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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. You've probably heard of Sonos smart speakers and soundbars. They're one of the best in the market for audio quality and simple user experience. But unless you're in the weeds of tech audio, you probably missed their debut in the headphone space with the Sonos Ace, which was released last summer. You can get the Sonos Ace for $349 (originally $449), the lowest price they've been according to price tracking tools. Sonos Ace $349.00 at Amazon $449.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $349.00 at Amazon $449.00 Save $100.00 The Sonos Ace are soft, comfortable, and adaptable to different head sizes, thanks to their plastic design. You actually get buttons to control the headphones, which I personally consider a huge plus. The battery life is impressive, with about 30 hours with either the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or Aware Mode settings active or about 40 hours with both of those off. The Bluetooth multipoint connectivity means you can connect up to two devices at once and switch seamlessly between them. The headphones perform well, according to PCMag's "excellent" review. The sound is balanced with an EQ adjuster in the app, and the ANC and Aware Mode are top-tier, competing with the best headphones in the market. Unfortunately, the Sonos Ace aren't wifi-enabled, meaning you can't stream media into them like you can with Sonos speakers. However, you can connect to Sonos speakers through Bluetooth and listen to your media that way (if you own Sonos speakers). At their current price, the Sonos Ace are competitive with the best headphones for Apple users, the AirPods Max, and the best headphones for Android users, Sony's WH-1000XM5. If you care about transparency mode or have Sonos speakers are home, the Sonos Ace is your best choice. Otherwise, consider the AirPods Max or the WH-1000XM5. View the full article

Parents across the U.S. should soon be able to determine how much lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury are in the food they feed their babies, thanks to a California law, the first of its kind, that took effect this year. As of January 1, 2025, every company that sells baby food products in California is required to test for these four heavy metals every month. That comes five years after a congressional report warned about the presence of dangerously high levels of lead and other heavy metals in baby food. Every baby food product packaged in jars, pouches, tubs, and boxes sold in California must carry a QR code on its label that consumers can scan to check the most recent heavy metal readings, although many are not yet complying. Because companies seldom package products for a single state, parents and caregivers across the country will be able to scan these QR codes or go online to the companies’ websites and see the results. I am a pharmacist researcher who has studied heavy metals in mineral supplements, dietary supplements, and baby food for several years. My research highlights how prevalent these toxic agents are in everyday products such as baby food. I believe the new California law offers a solid first step in giving people the ability to limit the intake of these substances. How do heavy metals get into foods? Soil naturally contains heavy metals. The earth formed as a hot molten mass. As it cooled, heavier elements settled into its center regions, called the mantle and core. Volcanic eruptions in certain areas have brought these heavy metals to the surface over time. The volcanic rock erodes to form heavy metal-laden soil, contaminating nearby water supplies. Another major source of soil contamination is the exhaust from fossil fuels, and in particular leaded gasoline. Some synthetic fertilizers contribute, too. Heavy metals in the soil can pass into foods via several routes. Plants that yield foods such as sweet potatoes and carrots, apples, cinnamon, rice, and plant-based protein powder are especially good at extracting them from contaminated soil. Sometimes the contamination happens after harvesting. For example, local water that contains heavy metals is often used to rinse debris and bugs off natural products, such as leaves used to make a widely used supplement called kratom. When the water evaporates, the heavy metals are retained on the surface. Sometimes drying products in the open air, such as cacao beans for dark chocolate, allows dust laden with heavy metals to stick to their surface. Producers can reduce heavy metal contamination in food in several ways, which range from modestly to very effectively. First, they can reserve more contaminated areas for growing crops that are less prone to taking in heavy metals from the soil, such as peppers, beans, squash, melons, and cucumbers, and conversely grow more susceptible crops in less-contaminated areas. They can also dry plants on uncontaminated soil and filter heavy metals out of water before washing produce. Producers are starting to use genetic engineering and crossbreeding to create susceptible plants that take up fewer heavy metals through their roots, but this approach is still in its early stages. Sweet potatoes and other root vegetables are especially susceptible to absorbing heavy metals from soil. [Photo: Hui Sang/Unsplash] How much is too much? Although there is no entirely safe level of chronic heavy metal ingestion, heavy metals are all around us and are impossible to avoid entirely. In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released its first-ever guidance for manufacturers that sets limits on the amount of lead that baby food can contain. But the FDA guidance does not require companies to adhere to the limits. In that guidance, the FDA suggested a limit of 10 parts per billion of lead for baby foods that contain fruits, vegetables, meats, or combinations of those items, with or without grains. Yogurts, custards, and puddings should have the same cutoff, according to the agency. Root vegetables and dry infant cereals, meanwhile, should contain less than 20 parts per billion of lead. The FDA regulations don’t apply to some products babies frequently consume, such as formula, teething crackers, and other snacks. The agency has not defined firm limits for the consumption of other heavy metals, but its campaign against heavy metals in baby food, called Closer to Zero, reflects that a lower dose is better. That campaign also laid out plans to propose limits for other heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury. Modestly exceeding the agency’s recommended dosage for lead or arsenic a few times a month is unlikely to have noticeable negative health effects. However, chronically ingesting too much lead or inorganic arsenic can negatively affect childhood health, including cognitive development, and can cause softening of bones. How California’s QR codes can help parents and other caregivers It’s unclear how many products consistently exceed these recommendations. A study by Consumer Reports in 2018 found that 33 of 50 products had concerning levels of at least one heavy metal. In 2023, researchers repeated testing on seven of the failing products and found that heavy metal levels were now lower in three, the same in one, and slightly higher in three. Because these tests assess products bought and tested at one specific time, they may not reflect the average heavy metal content in the same product over the entire year. These levels can vary over time if the manufacturer sources ingredients from different parts of the country or the world at different times of the year. That’s where California’s new law can help. The law requires manufacturers to gather and divulge real-time information on heavy metal contamination monthly. By scanning a QR code on a box of Gerber Teether Snacks or a jar of Beech Nut Naturals sweet potato puree, parents and caregivers can call up test results on a smartphone and learn how much lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury were found in those specific products manufactured recently. These test results can also be accessed by entering a product’s name or batch number on the manufacturer’s website. Slow rollout In an investigation by Consumer Reports and a child advocacy group called Unleaded Kids, only four companies out of 28 were fully in compliance with the California law as of early this year. Some noncompliant companies had developed no infrastructure, some had developed websites but no heavy metal information was logged in, and some had information but required consumers to enter batch numbers to access results, without the required QR codes on the product packaging. The law requires companies to provide this information for foods produced after Jan. 1, 2025, with no provisions for extensions, and the major producers agreed to comply not only for California residents but to provide the results nationwide. California enforces noncompliance by embargoing misbranded baby food products, issuing penalties, and suspending or revoking registrations and licenses. When companies’ testing and reporting systems are fully up and running, a quick scan at the grocery store will allow consumers to adapt their purchases to minimize infants’ exposures to heavy metals. Initially, parents and caregivers may find it overwhelming to decide between one chicken and rice product that is higher in lead but lower in arsenic than a competitor’s product, for example. However, they may also encounter instances where one baby food product clearly contains less of three heavy metals and only slightly more for the fourth heavy metal than a comparable product from a different manufacturer. That information can more clearly inform their choice. Regardless of the readings, health experts advise parents and caregivers not to eliminate all root vegetables, apples, and rice but instead to feed babies a wide variety of foods. C. Michael White is a distinguished professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Connecticut. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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. If you like the idea of running errands or going for a jog without lugging your phone around, the Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular) is down to $249.99 on Woot. That’s a $500 discount on its original $749 price tag, but the deal is only live for two days or until it sells out. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you get free standard shipping, while others will have to pay $6 (keep in mind that Woot won’t ship to Alaska, Hawaii, PO boxes, or APO addresses). Now, if you’re wondering why you should care about the cellular version over the regular GPS model, it's because it doesn’t need to be tethered to your iPhone to have a connection. You can take calls, reply to messages, stream Apple Music, and use Apple Pay without having your phone nearby. That’s especially useful if you like to run without your phone or leave it behind while at the gym. PCMag called the Series 7 the “Best Smartwatch of the Year 2021” and gave it an Editor's Choice award when it launched, thanks to its larger display (meaning bigger buttons, a full QWERTY keyboard for texting, and an easier-to-read interface) and fast charging capabilities, going from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes (helpful if you use sleep tracking and don’t want to take it off for long). Of course, it's a couple of years old at this point (the Series 10 is the most recent generation), but the Series 7 is still a solid option if you don't care about having the absolutely newest tech available. The Series 7 also comes with an IP6X and WR50 rating, offering strong dust resistance for outdoor workouts and water resistance up to 50 meters (so you can wear it in the shower or take it poolside without worry). Additionally, this model comes with Apple’s limited one-year hardware warranty, which is a nice safety net. Like other Apple Watches, the Series 7 has a full set of health features including heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen tracking, always-on altimeter, and sleep tracking, among others. It also keeps an eye on your well-being, notifying you if it detects potentially harmful noise levels or irregular heart rhythms, plus fall detection—automatically dialing for help if you take a hard fall and don’t respond. That said, its battery life is around 18 hours, so you’ll need to charge it regularly, which isn’t great, but that’s the Apple Watch standard. If you want something that lasts multiple days, the Ultra models are better, but they cost a lot more. View the full article

Respondents tell us what they’re watching. Does it match what you’re seeing? By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Respondents tell us what they’re watching. Does it match what you’re seeing? By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Federal Reserve Gov. Michelle Bowman — who is viewed as a leading contender to be the next Vice Chair for Supervision at the central bank — said changes to the post-financial crisis framework should be a focal point of the central bank's ongoing regulatory policy review. View the full article

