New Ecommerce Tools: November 7, 2024

Every week we publish a rundown of new products from companies offering services to ecommerce merchants. This installment includes updates on website builders, SMS marketing, AI-powered shopping assistants, reverse logistics, social commerce, and cross-border transactions.

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

New Tools for Merchants

Shopify launches portal for unified financial tools. The new Shopify Finance is a home for financial solutions on the Shopify platform. Merchants can access (in one place) Shopify Balance, Shopify Credit, Shopify Capital, Shopify Bill Pay, and Shopify Tax. View and manage all business finances from one dashboard in the admin. Manage state, county, and local sales tax obligations and repay Shopify Capital and Shopify Credit balances from a percentage of daily sales.

Shopify Finance

AliExpress launches incentives for U.S. retailers. AliExpress, the China-based marketplace, is targeting U.S.-based retailers to sell on the platform. During an introductory period, new sellers get 0% commission and $0 onboarding costs. AliExpress will also provide U.S. sellers with marketing, business, and customer service support, including buyer inquiry handling and after-sales disputes, without charge. The platform features tools for optimizing product listings, pricing, and promotions.

GoDaddy announces Website Builder API integration for third-party platforms. GoDaddy has launched a Website Builder API integration for third-party platforms. Businesses can access AI-driven tools to generate content and produce product descriptions from an uploaded image. Additionally, GoDaddy business customers gain access to tools such as Marketing AI assistant, Marketing Calendar, analytics, search engine optimization, AI-generated social media content, and more.

Lili launches Connect for small business financial management. Lili, a financial platform for small businesses, is launching Connect. This embedded finance integration streamlines small business banking, accounting, and tax processes, allowing partners to offer Lili’s financial management tools directly through their platform. Partner companies can help business customers manage their financial needs in one place with Lili’s offerings, including a business checking account, automatic transaction categorization, smarter invoicing, bill pay solutions, automated financial reports, and tax-saving tools

Lili Connect

Bloomreach launches Rich Communication Services for marketing. Bloomreach, a platform for ecommerce personalization, has announced the launch of Rich Communication Services, allowing brands to deliver interactive experiences directly within native messaging apps. According to Bloomreach, RCS will enable real-time, two-way conversations beyond traditional SMS and bridge the gap between iOS and Android users.

Amazon expands generative AI shopping assistant Rufus in Canada. Amazon Canada will roll out Rufus, the AI shopping app, in the coming weeks. Canada-based customers in the beta can click on the icon in the bottom right corner on Amazon’s mobile app, and a Rufus chat box will appear on their screen. Customers can expand the chat box to ask questions and follow-ups.

Fast Simon delivers AI-powered search optimization for Shopify B2B. Fast Simon, an AI-based shopping optimization platform, has unveiled a no-code Shopify B2B product that optimizes AI search and merchandising to improve B2B and wholesale ecommerce experiences. Fast Simon now integrates with Shopify B2B to simplify wholesale and other forms of B2B ecommerce and deliver customer-specific product publishing, price lists assigned per customer, advanced search that automatically eliminates common input errors, product finders, Smart Rendering for improved performance, and SEO.

Fast Simon

Loop launches Offset to help merchants recover return costs. Loop, a returns and reverse logistics platform, has launched Offset, a pre-purchase returns solution that helps U.K. merchants recapture the costs of returns and reverse logistics. Offset helps brands offer a premium returns experience at no cost by giving customers the option to pay a small fee upfront during checkout in exchange for free returns later. The solution ensures merchants can recover return costs while providing customers peace of mind with easy, free returns.

Digimarc launches a brand protection app to combat counterfeit products. Digimarc, a provider of digital watermarking technologies, has launched the Digimarc Validate mobile app to combat counterfeit products. The app provides users with a tool for instant product authentication. The Digimarc Validate app allows authorized employees, supply chain partners, and third-party inspectors to authenticate products in the field using only a smartphone camera. Authorized inspectors can quickly authenticate products while real-time reports flow into the Digimarc Illuminate platform, delivering actionable data and insights.

Viably partners with Airwallex on cross-border ecommerce transactions. Viably, a provider of financial services for ecommerce, has announced a partnership with Airwallex, a global payments and financial platform. The partnership brings Airwallex’s capabilities into Viably, allowing businesses to simplify cross-border transactions and management of multiple currencies. The Viably Global Account, powered by Airwallex, allows sellers to pay vendors and suppliers worldwide, collect payouts from various marketplaces, and manage all financial aspects.

TikTok Shop integrates with Venmo. TikTok Shop has announced a partnership with Venmo. On TikTok Shop, U.S. customers who purchase for the first time from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 can receive 25% off when they spend $45 (for a maximum of $20 off) using Venmo for payment. Shoppers who have previously purchased on the platform can receive 25% off when they spend $85 (for a maximum of $35 off) using Venmo.