New Ecommerce Tools: November 28, 2024

We publish a rundown each week of new products from companies offering services to ecommerce merchants. This installment includes updates on ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, search engines, APIs, reverse logistics, and local delivery.

Got an ecommerce product release? Email releases@practicalecommerce.com.

New Tools for Merchants

Miva 10.11 launches with precision tools to enhance ecommerce control. Ecommerce pioneer Miva, Inc. has released version 10.11 of its platform. This update introduces tools for greater control over pricing, shipping charges, and fee management. Sellers can now set pricing with accuracy to less than $0.01 (one cent) and weight measurements smaller than two decimal places. An updated module provides flexible fee applications, control over taxability, and other rules to improve the checkout process.

Miva

Temu opens to all U.S. sellers. Over the last six months, China-based marketplace Temu has invited select U.S. sellers to join its site. Temu has now opened the application process to any U.S. brand or seller. According to Temu, applications take just 10 minutes and are typically reviewed within one business day. Plus, Temu sellers can now ship directly from U.S. warehouses.

Button announces general availability of an iOS Creator App. Button, a mobile commerce optimizer, has announced the general availability of its PostTap native mobile app, which enables creators to produce, optimize, and manage affiliate links. PostTap says it allows creators to generate and customize shortlinks instantly for sharing and monitoring across social platforms. Utilizing AI-powered technology ensures accurate attribution and in-app purchasing, per PostTap.

AI search tool Perplexity adds a shopping assistant. AI search engine Perplexity has debuted its “Buy with Pro” shopping recommendation feature within search results and the ability to place an order without going to a merchant’s website. For shopping-related searches, users receive visual cards containing product details, pricing, seller info, a short description, and the pros and cons of the item. Perplexity’s shopping assistant integrates with Shopify.

Perplexity

European AI search engines plan index with merchant rankings. Germany-based CO2-neutral search engine Ecosia and France-based privacy-focused search engine Qwant have unveiled plans to create their own AI-powered European search index, providing merchants an alternative to Google. The joint venture — called the European Search Perspective — plans to break from Google and Bing ranking systems by early 2025, potentially shifting consumer spending as the new index prioritizes European businesses. The combined search companies will initially focus on French and German results.

Coveo expands partnership with SAP to deliver AI capabilities across channels. Coveo, an enterprise platform for AI search and genAI functions, is expanding its partnership with SAP with an app called “Coveo AI Search and Recommendation for SAP Customer Experience.” Coveo says its AI search, recommendations, and generative answering can be used across multiple interfaces, from interfaces in SAP solutions to standalone search pages, in-app experiences, self-service portals and communities, and more.

Searchspring introduces dynamic custom profiles for ecommerce engagement. Searchspring, an ecommerce search and merchandising provider, has released dynamic custom profiles for personalized shopping recommendations. According to Searchspring, the profiles adjust in real-time based on shopper behavior and site variables, such as search terms, applied filters, and customer attributes. Dynamic custom profiles allow retailers to create a flexible framework that recommends products tailored to each shopper’s intent. Search results and product suggestions evolve dynamically without manually configuring profiles for every scenario, per Searchspring.

Appy Pie Endpoint introduces virtual try-on APIs. Appy Pie Endpoint, an AI API provider, has launched a suite of virtual try-on APIs that enable retailers to offer shoppers an interactive, customizable shopping experience. Shoppers can try on fashion, cosmetics, eyewear, or decor products before purchasing.

Appy Pie Endpoint

Stage TEN unveils a live show network for creators to sell Shopify products. Stage TEN has launched a live show network, enabling creators to blend content creation with commerce. With the platform, anyone can turn a live show into a storefront, connect with an audience in real-time, and monetize shows by featuring products from any Shopify store. By leveraging Shopify’s Collective and Collabs programs, Stage TEN’s live show network allows creators to select, showcase, and sell products.

MikMak expands API-first platform with launch of Insights API. MikMak, a provider of ecommerce enablement and analytics, has launched the MikMak Insights API. The API integrates MikMak commerce intelligence data, such as Purchase Intent and Attributable Sales, into data lakes, analytics platforms, and business intelligence tools, including Tableau, PowerBI, and Google Data Studio. According to MikMak, this enables multichannel brands to unlock a holistic view of their performance quickly and easily.

Cirro Fulfillment partners with Loop to streamline returns for retailers and brands. Cirro Fulfillment, a global provider serving ecommerce brands, has partnered with Loop, a reverse logistics platform, to enhance the returns process. Cirro says the integration with Loop’s automated portal enables customers to initiate returns, request exchanges, or secure refunds effortlessly. The streamlined process reduces manual tasks, making returns management faster and more efficient, thus enhancing the customer experience.

FedEx introduces enhanced visibility tools for secure package delivery. FedEx has upgraded package tracking and visibility features in its mobile app. Map View shows the real-time delivery truck location along with the latest timestamp. Picture Proof of Delivery Attempt provides customers with a photo of a door tag in the event of a missed delivery to see exactly when a delivery was attempted.

FedEx