Planet Amazon Podcast

Embark on an entrepreneurial adventure with Kusha Karvandi, a trailblazer in the realm of Amazon e-commerce, who joins us in this episode to unravel the secrets of his astounding success. From his initial step into the competitive world of Amazon with BFR Bands to his latest revolutionary software, Kazam, Kusha's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and strategic thinking. Discover how this Inc 500 entrepreneur transitioned from managing a health club to dominating the massage gun market with his brand Vibe, and gain insights into the nuanced decisions that lead to selling businesses while maintaining a profitable seller account.Kusha isn't just about creating top-selling products; he's also a pioneer in optimizing Amazon advertising campaigns. With Kazam, his AI-driven SaaS tool, he's changing the game for sellers seeking to boost profitability and climb the organic rankings. Tune in to learn how this sophisticated platform can manage your PPC campaigns by weighing a product's organic placement, ensuring your advertising spend is as smart as your business decisions. Plus, get a peek into the evolution of this software, designed to grow with you and your Amazon store by integrating crucial feedback from its users.In this episode, we also tackle actionable strategies to amplify your brand presence on Amazon. Kusha delves into the intricacies of keyword placement, the effectiveness of A-plus content, and the strategic benefits of the Amazon Transparency program. Whether you're a rookie or a veteran in the e-commerce space, these tactics will sharpen your approach to niche selling and fortify your intellectual property investments. So, if you're ready to elevate your Amazon business and ride the wave of e-commerce success, this conversation is the resource you've been waiting for.For more information about Kazam, please visit https://gokazam.com/  For more information about Phelps United, please visit https://phelpsunited.com/  

On this episode, Ben Smith from Seller Candy promises a treasure trove of strategies and insights as Ben unveils the less glamorous yet utterly essential aspects of thriving on Amazon. From the art of crafting winning appeals to the daily grind of managing listing issues and seller support tickets, the conversation is a must-listen for any brand aiming to conquer the digital shelves of the world's largest online retailer.Ben dissects the nuanced approach to handling challenges like Amazon's cryptic notifications or being entangled in the web of feedback and returns. He also shares anecdotes and advice on how to avoid the 'bait and switch' scams, among other issues. Whether you're contemplating the delegation of time-consuming tasks or conducting a gap analysis to streamline your operations, this episode is your guide to scaling success on Amazon and beyond. Join us for a conversation that's as informative as it is inspiring, and let's chart a course for your most successful year yet.For more information about Seller Candy, please visit https://sellercandy.com/  For more information about Phelps United, please visit https://phelpsunited.com/  

Prepare to navigate the treacherous terrain of Amazon Seller suspensions with none other than Lesley Hensell, co-founder of Riverbend Consulting. As we chat,  Lesley shares her wealth of knowledge and practical tips, from her impressive career in business consulting to her hands-on Amazon selling experiences. Her insights are a beacon for sellers lost in the Amazonian jungle of complex regulations, guiding them back to the path of success. We also delve into her admirable humanitarian endeavors and the buzz around her upcoming book, "The Amazon Incubator," a must-have for any Amazon entrepreneur looking to conquer the marketplace.In Lesley's words, this book is really more about making Amazon serve Amazon Sellers and their goals. What do you, as an Amazon Seller, want out of Amazon? How do you choose your method of selling? Are you a hustler who wants a side hustle and this is never going to be your main business? Are you a brand builder? Are you someone who wants to be a remote worker? Lesley walks sellers through how to choose what works for them and their personal goals that they can support sustainably over time. Lesley shares tales of extreme suspensions, like the seller who inadvertently listed grenades and how they made their comeback. She wraps up with strategic insights on optimizing an Amazon business and the smart outsourcing of key tasks to refine operations, highlighting the importance of developing strong SOPs and leveraging Amazon advertising to make products stand out. To learn more about Lesley, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleyhensell/ To learn more about Riverbend Consulting, please visit https://riverbendconsulting.com/To learn more about Phelps United, please visit https://phelpsunited.com/

