Episodes
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Andy Slamans Co-Founder of Amazing Freedom Brands, shares his incredible story of transitioning from social work to building a multi-million dollar Amazon business.
We delved into Andy's early days of selling on Amazon, the valuable lessons he learned, and the challenges he overcame along the way. From navigating the intricacies of international sourcing to building relationships with domestic manufacturers, we uncovered the strategies that propelled Amazing Freedom Brands to remarkable success.
Andy also shared his insights on inventory management, advertising adjustments, the shift to website sales, and the delicate balance of pricing and margins.
If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode was packed with invaluable advice and inspiration to fuel your journey.
Episode Notes:
00:30 - Andy Slamans Introduction
01:50 - LinkedIn and its Positive Environment
02:55 - Andy's Transition from Social Work to Amazon Selling
05:45 - The Early Days of Selling on Amazon and Lessons Learned
09:20 - Challenges and Strategies of Sourcing Internationally
10:45 - Advantages of Sourcing Products Domestically in the US
13:30 - Finding Tradeshows
15:19 - Reordering Products from Domestic Manufacturers
16:40 - Experimenting with Turning Off Ads Due to Running Out of Inventory
18:18 - Approaching $20 Million in Revenue: Strategies and Growth
21:15 - Using a Line of Credit
22:55 - Navigating Return Handling for Different Types of Products
24:46 - Building a Team with C-Suite Hires and Scaling the Business
29:30 - Learning from Losses
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andy-slamans-892ba0b9
Website: amazing freedom.com
Related Post: Maximize Your Ad Spend: 7 Benefits of Effective Ad Management -
Coming from North Carolina to the SmartScout Headquarters, we have Corey Ganim an experienced wholesaler with his own podcast that has also helped many build successful wholesale businesses.
In a unique twist, Corey interviews Scott about his journey and insights into building and using SmartScout. Discover how SmartScout stands out from other tools and why even long-time listeners are surprised by its capabilities once they start using it.
Scott also announced AMZ United 2024 and shared the success of AMZ United 2023 — an event specifically catering to wholesale sellers on Amazon. He discussed the lack of events targeted at wholesalers despite their significant presence among top Amazon sellers and how AMZ United fills that gap.
Learn the challenges and rewards of private label businesses, emphasizing the importance of niche targeting and community building. Discover strategies for wholesalers transitioning into private labels, including the bold approach of high-investment launches to avoid saturated markets.
Episode Notes:
00:25 - Corey Ganim Introduction
01:53 - AMZ United 2024
05:30 - Supplier Interactions
07:20 - Covid Business Boom
10:45 - Wholesale or Private Label Business
14:25 - Advice for New Sellers
15:20 - Partnership Pros & Cons
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-ganim/
Related Post: Introducing AMZ United 2023 - The First-Ever Conference for Amazon Wholesale Sellers -
Episodes manquant?
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Scott is joined by special guests Raj, the Chief Strategy Officer of Netrush, and Chris Marantette, the Co-CEO / Co-Founder of Netrush. They delve into the dynamic evolution of Netrush from a small two-person team to a robust company focused on maximizing brand profitability through strategic partnerships and innovative infrastructure.
The discussion provides valuable insights into the shifts in Amazon's marketplace, highlighting the transition from high-profit margins to tighter margins due to market maturation and commoditization.
Chris highlights the importance of integrating logistics technology into overall business strategy, addressing recent Amazon fee changes and their impact on sellers.
The episode also explores the role of 'brand runners'—individuals managing various aspects within a company—and the necessity for sophisticated logistics and supply chain management tools.
Tune in to learn how proactive pricing strategies, cost optimization, and innovative solutions can help brands navigate the complexities of the Amazon marketplace and stay ahead in a competitive environment.
