The Smartest Amazon Seller

EPISODE 274 - From Supplements to Software: The Evolving Strategies of Mike Danford

Mike Danford, Growth Optimizer at Adverio, shares his extensive experience, offering invaluable insights into Amazon's competitive landscape.Discover how Mike transitioned from a small-scale seller to managing large product catalogs efficiently. Learn about the challenges and opportunities he faced along the way, and gain valuable tips on streamlining operations and optimizing product listings.Uncover the power of dynamic pricing strategies and how Mike has used them to maximize profitability. Understand the benefits of adjusting prices in real time based on market trends, competitor activity, and customer demand.Explore the potential of machine learning for predictive analytics in e-commerce. Learn how Mike has leveraged data-driven insights to forecast sales, optimize inventory levels, and identify emerging trends.Whether you're a seasoned Amazon seller or just starting, this episode offers actionable tips and strategies to help you grow your business and achieve long-term success.Episode Notes:00:55 - Mike Danford Introduction 01:30 - Mike’s Journey 04:05 - From Seller to Agency Founder 06:18 - Managing Large Catalogs 08:30 - Techniques for Optimizing Large Product Ranges 10:10 - Handling C1 and C2 Tier Products 12:10 - Introduction to Dynamic Pricing Tools 15:25 - Charm Pricing and Its Benefits 16:25 - Seller Central Utilities Benefits 18:30 - Custom-Built Tools and Machine Learning 20:35 - Integration of AI and Machine Learning 23:15 - Reflections on Amazon's Future DirectionsWebsite: Adverio.ioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danfordmikeRelated Post: How to Use AI for Successful Amazon Selling

EPISODE 273 - Mastering Data for Amazon Success with Robert Row

Join Scott and Robert Row, Co-Founder at Bispoke, as they dive into the power of data in revolutionizing the Amazon selling business.Robert shares his journey from digital marketing intern to working with top e-commerce brands, and how he leverages data to optimize inventory, advertising strategies, and more. Discover the importance of data-driven decision-making in Amazon selling, how to use Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) to gain deeper insights into your customers, best practices for inventory management and supply chain optimization, effective advertising strategies for maximizing your return on investment, and practical tips for sellers of all sizes to leverage data analytics. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert and discover how data can help you take your Amazon business to the next level.Episode Notes:00:50 - Robert Row Introduction 02:30 - Background of Robert 05:55 - Robert's Journey from Digital Marketing to E-commerce 07:30 - Inventory Management and Advertising Adjustments 08:35 - Advertising Strategy 09:50 - The Importance of Data 11:05 - Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) 15:15 - Using AMC for Audience Management 18:15 - Practical Application of AMC for Improving Ad Efficiency 22:20 - Practical Tools and Solutions 26:10 - Streamlining the Process 27:40 - Importance of Data in Making Informed Decisions 29:35 - Using SmartScout for Market Share 32:15 - What is Bispoke? 33:50 - Lessons Learned from Previous Years Email: Robert@bispoke.ioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robert-row-b8006517Website: https://www.bispoke.ioRelated Post: Finding Amazon Keyword Trends: Unleash the Power of SmartScout

EPISODE 272 - Leveraging Google Grants for Amazon Success with Ishan Soni

Scott Needham sits down with Ishan Soni, the founder of Ad Grants Genie, to discuss innovative strategies for reducing Amazon advertising costs while driving sales.Discover how to harness the power of Google's $10,000 monthly grant for nonprofits to generate free traffic and elevate your brand visibility.Learn the ins and outs of Google's ad grant program, including eligibility requirements and best practices for maximizing its benefits. Explore the steps in creating a nonprofit that aligns with your brand and effectively leverages the grant to drive Amazon sales.Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your Amazon selling strategy and unlock new growth opportunities. Tune in now!Episode Notes:01:25 - Ishan Soni Introduction 03:20 - Understanding Google Grants Program 04:35 - Establishing a Nonprofit for Amazon Sellers 06:00 - Examples of Nonprofits Created by Various Brands 06:55 - Implementing Google Grants for Amazon Sales 10:00 - Compliances and Guidelines 10:55 - Managing Taxes and Reporting for Nonprofits 13:50 - Granular Execution and Traffic Conversion 17:15 - What is an Advertorial? 19:15 - Leveraging the Nonprofit Setup 21:35 - Tools and Services Offered by Ad Grants Genie 23:20 - Giving Back Through Nonprofit 24:10 - Importance of Building Something Beyond Amazon Website: https://adgrantsgenie.com/ Related Post: The Best Financing Loans for Amazon Sellers

EPISODE 271 - Scale and Connect at AMZ United 2024

Seasoned Amazon veteran Scott Needham joins forces with the strategic mind of Michael White, Chief Strategy Officer at SmartScout, to discuss the intricacies of scaling your Amazon business. Whether you're just starting out or aiming for the coveted nine-figure sales mark, this episode offers invaluable insights and actionable strategies.Discover why resellers continue to dominate the Amazon marketplace and learn how to navigate the complex world of compliance to protect your business.Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into the upcoming AMZ United conference, where you can connect with fellow sellers and gain a competitive edge.Don't miss this opportunity to level up your Amazon game!Episode Notes:00:45 - Michael White Introduction 02:45 - The World of Reselling 04:20 - AMZ United Year 2 05:30 - Remembering Last Year's AMZ United Conference 11:05 - Excitement for This Year's Conference 12:45 - Dealing with Amazon Account Suspension 14:10 - Best Compliance Experts 14:30 - Why Networking is ImportantRelated Post: Amazon Suspension: What Is It and How to Avoid It

