them across channels, as the data shows that 71% of shoppers surveyed across the countries said they\u2019d want to see coupons and other promotions offered in-store and online.\nThe post Radial Debuts Tool to ‘Fast Track’ B2B and B2C eCommerce Fulfillment appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-03-25T16:28:17-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-03-25T16:28:48-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/radial-fulfillment.jpg", "tags": [ "B2B", "B2B ecommerce", "B2B Payments", "B2C eCommerce", "commercial payments", "eCommerce", "ecommerce fulfillment", "fulfillment", "News", "PYMNTS News", "Radial", "Radial Fast Track", "third party logistics", "Tom Schmitt", "What's Hot", "What's Hot In B2B" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2516208", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2025/ordoro-integrates-logistics-and-inventory-management-platform-with-mirakl-marketplaces/", "title": "Ordoro Integrates Logistics and Inventory Management Platform With Mirakl Marketplaces", "content_html": "Online merchants selling on Mirakl marketplaces can now sync orders, manage inventory and automate fulfillment through Ordoro.
\nThis capability follows the integration of Ordoro\u2019s eCommerce logistics and inventory management platform with Mirakl\u2019s software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution for marketplace and dropship platforms, Ordoro said in a Friday (March 21) press release.
\n\u201cMarketplace selling is rapidly advancing, and merchants need tools that make fulfillment and inventory management effortless,\u201d Orodoro CEO and Co-founder Jagath Narayan said in the release. \u201cThrough this partnership, we\u2019re giving sellers on Mirakl a powerful way to automate their operations and scale their businesses seamlessly.\u201d
\nWith this integration, orders from Mirakl marketplaces flow directly into Ordoro to eliminate the need for manual data entry, inventory is updated across Mirakl and other sales channels in real time, and fulfillment is enhanced with discounted shipping rates and automation tools, according to the release.
\nSelling any type of physical good means companies must maintain a steady pool of inventory, Narayan told PYMNTS in an interview posted in March 2022. Any hiccup in this most basic element of the supply chain could lead to frictions that are detrimental to merchants attempting to remain competitive in the eCommerce world, he added.
\nOn March 6, Ordoro said it joined forces with cloud-based integration platform Syncware to help eCommerce businesses better streamline and scale their operations.
\nSyncware\u2019s platform allows for automation between eCommerce platforms and other back-office tools to simplify order operations.
\n\u201cThis partnership highlights the shared commitment of Ordoro and Syncware to empower eCommerce merchants with the tools they need grow and succeed,\u201d the companies said at the time in a press release. \u201cTogether, both companies are providing SMBs with an integrated solution that reduces operational complexity and drives growth.\u201d
\nMirakl has been a pioneer in enterprise marketplace software, enabling businesses across B2B and B2C sectors to extend their eCommerce capabilities, PYMNTS reported in January.
\nFor example, Mirakl empowers traditional retailers to expand their offerings by integrating third-party sellers. This model allows retailers a broader product assortment, including adjacent categories; provides third-party sellers with access to new channels and consumers; and delivers value to consumers by enhancing the shopping experience.
\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily\u00a0B2B Newsletter.
