The Smartest Amazon Seller

Scott gets into the real-world financial decisions Amazon sellers face, especially when it comes to leveraging debt. He shares firsthand experience navigating inventory demands, Q4 cash crunches, and the lure of fast growth, while also examining the dangers of borrowing, from overvaluing inventory to the addictive cycle of continual loans. Hear case studies, cautionary tales, and reflections on what separates sellers who survive from those who flame out. Whether you’re debating your first credit line or considering a private label acquisition, this episode offers grounded insight—and a compelling argument for building debt-free, sustainable Amazon businesses.   Episode Notes: 00:09 - Iconic Companies That Haven’t Taken Loans 01:12 - The Need for Cash in Amazon Selling 02:04  - Navigating Financial Leverage 02:26 - Types of Financial Leverage Used 06:32 - The Downside of Leverage 12:10 - A Case Study: Private Label Acquisition During Leverage 13:52 - Survival and Demise of Major Amazon Sellers 16:12 - The Case for Debt-Free Growth 18:21 - Amazon Accelerate   Related Post: Nike and Amazon's Renewed Partnership   Scott’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog    

Scott returns from Prosper to share some personal updates and Amazon insights. Prime Day is expanding to four days this year — a move that makes sense as Amazon tries to give shoppers and sellers more time to take advantage of the buzz. Scott also talks about the return of Sellers United this October near New York City, a conference built for resellers of all sizes. Plus, he gives a casual rundown of what’s new at SmartScout. From tools that help track where your products get mentioned online to ways of better understanding pricing trends. It’s a laid-back, behind-the-scenes update with a bit of everything for Amazon sellers. Episode Notes: 00:15 - New developments and Upcoming Announcements 01:14 - Amazon Prime Day – Strategy and Insights 02:30 - Sellers United Conference Announcement 05:57 - New Tools: Traffic Links 09:43 - Pricing Intelligence 14:40 - Content Marketing and Brand Awareness Related Post: Who Competes with Circana? The Top Alternatives for Retail and CPG Data Intelligence   Scott’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Kicking off with a surprising connection through pickleball that led to discovering shared passions in e-commerce innovation, Scott sits with Andrew Smith, founder of Swapt and former Klaviyo engineer, about building smarter tools for Amazon sellers. Andrew shares his journey from working at IBM and Oracle to witnessing rapid growth at Klaviyo, which shaped his understanding of what marketplace sellers truly need. They dive into how Swapt is helping Amazon-native brands drive customer engagement and reviews through one-time use QR codes, while staying fully compliant with Amazon’s strict policies. With a successful case study generating $100K in sales and 500 reviews in three months, this episode is packed with insights for CPG, beauty, and supplement brands looking to boost performance and build direct customer relationships without risking their margins.   Episode Notes: 00:19 - Andrew Smith Introduction  01:52 - Andrew’s Background 02:23 - Scaling at Klaviyo and E-commerce Ecosystem Insights 05:39 - Data, Email Marketing, and the Amazon Challenge 08:59 - The Impact of Recent E-commerce Headwinds 09:52 - The Genesis and Evolution of Swapt 13:16 - Discovering the Amazon Brand Opportunity 19:57 - Technical Innovations and Results 20:38 - Navigating Amazon Compliance and Risk 25:00 - Who Should Use Swapt? 27:05 - Getting Started with Swapt   Related Post: Top 10 Tennis Racket Brands on Amazon   How to Reach Andrew: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewsm1th Website: https://swqr.link/   Scott’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog  

