The emergence of sales analytics tools, particularly those developed by fellow Zazzle sellers, presents a complex and multifaceted issue. While the allure of data-driven insights is undeniable, the potential repercussions for fair competition and individual seller success cannot be overlooked.
A few Zazzlers have raised concerns re developers on the forum and off it, so I thought we could take a closer look as this is fairly new arena for Zazzle.
Note this relates to Data Analytics tools that are engaged with studying your OWN data and not those tools that share other seller data such as Lyn Analytics which we covered in a separate article.
Previously, a clear divide existed between Zazzle, possessing comprehensive seller data, and individual sellers operating in relative isolation. The advent of third-party analytics tools, especially those created by fellow sellers, blurs this line. Granting these tools access to sensitive sales information could inadvertently tilt the competitive playing field in favor of the tool developers as well as posing risks to that data getting into the wrong hands. Hacking etc.
A compelling argument in favor of these tools is the potential for rapid validation. If a tool developer is also a successful Zazzle seller, their own sales performance can serve as a testament to their tool's effectiveness. This can help reassure Zazzlers wishing to take the plunge that they can reap rewards with this system. If howver they lack any evidence of themselves having succeeded on Zazzle (or any other platform) using these tools, proceed with caution.
Credibility on the platform is essential when accessing tools which claim to help raise your profits. This applies equally to Lyn Analytics, though reviews are slowly coming in showing users are seeing their own results. As such 'wait and see' could be a good alternative option for newer innovators.
An obvious con is that if you don't have a great many sales, you don't have much data to analyze? As such are these types of analytics tools only viable for larger sellers who want to deep dive into their data with greater insights than Zazzle and Google analytics tools are able to provide.
In this instance for Zazzle sellers with less data an analytics tool that looks at the data of other sellers ( more profitable sellers) has the edge? Lyn Analytics as a tool caused a great deal of controversy when it first emerged however it has since become an accepted data analytics tool for Zazzle use. How have those users faired using this tool?
Coming back to data analytics tools created by fellow Zazzlers whereby you upload your data to their site. Is there a conflict of interest here?
The ability to aggregate data from hundreds or even thousands of sellers enables tool developers to gain an unprecedented level of market intelligence. This knowledge could be exploited to identify profitable niches and methodology for their own Zazzle presence. While assurances against data misuse may be included in tool agreements, the psychological impact of accessing such sensitive information cannot be underestimated.
Things seen cannot be unseen.
Page down for details of alternative data analytics tools that do NOT require sharing your data with 3rd parties.
One way to safeguard yourself, regarding your data held by a developer who may also be a Zazzle seller (or may become one in the future when armed with all this intelligence) is to confirm that the developer is able to offer solid assurances they cannot access/view the data you submit when you sign up to use a data analytics tool. This is the only guarantee the data won't be used for the developers own benefit.
A further consideration is how secure is your data which you have transferred to the developers from hackers. Zazzle as a multi-million dollar company can afford the best level of security, what about a small-time developer?
While the promise of increased sales is enticing, sellers must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks to their business and the overall Zazzle marketplace.
Data analytics tools for other print on demands have been around a long time and so having them available for Zazzle is inevitable and on the rise. Discerning which is the optimal data analytics tools for your Zazzle store is one for your to consider carefully.
Safeguards In summary:
Read contract details carefully to confirm WHO has access to your highly valuable sales data.
How robust is the developers security system in protecting this data.
Will your data be deleted in whole when the subscription ends.
Consider trialling a service and seeing if you are able to convert your insights into sales.
I would be interested to hear Zazzler experiences and perspectives on data analytics tools for Zazzlers.
Have you used data or sales analytics tools?
What were your impressions?
What safeguards would you like to see in place?
Data Analytics tools where the Data is NOT shared with the developer
One such tool as reccomended by Elke Clarke Diamond Zazzler is Zazzle Designer Earner Analytics - developed around 2018
This is possibly the earliest of the Zazzle data analytics tools available to users and can be used without uploading your data to a 3rd party.- Youtube Tutorial
This tool is currently $89.99 as a one off fee.
Disclaimer:
I myself do not use subscription or fee paying Data Analytics tools as there are enough FREE tools available to analyze data for print-on-demand and I believe the best data is from the global maketplace not our individual stores. With that said, I could be missing a trick! So do what you feel is right for you and your store, and as long as you apply due diligance, you only have $'s to lose or $'s to gain!
Interesting article, thanks Leah.
I've been wondering recently about finding reliable and user-friendly tools for Zazzle analytics. I've heard of a few analysis tools, but many seem to focus primarily on other platforms such as Etsy or Amazon, so I'm not sure how useful they'd be for Zazzlers. I wonder what the crossover is between the different platforms, in terms of trends etc, and whether it's still worth signing up to them?