People are buying high-ticket items on eBay, filing returns, then sending back thank-you cards instead of the product. Sellers are reporting the scam (with proof the return label is on a tiny envelope) but get stuck in an endless appeals process. Good luck getting eBay on the phone to help. I’d steer clear for now.
With AI, you’re the product
Most AI tools don’t cost anything to use. There’s a reason: your data is the price.
Watt is love? Baby don’t Hertz me: Tesla’s wheeling out its long-hyped robotaxis in Austin, starting with 10 cars and ramping to a thousand, basically a product experiment with bumpers. Musk says they’ll “geofence” the cars into safer areas. Everyone’s watching, especially Waymo.
The first UPC code was scanned 50 years ago today. Was the product a … A.) Can of soup, B.) Bottle of soda, C.) Bag of chips or D.) Pack of gum?
The answer: D.) Pack of gum. The first Universal Product Code was on a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum at Marsh’s Supermarket in Troy, Ohio.
📢 Check for recalls: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission site is worth checking now and then. You can search by categories, filter by date or hazard and sometimes get a refund or replacement. And if there’s ever a big recall, don’t worry, I’ll warn you here in my newsletter, too.
Do you know a kid obsessed with Roblox?
Roblox is adding paid billboard ads within the game, making it the largest playground for product pushing. Do you think kids have selective vision when their game is covered in ads?
🍆 Hard pill to swallow: Scammers on TikTok are using AI deepfakes to sell Viagra-like pills. One classic? A jacked guy holding a giant carrot, saying the product boosts testosterone and energy levels. PSA: They’re using fake doctors and celebs, too. Don’t buy it, you never know what they are putting in those pills.
Amazon vs. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
The feds say Amazon’s liable for unsafe third-party products. Amazon’s counter? The Safety Commission itself is unconstitutional.
💰 The price is right: Want to sell something on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp? Use your favorite AI bot to find out how much it’s worth. In ChatGPT, for example, type your item’s description with a prompt like this: “Find the most recent sold prices for [your product]. What price should I list it on [website or app]?”
Ask Rufus: Wondering where something you’re about to order on Amazon was made? On the product page, click Rufus on the top left in the Amazon toolbar. Ask it where your item was manufactured, and it might tell you; I find it knows about 50% of the time.
Turn your business idea into reality with Airbnb co-founder Nathan Blecharczyk
Got a product, app, or idea you want to bring to life? Nathan Blecharczyk, co-founder of Airbnb, shares how he helped turn a simple concept into a global brand. I talk with him about Airbnb’s early days, the challenges they faced, and their new Co-Host Network. Plus, he explains how Airbnb tackles concerns like hidden cameras in rentals.
Amazon's big "disappointment"
What happens if you buy a faulty product from a third-party seller on Amazon? You might think you’re out of luck, but not anymore. Amazon’s typical ‘not our problem’ stance just got a serious challenge.
Are you still using QuickBooks? Discover why thousands are switching to NetSuite’s superior, all-in-one solution. Don’t settle for less. Experience real-time insights and streamlined processes, and make decisions based on data, not your gut. Take a free product tour right now!
Get a list of what Apple is tracking about you
Use any Apple product? Here’s what you need to know, in 60 seconds.
The worthless product scam from Amazon merchants
Imagine receiving thousands of packages from Amazon that you didn’t even order. In this one-minute podcast, I’ll share how this exact scenario unfolded for a woman in Virginia.
4 items Amazon won't let you return
Sending back a product to Amazon? I reveal why you need to check return policy first, in one minute.
Don't buy a MacBook now
Planning to buy the latest Apple product? In one minute, I’ll tell you why you should hold off.
A gentle reminder for internet influencers
Pushing a product online? In just one minute, discover why disclosing if you’re being paid is a must.