Here is a list of product releases for mid-December from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are releases on shipping and returns, live video shopping, product authentication, event ticketing, customer support bots, and voice-based biometrics.
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Ecommerce Product Releases
Intel and JD.com partner to develop smart retail. JD.com and Intel have announced the launch of a lab to bring internet-of-things technology into the retail process. JD.com, the huge China-based retailer, already works with Intel on the personalization of the shopping experience. New products will center on expanding online features to brick-and-mortar businesses.
JD.com corporate blog.
Facebook tests live video shopping. Facebook is testing a new feature that lets merchants show off their products through a live video mode. Viewers can send messages during the broadcast with screenshots of the products they want to buy. Merchants can take reservations and request payment through Messenger.
UPS runs promotion for small businesses. In a promotion through the end of the year, UPS is offering a discount to small businesses. Sellers can use a promo code to get 20 percent off domestic ground service and 40 percent off domestic and international air, as well as standard service to Mexico and Canada. “We’ve simplified our online shipping experience to make it quicker and easier. The announcement follows the launch of an additional promotion that offers rewards when customers pick up their packages at a UPS Access Point location.
eBay expands authentication service to jewelry. eBay has announced the expansion of eBayAuthenticate into the luxury jewelry category. The items, ranging from $250 to upwards of $20,000, are verified by third-party authentication experts and sourced from more than two dozen of eBay’s top-rated sellers. eBay’s Authenticate service launched in the luxury handbags category in 2017 and expanded to luxury watches earlier this year.
eBay’s blog.
Shippo adds regional carriers to meet demand for fast shipping. Shippo has announced the launch of two new carriers in its shipping web app, AxleHire and CDL. The new carrier capabilities are aimed at small and mid-sized businesses to meet the increasing demand for expedited last-mile delivery.
TechSee secures $16 million for its customer support platform. TechSee has raised $16 million to help build artificial-intelligence-based video for customer service. To provide tech support to customers, the platform uses computer vision, augmented reality, and a customer’s own smartphone camera. The service can run alongside live agents or as part of a standalone bot.
BigCommerce for WordPress now available worldwide. BigCommerce has announced the public release of BigCommerce for WordPress, an ecommerce integration for WordPress powered by BigCommerce’s SaaS platform. The integration expands the ecommerce options available to merchants using WordPress by giving them the ability to easily customize and grow their ecommerce businesses. BigCommerce for WordPress is the first ecommerce WordPress plugin to provide real-time rendering of data in Accelerated Mobile Pages.
BigCommerce for WordPress plugin.
Voci Technologies introduces advanced voice-based biometrics service. Voci Technologies, a speech analytics platform provider, has launched a service that lets users leverage voice biometric technology — from passive verification to active authentication. The service, with its open API for custom development, makes voice biometrics easy for companies to use with their existing solutions. The technology can be used to prevent fraud, safeguard customer privacy, improve the customer experience, and more.
TicketSocket delivers omnichannel, EMV-compliant ticketing and payment system with Square. TicketSocket has announced an omnichannel, EMV-compliant ticketing and payment system that works with Square for online and day-of box-office ticket sales and payments. With the new app, event organizers, promoters, venues, attractions, and others can use TicketSocket as their centralized ticketing and registration ecosystem — securely integrated with Square payment devices.
Narvar launches paperless returns to streamline customer experience. Narvar, a post-purchase experience service, has announced a new feature that enables shoppers to return online purchases without printing a label. Retailers can now offer paperless returns to allow shoppers to download a mobile code and drop off their package at a UPS location. Tory Burch, the fashion retailer, has deployed Narvar’s paperless returns to meet changing consumer demands during and beyond the holiday shopping season. With Narvar Return, retailers can set and enforce return policies, convert returns to exchanges and repurchases, and obtain analytics and visibility into return reasons.
Narvar