Episode Notes:
00:45 - Raj Sapru and Chris Marantette Introduction
01:05 - The Net Rush Origin Story and the Shift to a Brand-Centric Approach
04:35 - Starting Sellozo
08:23 - FBA Fee Increase History
18:25 - Importance of Advertising and Logistics in Amazon FBA
19:45 - Addressing the Complexities of Amazon's Logistics and Fee Changes
25:19 - Minimizing Expenses
29:55 - Analyzing Amazon's Fee Structure and the Impact of Shipping Time on Conversion
31:15 - Understanding the Role of the Brand Runner in Modern Commerce
35:02 - Optimizing Costs in Shipping and Inventory Management
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/rajsapru
linkedin.com/in/chris-marantette-4701b9
Website: netrush.com
Related Post: Understanding Amazon's Fee Structure for Wholesale Sellers -
In this special episode, we’re excited to present a unique podcast swap, featuring an insightful episode from Josh Hadley's eComm Breakthrough Podcast.
Join us as Josh interviews Matt Altman from Right Side Up, delving into advanced strategies for product optimization, managing PPC campaigns, and knowing when to let go of underperforming products.
This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for Amazon sellers looking to enhance their business growth and streamline their operations. Josh Hadley shares his inspiring journey of growing Hadley Designs into an eight-figure brand, offering candid insights into the challenges he faced and the strategies that led to his success.
Meanwhile, Matt Altman brings over a decade of experience to the table, discussing crucial topics such as the importance of high-converting keywords, innovative photo editing techniques for product images, and effective affiliate marketing strategies.
Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting, this episode provides valuable lessons and practical tips to help you optimize your Amazon business and achieve sustained growth.
Tune in and transform your selling strategy today!
Episode notes:
02:45 - Ecom Breakthrough Podcast Overview
03:50 - Matt Altman Introduction
05:10 - Matt's journey into ecommerce
06:40 - Insights into Successful Brand Exits
10:21 - Strategy for Launching New Products on Amazon
13:00 - Product Launch Budget
15:35 - Types of Ad Campaigns
20:40 - Product Conversion Rate \ Optimizing Products
28:40 - Amazon A/B Testing Feature
31:45 - EVA.Guru / Intellivy.net / mturk.com
33:25 - Other Software Tools to Manage Multiple Brands
35:20 - PPC Tactics
48:40 - External Marketing
51:10 - Amazon Affiliates
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/matt-altman-39b72a70
linkedin.com/in/joshhadley/
Website:
www.rightsideup.com
https://wavve.link/Ecommbreakthrough
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Related Post: Yes, E-Commerce in Latin America Is Worth It -
Join Scott today with Russ Dieringer, the Founder & CEO of Stratably, a leading research group that advises major brands on market trends in e-commerce.
In this episode, they explore how Stratably assists companies in understanding their customers and competitors through an annual membership that includes access to in-depth research, live webinars, and collaborative share groups.
Understanding e-commerce dynamics is vital for brands to balance their online presence with physical stores. Russ highlights challenges for larger brands with global distribution facing price transparency issues, while midsize or smaller first-party (1P) brands may seek third-party alternatives due to tough negotiations with platforms such as Amazon.
With Stratably's innovative approach to research and analysis, companies gain a strategic advantage in navigating the ever-evolving marketplace landscape.
Episode Notes:
00:15 - Russ Dieringer Introduction
01:02 - Stratably Origins
01:58 - The Power Dynamics of 1P and 3P on Amazon
04:50 - The Evolution of E-commerce Post-COVID
06:05 - Benchmarking Consumer Brands
08:08 - Stratably Data Collection
10:10 - Big Brands Dealing with Emerging Marketplaces
16:45 - Marketplace Control
22:48 - Profit Strategies for Midsize and Challenger Brands
24:45 - Tactical Shifts and Innovations on Amazon
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russdieringer
Website: stratably.com
Related Post: Expanding With Amazon FBA – How To Start Selling in Europe -
Today we are diving into the crucial element of speed on Amazon, emphasizing that success isn't just about intelligence — it's about staying ahead of the curve.
