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We may earn a commission from links on this page. It's so-called spooky season, and there's nothing more frightening than realizing how out of touch you've become, so allow me to throw you a lifeline with an explainer on the week's trending topics with the youths. This week, everyone is talking about their membership in a completely arbitrary online group, planning Halloween costumes that few people over 30 will understand, and trying on "historically accurate" clothing from 2005. What is "Group 7" on TikTok? Everyone on TikTok this week is posting about "Group 7." Here's what's up: On October 17, 26-year-old singer Sophia James did a little social experiment to promote her new single, "So Unfair." She posted seven videos featuring the song to see which would gain the most traction and reach. The seventh went viral, to the tune of over 75 million plays. And then it took on a life of its own, with over 600,000 videos ultimately being posted under the Group 7 tag. In the original G7 video, James says, "I don't know what that says about you. But, you're in Group 7." People started defining what membership in Group 7 means to them—even though it’s random—and listing the qualities that Group 7 members supposedly possess. According to this video, members of Group 7 are loving, "we laugh, we share, we watch videos all the way through." While many TikTokers are taking their membership in Group 7 as a joke, a growing (and sort of sad) part of Group 7 seems convinced that it's important. That they've been chosen. The longing for a sense of belonging is palpable. There's also the idea that if all the members of the group follow each other, it would mean "never having to get a normal job." But it won't. "Follow-chains" are not new on the internet, and they don't work. What's really going to happen is that the algorithm will eventually decide people are sick of their feeds being full of Group 7 videos and curb their spread. In a few weeks, everyone will say, "Remember that weird 'Group 7' thing?" This is the inevitable life-cycle of internet memes. HBO Max adds "six seven" categorySpeaking of arbitrary number-based memes, brain-rot slang word of the year "6-7" continues to grow and spread in unexpected ways, including on streaming platform HBO Max, which has added a "Six Seveeeeen" movie category on its service. The phrase doesn't mean anything, making a "6-7" film difficult to define, so Max decided to take the easy route by including movies with "six" or "seven" in their titles. Films in the collection include expected entries like The Sixth Sense, Seven, and the sixth and seventh Harry Potter movies (Six Days Seven Nights unfortunately isn't available on HBO Max, and also, you probably forgot it existed anyway). Low-hanging fruit aside, there are also some inspired choices, like Akira Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai and Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal. Like all "how do you do, fellow kids" attempts at co-opting youth slang, HBO's stunt is annoying and tone-deaf, and maybe a signal that the whole six-seven thing is ending at last, but I do love the idea that some brain-rotted kid out there is going to watch The Seventh Seal and really relate to the soldier's chess match against Death. Meme-based costumes to watch for on HalloweenEven before the internet, Halloween was a meme holiday, with costumes of pop culture figures topping the sales charts at Spencer's Gifts every year. But it's gotten ridiculous in 2025. Look for every other kid ringing your doorbell this year to be wearing an outfit inspired by a popular online trend and for ghosts and Draculas to be as rare as Loch Ness monster sightings. Here are some of costumes-based-on-memes that are likely to be popular this Halloween: Labubu Dressing up as one of these trendy toys is a no-brainer, although the effort involved in doing it right is considerable. Luckily, there are tons of tutorials online like the one linked above. Lorax girl If you're wondering why so many young women are dressing up as the main character from 2012 movie The Lorax, it's a whole thing. The costume has grown so popular over the last few years that there's a legit backlash against it. KPop Demon Hunters The flashy outfits from Netflix's amazingly successful animated movie are a perfect fit for Halloween, but are likely to result in the most "what are you supposed to be" responses from older people. Chicken Jockey Like the game that inspired it, The Minecraft Movie remains very popular with young people, so look for representations of the iconic "Chicken Jockey!" scene in costume form on Oct. 31. If you want to do it right, you have to make it yourself, but you can buy a Minecraft Chicken Jockey outfit from Walmart if you want to save time. Inflatable protest frog Portland's Ice protests have given rise to an underground, viral hero: protest frog, so look for imitators rocking the iconic costume on Halloween. It's a good choice for the lazy in that it makes a statement without any effort. You can just buy an inflatable frog costume on Amazon. Viral video of the week: "trying on low rise jeans" Warning: this week's viral video will probably make you feel ancient. In it, young TikTok user @vintageprincessxoxo tries on "historically accurate low-rise jeans." She's clearly surprised by how low low-rise jeans actually are, but as many older folks have pointed out in the comments, the "historically accurate" pair she's trying on aren't even all that low. "Darling those are high rise with the double buttons," a user points out. The comment section is filled with similar cross-generational educational outreach, with millennial mentors cluing the youngster in about whale-tails and the importance of wearing a belt. ("Historically accurate," though? Ouch.) View the full article

There was once a time where first-party apps and experiences on Apple devices were exempt from advertisements. Other app marketplaces might happily show you ads, but not the App Store. Most news sites place ads in between every other paragraph, but Apple News was an ad-free experience. Say what you wanted about Apple and its products, but you certainly dealt with far fewer ads than on other platforms. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case. Apple has slowly made ads a part of its business model in order to boost revenue. You might have noticed them already while scrolling through stories in News, or when looking for a new game on the App Store. Even the Wallet app has blasted users with notifications when Apple TV has a new movie out. It's an odd dichotomy: At a time when Apple's MacBooks have never been an better overall value, the company's software is beginning to feel less user-first than ever. Those ads are only expanding, too. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple might be bringing more ads to its platforms "as early as next year." If so, it seems the company will start with Apple Maps. Gurman says Apple will let restaurants and businesses pay a premium to float their results to the top of search. If you've searched for an app in Apple's App Store lately, you should be familiar with this experience: When I open the search tab, for example, I see Instagram at the top of the page, with an "Ad" label beneath it, on top of two other non-advertised apps. Then, when I search for an app like Reddit, it appears second, beneath an ad placement for DuckDuckGo. Gurman says Apple's plan here is to make the experience better than other navigation apps that offer similar ads (I immediately think of Waze, which will show ads for restaurants and businesses whenever you stop the car) and will use AI to deliver more relevant ads to the user—though Apple's AI tech leaves something to be desired. I'm not sure this move will do much to push Apple Maps users towards other options. If the ads experience in Apple Maps really is on a similar level to the App Store, I imagine most users won't pay much attention to it. They'll either ignore any results that appear with that "Ad" label, or they'll tap on the results that seem more relevant to their search. Plus, the most obvious alternatives have ads as well, so it's not like someone sick of seeing ads in Apple Maps would necessarily find Google Maps or Waze more appealing. Still, the principle of Apple adding more ads onto an inherently expensive experience leaves a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I personally prefer other navigation apps to Apple Maps, but Apple's app has seemed like a solid choice in recent years, especially in terms of privacy. Adding ads to the mix changes that, and not only cheapens the experience, but makes me question what Apple plans on doing with my navigation and location data here. I would hope the company that makes one of the only somewhat private streaming boxes on the market would find a way to keep Maps private while serving ads, but only time will tell. View the full article

Firebrand economist must build alliances to push through structural change in Argentina, analysts sayView the full article

Rare earth stocks find themselves underground on Monday as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects that China and the U.S. will work out a trade deal in the near future. Meanwhile, stock markets largely soared on news of the trade optimism, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up roughly 0.5%, the S&P 500 up 1%, and the Nasdaq up 1.6% as of midday Monday. Bessent, appearing on CBS’ “Face the Nation” Sunday news program, said that he anticipates that China will resume soybean purchases from the U.S., and that there could be an announcement on Thursday when President The President and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in South Korea. “I’m not going to get ahead of the two leaders who will be meeting in Korea on Thursday, but I can tell you we had a very good two days,” he said. “So I would expect that the threat of the 100% [tariff] has gone away, as has the threat of the immediate imposition of the Chinese initiating a worldwide export control regime.” Part of those export controls concerns rare earth minerals, which are used in the manufacturing of a wide variety of products, such as vehicles and consumer electronics. And Bessent’s comments led to some earthquakes in the market on Monday, as rare-earth stocks fell significantly. Shares of MP Materials, for instance, were down more than 9% since the market opened, as of midday Monday. USA Rare Earth Inc., likewise, was down roughly 10%. Notably, MP Materials’ share price is up more than 312% year-to-date and USA Rare Earth shares are up roughly 85%. So investors are still making out well, despite today’s downturn. The issue at the molten core of the rare earth trade is the fact that China controls the vast majority of rare earth mineral production and refining. By some measures, the Chinese control as much as 70% of rare-earth mining, 80% of refining and processing capacity, and more than 90% of the world’s supply. That means those minerals are scarce, which drives up prices—and share prices of companies operating in the space outside of Chinese control. While we don’t know yet what kind of trade deal or agreement will surface later this week—or if one will at all—Bessent’s signaling that things are heading in a positive direction is what’s having an effect on rare-earth stocks today. View the full article

Trader claims bank wrongly cast him as ‘evil mastermind’ behind Libor rate rigging View the full article

Bigger than expected reduction in OBR forecast deals blow to chancellor ahead of BudgetView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Walmart joins Best Buy in announcing its Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale early. This year, Walmart seems to take a page out of Best Buy's strategy and split the sale into smaller ones. Here's everything we know so far about Walmart's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale for 2025. What is Walmart doing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?Walmart will hold three sales, all called "Walmart Deals Events," from November to December, according to their press release. The sales will be a combination of online and in-store for members and non-members. When are Walmart Deals Events in 2025?The events will take place on three different dates: Walmart Black Friday Deals Event 1: November 14–16 Available online and in stores for the entire event Walmart+ members get five hours early access online beginning Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. ET Walmart Black Friday Deals Event 2: November 25–30 Online only: November 25–27 Online and in stores: November 28–30 Walmart+ members get five hours early access online beginning Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. ET Cyber Monday: December 1 Online only Walmart+ members get five hours early access online beginning Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. ET What deals can I expect for Walmart Deals Events?Walmart says that you can expect up to 60% off top brands and thousands of deals under $20. The sale will include toys, electronics, home products, fashion, and beauty from brands like Delonghi, Apple, LEGO, Dyson, La Roche Posay, Levi’s, and Barbie. Here is a list Walmart dropped on their press release: 98” TCL QLED 4K Google TV – Was $1,798.00, Event Price $998.00 Barbie Malibu Travel Playset – Was $21.88, Event Price $12.00 Calvin Klein Obsession 3 Perfume – Was $97.00, Event Price $31.50 Cate & Chloe Lauren 18k White Gold Plated 22mm Hoop Earrings with Swarovski Crystals – Was $130.00, Event Price $15.99 Cozy Haven Faux Fur Throw Blanket – Special Buy, Event Price $13.00 Cricut Explore 3 Bundle – Was $410.00, Event Price $197.99 Dreo 1500W Portable Space Heater – Was $99.99, Event Price $38.99 Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – Was $729.00, Event Price $399.99 Ford 24V Ride-on – Was $599.99, Event Price $299.99 Goodyear Reliant All-Season Tire (entire line) – Event offer $30 off per tire Govee 65” LED Lights – Was $99.00, Event Price $69.99 Keurig Iced Essentials – Was $79.00, Event Price $44.97 KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Chew Toy, Medium – Was $13.99, Event Price $11.96 L’ange Hair Styler – Was $119.00, Event Price $48.30 LEGO Speed Champions 2-pack – Was $44.98, Event Price $25.00 Melissa & Doug Chunky Puzzles – Was $13.99, Event Price $7.00 Men’s & Women’s Levi’s Signature Denim – Was $24.98, Event Price $15.00 My Texas House Glitter Trees (set of 3) – Was $159.66, Event Price $78.00 Philips Norelco 7200 Electric Razor – Was $99.96, Event Price $79.96 Reebok Women’s Sport 2-piece set – Was $40.00; Event Price $25.00 Scoop Women’s Knee-High Kitten Heel Boots – Was $52.00, Event Price $30.00 Sportspower Bounce Pro 14' Round Trampoline with Safety Enclosure – Was $229.00, Event Price $149.00 What other retailers are doing Black Friday sales?At the moment, only Best Buy has officially announced its Black Friday sale, but you can expect Target and Amazon to have competing sales as well. View the full article