\nThe post Ordoro Integrates Logistics and Inventory Management Platform With Mirakl Marketplaces appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Online merchants selling on Mirakl marketplaces can now sync orders, manage inventory and automate fulfillment through Ordoro.\nThis capability follows the integration of Ordoro\u2019s eCommerce logistics and inventory management platform with Mirakl\u2019s software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution for marketplace and dropship platforms, Ordoro said in a Friday (March 21) press release.\n\u201cMarketplace selling is rapidly advancing, and merchants need tools that make fulfillment and inventory management effortless,\u201d Orodoro CEO and Co-founder Jagath Narayan said in the release. \u201cThrough this partnership, we\u2019re giving sellers on Mirakl a powerful way to automate their operations and scale their businesses seamlessly.\u201d\nWith this integration, orders from Mirakl marketplaces flow directly into Ordoro to eliminate the need for manual data entry, inventory is updated across Mirakl and other sales channels in real time, and fulfillment is enhanced with discounted shipping rates and automation tools, according to the release.\nSelling any type of physical good means companies must maintain a steady pool of inventory, Narayan told PYMNTS in an interview posted in March 2022. Any hiccup in this most basic element of the supply chain could lead to frictions that are detrimental to merchants attempting to remain competitive in the eCommerce world, he added.\nOn March 6, Ordoro said it joined forces with cloud-based integration platform Syncware to help eCommerce businesses better streamline and scale their operations.\nSyncware\u2019s platform allows for automation between eCommerce platforms and other back-office tools to simplify order operations.\n\u201cThis partnership highlights the shared commitment of Ordoro and Syncware to empower eCommerce merchants with the tools they need grow and succeed,\u201d the companies said at the time in a press release. \u201cTogether, both companies are providing SMBs with an integrated solution that reduces operational complexity and drives growth.\u201d\nMirakl has been a pioneer in enterprise marketplace software, enabling businesses across B2B and B2C sectors to extend their eCommerce capabilities, PYMNTS reported in January.\nFor example, Mirakl empowers traditional retailers to expand their offerings by integrating third-party sellers. This model allows retailers a broader product assortment, including adjacent categories; provides third-party sellers with access to new channels and consumers; and delivers value to consumers by enhancing the shopping experience.\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily\u00a0B2B Newsletter.\nThe post Ordoro Integrates Logistics and Inventory Management Platform With Mirakl Marketplaces appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-03-21T16:04:17-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-03-23T22:12:14-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ordoro-logistics-inventory-Mirakl.png", "tags": [ "B2B", "B2B Payments", "commercial payments", "eCommerce", "ecommerce fulfillment", "inventory management", "logistics", "mirakl", "Mirakl marketplaces", "News", "ordoro", "PYMNTS News", "Retail", "What's Hot", "What's Hot In B2B" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2511629", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2025/australia-ecommerce-merchants-want-help-battle-chargebacks/", "title": "Australia\u2019s eCommerce Merchants Want Help as They Battle Chargebacks", "content_html": "Chargebacks are a fact of life in commerce.
\nCustomers dispute transactions, money is kept back from merchants amid the dispute, and the card issuer determines whether the money should be kept by the merchant or returned to the cardholder.
\nBut for merchants, and specifically eCommerce firms, the specter of increased chargebacks hits the top and bottom lines and limits visibility into operational cash flow. There are also the problems of damaged customer relationships and fees incurred in tandem with chargebacks. A high occurrence of chargebacks can spur payment processors to levy fines or penalties.
\nPYMNTS Intelligence\u2019s \u201cOnline Merchant Checkout Innovation Report\u201d focused on Australia found that eCommerce firms in the country want their payment service providers (PSPs) to help blunt the impact of chargebacks.
\nFor middle-market eCommerce businesses \u2014 where revenues top out at about $1 billion \u2014 widespread improvements are being seen with checkout, as a relatively small percentage of merchants compared to other countries said they face challenges in that area.
\nLimiting chargebacks was a key driver for 44% of merchants, which indicated that there is a real and lasting concern that the appeal of card-not-present transactions (that are easier for consumers) and the volume of those transactions must be balanced against the risks of chargebacks and disputes. Focusing on higher conversions addresses one of the most immediate business goals \u2014 ensuring more shoppers finalize their purchases \u2014 but it can open the door to chargebacks after the purchase is completed.
\nThe problem is especially acute when the chargebacks are tied to fraud, as customers set disputes in motion for legitimate commerce, as products have been received, but the cardholder says they haven\u2019t. In other cases, customers may be fraudsters in disguise. Fraud can damage the financial standing of companies and carry reputational risk, which has a negative ripple effect, deterring new customers from doing business with an eCommerce firm that they think may not be protecting their data adequately (and criminals use that data to get cards and ply their scams).
\nThe use of automated chargeback solutions and services tied to PSPs can solve some of those pain points. However, only 18% of Australia\u2019s merchants receive automatic updates from their PSPs, which would include those chargeback and dispute resolution tools, and thus most firms must request those updates.
\nThe report found that 82% of merchants in Australia said they can request new technology from their PSPs, which indicated that there is wide availability of new features. However, since only about half of merchants have asked for new features from providers, half have not.
