The Smartest Amazon Seller

Jon Derkits, a former Amazon marketplace leader and now independent brand owner, shares his expert insights for Amazon entrepreneurs. He draws from his experience creating the "Best at Amazon" newsletter and his finance background to discuss Amazon Selling Strategies, Collaboration on Amazon, Impact of U.S.-China Tariffs, Essential Amazon Seller Tools, Balancing Content and Engagement, and Financial Acumen in E-commerce. Ready to level up your Amazon game? Tune in and gain the insights you need to thrive in this competitive Amazon marketplace! Episode Notes: 00:17 - Jon Derkits Introduction 02:06 - Jon Derkits Background 05:02 - Role of Finance in Amazon Business Strategy 06:14 - The Newsletter: Best at Amazon 11:27 - Navigating the Amazon News Cycle 13:05 - Tariffs and Their Impact on Amazon Sellers 17:33 - Anker Price Increase 19:46 - The Concept of One-Way Doors in Business Decisions 22:12 - Decision-making Frameworks 22:56 - Tech Stack and Tools for Amazon Sellers 25:05 - Combining SmartScout with Keepa 29:10 - The Simplicity and Power of SmartScout Data 32:38 - Jon Derkits’ Favorite SmartScout Features 39:35 - Two Best Tips From Jon   Related Posts: Why Amazon Vendors Feel Ignored and What They Can Do About It   How to Reach Jon: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jon-derkits Websites: auxoecommerce.com | tidycal.com/jonderkits/quick-chat BEST@AMAZON NEWSLETTER: https://bestatamazon.ck.page/ AMAZON COACHING & ADVISORY: https://tidycal.com/jonderkits/amazon-coaching-and-advisory   Scott’s Links: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  

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