Episode 216: Why Now Is the Best Time to Start an Ecom Business
Apr 23, 2025
Dive into the booming e-commerce world and discover why it's the ideal time to start your own business. Hear personal stories of transformation, including Laura's rise from waiter to Director of Retention. Learn essential strategies to navigate the complexities of online retail and marketing. Uncover how to filter through information overload and find trustworthy resources. Plus, get insider tips on using tools like Shopify and advanced tracking to maximize your success in this exciting industry.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Kurt's Early eBay Hustle
Kurt Elster started his ecommerce journey with eBay selling Furbies during their craze in the late 1990s.
He engaged in retail arbitrage before ecommerce was mainstream, highlighting the industry's growth potential.
insights INSIGHT
Ecommerce Market Growth
Ecommerce's share of retail transactions grew from 4% in 2005 to over 17% today.
This significant growth has expanded the market and opportunities for sellers tremendously.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Laura's Transition Into Ecommerce
Laura Paladino juggled multiple jobs including waitress and Zumba instructor before ecommerce.
She transitioned from customer service at Boom to becoming Director of Retention and Loyalty.
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🎙 Episode 216: Why Now Is the Best Time to Start an Ecom Business Episode Description
"This is the best time, I think, better than when I got into the industry over 15 years ago to get started in e-commerce." – Ezra Firestone
In this special episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on an exclusive session from the Smart eCommerce course. Ezra Firestone is joined by Laura Paladino and Kurt Elster to talk about the evolution of ecommerce—and why there’s never been a better moment to dive in.
From Laura’s journey working four jobs (including Cracker Barrel) to becoming Director of Retention at an 8-figure brand, to Kurt’s eBay hustle during the Furby craze, you’ll walk away inspired—and armed with strategic advice on how to grow in this booming industry.
You Will Learn:
Why ecommerce has the lowest barrier to entry right now
How to avoid overwhelm and choose the right learning path
What “Shopify nerds” have known for years (and you should too)
Real stories of career transformation through ecommerce
Why marketing is all about making the backend prettier for the frontend
Where to find trustworthy, high-impact education (and what to avoid)
02:17 – Ezra shares why this is the best time to start in ecommerce 02:24 – Meet Laura and Kurt 03:31 – Kurt on getting started with eBay 05:03 – Laura’s journey from Cracker Barrel to Boom 06:17 – What surprised Laura most about marketing 08:41 – Advice for new ecommerce learners: avoid overwhelm 09:27 – Don't be afraid to use Shopify’s powerful documentation 10:21 – Laura’s framework for learning in a noisy space 11:14 – Ezra’s advice: Follow the course and focus
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