\nAccording to the report, 48% of merchants in Australia said their PSPs help them create an easy and convenient user experience, and the same share said they benefit from better approval rates. As many as 46% of firms cited lower rates from working with their chosen PSPs, so there is room for eCommerce firms to get more from their relationships in the drive to reduce chargebacks and minimize disputes \u2014 for the benefit of all stakeholders.
\nThe post Australia\u2019s eCommerce Merchants Want Help as They Battle Chargebacks appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Chargebacks are a fact of life in commerce.\nCustomers dispute transactions, money is kept back from merchants amid the dispute, and the card issuer determines whether the money should be kept by the merchant or returned to the cardholder.\nBut for merchants, and specifically eCommerce firms, the specter of increased chargebacks hits the top and bottom lines and limits visibility into operational cash flow. There are also the problems of damaged customer relationships and fees incurred in tandem with chargebacks. A high occurrence of chargebacks can spur payment processors to levy fines or penalties.\neCommerce Merchants in Australia Eye Chargebacks\nPYMNTS Intelligence\u2019s \u201cOnline Merchant Checkout Innovation Report\u201d focused on Australia found that eCommerce firms in the country want their payment service providers (PSPs) to help blunt the impact of chargebacks.\nFor middle-market eCommerce businesses \u2014 where revenues top out at about $1 billion \u2014 widespread improvements are being seen with checkout, as a relatively small percentage of merchants compared to other countries said they face challenges in that area.\nLimiting chargebacks was a key driver for 44% of merchants, which indicated that there is a real and lasting concern that the appeal of card-not-present transactions (that are easier for consumers) and the volume of those transactions must be balanced against the risks of chargebacks and disputes. Focusing on higher conversions addresses one of the most immediate business goals \u2014 ensuring more shoppers finalize their purchases \u2014 but it can open the door to chargebacks after the purchase is completed.\nThe problem is especially acute when the chargebacks are tied to fraud, as customers set disputes in motion for legitimate commerce, as products have been received, but the cardholder says they haven\u2019t. In other cases, customers may be fraudsters in disguise. Fraud can damage the financial standing of companies and carry reputational risk, which has a negative ripple effect, deterring new customers from doing business with an eCommerce firm that they think may not be protecting their data adequately (and criminals use that data to get cards and ply their scams).\nThe use of automated chargeback solutions and services tied to PSPs can solve some of those pain points. However, only 18% of Australia\u2019s merchants receive automatic updates from their PSPs, which would include those chargeback and dispute resolution tools, and thus most firms must request those updates.\nThe report found that 82% of merchants in Australia said they can request new technology from their PSPs, which indicated that there is wide availability of new features. However, since only about half of merchants have asked for new features from providers, half have not.\nAccording to the report, 48% of merchants in Australia said their PSPs help them create an easy and convenient user experience, and the same share said they benefit from better approval rates. As many as 46% of firms cited lower rates from working with their chosen PSPs, so there is room for eCommerce firms to get more from their relationships in the drive to reduce chargebacks and minimize disputes \u2014 for the benefit of all stakeholders.\nThe post Australia\u2019s eCommerce Merchants Want Help as They Battle Chargebacks appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-03-19T04:00:14-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-03-13T14:59:14-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chargebacks-Australia-eCommerce-merchants.jpg", "tags": [ "Australia", "chargebacks", "checkout conversion", "eCommerce", "Featured News", "fraud", "international", "News", "PYMNTS News", "Retail", "Security" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2511088", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2025/shein-adds-curated-online-fashion-storefronts-to-ecommerce-site/", "title": "Shein Adds Curated Online Fashion Storefronts to eCommerce Site", "content_html": "Shein has added curated online fashion storefronts to its eCommerce site, saying there\u2019s one to match every style and to help shoppers find the wardrobe they want.
\nEach of the new Trend Stores features a distinct fashion aesthetic, making it easier for shoppers to find pieces that align with styles like \u201csleek sophistication, statement-making party looks or effortlessly cool streetwear,\u201d the fashion and lifestyle retailer said in a Monday (March 10) press release.
