Amazon India has announced a series of seller-focused initiatives to boost business growth for small and medium businesses (SMBs) in Uttar Pradesh and across India during the 2024 festive season. With a major reduction in selling fees, ranging from 3 per cent to 12 per cent across categories like groceries, fashion, and electronics, the company aims to increase seller earnings while offering competitive prices to consumers. The initiatives are designed to help sellers optimise operations ahead of the Diwali shopping rush and sustain growth beyond the festive period.
Addressing a media gathering in Lucknow on Thursday, Vikram Deshpande, Director of Product Management at Amazon India, emphasised the company’s commitment to empowering SMBs in Uttar Pradesh by leveraging ecommerce. “At Amazon, we are dedicated to helping SMBs thrive by providing them with better tools and technology for the festive season. We believe the reduction in selling fees, coupled with other solutions we offer, will enable sellers to achieve unprecedented success this Diwali,” said Deshpande.
Boosting SMBs with AI and Logistics Support
Deshpande further highlighted how Amazon has been supporting SMBs in adopting technology and improving logistics. “We provide data analytics to help sellers better understand market demands and consumer behaviour. Additionally, we assist them in upgrading their skills with technology and logistics. If direct intervention isn’t feasible, we connect them to partners for a smooth operational experience,” he added.
Amazon has also rolled out new AI-powered tools, including the recently launched Amazon SahAI, a generative AI assistant for sellers, along with Rufus, a GenAI-based shopping assistant for consumers. Deshpande mentioned that these innovations aim to create a seamless experience for both sellers and customers, enhancing the overall ecommerce journey.
Unlocking Growth Opportunities for Sellers
With an anticipated surge in consumer spending this festive season, over 200,000 sellers from Uttar Pradesh are expected to list and showcase their products on Amazon.in, reaching customers across all serviceable pin codes in India. By tapping into the increased demand, special offers, and higher traffic, SMBs have the potential to significantly boost their sales and reach a broader audience.
Amazon has introduced several tools and features to further assist sellers. The Sale Event Planner helps in managing major sale events, while AI-powered services like Imaging Services and Listing Assistants enhance product presentations. The Self-Service Registration (SSR 2.0) simplifies the onboarding process with multilingual support, and the New Seller Success Center offers guidance on using features like ads, Prime, and deals.
Investments in Infrastructure for Reliable Delivery
Amazon's extensive infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, including a large Fulfilment Centre and Sortation Centre, along with nearly 140 Amazon delivery hubs, ensures fast and reliable delivery experiences for both sellers and customers. This commitment to building physical infrastructure is part of Amazon's broader strategy to support the growth of ecommerce in India, especially during peak shopping seasons like Diwali.
As SMBs prepare for the Diwali rush, Amazon’s suite of AI-driven tools, operational support, and seller incentives promise to make this festive season a resounding success for sellers across Uttar Pradesh and the country.