Jasim Eisa, Founder and CEO of Voadera, built an $80 million e-commerce business from the ground up, and here, he shares what’s working now—and what’s not. Scott and Jasim explore big shifts in the marketplace, such as Nike coming back to Amazon and what that means for resellers. Jasim also breaks down how major brands such as Adidas and Michael Kors are changing the way they sell on the platform and what sellers need to know about the growing “diversion economy.” With Amazon tightening its supply chain rules, Voadera is moving away from traditional arbitrage and focusing on direct brand deals and smart acquisitions. You'll also hear practical tips on adapting to Amazon’s policy changes, rising FBA fees, and optimizing your logistics to stay profitable.   Episode Notes: 00:18 - Jasim Eisa Introduction 00:26 - The Big Brands’ Approach to Amazon 07:12 - Reseller Economy and Marketplace Double-Dipping 08:45 - 1P vs 3P Strategy and Policy Cycles 12:18 - Diversion and the Gray Market 14:45 - Moving Beyond Arbitrage: Brand Direct and Acquisitions 16:03 - Adapting to Amazon’s Fee and Policy Changes 18:18 - Arbitrage’s Diminishing Role and Supply Chain Optimization 19:52 - Warehousing, Fulfillment, and Grade B Marketplaces 21:28 - Future Investments: Supply Chain, AI, and Creative Tools 23:19 - Building a Top Brand Direct Business 24:29 - Favorite Tools & Technology Stack Related Post: The Best Nielsen IQ and Data Impact Alternatives for Amazon Market Intelligence — Starting with the One Built for Visibility, Not Vanity   How to Reach Jasim: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasim-eisa-425735145 Website: voadera.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JasimEisa   Scott’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Scott welcomes industry veteran Rob Principe to explore the explosive growth potential in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG). Drawing from his extensive experience at Jungle Scout and Netrush, Rob shares insights on how emerging brands can leverage strategic positioning and TikTok's unparalleled reach to transform from unknown startups to market leaders. Learn why TikTok has become the essential platform for modern CPG marketing as Rob breaks down the critical differences between micro and macro-influencer strategies and their impact on consumer trust. This is a masterclass in social media marketing for e-commerce brands, revealing how the right digital presence can dramatically accelerate brand growth and establish lasting customer relationships.   Episode Notes: 00:13 - Robert Principe Introduction 01:23 - Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) 03:07 - CPGs and Top 10 Lists 05:50 - Challenger Brands: Growth and Positioning 08:51 - GLP-1s, Protein Trends, and Product Positioning 12:10 - The Evolution of Protein Bars & Consumer Tastes 14:44 - Identifying PE-Backed Versus Bootstrapped Brands 15:37 - Multi-Channel Launch Strategies for Brands 17:17 - Matching Brands with the Right Service Providers 20:43 - The Critical Role of TikTok for Modern Brands 24:12 - Navigating TikTok Agencies and Service Providers 28:47 - Brick and Mortar: Still Relevant for CPG? 31:54 - Influencer vs. Affiliate Strategies on TikTok 37:45 - The Value of Human Touch and Relationship Building   Related Post: The Top 10 Amazon Sellers in the U.S. Marketplace   How to Reach Robert: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/etailfounder Website: etail-advisors.com   Scott’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Justin Willhite, Senior Influencer Marketing Manager at Twitch and Owner and Principal Talent at CommQuest, shares invaluable insights from his journey from YouTube creator to running a successful video production studio. Discover why "dark social media" is transforming marketing strategies, how brands can create genuinely shareable content, and the delicate balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining authentic connections with audiences. Also, don't miss Justin's predictions on where video marketing is headed and how to stay ahead of the curve!   Episode Notes: 00:22 - Justin Willhite Introduction 01:52 - Justin Willhite Background and Industry Experience 05:18 - What is dark social media? 07:30 - Starting a Video Production Company & Working with Brands 10:18 - The Social Media Content Playbook for Brands 13:52 - Creating Viral and Engaging Product Content 19:35 - The AI Revolution in Video Marketing 21:10 - Implications of AI for Content Creators and Marketers 27:45 - Favorite AI Tools and Practical Tips 29:50 - UGC Strategies: In-House vs. Outsourced Creator Content   Related Post: How To Be a Trusted Seller on Amazon   How to Reach Justin: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justinwillhite | linkedin.com/company/commquestofficial/   Scott’s Links:   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Neha Bhuchar, co-founder of Atom11 and former Amazon Advertising insider, shares Amazon Advertising secrets—revealing the game-changing concept of "retail-aware advertising" that