The Smartest Amazon Seller

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 Introduction01:53 - AMZ United 202405:30 - Supplier Interactions07:20 - Covid Business Boom10:45 - Wholesale or Private Label Business14:25 - Advice for New Sellers15:20 - Partnership Pros & ConsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-ganim/Related Post: Introducing AMZ United 2023 - The First-Ever Conference for Amazon Wholesale Sellers

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 Introduction01:05 - The Net Rush Origin Story and the Shift to a Brand-Centric Approach04:35 - 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/rajsaprulinkedin.com/in/chris-marantette-4701b9Website: 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-39b72a70linkedin.com/in/joshhadley/Website:www.rightsideup.comhttps://wavve.link/Ecommbreakthrough Email:mattaltman89@gmail.comjosh@ecommbreakthrough.com 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 AmazonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russdieringerWebsite: stratably.comRelated 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 Introduction03:00 - The Nuances of Handling Returns06:15 - Consignment, and Reimbursement Types07:25 - Deep Dive into Amazon Reimbursement Challenges08:35 - The Economic Threshold for Handling Returns10:00 - Outsourcing Return Handling to Expert Services16:00 - The Importance of Visibility and DocumentationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-abrams-426b15260/Website: http://axiomprepcenter.com/Related Post: How To Leverage Reverse Logistics for a Competitive Advantage

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 DifferentiationLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshhadleyWebsite: ues.utah.edu Related Post: Winning the Bogus IP Claim War on Amazon

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 ConferenceRelated Post: The Vendor Central Database of Amazon Brands

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 Introduction01:23 - 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 ExitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pirawna/ Website: https://www.pirawna.com/Related Post: The Amazon Appeals Dilemma: DIY or Delegate

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 Introduction03:44 - Starting an Agency06:18 - Amazon Account Suspension Policy12:50 - White Hat vs. Black Hat13:55 - Brand Registry Process15:40 - Scaling and Prep16:37 - Mixing Retail Arbitrage and Wholesale19:34 - Succeeding Using SmartScout19:48 - Finding your Zone of Genius21:51 - Mistakes and Regrets25:23 - Inventory Manager for Amazon27:53 - SmartScout Trial29:14 - Reselling Compliance Risk30:30 - Hijackers, Black Hat Tactics, Stolen Goods31:50 - Improving Click-Through Rate“Images are for people and copy is for robots” - Steven LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steven-popeWebsite: myamazonguy.com | myrefundguy.comYouTube: youtube.com/myamazonguyRelated 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 Assets03:00 - AdGrantsGenie04:00 - Deltologic04:40 - Connected Commerce Council05:25 - Junglytics06:10 - Scott’s Best Amazon StoryRelated 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/sabirsemerkantWebsites: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 202303:56 -  Launching and Succeeding on Walmart04:03 - Understanding Walmart’s Style Guides and Listing Optimization06:14 - Brand Success Stories and Strategies on Walmart07:40 - The Journey from Online Marketplace to In-Store Presence15:38 - Future Prospects for Walmart as an Online Marketplace18:09 - Key Tactics for Optimizing Walmart Listings19:50 - Walmart Tools and Data Utilization Strategies20:38 - 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 Coverage01:15 - Prosper Update and Scott’s Favorite Audience02:50 - The 17 People you will meet @ Prosper03:15 - The Event Season04:30 - Natural Products Expo West 202405:45 - SmartScout Expo West Brand Report07:05 - Thrasio Bankruptcy09:55 - Tweets about Thrasio’s Bankrupt10:15 - Optimizing FBA Fees Email: scott@smartscout.com 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 Selling01:35 - The Elf on the Shelf03:05 - Halloween04:25 - Barbie Princess06:20 - Why Stocking Out Can Be a Good Thing07:05 - Stocking Out vs Overstocking09:20 - 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 Share20:55 - Inventory Performance Index (IPI)Website: https://fortunet.net/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michal-baumwald-oron-9b604620Related 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/protuffproductsWebsite: https://brandfortresshq.com/ Related Post: 8 Strategies To Boost Your Conversion Rates on Amazon

Scott Needham interviews Dylan Lam of Omirank about building a long-term product that turns into a brand. They discuss the evolution of product launches and the concept of treating Amazon as a channel rather than a business model.Dylan shares his future-proof product launch formula, which involves triple validation through Amazon research, dropshipping research, and Kickstarter. They delve into the preparation and launch stages of Kickstarter, as well as the importance of generating traffic and building a community.Dylan provides examples of successful Kickstarter campaigns and highlights the cash flow advantage and flexibility of launching on Kickstarter. They also discuss fulfillment options and the assistance provided by Omirank in the product launch process.Episode Notes:00:00 - Introduction and Goal of the Podcast01:10 - Guest Introduction01:38 - The Evolution of Product Launches03:10 - Treating Amazon as a Channel06:49 - The Future-Proof Product Launch Formula07:16 - Dropshipping Research08:43 - The Kickstarter Step10:26 - Preparation and Launch Stages of Kickstarter13:33 - Generating Traffic on Kickstarter15:33 - Successful Kickstarter Examples19:18 - Cash Flow Advantage and Launching on Amazon21:56 - Fulfillment of Kickstarter Orders24:08 - Assistance in the Product Launch Process26:41 - Building a Brand and Owning Traffic28:01 - ConclusionLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dylan-kenneth-lam-796778281Related Posts: The Ultimate Checklist for Launching a Product on Amazon