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Leaders from Box, Meta, and LinkedIn on how AI is reshaping the future of work
AI is radically changing the future of the workplace — from redefining jobs to fueling the rise of so-called “work slop.” Live on stage at the Masters of Scale Summit in San Francisco, Box CEO Aaron Levie, LinkedIn’s Chief Economic Opportunity Officer Aneesh Raman, and Meta’s Head of Business AI Clara Shih share their insider perspectives on AI optimism, uncertainty, and navigating this unprecedented era. This is an abridged transcript of an interview from Rapid Response, hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company Bob Safian and recorded live at the 2025 Masters of Scale Summit in San Francisco. From the team behind the Masters of Scale podcast, Rapid Response features candid conversations with today’s top business leaders navigating real-time challenges. Subscribe to Rapid Response wherever you get your podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. iFrame Embed: Aneesh, there’s a real debate about the impact of AI on work and some say it will be positive, some say it will be negative. You’ve said it will be spectacular. Why? Raman: I’m at LinkedIn, we are if nothing else, a platform of people. We go where the species goes. So for two years I have thought about human intelligence as my core focus… For humans, work has kind of sucked since the industrial age. We have turned ourselves into efficiency machines, whether you’re at the assembly line or sending emails, it’s more, better, faster. More, better, faster… That isn’t who humans are. AI is going to out-efficiency us, robots going to out efficiency us. That’s okay. We became the apex species, not because we were the most efficient, but because we were the most imaginative, the most innovative… AI is going to force us finally to broaden our view of human intelligence. I’m pessimistic about our state of being ready for that because it’s entire new systems of education, employment, entrepreneurship, but we’re going to have to fix that and that’s great, I think. Clara, we’ve heard this term that’s become very popular, ‘work slop’, that AI-generated work is creating more work. It’s like volume over quality… Is work slop just a phase for AI? Is it like a bug that we’re going to fix or is this a feature and something that we’re always going to have to be vigilant about when we’re in a world where so much can be created so easily? Shih: I think there’s always been work slop. I’ve been responsible for some work slop, especially earlier in my career. I think certainly AI makes it easier to create lots of work slop, and so just like any new technology. I can imagine the very first spreadsheets when they were invented, people weren’t sure how to use it. The features probably didn’t include checking the formulas, and so there were probably some really bad, incorrect spreadsheets. The same thing is happening now. Raman: Like any tool, use it. Do not misuse it. Do not overuse it. There’s already lots of research. MIT has great research with brain scans that if you overuse AI, you’ll deplete your ability to grow critical thinking skills. AI helps individuals get started, but if everyone’s using it across a team, sameness creeps in. So it’s all about how you use it. Aaron, you founded Box. You know how important and distinctive a culture can be in an organization. Each company is different. All of our cultures, each one is different. When we add AI agents to our work, do we need to orient them like we do new employees? If we all use off-the-shelf AI, are we going to end up with off-the-shelf culture? Levie: Certainly. And by the way, I’m actually fine with lots of work slop because all I see is lots of files that are going to get generated… That’s good for you. Levie: I think everybody here is familiar with context engineering. It’s sort of a simple analogy, which is if you have an employee off the street, super-intelligent person, doesn’t know kind of what job they’re in, they just appeared and you’re like, “Okay, today you’re a lawyer and the next day you’re a marketer and the next day you’re a coder.” That’s kind of what an AI model is. And so you have to give it the context necessary to be able to perform its tasks. And so maybe actually ironically, if anything, you’ll have to get more context than the person would. It’s actually very easy for an employee to pick up the general cultural sort of norms and work practices because they can just look over at one other person and say, “Oh, I see the way that you just collaborated over there.” And so we’re more of a collaborative culture versus we just make really quick decisions and then move forward. An AI agent again doesn’t know, “Did I just join SpaceX or did I join Patagonia?” I’m assuming those are two different ends of the cultural spectrum. So you’re going to have to tell the agent effectively like, “Who are you right now? And here are the norms in our organization, and here is the context about the business process that you’re involved in.” Clara, I talked to one CEO last week who said like he’s being pressured to adopt AI in areas that he’s not sure it’s actually beneficial for the business, but he feels like, “Oh, I’m getting this push from all different parts of the organization, investors, and the board.” How do leaders strike the balance between, “I got to be in this,” versus, “It’s