Overview

On August 17, 2023 Helium 10’s weekly “Buzz” podcast highlighted three developments that directly affect Amazon, Pinterest, and Walmart sellers. Amazon introduced a new flat‑fee charge for professional seller accounts, Pinterest rolled out ad placements that route users straight to Amazon product pages, and Walmart reported a sharp rise in Walmart+ subscriptions. Each shift alters traffic sources, cost structures, and competitive dynamics, making immediate attention essential for e‑commerce brands operating across these marketplaces.

Key Points

• Amazon review fee — A mandatory monthly surcharge will be added to all professional seller subscriptions, increasing baseline operating costs.
• Pinterest‑to‑Amazon ads — New promoted‑pin format lets advertisers link directly to an Amazon ASIN, creating a single‑click path to Amazon’s checkout.
• Walmart+ membership surge — Walmart disclosed a significant jump in Walmart+ enrollments, expanding a high‑intent shopper segment.
• Helium 10 weekly format — The episode combined a brand‑building interview with a hands‑on training tip, reinforcing the platform’s educational role.
• Seller‑focused actions — The host outlined specific steps to offset the Amazon fee, pilot Pinterest‑to‑Amazon campaigns, and craft Walmart+‑only promotions.

How Amazon’s Review Fee Works

1. Fee activation — Amazon automatically appends the new charge to every professional seller account at the beginning of the first billing cycle after the announcement; for example, a seller who renewed on June 1 will see the fee on the June 30 invoice.
2. Fee calculation — The amount is a fixed dollar value added to the existing subscription price, regardless of sales volume or product category; a $10 fee would raise a $39.99 plan to $49.99 each month.
3. Billing integration — The surcharge appears on the monthly invoice alongside referral fees, fulfillment fees, and any advertising spend, making it visible in the same “Payments” report sellers already monitor.