December Newsletter

1. Shipping Recommendations for December

For newer stores (those with less than $20,000 in total inventory shipped), the team recommends pausing shipments in December due to Amazon’s peak-season delays, high freight costs, and elevated fees. This strategic pause avoids unnecessary expenses and allows inventory to arrive in January at a lower cost. Established stores in the growth phase should continue shipping, even in smaller quantities, to maintain momentum, preserve Amazon storage limits, and keep inventory flowing. Partners are encouraged to reach out with questions or to discuss their individual strategies.

2. Automated Communication System

To enhance communication and reduce partner stress, the team is implementing an automated system using Airtable and Twilio. Starting in December, partners will receive text updates when account statuses change, such as application submissions or approvals. These messages aim to provide peace of mind, ensure transparency, and reduce inbound inquiries. The system will send three to five updates weekly, and partners can opt out if they prefer not to receive texts.

3. SkuVault Inventory Management Integration

The SkuVault software integration is nearing completion and is on track for full deployment after New Year’s. This system will allow partners to track inventory from purchase to warehouse prep and shipment to Amazon, bridging the current gap in visibility. While onboarding has required significant coordination, the portal will give partners 24/7 access to their inventory status. The next phase involves uploading warehouse inventory and providing individual portal logins for partners.

4. Section 3 Review Updates

Section 3 account reviews have increased significantly across Amazon, often targeting accounts with no inventory or minimal sales history. The team reassures partners that these reviews, while inconvenient, are manageable and necessary to verify account legitimacy. To simplify the process, management and third-party logistics agreements are being separated for new and existing partners to streamline submissions to Amazon. The team continues to achieve a 90% success rate in resolving these reviews.

5. Walmart Expansion Progress

The Walmart partnership program has exceeded expectations, with 10 stores approved in a single week—meeting the original monthly goal. Stable Storefronts is now an official Walmart-verified solutions provider, ensuring smooth approvals and scaling capabilities. With streamlined processes, the team aims to onboard 40–50 new Walmart stores per month, supported by dedicated staff managing applications, websites, and product listings.

6. Account Advocates Rollout (Planned for Q1 2025)

The team plans to introduce Account Advocates by the end of Q1 2025 for mature stores. These advocates will act like stockbrokers, managing 5–10 accounts each, focusing on growth strategies, profitability, and personalized support. Incentivized through a shared profit model, advocates will ensure partner success by aligning their goals with store performance. This program will launch with larger accounts first, with plans to expand as stores grow.

7. Partner Engagement and Meeting Updates

In November, the team met with over 90% of partners to plan for December, ensuring strategies are in place. For those who missed their November meetings, links will be provided to book a session in December. New stores in probation do not require meetings at this stage. Partners are encouraged to reach out as needed but should feel confident in the plans already set.

Link to Joe’s calendar for those of you who have not had a chance to meet with Joe or Saria or the Partner Success team: https://calendly.com/strictlycommerce/partner-check-in-with-joe