Ready to conquer new horizons with your Amazon business? Unravel the mystery of international expansion with our esteemed guest, Piero Perera, the Strategy and Growth Account Manager at AVASK. We promise you an episode brimming with insights and practical advice that could be game-changing for your Amazon selling journey.Navigating the VAT registration landscape, understanding the ins and outs of tax compliance, and getting to grips with the upcoming environmental taxes in Europe - we've got it all covered. Piero, an expert in global e-commerce expansion and tax compliance, shares his wisdom on these crucial aspects of taking your business beyond borders. Listen in as he discusses the potential pitfalls and rewards of international shipping, the impact of packaging taxation, and why having a multi-currency bank account is key for sellers setting their sights on Europe.Not stopping there, we journey into the exciting realm of pan-European fulfillment for Amazon sellers. Harness the power of the Pan-European (Pan-EU) program and understand the importance of being VAT registered in multiple countries. Plus, if you've got your heart set on Europe, don't miss Piero's insights into this potentially lucrative market. Finally, we explore the prospect of expanding your Amazon and e-commerce business into other untapped markets. Ready to turbocharge your international selling potential? For more information about AVASK, visit https://www.avaskgroup.com/For more information about Phelps United, visit https://phelpsunited.com/

Ever wondered how combining Amazon and Shopify could skyrocket your e-commerce success? We've got Claus Lauter, the e-commerce savant and powerhouse behind the Ecommerce Coffee Break Podcast, to unravel the ins and outs of this synergistic partnership. Claus brings his extensive experience from advising numerous direct-to-consumer brands, and his expertise as a certified Shopify partner, to enlighten us on how to leverage Amazon and Shopify for maximum gain.From enhancing conversion rates with Amazon's Buy with Prime button to optimizing Amazon's shipping rates, we delve into how this integrated approach can elevate your e-commerce journey. But we don't stop there; we also embark on a deep dive into the world of Google marketing. Learn the ropes from Claus on setting up Google shopping, and discover the importance of an omnichannel strategy, the power of subscription products, and why it's vital to keep testing and innovating with Amazon. Tune in to this episode for insider tips on using Amazon and Shopify together to build a successful brand.For more information about Clause, please visit https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/For more information about Phelps United, please visit: https://phelpsunited.com/

In this episode, we are joined by James Thompson, a managing partner at Equity Value Advisors, and a veteran Amazon strategist who has helped brands sell billions on Amazon, co-authored two Amazon books, co-founded one of the most important conferences for Amazon Sellers, The PROSPER Show, and serve as a CSOat Buy Box Experts. Having spent two decades navigating the Amazon ecosystem, James is here to share the secrets of how brands can truly succeed on this ever-evolving platform. The conversation promises to deliver powerful insights, practical tips, and a whole new perspective on Amazon.The podcast begins with a discussion on the game-changing power of Amazon's advertising platform and the wealth of data-driven insights it provides. The conversation explores how unknown brands are shaking up the established order thanks to Amazon's pivot towards manufacturer-created products. The importance of utilizing customer reviews for product visibility is also emphasized, and the complexities of managing a brand's Amazon presence are discussed. Additionally, the critical topic of channel conflicts is unpacked, and the necessity of maintaining a consistent brand story across all platforms is highlighted.The conversation then moves on to the art of managing relationships with Amazon. The big-picture questions are tackled, such as balancing online and offline worlds and the intricacies of optimizing multiple channel strategies. The chat also shares how Amazon can be harnessed to keep an eye on competitors and adjust strategies for different marketplaces. Finally, the discussion wraps up with an inspiring exploration of how a humble corner store can leverage Amazon's direct-to-consumer opportunities to transform its business.For more information about James Tomson, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jblthomson/For more information about Phelps United, please visit: https://phelpsunited.com/