integrates inventory, pricing, and search rank signals with advertising automation to maximize ROI. Discover how Amazon's algorithms work, from the critical difference between click-through and conversion rates to strategic approaches for the newly democratized Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC). Neha breaks down complex concepts into actionable strategies for sellers at every level, from optimizing audience targeting to balancing conversion improvements with cost efficiency. The conversation explores 2024's pivotal changes to AMC access, practical thresholds for implementation, and bold predictions for the future of e-commerce advertising. Whether you're managing campaigns in-house or evaluating automation tools, this episode delivers a rare insider perspective on Amazon's advertising ecosystem and Atom11's transparent approach to helping sellers thrive in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace. This is for Amazon sellers, e-commerce marketers, advertising strategists, and anyone looking to understand the future of retail advertising technology. Episode Notes: 00:26 - Neha Bhuchar Introduction 00:20 - Neha’s Background and Atom11 06:00 - Retail Aware Advertising 07:25 - Dynamic Bidding & Audience Creation 10:39 - Amazon Marketing Cloud 13:36 - Audience Targeting Challenges 14:01 - Look-alike Audience 15:50 - Mainstream Adoption of AMC 26:45- Tariff and Amazon Ads 31:05 - Impact of AI on Ads Related Post: Amazon PPC Services: A Guide to Boosting Sales and Choosing the Right Partner How to Reach Neha:   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nehabhuchar Website: https://www.atom11.co/   Scott’s Links:   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Discover the underutilized potential of Amazon Carrier Central for enhanced shipment trackability, effective management, and avoiding costly delays, especially during peak times such as Prime Day. Tyler Allgaier, Founder & CEO of Pitted Labs, breaks down how live loads directly at fulfillment facilities can be a game-changer for your operations. But that's not all – Scott and Tyler dive deep into Amazon bundling strategies, exploring how recent policy updates impact consumable categories and how creating unique offers can give you a competitive edge. Learn how smart bundling can significantly increase your AOV, thereby reducing the percentage impact of FBA fees, much like Costco’s successful model. Tyler also shares insights on using virtual bundles as a low-risk way to test market demand. Plus, get tips on navigating D2C shipping and direct carrier negotiations in light of changing postal service rates. Episode Notes: 00:22 - Tyler Allgaier Introduction 02:20 - Background and Origins of the Carrier Central 03:32 - The Importance of Carrier Central: Practical Advice 09:07 - Amazon’s Bundle Policy Updates 13:19 - The Benefits and Strategy of Bundling on Amazon 14:29 - Types of Bundles and Customer Behavior Insights 16:00 - Bundling Tactics: Operational Considerations and Virtual Bundles 20:11 - Catalog Expansion vs. Profit Optimization Through Bundling 21:31 - Innovative Bundling: Cross-Brand Collaborations 23:47 - Trends in Logistics and the Role of Direct Carrier Relationships 26:52 - Tyler Allgaier Future Plans and Final Thoughts Related Post: How to Leverage Amazon A+ Content for Brand Building How to Reach Tyler: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tylerallgaier Website: pittedlabs.com | pittedlogistics.com   Scott’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog  

Learn legal strategies to minimize tariffs with Burak Yolga, CEO and co-founder of Forceget. Discover the importance of understanding HTS codes and how they impact global shipping costs. Burak shares creative, legal methods like product disassembly and reassembly that businesses use to mitigate the financial burden of import tariffs. Drawing from his recent visit to China, Burak provides firsthand observations on the evolution of China's manufacturing and export strategies, offering a fresh perspective on global sourcing. Explore the shifting landscape of global sourcing as businesses look beyond China to countries like Vietnam, India, and Turkey, and understand the inherent risks and challenges in international supply chains, including the crucial need for verifying suppliers' country of origin claims. Burak delves into the current impact of tariffs on shipping container volumes from China, the strategic use of bonded warehouses, and makes predictions on how persistent tariffs will affect product pricing and consumer markets. Learn how Forceget is assisting businesses with global shipping and marketplace entries, and gain actionable advice on navigating these turbulent times without panic.   