The hottest E-commerce Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Reports about the death of community group buying are greatly exaggerated …

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🕹 Technology E-commerce Startups Market Trends Logistics Competition
  1. The Community Group Buying industry has seen major players like Meituan and Pinduoduo dominate the market despite challenges, aiming for cost reduction and efficiency.
  2. The industry is projected to continue growing in 2023, with expansion into new markets and improvements in existing businesses contributing to its projected 50-60% GMV growth.
  3. Challenges faced by the industry include difficulty in balancing price and quality, limited target audience, and cost savings even with the use of big data.

Why social media should give users control over their algorithms

The Kahneman Bot • 19 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Algorithms E-commerce Social media Tech Platforms
  1. Users trust and use algorithms more when they have control over them, despite the benefits algorithms offer.
  2. In product design, be cautious about taking autonomy away from users as it can hinder their happiness and decision-making.
  3. Data-driven products should consider giving users more control over algorithms to improve trust, engagement, and overall value.

Food Fight! Douyin’s local services business

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
💼 Business E-commerce Food Delivery Partnership Monetization
  1. Douyin has successfully entered the group-buying market and is aggressively pursuing the food delivery sector, including forming partnerships to capture market share and drive ad revenue.
  2. Douyin's focus on travel as a high potential growth vertical, especially in lower-tier cities, is seen in its efforts in local services.
  3. The strengths of Douyin lie in livestreaming for branding and promoting products, attracting top-tier customers, while facing challenges such as operational costs and content popularity.

The Consumer and Retail Spending Hedge

Ben’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 28 Sep 22
💼 Business Retail Consumer E-commerce Finance Data Analytics
  1. Consumers are changing their shopping habits due to rising prices. Many people are looking for discounts, shopping less, or sticking to essential purchases.
  2. Despite the pressure, people are still spending but are choosing cheaper options or smaller amounts. It's all about making trade-offs with their money.
  3. Retailers are facing challenges with excess stock and returns. They need new ways to sell off inventory without heavily discounting, which can hurt their profits.
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Fight to Repair Daily: Monday, September 12, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repairs Copyright E-commerce Electronics Fashion
  1. The DMCA Section 1201 is facing a trial for potentially violating the 1st Amendment, as it imposes restrictions on free speech regarding digital locks and copyrighted work.
  2. iFixit outlined six key factors that influence the repairability of products, such as ease of access to batteries and overall repairability, which can impact whether a product is repairable or not.
  3. Steam Deck repair centers are now open for users to send in their devices for covered warranty repairs at no additional cost, following provided instructions and diagnostics.

How Temu’s semi-managed model could change everything …

Tech Buzz China Insider • 2 HN points • 11 May 24
🕹 Technology E-commerce Global expansion Logistics Pricing Marketing
  1. Temu's semi-managed model could have significant impacts on the e-commerce landscape, serving as a stepping stone to potential future developments.
  2. Temu is strategically reducing its reliance on the US market to improve profitability and aims to expand its influence globally.
  3. Key factors influencing Temu's performance include customer demographics, market share, logistics strategies, pricing mechanisms, and aggressive marketing plans.

12/5/22: Temu - Pinduoduo's Cross-Border E-commerce Platform

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
🕹 Technology E-commerce Supply Chain Market research Logistics Customer Acquisition
  1. Pinduoduo's Temu app is a significant player in cross-border e-commerce by targeting the U.S. market, mirroring Shein's strategy.
  2. Temu operates with a focus on a strong supply chain, including recruitment from Shein and rigorous merchant selection processes.
  3. To succeed in the competitive market, Temu needs to improve customer acquisition efficiency, logistics, and after-sales services while expanding globally.

11/22/22: Details on Shein's Operations

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
💼 Business E-commerce Logistics Market Analysis Revenue growth
  1. Shein's growth relies on broadening customer base and category expansion rather than supply chain optimization.
  2. Shein's best markets include the US, with strong growth in Russia and LatAm, but slower growth in Southeast Asia due to competition.
  3. Supply chain management and logistics are key strengths for Shein's operations, with ongoing investments to enhance customer experience.

Douyin's E-Commerce Efforts & Increasing Taobao-fication

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 13 Nov 22
🕹 Technology E-commerce Livestreaming Marketplace Logistics Advertising
  1. Douyin is focusing on expanding its traditional marketplace e-commerce as it nears saturation with livestreaming e-commerce
  2. E-commerce content like livestreaming negatively impacts user retention, so Douyin is limiting such content to less than 10%
  3. Challenges for Douyin's livestreaming e-commerce include limited SKU exposure, high return rates, and the need to enhance logistics for better competitiveness

Homecoming for Big Tech Boys

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
💼 Business E-commerce Tech industry Global Trade Regulation Investments
  1. The 2018 FDI policy in India faced major challenges for companies like Flipkart and Amazon, making it harder for them to control inventory.
  2. In 2020, Jeff Bezos visited India to announce new investments, but the government seemed uninterested as he couldn't meet Prime Minister Modi.
  3. Around the same time as Bezos' visit, India's antitrust regulator began investigating Amazon and Flipkart, highlighting concerns about their business practices.