Have you ever wondered why a trademark is your golden ticket to success on Amazon and how to effectively navigate the Accelerator program for early access to the Amazon Brand Registry? Janet Moreira, our guest from Caldera Law, joined us in this Planet Amazon podcast to answer these questions, explain the legal protection a trademark offers, and advise on avoiding brand name conflicts.We also tackled the tricky subject of registering a trademark outside the United States. International sellers, listen up! It's vital to register your trademarks in all countries you operate in for maximum brand protection. Janet talked about the myriad of tools Amazon provides to safeguard your brand, the right course of action if another seller uses your trademark, and how to report a violation to Amazon's Brand Registry team.Finally, we discussed the rules surrounding trademark usage on products and packaging and the risks of using descriptive marks. And don't fret if you're wondering how to select an IP Accelerator firm or navigate through filing a trademark.Tune in and arm yourself with the knowledge to protect your brand and thrive on Amazon.To learn more about Phelps United https://phelpsunited.com/To learn more about Caldera Law https://www.caldera.law/

We welcome the bright mind of Scott Needham, founder& CEO of SmartScout and host of the Smartest Amazon Seller Podcast, on our show. In this episode, we delve into his fascinating journey from starting a humble reselling bookstore with his brother to becoming, at one point, the head honcho of an empire with the world's largest catalog of Amazon FBA products. As the man behind SmartScout, Scott generously shares the expertise gained from his software development background, which has been instrumental in the success of their Amazon business. It's a roller coaster tale packed with insights, strategies, and an incredible entrepreneurial spirit!Scott discussed how SmartScout helps brands estimate their market share and revenue on Amazon. It's a peek behind the curtain, revealing the tools and strategies that can help Amazon Sellers enhance their presence on Amazon. He also announced some of the newest SmartScout features to look forward to, such as a new map feature showcasing Amazon seller locations.Don't miss this riveting discussion that promises a deep insight from one of the best into the world of Amazon and e-commerce strategies.For more information about SmartScout, visit their website at https://www.smartscout.com/  

In this episode, Sammy Akthar from Regro Media brings his wealth of experience as an Amazon seller to our show, shedding light on the intriguing process of crafting a brand that serves as a problem-solver for customers. He walks us through the fascinating facets of expanding to global marketplaces, highlighting the universality of Amazon's algorithm and the unique challenges of advertising on Amazon.Sammy guides us as he demystifies what it takes to understand your target audience and tailor your products and advertising strategies to meet their needs. Through his own experiences, he unpacks how researching, creating, and advertising products specifically designed to solve particular problems can lead to business success. You'll hear about the concept of Lifetime Value of a customer and its pivotal role in recovering advertising costs. What's more, Sammy introduces us to the ingenious world of Chat GPT and its application in discovering product niches and keywords for Amazon Advertising. As we delve deeper, Sammy enlightens us on the art of optimizing Amazon Advertising CTR and CVR. He emphasizes that while ads may drive traffic, it's the listing's role to convert that into a sale. Tune in to uncover how factors such as the main image, reviews and ratings, price, placement, delivery time, and coupons can significantly influence your CTR. Sammy also shares invaluable insights on Amazon's Catalyst and Partner Programs, the red flags to be wary of when hiring an agency, and the importance of analyzing data to make informed decisions. 

In this episode, Gent Nemani from Joan by Visionect, shares his experience of how this B2B company has successfully managed channel conflict and pricing by entering the Amazon world with their revolutionary Joan conference product line. Gent walks us through the challenges and complexities of logistics, reconciliation, and customer service when working directly with Amazon and how they found a solution by choosing the right partner to help manage the intricacies of Amazon, all while ensuring the Joan product line's continued success.Don't miss this opportunity to learn invaluable tips and experiences on effectively selling commercial products on Amazon.

In this episode, Juha Mikkola, founder of Usko Privacy, explains his revolutionary idea to connect Amazon brands and sellers directly with their customers. This is a new way of doing off-Amazon advertising where the customer agrees to get contacted by the seller.Usko aims to give sellers and brands the ability to communicate directly with their customers while also empowering consumers to take ownership of their data and monetize it.With Usko, consumers can gain insights into their shopping patterns, track their spending by category, and even stay updated on price fluctuations. What sets Usko apart is its unique approach to data ownership, where consumers receive a portion of the revenue when sellers and brands message them.

