Value Added Resource Week In Review 8-16-26

Welcome to the Value Added Resource ecommerce news week in review!

Whatnot has raised $545 million in Series G funding at a $20 billion valuation, nearly doubling its value in less than a year as the live shopping marketplace continues to post rapid growth in buyers, sellers and transaction volume.

Whatnot Raises $545 Million At $20 Billion Valuation

Whatnot raises $545 million at a $20 billion valuation as live selling growth continues amid growing competition and legal scrutiny.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

Amazon is once again requiring US customers to resolve most legal disputes through individual arbitration, reinstating a provision the company dropped five years ago.

Amazon Reinstates Arbitration, Class Action Waiver After Costly Mass Claims

Amazon’s new terms require most customer disputes to go to arbitration, waive class actions and add new rules for mass claims.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

After more than two years of fee changes, layoffs and leadership turnover, Mercari US closed fiscal 2026 with a combination it has struggled to deliver during the turnaround: GMV and active users both grew year over year in Q4.

Mercari US GMV Up 15% As Active Users Return To Growth

Mercari US GMV rose 15% in Q4 as active users returned to growth, while the marketplace remained profitable and set higher long-term goals.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

Depop taps Spotify for a new artist campaign as eBay faces scrutiny over rising marketing costs and its $1.4 billion acquisition.

Depop, Spotify Launch Partnership As eBay Faces Rising Marketing Costs

Depop taps Spotify for a new artist campaign as eBay faces scrutiny over rising marketing costs and its $1.4 billion acquisition.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

eBay has informed sellers of yet another change to USPS Ground Advantage prices for labels purchased through the platform, but the notice came two days after the higher prices went into effect.

eBay Gives Sellers Late Notice Of Yet Another USPS Ground Advantage Rate Increase

eBay gives sellers late notice of another USPS Ground Advantage rate increase affecting 3-5 lb packages to Zones 5-8.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

One important update to a story from last week: eBay has changed the bidding policy help pages for the US, UK, Canada and Germany to remove mention of specific categories, indicating the Extended Bidding auction test may now be moving beyond Trading Cards and Vehicles in those markets as well.

The U.S. Postal Service lost another $2.5 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, an improvement from last year but still a significant setback as the agency continues warning of a severe liquidity crisis.

USPS Posts $2.5B Q3 Loss as Revenue Rises, Liquidity Crisis Persists

USPS lost $2.5B in Q3 despite higher revenue as it preserves cash and seeks congressional funding and broader financial reforms.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

eBay is losing longtime seller and consignment partner Linda's Stuff as Poshmark acquires its dedicated operational facilities to revamp its consignment offering, while the business moves its selling and live shopping operations to a new home on the competing marketplace.

Poshmark Revamps Consignment As eBay Loses Linda’s Stuff

eBay loses longtime partner Linda’s Stuff as Poshmark takes over its facilities and launches a new consignment model.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

eBay has hired longtime supply chain executive Andres Gonzalez as VP & GM Global Shipping and Authentication, bringing extensive ecommerce fulfillment and logistics experience from Walmart and Amazon to the role.

eBay Hires Walmart, Amazon Alum Andres Gonzalez To Lead Global Authentication & Shipping

eBay hires supply chain veteran Andres Gonzalez as VP GM Global Shipping & Authentication, bringing logistics experience from Walmart & Amazon.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

eBay and TCGPlayer held a ribbon cutting for expanded Louisville authentication operations this week, though the facility has been up and running since early 2025.

eBay, TCGPlayer Cut Ribbon On Expanded KY Authentication Center

eBay and TCGPlayer celebrate upgrades at their Louisville authentication center, in operation since early 2025.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

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