If it seems like Black Friday deals, and holiday shopping in general, is starting earlier and earlier, you’re right. Just in time for, um, Halloween, both Walmart and Best Buy have announced plans for their 2025 Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Black Friday, always the day after Thanksgiving, falls on Friday, November 28 this year. Deals generally continue through that weekend into Cyber Monday, which falls on December 1. However, in recent years, many retailers have jump-started the sales some two, or even three weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. And this year is no different. Here’s what to know. When do Walmart’s Black Friday deals start? The world’s largest big box retailer often sets the schedule for Black Friday deals, according to Axios—so take note. This year, Walmart said it will hold two different Black Friday sales events, rolling them out at different times online and in stores nationwide. Walmart+ members (those who pay for the retailer’s subscription tier) get first access to the deals starting on Thursday, November 13 at 7 p.m. ET, with sales opening for everyone else online and in-stores on Friday, November 14 and ending on November 16. The second event starts on the Monday before Thanksgiving, on Monday, November 24 at 7 p.m. ET for Walmart+ members; then online-only on Tuesday, November 25 through Thursday, November 27; and finally, both in-store and online on Black Friday itself, Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30. Walmart Cyber Monday 2025 sale The same drill goes for Cyber Monday, when Walmart+ members get early access beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 30 for the online-only sale. The sale starts on Monday, December 1 for all shoppers. Best Buy 2025 Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales Best Buy is starting even earlier—on Halloween (yes, you read that right). This Friday, October 31, Best Buy is rolling out its early Black Friday tech deals called “DoorBOOsters”—available on the Best Buy App, BestBuy.com and in-store. Members of Best Buy’s two programs, My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members, also get up to $25 in bonus rewards on select products. More Black Friday sales kick off Thursday, November 20, with savings on computing, gaming, home theater, wearables, and more. Cyber Monday comes a day early, on Sunday, November 30, with up to 50% off select tech. “No one does the holiday shopping season like Best Buy, so we decided to expand the definition of ‘holiday’ and start the fun on Halloween this year,” Jason Bonfig, chief customer, product, and fulfillment officer at Best Buy, said in a statement. “Whether you want to shop in your costume, or wait until Black Friday, we’ll be here all season long with the best gifts, unbelievable deals and endless ways to discover the coolest products.” Holiday shopping is forecast to increase at a lower rate than last year, as Americans feel the effects of The President’s tariffs; inflation and the skyrocketing cost of living, including higher grocery costs; and a government shutdown which has many federal workers going without paychecks amid mass firings. Holiday retail sales are likely to increase between 2.9% and 3.4% in 2025, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast, versus 4.2% in the same period in 2024. View the full article

Bill Pulte's X post has the industry excited that loan level price adjustments could change, but the impact would not be as beneficial as some think, KBW said. View the full article

Vishal Shah takes on key role after Meta AI video service Vibes overshadowed by OpenAI’s SoraView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Five years after its debut, Apple’s first M1 MacBook Air still holds up as one of the most important laptops the company ever made. Back in 2020, this was the machine that introduced Apple Silicon to the world, replacing Intel chips with a homegrown design that ran cooler, faster, and quieter. Currently, a refurbished 13.3-inch model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage is available for sale on StackSocial for $384.99. It carries a Grade-A rating, which means the condition should be close to mint, although there may be minor signs of handling, such as small scuffs on the case. At this price, the bigger trade-off is that it’s sold as a final sale with no warranty. Performance-wise, the 8-core CPU of the M1 MacBook Air outperforms older Intel-based MacBooks, making it snappy enough for tasks such as word processing, streaming, and light photo or video editing. The 8-core GPU won’t compete with newer M3 or M4 models for demanding graphics tasks, but it’s fine for casual gaming and creative apps. Battery life was a major selling point in 2020, and it remains impressive today, with up to 15 hours of wireless web or 18 hours of video playback. For students or remote workers, this means all-day use without needing to hover near an outlet. Your mileage may vary depending on use. That said, there are some limits worth considering. The 256GB SSD fills up quickly if you frequently use large files, so cloud storage or external drives may be necessary. The 720p webcam shows its age in an era where most laptops have transitioned to 1080p or higher resolution. And while the two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports are versatile, they may feel restrictive if you’re used to plugging in multiple accessories without a hub. On the bright side, the Retina display remains crisp at 2560x1600 resolution, the backlit Magic Keyboard is comfortable, and Touch ID enables quick logins. For under $400, this MacBook Air makes sense if you need a reliable everyday laptop and can live without the latest Apple hardware. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $299.99 (List Price $649.99) Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, White with Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), White — $59.99 (List Price $99.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $29.99 (List Price $69.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $27.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with Ring Chime Pro — $149.99 (List Price $259.99) Introducing Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni Mini-LED Series, QLED 4K UHD smart TV, Dolby Vision IQ, 144hz gaming mode, Ambient Experience, hands-free with Alexa, 2024 release — $699.99 (List Price $819.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 2-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $51.99 (List Price $129.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Britain’s trade minister says a ‘club’ would be a natural response to a global glut of the metalView the full article

A previous report on Waterstone Mortgage's Q3 earnings contained inaccurate information. We are correcting the record. View the full article

It’s official: Twitter.com is about to bite the dust forever. According to a series of tweets from X’s @Safety account, posted between October 24 and October 25, the social media platform plans to finally retire the Twitter domain on November 10. Currently, searching for Twitter.com still leads directly to X, but soon, that will no longer be an option. The domain’s phase-out comes more than two years after Twitter owner Elon Musk renamed the platform X in July 2023, much to the dismay of many loyal users. At the time, critics argued that the rebrand was destined to fail, with some going so far as to call it “brand suicide.” And while many former users have indeed jumped ship to competing platforms like Threads and Bluesky in the years since Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022, it looks like the new name is here to stay. The announcement that Twitter will soon disappear into the annals of internet history came subtly buried in a message from X’s @Safety account that, due to the domain’s retirement, users who rely on certain two-factor authentication (2FA) methods will need to update their log-ins before November 10. Here’s what you need to know about the notice: How to make sure your X account doesn’t get locked According to an initial post from @Safety, all X accounts that use a security key as their 2FA method will need to