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.

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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.

PROS

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 however they lack any evidence of themselves having succeeded on Zazzle (or any other platform) using these tools, proceed with caution.

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Two providers I have noted thus far offering data analytics services for Zazzle are no greater than pro basic sellers. Thus their tools are not being used to good effect regarding their own Zazzle products and given they both have access to other sellers data (with one service having full sales reports) one can't guarantee any increase they experience in sales is due to their tools effecting a change or their ability to access other seller data.

Do you see the conundrum?

Accessing other seller data being MUCH more valuable to any Zazzle creator, hence why Lynanlytics was so popular when it emerged and they have very limited access to what data is available regarding other sellers.

Not disputing any developers 'honesty' I just know from a psychological perspective, data seen cannot be unseen and knowingly or unknowingly, it will likely have an influence .... how can it not? This is my opinion and I stand by it. Sharing data with fellow Zazzlers is sharing data with your competitor. 

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Credibility on the platform is essential when accessing tools which claim to help raise your profits. 

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CONS

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?

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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.

" I trust this data analytics provider" is not a testimonial I value. 

Guarantees and protections must be in place.

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Page down for details of alternative data analytics tools that do NOT require sharing your data with 3rd parties.

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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.

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This isn't doable with systems that don't automate the data analytics providing meaningful results ... the developer has to have a hand in translating the results for you. It is possible such automated data anlaytics tools do not yet exist. As such ensure you know what type of analytics you're being provided with.

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? 

You also want a solid assurance ALL your data will be removed from their system should you decide to unsubscribe from their service. Check your contract details carefully in this regard.

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 you to consider carefully.

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Safeguards In summary:

1. Read contract details carefully to confirm WHO has access to your highly valuable sales data. 
2. How robust is the developers security system in protecting this data.
3. Will your data be deleted in whole when the subscription ends.
4. Consider trialling a service and seeing if you are able to convert your insights into sales.
5. Ensure your data is removed upon terminination of the service.
6. Consider the implcations of sharing your sales data with fellow Zazzlers.

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?

Please leave your thoughts in comments.

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Data Analytics tools where the Data is NOT shared with the developer

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One such tool as reccomended by Elke Clarke Diamond Zazzler is Zazzle Designer Earner Analytics - developed around 2018

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I am NOT an affiliate for this product Elke Clarke however is.

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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.

The benefits of a one-off-fee is that it is substantially cheaper than a tool reliant upon a subscription especially when you nolonger have access to that tool after your subscription ends. So while intially the fee may seem high it quickly pays for itself in terms of savings.

And there is no 3rd party access to your data and you and only you are resonsible for the safe storage of that data.

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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.

I'm also wary when Zazzlers with no signficant track record for success on the Zazzle platform introduce tools designed to ensure your success! This for me is a no brainer. Credibility is everything when it comes to making money on any platform not just Zazzle. 

As someone who has a lot of people immitating my offerings I urge you to be discerning when parting with your hard earned cash.

Food for thought Zazzlepreneurs.

With all 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!

🔗 For a deeper dive into the value of data analytics head over HERE.

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Next up:

🔗Are you thinking of bying the services of those who claim to increase your Zazzle product views? read this first

FREE Beginners Guide to Zazzle, Business Plan and POD Directory 

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I will add to this, some services you may be familiar with I do not mention either because their inflated claims and lack of Zazzle, sales, marketing experience mean they do not merit mention or because there are too many 'pop-up's for this type of service. Note latest article on those who 'sell' you the idea they can bring your Zazzle products a ton of views and how to discern the fake traffic from the 'value' traffic.