Here’s What Happened; Meta’s eCommerce Plan, Cookie-free Ads & Holiday Marketing.

The Social Juice • 12 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
💼 Business Marketing Technology E-commerce Advertising AI
  1. Meta's eCommerce plan is highlighted in the post along with other updates from major companies.
  2. The post discusses the concept of cookie-free ads and how they are impacting the digital marketing landscape.
  3. Holiday marketing strategies are a key focus in the newsletter, showcasing new features and AI launches from various companies.

Amazon Kuiper: More Than LEO Broadband

Ill-Defined Space • 19 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Satellite Technology E-commerce Subscription services Space Industry Telecommunications
  1. Amazon Kuiper offers more than just broadband internet, leveraging its space infrastructure for other revenue streams.
  2. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy envisions Kuiper providing reliable internet access to underserved areas worldwide, enabling various activities like education and commerce.
  3. Amazon's investment in Kuiper is a small fraction of its annual revenues and profits, highlighting the company's broader vision beyond just internet broadband services.

6/5/22: The Changing Influencer Economy in China & Meituan Update

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jun 22
🕹 Technology E-commerce Livestreaming Digital marketing Tech Companies
  1. Tech platforms in China like Douyin and Kuaishou are facing shifts in influencer economy with Douyin showing growth and focus on integrating ecommerce into its platform.
  2. Meituan, a major player in food delivery, is navigating challenges due to COVID and aiming for ambitious goals like 100 million daily food delivery orders, emulating Amazon's operational model for efficiency.
  3. There's a trend of strategic cost-cutting at Meituan, freezing hiring and mimicking Amazon's business review processes and executive work culture.

Chris's Products and Services

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jun 22
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. Exclusive Masterpass discounts available for Chris's products and services.
  2. 30-50% off pre-orders of the Vitamins and Minerals 101 book, with discounts on digital versions, complete bundle, and paperback.
  3. $50 off each hour of consultation appointment with Chris Masterjohn, PhD, along with $25 off each half hour.

4/10/22 Just Who is JD's New CEO Xu Lei?

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
🕹 Technology E-commerce Leadership Tech Platforms Succession Planning Market Trends
  1. JD's former CEO Richard Liu has deliberately distanced himself from the company post-controversy
  2. Xu Lei, the new CEO of JD, has a marketing background and has a non-traditional, rebellious streak
  3. The appointment of Xu Lei as CEO was expected, but JD faces challenges in areas like executive stability and future growth

4/4/22 Colin Huang Flashback: Inverting Capitalism AKA C2M

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 05 Apr 22
🕹 Technology E-commerce Entrepreneurship Innovation Blockchain Investing
  1. Colin Huang discussed the concept of inverting capitalism, suggesting ways for the poor to profit from the rich.
  2. He explored the idea of 'reverse insurance', where the rich pay the poor for certainty of production capital allocation.
  3. Huang's writings challenge traditional capitalist notions and propose alternative mechanisms for wealth distribution.

3/31/22 Digest New Format! The Death of Community Group Buying

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 22
💼 Business E-commerce Investment Market Analysis Tech industry Competition
  1. Community group buying is facing challenges and changes, with notable shifts in established platforms like Meituan, Pinduoduo, and Alibaba.
  2. Rural e-commerce seems more promising than urban e-commerce in the community group buying sector, showcasing higher buying frequencies.
  3. The cold chain issues, lack of profitable unit economics, and the decline in investment indicate the struggles within the community group buying market, with Pinduoduo positioned as a potential winner.

Do you really need an audience?

Kenny’s Sub • 2 HN points • 26 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship E-commerce Freelancing Customer Acquisition
  1. You don't need a big audience to start selling your services. There are platforms like Upwork and Fiverr where people are already looking for help.
  2. Using existing marketplaces helps you find customers faster and validate your ideas. It's a smart way to know if there's demand for what you want to offer.
  3. Building a following takes time and can be draining. Focus on getting in front of the right people instead of waiting for an audience to form.