After five long years, Apple TV has made it to Android phones and tablets, bringing a polished and Apple-like interface to every Android device out there. You can finally binge-watch Severance on your Samsung smartphone (as you very much should), and if you're like me, you might actually prefer it there than on iPhone. The Apple TV app for Android, it turns out, is a stripped down version of the TV app from iPhone and iPad, not including content from partner streaming services or the ability to buy or rent movies. But it's this stripped down approach that actually makes the Android app better than the iPhone counterpart, at least in my opinion. In the language of Dieter Rams, "good design is as little design as possible". When you open the Apple TV app on Android, the Apple TV+ tab is the default option, showing your Apple TV+ queue and top TV shows and movies right up top. The only other content option is Apple's MLS sports streaming add-on, which gets its own distinct tab, too. On the iPhone and iPad, meanwhile, the TV app is actually much bigger than just Apple TV+. It carries subscription add-ons for different services like Disney+, Prime Video, Starz, Hulu, Peacock, and more. Plus, you can also use the app to rent or buy movies. This means that when you open the Apple TV app, you might be greeted by a banner for a new movie you've been wanting to see, thinking it's been added to Apple TV+ for free. However, clicking in will greet you with a big buy button, instead. Because Apple TV's interface is incredibly simple and there's no sections dividing up services (save for Apple's own), that can get confusing fast. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Compare that to Android, where the Apple TV app still carries the same design language, same polished interface, and the same minimal media player, but just feels better to use because there are no distractions and no hoops to jump through. On the iPhone or iPad app, I've come to dread the extra step of navigating to the dedicated Apple TV+ tab before I look for streaming content. On Android, that's already the default. Android also has a dedicated Downloads tab, while on the iOS and iPadOS app, you first have to switch to the Library tab to see your Downloads. Everything takes an extra step on the iPhone app. I sincerely hope that Apple is inspired by this feedback and works on making the iPhone app simpler, but given the nature of the product and all the things that the app does, it might be better to make the Apple TV+ app a separate entity by itself, kind of like the Apple TV app on Android. The Apple TV app on Android comes with a one-week free trial for Apple TV+, and then it's the same $9.99/month subscription as elsewhere. While the app is quite feature-rich, it does lack the Cast feature, so you can't just stream content to a TV via your Android smartphone. Aside from that, though, everything I need is here, including my watch list, offline downloads and picture-in-picture. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. Pandemic era adoption of work-from-home and hybrid work models has left many office spaces unused, triggering a surge in expired leases and vacant office buildings. Simultaneously, the residential housing market remains resilient, with the number of active homes for sale in January 2025 sitting 25% below the levels recorded in January 2019. It’d only make sense that many of these offices over time get converted into condos and apartments, right? To gain a comprehensive understanding of the current office-to-apartment conversions landscape, ResiClub turned to RentCafe, an arm of property management software giant Yardi Systems. Entering 2021, there were 12,100 office-to-apartment units in the U.S. conversion pipeline. Fast-forward to 2025, and that figure is now 70,700—an increase of 484% in just four years. “This significant increase highlights the evolving nature of America’s cities that are driven by shifts in living preferences and changes in work habits,” wrote RentCafe in its latest report. “As office spaces are reimagined to meet the demand for housing, it’s clear that adaptive reuse is playing a key role in reshaping urban landscapes.” According to RentCafe, the office-to-apartment unit pipeline (70,700) makes up 42% of the 169,000 units currently being converted from commercial properties into apartment units. It’s followed by hotel-to-apartment (22%), factory-to-apartment (11%), and warehouse-to-apartment (6%). The biggest chunk of this 70,700 office-to-apartment unit pipeline can be found in New York (8,310 units). Not too far behind is Washington, D.C. (6,533 units), Los Angeles (4,388 units), Chicago (3,606 units), and Dallas (2,752 units). From a big-picture perspective, the 70,700 office-to-residential conversion pipeline might not be as significant as it appears at first glance. Look no further than the project at 219 E. 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, near Grand Central Terminal. The former Pfizer headquarters will be transformed from a 10-story office building into a 29-story luxury multifamily development, bringing 1,600 housing units to market in 2027. This single conversion will be the biggest in New York City’s history and makes up 19% of New York City’s conversion pipeline and 2.3% of the U.S. conversion pipeline. The 291,000-square-foot office building will be about 540,000 square feet after the additional 19 stories are added to the structure. For perspective, there are about 95 million square feet of office real estate available for lease in New York City alone. Of the 55,339 office-to-apartments in some phase of development in January 2024, only 3,709 were completed by December, leaving 51,630 units that carried over into 2025, according to RentCafe’s report. Why aren’t there more office-to-apartment conversions right now? Commercial buildings may not be designed or constructed with residential living in mind. Converting office spaces into comfortable and functional apartments may require significant structural changes, such as adding windows or ventilation, or modifying floor plans. While office-to-apartment conversions can often be done faster, they often cost more than just building a new building. Big Picture: While the conversion of office spaces into residential units is gaining momentum, it still remains a small segment of the residential housing market. View the full article

When a hurricane or tornado starts to form, your local weather forecasters can quickly pull up maps tracking its movement and showing where it’s headed. But have you ever wondered where they get all that information? The forecasts can seem effortless, but behind the scenes, a vast network of satellites, airplanes, radar, computer models and weather analysts are providing access to the latest data—and warnings when necessary. This data comes from analysts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, known as NOAA, and its National Weather Service. Atmospheric scientists Christine Wiedinmyer and Kari Bowen, who is a former National Weather Service forecaster, explained NOAA’s central role in most U.S. weather forecasts. When people see a weather report on TV, what went on at NOAA to make that forecast possible? A lot of the weather information Americans rely on starts with real-time data collected by NOAA satellites, airplanes, weather balloons, radar, and maritime buoys, as well as weather stations around the world. All of that information goes into the agency’s computers, which process the data to begin defining what’s going on in different parts of the atmosphere. NOAA forecasters use computer models that simulate physics and the behavior of the atmosphere, along with their own experience and local knowledge, to start to paint a picture of the weather—what’s coming in a few minutes or hours or days. They also use that data to project seasonal conditions out over weeks or months. NOAA’s data comes from many sources to provide a more complete picture of developing climate and weather conditions. Communities and economies rely on that constantly updated information. [Chart: NOAA] When severe weather is on the way, the agency issues the official alerts you’ll see in the news and on your phone. All of this analysis happens before the information reaches private weather apps and TV stations. No matter who you are, you can freely access that data and the analyses. In fact, a large number of private companies use NOAA data to create fancy maps and other weather products that they sell. It would be extremely difficult to do all of that without NOAA. The agency operates a fleet of 18 satellites that are packed with instruments dedicated to observing weather phenomena essential to predicting the weather, from how hot the land surface is to the water content of the atmosphere. Some are geostationary satellites which sit high above different parts of the U.S. measuring weather conditions 24/7. Others orbit the planet. Many of these are operated as part of partnerships with NASA or the Air Force. Some private companies are starting to invest in satellites, but it would take an enormous amount of money to replicate the range of instrumentation and coverage that NOAA has in place. Satellites only last so long and take time to build, so NOAA is continually planning for the future, and using its technical expertise to develop new instruments and computer algorithms to interpret the data. NOAA’s low earth orbiting satellites circle the planet from pole to pole and across the equator 14 times a day to provide a full picture of the year twice a day. The agency also has geostationary satellites that provide continuous coverage over the U.S. [Chart: NOAA] Maritime buoys are another measuring system that would be difficult to replicate. Over 1,300 buoys across oceans around the world measure water temperature, wind, and wave height—all of which are essential for coastal warnings, as well as long-term forecasts. Weather observation has been around a long time. President Ulysses S. Grant created the first national weather service in the War Department in 1870. It became a civilian service in 1880 under the Department of Agriculture and is now in the Commerce Department. The information its scientists and technologists produce is essential for safety and also benefits people and industries in a lot of ways. Could a private company create forecasts on its own without NOAA data? It would be difficult for one company to provide comprehensive weather data in a reliable way that is also accessible to the entire public. Some companies might be able to launch their own satellite, but one satellite only gives you part of the picture. NOAA’s weather observation network has been around for a long time and collects data from points all over the U.S. and the oceans. Without that robust data, computer models and the broad network of forecasters and developers, forecasting also becomes less reliable. Analyzing that data is also complex. You’re not going to be able to take satellite data, run a model on a standard laptop and suddenly have a forecast. And there’s a question of whether a private company would want to take on the legal risk of being responsible for the nation’s forecasts and severe weather warnings. NOAA is taxpayer-funded, so it is a public good—its services provide safety and security for everyone, not just those who can pay for it. If weather data was only available at a price, one town might be able to afford the weather information necessary to protect its residents, while a smaller town or a rural area across the state might not. If you’re in a tornado-prone area or coastal zone, that information can be the difference between life or death. Is climate data and research into the changing climate important for forecasts? The Earth’s systems—its land, water, and the atmosphere—are changing, and we have to be able to assess how those changes will impact weather tomorrow, in two weeks and far into the future. Rising global temperatures affect weather patterns. Dryness can fuel wildfires. Forecasts have to take the changing climate into account to be accurate, no matter who is creating the forecast. Drought is an example. The dryness of the Earth controls how much water gets exchanged with the atmosphere to form clouds and rainfall. To have an accurate weather prediction, we need to know how dry things are at the surface and how that has changed over time. That requires long-term climate information. NOAA doesn’t do all of this by itself—who else is involved? NOAA partners with private sector, academia, nonprofits, and many others around the world to ensure that everyone has the best information to produce the most robust weather forecasts. Private weather companies and media also play important roles in getting those forecasts and alerts out more widely to the public. A lot of businesses rely on accuracy from NOAA’s weather data and forecasts: aviation, energy companies, insurance, even modern tractors’ precision farming equipment. The agency’s long-range forecasts are essential for managing state reservoirs to ensure enough water is saved and to avoid flooding. The government agency can be held accountable in a way private businesses are not because it answers to Congress. So, the data is trustworthy, accessible and developed with the goal to protect public safety and property for everyone. Could the same be said if only for-profit companies were producing that data? Christine Wiedinmyer is an associate director for science at CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder. Kari Bowen is an atmospheric scientist and program manager at CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have many questions about applying to internal jobs, something I have never done. At my current company, a new role came up that is a dream job for me. But it is also a reach, as it would be a bit of a career change. Knowing this job might open up, I’ve been making efforts to get to know the hiring manager, and I think we have a good relationship. But how do I actually navigate applying? I know it’s best practice not to tell your manager when you are job hunting, but what about when the job you’re applying for is an internal one? My manager is fair and a nice person, but I still don’t want them to know I’m looking to move on. Would it be beneficial for me to reach out to the hiring manager before the job is posted, or should I wait and apply through the usual process once the posting is live? I’m inclined to contact them first, as we have a solid, though relatively new, rapport. If I tell the hiring manager discreetly about my interest in the job, can I ask them to keep my interest under wraps? Or is that weird and not done? I’ve expressed a lot of interest in their work, so I don’t think it will be a massive surprise that I want to apply. I believe I have a better chance at a stretch job at a company where I already work and have a strong reputation, compared to applying for a stretch job externally. However, is it worth the risk of upsetting my current manager or damaging my reputation here for an internal opportunity? If I want to apply for a job that’s a reach, would it be less risky to do it outside my company? My preference is to get this internal job, but if I don’t, I’ll be applying outside the company eventually, although I’m in no huge rush. I think the smart thing to do would be to start my external job hunt at the same time as internally applying, so if my manager is upset or my reputation is dinged, I’ll hopefully have other options. Honestly, I’m feeling super overwhelmed just thinking about a full-on job hunt with everything else going on in my life! But do I just need to buckle down and go for it? You can read my answer to this letter at New York Magazine today. Head over there to read it. View the full article