re-enroll their key in order to keep accessing X after November 10. Per a second post, a “security key” does not refer to users who rely on an authenticator app to log into X. Instead, this notice only pertains to anyone using a physical security key (like a Yubikey), or a passkey, which is an encrypted, passwordless log-in option that typically requires users to enter a face scan or fingerprint scan. These methods are typically used to keep accounts safer, since they make it more difficult for hackers to access passwords and log into accounts remotely. If you use a security key or passkey to log into X, here’s what you can do before November 10 to avoid locking your account: Open your account and navigate to Settings. Select “Security and account access,” then click “Security” and open the “Two-factor authentication” section. Click the “Add another key” option and follow the steps to create a new security key or passkey that’s linked to the “x.com” domain rather than the former “Twitter.com” domain. Per the @Safety post, “After November 10, if you haven’t re-enrolled a security key, your account will be locked until you: re-enroll; choose a different 2FA method; or elect not to use 2FA (but we always recommend you use 2FA to protect your account!)” X did not immediately respond to Fast Company’s request for comment on what other steps it’s taking to ensure that the Twitter retirement process proceeds smoothly. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Nothing says Halloween quite like an ominous countdown. Right now, subscribers to YouTube TV, the company's live TV service, are waiting to learn if they'll still have access to Disney-operated channels, including ABC and ESPN, come Oct.31. It's the latest conflict in ongoing fee disputes between Google and its various content providers, but even if Disney takes its ball and goes home, you won't be left entirely without options. When could Disney channels go dark on YouTube TV?According to Variety, if Disney and Google are unable to reach a deal by the end of Thursday, all Disney networks will vanish from YouTube TV on Oct. 30 at midnight ET. These include Disney Channel, ESPN, ABC News, Disney Jr., FX, FXX, FRXM, NatGeo, Freefrom, and even local ABC stations. It's not the first time YouTube has been through something like this. Last February, Paramount made a similar threat before eventually reaching an agreement that saw no pause in customer access to its channels. Since then, YouTube has had similar conflicts with Fox Corp., NBC Universal, and Univision, with only the Spanish-language network failing to reach a deal before its channels went dark. It's all about licensing feesWhat's happening here all comes down to licensing fees. To offer channels like the cable providers it's trying to replace, YouTube TV has to continually pay fees to content providers, and occasionally, those providers propose higher fees. That leaves YouTube in a bit of a lurch, as it tries to navigate between paying a fair price to its partners while also avoiding raising prices for its subscribers. Disney told Variety that, "[t]his is the latest example of Google exploiting is position as the expense of their own customers," implying that Google was risking stripping away channels its customers had paid for by refusing to compensate Disney with "fair rates." Google in turn argues that giving into Disney's "costly economic terms" would force the company to "raise prices on YouTube TV," as well as leave the service in a rough spot when compared to Disney's own Live TV offering, Hulu + Live TV. What happens if a deal isn't reachedPersonally, I wouldn't take either company's statement too seriously, at least if the earlier Paramount and NBC Universal conflicts are anything to go by—there's a good chance a deal will be reached before YouTube TV subscribers are affected. But as with those earlier conflicts, YouTube is willing to make it up to its customers if they lose access to Disney content. "If it [Disney content] remains unavailable for an extended period of time, we will offer subscribers a $20 credit," YouTube said. That would be enough to subscribe to a month of the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle with ads, although YouTube hasn't said if the credit will be recurring. Currently, a YouTube TV Base Plan starts at $72.99/month for your first three months, then jumps up to $82.99/month after that, making it slightly less expensive than Hulu + Live TV in the long term ($64.99/month for the first three months, then $89.99/month after that). Whether prices will stay the same if Disney pulls its channels remains to be seen. View the full article

After sky-high inflation, currency crises and failed reform plans, the country was never going to find a quick fixView the full article

San Diego-based chipmaker strikes deal to sell new data centre processor to Saudi group Humain View the full article

Small importers for large U.S. retailers rushed in China-made strollers and wares meant for spring and are storing the goods in their own warehouses to avoid the big tariff bills that had been threatened over the next month. Before Sino-American talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur eliminated the threat of U.S. President Donald The President’s 100% tariffs on Chinese imports starting November 1, importers were expecting to shoulder the staggering levies. In response, importers of goods sold at retailers Walmart, Amazon, and Target chose to risk loading their balance sheets with inventory that may take months to move out, and pay more for warehousing costs. They’re also betting consumer spending holds up in the spring as lower-income consumers rein in spending and the economy remains uncertain overall. “We are trying to front-load spring orders,” said Leslie Stiba, CEO of high-end stroller-maker Austlen Baby Co. “We brought in as much as we could manage.” Stiba said she placed orders for 20% to 25% more strollers for spring 2026—her biggest season—compared to the last. Overall, she is holding 50% more inventory than before the start of The President’s trade war, and has held off on hiring due to the new expenses. Front-loading has become the norm for months now, as businesses have tried to get in front of The President’s vacillating levies. Importers bulked up shipments from China during the six-month tariffs truce between the two countries, triggering a surge in shipping rates and port activity. Reuters reporting, in the days before the framework of a tariff truce was hashed out on Sunday, shows the phenomenon continued for spring 2026 shipments. Like many importers of China-made goods, Stiba had to stop shipments earlier this year when The President first imposed tariffs of about 145%. The halt hurt her business because she did not have enough inventory to fill orders. Ahead of schedule Some Chinese suppliers took a more relaxed view, baking tariff-related uncertainty into their business plans. “Whatever happens on November 1 will happen, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” said a toymaker in southern China, who did not want to be named for privacy reasons. “I don’t think very many people are assuming that tariffs will rise dramatically. … People might be doing some front-loading deals with the assumption that we will have a three-month extension window, but there wasn’t enough time to move orders forward to meet the November 1 deadline even if you wanted to.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday he anticipates that a tariff truce with China will be extended beyond the November 10 expiration date. Deng Jinling, manager of a Chinese company that exports thermos flasks to the United States, told Reuters before Sunday’s development that her shipments were still going out normally and she wasn’t worried about further levies. “There’s no rush,” she said. “Most of the goods have already been shipped. Only about 20% of the U.S.-bound cargo is left.” Not all U.S. importers ramped up shipments. Spreetail, which distributes large items like trampolines, was waiting to see if the tariffs would stick, said chief merchandising officer Owen Carr. Spring merchandise—from warmer-weather apparel to Easter baskets—usually arrives stateside at the end of the year, with volumes peaking right before China’s Lunar New Year celebration in winter. “Until there is a clear path forward or a resolution (to the trade war), we can expect to see more front-loading,” said Noel Hacegaba, chief operating officer at the Port of Long Beach, the U.S.’s second-busiest. “It has resulted so far this year in a tsunami of cargo.” This year, record volumes including spring goods are far ahead of schedule, he said. Mitigating risks Retailers are ordering more from suppliers’ domestic warehouses, rather than picking up directly from China, executives at toymakers Hasbro and Mattel have said on recent calls. That allows them to mitigate tariff risks and control the pace of stocks on their shelves as shoppers tighten budgets. Holiday toymaker Hey Buddy Hey Pal, which imports Easter-egg decorating kits from China, already has 50% of its goods for the spring ready to be shipped from a warehouse in Dallas, said Curtis Gill, co-founder of the company. Balsam Hill, which supplies artificial Christmas trees and seasonal decor, recently decided to move forward with spring orders of floral wreaths it had been holding back on placing, said CEO Mac Harman. “We did a scaled-back order for spring,” Harman said, adding that he raised prices. —Jessica DiNapoli, Siddharth Cavale, and Arriana McLymore, Reuters Additional reporting by Lisa Baertlein, Casey Hall, and Sophie Yu. View the full article

If you’re considering selling handmade products on Amazon, grasping the process is crucial. First, you’ll need to apply for Amazon Handmade, which requires high-quality images and detailed descriptions of your items. Once approved, you can create your artisan profile to highlight your unique craft story. It’s important to manage your orders efficiently during the time you engage with customers to boost your sales. Next, let’s explore the pros and cons of selling on this platform. Key Takeaways Apply for Amazon Handmade by submitting product descriptions, images, and details about your production process for approval. Create your artisan profile after approval, showcasing your handcrafted items and sharing your story. Utilize Amazon’s tools for marketing and actively communicate with customers to increase visibility. Manage orders efficiently using the Amazon Seller app to track shipping and inventory seamlessly. Keep your profile updated with new items and engaging content to maintain customer interest. Pros and Cons of Handmade at Amazon When considering selling handmade products on Amazon, it’s crucial to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of the Handmade at Amazon platform. One major advantage is the access to Amazon’s vast customer base of approximately 250 million, greatly boosting your visibility compared to Etsy. Furthermore, Amazon’s shipping services can simplify logistics, and using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) can make your products Prime eligible. On the other hand, you must consider the higher handmade on Amazon fees, which include a flat 15% per sale, exceeding Etsy’s costs. In addition, customer expectations on Amazon may differ from traditional handmade norms, presenting challenges for artisans used to the Etsy marketplace. In the end, you should evaluate if selling handmade items on Amazon aligns with your goals. How to Apply for Handmade at Amazon Applying for Handmade at Amazon requires careful preparation, as you need to clearly demonstrate that you handcraft each product you intend to sell. Start by gathering detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and information about your production processes. The application will ask about your identity, business structure, and whether you work alone or with a team. Once you submit, expect the review process to take up to two weeks. You’ll receive an email notification about your acceptance or denial. If accepted, you may need to shift to a Professional Seller account. If you’re denied, you can reapply after 30 days, allowing you to adjust your application. Consider whether it’s better to sell on Etsy or Amazon for your handmade products. Getting Started on Amazon Handmade Getting started on Amazon Handmade involves several key steps that artisans must follow to successfully set up their shop. First, apply for Amazon Handmade and verify your products meet their criteria; only handcrafted items are allowed. The application requires detailed descriptions, product images, and evidence of your crafting process, which may take up to two weeks for approval. Once approved, you can create your store to sell homemade products. Even though there are no listing fees, be aware of a 15% referral fee per sale. To boost your visibility, actively communicate with customers and utilize Amazon’s marketing tools. This approach will help you effectively sell handmade products online and succeed in selling handmade crafts on the platform. Creating Your Artisan Profile Creating your Artisan Profile on Amazon Handmade is vital for establishing your brand and connecting with potential customers. This profile acts as your storefront, allowing you to showcase your craft and personality. Follow these steps to create an engaging profile: Section Tips for Success Profile Picture Use a clear, friendly image of yourself. Workspace Photos Include images of your workspace and products. Craft Story Share the story behind your creations. Product Updates Regularly update your profile with new items. Concise Information Keep text clear and engaging, as spacing is fixed. Managing Orders and Inventory Managing orders and inventory efficiently is essential for maintaining a successful presence on Amazon Handmade, especially as you strive to meet customer expectations. Use the Amazon Seller app to manage orders, which provides real-time notifications for new orders and updates on shipping statuses. Track shipping deadlines to guarantee timely delivery, and you can print shipping labels directly from the platform. Each listing has a SKU for easy inventory tracking, enabling you to communicate effectively with customers. Monitor inventory levels using Amazon’s system, as it gives you access to detailed information about each listing and associated fees. Regularly check customer service actions, since they’re tracked and visible to customers, helping you maintain a professional seller profile during selling homemade things online. Frequently Asked Questions How to Start Selling on Amazon Handmade? To start selling on Amazon Handmade, you’ll first need to apply for approval. This involves providing detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and information about your crafting process. You must likewise submit identity verification documents, like a passport or driver’s license. After approval, you can create your storefront and choose your fulfillment method, either Fulfillment by Amazon or Fulfilled by Merchant. How Much Is It to Get Started Selling on Amazon Handmade? To get started selling on Amazon Handmade, you won’t pay any monthly subscription fees, as they’re waived for approved sellers. Instead, you’ll pay a 15% referral fee on each sale. There are no listing fees, allowing you to begin without upfront costs. Nevertheless, you should budget for shipping fees, packaging materials, and potential Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) costs. Furthermore, consider