#157 - Nature Is Healing

Below the Line from Kevin LaBuz • 10 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💼 Business E-commerce Consumer behavior Expenses Industry Trends
  1. E-commerce industry growth is uneven post-pandemic, with larger companies thriving while smaller ones struggle.
  2. Second quarter outlook for e-commerce shows signs of improvement, but uncertainty remains for full-year guidance.
  3. Consumer behavior is shifting towards more value-focused spending, with customers trading down on discretionary items.

Pragmatic Not-Legal Advice for Early Stage Startups on Sales & Use Tax and Starting to Sell in the US

Scott's Thoughts • 3 HN points • 21 Apr 23
💼 Business Startups US E-commerce
  1. It's generally okay to start selling in the US without registering for sales tax in every state, but be cautious and seek professional advice.
  2. Most states have sales threshold requirements for Nexus and you may not need to charge customers sales tax initially.
  3. Be aware of Use Tax obligations and comply with state requirements to avoid legal issues.

#158 - Harvest Season

Below the Line from Kevin LaBuz • 5 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
💼 Business E-commerce Financial Management Consumer behavior Artificial Intelligence
  1. E-commerce industry saw improved results in Q2 2023 with leaner cost structures and accelerated growth rates.
  2. Consumer behavior shows focus on value and essentials due to inflation and competition for spending.
  3. Companies are strategically managing expenses, transitioning from broad cost cutting to surgical measures in Q2 2023.

Launching Yo! Focus - Vietnamese Coffee

Jay's Data Stream • 5 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
💼 Business E-commerce Marketing Entrepreneurship Product Development Customer Feedback
  1. The product, Yo! Focus - Vietnamese Coffee, was created to provide focus without jitters.
  2. The launch challenges included post-launch blues and a shift to e-commerce.
  3. Key action items after the launch include getting customer feedback, optimizing website funnel, understanding unit economics, and starting Facebook ads.

Breaking Through the Plateau: How Shopify Can Take on Amazon and Win

The SHIPTO.ME Blog • 2 HN points • 16 Feb 23
💼 Business E-commerce Technology International Markets User Experience Social media
  1. Shopify needs to innovate with new technologies like VR and AI to enhance shopping experiences.
  2. Expanding into new markets, especially in Asia and Latin America, can help Shopify grow.
  3. To compete with other enterprise platforms, Shopify should focus on developing features for large businesses.

UX is more than just usability or look and feel

A Better Designed World • 7 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🕹 Technology UX Design Product Development Visual Design User Experience E-commerce
  1. UX is composed of five key areas that include usability, utility, functional integrity, visual design, and persuasiveness.
  2. Good UX balances all five areas; a product might excel in one but lacking in others.
  3. Usability is crucial for a product to be easily learnable and memorable; utility determines the value; functional integrity focuses on reliability; visual design impacts appeal and perception; persuasiveness drives conversions and user engagement.

🧩 Best Print on Demand Service To Make $1000/m on Etsy

Money Making Engineer (MME) Newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business E-commerce Entrepreneurship Marketing Art
  1. One successful Etsy shop combined art with print on demand generating $1.3 million in total revenue and 7.2k monthly sales.
  2. The key to success was monetizing art that anyone can create, focusing on what they were good at.
  3. To replicate success, think about combining two passions - like music and dogs, or travel and sports - to create niche products that resonate with buyers.

🃏How to Launch a Marketplace in No Time & Scale It Like Crazy

HackerPulse Dispatch • 2 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketplaces Technology Entrepreneurship Customer Feedback E-commerce
  1. Sharetribe is a no-code online marketplace builder, letting you launch quickly without coding and extend infinitely with custom code.
  2. Sharetribe combines a no-code approach with developer-first platform, enabling fast marketplace development and customization.
  3. Sharetribe actively integrates user feedback to evolve and remain responsive to user needs in a dynamic market, ensuring continuous improvements.

🧩 Easy Money Selling AI Digital Downloads On Etsy

Money Making Engineer (MME) Newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💼 Business E-commerce Passive Income Entrepreneurship AI Technology
  1. You can make money selling AI digital downloads on Etsy with only a few products and consistent effort.
  2. Consider creating AI prompts for specific niches like content creators and small businesses to replicate the success of others.
  3. Expanding your digital product range on platforms where people share photos or make edits can lead to potential success and passive income.

A Deep Dive Into Lemon8, ByteDance's New Social Commerce App That Could Challenge Instagram

David’s Substack • 1 HN point • 24 Feb 23
💼 Business E-commerce Market Analysis Consumer behavior Platform Development
  1. Every social commerce platform must balance social and commerce aspects to succeed.
  2. Focusing on authentic content and community growth can lead to sustainable business outcomes.
  3. Decentralized content distribution platforms like RED can offer a unique value to users in comparison to centralized platforms.