Joining Scott is Dillon Carter, the visionary behind Aura, a groundbreaking repricing tool that's revolutionizing the way sellers navigate the Amazon marketplace. From humble beginnings in college to mastering the art of selling on Amazon, Dillon's journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Discover how Dillon's detour into personal training paved the way for his entrepreneurial ventures, culminating in the creation of Aura. With a passion for sharing knowledge, Dillon pioneered wholesale sourcing resources and podcasts, empowering sellers with invaluable insights.
Learn how Aura's relentless commitment to efficiency led to the development of a cutting-edge repricing system capable of updating prices in the blink of an eye. Explore the intricate balance between sales velocity and profitability, where AI-driven strategies elevate sellers to new heights without compromising margins.
Episode Notes:
00:35 - Dillon Carter Introduction
01:20 - The Origins of Aura
03:58 - Transition from Wholesale to Software
05:15 - The Move and Expansion to Boston
07:15 - The Shift Back to E-Commerce
09:00 - New API Version
14:20 - Introducing Hyper Drive
16:20 - Understanding Buy Box Dynamics
17:52 - Reframing Success for Amazon Sellers
19:02 - AI and the Future of Repricing
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dillon-carter Website: https://dilloncarter.com/
Related Post: The Top Insights to Amazon Repricing Tools -
Joined by Will Abrams, founder of Axiom Prep, Scott uncovers the hidden impacts of returns on your bottom line and explores effective strategies for managing them.
Returns can be more than just a hassle — they can significantly affect your revenue stream.
Will shares his personal journey, from navigating piles of returns as an Amazon seller to founding a return service business focused on maximizing value from these items.
Explore the complexities of reimbursement types and gain valuable insights into documenting item conditions to support successful reimbursement claims.
Episode Notes:
00:20 - Will Abrams Introduction
03:00 - The Nuances of Handling Returns
06:15 - Consignment, and Reimbursement Types
07:25 - Deep Dive into Amazon Reimbursement Challenges
08:35 - The Economic Threshold for Handling Returns
10:00 - Outsourcing Return Handling to Expert Services
16:00 - The Importance of Visibility and Documentation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-abrams-426b15260/
Website: http://axiomprepcenter.com/
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In this episode, Josh Hadley takes us on a journey through his entrepreneurial path, sharing the story behind Hadley Designs and how they've carved out a niche in the competitive world of stationery products.
Discover how Josh's childhood hustle selling lemonade paved the way for his successful e-commerce venture, and learn about the pivotal moments that led to Hadley Designs' evolution from custom wedding invitations to educational posters. With candid insights into navigating market challenges such as COVID-19 and the importance of constant innovation, this episode offers invaluable lessons for aspiring Amazon sellers.
We also delve into the intricacies of protecting designs from IP infringement, strategies for effective product launches, and the critical role of community building in e-commerce success.
Whether you're a seasoned seller looking for new strategies or a newcomer eager to learn, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories to help you thrive in the dynamic world of Amazon selling.
Episode Notes:
00:17 - Josh Hadley Introduction
01:17 - Josh’s Background
01:56 - Childhood Business Ventures to Amazon
06:00 - Pivoting Categories and Selling Recipe Cards
10:10 - Scaling the Amazon Business and Impact of Covid
12:50 - The Current State of Selling Design-Based Products on Amazon
15:00 - Protecting Intellectual Property and Legal Strategies
20:25 - Barriers to Entry and Success Factors in Design-Based Categories
25:20 - Merch by Amazon and Product Differentiation
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshhadley
Website: ues.utah.edu
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Scott gives us 4 key updates in a quick but compact episode.
The topics include an analysis of Amazon's FBA placement fee program, SEO strategies for product listings, insights on SmartScout's brand reports, and details about Pattern's Accelerate conference for large brands.