Episode Notes: 00:30 - Burak Yolga Introduction 01:30 - Background and Global Trade Insights 03:28 - Understanding Tariffs and HTS Codes 05:15 - Strategies to Minimize Tariffs 07:29 - Risks and Challenges in International Supply Chain 09:10 - Shifts in Global Sourcing 12:33 - The Unfair Competition 14:15 - Balancing the Playing Field 18:35 - Impact on Shipping and Consumer Markets 23:00 - Market Responses and Predictions   Related Post: How to Leverage Amazon A+ Content for Brand Building   How to Reach Burak: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/burakyolga1 | linkedin.com/company/forceget/   Scott’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Discover the challenges large brands face on the Amazon marketplace and how to navigate this complex landscape with Scott and Aaron Conant, Co-Founder & Chief Digital Strategist at BWG Connect. Aaron shares his journey from corporate executive to building BWG Connect, a key platform for networking and sharing knowledge. Learn how peer-to-peer learning is crucial for overcoming operational hurdles, finding trusted service providers, and adapting traditional business models for Amazon. This episode tackles critical issues affecting brand profitability on Amazon, including rising costs, tariffs, and the growing impact of retail media networks. Aaron also offers insights on how AI tools can boost profitability and explores the debate around Amazon's role as a sales channel versus a marketing powerhouse.   Episode Notes: 02:22 - Aaron Conant Introduction 01:10 - The Genesis of BWG Connect 03:09 - The Dynamics of Networking and Knowledge Sharing 05:43 - Challenges Faced by Large Brands on Amazon 08:51 - The Role of Retail Media and Advertising Technology 17:02 - Navigating Profitability and Unit Economics 21:39 - The Impact of PE and VC Money on Tech Industry 22:11 - BWG Connect as a Resource for Brands and Agencies   Related Post: Why Amazon Vendors Feel Ignored and What They Can Do About It   How to Reach Aaron: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aaronconant Email: aaron@bwgconnect.com   Scott’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Jon Derkits, a former Amazon marketplace leader and now independent brand owner, shares his expert insights for Amazon entrepreneurs. He draws from his experience creating the "Best at Amazon" newsletter and his finance background to discuss Amazon Selling Strategies, Collaboration on Amazon, Impact of U.S.-China Tariffs, Essential Amazon Seller Tools, Balancing Content and Engagement, and Financial Acumen in E-commerce. Ready to level up your Amazon game? Tune in and gain the insights you need to thrive in this competitive Amazon marketplace! Episode Notes: 00:17 - Jon Derkits Introduction 02:06 - Jon Derkits Background 05:02 - Role of Finance in Amazon Business Strategy 06:14 - The Newsletter: Best at Amazon 11:27 - Navigating the Amazon News Cycle 13:05 - Tariffs and Their Impact on Amazon Sellers 17:33 - Anker Price Increase 19:46 - The Concept of One-Way Doors in Business Decisions 22:12 - Decision-making Frameworks 22:56 - Tech Stack and Tools for Amazon Sellers 25:05 - Combining SmartScout with Keepa 29:10 - The Simplicity and Power of SmartScout Data 32:38 - Jon Derkits’ Favorite SmartScout Features 39:35 - Two Best Tips From Jon   Related Posts: Why Amazon Vendors Feel Ignored and What They Can Do About It   How to Reach Jon: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jon-derkits Websites: auxoecommerce.com | tidycal.com/jonderkits/quick-chat BEST@AMAZON NEWSLETTER: https://bestatamazon.ck.page/ AMAZON COACHING & ADVISORY: https://tidycal.com/jonderkits/amazon-coaching-and-advisory   Scott’s Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

