July 12 saw the second Amazon Prime Day (the previous was in July, 2015).  

So...how'd it go?

According to Amazon, it went amazingly well:

• 60% larger vs Prime Day 2015
• Sales from marketplace sellers (3P) were up 30% vs. Prime Day 2015
• Discounts were up over 200% vs. Prime Day 2015

The interesting caveat is that Prime Day growth was bigger overseas than in the US -- a great indicator of Amazon's international growth strategy success.

The other interesting note is about discounts (the 200% above) -- the pressure for great deals continue.

The two worst months for most of retail is January and July.  January because everybody spent their cash on holiday gifts, and July because everybody is on summer vacation.

So what do you do to beat the off-month blues?  You have a sale -- and Amazon's Prime Day is just the ticket.  

​Last year, Amazon kicked off what we hope is an annual event.  The results last year were pretty compelling:

• Upwards of 250% more items sold on that day vs. the same day last year
• About as many items sold on Prime Day as on Black Friday

What's not so clear is how many of those sold items came from Amazon (1P) vs. their marketplace sellers (3P).

However, it is reasonable to assume that 3P sellers should obtain at least some benefit from shoppers drawn to Amazon through their tremendous marketing engine.  

Now Amazon has yet to announce the date for the next Prime Day, we assume it will be in mid July.  So it's best to prepare now by identifying items you can sell at more aggressive prices as well as start any marketing you might do to promote your listings.  

In short, get prepared now so you can jump on the next Amazon marketing blitz!