Whether you're an experienced seller or new to Amazon's marketplace dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights and tips for enhancing your business reach and efficiency.
Episode Notes:
00:40 - Amazon's New FBA Placement Fee
04:07 - SEO Hacks for Product Listings
07:30 - SmartScout’s Brand Reports
09:50 - Pattern’s Accelerate Conference
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Scott is joined by Jed Rawson, CEO of Pirawna, who shares a gripping tale of intrigue and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Jed recounts a recent incident where his team encountered stolen goods being sold on Amazon, totaling a staggering $4 million in inventory. Through meticulous investigation and collaboration with law enforcement, they uncovered an organized crime operation responsible for potentially $50-100 million in stolen goods.
Amazon's swift response led to the shutdown of several accounts linked to the illegal activity, marking one of their largest takedowns of fraudulent sellers to date.
Jed discusses supply chain security measures, emphasizing the importance of GPS tracking containers and verifying driver identities. He also highlights Pi Agency's success in assisting brands to exit for significant sums, driven by strategies informed by past failures and focused on long-term trends.
Episode Notes:
00:13 - Jed Rawson Introduction
01:23 - Mafia on Amazon
04:00 - BuyBox Hijacked
06:25 - Genesis of SmartScout
07:00 - Stolen Inventory Investigation
11:50 - Law Enforcement and Takedown Operations
14:40 - Learning from Amazon Escalations
16:10 - Organized Criminal Operation and Impact on Brands
21:15 - Precautions and Preventive Measures
27:40 - Brand Exits
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pirawna/
Website: https://www.pirawna.com/
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Steven Pope from My Amazon Guy discusses strategies for profiting on Amazon. With over a decade of experience, Steven shares insights on navigating challenges and evolving business models.
He covers topics such as brand registry loss, retail arbitrage, and mitigating compliance risks. Emphasizing the importance of learning from setbacks, Steven provides actionable advice for sellers to enhance their success on Amazon.
Episode Notes:
00:23 - Steven Pope Introduction
03:44 - Starting an Agency
06:18 - Amazon Account Suspension Policy
12:50 - White Hat vs. Black Hat
13:55 - Brand Registry Process
15:40 - Scaling and Prep
16:37 - Mixing Retail Arbitrage and Wholesale
19:34 - Succeeding Using SmartScout
19:48 - Finding your Zone of Genius
21:51 - Mistakes and Regrets
25:23 - Inventory Manager for Amazon
27:53 - SmartScout Trial
29:14 - Reselling Compliance Risk
30:30 - Hijackers, Black Hat Tactics, Stolen Goods
31:50 - Improving Click-Through Rate
“Images are for people and copy is for robots” - Steven
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steven-pope
Website: myamazonguy.com | myrefundguy.com
YouTube: youtube.com/myamazonguy
Related Post: Amazon PPC Optimization: Tips for More Clicks and Conversions -
Scott shares his insights on recent happenings in the Amazon space, including standout companies such as AdGrantsGenie, AIA Assets, Deltologic, and a personal story highlighting the challenges sellers face.
Episode notes:
01:10 - AIA Assets
03:00 - AdGrantsGenie
04:00 - Deltologic
04:40 - Connected Commerce Council
05:25 - Junglytics
06:10 - Scott’s Best Amazon Story
Related Post: Advertising Solutions by Amazon: A Closer Look into Amazon Ads -
Scott Needham, accompanied by e-commerce expert Sabir Semerkant, dives deep into the ever-evolving world of online commerce.
With over 25 years of experience, Sabir shares invaluable insights, including his unique “8-D Method" for business growth, honed through ventures such as revitalizing Vitamin Shoppe's website from bankruptcy to success.
The discussion covers crucial aspects such as optimizing website performance, strategic pricing, and the importance of cohesive team dynamics, emphasizing the significance of adapting to AI advancements and focusing on revenue per session rather than traditional conversion rates.
Episode notes:
00:15 - Sabir Semerkant Introduction
02:05 - Sabir’s Background
03:55 - Good and Bad Information
04:40 - Vitamin Shoppe
05:15 - Test, Learn, and Optimize
07:05 - Ecommerce is a Mix of Different Practices
08:00 - Co-founding VaynerCommerce
10:20 - How Sabir Met Gary V.
13:50 - 8-D Method
14:55 - Performance Optimzation
18:40 - Consumer Attention Span
23:20 - Premium Pricing
25:25 - Product Positioning and Brand Building
29:40 - Story Telling
32:50 - Customer UX
35:20 - Retargetting and Remarketing
40:20 - Logistics
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/sabirsemerkant
Websites:
growthbysabir.com/workshop/
growthbysabir.com (GROWTH by Sabir)
growthbysabir.com/liveshow (#ThisWeekWithSabir Live) medium.com/worklifebalancebysabir (#WorkLifeBalanceBySab)
Related Post: Pricing Strategies for Wholesale Sellers on Amazon -
Scott interviews Tarik, the founder of M19, an advertising technology tool for Amazon sellers. They discuss various topics related to advertising on Amazon, including organic rank awareness, retail data awareness, inventory awareness, and variation advertising.
Tarik shares insights into how M19 helps sellers optimize their advertising campaigns and make data-driven decisions. He also discusses the importance of conversion rate and how it can impact advertising costs.
Overall, the conversation provides valuable information for Amazon sellers looking to improve their advertising strategies.
Episode Notes:
00:35 - Introduction and Background
02:00 - Building M19 and Getting Customers
05:30 - Organic Rank Awareness
08:47 - Checking rankings
12:18 - Inventory Awareness
14:45 - Advertising Awareness
19:15 - Conversion Data
22:54 - Marketplace Preferences
24:17 - How to Reach M19
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/berradatarik
Related Post: Advertising Solutions by Amazon: A Closer Look into Amazon Ads -
Scott Needham interviews Michael, the CEO and founder of SellCord, a Walmart agency. They discuss the growth and success of Walmart as an e-commerce platform, the reasons for brands to work with Walmart, and the opportunities for success in different categories.
Michael shares insights on achieving category success on Walmart, optimizing listings, and using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS). He also discusses Walmart's future and its competition with Amazon.
Episode Notes:
00:30 - Introduction and Evolution of Walmart E-commerce
02:23 - Michael's Insights on Walmart in 2023
03:56 - Launching and Succeeding on Walmart
04:03 - Understanding Walmart’s Style Guides and Listing Optimization
06:14 - Brand Success Stories and Strategies on Walmart
07:40 - The Journey from Online Marketplace to In-Store Presence
15:38 - Future Prospects for Walmart as an Online Marketplace
18:09 - Key Tactics for Optimizing Walmart Listings
19:50 - Walmart Tools and Data Utilization Strategies
20:38 - Understanding and Leveraging Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)
Website: https://www.sellcord.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lebhar/ -
Scott breaks down the latest news in the Amazon space.
Learn his reactions to new FBA Fees and the details of Thrasio’s Bankruptcy Filing. Plus, some funny takes on the 17 people you will meet at the Prosper event.
Episode Notes:
00:35 - Podcast Coverage
01:15 - Prosper Update and Scott’s Favorite Audience
02:50 - The 17 People you will meet @ Prosper
03:15 - The Event Season
04:30 - Natural Products Expo West 2024
05:45 - SmartScout Expo West Brand Report
07:05 - Thrasio Bankruptcy
09:55 - Tweets about Thrasio’s Bankrupt
10:15 - Optimizing FBA Fees
Email: [email protected]
Related Post: Fulfillment Fee (FBA Fulfillment Fee) -
In this podcast episode, Scott Needham interviews David Zimmermann from the Amazon Tools League channel.
They discuss the process of analyzing Amazon tools and how David evaluates different categories of tools, such as PPC automation and profitability trackers. They also talk about the challenges of comparing AI features in different tools and the importance of considering cost in tool evaluation.
David shares his experience with tracking the tool landscape and how some tools have faded away over time. They also touch on the topic of newsletters and the importance of building an email list for e-commerce brands.
Episode notes:
00:15 - David Zimmermann Introduction
01:40 - David Zimmermann Tools Comparison
04:45 - Comparing AI
5:45 - Automation Features
07:02 - Scoring Tool Features
09:00 - David’s Favorite Category
10:15 - Finding the Tools
11:00 - How Returns Affect Profitability
13:25 - Picking Worth It Demos
14:14 - Tools That Faded Away
15:20 - Analyzing Newsletters
19:35 - Conclusion
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddzim/
Website: https://courses.ddzim.me/courses
Related Post: The 5 Best SmartScout Tools for Amazon Wholesale Sellers -
In this episode, Scott dives into the art of inventory management, drawing lessons from early encounters with hits like Elf on the Shelf, Halloween products, and Barbie dolls. He explores the fine line between stocking out and overstocking and discusses why stocking out can sometimes be good.
Plus, Scott tackles upcoming 2024 FBA fees and shares strategies for thriving in today's ever-evolving market. Tune in for expert tips on mastering inventory and maximizing profitability.
Episode Notes:
00:30 - Early Lessons from Amazon Selling
01:35 - The Elf on the Shelf
03:05 - Halloween
04:25 - Barbie Princess
06:20 - Why Stocking Out Can Be a Good Thing
07:05 - Stocking Out vs Overstocking
09:20 - Greed vs Caution
Related Post: How To Sell on Amazon Without Inventory -
Scott Needham interviews Michal B. Oron, the CEO and Co-Founder of Fortunet.net, the first investment bank focused on e-commerce businesses.
They discuss the rise and fall of aggregators in the Amazon marketplace, the diversification of acquirers, and the importance of benchmarking for Amazon sellers. They also explore key metrics such as ACOS (Average Cost of Sale), repeat customer rate, market share, and the Inventory Performance Index (IPI).
Michal shares insights into how these metrics impact the attractiveness and potential of a business.
Overall, they are optimistic about the market and see a growing appetite for deals in the e-commerce space.
Episode Notes:
01:05 - Michal Introduction
01:30 - The Rise and Fall of Aggregators
04:05 - Benchmarking
07:50 - Understanding ACOS
11:20 - Repeat Customer Rate
17:00 - Market Share
19:00 - The Significance of Market Share
20:55 - Inventory Performance Index (IPI)
Website: https://fortunet.net/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michal-baumwald-oron-9b604620
Related Post: Thrasio vs Perch: Which Amazon Aggregator Is Right for You? -
In this episode, Scott interviews Michael Kaufman, an expert in e-commerce and Amazon selling, about the importance and impact of offering a lifetime warranty as a strategy to build brand identity and customer loyalty.
They discuss how this approach can differentiate a brand in a competitive market, foster trust with customers, and contribute to long-term success on Amazon.
Additionally, they share tips and advice for sellers interested in implementing a similar warranty strategy in their businesses.
Episode Notes:
00:25 - Michael Kaufman Introduction
01:10 - How Michael Started
03:45 - Lifetime Warranty
04:55 - Building Credibility from Reviews
06:05 - Fulfilling Claims
08:40 - Organic Product Launch
09:50 - Conversion from Lifetime Warranty
11:15 - Putting the Warranty in the Main Image
12:05 - Tricking the Amazon Algorithm
12:55 - Lifetime Value of Customers
15:25 - Thinking Like a Customer
16:10 - Warranty Registration
17:35 - Utilizing Mailers
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/protuffproducts
Website: https://brandfortresshq.com/
Related Post: 8 Strategies To Boost Your Conversion Rates on Amazon - Montre plus