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
Tuesday Apr 07, 2020
Tuesday Apr 07, 2020
Today’s episode is about a tool that can be a game changer for wholesalers and resellers. We interview Tom Myers from the Wholesale Inspector, an online tool which helps the seller find the best opportunities from among hundreds of UPC’s. We talk about the features and data points of wholesaleinspector.com and how they were developed, as well as new features that are about to debut. We also give pro tips on how to use Wholesale Inspector, including double checking the numbers of bundle packs. We invite the listener to get their FIRST MONTH FREE at Wholesale Inspector by following this link: http://wholesaleinspector.com?fp_ref=smartestseller-The Features of wholesaleinspector.com 4:14-First Announcement of Brand New Feature; Bundle Packs 10:12-Offer For Listeners of This Podcast; Benefits of W.I.’s Unmatched Speed 16:43“Say your supplier calls up 8 o’clock in the morning saying, ‘Hey, Scott, we’ve got this super good deal list going on right now! Limited stock, though, so first come, first serve.’ And you’re like, ‘Oh, great, I’m gonna go run this!’ And you go to your competitor’s tool and you upload it, and you wait 10 hours to get your results. By the time you put your PO. in, those things have sold out already. But with Wholesale Inspector where it’s nice and fast, you can run the list, get the results back in a couple minutes, and have your PO out within half an hour, and be the first to jump on some of those nice deals.” 17:40https://wholesaleinspector.com/Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/smartestseller/https://www.buyboxer.com/
Tuesday Mar 31, 2020
Tuesday Mar 31, 2020
Today we talk with Jed Rawson, a grocery expert on Amazon. We talk about the changes that have happened in Amazon since the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about Amazon Lending withholding money, the spike in demand for food items, and repeat purchase rate and organic review rate as essential analysis numbers for grocery businesses on Amazon. We also talk about CPC in online grocery, and the important, trending terms in the marketplace such as keto and gluten-free. We talk about changes in CPC, data analysis, budgeting, and inventory due to the pandemic. We talk about the advantages of staying 100% on the white-hat side of Amazon selling, even during times like these. We discuss triage as an essential business tactic right now, and give our predictions about the course and potential aftermath of the pandemic. -Effect of Coronavirus on Amazon 1:39-Differences From Other Amazon Businesses 7:52-Unprecedented Changes in CPC, Budgets, Inventory; Price Gouging 14:37Keeping Up With Demand; Triage; What to Expect 24:43“Cost-per-clicks for some categories are crashing. And even if it’s a hard good -- like a pet bed -- crashing, and getting a lot cheaper. But the cost-per-click for hand sanitizer, for toilet paper, for like staple goods, is through the roof. And so we’ve had to change our approach and be careful targeting very common, very competitive terms.” 15:12https://www.rawamz.com/Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/smartestseller/https://www.buyboxer.com/
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
In today’s episode, we interview Derek James, an 8 figure private label seller on Amazon and Amazon coach who has made $200 million with all new ASIN’s. We begin by discussing launch strategies for private label products and brand licensing, including the importance of budgeting and category research. We talk about getting returns on your investments both at Derek’s scale and smaller scales. We also talk strategy for lighting deals and other deals. We then talk about removing stress from managing an Amazon business using virtual assistants. We then segue the conversation into Derek’s program for training VA’s. We finish by discussing the importance of quality education from trusted sources to help build your business on Amazon. To get in touch with Derek or to learn more from him, go to https://derekjamessells.com/-Launch Strategy for New Products; Returns on Investment 2:45-Deal Strategies 14:52-Removing the Stress From Managing an Amazon Business: VA’s 24:16-Where to Go For Advice For Your Amazon Business 30:03“You have to be clear, in your vision, about what is it going to take, monetarily, to maybe enter this category. What’s my cost of goods? What’s my landing cost? Have I built an ad campaign cost? What’s my creative cost? Am I shooting video? Do I have my trademark already done so I can do enhanced brand content -- EBC, A+ content, all these things. Those are all things that in the beginning we would look at.” 4:19Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/smartestseller/https://www.buyboxer.com/https://www.instagram.com/derekdemeo/?hl=en
Tuesday Mar 17, 2020
Tuesday Mar 17, 2020
