The Smartest Amazon Seller
Scott Needham is the Founder of SmartScout. An Amazon software developer for 10 years his company BuyBoxer has done over $300m in sales on Amazon. Scott has accumulated a deep knowledge about selling product online, and in the podcast he shares his knowledge with you to help you become a better Amazon seller.
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Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
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
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
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
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
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
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Join Scott as he unpacks the remarkable growth of Tiege Hanley with founder Kelly Thornton.
From initial struggles to becoming a powerhouse in men's skincare, Kelly shares invaluable insights into building a consumer brand on Amazon.
Learn how Tiege Hanley leveraged YouTube for content-driven growth, simplified its product offerings, and mastered omnichannel expansion, including significant penetration into European markets.
They delve into the challenges of scaling internationally, navigating digital marketing shifts, and maintaining brand integrity across platforms. Kelly also shares his perspective on the future of brand building, emphasizing long-term vision over short-term gains.
Episode Notes:
00:15 - Kelley Thornton Introduction
01:44 - Building a Scalable Brand
04:00 - The Genesis of Tiege Hanley
05:14 - Overcoming Early Challenges
07:23 - Content-Led Approach
11:00 - Content Creation Strategy
12:25 - Navigating Digital Marketing Challenges
14:10 - Amazon as a Sales Channel
18:27 - Overcoming Business Plateaus
21:57 - International Market Expansion
23:01 - Surviving the Aggregator Wave
27:00 - The Importance of Early Amazon Presence
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelleythornton-ceo-tiege-hanley
Website: www.tiege.com
Related Post: How To Find Amazon Sellers as an Agency Using SmartScout
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
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Are you unintentionally sabotaging your Amazon profits?
Dive into this week's episode and learn about the hidden "dead zones" in Amazon pricing, particularly within high-volume categories such as Grocery, Beauty, and Clothing.
Scott reveals why pricing products between $10-$12 is a critical mistake due to Amazon's intricate FBA fee structures. Learn how these "dead zones" can significantly impact your bottom line and discover strategic pricing adjustments to maximize your margins.
Beyond pricing, Scott also breaks down the latest annual changes to Amazon's Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees, a crucial factor for any seller looking to maintain profitability. Understand how these fee adjustments directly affect your operational costs and how to adapt your business strategy accordingly.
Plus, Scot analyzes new data on Buy Box wins, revealing that nearly 40% of products now see multiple sellers sharing this coveted spot. Discover the key factors, including shipping speed and price competitiveness, that influence Buy Box rotation.
Finally, get exclusive insights into Amazon's global revenue breakdown, with a deep dive into the US market's dominance, offering strategic opportunities for expansion.
Episode Notes:
00:10 - Overview of dead zones in Amazon pricing
01:36 - Impact of Amazon FBA Fees
02:30 - Dead Zone Pricing Insights
04:38 - Importance of FBA Fee Structures
06:38 - Multi-Seller Buy Box Dynamics
08:41 - International Amazon Market Insights
Related Post: Amazon FBA Fees Have Increased 50-200%—Here’s How It’s Changed Over the Years
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
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
E-commerce & Channel Strategy Expert Kara Babb from High Tide Commerce joins Scott to dissect the e-commerce landscape.
From navigating Amazon's vendor system to building brand strategies and launching her consultancy, Kara shares unique perspectives.
Learn how viral events impact sales, how to manage brand media, and the challenges of implementing e-commerce strategies in large corporations.
She also shares her framework to unlock growth, emphasizing cross-functional collaboration and the importance of focusing on business outcomes.
Discover how Amazon influences broader business strategies and gain actionable insights for navigating the complexities of multi-channel sales in today's digital age.
Episode Notes:
00:30 - Kara Babb Introduction
01:55 - Kara’s Journey in E-Commerce
03:00 - The Vendor Experience at Amazon
04:28 - Transition to Brand Side
06:55 - Brand Media Management
07:32 - The Role of Viral Events
10:10 - Working with Agencies
10:37 - Organizational Dynamics in Large Corporations
14:28 - Key Insights for Unlocking Growth
18:05 - Streamlining Brand Strategy
19:04 - Importance of Cross-Functional Collaboration
20:25 - Navigating Multiple Channels
23:20 - The Dual Nature of Amazon
25:50 - Why Amazon is Not the Solution for Everything
27:00 - Biggest Barriers and Impacts to Conversion
28:43 - Strategizing and Prioritizing
Website: www.hightidecommerce.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karababb
Related Post: Amazon Marketplace Sellers: A Look at Seller Counts and Revenue Performance
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
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
From Amazon's explosive growth to its evolving policies, this episode covers everything you need to know about the Buy Box.
Scott explores how shipping speeds and location impact Buy Box ownership, introduces a groundbreaking new tool for regional analysis, and offers strategic recommendations for large brands and resellers.
Scott also touches on Amazon vs. TikTok Shop/Shopify and the latest reimbursement policy changes.
Don't miss out on these crucial insights! Listen now and start dominating the Amazon Buy Box.
Episode Notes:
00:09 - Winning the Amazon Buy Box
01:51 - Insights on Amazon's Growth
05:05 - Amazon's Policy Changes
09:10 - Buy Box Dynamics
10:20 - New Tool Introduction
13:22 - Implications for Large Brands and Resellers
13:41 - Strategic Recommendations
16:00 - SmartScout iPhone App
Related Post: Stop Losing Sales: Introducing the Buy Box Map for Amazon Sellers
Email: scott@smartscout.com
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
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Revolutionize your Amazon strategy with SmartScout’s Buy Box Map!
Discover who's winning the buy box in each state, at what price, and how fast they're shipping.
Learn how FBA, FBM sellers, 1P Vendors, and resellers can leverage this data to optimize shipping, improve conversions, and uncover hidden arbitrage opportunities.
See how wildly products can vary across states and leverage this data for explosive growth.
Plus, get an exclusive discount code!
Episode Notes:
00:20 - New Mapping Feature Developed for SmartScout
01:43 - The Buy Box Map and Its Unique Capabilities
02:24 - Practical Application of the Buy Box Map
04:25 - Impact on Selling Strategy
06:11 - Conversion Rate Dynamics
07:28 - Logistics and Fulfillment Insights
08:15 - How to Leverage The Buy Box Map for Analysis and Decision-Making
09:58 - Future Enhancements and Use Cases
10:24 - Reflections on the launch of an innovative tool
Coupon Code: BuyBoxMap
Email: scott@smartscout.com
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
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Join host Scott as he sits down with Uri Rahimi, a serial entrepreneur whose diverse ventures span the worlds of e-commerce, manufacturing, and software development.From humble beginnings flipping iPhones in high school to building a multi-million dollar wall decor brand, Uri’s story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit and relentless pursuit of opportunity.In this episode, we delve into Uri's journey, exploring his early forays into Amazon selling, the challenges of scaling a physical product business, and the strategic decision to open his printing facility in Miami.Uri shares invaluable insights from navigating the complexities of manufacturing, including his experiences at global trade shows and firsthand observations of production processes in China.Tune in to discover how diversification can create unexpected synergies between seemingly unrelated businesses, the strategic advantages of manufacturing your product line, and the importance of embracing the learning process inherent in every entrepreneurial journey.
Episode notes:
00:17 - Uri Rahimi Introduction
02:00 - Uri Early Ventures in High School
04:00 - Entrance into Amazon and First Brand
06:00 - Learning from China and Import Challenges
06:25 - Scaling the Business
07:25 - Product Research
07:55 - Increasing Conversion Rate
10:45 - Number of SKUs Created and Removed
11:41 - Reaching 7 Figures
12:00 - Uri Continued Interest and Involvement in Software Development
16:30 - Vertical Integration and Becoming a Manufacturer
17:55 - Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges
18:34 - Expansion to Print-On-Demand
20:45 - Technological Limitations and Innovations
26:15 - Artelo Specialization
29:07 - Seller Utilities
30:20 - Value of Having SQP Reports
32:35 - The Keepa Model
34:50 - What’s Next for Uri?
36:23 - Beating China
37:22 - The Platform Risk
39:05 - The Future of Amazon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uri-rahimi/
Related Posts: How to Leverage Amazon A+ Content for Brand Building
Email: scott@smartscout.com
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