EPISODE 270 - Scaling Your Amazon Business with Pattern’s Logistics

Feeling overwhelmed by Amazon's ever-changing logistics landscape?This episode of The Smartest Amazon Seller cuts through the complexity with expert insights from Rob Hahn, Head of Transportation at Pattern. Rob, with his journey from Amazon intern to robotics mastermind, unveils the secrets to optimized fulfillment and boosted sales conversions.Discover how Pattern navigates FBA fees and complexities, unlocks the power of zone skipping for faster deliveries, and masters Amazon's intricate network. Learn why Pattern's Marketplace Prep Service is a game-changer for sellers and how they streamline your fulfillment process from labeling to delivery.Rob also shares insights on addressing challenges with oversized items, unexpected inventory issues, and the future of FBA policies. Don't miss this episode to gain a competitive edge in the Amazon marketplace. Episode Notes:00:27 - Rob Hahn Introduction02:30 - Rob Hahn’s Background07:40 - Transition to Pattern and the role as COO09:55 - Differences in Logistics and Transportation in the International Operations11:00 - Challenges of Selling Across Different Markets and Languages11:40 - Leveraging Amazon's APIs and Handling Warehouse Management Across Regions 18:32 - Explaining the Roles of Cross-docking and Fulfillment Centers in Amazon's Network 21:35 - Pattern's Initiative in Marketplace Prep Services 26:50 - Pattern’s Latest Facilities 28:30 - Addressing Challenges with Oversized Items 30:38 - Dealing with Discrepancies 32:15 - Chinese Sellers 33:45 - Future of FBAWebsite: Pattern.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rob-hahn-12136736Related Post: Is Amazon FBA Worth It? A Quick Look Into Making Money on Amazon

EPISODE 269 - Diana Gershman Secrets to Amazon Wholesale Success

Scott sits down with Diana Gershman, the "Mary Poppins of Amazon FBA." With over 15 years of experience, Diana shares her unique journey from academia to becoming a leading figure in the Amazon selling world. This episode delves into the early days of Amazon FBA, the evolution of listing creation, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and strategies for successful wholesale on Amazon. Diana also shares her insights on negotiating with distributors, the origin of the Amazon United conference, and personal anecdotes from her career, including experiences with gender dynamics in male-dominated industries. Tune in to gain valuable insights from a true Amazon FBA pioneer and learn how to navigate the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce. Episode Notes:00:15 - Diana Gershman Introduction 02:00 - Entering the World of Amazon 03:55 - The Early Days of Amazon FBA 05:50 - Building a Listing on Amazon 07:55 - Transition from Passive Selling to Proactive Account Management 10:25 - The Impact of Data on Modern Amazon Selling 11:56 - How Keepa and Other Tools Have Evolved to Assist in Data-driven Selling 17:42 - The Significance of Forecasting and Its Benefits to Distributors 18:05 - The benefits of Establishing Relationships with Distributors 19:40 - The Proliferation of Amazon Sellers Buying from Distributors 20:22 - Learning from Mistakes and Understanding the Marketplace 22:20 - The Business of Gender and Industry Domination 23:26 - The Generational Shift in Business Ownership 24:30 - The Inception and Realization of AMZ United 27:38 - Diana Recounts the AMZ United Experience 37:09 - What Else Does Diana Do? LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diana-gershman-4a8411bInstagram: diana (@diana_in_real_life)Related Post:‍ How to Search Amazon Storefronts and Sellers

EPISODE 268 - From Solo Seller to Big Brand Strategist with Josh Justice

Join host Scott as he chats with Josh Justice, a seasoned Amazon expert who has worked with major brands like Nordic Natural and Lego. Josh shares his 11+ years of experience, from being a solo seller in China to managing multi-million dollar ad budgets and navigating the unique challenges of working with big brands.Discover how to transition from selling your products to working for an agency or in-house at a major brand. Learn the pros and cons of working at different-sized teams, gain insights into how Amazon's biggest brands operate, and uncover strategies for optimizing your Amazon presence, including ads, SEO, and product prioritization. Finally, get an inside look at the challenges and opportunities of remote work in the Amazon space.Whether you're an Amazon agency pro or simply curious about the inner workings of the world's largest online marketplace, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the business! 00:16 - Josh Justice Introduction 01:45 - Josh’s Background 03:33 - The Agency Landscape and Working for Marketplace Ignition 09:30 - Transition to Working In-House 12:05 - Working with Nordic Naturals 13:40 - The Different Mafia Families of Amazon Selling 15:10 - Initial Thoughts on LEGO as a Dream Brand 17:00 - The Remote Work Considerations and Transition at LEGO 21:13 - LEGO's Amazon Strategy Insights 25:02 - The Importance of SEO 28:30 - LEGO’s View on Ads 30:55 - Dealing with Discontinued Products 33:55 - Infinite Commerce 41:20 - Infinite Commerce Hiring 44:15 - Learning from Other People LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshua-justice Related Post: ‍How to Search Amazon Storefronts and Sellers

EPISODE 267 - Scaling the Amazon Selling Business with Eric Castellano

Scale your Amazon business with insider secrets from e-commerce titan Eric Castellano, who shares his strategies for massive growth in this latest podcast.The episode delves into the scalability potential of growing an Amazon business from $10 million to $100 million in sales. Gain real-world insights and strategies as Eric, a seasoned Amazon seller, shares his experiences and expertise.Get a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of e-commerce entrepreneurship and key takeaways on effectively scaling on the Amazon platform. Learn from Eric's successes and mistakes, and gain valuable tips on optimizing listings, managing finances, and navigating Amazon's ever-changing landscape.Don't miss this opportunity to propel your business to new heights with insights from a true Amazon expert.Episode Notes: 00:09 - Eric Castellano Introduction 03:10 - The Challenges of Running an Amazon Business 06:00 - Amazon's Fee Increases and Impact on Sellers 09:45 - Knowing When to Call It Quits 13:00 - Stories of Significant Losses and Lessons Learned 16:52 - Sourcing Strategies and Inventory Management 18:36 - Coping with Amazon's Technical Mistakes and Oversights 27:20 - Implementing Amazon Clerk 30:15 - The Proper Way to Bundle 34:25 - Eric’s Favorite Category 39:00 - The Eclectic Side of Amazon Business 42:00 - The Future of Brand Direct 43:17 - Eric’s Favorite Place to Find Brands Related Post: The Best Software Tools for an Amazon FBA Wholesale Seller

EPISODE 266 - Challenger Brands and Amazon Growth Strategies with Wes Clark

Wes Clark, Head of Marketing Operations & Marketplace at Kizik, shares his journey from working at Fortune 500 companies such as Intel to startups, revealing key insights about the importance of reviews on Amazon. He discusses the challenges of manipulated reviews and effective strategies to combat them.Learn how Purple leveraged Amazon for brand awareness and how Kizik ensures presence across all customer-preferred platforms. The episode covers Kizik’s video advertising strategies and the importance of balancing Amazon with other sales channels to avoid over-reliance.Wes also shares data-driven tactics for ad mix optimization, competitor analysis, and efficient return management. For more insights or questions about Kizik’s strategy, listeners can reach out via LinkedIn provided in the show notes.Tune in for expert advice on maximizing your Amazon strategy! Episode Notes: 00:28 - Wes Clark Introduction 01:20 - Wes Clark's Background and Entry into Amazon 03:33 - Understanding and Combatting Review Manipulation on Amazon 07:05 - Purple’s Brand Awareness Strategy 09:10 - The Success and Growth of Kizik on Amazon 10:34 - Kizik's Selective Approach to Amazon Listings and Shaping Customer Experience 14:05 - Utilizing Amazon Demand Side Platform (DSP) for Brand Exposure 15:09 - Measuring the Impact of Off-Amazon Advertising on Amazon Sales 16:00 - Growth Levers and Generating Top-of-Funnel Awareness 17:32 - The Importance of Video Marketing for DTC Brands on Amazon 19:00 - Exploring Sponsored Brand Video vs. DSP Video on Amazon 19:49 - Insight into Brand Risks and Challenges When Selling on Amazon 21:20 - Utilizing Data to Inform Strategy and Stay Ahead of Competitors LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wesclark2Related Post: Exclusive Access to Middle East Products for US Wholesalers

Episode 265 - The Compound Effect of In-House Prep with SamFBA – Scaling to $2M in 13 Months!

Scott interviews SamFBA, a rapidly successful Amazon seller who has achieved nearly $2 million in revenue in just 13 months. Sam discusses the significant benefits of handling prep work in-house rather than relying on third-party logistics, which has helped her boost profit margins and better understand her inventory. She emphasizes the importance of small savings compounding over time to create substantial monthly gains as sales increase. Sam also shares her strategies for scaling her business sustainably, avoiding substantial loans, and effectively using cashback credit cards to optimize profit margins. Despite challenges like account health issues, Sam's focus on proper sourcing practices has been key to her success. Tune in for valuable insights on Amazon FBA, and follow @Sam_FBA on X for more tips and strategies.Episode Notes: 00:15 - SamFBA Introduction and Amazon Journey 02:55 - The Advantages of Self-Prep and Margin Improvement 05:17  - Building Sustainable Profit Margins 09:30 - Account Health and Legitimacy in Sourcing 12:39 - Growth Strategies and Long-Term Vision 13:58 - Resourcefulness and Learning from Failure 15:02- Conclusion and Reflections X: https://x.com/Sam_FBA Related Post: Elevating Your Amazon FBA Business: A Comprehensive Guide to the Top Chrome Extensions