The hottest E-commerce Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Here’s What Happened: Paid Social rises, TikTok Bill passes & LinkedIn’s UGC Success

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🕹 Technology E-commerce
  1. Paid Social witnessed significant growth with new updates and features, benefiting marketers looking to leverage social media platforms for advertising.
  2. Legislation around apps like TikTok and changes in social media platforms, such as Instagram and LinkedIn, continue to impact the digital landscape and user experience.
  3. LinkedIn offering 250 AI courses for free until April, showcasing a commitment to providing educational opportunities and fostering skill development among users.

UX Roundup: Cookie Banners Waste Time | Building AI Infrastructure | Bigger AI Training Clusters | AI Avatar Keynote Summary

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 11 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🕹 Technology E-commerce
  1. Cookie consent banners waste a huge amount of time for users, costing billions in productivity. Most people ignore them or find them useless.
  2. NVIDIA's approach to building AI infrastructure allows for significantly faster performance improvements compared to traditional methods, promising exciting advancements in AI capabilities.
  3. Virtual try-on technology is becoming more accessible, allowing users to see how clothes look on them without needing a photoshoot, which can change the shopping experience.

Rethinking the Retail Apocalypse: A Closer Look at Retail’s Evolution

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. Despite the rise of online shopping, physical retail locations still play a crucial role in the retail landscape.
  2. The concept of omnichannel retailing, combining online and physical sales channels, has become essential for many retailers.
  3. Understanding consumer preferences and integrating online and offline channels intelligently is crucial for the future of retail.

Redefining the Future of the Creator Economy

The New Internet by Jeff Morris Jr. • 10 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. The creator economy has exploded since 2019, allowing many artists and influencers to turn their online popularity into profitable businesses. They create content, build audiences, and find various ways to earn money.
  2. Investors are shifting focus from traditional 'creator stack' platforms to supporting creators directly. This new model involves investing in creators for a share of their future earnings, recognizing that creators could also build software and tech businesses.
  3. Advancements in AI are changing how creators work, enabling them to create software without big teams. More creators are moving towards building apps and software products, expanding beyond just making content.
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Vroom Goes Bust: A Cautionary Tale in the Fast Lane of Online Used-Car Sales

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. Vroom, a once promising player in online used-car sales, faced financial struggles and announced ceasing e-commerce operations.
  2. Comparison between Carvana and Vroom reveals operational challenges like inventory turnover, highlighting Vroom's decline in efficiency.
  3. Online used-car platforms face hurdles like high inventory costs, aging inventory, and challenges in digital transformation.

UX Roundup: AI in Mathematics | Mainstreaming Usability | Sparkles Emoji | Changing E-Commerce Guidelines | SFTechWeek Event

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 11 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🕹 Technology E-commerce
  1. AI is changing mathematics by making it easier for researchers to collaborate and generate ideas. This allows larger groups of mathematicians to work together efficiently using AI tools.
  2. Usability concepts like 'use cases' are now widely accepted beyond product design, showing that usability has become a common goal across different fields.
  3. The sparkles emoji has become a popular symbol for AI features in user interfaces, reflecting how people view AI as a magical technology that is becoming more mainstream.

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
  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. 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
  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
  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
  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 E-commerce
  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.

Under the Influence

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 7 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. Two influencers, known for the 'clean girl' style, are in a legal battle over copying each other's content. This shows how serious competition can get in the influencer world, especially when their livelihoods are at stake.
  2. The influencer economy is huge, worth about $250 billion, and many people dream of becoming influencers because of the lifestyle it can offer. However, it can be tough and not everyone makes good money.
  3. Financial influencers, or 'finfluencers', have a strong effect on young investors, sometimes leading them to make risky trades. This raises concerns about whether they are giving smart advice or just chasing thrills.

#164 – Normal-ish

Below the Line from Kevin LaBuz • 5 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. E-commerce is stabilizing after the pandemic, but shoppers are being more careful with their spending. People are focusing on buying essentials instead of luxury items.
  2. Big companies like Amazon are growing well because they sell a lot of everyday items. Smaller companies are struggling to compete as customers are prioritizing good prices and value.
  3. As the market normalizes, companies are working on improving their core businesses and cutting costs. Some, like Etsy, are trying new strategies to attract customers in a tough economic environment.

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 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.

Amazon Kuiper: More Than LEO Broadband

Ill-Defined Space • 19 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🕹 Technology E-commerce
  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.

Choosing our business model

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. Founders should understand different business models available and focus on one for startups.
  2. Three key business models to familiarize yourself with are SaaS, Marketplace, and Transactional.
  3. Other business models include Subscription, Usage-based, E-commerce, Enterprise, and Advertising.

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

The Social Juice • 12 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
💼 Business E-commerce
  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.

Uber-Expedia, Q-commerce, and the seductive lies of network effects

Platforms, AI, and the Economics of BigTech • 4 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. Uber's business model relies on local advantages, not just growing its user base. It needs to focus on economies of density and fixed costs to truly succeed in local markets.
  2. Quick commerce thrives on efficiency by using small warehouses close to customers. This helps deliver products faster and cheaper, which makes it competitive against traditional e-commerce.
  3. Rather than looking for network effects, local businesses should focus on how to optimize operations in areas with high demand. This includes owning production and managing inventory effectively.

🚨🚨‼️‼️BLACK FRIDAY SALE‼️‼️🚨🚨

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. Aiming,,to,con,commඑмінส์,c,tiхел,มัน,สื่อ,พาคุณท่องเที่ยวรอบโลกไปพร้อมเค้า,
  2. It,inviting,offе,t,提供્યો,给,商户,介绍,意向,时常
  3. Ind，写,数据库助理，语音,助理，可靠,，将来能获取同样帮助d🍐
  4. Bị,để,hén,nhà,nước,khiń,khoẻ,ใหม่》《!!💌🍇,

#157 - Nature Is Healing

Below the Line from Kevin LaBuz • 10 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💼 Business E-commerce
  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.

#158 - Harvest Season

Below the Line from Kevin LaBuz • 5 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
💼 Business E-commerce
  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.

UX is more than just usability or look and feel

A Better Designed World • 7 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🕹 Technology 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.

Two-sided Marketplaces

Fish Food for Thought • 5 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business E-commerce
  1. Understanding the chicken or the egg problem in two-sided marketplaces.
  2. The importance of building and maintaining a marketplace flywheel for growth.
  3. Multiple interconnected flywheels can contribute to the success of a marketplace.

Launching Yo! Focus - Vietnamese Coffee

Jay's Data Stream • 5 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
💼 Business E-commerce
  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.

🧩 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
  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 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
  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.