Senate Scrutiny on Big eCom, Amazon Ventures into Africa, Update on Postal Service Price Hikes, Amazon Helps Small Businesses - This week in Amazon & eCommerce - May 15

Crazy costs have to stop somewhere… Right?

1. Amazon and Walmart Alleged Price Gouging Algorithms: During a Senate Committee hearing on May 2nd, Amazon and Walmart's dynamic pricing algorithms were likened to price gouging, prompting Senator Brown to demand explanations from their CEOs regarding their use of technology for price setting, with responses due by June 15th. [Learn more]

2. Amazon and South Africa's E-commerce Potential: Amazon launched its marketplace in South Africa on May 7th, marking its first venture into sub-Saharan Africa and bringing its total active markets to 22. The launch, delayed by over a year due to shifting priorities, follows the introduction of its Belgium marketplace in October 2022. [Learn more]

3. Stamp Costs Soar as USPS Seeks Balance Amidst Shipment Hikes: Despite the Postal Service's decision to maintain many package shipping rates in July, sellers face significant challenges due to recent rate hikes, including over 5% increases for USPS Priority Mail and Ground Advantage in January. [Learn more]

4. Amazon Celebrates Small Business Heroes: Amazon, in its fifth consecutive year co-sponsoring National Small Business Week, highlighted its ongoing commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses that make up over 60% of its sales. [Learn more]

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Isaiah Fritz, Joe White and the OSP Team

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