The Smartest Amazon Seller

Episode 315 - Driving Sales with TikTok Affiliates and Euka

Scott invites Jeremy, founder and CEO of Euka.ai, to tell us how TikTok Shop is transforming e-commerce growth.Jeremy shares how brands are leveraging micro-creators and affiliates to generate viral content, scale sales, and even create a halo effect that boosts demand on Amazon. Together, they unpack why TikTok has become a key driver for brands looking to go from zero to $100M in record time.
Scott and Jeremy also discuss how Euka’s AI-powered platform helps brands automate creator outreach, re-engagement, and incentive programs to keep affiliates producing high-performing content.
 
Episode Notes:
00:18 - Jeremy Yaoxin Ding Introduction
02:35 - The TikTok Affiliate Model Explained
05:40 - Yuka’s Tools for Brand Success
06:47 - Activating and Incentivizing Creators
09:38 - Category Suitability and Limitations
11:15 - The Evolving TikTok Shop Landscape
12:49 - Managing Creator Saturation
15:58 - TikTok Shop’s Halo Effect on Amazon Sales
18:05 - LTV-to-CAC Metric
19:44 - Performance Marketing and Incrementality
20:51 - Where Social Commerce Is Going
23:07 - Practical Steps for TikTok Shop Newcomers
 
Related Post: How Amazon Sellers Can Use Content Marketing to Increase Sales and Build Brand Authority
 
How to Reach Jeremy:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeremy-yaoxin-ding-6bb60554
Website: https://www.euka.ai/about
Email: jeremy@euka.ai
 
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

Episode 314 - Automato AI’s Belal El-Harazin on Scaling Amazon Listings with AI, Brand Voice, and Smart Keyword Strategy

Scott welcomes Belal El-Harazin, founder of Automato AI, to discuss how AI is transforming Amazon content creation, keyword strategy, and catalog management.

Belal shares Automato AI’s mission to help sellers scale with automated content refreshes, brand voice integration, and powerful keyword discovery. Also highlighting fun.com’s AI-generated listings outperforming human copy.

The conversation covers the shift from manual listing updates to autonomous optimization, Amazon’s evolving search from keyword-driven to intent-based, and best practices for updating listings without losing relevance.

Belal also explains how Automato AI serves as an “operating system” for large catalogs, complete with analytics, segmentation, and price monitoring.
Episode Notes:
00:38 -  Belal El-Harazin Introduction01:55 - Automato AI’s mission03:06 - The Evolution of Amazon Content Creation04:59 - Founding Story and Company Background06:26 - Agency vs SaaS08:50 - Analysis of Amazon Search Today10:53 - The Power of Brand Voice in Amazon Content12:24 - Intent vs Keyword Search13:58 - Best Practices for Updating Amazon Listings16:50 - Keyword Rotation and Relevance19:17 - Discovering the Right Keywords21:57 - Catalog Management for Scale24:50 - Adoption and Getting Started with Automato AI
Related Post: The Ultimate Amazon Repricing Strategies: AI-Powered Price Optimization
How to Reach Belal:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/belharazinWebsite: maverickdigital.com | automatoai.com
Scott’s Links:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813X: @itsScottNeedhamInstagram: @smartestsellerYouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-upBlog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Episode 313 - CPG Brands, Trends, and Product-Market Fit with Nik Hall

Scott is joined by CPG expert Nik Hall to discuss what truly drives success for consumer packaged goods brands on Amazon.Drawing from his experience building and exiting a gummy vitamin company, Nik shares hard-earned insights on category trends, why most failures come from chasing hype too late, and how overlooked niches often present the best opportunities.Get real-world lessons from both failed launches and breakout brands, highlighting the importance of strategy, timing, and execution.Scott and Nik also explore how to validate product-market fit through blind taste tests, review mining, and competitor analysis. Nik emphasizes that in the world of consumables, taste still reigns supreme. No amount of marketing can save a mediocre product.They discuss how tools like SmartScout can guide smarter decisions around product development and launch timing, offering a clear roadmap for new sellers aiming to succeed in today’s competitive CPG landscape.
Episode Notes:
00:15 - Nik Hall Introduction
01:20 - Nik’s Background
01:57 - Success vs. Failure in CPG on Amazon
03:31 - Chasing Trends: Opportunities and Pitfalls
05: 10 - Multi-Trend Positioning
08:30 - Taste and Longevity: What Really Drives LTV
08:52 - Product Development: Testing and Sensory Analysis
11:07 -  Navigating Manufacturing and Co-Packing Challenges
14:50 - Real-World Failure
18:17 - Product-Market Fit in CPG
19:03- Customer Conversations and Amazon Research
20:53 - Choosing a Launch Path
21:24 - The Realities of Retail
22:14 - The Permissionless Nature of Amazon and D2C
23:10 - Startup Resource Requirements
23:40 - Founders’ Stories
25:05 - Best Resources for New CPG Entrepreneurs
27:25 - Networking, Mentorship, and Building Real Relationships
29:08 - Content Marketing and Honest Advice
29:30 - Helping Select Brands and Giving Back
 
Related Post: The Top CPG Brands That Launched on Amazon Since 2018
 
How to Reach Nik:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nikhall
Website: vitafive.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

Episode 312 - Recovering Lost Revenue Through Smarter Returns

Scott and Alan Weiss, CEO of AVX Returns and a former 8-figure reseller, unpack the real cost and hidden opportunity behind Amazon returns. They explore why return management is often overlooked, how AVX turns chaos into cash, and what resellers can do to stop leaving money on the table.
Episode Notes:
01:22 - Alan Weiss Introduction
02:23 - Alan’s Background and the start of AVX Returns
03:40 - The Reseller Landscape and the Sellers United Conference
04:33 - The Real Costs and Challenges of Handling Returns
07:35 - AVX Returns’ Unique Approach to Reseller Returns
10:30 - Return Categories and Recovery Realities
11:37 - Reimbursement Opportunities
13:06 - The Psychology and Business Wisdom of Returns Management
15:16 - Operational Best Practices for Sellers
 
Related Post: Why U.S. Amazon Shoppers Deliver Near-Double Value Compared to International Buyers
 
How to Reach Alan:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alan-weiss-1b6a4431
Website: avxreturns.com
Email: info@avxreturns.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

Episode 311 - How Leverage Can Make or Break Your Business

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
 
 

Episode 310 - Prime Day Changes, Sellers United News & Behind-the-Scenes Updates

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

Episode 309 - Building Better Tools for Amazon Sellers with Andrew Smith of Swapt

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
 

Episode 308 – The Death of Arbitrage? Jasim Eisa Explores Big Shifts in the Market

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

Episode 307 - How CPG Brands Win on TikTok with Rob Principe

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

Episode 306 - What Every Brand Needs to Know About AI, Influencers, and Social Video

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