expenses related to currency conversions and cross-border payments for an all-encompassing budget. Do I Need a Business License to Sell on Amazon Handmade? You typically don’t need a specific business license to sell on Amazon Handmade. Nevertheless, local regulations might require one based on your location and the type of products you sell. It’s essential to check with your local government to understand any necessary permits. If you sell items like food or cosmetics, you may need additional permits. Having a business license can additionally boost your credibility and help you manage taxes effectively. How to Start Selling on Amazon for Beginners? To start selling on Amazon as a beginner, you’ll need to create an Amazon Seller account. Begin by selecting the appropriate selling plan, then list your products with clear descriptions and high-quality images. Set competitive prices whilst considering Amazon’s fees. Utilize marketing tools like Sponsored Products to boost visibility. Finally, guarantee you provide excellent customer service by swiftly addressing inquiries and resolving issues, which will help you build a positive reputation and increase sales. Conclusion To sum up, selling handmade products on Amazon can effectively broaden your market reach. By following the application process, setting up your artisan profile, and managing orders through the Amazon Seller app, you can streamline your business operations. Remember to focus on high-quality images and detailed descriptions to attract customers. Engaging with your audience and efficiently handling inventory will further improve your visibility and sales. With diligence, your handmade creations can thrive in the competitive Amazon marketplace. Image via Envanto This article, "Selling Handmade on Amazon: A Comprehensive Guide to Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering selling handmade products on Amazon, grasping the process is crucial. First, you’ll need to apply for Amazon Handmade, which requires high-quality images and detailed descriptions of your items. Once approved, you can create your artisan profile to highlight your unique craft story. It’s important to manage your orders efficiently during the time you engage with customers to boost your sales. Next, let’s explore the pros and cons of selling on this platform. Key Takeaways Apply for Amazon Handmade by submitting product descriptions, images, and details about your production process for approval. Create your artisan profile after approval, showcasing your handcrafted items and sharing your story. Utilize Amazon’s tools for marketing and actively communicate with customers to increase visibility. Manage orders efficiently using the Amazon Seller app to track shipping and inventory seamlessly. Keep your profile updated with new items and engaging content to maintain customer interest. Pros and Cons of Handmade at Amazon When considering selling handmade products on Amazon, it’s crucial to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of the Handmade at Amazon platform. One major advantage is the access to Amazon’s vast customer base of approximately 250 million, greatly boosting your visibility compared to Etsy. Furthermore, Amazon’s shipping services can simplify logistics, and using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) can make your products Prime eligible. On the other hand, you must consider the higher handmade on Amazon fees, which include a flat 15% per sale, exceeding Etsy’s costs. In addition, customer expectations on Amazon may differ from traditional handmade norms, presenting challenges for artisans used to the Etsy marketplace. In the end, you should evaluate if selling handmade items on Amazon aligns with your goals. How to Apply for Handmade at Amazon Applying for Handmade at Amazon requires careful preparation, as you need to clearly demonstrate that you handcraft each product you intend to sell. Start by gathering detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and information about your production processes. The application will ask about your identity, business structure, and whether you work alone or with a team. Once you submit, expect the review process to take up to two weeks. You’ll receive an email notification about your acceptance or denial. If accepted, you may need to shift to a Professional Seller account. If you’re denied, you can reapply after 30 days, allowing you to adjust your application. Consider whether it’s better to sell on Etsy or Amazon for your handmade products. Getting Started on Amazon Handmade Getting started on Amazon Handmade involves several key steps that artisans must follow to successfully set up their shop. First, apply for Amazon Handmade and verify your products meet their criteria; only handcrafted items are allowed. The application requires detailed descriptions, product images, and evidence of your crafting process, which may take up to two weeks for approval. Once approved, you can create your store to sell homemade products. Even though there are no listing fees, be aware of a 15% referral fee per sale. To boost your visibility, actively communicate with customers and utilize Amazon’s marketing tools. This approach will help you effectively sell handmade products online and succeed in selling handmade crafts on the platform. Creating Your Artisan Profile Creating your Artisan Profile on Amazon Handmade is vital for establishing your brand and connecting with potential customers. This profile acts as your storefront, allowing you to showcase your craft and personality. Follow these steps to create an engaging profile: Section Tips for Success Profile Picture Use a clear, friendly image of yourself. Workspace Photos Include images of your workspace and products. Craft Story Share the story behind your creations. Product Updates Regularly update your profile with new items. Concise Information Keep text clear and engaging, as spacing is fixed. Managing Orders and Inventory Managing orders and inventory efficiently is essential for maintaining a successful presence on Amazon Handmade, especially as you strive to meet customer expectations. Use the Amazon Seller app to manage orders, which provides real-time notifications for new orders and updates on shipping statuses. Track shipping deadlines to guarantee timely delivery, and you can print shipping labels directly from the platform. Each listing has a SKU for easy inventory tracking, enabling you to communicate effectively with customers. Monitor inventory levels using Amazon’s system, as it gives you access to detailed information about each listing and associated fees. Regularly check customer service actions, since they’re tracked and visible to customers, helping you maintain a professional seller profile during selling homemade things online. Frequently Asked Questions How to Start Selling on Amazon Handmade? To start selling on Amazon Handmade, you’ll first need to apply for approval. This involves providing detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and information about your crafting process. You must likewise submit identity verification documents, like a passport or driver’s license. After approval, you can create your storefront and choose your fulfillment method, either Fulfillment by Amazon or Fulfilled by Merchant. How Much Is It to Get Started Selling on Amazon Handmade? To get started selling on Amazon Handmade, you won’t pay any monthly subscription fees, as they’re waived for approved sellers. Instead, you’ll pay a 15% referral fee on each sale. There are no listing fees, allowing you to begin without upfront costs. Nevertheless, you should budget for shipping fees, packaging materials, and potential Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) costs. Furthermore, consider