The Smartest Amazon Seller

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

Join host Scott as he sits down with Uri Rahimi, a serial entrepreneur whose diverse ventures span the worlds of e-commerce, manufacturing, and software development. From humble beginnings flipping iPhones in high school to building a multi-million dollar wall decor brand, Uri’s story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit and relentless pursuit of opportunity. In this episode, we delve into Uri's journey, exploring his early forays into Amazon selling, the challenges of scaling a physical product business, and the strategic decision to open his printing facility in Miami. Uri shares invaluable insights from navigating the complexities of manufacturing, including his experiences at global trade shows and firsthand observations of production processes in China. Tune in to discover how diversification can create unexpected synergies between seemingly unrelated businesses, the strategic advantages of manufacturing your product line, and the importance of embracing the learning process inherent in every entrepreneurial journey. Episode notes: 00:17 - Uri Rahimi Introduction 02:00 - Uri Early Ventures in High School 04:00 - Entrance into Amazon and First Brand 06:00 - Learning from China and Import Challenges 06:25 - Scaling the Business 07:25 - Product Research 07:55 - Increasing Conversion Rate 10:45 - Number of SKUs Created and Removed 11:41 -  Reaching 7 Figures 12:00 - Uri Continued Interest and Involvement in Software Development 16:30 - Vertical Integration and Becoming a Manufacturer 17:55 - Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges 18:34 - Expansion to Print-On-Demand 20:45 - Technological Limitations and Innovations 26:15 - Artelo Specialization 29:07 - Seller Utilities 30:20 - Value of Having SQP Reports 32:35 - The Keepa Model 34:50 - What’s Next for Uri? 36:23 - Beating China 37:22 - The Platform Risk 39:05 - The Future of Amazon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uri-rahimi/ Related Posts: How to Leverage Amazon A+ Content for Brand Building   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

Boost your Amazon business without breaking the bank! Scott explores an array of free tools that can transform your selling strategy on Amazon. From price trackers such as  Keepa to innovative solutions such as Veeqo's profitability analyzer — there’s something for every seller looking to maximize profits while minimizing costs.   Episode Notes: 00:10 - Best Free Tools Overview 03:00 - David Zimmerman's curated list of free tools (@ddzim) 04:19 - Profit Analyzer: Veeqo 05:35 - PPC: Advance 06:45 - Search Query Performance: Amazon Seller Central 07:42 - Product Opportunity Explorer: Amazon Seller Central 09:07 - Sales Estimator: JungleScout 09:48 - FBA Calculators: Profit Guru, Jungle Scout, Amazon FBA Calculator 10:13 - Exploding Topics: SmartScout 10:55 - Google Trends 12:34 - Amazon Seller Map: SmartScout 13:52 - Price Tracker: Keepa Related Post: The 10 Largest Amazon Vendor Brands   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

Scott takes a deep dive into the evolving Amazon marketplace to determine whether it still offers the same potential for success as it once did. From shifting trends in product sourcing and search traffic to the challenges of launching new private-label products, he explores sellers' strategies to thrive despite increasing competition and changing policies. He also tackles many sellers' pain points, such as account suspensions, bundling complexities, and changes to Amazon’s reimbursement policies. As Amazon continues to grow, so do the opportunities for partnerships and expansion. However, the platform’s rapid evolution comes with growing pains, and he discusses how sellers can navigate these challenges while staying profitable. Join Scott as he uncovers what it takes to succeed on Amazon in 2025 and beyond.   Episode Notes:   01:30 - Marketplace Pulse Year in Review 05:20 - Amazon Haul 06:15 - Starting a New Private Label Product 07:05 - Increase in Section 3 Suspensions 09:15 - Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) 10:40 - Exceptions on Bundles 12:40 - Jungle Scout and Helium 10 Search Traffic 14:20 - Alibaba to Amazon Search Volume 15:40 - Amazon Fees not Going Up 16:15 - Amazon Business Growing 17:10 - Growing Pains of Amazon 17:30 - Amazon Partnerships 17:55 - Amazon Reimbursement Policy 18:55 - Next Podcast Topics   Related Post: Top 50 Amazon Marketing Agencies for 2025   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

Scott welcomes John Aspinall from PickFu after a two-month hiatus on guests. Unlock the secrets to eye-catching Amazon listings and skyrocket your sales with John and learn how non-designers can create compelling product images that drive clicks and conversions on Amazon. John breaks down the key differences between graphic and merchandising designers, emphasizing the importance of storytelling through "hero" images to boost click-through rates. He also highlights how China's advancements in merchandising are challenging U.S. sellers and shares strategies to stay competitive. Packed with actionable insights, this episode covers innovative tactics for showcasing products effectively while adhering to Amazon’s guidelines. Tune in now to transform your listings and make your products stand out! Episode Notes: 01:30 - John Aspinall Introduction 03:00 - Graphic Designer vs Merchandising Designer 06:30 - The Clickthrough Rate Comeback 08:30 - Best Practices on Merchandising 14:10 - Optimizing for Humans and Bots 15:10 - Designing Product Images 19:45 - The Image Guidelines 22:20 - Seasonal Merchandising 24:40 - The Risk/Rewards of Merchandising Experiments LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jaspinall Website: AmazonCTR.com | pickfu.com Related Post: 7 Pro Amazon Listing Optimization Tips to Send Your Sales Soaring   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