Manila’s foreign secretary says he is reassured by US commitment to alliance amid tensions with BeijingView the full article

eBay is a popular online marketplace where sellers can showcase their products to a wide audience. To enhance their selling experience and increase efficiency, many sellers rely on a range of useful apps. This article first looks at 30 essential eBay apps that can help sellers achieve success by streamlining tasks and maximizing their selling potential. Additionally, it provides insights on benefits and what to look for in an eBay app, why you should use listing software to increase sales on an eBay store, useful FAQs and more. Read on to find out how these apps can transform your eBay business, ensuring you select the right tools for your specific needs. The Best eBay Apps for Sellers Below, you will find the best eBay apps designed to improve your selling experience and increase your success on the platform. These apps provide various features and functionalities that help streamline your operations and optimize your sales potential. eBay Login App The eBay app offers convenience and exclusive features for buyers and sellers. Users can receive real-time alerts from their eBay account, use image search, and securely store payment preferences in this easy-to-use app. Sellers can easily create, edit, and monitor listings, with the ability to sync across devices, including mobile. eBay Mastercard App The eBay Mastercard is from Synchrony Bank, so you’ll have to download their mobile app to access customer support, easily view your accounts, and enjoy convenient features like balance widgets and secure logins. eBay Profit Calculator App The free eBay Profit Calculator app helps sellers calculate their total profit after eBay fees, managed payment, promoted ads, and PayPal fees. It’s available on the web and for Android and is regularly updated. eBay Seller Hub eBay Seller Hub is a one-stop platform for sellers to streamline their business. It offers easy-to-use tools for listing creation, order management, sales insights, competitive analysis, and marketing. It’s free to use with advanced features for increased efficiency. Inkfrog Inkfrog is a management tool designed for eBay and Amazon businesses. It provides features such as inventory synchronization, quick eBay listings, professional templates, and a range of pricing plans. The tool has received favorable reviews from millions of shoppers and sellers. Terapeak Terapeak is a set of eBay research tools exclusive to sellers. Terapeak Product Research helps optimize listings with market data and trends, while Terapeak Sourcing Insights identifies high-demand categories and trends. Both tools are accessible through the Research tab in Seller Hub. Title Builder Title Builder is a powerful eBay title generator that’s free to use and helps sellers optimize their listings. It provides keyword suggestions, item images with similar keywords, spell check, eBay-suggested categories, and more. Auctiva Auctiva simplifies multi-channel selling with centralized inventory management, automatic product importing, and bulk listing. It offers image hosting, mobile app support, and reporting. Different pricing plans are available. JoeLister JoeLister is a tool for cross-listing Amazon inventory on eBay and Shopify. It populates listings, syncs quantities and prices, handles fulfillment, and offers plans starting at $29/month. A two-week free trial is available. Vendio Vendio is a company that provides e-commerce solutions to help small businesses manage and sell their products online. Their services include inventory management, order processing, and online store creation. Sellbrite Sellbrite is now free for small businesses to sell their products on major online marketplaces. It offers easy listing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping. Plans start at $19/month. Feedback Boost Feedback Boost helps over 5000 eBay sellers increase feedback scores by up to 50%. It automates feedback reminders, improves communication, and offers features like order tracking and automatic feedback. Pricing is $9.99/month with unlimited transactions. Checkaflip CheckAFlip assists eBay sellers in pricing items accurately. After being acquired by KragerLabs, it provides an easy-to-use interface and valuable data for sellers. Users can compare listings and discover average prices. ChannelAdvisor ChannelAdvisor helps businesses expand to new sales channels, optimize their presence, and streamline operations. They offer integrations to global marketplaces, drop-ship solutions, retail media advertising, web store amplification, fulfillment services, and managed services. Auto DS Auto DS is a powerful eBay dropshipping tool that offers features such as product discovery, price tracking, and automated order management. It allows for manual dropshipping without the need for an API, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Kyozou Kyozou is eBay-certified software with features for efficient eBay selling. It includes auto listing, bulk editing, scheduled listings, eBay Motors integration, inventory management, multichannel listing, order and shipping management, and a web store platform. ShelfTrend ShelfTrend offers eBay sellers data analytics reports for improved sales. It provides insights into inventory, sales, competitor activity, and market trends. Developed by former eBay employees, ShelfTrend supports online sellers in driving e-commerce growth. ZIK Analytics ZIK Analytics offers eBay sellers powerful tools for product research. Find profitable items, analyze competitors, and rank your products higher. Benefit from market insights, category research, and title building. Repricer Repricer.com updates prices in real time across multiple channels like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. It offers integrations with various marketplaces, inventory systems, and automation tools to help businesses increase sales and profits. Start a free trial now. KeywordTool.io KeywordTool.io is a reliable keyword research tool specifically designed for eBay. It gathers actual search queries from eBay apps and the website, assisting sellers in identifying the most effective keywords for their product listings. The premium version provides additional keywords and search volume data to enhance optimization. Mark Sight Mark Sight provides eBay research and analytics tools for online sellers. Access completed listings, eBay statistics surrounding keywords, price trends, and sell-through data. Tested and praised by thousands of users. Ideal for eBay and Amazon sellers seeking popular product ideas. GoDataFeed GoDataFeed is an e-commerce platform that markets products on multiple channels. It simplifies data formatting, improves ad targeting, and alerts users of feed errors. It offers advanced feed management, connects to popular marketplaces, and has many positive reviews. Algopix Algopix offers comprehensive eBay and Amazon product research tools, helping sellers manage their placement and shipping. It also provides data insights for market analysis, competitor research, fee analysis, sales history, price management, and bulk research. Podorder Podorder is a print-on-demand platform for businesses. It offers tools for product management, order fulfillment, automation, and branding across multiple channels. Trusted by over 100k sellers, it provides solutions tailored to print-on-demand businesses on various platforms. LitCommerce LitCommerce enables businesses to connect with millions of eBay users, offering global reach, diverse product categories, seller tools, auction format, seller protection, and a multichannel solution for increased sales. 3DSellers 3DSellers is an all-in-one eBay selling manager software trusted by thousands. It offers a free 7-day trial, including ebay listing tools, multichannel order management, customer service helpdesk, and automation features. Solid Commerce Solid Commerce offers multi-channel eCommerce solutions to expand, streamline, and automate business operations. Trusted by 10,000+ brands, it integrates with various marketplaces and offers comprehensive business visibility. Xpress Lister Xpress Lister is an advanced eBay listing tool recommended by experts. It offers faster and easier listing management, auto-categorization, mobile-optimized templates, and bulk editing features. It ensures active content compliance and supports multi-variant listings. Try it for free; no credit card is required. App NameKey Features eBay Login AppReal-time alerts, image search, secure payment preference storage, easy listing creation and editing eBay Mastercard AppCustomer support, easy account access, balance widgets, secure logins eBay Profit Calculator AppCalculate total profit after various fees, regularly updated eBay Seller HubStreamlined selling platform, listing creation, order management, sales insights, competitive analysis, marketing tools InkfrogInventory synchronization, fast eBay listing, professional templates, multiple pricing plans TerapeakOptimizes listings with market data and trends, identifies high-demand categories AfterShipProactive tracking, returns automation, shipping protection, carrier integration Title BuilderPowerful title generator, keyword suggestions, item images with similar keywords, spell check, eBay suggested categories AuctivaCentralized inventory management, automatic product importing, bulk listing, image hosting, mobile app support, reporting JoeListerCross-listing tool for Amazon inventory on eBay and Shopify, handles fulfillment VendioInventory management, order processing, online store creation SellbriteEasy listing, inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping Feedback BoostAutomates feedback reminders, improves communication, offers order tracking CheckaflipPricing tool, average price finding, listing comparison ChannelAdvisorChannel expansion, optimization, and streamlining services, drop-ship solutions, advertising Auto DSAdvanced eBay dropshipping tool, product finding, price monitoring, automated orders KyozouAuto listing, bulk editing, scheduled listings, eBay Motors integration, inventory management ShelfTrendProvides data analytics reports for inventory, sales, competitor activity, and market trends ZIK AnalyticsProduct research, competitor analysis, product ranking, market insights Repricer.comReal-time price updates across multiple channels, marketplace integrations KeywordTool.ioKeyword research, extracts search queries from eBay, search volume data Mark SighteBay research and analytics tools, price trends, sell-through data GoDataFeedMarkets products on multiple channels, data formatting, ad targeting, feed error alerts AlgopixComprehensive product research tools, market analysis, competitor research, fee analysis PodorderProduct management, order fulfillment, automation, branding tools for print-on-demand businesses LitCommerceGlobal reach, diverse product categories, seller tools, auction format, seller protection 3DSellerseBay selling manager software, listing tools, multichannel order management, customer service helpdesk Solid CommerceMulti-channel eCommerce solutions, marketplace integrations, business visibility Xpress ListerAdvanced listing tool, auto-categorization, mobile-optimized templates, bulk editing PrintfulEnables eBay store setup, print-on-demand product selling, automatic fulfillment Understanding eBay Apps eBay apps are essential tools for sellers, streamlining operations and boosting success. Discover what these apps are and why sellers need them to thrive. What is an eBay App? eBay apps are software applications designed to enhance the selling experience on eBay. They offer various features and functionalities that facilitate listing management, order processing, inventory tracking, and buyer communication. Whether you’re just learning how to start an eBay store or are a seasoned pro, these apps can simplify tasks and improve overall efficiency. Why Do eBay Sellers Need Apps? eBay sellers face multiple challenges, such as managing listings, handling orders, and staying competitive. eBay apps can help users navigate these challenges. Here are some specific reasons why sellers should utilize eBay apps: Streamlined Listing Management: eBay apps provide tools that simplify and expedite the process of listing items for sale. This includes features like bulk listing, scheduled listings, and easy editing of listing details, all of which can save you significant time and effort. Improved Inventory Control: Keeping track of your stock can be challenging, especially if you’re selling a large number of different items. eBay apps can provide real-time inventory updates, send alerts when stock is running low, and help prevent overselling. Automated Shipping: Some eBay apps offer shipping automation features that can help streamline order fulfillment. This includes automatically printing shipping labels, updating tracking information, and integrating with various shipping carriers. Effective Customer Communication: Timely and effective communication with customers is crucial for any online seller. eBay apps can assist with this by providing features for automated messaging, dispute resolution, and tracking customer interactions. Analytics and Reporting: eBay apps often include robust analytics and reporting features, which can provide valuable insights into your sales, customer behavior, and market trends. These insights can inform your business decisions and help improve your selling strategies. Increased Competitiveness: Many eBay apps provide market research and competitive analysis tools. These can help you understand what other sellers in your category are doing and adjust your own strategies to stay competitive. Time Efficiency: By automating and streamlining various aspects of your eBay business, these apps can save you significant time. This frees you up to focus on other important aspects of your business, like sourcing new products or expanding to new markets. Scalability: As your business grows, managing it manually can become increasingly difficult. eBay apps can scale your business, handling a greater volume of sales and inventory as needed. Multi-Platform Integration: If you’re selling on multiple platforms, some eBay apps can integrate all of your operations into a single interface. This can greatly simplify your tasks and make managing your business much easier. Improved Seller Ratings: By helping to ensure timely shipping and effective communication with buyers, eBay apps can help improve your seller ratings. Higher ratings can increase buyer trust and lead to more sales. The Benefits of Using Apps for an eBay Seller Discover how utilizing apps can significantly benefit eBay sellers by improving inventory management, streamlining order processes, automating eBay listings, and much more. Inventory Management Efficient inventory management is crucial for eBay sellers. With the help of apps, sellers can easily track and organize their inventory, ensuring accurate stock levels, reducing errors, and preventing overselling. Apps also enable swift adjustments to inventory in response to sales trends or stock changes. Order Management Handling orders can be time-consuming and complex. eBay apps simplify this process by providing tools to manage orders efficiently, including order tracking, automated notifications, and streamlined shipping workflows. This efficiency results in faster order processing and improved buyer satisfaction. Automated eBay Listings Creating and managing eBay listings can take time and effort. Apps offer features like bulk listing creation, templates, and automation, enabling sellers to quickly list products, save time, and maintain consistency in their listings. Enhanced listing quality and visibility lead to increased sales. Cross-Platform Selling Expand your reach beyond eBay by using eBay apps that facilitate cross-platform selling. These apps enable sellers to list their products across various e-commerce platforms, thereby reaching a wider audience and enhancing sales potential. The seamless integration with other platforms boosts your online presence. Manage Multiple Listings Selling a large number of products requires effective management. eBay apps provide tools to efficiently handle multiple listings, including bulk editing, revising, and relisting capabilities, making tracking and updating product information easier. Simplifies operations for sellers with extensive inventories. Improved Customer Service for your eBay Business Customer service is essential for eBay sellers. Apps offer features such as automated responses, message templates, and order status updates, enabling sellers to provide timely and personalized customer support and enhancing the overall buying experience. Promotes stronger buyer relationships and repeat business. Sales Data Analysis Apps provide valuable insights into sales data, allowing sellers to analyze trends, identify popular products, and make informed business decisions. These data-driven insights help optimize pricing strategies and identify growth opportunities. Enables strategic planning based on real-time data. Shipping and Fulfillment, Including Tracking Information Efficient shipping and fulfillment are critical for customer satisfaction. eBay apps offer integration with shipping carriers, streamlining shipping processes, generating shipping labels, and providing tracking information, ensuring smooth order fulfillment. Reduces delivery times and enhances buyer trust. Marketing and SEO for Your eBay Business Promoting your eBay business and improving visibility is easier with apps offering marketing and SEO features. These tools assist in optimizing product listings with relevant keywords, increasing search rankings, and attracting more potential buyers. What to Look for in an eBay App When selecting an eBay app to manage your eBay selling activities, you need to consider a variety of factors that will align with your needs as a seller. Here’s an expanded guide on the key aspects you should pay attention to: Sales Volume Capability: Take into account the scale of your business and the volume of sales you manage. Certain eBay apps are specifically designed to accommodate high-volume sellers, whereas others cater to smaller businesses. Listing Management: Look for features that enable you to manage your listings easily. This may include tools for bulk editing, product description templates, automatic repricing, and scheduled listings. Inventory Management: If you sell many products, having a system in place to manage your inventory can save you a lot of time and headaches. This may include features for tracking inventory levels, alerting when stocks are low, and managing product variations. Order Management: The app should offer comprehensive order management tools. These include automated invoicing, shipment tracking, order fulfillment status, and integration with major shipping carriers. Integration with Other Platforms: If you sell on other platforms as well as eBay, you’ll want an app that can manage all of these from a single interface. This can simplify your tasks and save you a lot of time. Seller Protection Features: Look for an app that offers robust security features to help protect you from eBay scams and fraud. This could include enhanced communication tools, dispute resolution assistance, and proactive alerts about suspicious activity. Reporting and Analytics: A good eBay app should provide you with insights about your sales, customer behavior, and other important metrics. This information can be invaluable in helping you make informed decisions about your business. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Some eBay apps include CRM features, which allow you to track customer interactions, send marketing messages, and provide superior customer service. Ease of Use: The interface of the app should be user-friendly and intuitive, enabling you to accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently. Pricing Structure: Consider the app’s cost and whether it provides good value for money. This will depend on the number and quality of the features offered and how well they meet your specific needs. Customer Support: Look for an app with a reputation for providing excellent customer support. You want to be sure that if you encounter any issues or have questions, you’ll be able to get the help you need promptly. These factors should help you select an eBay app that enhances the management of your eBay business, making it easier and more profitable. Using Listing Software to Increase Sales on an eBay Store Using listing software for your eBay store can significantly boost your sales. These apps offer features like bulk listing creation, templates, and optimization tools that help attract more buyers, improve visibility, and enhance the overall presentation of your products. Furthermore, advanced analytics provided by these tools can give you insights into which listings perform well, allowing for data-driven decisions to refine your strategy. Automated pricing adjustments ensure your listings remain competitive in real-time, adapting to market changes and competitor pricing. Lastly, the ability to schedule listings for peak buying times means your products are more likely to be seen by potential customers, increasing the chances of making a sale. Our Methodology to Choose the Best eBay Apps When recommending eBay apps suitable for small business owners, we’ve evaluated various factors to ensure our selections meet the unique needs of businesses operating on this platform. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 10 (most important) to 1 (least important). Ease of Use and User Interface: Importance 10/10 Intuitive and user-friendly interface. Simple navigation and ease of performing key tasks. Clear and helpful onboarding process. Listing and Inventory Management: Importance 9/10 Efficient tools for creating and managing listings. Capabilities for bulk listing and editing. Integration with inventory management systems. Pricing and Fee Management: Importance 8/10 Tools for tracking and managing eBay fees. Features for price optimization and competitive analysis. Ability to handle different pricing models. Order Processing and Fulfillment: Importance 8/10 Streamlined order processing workflows. Integration with shipping and fulfillment services. Features for managing and tracking shipments. Customer Service and Communication: Importance 7/10 Tools for efficient customer communication. Automation of common customer inquiries and responses. Management of feedback and reviews. Analytics and Reporting: Importance 7/10 Comprehensive analytics on sales, trends, and performance. Customizable reports for business insights. Data export options for further analysis. Mobile Accessibility and Performance: Importance 6/10 Functionality and performance on mobile devices. Accessibility of key features via mobile apps. Synchronization between desktop and mobile platforms. Security and Compliance: Importance 5/10 Measures for ensuring data security and privacy. Compliance with eBay’s policies and guidelines. Regular updates and maintenance for security. By focusing on these key areas, we’ve honed in on what truly impacts an eBay seller’s experience and success. This targeted approach avoids overwhelm and allows for informed decision-making that aligns with your business’s specific demands on eBay. Elevating Your eBay Business: The Takeaways As you can see, eBay apps offer numerous advantages that can help sellers manage their businesses more effectively, stay competitive, and achieve greater success on the platform. The specific benefits you experience will depend on which app you choose and how well it aligns with your business needs. Integrating the right apps into your workflow can transform your operations, making them more streamlined and responsive to market demands. Additionally, leveraging these tools can unlock new opportunities for growth, helping you to explore untapped markets and customer segments with greater ease. FAQs: eBay Apps Is There a Free App Available for Selling on eBay? Yes, eBay provides a free app allowing sellers to manage their business directly from their mobile devices. This app offers essential features for listing items, managing orders, tracking sales, and communicating with buyers, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for sellers. How does listing software help eBay sellers on multiple sales channels? Listing software empowers eBay sellers to extend their reach beyond the eBay platform. These tools enable sellers to create and manage listings across multiple sales channels at the same time, streamlining the listing management process and saving both time and effort. How Can eBay Apps Help to track inventory? eBay apps provide inventory tracking features that enable sellers to keep an eye on stock levels, receive alerts for low inventory, and monitor product availability. These tools facilitate precise inventory management, helping to prevent overselling and assisting sellers in staying organized. What role do auto-relist rules in listing software play in eBay inventory management? Auto-relist rules in listing software automate the process of relisting items that have expired without being sold. This feature saves time for sellers by automatically relisting items based on predefined rules, ensuring continuous visibility and maximizing sales opportunities. How can eBay apps streamline tracking inventory and listings for high-volume sellers? For high-volume sellers, managing inventory and listings can be challenging. eBay apps streamline this process by offering advanced inventory management features, bulk listing capabilities, and tools for efficient tracking, enabling high-volume sellers to stay organized and handle large quantities of listings effectively. Image: Envato This article, "Essential eBay Apps for Successful Sellers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