not really showing any measurable impact now yet”? Shih: I see this all the time from various leaders that I meet with. I think it’s first being hands-on and really getting in there and understanding the capabilities because I think with that judgment, with that firsthand experience, only then can leaders really know, “Okay, I want to apply it here but not here.” Another really great success formula is splitting up the team, having people focus on immediate use cases. What can I unlock today that will show me ROI this quarter, next quarter, versus what are the bigger bets where just I see the secular trend and we have to skate to where the puck is going… Levie: One pitfall that a lot of existing organizations will fall into, like us included when I walk around and try and talk about what kind of processes we can bring automation to, I think there is this idea that we have this sort of end-state utopian view of AI can do anything and can automate anything. The reality is that if you drop AI into today’s business process, it’s going to actually do very little and you have to actually re-engineer your workflow and you have to re-engineer your process. I think a lot of times, unfortunately, you’ll see people try and drop in AI into a process where then even with the best automation, you’re going to get a 10% gain or whatnot of that workflow. It’s not world-changing. Levie: It’s not world-changing, but it’s because you didn’t think about re-engineering the workflow for AI. And we thought AI would work how we do. It turns out it might be the case that we have to work how AI does and we have to be actually in service of the agent to make it most productive as opposed to this unfortunate reality where we probably thought it would make us productive. It’s a little terrifying. Your job is to make the AI more productive? Levie: Totally. Well, so there was some offsite 15 years ago where one of our engineering managers told me about the inverted pyramid. His job is to enable all the people below him technically in a hierarchy, but to be as productive as possible. And it was sort of this inversion of like he works for them to make them as effective as possible. And the reality is that that’s kind of what we’re going to be doing with AI agents for quite some time because we’re going to be working to make them effective… And if you look at the five and 10 and 20-person startups that are AI-native fully, they don’t have a single business process, that’s basically what they’re doing. They’re working to support agents to be super effective, and that’s just a totally different way to work. Raman: Make them more productive to make you more impactful. Shih: Yeah, help you help me. Raman: I think we have to be affirmatively pro-human. It’s hard to state how radical it is. View the full article
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This LG Gram 14 Laptop Features an Ultra-Light Design and Cloud OS Readiness for Under $400 Right Now
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The LG Gram line has built a reputation for being thin, light, and travel-friendly, and this 2022 14-inch model is currently on sale for just $389.99 on StackSocial. It's an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 laptop with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB NVMe SSD. On paper, that’s a respectable setup for browsing, multitasking, or office apps, and the 14-inch WUXGA display adds extra vertical space compared to standard 1080p panels. What makes this version different is that it ships without a traditional operating system. It’s designed as a “thin client,” ready to run Cloud OS platforms like IGEL or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, making it more appealing to business users who rely on virtual desktops than someone looking for a plug-and-play Windows laptop. The laptop weighs just 2.2 pounds and measures 0.66 inches thick, so tossing it into a backpack for commuting or travel won’t feel like a burden. Additionally, its battery life is rated for up to 12 hours, which means a full day of work can be completed before needing to recharge. As for connectivity, Thunderbolt 4 support opens the door to high-speed connections and external displays, while HDMI, USB-A, and a microSD slot cover most everyday accessories. Rounding it out are the backlit keyboard and fingerprint sensor on the power button, which add a touch of convenience. That said, there are some important trade-offs to weigh. Because it doesn’t include Windows or macOS, setting it up requires some technical expertise and a clear understanding of the environment you plan to use. The Core i3 processor is suitable for everyday tasks, but it's not intended for heavy creative work or gaming. And while the unit is brand new in original packaging, it doesn't come with a product warranty. Still, if you’re in the market for a lightweight, cloud-ready laptop built for business use, the LG Gram 14 delivers solid specs, a sharp 16:10 display, and excellent portability at a reasonable price. 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
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UK to stop disclosing identity of stock market short sellers
FCA overhauls regulations in break with EU rules and more in line with the US View the full article
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The Out-of-Touch Adults' Guide to Kid Culture: What is Group 7?
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
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America is building two AMD-powered supercomputers to recreate the sun and fight disease
The U.S. Department of Energy has struck a $1 billion deal with Advanced Micro Systems (AMD) to build two supercomputers that have unprecedented power to supercharge scientific advances ranging from nuclear power to developing cancer treatments. The partnership, first reported by Reuters on Monday, will ensure the U.S. government has the necessary computing power to accommodate enormous amounts of data—and could deliver about three times the AI capacity of current supercomputers. The artificial intelligence-powered supercomputers could be deployed for advancing nuclear power and replicate fusion—the process that fuels the sun and creates massive amounts of energy. “We’re going to get just massively faster progress using the computation from these AI systems that I believe will have practical pathways to harness fusion energy in the next two or three years,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright told Reuters. Shares of AMD rose nearly 1% in mid-day trading on Monday. The semiconductor maker’s stock has more-than doubled in value this year, and the company recently forged a partnership to supply its chips to OpenAI to build out AI infrastructure. Neither the Department of Energy nor AMD responded immediately to a request for comment from Fast Company. SUPERCOMPUTER TIMELINES The forthcoming supercomputers could be used to further advancements in technologies for defense and national security, including helping the U.S. government to manage its arsenal of nuclear weapons, along with accelerating drug discovery for the treatment of cancers, Wright told Reuters. “My hope is in the next five or eight years, we will turn most cancers, many of which today are ultimate death sentences, into manageable conditions.” The first of two supercomputers, Lux, could be up and running within the next six months, and will be based on AMD’s MI355X artificial intelligence chips and the company’s central processors (CPUs) and networking chips. The supercomputer system is co-developed by AMD, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The timeline for Lux will mark the fastest deployment of this size of supercomputer that AMD’s CEO, Lisa Su, has ever seen, she told Reuters. “This is the speed and agility that we wanted to (do) this for the U.S. AI efforts.” A second, even more advanced supercomputer—Discovery—will have a longer timeline for completion, and is expected to be ready for operations sometime in 2029. View the full article
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Apple Maps Might Be Getting Ads Next Year
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
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Milei’s moment? Election triumph hands libertarian shot at reform
Firebrand economist must build alliances to push through structural change in Argentina, analysts sayView the full article
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Markets are soaring today—with this exception. Here’s why these stocks are dropping double digits
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
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Tom Hayes sues former employer UBS for $400mn
Trader claims bank wrongly cast him as ‘evil mastermind’ behind Libor rate rigging View the full article
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Reeves faces £20bn hit to UK public finances from productivity downgrade
Bigger than expected reduction in OBR forecast deals blow to chancellor ahead of BudgetView the full article
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Here’s What to Expect From Walmart’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales
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
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Walmart, Best Buy roll out Black Friday 2025 calendar: Deals start this week. Here’s what to know
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
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KBW says loan level pricing cuts could hurt GSE earnings
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
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Zuckerberg appoints former metaverse executive to boost AI efforts
Vishal Shah takes on key role after Meta AI video service Vibes overshadowed by OpenAI’s SoraView the full article
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This 2020 M1 MacBook Air Is on Sale for Under $400 Right Now
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
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UK seeks ‘steel alliance’ with US and EU to tackle Chinese oversupply
Britain’s trade minister says a ‘club’ would be a natural response to a global glut of the metalView the full article
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Apology to readers: Correction to Waterstone Mortgage earnings report
A previous report on Waterstone Mortgage's Q3 earnings contained inaccurate information. We are correcting the record. View the full article
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The Twitter domain is officially being retired. Here’s what to do to make sure your account doesn’t get locked
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
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Disney Might Pull Its Channels From YouTube TV
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
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Argentine voters show a surprising taste for jam tomorrow
After sky-high inflation, currency crises and failed reform plans, the country was never going to find a quick fixView the full article
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Qualcomm shares jump as it launches new AI chip to rival Nvidia
San Diego-based chipmaker strikes deal to sell new data centre processor to Saudi group Humain View the full article
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Importers rush in spring orders early over tariffs anxiety
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
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Selling Handmade on Amazon: A Comprehensive Guide to Success
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
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Selling Handmade on Amazon: A Comprehensive Guide to Success
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
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Ministers resist pressure to dilute core UK worker rights reform
Government rejects speculation it will water down ‘day one’ protection against unfair dismissal View the full article