Scott breaks down the two primary types of Amazon professionals (service providers and brand owners) and discusses the potential of categories such as grocery, beauty, consumables, and pet products. He demonstrates how SmartScout can help identify valuable brands and gain insights from trade show analysis without attending in person. The podcast also explores the shift in the beauty industry from “luxury” to “premium” and the implications for resellers due to brand gating initiatives. Plus, a real-world example of how price points can influence consumer choices is shared, using the AMD vs. Intel case study.   Episode Notes: 00:10 - Two Types of Amazon Professionals 01:35 - Strategies for Type 1 Sellers 06:15 - Strategies for Type 2 Sellers 10:30 - Observations and Industry Insights 13:10 - Intel vs AMD Amazon Advertising SmartScout Tradeshows AMZ United Voice of the Amazon Seller   Related Post: Amazon Ungated Categories: Everything You Need to Know   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

Amazon coupons. Scott explores their potential to significantly boost your sales. Despite recent changes in Amazon's discounting policies, coupons remain a powerful tool for sellers. Scott discusses how coupons can drive click-through and conversion rates, even if not all customers utilize them. He also explores a case study featuring a top-selling brand, Jackery, which effectively employs a dual strategy of large coupons and discounts to maximize sales. He discusses the controversial practice of price inflation before applying significant discounts, a tactic used by brands such as Jackery to circumvent Amazon's pricing policies. Furthermore, Scott examines current trends in Amazon's discounting landscape, including the declining effectiveness of Prime Exclusive Discounts and the untapped potential of traditional coupons - providing strategic insights on how to effectively use coupons to clear inventory, increase market share, and avoid potential pitfalls like Amazon-to-Amazon arbitrage. Episode Notes: 00:10 - The Power of Coupons in Boosting Sales 01:35 - Jackery Case Study: High-Impact Coupon Strategy 02:50 - Understanding Amazon's Pricing Flexibility 03:55 - The Changing Landscape of Amazon Discounts 05:05 - The Consumer Perspective on Coupons 06:55 - Coupons as a Strategic Sales Tool 07:45 - Community Engagement and Survey Initiative 09:35 - Golden Seller Awards   Related Post: Top 50 Amazon Marketing Agencies for 2025   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

Scott examines the evolving landscape of the Amazon seller ecosystem. From web traffic to key tools such as Helium 10 and Jungle Scout declining by 50% over the past two years, the conversation centers on what this means for new and established sellers. He opens the discussion by exploring the sharp decline in new Amazon sellers entering the market. The pandemic-era e-commerce surge from 2020-2022 has faded, leading many new sellers to exit after facing early challenges. Despite this shift, Amazon continues to grow steadily at 15-20%, driven largely by established brands utilizing agencies and expertise to strengthen their presence. Scott also shed light on how external forces such as tariffs and policies from the Trump administration are shaping the industry while highlighting the dominance of Chinese sellers. Sellers from key cities in China remain resilient, maintaining their stronghold despite geopolitical tensions and trade challenges. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of the trends shaping the Amazon seller space and practical advice to navigate this evolving landscape. Episode Notes: 00:10 - Market Forces and Trends 02:15 - Traffic Decline of Top Amazon Seller Tools 05:05 - Growth of Large Brands 06:45 - Analyzing The Broader Market 08:10 - Effects of Political Events on Market Dynamics 09:38 - Observations on Chinese Market Impact 10:40 - Insights on Chinese Sellers in the Amazon Marketplace Related Post: The 10 Largest Amazon Vendor Brands   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

Amazon has recently updated its bundle policy, and this episode is dedicated to breaking down the implications for sellers of all sizes. Scott discusses the specific changes, their potential impact, and strategies to continue leveraging bundling to boost sales. He also explores successful bundling strategies, using Fender guitar bundles as a case study. By analyzing their approach, we'll uncover valuable insights into creating compelling and compliant bundles. Additionally, we'll delve into the role of software tools such as Smart Scout in identifying bundling opportunities and optimizing product listings. Join Scott as he navigates this evolving landscape and empowers you to maximize your sales potential. Episode Notes: 01:50 - Updated Product Bundling Policy for Consumables 03:35 - Example of Non-compliant Bundle 04:30 - Case Study: Fender Guitar Bundles 07:43 - The Role of Software in Bundling Related Post: Traffic Graph Update   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