Today we talk with Will Christensen, Co-Founder of DataAutomation. He explains Zapier, an iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) that automates repetitive tasks without coding or relying on developers to build the integration. We talk about the unique services that DataAutomation provides using Zapier, including helping you understand how to use the platform to push ahead as well as building applications on Zapier. We make the special offer to listeners that if they email Will at will@dataautomation.com and mention this podcast episode, they can get a free 15-30 min call with DataAutomation to get pro tips on automation and which software piece is best for them. We talk about the advantages of the sessions report and custom fields using Will’s Chrome Extension, Taskrunner, on Seller Central. We discuss examples of other ways to implement this technology for greater efficiency. -Scale With Automation Using Zapier 1:14-Advantages of Using Taskrunner; Examples of Creating Efficiency in Your Business 10:04-Important Principles for Automation 29:25“If you’re considering automation, the first place to start is to ask yourself, ‘Is it time to automate, eliminate, or delegate?’ 29:25https://dataautomation.com/Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/smartestseller/https://www.buyboxer.com/
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Today we interview John Eagan, and Rose Del Rio from Flat World Global Solutions. We talk about the effects of the coronavirus on shipping freight internationally. We talk about the current status of freight and shipping, as well as how it’s affecting the market. We then give valuable expert advice for international shipping, covering topics such as customs and duties. One of these tips is to never let manufacturers take control of the shipment, and we explain the reasons why. We break down terms such as DDP and EIN numbers. We discuss the value of freight forwarding services, including the security, peace of mind, and trust they can provide. We talk about the service that Flat World Global Solutions provides in estimating the cost of tariffs in your final shipment cost. We then talk about what you can do to learn more about moving your freight. We emphasize the importance of calling and reaching out to ask your questions and make sure you have your shipping needs covered. -Status of Freight Ships, Air Cargo, Truck Drivers, and Manufacturers 1:25-How Freight Forwarding Typically Works -- Expert Advice 6:19-Importance of Establishing Trust When Shipping 23:05-What You Can Do To Learn More 32:15“Make sure that when you find somebody to work with that you are settled -- that you are okay. Because in the life of your shipment that’s at least what? A month? Of traveling if you’re going by sea. You want to make sure that you can sleep at night knowing that your shipment is moving and that somebody is looking out for you.” 25:10
Thursday Mar 05, 2020
Thursday Mar 05, 2020
In today’s episode, we invite the listener to dive into Scott’s new content on compliance, found on buyboxer.com/healthyaccount. The topic of this episode is scaling your business for efficiency to get more value for the time you put into it. We talk about how to best spend your time when scaling your business, including continuously educating your employees and improving technology. We read a review from someone who took simple yet effective techniques from our podcast and applied them to get ahead with their business. -Intro: Find Out More About Compliance; Find Nuggets From Past Episodes 0:46-Where to Spend Your Time When Growing Your Business 6:14-Listen to Past Episodes for More Tips On Using Time More Effectively 17:11“We’re telling things about Amazon that no one else knows. I got a masters degree in computer engineering, and I’ve poured through all the data points I can find to figure out how to be a better E-commerce professional. And I am trying to turn you guys into that. It takes a lot of different disciplines to be good at this, from marketing, accounting, to logistics. You’re the business owners, those that are listening to this podcast, and you do need a little bit of knowledge on a lot of it. So, I know what it takes to scale, and everything that I’ve told you guys, I stand behind it as things that will only help you get an edge, and to help you scale your business.” 3:10Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/smartestseller/https://www.buyboxer.com/
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
Today, we talk with Chase Leavitt, CEO of Upstreet Brands, and cousin of Scott Needham. We discuss the roles and benefits of sourcing agents, who help you negotiate with suppliers and factories. These benefits include simplifying correspondence between you and your supplier, building stronger business relationships, and finding you the right new manufacturers based on your needs. They also help you hold your suppliers accountable for the quality of the product, which is critical for its successful performance on Amazon. We explain how sourcing agents are paid for their work. We talk about how you can find a souring agent that is good for you. We then discuss strategies for staying afloat in competitive markets. We talk about one of these strategies, bundling/variation, in greater detail. We converse about how to prepare your Amazon business for sale, and what to look for when buying an Amazon business. We finish by discussing the benefits of building a business on Amazon. -Sourcing Agents: Roles and Benefits 2:54-Cost of Sourcing Agents; Inventory Inspection; Quality Business Relationships 9:14-Finding a Sourcing Agent; Strategies for Staying Competitive 14:40-Selling Your Amazon Business; What to Look for When Buying; Building Your Business 22:07 “If you’re at the very beginning of a business, and you want to make sure that you can include a trademark or some design patent in there, that would probably mean you need to prove its success for a little bit, and then you’re going to file it. And so, it’s kind of a longer game, but you have to have that endurance in this business. You don’t get rich quick, period.” 25:19Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/smartestseller/https://www.buyboxer.com/
