Here is a list of product releases and updates for mid-July from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are updates on video tools, search optimization, artificial-intelligence analytics, shipping promotions, and small business loans.
Got an ecommerce product release? Email releases@practicalecommerce.com.
Ecommerce Product Releases
Pinterest releases new video tools and Pin Scheduler. Pinterest has introduced new video features for creators and businesses, including an improved uploader, video tab, lifetime analytics, and pin scheduling. The new video tab on business profiles makes it possible for brands to feature all their videos in one place. Businesses and creators can now schedule videos through the Pin Scheduler tool.
Etsy offers priority placement in U.S. search for items with free shipping. Starting July 30, 2019, Etsy will provide priority placement in U.S. search results on items that ship free and shops that guarantee free shipping, on orders $35 and above. Etsy will also prioritize these items in U.S.-based promotions, such as email marketing, social media, and television ads.
Kabbage secures $200 million for AI-based loans platform for small businesses. Kabbage, a small-business loan platform, has raised an additional $200 million in revolving credit to secure its lending model. The money follows a $700 million securitization Kabbage secured three months ago. Kabbage loans up to $250,000 in a single deal to small and medium businesses. Using big data from 2 million live data connections, Kabbage determines in just minutes whether to provide loans and at what rates.
eBay launches summer brands. eBay has announced the launch of its “Summer Brand Outlet,” a new shopping destination that offers deep discounts on top brands, including Bose, Samsung, Adidas, Rolex, Tiffany & Co., and DeWalt — all with fast and free shipping.
Pacvue releases Excel integration for Amazon advertisers. Pacvue has announced the launch of Pacvue XL, the Excel version of Pacvue’s ecommerce SaaS platform for agencies, brands, and sellers advertising in online marketplaces. The Excel integration enables advertisers to leverage the analytics capabilities of Excel paired with the key functionality of the Pacvue platform. Pacvue XL automatically brings Amazon ad data directly into Excel. Pacvue XL also allows users to update Amazon ad campaigns, including bulk changes in both the online and offline versions of Excel.
Beanstalk Digital launches Beanstalk Predictive for data analytics. Beanstalk Digital, a Dallas-based agency, has announced the launch of Beanstalk Predictive. The new entity will broaden the Beanstalk Digital service line to report and execute data-driven projects to optimize product, branding, content, and ongoing marketing strategies. Beanstalk Predictive will deliver real-time insights through AI-driven marketing and audience intelligence.
Amazon offers free returns with no box, tape, or label needed. Amazon is expanding free returns on millions of items. After getting a QR code from the Amazon Return Center (Amazon physical stores, as well as Kohl’s, Whole Foods, and The UPS Store), customers can hand items without a box or label to an associate, who will pack and ship it for free.
Amazon expands Transparency, a product serialization service to prevent counterfeits. Amazon has announced the expansion of Transparency, its product serialization service, to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, U.K., India, and Canada. When brands use Transparency to apply unique codes to their products, customers, brands, Amazon, and other participants in the supply chain can authenticate every unit of a product, better protecting brands and customers from counterfeits at scale. According to Amazon, unique serialization for every product unit is the most effective way to tackle and prevent counterfeits throughout the supply chain.
Swit raises $6 million for team collaboration app market. Team collaboration app Swit has raised more than $6 million in funding to aid its rapid growth within the app space. Many companies use multiple collaboration tools. The mission of Swit is to create a new standard for team collaboration apps, to make one app that can be used across the company, eliminating the need for multiple applications when dealing with different functions and departments of a company.
Contentsquare acquires Clicktale. Contentsquare, a digital experience insights platform, has acquired experience analytics company Clicktale. This combination creates a global leader in the experience analytics market. The combined entity serves 600 enterprise clients, including 30 percent of the Fortune Global 100, showing strong market presence in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and a global community of 12,000 users comprised of analytics, ecommerce, merchandising, content, and marketing professionals.