In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Dragotta and James McMath, from HPE Aruba Networking, a worldwide channel-led organization, to discuss how they successfully leveraged the Amazon marketplace to sell their commercial products, particularly the Aruba Instant On. Many people assume that Amazon is only for consumer products, but our guests explain how it's also a fantastic platform for commercial customers. Amazon's constant availability and awareness enable SMB customers to purchase products 24/7, which is particularly beneficial for businesses that need, in this case, to purchase networking switches and access points at odd hours. If you're interested in learning more about how to successfully sell your commercial products on Amazon, tune in to this episode! For more information on HPE Aruba Networking, visit their website at https://www.arubanetworks.com/.

In this episode, Nikolai Tahmin, an Amazon expert, shares his knowledge and insights by answering the top burning questions that Amazon sellers ask more frequently. In this podcast, its debate why some brands might not see the need to pay attention to Amazon, especially if they already have multiple sellers and resellers offering their products on the platform.Our guest emphasizes the significance of Amazon as one of the largest platforms with significant organic search traffic. Ignoring Amazon could lead to losing market share to competitors who are actively selling on the platform. Amazon's search engine is robust, and people often use it to learn about products and brands, sometimes even more than Google.Additionally, the problem of unauthorized resellers who list products on Amazon without adhering to brand guidelines is highlighted. This can lead to incorrect or misleading product information, causing issues with brand integrity and content control.To address such issues, it is suggested to use Amazon's brand registry program, which provides tools to navigate and rebrand listings according to the brand's guidelines. Brand registry helps brands maintain control over their products and content on Amazon.The discussion also covers the choice between selling as a first-party seller (1P) or third-party seller (3P) on Amazon. 1P sellers directly supply their products to Amazon, while 3P sellers list products on the platform themselves. The decision between the two approaches depends on factors like cash flow, control over content and pricing, and the competitiveness of the market.The hosts advise brands to be aware of additional charges associated with selling on Amazon, such as co-op, damages, freight allowance, and margin guarantees. Margin guarantees are becoming more common, where Amazon can recoup margins if they sell products below the minimum advertised price.Overall, the podcast highlights the importance of a well-managed Amazon strategy for brands to maintain control over their products, protect their brand integrity, and optimize their sales on the platform.

In this episode, Adam Shaffer talks with Rob Rich, Chief Business Officer EVP/GM of E-Commerce for OWYN, about the amazing success story of OWYN. OWYN is now the most popular plant-based protein shake seller on Amazon, but their journey to get there was not an easy one.Adam and Rob discuss the challenges OWYN faced when starting from scratch, including getting the Buy Box, getting products to Amazon, freight costs and storage caps for FBA. Despite these obstacles, they were able to develop a winning strategy that allowed them to succeed on Amazon, and today, OWYN is one of the top-selling plant-based protein shakes on the market.So, tune in to learn more about OWYN's success story and how selling on Amazon was key to its success. For more information on OWYN, visit their website at https://liveowyn.com/.

In this podcast, Emmanuel Frost and Kyle Balcerak from Brand Alignment discuss the importance of protecting brands on Amazon with Adam Shaffer, Phelps United President. While Amazon presents a huge opportunity for brands, it is not without risk; it is complicated and ever-changing. Brand Alignment is 100% focused on helping protect brands on Amazon and other marketplaces.Learn more about Brand Protection here: https://phelpsunited.com/brand-protec...Learn more about Brand Alignment here: https://www.brandalignment.com/

In this podcast, Adam Shaffer, Phelps United President, and Scott Baradell, Founder and CEO of Idea Grove and author of his new book, Trust Signals: Brand Building in a Post-Truth World, discuss the behavior predicted for Americans in 2022 when it comes to Holiday Gifts returns.Phelps United ran a survey about Holiday Gift Returns where 600 U.S. adults were asked about their expectations surrounding eCommerce gifts and returns this holiday season. The findings show that 52% of Americans plan to return holiday gifts purchased online, making flexible return policies a must for merchants. This and other findings are discussed by these two experts in the eCommerce and Technology fields.You can see the findings of this survey here: https://phelpsunited.com/phelps-unite...