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
Today’s episode is focused on Seller Fulfilled Prime and the Prime that you can do out of your own warehouse. We explain the Seller Fulfilled Prime program, including their trial period, as well as their higher requirements. We explain why we built an FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) into our warehouse to increase revenue, and why other businesses would be wise to do the same. We also emphasize the value of a new program called Seller Fulfilled Prime Regional. We talk about the higher requirements to be on SFP, and how they push you to be more efficient. We then discuss a very similar program called FBA Onsite, where Amazon installs their warehouse management system into your warehouse, and the pros and cons associated with it. We recommend FBA onsite for oversize and seasonal products. -Diving Into Seller Fulfilled Prime 1:52-Seller Fulfilled Prime Regional 7:00-FBA Onsite 10:58“And according to their site, we achieved 54% of the population by using UPS ground 2 day shipping. And what’s great about that is it costs us exactly the same amount of money to ship. So we were shipping these products in ground already. But turning on a Prime badge didn’t cost us anything, because, by using this service, Amazon has already determined that they know that the product will get to them in two days.” 8:21Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/smartestseller/https://www.buyboxer.com/
Tuesday Feb 18, 2020
Tuesday Feb 18, 2020
Today’s topic is Amazon agencies, which is any person or entity that handles other people’s Amazon business or their problems. We discuss which brands we normally see use the agency. We give examples of businesses that have benefited from using an agency. We talk about questions you should ask an Amazon agency, including pricing, comprehensive/selective management, and services. We go more in depth about payment, talking about the pros and cons of both commission based and flat fees. We talk about factors to consider when determining length of contract. We also emphasize the importance of determining if agencies are stable and realistic, or if they overpromise. We talk about the challenges and risks of becoming an agency for other companies or brands. We talk about other factors to consider when considering third party help. -Amazon Agencies: What to Expect From Using/Joining 1:01-Questions to Ask an Agency 10:03-Challenges in this Model; Other Questions 17:39“What is the price? What do you charge? Are you offering or seeking comprehensive or a selective service? Comprehensive being full account management; everything from inventory, product pages, to marketing. You know, marketing can be the marketing on the page or the PPC.” 10:22Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/smartestseller/https://www.buyboxer.com/
Tuesday Feb 11, 2020
Tuesday Feb 11, 2020
Today, we begin the episode by telling you what we want to offer you with this podcast. We point out that instead of telling you things you could easily look up and find out online, we want this podcast to be more in depth and help make real E-commerce professionals out of our listeners. Our topic for today is Amazon’s FBA fees, including what they are, how they move, and how they affect us. We talk about the efficiency of Amazon’s FBA program and operation, including their positioning and funding of fulfillment centers. We share important changes in FBA fees and how much businesses have benefitted from those. We also share which fees have hurt our business, and how Amazon’s taking away some of these fees has saved us a lot of money. We discuss how these fees are designed to motivate efficient practices of inventory. We talk about the Inventory Performance Index and Q4 Storage fees have helped move the FBA program forward, and helps us to keep our focus on providing quality products through our service. What This Podcast is All About 0:10Amazon’s FBA Program and Fees 3:02Important Changes in FBA Fees 7:17FBA Fees Promote Better Business Practices 14:01“I’ve taken a different approach to these fees: It’s that these fees, they actually are designed to motivate good behavior by sellers. What is good behavior? That’s where you’re not stocked too deep or too light. They want you to be mindful of sending in just what you’re going to need for the next 1 to 2 months of sales.” 14:01Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/smartestseller/https://www.buyboxer.com/