2 JUL 2024 · Utah-based Amazon seller Jacob Albor shares his inspiring journey from selling books while working as a loan officer to becoming a full-time Amazon seller. Jacob discusses how he cleared significant debt through strategic financial moves and transitioned to selling high-demand items such as over-the-counter drugs and fitness equipment during COVID-19. He highlights the importance of building relationships for restock alerts and the shift from retail arbitrage to wholesale for better revenue and time freedom. Jacob also shares valuable lessons from facing scams, emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting of suppliers. Tune in to learn from his experiences and gain insights into navigating challenges and achieving success in the Amazon marketplace. Episode Notes: 00:10 - Jacob Albor Introduction and Background 02:00 - Discovering Profitability in Book Reselling 02:38 - Scaling Up From Books 03:35 - Getting Through Debt 05:00 - A More Systematic Book Operation and Help From a Guru 06:08 - Meeting Scott 06:45 - Pivot From Books to Other Categories 09:00 - The Grind of Retail Arbitrage 13:15 - Warehousing 15:42 - Advancing into Wholesale 17:55 - Motivations for Change 18:36 - Insights into Wholesale 22:13 - Finding and Working with Suppliers / Avoiding Scams 29:00 - Conclusion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazonkingpin?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  Related Post: https://www.smartscout.com/blog/retail-arbitrage-vs-online-arbitrage

26 JUN 2024 · Scott Needham is joined by Sebastian Herz, founder of Zignify and a global product sourcing expert. Together, they explore the complexities of sourcing products outside of China, offering strategies for Amazon sellers to achieve cost savings and enhanced efficiency. Sebastian shares his journey from electrical engineer to entrepreneur, with extensive experience living in China and Singapore. He provides insights into Zignify's evolution from a small, China-focused business to a global sourcing powerhouse with over 60 employees. The discussion highlights the shift from China-based sourcing due to factors like Trump tariffs and the need for supply chain diversification, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right countries based on client needs and product materials. Sebastian also contrasts the sourcing mindsets of large corporations and small sellers, offering practical tips for navigating international manufacturer relationships. Tune in to this episode for essential insights on global product sourcing from one of the industry's leading experts. Gain valuable advice on reassessing current suppliers for potential savings, understanding the importance of fully engaging in the sourcing process, and leveraging tools like import records for competitor analysis. Episode Notes: 00:23 - Sebastian Herz Introduction 02:25 - Zignify and Sebastian's Origin Story 06:45 - The Sourcing Process 12:15 -  Advice for New Sellers 17:40 - Useful Tools and Strategies 19:25 - Working with Large Corporations 24:05 - Favorite Countries for Sourcing 26:25 - The Human Element of Sourcing Website: http://www.zignify.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianherz Related Post: https://www.smartscout.com/blog/retail-arbitrage-vs-online-arbitrage

18 JUN 2024 · 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: http://linkedin.com/in/andy-slamans-892ba0b9 Website: https://www.spreaker.com/ Related Post: https://www.smartscout.com/blog/ad-management

11 JUN 2024 · 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 - https://www.amzunited.com/?226c5ef6_page=3 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: https://www.smartscout.com/blog/amz-united-2023

4 JUN 2024 · 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 - https://www.smartscout.com/amazon-fba-fee-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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajsapru https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-marantette-4701b9 Website: http://www.netrush.com/ Related Post: https://www.smartscout.com/amazon-selling-guides/understanding-amazons-fee-structure-for-wholesale-sellers

28 MAY 2024 · 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 - https://www.spreaker.com/cms/shows/3533004/EVA.Guru / http://Intellivy.net / http://mturk.com 33:25 - Other Software Tools to Manage Multiple Brands 35:20 - PPC Tactics 48:40 - External Marketing 51:10  - Amazon Affiliates   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-altman-39b72a70 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshhadley/ Website: http://www.rightsideup.com https://wavve.link/Ecommbreakthrough   Email: mailto:mattaltman89@gmail.com http://josh@ecommbreakthrough.com   Related Post: https://www.smartscout.com/blog/e-commerce-in-latin-america

21 MAY 2024 · 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: http://linkedin.com/in/russdieringer Website: https://stratably.com/ Related Post: https://www.smartscout.com/blog/expanding-with-amazon-fba-how-to-start-selling-in-europe

14 MAY 2024 · 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: http://linkedin.com/in/dillon-carter Website: https://dilloncarter.com/ Related Post: https://www.smartscout.com/blog/the-top-insights-to-amazon-repricing-tools

8 MAY 2024 · 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/ Related Post: https://www.smartscout.com/blog/leverage-reverse-logistics

30 APR 2024 · 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshhadley Website: http://www.ues.utah.edu/  Related Post: https://www.smartscout.com/blog/how-sellerbasics-is-winning-the-bogus-ip-claim-war-on-amazon