The Smartest Amazon Seller

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

Episode 264 - Transitioning Business Models on Amazon with Jacob Albor

Utah-based Amazon seller Jacob Albor shares his inspiring journey from selling books while working as a loan officer to becoming a full-time Amazon seller.Jacob discusses how he cleared significant debt through strategic financial moves and transitioned to selling high-demand items such as over-the-counter drugs and fitness equipment during COVID-19.He highlights the importance of building relationships for restock alerts and the shift from retail arbitrage to wholesale for better revenue and time freedom.Jacob also shares valuable lessons from facing scams, emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting of suppliers.Tune in to learn from his experiences and gain insights into navigating challenges and achieving success in the Amazon marketplace. Episode Notes:00:10 - Jacob Albor Introduction and Background 02:00 - Discovering Profitability in Book Reselling 02:38 - Scaling Up From Books 03:35 - Getting Through Debt 05:00 - A More Systematic Book Operation and Help From a Guru 06:08 - Meeting Scott 06:45 - Pivot From Books to Other Categories 09:00 - The Grind of Retail Arbitrage 13:15 - Warehousing 15:42 - Advancing into Wholesale 17:55 - Motivations for Change 18:36 - Insights into Wholesale 22:13 - Finding and Working with Suppliers / Avoiding Scams 29:00 - ConclusionInstagram: amazonkingpin Related Post: Retail Arbitrage vs. Online Arbitrage: Choosing the Right Sourcing Strategy for Amazon Sellers

Episode 263 - Exploring Non-China Sourcing Strategies with Sebastian Hertz

Scott Needham is joined by Sebastian Herz, founder of Zignify and a global product sourcing expert. Together, they explore the complexities of sourcing products outside of China, offering strategies for Amazon sellers to achieve cost savings and enhanced efficiency.Sebastian shares his journey from electrical engineer to entrepreneur, with extensive experience living in China and Singapore. He provides insights into Zignify's evolution from a small, China-focused business to a global sourcing powerhouse with over 60 employees. The discussion highlights the shift from China-based sourcing due to factors like Trump tariffs and the need for supply chain diversification, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right countries based on client needs and product materials.Sebastian also contrasts the sourcing mindsets of large corporations and small sellers, offering practical tips for navigating international manufacturer relationships. Tune in to this episode for essential insights on global product sourcing from one of the industry's leading experts.Gain valuable advice on reassessing current suppliers for potential savings, understanding the importance of fully engaging in the sourcing process, and leveraging tools like import records for competitor analysis.Episode Notes:00:23 - Sebastian Herz Introduction02:25 - Zignify and Sebastian's Origin Story06:45 - The Sourcing Process12:15 -  Advice for New Sellers17:40 - Useful Tools and Strategies19:25 - Working with Large Corporations24:05 - Favorite Countries for Sourcing26:25 - The Human Element of SourcingWebsite: zignify.netLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sebastianherzRelated Post: Retail Arbitrage vs. Online Arbitrage: Choosing the Right Sourcing Strategy for Amazon Sellers

EPISODE 262 - From Social Work to Amazon Success: Andy Slamans’ Journey to Building a Multi-Million Dollar Brand

Andy Slamans Co-Founder of Amazing Freedom Brands, shares his incredible story of transitioning from social work to building a multi-million dollar Amazon business.We delved into Andy's early days of selling on Amazon, the valuable lessons he learned, and the challenges he overcame along the way. From navigating the intricacies of international sourcing to building relationships with domestic manufacturers, we uncovered the strategies that propelled Amazing Freedom Brands to remarkable success.Andy also shared his insights on inventory management, advertising adjustments, the shift to website sales, and the delicate balance of pricing and margins.If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode was packed with invaluable advice and inspiration to fuel your journey.Episode Notes: 00:30 - Andy Slamans Introduction 01:50 - LinkedIn and its Positive Environment 02:55 - Andy's Transition from Social Work to Amazon Selling 05:45 - The Early Days of Selling on Amazon and Lessons Learned 09:20 - Challenges and Strategies of Sourcing Internationally 10:45 - Advantages of Sourcing Products Domestically in the US 13:30 - Finding Tradeshows 15:19 - Reordering Products from Domestic Manufacturers 16:40 - Experimenting with Turning Off Ads Due to Running Out of Inventory 18:18 - Approaching $20 Million in Revenue: Strategies and Growth 21:15 - Using a Line of Credit 22:55 - Navigating Return Handling for Different Types of Products 24:46 - Building a Team with C-Suite Hires and Scaling the Business 29:30 - Learning from Losses LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andy-slamans-892ba0b9Website: amazing freedom.com Related Post: Maximize Your Ad Spend: 7 Benefits of Effective Ad Management