\nThe Trend Stores include Serve Party for bold statements, City Sleek for refined elegance, Resort Ready for laid-back styles, Street Scene for edgy street style and Effortless Ease for a relaxed yet stylish look, the release said.
\nShein was ranked No. 1 in the most recent edition of PYMNTS\u2019 Provider Ranking of Shopping Apps, which evaluates factors such as ease of use, personalization, pricing and customer engagement.
\nIt has become the top-rated shopping app through a combination of strategic innovations and consumer-focused approaches that has captured about one-fifth of the online fashion market in the U.S., PYMNTS reported in January.
\nShein said in October that The Children\u2019s Place, an omnichannel children\u2019s specialty portfolio of brands, launched a storefront on Shein\u2019s global platform to reach millions of new customers.
\nThe storefront was initially available in the United States before rolling out globally.
\n\u201cOur partnership with Shein allows us to seamlessly meet customers where they are \u2014 on digital platforms \u2014 delivering the convenience, value and satisfaction they expect from us,\u201d Claudia Lima-Guinehut, president of The Children\u2019s Place, said at the time in a press release. \u201cThis collaboration reflects our commitment to making shopping effortless, accessible and exciting for today\u2019s families.\u201d
\nIn June, Shein extended its resale platform, Shein Exchange, to Europe, saying it would be made available first in France and later in the United Kingdom and Germany.
\nThe resale was launched in the U.S. in October 2022 and attracted over 4.2 million new users, 95,000 unique sellers and 115,000 preowned items listed for sale in 2023.
\nShein Exchange is an integrated online peer-to-peer resale platform that enables users to buy and sell previously owned Shein products.
\nThe post Shein Adds Curated Online Fashion Storefronts to eCommerce Site appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Shein has added curated online fashion storefronts to its eCommerce site, saying there\u2019s one to match every style and to help shoppers find the wardrobe they want.\nEach of the new Trend Stores features a distinct fashion aesthetic, making it easier for shoppers to find pieces that align with styles like \u201csleek sophistication, statement-making party looks or effortlessly cool streetwear,\u201d the fashion and lifestyle retailer said in a Monday (March 10) press release.\nThe Trend Stores include Serve Party for bold statements, City Sleek for refined elegance, Resort Ready for laid-back styles, Street Scene for edgy street style and Effortless Ease for a relaxed yet stylish look, the release said.\nShein was ranked No. 1 in the most recent edition of PYMNTS\u2019 Provider Ranking of Shopping Apps, which evaluates factors such as ease of use, personalization, pricing and customer engagement.\nIt has become the top-rated shopping app through a combination of strategic innovations and consumer-focused approaches that has captured about one-fifth of the online fashion market in the U.S., PYMNTS reported in January.\nShein said in October that The Children\u2019s Place, an omnichannel children\u2019s specialty portfolio of brands, launched a storefront on Shein\u2019s global platform to reach millions of new customers.\nThe storefront was initially available in the United States before rolling out globally.\n\u201cOur partnership with Shein allows us to seamlessly meet customers where they are \u2014 on digital platforms \u2014 delivering the convenience, value and satisfaction they expect from us,\u201d Claudia Lima-Guinehut, president of The Children\u2019s Place, said at the time in a press release. \u201cThis collaboration reflects our commitment to making shopping effortless, accessible and exciting for today\u2019s families.\u201d\nIn June, Shein extended its resale platform, Shein Exchange, to Europe, saying it would be made available first in France and later in the United Kingdom and Germany.\nThe resale was launched in the U.S. in October 2022 and attracted over 4.2 million new users, 95,000 unique sellers and 115,000 preowned items listed for sale in 2023.\nShein Exchange is an integrated online peer-to-peer resale platform that enables users to buy and sell previously owned Shein products.\nThe post Shein Adds Curated Online Fashion Storefronts to eCommerce Site appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-03-12T18:39:35-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-03-12T18:39:35-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Shein-trend-store.jpg", "tags": [ "eCommerce", "fashion retail", "News", "PYMNTS News", "Retail", "shein", "shopping app", "Trend Stores", "What's Hot" ] } ] }