expenses related to currency conversions and cross-border payments for an all-encompassing budget. Do I Need a Business License to Sell on Amazon Handmade? You typically don’t need a specific business license to sell on Amazon Handmade. Nevertheless, local regulations might require one based on your location and the type of products you sell. It’s essential to check with your local government to understand any necessary permits. If you sell items like food or cosmetics, you may need additional permits. Having a business license can additionally boost your credibility and help you manage taxes effectively. How to Start Selling on Amazon for Beginners? To start selling on Amazon as a beginner, you’ll need to create an Amazon Seller account. Begin by selecting the appropriate selling plan, then list your products with clear descriptions and high-quality images. Set competitive prices whilst considering Amazon’s fees. Utilize marketing tools like Sponsored Products to boost visibility. Finally, guarantee you provide excellent customer service by swiftly addressing inquiries and resolving issues, which will help you build a positive reputation and increase sales. Conclusion To sum up, selling handmade products on Amazon can effectively broaden your market reach. By following the application process, setting up your artisan profile, and managing orders through the Amazon Seller app, you can streamline your business operations. Remember to focus on high-quality images and detailed descriptions to attract customers. Engaging with your audience and efficiently handling inventory will further improve your visibility and sales. With diligence, your handmade creations can thrive in the competitive Amazon marketplace. Image via Envanto This article, "Selling Handmade on Amazon: A Comprehensive Guide to Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Government rejects speculation it will water down ‘day one’ protection against unfair dismissal View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Contacts with cat pupils or neon colors can be fun, but are you sure you want to put a piece of plastic from a costume store into your eye? Experts, like those at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, warn against it. These non-prescription contacts are technically illegal in the U.S. (even though plenty of companies sell them anyway). The CDC warns that the risks include "eye sores and vision loss." Why costume contacts often aren't safeCheap Halloween contacts tend to be one-size-fits-all, but the AAO points out that contacts should never be one-size-fits-all. A contact that is too large or too small for your eye can cause corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, and can result in infections like keratitis. Infections can, in severe cases, lead to blindness. A 2017 report from the FDA found bacterial contamination in 27% of costume contacts. If you do wear contacts (Halloween or otherwise), the AAO recommends keeping an eye out for symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, or excessive discharge. Seek care as soon as you suspect an infection. Your eyes are more sensitive to infections than other parts of the body, so be cautious. How to find safe costume contactsLegally, contacts require a prescription, so if those colored contacts you're eyeing can be bought without showing a doctor’s prescription, they’re not legit. The real thing can be expensive, though: I found prices ranging from $40 to $110 per pair from lens.com, Discount Contacts, and Wicked Eyez. These websites all let you order online, but you’ll have to provide your prescription information before you can check out. Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission has ruled that providers must give you your contact prescription after a fitting so that you can take the prescription elsewhere. And they cannot charge you extra for this. Once you’ve got the lenses, you have to know how to take care of them. If you wear contacts every day, you already know the drill. But if you’re just picking up a pair to use with a costume, here are the basics: Wash your hands before handling the lenses. Store them in contact lens solution, and keep the lenses and their case clean. Don’t sleep or swim with them in. And for Pete’s sake, don’t share them with your friends! After all, the bloodshot look stops being cool after you take your zombie costume off. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The 2025 JBL Charge 6 is currently on sale for $139.99 on StackSocial, about $30 cheaper than Amazon’s $169.95 listing and at its lowest price ever, according to price trackers. It’s for an open-box model, which means the packaging may carry a few extra stickers or scuffs from store handling, but the unit itself is verified as new and comes with a one-year warranty. Free shipping is included, though only within the contiguous U.S. The Charge 6 is a rugged, carry-friendly speaker designed to go anywhere—pool, beach, or backyard. JBL added a looped handle that makes it easier to haul around, and the build itself feels sturdy enough to take some knocks. It’s dust-tight and can be submerged in about five feet of water for up to half an hour thanks to its IP68 rating, so you don’t need to worry if it gets splashed or dropped poolside. Inside, a larger woofer and tweeter produce a combined 45 watts of power, with passive radiators on each end adding more thump. The result is a sound that feels loud and punchy for the size, even if the lowest bass notes don’t come through. This PCMag review notes that its clarity and volume stand out in the compact speaker category. JBL also packed in some useful upgrades. The speaker now supports Auracast, letting you tap into compatible broadcasts, and it delivers lossless audio through the USB-C port if you’re willing to plug in. Bluetooth 5.4 maintains reliability, although codec support is limited to AAC and SBC, which is a disappointment for higher-quality wireless streaming. The JBL companion app also offers a seven-band EQ, several sound presets, and a Playtime Boost option that extends battery life by reducing bass levels. At this price, it’s worth considering if you're looking for a speaker that’s portable, loud, and durable enough to withstand some rough treatment outdoors. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $299.99 (List Price $649.99) Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, White with Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), White — $59.99 (List Price $99.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $29.99 (List Price $69.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $27.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with Ring Chime Pro — $149.99 (List Price $259.99) Introducing Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni Mini-LED Series, QLED 4K UHD smart TV, Dolby Vision IQ, 144hz gaming mode, Ambient Experience, hands-free with Alexa, 2024 release — $699.99 (List Price $819.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 2-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $51.99 (List Price $129.