EPISODE 261 - A Wholesale Conversation with Corey Ganim at SmartScout HQ

Coming from North Carolina to the SmartScout Headquarters, we have Corey Ganim an experienced wholesaler with his own podcast that has also helped many build successful wholesale businesses.In a unique twist, Corey interviews Scott about his journey and insights into building and using SmartScout. Discover how SmartScout stands out from other tools and why even long-time listeners are surprised by its capabilities once they start using it.Scott also announced AMZ United 2024 and shared the success of AMZ United 2023 — an event specifically catering to wholesale sellers on Amazon. He discussed the lack of events targeted at wholesalers despite their significant presence among top Amazon sellers and how AMZ United fills that gap.Learn the challenges and rewards of private label businesses, emphasizing the importance of niche targeting and community building. Discover strategies for wholesalers transitioning into private labels, including the bold approach of high-investment launches to avoid saturated markets.Episode Notes:00:25 - Corey Ganim Introduction01:53 - AMZ United 202405:30 - Supplier Interactions07:20 - Covid Business Boom10:45 - Wholesale or Private Label Business14:25 - Advice for New Sellers15:20 - Partnership Pros & ConsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-ganim/Related Post: Introducing AMZ United 2023 - The First-Ever Conference for Amazon Wholesale Sellers

EPISODE 260 -Netrush’s Strategic Evolution in the Amazon Marketplace with Raj Sapru and Chris Marantette

Scott is joined by special guests Raj, the Chief Strategy Officer of Netrush, and Chris Marantette, the Co-CEO / Co-Founder of Netrush. They delve into the dynamic evolution of Netrush from a small two-person team to a robust company focused on maximizing brand profitability through strategic partnerships and innovative infrastructure.The discussion provides valuable insights into the shifts in Amazon's marketplace, highlighting the transition from high-profit margins to tighter margins due to market maturation and commoditization.Chris highlights the importance of integrating logistics technology into overall business strategy, addressing recent Amazon fee changes and their impact on sellers.The episode also explores the role of 'brand runners'—individuals managing various aspects within a company—and the necessity for sophisticated logistics and supply chain management tools.Tune in to learn how proactive pricing strategies, cost optimization, and innovative solutions can help brands navigate the complexities of the Amazon marketplace and stay ahead in a competitive environment. Episode Notes:00:45 - Raj Sapru and Chris Marantette Introduction01:05 - The Net Rush Origin Story and the Shift to a Brand-Centric Approach04:35 - Starting Sellozo 08:23 - FBA Fee Increase History 18:25 - Importance of Advertising and Logistics in Amazon FBA 19:45 - Addressing the Complexities of Amazon's Logistics and Fee Changes 25:19 - Minimizing Expenses 29:55 - Analyzing Amazon's Fee Structure and the Impact of Shipping Time on Conversion 31:15 - Understanding the Role of the Brand Runner in Modern Commerce 35:02 - Optimizing Costs in Shipping and Inventory Management LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/rajsaprulinkedin.com/in/chris-marantette-4701b9Website: netrush.com Related Post: Understanding Amazon's Fee Structure for Wholesale Sellers

EPISODE 259 - Advanced Amazon Strategies with Josh Hadley and Matt Altman

In this special episode, we’re excited to present a unique podcast swap, featuring an insightful episode from Josh Hadley's eComm Breakthrough Podcast.Join us as Josh interviews Matt Altman from Right Side Up, delving into advanced strategies for product optimization, managing PPC campaigns, and knowing when to let go of underperforming products.This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for Amazon sellers looking to enhance their business growth and streamline their operations. Josh Hadley shares his inspiring journey of growing Hadley Designs into an eight-figure brand, offering candid insights into the challenges he faced and the strategies that led to his success.Meanwhile, Matt Altman brings over a decade of experience to the table, discussing crucial topics such as  the importance of high-converting keywords, innovative photo editing techniques for product images, and effective affiliate marketing strategies.Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting, this episode provides valuable lessons and practical tips to help you optimize your Amazon business and achieve sustained growth.Tune in and transform your selling strategy today! Episode notes: 02:45 - Ecom Breakthrough Podcast Overview 03:50 - Matt Altman Introduction 05:10 - Matt's journey into ecommerce 06:40 - Insights into Successful Brand Exits 10:21 - Strategy for Launching New Products on Amazon 13:00 - Product Launch Budget 15:35 - Types of Ad Campaigns 20:40 - Product Conversion Rate \ Optimizing Products 28:40 - Amazon A/B Testing Feature 31:45 - EVA.Guru / Intellivy.net / mturk.com 33:25 - Other Software Tools to Manage Multiple Brands 35:20 - PPC Tactics 48:40 - External Marketing 51:10  - Amazon Affiliates LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/matt-altman-39b72a70linkedin.com/in/joshhadley/Website:www.rightsideup.comhttps://wavve.link/Ecommbreakthrough Email:mattaltman89@gmail.comjosh@ecommbreakthrough.com Related Post: Yes, E-Commerce in Latin America Is Worth It