The e-commerce landscape is experiencing seismic shifts as new tariffs against China send shockwaves through Amazon's marketplace. Scott explores how these economic tremors are disrupting the delicate balance of global online retail—potentially the most significant supply chain disruption since COVID. Through exclusive insights from a conversation with one of the largest Chinese sellers in the world, Scott uncovers why businesses importing from China are facing unexpected cash crunches and how these tariffs might reshape the competitive landscape for sellers worldwide. But tariffs are only half the story. Scott pulls back the curtain on the controversial tactics Chinese sellers use to dominate Amazon, controlling approximately 50% of third-party revenue on the platform. You'll discover the inner workings of tools like the Ziniao browser—software specifically designed to help sellers create multiple Amazon accounts against platform policies—and why some sellers can operate "10 stores selling one product" while others face immediate suspension for similar behavior. This rule-breaking reality explains why 75% of Amazon sellers believe the marketplace isn't fair. As billionaires like Mark Cuban and Chamath share data showing Chinese sellers capturing up to 60% market share in certain Amazon categories, Scott examines what this new e-commerce reality means for businesses, consumers, and the global economy. Episode Notes: 00:23 - Dinner with a Top Chinese Seller & Introduction to China Topic 01:13 - China’s Amazon Seller Landscape & Entrepreneurial Drive 02:30 - Energy & Business Culture in China 04:47 - Chinese Sellers' Approach to Amazon’s Rules 05:40 - The Ziniao Browser Tool 09:00 - Widespread Multi-Account Strategy & Aggressive Tactics 10:17 - Amazon’s Evolving Policies & Fairness Concerns 11:52 - New Tariffs on Chinese Goods & Impacts on Sellers 13:39 - Preparing for a Cash Crunch 15:05 - The Role of Chinese Sellers and the Political Spotlight 15:30 - Building Influence Through Data 17:58 - Immediate Reactions from Brands 18:48 -Bias and Hopes for U.S.-Based Sellers   Related Post: Break the Profit Squeeze: How Leading Amazon Sellers Use Growth Capital To Beat Their Competition   Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: @smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Scott brings you the latest from Prosper 2025, revealing the innovations that will empower you to succeed on Amazon. Discover cutting-edge tech for listing optimization, TikTok marketing, and private label repricing, and how other AI and emerging tools are reshaping e-commerce.   Episode Notes: 00:23- New Tech for Selling on Amazon in 2025 01:35 - Autopilot Brand 03:00 - Automato AI 05:12 - The TikTok Influence 08:06 - Tools and Agencies Aiding TikTok Marketing Efforts 10:05 - Pricing Innovations 11:15 - Variations and Optimization 14:27 - Prosper Show Reflections 16:25 - Conferences Comparison Related Post: The Ultimate Amazon Repricing Strategies: AI-Powered Price Optimization   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Ever wondered what it's like to sell on Amazon? Here’s the best damn industry report for you. The Voice of the Amazon Seller unveils insights from over 300 Amazon sellers, revealing the challenges and triumphs of navigating this vast marketplace. Scott discusses everything from competition pressures and fee structures to the impact of international sellers and the fairness of Amazon's platform.   Episode Notes: 02:05 - Survey Overview 02:25 - Seller Demographics 02:55 - Amazon as Main Business 03:14 - Income statistics 03:46 - Challenges of Selling on Amazon 04:54 - Seller Suspension Concerns 07:36 - Perceptions of Fairness in Amazon Marketplace 10:05 - Impact of Amazon's AI Efforts 11:46 - Recommendation to Others 13:59 - Seller Support Satisfaction 16:31 - Business Growth and Profitability Voice of the Amazon Seller Survey   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Is Amazon neglecting its sellers? Scott tackles this question head-on, brings you exclusive insights from Amazon employees and industry experts, and delves into the challenges sellers face, from navigating 1P and 3P complexities to dealing with account suspensions. Learn the truth behind the trend urging brands to switch selling models and how nuanced decisions based on product categories can make all the difference. Scott also unveils Amazon's new reseller support initiatives and strategic account services designed to empower your business.   Episode Notes: 00:09 - Amazon's commitment to sellers 01:05 - Understanding 1P vs 3P 02:30 - Nuances of 1P and 3P models 05:35 - Strategic Account Services at Amazon 06:55 - New Initiatives for Resellers at Amazon 07:50 - Importance of Compliance and Advocacy 09:11 - Amazon’s Internal Complexity   Related Post: The Top 10 Amazon Sellers in the U.S. Marketplace   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog