Amazon is Ending Its Amazon Smile Program: How Sellers Can Still Give Back

For many years, Amazon Smile has been a beloved program that allowed customers to support their favorite charitable organizations while shopping. It provided a simple way to give back to the community.

However, the Amazon Smile program ended as part of Amazon’s cost-cutting measures, which also included firing thousands of employees.

What Was Amazon Smile?

Amazon Smile, launched in 2013, was a charitable initiative by Amazon. It enabled shoppers to donate 0.5% of their eligible purchases to a charity of their choice without any additional cost.

Since its launch, Amazon has donated over $377 million through this program. Despite its success, Amazon stated that the program’s impact was spread too thin, leading to its closure on February 20, 2023.

5 Ways Amazon Sellers Can Still Give Back

While the closure of Amazon Smile is unfortunate, there are still several ways for Amazon sellers to contribute to charitable causes:

• Amazon FBA Donations Program

Sellers can donate excess inventory to charities instead of disposing of unsold items.

This reduces waste and supports local communities. Amazon FBA sellers are automatically enrolled in this program and receive a donation certificate each year, which can also provide tax benefits.

• Direct Donations

Sellers can allocate a portion of their profits to charities that align with their values. This method allows full control over where donations go and ensures a direct impact.

Highlighting your brand’s charitable contributions can also enhance brand awareness.

• Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Program

Sellers with sustainable products can qualify for the Climate Pledge Friendly badge, signaling to customers that their products are environmentally friendly.

This not only benefits the environment but can also boost sales, as many consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products.

• Volunteering and Community Engagement

Sellers can volunteer their time and skills to support local community initiatives, such as organizing food drives or participating in cleanup events.

Engaging with the community helps create a positive impact beyond monetary donations.

• Collaboration with Like-minded Sellers

Joining or creating a network of sellers committed to giving back can amplify the impact of charitable initiatives. Collaborating on campaigns and events can support common goals and make a larger difference.

Final Thoughts

While the end of Amazon Smile may be disappointing, there are still plenty of opportunities for Amazon sellers to give back and make a difference.

These alternative methods not only help charitable causes but also build trust and loyalty with customers, enhance brand reputation, and attract new customers who share your values.

Want to learn more about the Amazon Smile Program? Check out our complete guide.