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Twilio, a leader in customer engagement technology, recently unveiled a new suite of features designed to enhance data handling for small businesses seeking to improve their customer experiences. As the landscape of customer engagement continues to evolve, maintaining high standards for data integrity is essential for staying competitive. At the heart of these updates is the need for small businesses to harness real-time, trustworthy data to drive customer interactions. According to Inbal Shani, Chief Product Officer at Twilio, “High-impact customer engagement starts with data that is real-time, contextual, and trusted.” This acknowledgment underscores an ongoing challenge faced by businesses: the necessity of operational agility backed by reliable information. The newly introduced tools consist of Granular Observability, a centralized Alerting Hub, expanded APIs, and Auto-Instrumentation. These enhancements are built to assist data teams in identifying and resolving issues proactively, thus ensuring seamless interactions with customers. Data integrity is pivotal for small businesses that rely on accurate and timely information for their marketing campaigns. The Granular Observability feature allows businesses to trace and diagnose problems directly within their data flow. For instance, Failed Delivery Logs provide detailed access to each event, enabling swift issue resolution, which is crucial for minimizing potential downtime and maintaining customer trust. The Alerting Hub, another significant addition, centralizes alert notifications. This means businesses can set up customized alerts for specific metrics, such as audience synchronization or data drop failures, all from a single interface. This centralized system is particularly advantageous for small businesses, which often operate with limited resources. Streamlining alert management can free up valuable time and reduce operational stress. Moreover, the expanded APIs offer considerable flexibility, allowing small business owners to customize and automate data-related tasks without extensive technical knowledge. The introduction of Auto-Instrumentation means that non-technical users can quickly set up event tracking. This feature significantly reduces the dependency on software developers, enabling teams to implement data collection strategies much faster, turning weeks’ worth of work into mere minutes. The implication of these tools extends beyond mere data management; they promise to enhance customer relations by ensuring that every interaction is informed and responsive. As Keith Kirkpatrick, Research Director at Futurum, notes, “Twilio’s focus on data quality, depth of observability, and API extensibility sets a new standard for trusted customer engagement at scale.” For small businesses, this could translate into stronger customer loyalty and improved engagement rates, as the quality of interactions significantly impacts customer satisfaction. However, while the benefits are clear, small business owners should also consider the potential challenges. Deploying new technology can require a period of adjustment and training. Teams may need to familiarize themselves with the new tools, which can take time, particularly for smaller businesses with limited staff. Additionally, while the centralization of alerts and data management sounds advantageous, it could also create initial complexity. Small business owners must ensure that their teams are equipped to manage the new systems effectively to avoid complacency that might arise from overlooking alerts. Despite these challenges, the advantages of implementing Twilio’s new features seem to far outweigh potential drawbacks, especially in an age where customer experience is paramount. Small businesses that successfully leverage these tools may find themselves not only keeping pace with competitors but also setting new standards in customer engagement. For more detailed information on these updates and to understand how they can benefit your business, you can explore the original press release from Twilio here. This article, "Twilio Unveils Advanced Tools for Enhanced Customer Data Management" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Twilio, a leader in customer engagement technology, recently unveiled a new suite of features designed to enhance data handling for small businesses seeking to improve their customer experiences. As the landscape of customer engagement continues to evolve, maintaining high standards for data integrity is essential for staying competitive. At the heart of these updates is the need for small businesses to harness real-time, trustworthy data to drive customer interactions. According to Inbal Shani, Chief Product Officer at Twilio, “High-impact customer engagement starts with data that is real-time, contextual, and trusted.” This acknowledgment underscores an ongoing challenge faced by businesses: the necessity of operational agility backed by reliable information. The newly introduced tools consist of Granular Observability, a centralized Alerting Hub, expanded APIs, and Auto-Instrumentation. These enhancements are built to assist data teams in identifying and resolving issues proactively, thus ensuring seamless interactions with customers. Data integrity is pivotal for small businesses that rely on accurate and timely information for their marketing campaigns. The Granular Observability feature allows businesses to trace and diagnose problems directly within their data flow. For instance, Failed Delivery Logs provide detailed access to each event, enabling swift issue resolution, which is crucial for minimizing potential downtime and maintaining customer trust. The Alerting Hub, another significant addition, centralizes alert notifications. This means businesses can set up customized alerts for specific metrics, such as audience synchronization or data drop failures, all from a single interface. This centralized system is particularly advantageous for small businesses, which often operate with limited resources. Streamlining alert management can free up valuable time and reduce operational stress. Moreover, the expanded APIs offer considerable flexibility, allowing small business owners to customize and automate data-related tasks without extensive technical knowledge. The introduction of Auto-Instrumentation means that non-technical users can quickly set up event tracking. This feature significantly reduces the dependency on software developers, enabling teams to implement data collection strategies much faster, turning weeks’ worth of work into mere minutes. The implication of these tools extends beyond mere data management; they promise to enhance customer relations by ensuring that every interaction is informed and responsive. As Keith Kirkpatrick, Research Director at Futurum, notes, “Twilio’s focus on data quality, depth of observability, and API extensibility sets a new standard for trusted customer engagement at scale.” For small businesses, this could translate into stronger customer loyalty and improved engagement rates, as the quality of interactions significantly impacts customer satisfaction. However, while the benefits are clear, small business owners should also consider the potential challenges. Deploying new technology can require a period of adjustment and training. Teams may need to familiarize themselves with the new tools, which can take time, particularly for smaller businesses with limited staff. Additionally, while the centralization of alerts and data management sounds advantageous, it could also create initial complexity. Small business owners must ensure that their teams are equipped to manage the new systems effectively to avoid complacency that might arise from overlooking alerts. Despite these challenges, the advantages of implementing Twilio’s new features seem to far outweigh potential drawbacks, especially in an age where customer experience is paramount. Small businesses that successfully leverage these tools may find themselves not only keeping pace with competitors but also setting new standards in customer engagement. For more detailed information on these updates and to understand how they can benefit your business, you can explore the original press release from Twilio here. This article, "Twilio Unveils Advanced Tools for Enhanced Customer Data Management" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article