eBay is a popular online marketplace where sellers can showcase their products to a wide audience. To enhance their selling experience and increase efficiency, many sellers rely on a range of useful apps. This article first looks at 30 essential eBay apps that can help sellers achieve success by streamlining tasks and maximizing their selling potential. Additionally, it provides insights on benefits and what to look for in an eBay app, why you should use listing software to increase sales on an eBay store, useful FAQs and more. Read on to find out how these apps can transform your eBay business, ensuring you select the right tools for your specific needs. The Best eBay Apps for Sellers Below, you will find the best eBay apps designed to improve your selling experience and increase your success on the platform. These apps provide various features and functionalities that help streamline your operations and optimize your sales potential. eBay Login App The eBay app offers convenience and exclusive features for buyers and sellers. Users can receive real-time alerts from their eBay account, use image search, and securely store payment preferences in this easy-to-use app. Sellers can easily create, edit, and monitor listings, with the ability to sync across devices, including mobile. eBay Mastercard App The eBay Mastercard is from Synchrony Bank, so you’ll have to download their mobile app to access customer support, easily view your accounts, and enjoy convenient features like balance widgets and secure logins. eBay Profit Calculator App The free eBay Profit Calculator app helps sellers calculate their total profit after eBay fees, managed payment, promoted ads, and PayPal fees. It’s available on the web and for Android and is regularly updated. eBay Seller Hub eBay Seller Hub is a one-stop platform for sellers to streamline their business. It offers easy-to-use tools for listing creation, order management, sales insights, competitive analysis, and marketing. It’s free to use with advanced features for increased efficiency. Inkfrog Inkfrog is a management tool designed for eBay and Amazon businesses. It provides features such as inventory synchronization, quick eBay listings, professional templates, and a range of pricing plans. The tool has received favorable reviews from millions of shoppers and sellers. Terapeak Terapeak is a set of eBay research tools exclusive to sellers. Terapeak Product Research helps optimize listings with market data and trends, while Terapeak Sourcing Insights identifies high-demand categories and trends. Both tools are accessible through the Research tab in Seller Hub. Title Builder Title Builder is a powerful eBay title generator that’s free to use and helps sellers optimize their listings. It provides keyword suggestions, item images with similar keywords, spell check, eBay-suggested categories, and more. Auctiva Auctiva simplifies multi-channel selling with centralized inventory management, automatic product importing, and bulk listing. It offers image hosting, mobile app support, and reporting. Different pricing plans are available. JoeLister JoeLister is a tool for cross-listing Amazon inventory on eBay and Shopify. It populates listings, syncs quantities and prices, handles fulfillment, and offers plans starting at $29/month. A two-week free trial is available. Vendio Vendio is a company that provides e-commerce solutions to help small businesses manage and sell their products online. Their services include inventory management, order processing, and online store creation. Sellbrite Sellbrite is now free for small businesses to sell their products on major online marketplaces. It offers easy listing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping. Plans start at $19/month. Feedback Boost Feedback Boost helps over 5000 eBay sellers increase feedback scores by up to 50%. It automates feedback reminders, improves communication, and offers features like order tracking and automatic feedback. Pricing is $9.99/month with unlimited transactions. Checkaflip CheckAFlip assists eBay sellers in pricing items accurately. After being acquired by KragerLabs, it provides an easy-to-use interface and valuable data for sellers. Users can compare listings and discover average prices. ChannelAdvisor ChannelAdvisor helps businesses expand to new sales channels, optimize their presence, and streamline operations. They offer integrations to global marketplaces, drop-ship solutions, retail media advertising, web store amplification, fulfillment services, and managed services. Auto DS Auto DS is a powerful eBay dropshipping tool that offers features such as product discovery, price tracking, and automated order management. It allows for manual dropshipping without the need for an API, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Kyozou Kyozou is eBay-certified software with features for efficient eBay selling. It includes auto listing, bulk editing, scheduled listings, eBay Motors integration, inventory management, multichannel listing, order and shipping management, and a web store platform. ShelfTrend ShelfTrend offers eBay sellers data analytics reports for improved sales. It provides insights into inventory, sales, competitor activity, and market trends. Developed by former eBay employees, ShelfTrend supports online sellers in driving e-commerce growth. ZIK Analytics ZIK Analytics offers eBay sellers powerful tools for product research. Find profitable items, analyze competitors, and rank your products higher. Benefit from market insights, category research, and title building. Repricer Repricer.com updates prices in real time across multiple channels like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. It offers integrations with various marketplaces, inventory systems, and automation tools to help businesses increase sales and profits. Start a free trial now. KeywordTool.io KeywordTool.io is a reliable keyword research tool specifically designed for eBay. It gathers actual search queries from eBay apps and the website, assisting sellers in identifying the most effective keywords for their product listings. The premium version provides additional keywords and search volume data to enhance optimization. Mark Sight Mark Sight provides eBay research and analytics tools for online sellers. Access completed listings, eBay statistics surrounding keywords, price trends, and sell-through data. Tested and praised by thousands of users. Ideal for eBay and Amazon sellers seeking popular product ideas. GoDataFeed GoDataFeed is an e-commerce platform that markets products on multiple channels. It simplifies data formatting, improves ad targeting, and alerts users of feed errors. It offers advanced feed management, connects to popular marketplaces, and has many positive reviews. Algopix Algopix offers comprehensive eBay and Amazon product research tools, helping sellers manage their placement and shipping. It also provides data insights for market analysis, competitor research, fee analysis, sales history, price management, and bulk research. Podorder Podorder is a print-on-demand platform for businesses. It offers tools for product management, order fulfillment, automation, and branding across multiple channels. Trusted by over 100k sellers, it provides solutions tailored to print-on-demand businesses on various platforms. LitCommerce LitCommerce enables businesses to connect with millions of eBay users, offering global reach, diverse product categories, seller tools, auction format, seller protection, and a multichannel solution for increased sales. 3DSellers 3DSellers is an all-in-one eBay selling manager software trusted by thousands. It offers a free 7-day trial, including ebay listing tools, multichannel order management, customer service helpdesk, and automation features. Solid Commerce Solid Commerce offers multi-channel eCommerce solutions to expand, streamline, and automate business operations. Trusted by 10,000+ brands, it integrates with various marketplaces and offers comprehensive business visibility. Xpress Lister Xpress Lister is an advanced eBay listing tool recommended by experts. It offers faster and easier listing management, auto-categorization, mobile-optimized templates, and bulk editing features. It ensures active content compliance and supports multi-variant listings. Try it for free; no credit card is required. App NameKey Features eBay Login AppReal-time alerts, image search, secure payment preference storage, easy listing creation and editing eBay Mastercard AppCustomer support, easy account access, balance widgets, secure logins eBay Profit Calculator AppCalculate total profit after various fees, regularly updated eBay Seller HubStreamlined selling platform, listing creation, order management, sales insights, competitive analysis, marketing tools InkfrogInventory synchronization, fast eBay listing, professional templates, multiple pricing plans TerapeakOptimizes listings with market data and trends, identifies high-demand categories AfterShipProactive tracking, returns automation, shipping protection, carrier integration Title BuilderPowerful title generator, keyword suggestions, item images with similar keywords, spell check, eBay suggested categories AuctivaCentralized inventory management, automatic product importing, bulk listing, image hosting, mobile app support, reporting JoeListerCross-listing tool for Amazon inventory on eBay and Shopify, handles fulfillment VendioInventory management, order processing, online store creation SellbriteEasy listing, inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping Feedback BoostAutomates feedback reminders, improves communication, offers order tracking CheckaflipPricing tool, average price finding, listing comparison ChannelAdvisorChannel expansion, optimization, and streamlining services, drop-ship solutions, advertising Auto DSAdvanced eBay dropshipping tool, product finding, price monitoring, automated orders KyozouAuto listing, bulk editing, scheduled listings, eBay Motors integration, inventory management ShelfTrendProvides data analytics reports for inventory, sales, competitor activity, and market trends ZIK AnalyticsProduct research, competitor analysis, product ranking, market insights Repricer.comReal-time price updates across multiple channels, marketplace integrations KeywordTool.ioKeyword research, extracts search queries from eBay, search volume data Mark SighteBay research and analytics tools, price trends, sell-through data GoDataFeedMarkets products on multiple channels, data formatting, ad targeting, feed error alerts AlgopixComprehensive product research tools, market analysis, competitor research, fee analysis PodorderProduct management, order fulfillment, automation, branding tools for print-on-demand businesses LitCommerceGlobal reach, diverse product categories, seller tools, auction format, seller protection 3DSellerseBay selling manager software, listing tools, multichannel order management, customer service helpdesk Solid CommerceMulti-channel eCommerce solutions, marketplace integrations, business visibility Xpress ListerAdvanced listing tool, auto-categorization, mobile-optimized templates, bulk editing PrintfulEnables eBay store setup, print-on-demand product selling, automatic fulfillment Understanding eBay Apps eBay apps are essential tools for sellers, streamlining operations and boosting success. Discover what these apps are and why sellers need them to thrive. What is an eBay App? eBay apps are software applications designed to enhance the selling experience on eBay. They offer various features and functionalities that facilitate listing management, order processing, inventory tracking, and buyer communication. Whether you’re just learning how to start an eBay store or are a seasoned pro, these apps can simplify tasks and improve overall efficiency. Why Do eBay Sellers Need Apps? eBay sellers face multiple challenges, such as managing listings, handling orders, and staying competitive. eBay apps can help users navigate these challenges. Here are some specific reasons why sellers should utilize eBay apps: Streamlined Listing Management: eBay apps provide tools that simplify and expedite the process of listing items for sale. This includes features like bulk listing, scheduled listings, and easy editing of listing details, all of which can save you significant time and effort. Improved Inventory Control: Keeping track of your stock can be challenging, especially if you’re selling a large number of different items. eBay apps can provide real-time inventory updates, send alerts when stock is running low, and help prevent overselling. Automated Shipping: Some eBay apps offer shipping automation features that can help streamline order fulfillment. This includes automatically printing shipping labels, updating tracking information, and integrating with various shipping carriers. Effective Customer Communication: Timely and effective communication with customers is crucial for any online seller. eBay apps can assist with this by providing features for automated messaging, dispute resolution, and tracking customer interactions. Analytics and Reporting: eBay apps often include robust analytics and reporting features, which can provide valuable insights into your sales, customer behavior, and market trends. These insights can inform your business decisions and help improve your selling strategies. Increased Competitiveness: Many eBay apps provide market research and competitive analysis tools. These can help you understand what other sellers in your category are doing and adjust your own strategies to stay competitive. Time Efficiency: By automating and streamlining various aspects of your eBay business, these apps can save you significant time. This frees you up to focus on other important aspects of your business, like sourcing new products or expanding to new markets. Scalability: As your business grows, managing it manually can become increasingly difficult. eBay apps can scale your business, handling a greater volume of sales and inventory as needed. Multi-Platform Integration: If you’re selling on multiple platforms, some eBay apps can integrate all of your operations into a single interface. This can greatly simplify your tasks and make managing your business much easier. Improved Seller Ratings: By helping to ensure timely shipping and effective communication with buyers, eBay apps can help improve your seller ratings. Higher ratings can increase buyer trust and lead to more sales. The Benefits of Using Apps for an eBay Seller Discover how utilizing apps can significantly benefit eBay sellers by improving inventory management, streamlining order processes, automating eBay listings, and much more. Inventory Management Efficient inventory management is crucial for eBay sellers. With the help of apps, sellers can easily track and organize their inventory, ensuring accurate stock levels, reducing errors, and preventing overselling. Apps also enable swift adjustments to inventory in response to sales trends or stock changes. Order Management Handling orders can be time-consuming and complex. eBay apps simplify this process by providing tools to manage orders efficiently, including order tracking, automated notifications, and streamlined shipping workflows. This efficiency results in faster order processing and improved buyer satisfaction. Automated eBay Listings Creating and managing eBay listings can take time and effort. Apps offer features like bulk listing creation, templates, and automation, enabling sellers to quickly list products, save time, and maintain consistency in their listings. Enhanced listing quality and visibility lead to increased sales. Cross-Platform Selling Expand your reach beyond eBay by using eBay apps that facilitate cross-platform selling. These apps enable sellers to list their products across various e-commerce platforms, thereby reaching a wider audience and enhancing sales potential. The seamless integration with other platforms boosts your online presence. Manage Multiple Listings Selling a large number of products requires effective management. eBay apps provide tools to efficiently handle multiple listings, including bulk editing, revising, and relisting capabilities, making tracking and updating product information easier. Simplifies operations for sellers with extensive inventories. Improved Customer Service for your eBay Business Customer service is essential for eBay sellers. Apps offer features such as automated responses, message templates, and order status updates, enabling sellers to provide timely and personalized customer support and enhancing the overall buying experience. Promotes stronger buyer relationships and repeat business. Sales Data Analysis Apps provide valuable insights into sales data, allowing sellers to analyze trends, identify popular products, and make informed business decisions. These data-driven insights help optimize pricing strategies and identify growth opportunities. Enables strategic planning based on real-time data. Shipping and Fulfillment, Including Tracking Information Efficient shipping and fulfillment are critical for customer satisfaction. eBay apps offer integration with shipping carriers, streamlining shipping processes, generating shipping labels, and providing tracking information, ensuring smooth order fulfillment. Reduces delivery times and enhances buyer trust. Marketing and SEO for Your eBay Business Promoting your eBay business and improving visibility is easier with apps offering marketing and SEO features. These tools assist in optimizing product listings with relevant keywords, increasing search rankings, and attracting more potential buyers. What to Look for in an eBay App When selecting an eBay app to manage your eBay selling activities, you need to consider a variety of factors that will align with your needs as a seller. Here’s an expanded guide on the key aspects you should pay attention to: Sales Volume Capability: Take into account the scale of your business and the volume of sales you manage. Certain eBay apps are specifically designed to accommodate high-volume sellers, whereas others cater to smaller businesses. Listing Management: Look for features that enable you to manage your listings easily. This may include tools for bulk editing, product description templates, automatic repricing, and scheduled listings. Inventory Management: If you sell many products, having a system in place to manage your inventory can save you a lot of time and headaches. This may include features for tracking inventory levels, alerting when stocks are low, and managing product variations. Order Management: The app should offer comprehensive order management tools. These include automated invoicing, shipment tracking, order fulfillment status, and integration with major shipping carriers. Integration with Other Platforms: If you sell on other platforms as well as eBay, you’ll want an app that can manage all of these from a single interface. This can simplify your tasks and save you a lot of time. Seller Protection Features: Look for an app that offers robust security features to help protect you from eBay scams and fraud. This could include enhanced communication tools, dispute resolution assistance, and proactive alerts about suspicious activity. Reporting and Analytics: A good eBay app should provide you with insights about your sales, customer behavior, and other important metrics. This information can be invaluable in helping you make informed decisions about your business. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Some eBay apps include CRM features, which allow you to track customer interactions, send marketing messages, and provide superior customer service. Ease of Use: The interface of the app should be user-friendly and intuitive, enabling you to accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently. Pricing Structure: Consider the app’s cost and whether it provides good value for money. This will depend on the number and quality of the features offered and how well they meet your specific needs. Customer Support: Look for an app with a reputation for providing excellent customer support. You want to be sure that if you encounter any issues or have questions, you’ll be able to get the help you need promptly. These factors should help you select an eBay app that enhances the management of your eBay business, making it easier and more profitable. Using Listing Software to Increase Sales on an eBay Store Using listing software for your eBay store can significantly boost your sales. These apps offer features like bulk listing creation, templates, and optimization tools that help attract more buyers, improve visibility, and enhance the overall presentation of your products. Furthermore, advanced analytics provided by these tools can give you insights into which listings perform well, allowing for data-driven decisions to refine your strategy. Automated pricing adjustments ensure your listings remain competitive in real-time, adapting to market changes and competitor pricing. Lastly, the ability to schedule listings for peak buying times means your products are more likely to be seen by potential customers, increasing the chances of making a sale. Our Methodology to Choose the Best eBay Apps When recommending eBay apps suitable for small business owners, we’ve evaluated various factors to ensure our selections meet the unique needs of businesses operating on this platform. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 10 (most important) to 1 (least important). Ease of Use and User Interface: Importance 10/10 Intuitive and user-friendly interface. Simple navigation and ease of performing key tasks. Clear and helpful onboarding process. Listing and Inventory Management: Importance 9/10 Efficient tools for creating and managing listings. Capabilities for bulk listing and editing. Integration with inventory management systems. Pricing and Fee Management: Importance 8/10 Tools for tracking and managing eBay fees. Features for price optimization and competitive analysis. Ability to handle different pricing models. Order Processing and Fulfillment: Importance 8/10 Streamlined order processing workflows. Integration with shipping and fulfillment services. Features for managing and tracking shipments. Customer Service and Communication: Importance 7/10 Tools for efficient customer communication. Automation of common customer inquiries and responses. Management of feedback and reviews. Analytics and Reporting: Importance 7/10 Comprehensive analytics on sales, trends, and performance. Customizable reports for business insights. Data export options for further analysis. Mobile Accessibility and Performance: Importance 6/10 Functionality and performance on mobile devices. Accessibility of key features via mobile apps. Synchronization between desktop and mobile platforms. Security and Compliance: Importance 5/10 Measures for ensuring data security and privacy. Compliance with eBay’s policies and guidelines. Regular updates and maintenance for security. By focusing on these key areas, we’ve honed in on what truly impacts an eBay seller’s experience and success. This targeted approach avoids overwhelm and allows for informed decision-making that aligns with your business’s specific demands on eBay. Elevating Your eBay Business: The Takeaways As you can see, eBay apps offer numerous advantages that can help sellers manage their businesses more effectively, stay competitive, and achieve greater success on the platform. The specific benefits you experience will depend on which app you choose and how well it aligns with your business needs. Integrating the right apps into your workflow can transform your operations, making them more streamlined and responsive to market demands. Additionally, leveraging these tools can unlock new opportunities for growth, helping you to explore untapped markets and customer segments with greater ease. FAQs: eBay Apps Is There a Free App Available for Selling on eBay? Yes, eBay provides a free app allowing sellers to manage their business directly from their mobile devices. This app offers essential features for listing items, managing orders, tracking sales, and communicating with buyers, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for sellers. How does listing software help eBay sellers on multiple sales channels? Listing software empowers eBay sellers to extend their reach beyond the eBay platform. These tools enable sellers to create and manage listings across multiple sales channels at the same time, streamlining the listing management process and saving both time and effort. How Can eBay Apps Help to track inventory? eBay apps provide inventory tracking features that enable sellers to keep an eye on stock levels, receive alerts for low inventory, and monitor product availability. These tools facilitate precise inventory management, helping to prevent overselling and assisting sellers in staying organized. What role do auto-relist rules in listing software play in eBay inventory management? Auto-relist rules in listing software automate the process of relisting items that have expired without being sold. This feature saves time for sellers by automatically relisting items based on predefined rules, ensuring continuous visibility and maximizing sales opportunities. How can eBay apps streamline tracking inventory and listings for high-volume sellers? For high-volume sellers, managing inventory and listings can be challenging. eBay apps streamline this process by offering advanced inventory management features, bulk listing capabilities, and tools for efficient tracking, enabling high-volume sellers to stay organized and handle large quantities of listings effectively. Image: Envato This article, "Essential eBay Apps for Successful Sellers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A passenger jet flipped onto its roof while landing in Toronto, Canada, the fourth major aviation accident in North America in the past three weeks. While at least 18 people were injured, all 80 people on board the Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis survived the crash Monday. Here are some things to know about the crash: What caused the airplane to flip? Communications between the tower at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and the pilot were normal on approach and right now it’s not clear what went wrong when the plane touched down. Were strong winds a factor in the crash? Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken has said the runway was dry and there was no crosswind conditions. Audio recordings indicate that the control tower warned the pilots of a possible air flow “bump” on the approach. Winds were gusting up to 40 mph (65 kph) during the day at the airport, according to the Meteorological Service of Canada. But airplanes and pilots should be equipped to handle those kind of winds while landing, said John Cox, CEO of aviation safety consulting firm Safety Operating Systems in Florida. Were the passengers badly injured? Those hurt had relatively minor injuries, the airport’s chief executive said. The airport fire chief said 18 passengers were taken to the hospital. An air ambulance operator said it had transported one pediatric patient and two adults to hospitals. Delta said Tuesday that some of those injured had been released. What happened inside the plane? One passenger told told CBC News that he found himself upside down and still strapped in his seat after a forceful landing. Peter Carlson said he crashed onto the ceiling when he took off his seat belt and smelled gas. He and another man helped a mother and her young son out of the plane before getting out. Who is investigating? The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said the Transportation Safety Board of Canada will lead the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board in the U.S. said it was sending a team to assist. Is it safe to fly? The fourth major aviation accident in North America in less than a month has many people concerned about the safety of flying. Fatal crashes remain rare and the track record of U.S. airlines is remarkably safe. But there have been deadly crashes recently around the world and U.S. officials have been raising concerns about an overtaxed and understaffed air traffic control system for years. By JOHN SEEWER Associated Press Associated Press writers John Wawrow and Michael Casey contributed to this report. View the full article

Not this time of year. By Frank Stitely The Relentless CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Frank Stitely. View the full article

Not this time of year. By Frank Stitely The Relentless CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Frank Stitely. View the full article

Demand by one of Signa Group’s largest creditors comes after property entrepreneur arrested for alleged embezzlementView the full article

There are a million reasons not to use Instagram, from it taking up too much of your time to not wanting to support Mark Zuckerberg. While the best alternative might be just getting off social network altogether, hey, who's perfect? Perhaps you're just tired of doomscrolling, or you want more control over your feeds. There are better options out there for you. Here are a few of my favorite photography-first social media platforms not owned by Meta (yet). Instagram alternatives for the social butterflyPixelfed Credit: Khamosh Pathak Pixelfed tries to take you back to the old days of Instagram. Back when all you used to see was a wall of photos. No stories, no videos, no reels, nothing. Just people that you knew, or were inspired by, sharing their photos. No ads, no algorithms, just photos from people you follow, or topics that you're interested in. Pixelfed used to run only on its website, or through third-party apps, but now it has native apps for both iPhone and Android, making using it so much easier. Pixelfed is a federated app, meaning it runs on the same technology as Mastodon, so you can just sign in with your Mastodon account and post photos to Pixelfed and your Mastodon feed at the same time. Though, you don't need to combine the two if you'd rather not. You can create a new account on a separate Pixelfed server to keep those two lives separate. And if you hate starting fresh, you can import your Instagram feed to Pixelfed using its import tool. Photographers especially are enjoying the Pixelfed, calling it a "breath of fresh air". If you manage to tag your posts right and add strong captions, you will end up with quality engagement, something that can be much harder to find on Instagram, in between all the sponsors and bots. Pinksky Credit: Khamosh Pathak Pinksky is a really interesting third-party app built for Bluesky using the ATProtocol network. Bluesky is proving to be a popular alternative to both X and Threads, and this third-party app converts Bluesky into a kind of Instagram alternative, too. You sign-in using your Bluesky account (secured with OAuth), and the app will filter all the content from your feed to only show photos and videos. Unlike Pixelfed or other Instagram alternatives, Pinksky requires no setup at all. Just follow people who post great media content, and open Pinksky to filter out anything but that. Pinksky does add one unique feature that Bluesky doesn't have yet—Stories. You can use the app to post photos or links that disappear in 24 hours (though they will still be visible on your Bluesky account). Plus, Bluesky also supports custom feeds, so you can create a photography focused feed in Bluesky and then use Pinksky to view it. Pinksky is available on iPhone, Android, and even as a web app. Flashes, a similarly designed app, is currently available in Beta, and should launch publicly soon. SnapchatIt might sound weird, but if you're facing Instagram burnout, it could be time to look at Snapchat again. No, it's not a sexting app (or intended as one, anyway), nor is it an app for just teenagers. In the age of doomscrolling, an ephemeral platform like Snapchat, which deletes most content after some time has passed, might be a way to connect with people that goes beyond sharing reels. If your aim for a social network is to share your life in a visual way, to connect with your friends, Snapchat is actually a great way of doing that. You can post stories, view and reply to messages, and there are always those Snapchat filters to play with. Of course, there are no Reels and no algorithmic feed even, but isn't that kind of the point here? Tumblr Credit: Khamosh Pathak Yes, Tumblr is still a thing, and depending on who you ask, thriving just fine. A spin on the traditional blogging platform, you can post text, images, videos, audio, or even GIFs here. You can repost anything you like to your blog, too. There are communities to join, the Explore page for finding new content, and profiles you can follow to build your own feed. If you're looking for a wide variety of content, Tumblr might be a good choice for you. Instagram alternatives for serious photographersVSCO Credit: Khamosh Pathak Technically, VSCO is a photo and video editing app. But over the years, it has amassed a niche but active community of photographers that use the app to post their own creations. VSCO's strengths lie in its photo filters and editing suite. You can customize the filters to create a unique style with surprising ease. The app features a minimalist design, devoid of ads or any doomscrolling tactics. VSCO is free to post to, but to access to those coveted presets and filters will cost you $29.99/year. FlickrFlickr is still a strong pillar in the photography community. First, you get to upload images in full resolution with no compression, and you get to organize photos with albums, galleries, and tags. You also get 1,000GB data for free, which is more than enough for most users. There are ads, but a Flickr Pro subscription will remove them, along with the storage limit. GlassGlass is a relatively new player in the field, and you can think of it as a new-age alternative to Flickr. It focuses on presenting you with a beautifully designed, algorithm-and-ad-free showcase of photographs, and in fostering a safe community. There are no free plans here, so people who get into Glass are serious about their craft. A Glass subscription costs $40/year. Alternatives to Instagram ReelsTikTokTikTok is not really an alternative to most of Instagram's content, but it's surely the king of short-form video. TikTok's For You page algorithm is tuned to show you more of exactly what you're into, and as seen by how popular the app is, it works. If you just want to watch video, TikTok can be a great alternative to Instagram Reels. Alternatively, you can post photos, although these have to be uploaded as "slideshows," which can be a bit more cumbersome to scroll through than videos. YouTube ShortsWith YouTube Shorts, you might end up doomscrolling, but you can do it in peace. That's how I like to think of it. The social element is much less noticeable here, and comments are easy to ignore. Plus, YouTube's recommendation engine knows you really well, at least in my experience. If you want a more relaxing alternative to Instagram Reels where you won't be bombarded with notifications about the 17 reels your friend shared that day, it's a good choice. View the full article

Two things to demonstrate with existing clients. By Martin Bissett Passport to Partnership Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Two things to demonstrate with existing clients. By Martin Bissett Passport to Partnership Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Currently, America is experiencing its worst flu season since 2009, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a matter of fact, the CDC says there are so many cases that this season is now classified as being “high severity” for all age groups. That’s the first time a flu season has acquired that designation since the 2017–18 season. Still, some states are faring better than others. Here’s what you need to know about the current 2024–25 flu season and where outbreaks are the worst. 16,000 dead from flu so far The 2024–25 influenza season is having a significant impact on the health and well-being of Americans. According to the CDC’s latest US Influenza Surveillance Report for the week ending February 8, 2025, the flu this season has accounted for: 29 million illnesses 370,000 hospitalizations 16,000 deaths The CDC’s report also reveals that during the most recent week, 31.6% of people tested came back positive for influenza, and 50,382 people were hospitalized for the illness in the most recent week alone. The flu has historically been particularly dangerous to the elderly, but sadly, this season, the illness is also hitting infants and children hard. The CDC says that in the past week alone, there were 11 influenza-associated pediatric deaths, bringing the total number of pediatric deaths for the season to 68. “Based on data available this week, this season is now classified as a high severity season overall and for all age groups (children, adults, older adults) for the first time since 2017–2018,” the CDC says. What states are being hit hard the worst? While respiratory illnesses seem to be running roughshod across the country, some states have it worse than others. The CDC’s Outpatient Respiratory Illness Activity Map classifies respiratory illness rates into five categories: very-high, high, moderate, low, and minimal. 36 states and the District of Columbia are currently listed in the “very-high” category, including: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Nine states are classified in the “high” category: Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Two states are classified in the “moderate” category: North Dakota and Utah. One state is classified in the “low” category: Alaska. And two states are classified in the “minimal” category: Hawaii and Montana. Screenshot via CDC: Week ending February 08, 2025 How can I protect myself against the flu? It’s impossible to fully protect yourself from the flu. However, the CDC says the best way you can protect yourself is by getting the flu vaccine. “Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, especially people at higher risk,” the agency notes. Other steps you can take to decrease your likelihood of getting the flu are to avoid those who are sick with the illness and to wash your hands. You can check out the CDC’s full list of recommendations here. View the full article

A new app makes hiring security as simple as ordering an Uber. A viral TikTok with 11.2 million views reads, “POV we just ordered bodyguards to pick us up from the airport.” In the video, two influencers summon a pair of Protectors—private security in black SUVs—to Newark Airport after flying in from Los Angeles for New York Fashion Week. Another clip follows: “Everything we did with our bodyguards today.” They get picked up from their hotel, stop for matcha, attend a runway show, and shop—all accompanied by four bodyguards. The videos are savvy marketing for Protector, a soon-to-launch app promising on-demand personal security for the general public. “These ads are working bc I have never in my life pre-downloaded an app,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “As soon as this app is available, I’m booking.” Launching Tuesday in New York City and Los Angeles, Protector charges $200 per hour for a bodyguard and a driver, with prices climbing based on the client’s needs—whether extra guards, a full motorcade, or high-level security measures, according to the app’s 25-year-old founder and CEO, Nick Sarath. “Ultra high-profile individuals like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have dedicated full-time protection teams, but for most people, navigating security options is more challenging than it should be,” Sarath told The New York Post this week. Clients can customize nearly every detail, from their Protector’s attire (business formal, business casual, or “tactical casual”) to their ride—choosing between Cadillac Escalades and Chevy Suburbans. The Protectors themselves are elite professionals with backgrounds in Air Force Pararescue, SWAT, Navy SEAL teams, and Special Operations Forces. “The bodyguards are selected based on their years of experience and specialized units in which they’ve served,” Sarath added. All are licensed to carry concealed weapons and remain armed on duty. Beats waiting around for a taxi. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. If you're looking for a flexible option for streaming your favorite content, you'll want to consider a portable streaming device, like a streaming stick or a streaming box, over a smart TV. Narrowing it down from there depends on a few different factors, so I've broken it down into six different categories to help you choose what makes the most sense. Device typeMost streaming devices fall into one of two categories: streaming sticks (like the Fire TV Stick 4K and the Roku Express 4K+) and set-top boxes, such as the Apple TV 4K and the Fire TV Cube. Streaming sticks are a little larger than a USB drive and plug directly into your TV's HDMI port, while streaming boxes are a few inches square and connect via an HDMI cable. Sticks are more compact and portable, while boxes typically have additional ports, such as an Ethernet jack for wiring into your modem or router and a USB port for sharing and playing media. Both come with remotes. Google, Roku, and Amazon have both streaming device types in their lineup, while the Apple TV 4K is a box. (Nvidia's Shield TV and Shield TV Pro are also boxes.) Operating systemPicking a streaming OS can help narrow your device selection considerably. There are four major OS options to choose from, each with their own benefits. Roku's interface is the easiest to navigate, while Google TV offers more personalized content recommendations. If you are already in either the Amazon or Apple ecosystem, you'll feel comfortable with Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, respectively. Compatibility with your other devicesAnother layer of OS comparison should include compatibility with your smart home ecosystem and the apps and services you use most. Fire TV will integrate seamlessly with an Alexa-powered system, as will Google TV with Google Assistant and other tech in the Google lineup. Apple TV allows you to use your iPhone as a remote and plays nice with other Apple devices. You don't have to stay in the same ecosystem, but doing so is likely to eliminate some friction and reduce the learning curve. Most popular streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, etc.) are available across all streaming devices, so there's not much to differentiate here. However, there are some apps—iTunes and Google Play, for example—whose content is restricted to specific platforms. Streaming qualityYou probably want top-notch picture and sound quality for your streaming content, so check each device's specs for which video and audio formats are supported. Most new streaming sticks and streaming boxes support 4K and HDR (including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision) content, so you get more detailed textures, more accurate colors, and smoother, sharper visuals. Some devices also support Dolby Atmos (for surround sound) and higher frame rates (for gaming and high-speed action). Of course, your TV will also need to 4K-compatible to take full advantage of a 4K streaming device—otherwise, your picture will be downscaled to your TV's resolution. Connection speedAll streaming devices have built-in wifi and some will also come with an Ethernet port for a wired connection. If your stick or box supports Wi-Fi 6 (along your wireless router), you'll get faster speeds. As Consumer Reports notes, you'll need speeds of at least 15 to 25 Mbps to take advantage of 4K—faster if you're using your connection for anything else at the same time. PriceA final consideration if you're still not set: price. Streaming sticks like the Roku and Fire TV stick are great budget-friendly devices that you can probably get for $20 to $40, while an Apple TV 4K will set you back around $130 if purchased new. View the full article

The lender says its first-of-its-kind program can give consumers up to $5,000 in credits based on their prior 12-month rent payment history. View the full article

Are you curious about what the qualified business income deduction (QBI) is and whether or not you can take advantage of it? If so, this article will provide an in-depth overview of the QBI deduction and answer the fundamental question: “Can I claim it?” Given its complicated nature, understanding how to maximize your tax deductions on business income with the QBI deduction should be a top priority for anyone who is self-employed. Learn all about it here, from what qualifies as eligible business income to when you can use this deduction and more. Let’s dive in! What is the Qualified Business Income Deduction? The Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI) is a recently established tax deduction allowing businesses to deduct as much as 20% of their earnings. This deduction applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, certain trusts, and estates. The QBI was introduced under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which sought to provide tax relief for businesses and individuals by reducing income taxes and introducing other incentives. The QBI has helped to promote business investment and stimulate economic growth throughout the United States. How Does it Work? The Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI) is a great benefit for small business owners, providing the opportunity to deduct up to 20% of their earnings. This deduction can be used to reduce your taxable income and thus lower your overall tax liability. Here’s a breakdown of exactly how the QBI works: Eligibility: The QBI applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, certain trusts, and estates. Income Limits: The deduction is limited to businesses with taxable income under $191,950 for single filers or $383,900 for joint filers. Types of Income: The QBI applies to business income from activities such as trade or business activities in which individuals are not materially participating. Amounts Deducted: Businesses are able to deduct up to 20% of their earnings, with certain exceptions, such as certain publicly traded partnerships. Which Business Types Can Claim the QBI Deduction? The QBI deduction is for any specified service trade or business (SSTB) with taxable income under the specified limits. Let’s take a look at the business types that can claim this deduction: Sole Proprietorships A sole proprietorship is a business owned and operated by one individual. This type of business does not require registration and can be established in most states with little to no paperwork. Partnerships Partnerships are businesses owned by two or more individuals. This type of business is generally easier to set up and manage than a corporation. S Corporations An S Corporation is a type of business entity that offers limited liability protection to its owners, as well as certain tax benefits. Certain Trusts and Estates A trust is an entity that controls and manages assets for the benefit of a third party. An estate is the legal entity created when an individual dies, which includes their assets and liabilities. Business EntityCan they claim QBI Deduction?Notes Sole ProprietorshipYesThe deduction is claimed on the individual owner's tax return. PartnershipYesEach partner can claim their share of the QBI deduction on their individual tax returns. S CorporationYesThe shareholders can claim their share of the QBI deduction on their individual tax returns. Certain Trusts and EstatesYesQBI deductions can be taken on the trust or estate's return if the income is retained, or on the beneficiary's return if the income is distributed. Tax Limits and Taxable Income Your personal tax return determines whether you’re eligible for the QBI deduction, as well as how much of it you can claim. The tax limits and taxable income limits vary based on filing status and other factors. Here are two tables on taxable income limits: Filing statusOverall Taxable Income LimitationAvailable deduction Single$191,95020% Single$191,951 to $241,950Partial deduction for SSTBs SingleMore than $241,950No deduction for SSTBs Married Filing JointlyLess than $383,90020% deduction Married Filing Jointly$383,900 to $483,900Partial deduction for SSTBs Married Filing JointlyMore than $483,900No deduction for SSTBs What is Not Included in Qualified Business Income? Qualified Business Income is a valuable deduction that may reduce the amount of taxes owed when filing. However, there are certain items and types of income which may not qualify for this deduction. These include: Income from passive activities – Passive activities refer to those where the taxpayer does not materially participate in the business, such as rental income or investments. Non-trade or non-business related income – This includes items such as interest or dividend income, capital gains, alimony received, certain gambling winnings, and other non-business related sources. Reasonable compensation – Reasonable compensation from an S Corporation is excluded from QBI, but allocated expenses such as health insurance and retirement contributions can be deducted from QBI to offset tax liability. Guaranteed payments for services rendered – If a partner provides services to a partnership or LLC, any guaranteed payments they receive are considered to be W-2 income and do not qualify for the QBI deduction. Capital gains – Capital gains are profits made on the sale of investments such as stocks and bonds. These profits also do not qualify for the QBI deduction. Limitations of the QBI Deduction The qualified business income deduction can provide significant tax savings for businesses; however, there are specific limitations that may affect the total savings achieved through this deduction. Here are some of the key limitations: Wage limitation Higher earners, meaning those with incomes over $191,950 for single individuals or $383,900 for married filing jointly, may be subject to wage limitation restrictions, which can reduce or eliminate QBI deduction eligibility. 20% cap Generally speaking, the QBI deduction does not exceed 20% of qualified business income. While this is generally beneficial for businesses and self-employed individuals, it also means there’s a limit to the amount that can be deducted from taxable income. Make sure to investigate how to file self-employment taxes and identify the most suitable tax software for self-employed individuals to ensure you are correctly paying your self-employment tax. Keep in mind that your state may not impose a self-employment tax. Aggregation requirements The IRS requires certain trades or businesses to combine their incomes when taking advantage of the QBI deduction in an effort to prevent overstating deductions. This includes multiple entities owned by one joint return filer as well as a partnership and S corporation owned by the same individual. Employment rules Employers offering employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans may have more complex rules around who qualifies for deductible wages as they relate to the QBI deduction. Understanding these rules is vital in order to make sure eligible employees are given access to these benefits while staying compliant with IRS regulations. How is the QBI Deduction Calculated? image: keepertaxCalculating the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is not a particularly difficult process, but it’s important to make sure the calculation is done accurately in order to maximize savings. Here’s an overview of how it can be calculated: Determine net income The first step is to calculate the net income of the business by subtracting allowable deductions from gross income. This includes costs such as labor, cost of goods sold, and any other expenses related to running the business. Make sure to learn about the standard deduction. Subtract for depreciation, amortization, and depletion Once net income has been determined, specific items such as depreciation and amortization need to be subtracted from this amount in order to arrive at a new figure referred to as “Qualified Business Income.” Calculate taxable income without QBI deduction To get total taxable income without taking advantage of the QBI deduction, subtract QBI from net income, then determine taxable income using normal methods. Calculate taxable income with QBI deduction To calculate taxable income with the QBI deduction applied, simply subtract 20% of qualified business income from total taxable income before adding on taxes owed on other forms of non-business related incomes such as capital gains or alimony received. How to Claim the Qualified Business Income Deduction Claiming the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction can significantly reduce your tax burden, but it requires careful attention to detail and adherence to IRS guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process: Step 1. Start with Form 1040 Start with Form 1040, the backbone of your tax return. This form captures your overall income, including wages, dividends, and, of course, business income. Filling out Form 1040 helps determine your base taxable income before taking the QBI deduction into consideration. It’s essential to accurately report all income streams here, as they collectively determine your eligibility for the QBI deduction. Here’s a breakdown of its key points: Purpose of Form 1040: Form 1040 is used to calculate your base taxable income. This is the starting point before applying any specific deductions, including the QBI. Accuracy in Reporting All Income: The form requires you to report all income streams, not just business income. The comprehensive income reported on Form 1040 impacts your eligibility for the QBI deduction. Inclusion of Various Income Types: Besides your business income, it’s crucial to include all other income types. This can include capital gains (profits from the sale of property or investments), alimony received (if applicable), and any other income sources. These additional income streams contribute to your overall taxable income, which is a factor in determining your eligibility and the amount you can claim for the QBI deduction. Step 2. Fill out Schedules C & SE Depending on the type of business you own, you may need to fill out additional forms, such as Schedules C and SE, which detail your income from self-employment and any related expenses. Schedule C is used for self-employment earnings. Make sure nondeductible expenses such as home office expenses aren’t included on these forms. is used to report income from an unincorporated business, while Schedule SE Key Considerations Non-Deductible Expenses: Be mindful of expenses that are not deductible on these forms. For instance, personal home office expenses must meet specific IRS criteria to be deductible. Make sure to differentiate between personal and business expenses clearly. Accuracy is Crucial: Inaccuracies in reporting income or expenses on Schedules C and SE can lead to errors in your QBI deduction calculation. Ensure that all entries are accurate and backed by documentation. Consulting a Professional: Given the complexities of tax laws and the potential for nuanced situations in your business finances, consulting with a tax professional can be very beneficial. They can provide guidance on what can and cannot be deducted and help ensure that your forms are filled out correctly. By thoroughly and accurately completing Schedules C and SE, you lay the groundwork for calculating your QBI deduction correctly. This step is crucial in ensuring you take full advantage of the tax benefits available to you as a self-employed individual. Remember, the more precise your inputs on these forms, the more accurate your QBI deduction calculation will be. Step 3. Calculate net income Once all relevant forms have been filled out, total net income can be calculated by subtracting allowable deductions from gross income on Schedule C or SE. You’ll want to make sure you include all relevant deductions, such as labor costs and cost of goods sold. Guide to ensure accuracy in calculating net income Calculating your net income is a pivotal step in claiming the Qualified Business Income Deduction. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure accuracy in this process: Understanding Gross Income Definition: Gross income is the total amount your business earns before any deductions are applied. This includes all revenue streams such as sales, services, returns, allowances, and any other income. Where to Find It: On Schedule C, your gross income is reported at the top of the form, reflecting the total income from your business operations. Identifying Allowable Deductions Types of Deductions: Allowable deductions encompass a range of business expenses. These can include labor costs (like wages paid to employees), cost of goods sold (COGS), office supplies, travel expenses, advertising costs, and other necessary business expenses. Criteria for Deductions: To be deductible, expenses must be both ordinary (common and accepted in your field of business) and necessary (helpful and appropriate for your business). Ensure each expense meets these criteria. Calculating Net Income Subtracting Deductions from Gross Income: On Schedule C, subtract your total business expenses from your gross income. This calculation yields your net business income, which is the figure you’ll use for further QBI calculations. Importance of Accuracy: It’s crucial to be thorough and precise in this calculation. Underreporting income or overstating deductions can lead to inaccuracies in your QBI deduction and potentially invite scrutiny from the IRS. Special Considerations Personal vs. Business Expenses: Be vigilant in separating personal expenses from business expenses. Only business-related expenses should be included in your calculations. Documentation: Keep detailed records and receipts of all expenses. This documentation is essential not only for accurate calculation but also as proof in case of an IRS audit. Professional Advice: Consulting a tax professional can be very helpful, especially if your business has complex expenses or you’re unsure about specific deductions. Review and Double-Check Revisit Calculations: After calculating your net income, review it to ensure all figures are accurate and all relevant expenses have been included. Cross-Referencing: Compare your net income with your financial records and bank statements to ensure consistency. Step 4. Complete Form 8995 Form 8995 Details the qualified business income deduction and assists in determining both eligibility for the QBI deduction and the amount that can be deducted. To complete the form, you will need to provide the total net income from Step 3, along with any special deductions like depreciation, amortization, or depletion. Step 5. File tax return Finally, after all of the required forms are completed, you can file your tax return. Here is a breakdown of the key steps to take: A. Finalizing Your Tax Forms Complete All Necessary Forms: Make sure to thoroughly fill out all forms associated with your business income, including Schedule C, Schedule SE, and Form 8995 for the qualified business income deduction. Review for Accuracy: Carefully verify all entries on these forms to ensure they are accurate. Confirm that the income, deductions, and the qualified business income deduction calculation are reported correctly. B. Assembling Your Tax Return Attach Form 8995: Form 8995, which details your QBI deduction, should be attached to your tax return. This form is vital as it communicates to the IRS that you are claiming the QBI deduction. Organize Supporting Documentation: While not required to be submitted, it’s essential to have all relevant documentation organized and readily available. This includes records of income, expenses, and any calculations related to your QBI deduction. C. Filing the Tax Return Choose Your Filing Method: You can file your taxes electronically or by mail. Electronic filing is generally faster, more secure, and offers quicker confirmation that the IRS has received your return. Use Trusted Tax Software or a Professional: If you choose to file electronically, you can use IRS-approved tax software. For added confidence, consider using a qualified tax professional who can ensure that your return is accurate and compliant with the latest tax laws and regulations. D. Seeking Professional Advice Consult a Tax Professional: Tax laws are complex and frequently change. Consulting a tax professional can provide you with tailored advice and peace of mind, ensuring that your tax return, including the QBI deduction, is prepared correctly. Tax Planning for the Future: A tax professional can also assist in tax planning for future years, helping you make informed decisions to increase your QBI deduction in the following years. E. After Filing Keep Records: Retain copies of your tax return and all supporting documents for at least three years. These records are crucial in the event of an IRS audit. Monitor for IRS Communication: After filing, watch for any communication from the IRS. If there are questions or additional information is required, respond promptly to avoid delays or complications. F. Understanding Your Tax Liability Review Your Return for Insights: Once your return is filed, review it to understand your tax liability and how the QBI deduction impacted your taxes. Plan for Next Year: Use this information to plan for the next tax year, considering any changes in your business that might affect your QBI deduction. QBI Deduction Example Let’s examine a specific example of how the qualified business income deduction (QBI) functions in real life. Consider a married couple filing jointly who earned $200,000 in taxable income from their business. Provided that all other requirements are satisfied, they will qualify for the QBI deduction and can deduct up to 20% of their income, equating to $40,000. Consequently, the couple would only be liable for taxes on the remaining $160,000. The Bottom Line The qualified business income deduction is a complex tax break that has the potential to save you a lot of money, but it comes with a lot of rules and restrictions. This article has provided an overview of the QBI deduction and some of the key considerations you need to take into account when determining if you’re eligible. By doing your research and staying up to date on tax laws, you can make sure that you are taking full advantage of this valuable deduction. When in doubt, consult with a tax professional or follow the free tax advice the IRS provides on its website. https://www.youtube.com/embed/UEmot1BuFBs?si=OYxhZtmNmMpzldfu” width=”100%” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”][/iframe] FAQ What does the QBI deduction reduce? The qualified business income deduction (QBI) reduces taxable income and can help lower the overall amount you have to pay in taxes. By reducing your taxable income, the QBI deduction can effectively reduce your tax liability. Can you claim qualified business income deductions on your rental property? Yes, you can claim the qualified business income deduction (QBI) for rental properties as long as they satisfy specific criteria. To qualify for the QBI deduction, the property must be used in a trade or business and generate income. The rental activity must also be performed with some regularity and consistency, meaning that it is not just an occasional or incidental activity. Finally, you must be actively involved in managing the rental property in order to be eligible for the deduction. Is interest income included in the qualified business income tax deduction? No, interest income is not eligible for the qualified business income deduction (QBI). The QBI deduction is intended to reduce the taxable income of businesses that meet certain criteria, such as being engaged in a trade or business with regularity and consistency and actively managed by the taxpayer. Interest income, however, does not qualify as business income under this criteria and cannot be included in the QBI deduction. Who Cannot take the QBI deduction? Generally, anyone who fulfills the criteria mentioned above is eligible for the qualified business income deduction (QBI). This eligibility extends to individuals, trusts, and estates, as well as pass-through entities like partnerships and LLCs. However, there are certain taxpayers who are not eligible to receive the QBI deduction. These include specified service trades or businesses (SSTBs), qualified joint ventures, C corporations, certain single-member LLCs, and taxpayers excluded from claiming this deduction under the foreign or possession of income provisions. Who qualifies for the 20% pass-through deduction? In order to qualify for the 20% pass-through deduction, you must meet several criteria, including the following: Business Structure: To qualify for the qualified business income deduction, an entity must be structured as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or an LLC that is treated as a sole proprietorship or partnership for tax purposes. C corporations are not eligible for this deduction. Qualified Business Income: To qualify, the income must be from a U.S. trade or business. Qualified business income includes the net amount of income, gain, deduction, and loss from any qualified trade or business. Importantly, it doesn’t include investment-related income, wages, or reasonable compensation received by shareholders of S corporations or partners in a partnership. Taxpayer’s Taxable Income: The taxpayer’s taxable income must not exceed certain thresholds, which are $191,950 for single filers and $383,900 for joint filers. If taxable income is above these thresholds, the amount of the qualified business income deduction may be limited or phased out. These thresholds are adjusted regularly for inflation. Type of Business: For taxpayers with income above the threshold, the deduction may be limited or not available at all if the business is a specified service trade or business (SSTB). SSTBs include businesses in the fields of law, health, consulting, athletics, financial services, and any business where the principal asset is the reputation or skill of one or more of its employees or owners. W-2 Wages and Capital Limitations: For taxpayers with taxable income above the threshold, the deduction is subject to a limit that’s greater of 50% of W-2 wages paid by the business or 25% of W-2 wages plus 2.5% of the unadjusted basis immediately after acquisition of all qualified property (tangible property subject to depreciation used in the business). As the above points illustrate, the 20% pass-through deduction is complex and depends on various factors. It’s recommended that individuals consult with a tax professional to ensure they fully understand these rules and how they apply to their specific circumstances. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What Is the Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI), and Can You Claim It?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article