The Smartest Amazon Seller

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-892ba0b9 Website: amazing freedom.com Related Post: Maximize Your Ad Spend: 7 Benefits of Effective Ad Management

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 Introduction 01:53 - AMZ United 2024 05:30 - Supplier Interactions 07:20 - Covid Business Boom 10:45 - Wholesale or Private Label Business 14:25 - Advice for New Sellers 15:20 - Partnership Pros & Cons LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-ganim/ Related Post: Introducing AMZ United 2023 - The First-Ever Conference for Amazon Wholesale Sellers

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 Introduction 01:05 - The Net Rush Origin Story and the Shift to a Brand-Centric Approach 04:35 - 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/rajsapru linkedin.com/in/chris-marantette-4701b9 Website: netrush.com Related Post: Understanding Amazon's Fee Structure for Wholesale Sellers

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-39b72a70 linkedin.com/in/joshhadley/ Website: www.rightsideup.com https://wavve.link/Ecommbreakthrough   Email: mattaltman89@gmail.com josh@ecommbreakthrough.com   Related Post: Yes, E-Commerce in Latin America Is Worth It

Join Scott today with Russ Dieringer, the Founder & CEO of Stratably, a leading research group that advises major brands on market trends in e-commerce. In this episode, they explore how Stratably assists companies in understanding their customers and competitors through an annual membership that includes access to in-depth research, live webinars, and collaborative share groups. Understanding e-commerce dynamics is vital for brands to balance their online presence with physical stores. Russ highlights challenges for larger brands with global distribution facing price transparency issues, while midsize or smaller first-party (1P) brands may seek third-party alternatives due to tough negotiations with platforms such as Amazon. With Stratably's innovative approach to research and analysis, companies gain a strategic advantage in navigating the ever-evolving marketplace landscape. Episode Notes: 00:15 - Russ Dieringer Introduction 01:02 - Stratably Origins 01:58 - The Power Dynamics of 1P and 3P on Amazon 04:50 - The Evolution of E-commerce Post-COVID 06:05 - Benchmarking Consumer Brands 08:08 - Stratably Data Collection 10:10 - Big Brands Dealing with Emerging Marketplaces 16:45 - Marketplace Control 22:48 - Profit Strategies for Midsize and Challenger Brands 24:45 - Tactical Shifts and Innovations on Amazon LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russdieringer Website: stratably.com Related Post: Expanding With Amazon FBA – How To Start Selling in Europe

Today we are diving into the crucial element of speed on Amazon, emphasizing that success isn't just about intelligence — it's about staying ahead of the curve. Joining Scott is Dillon Carter, the visionary behind Aura, a groundbreaking repricing tool that's revolutionizing the way sellers navigate the Amazon marketplace. From humble beginnings in college to mastering the art of selling on Amazon, Dillon's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how Dillon's detour into personal training paved the way for his entrepreneurial ventures, culminating in the creation of Aura. With a passion for sharing knowledge, Dillon pioneered wholesale sourcing resources and podcasts, empowering sellers with invaluable insights. Learn how Aura's relentless commitment to efficiency led to the development of a cutting-edge repricing system capable of updating prices in the blink of an eye. Explore the intricate balance between sales velocity and profitability, where AI-driven strategies elevate sellers to new heights without compromising margins. Episode Notes: 00:35 - Dillon Carter Introduction 01:20 - The Origins of Aura 03:58 - Transition from Wholesale to Software 05:15 - The Move and Expansion to Boston 07:15 - The Shift Back to E-Commerce 09:00 - New API Version 14:20 - Introducing Hyper Drive 16:20 - Understanding Buy Box Dynamics 17:52 - Reframing Success for Amazon Sellers 19:02 - AI and the Future of Repricing LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dillon-carter Website: https://dilloncarter.com/ Related Post: The Top Insights to Amazon Repricing Tools

Joined by Will Abrams, founder of Axiom Prep, Scott uncovers the hidden impacts of returns on your bottom line and explores effective strategies for managing them.   Returns can be more than just a hassle — they can significantly affect your revenue stream.   Will shares his personal journey, from navigating piles of returns as an Amazon seller to founding a return service business focused on maximizing value from these items.   Explore the complexities of reimbursement types and gain valuable insights into documenting item conditions to support successful reimbursement claims. Episode Notes:   00:20 - Will Abrams Introduction 03:00 - The Nuances of Handling Returns 06:15 - Consignment, and Reimbursement Types 07:25 - Deep Dive into Amazon Reimbursement Challenges 08:35 - The Economic Threshold for Handling Returns 10:00 - Outsourcing Return Handling to Expert Services 16:00 - The Importance of Visibility and Documentation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-abrams-426b15260/ Website: http://axiomprepcenter.com/ Related Post: How To Leverage Reverse Logistics for a Competitive Advantage

In this episode, Josh Hadley takes us on a journey through his entrepreneurial path, sharing the story behind Hadley Designs and how they've carved out a niche in the competitive world of stationery products.   Discover how Josh's childhood hustle selling lemonade paved the way for his successful e-commerce venture, and learn about the pivotal moments that led to Hadley Designs' evolution from custom wedding invitations to educational posters. With candid insights into navigating market challenges such as COVID-19 and the importance of constant innovation, this episode offers invaluable lessons for aspiring Amazon sellers.   We also delve into the intricacies of protecting designs from IP infringement, strategies for effective product launches, and the critical role of community building in e-commerce success. Whether you're a seasoned seller looking for new strategies or a newcomer eager to learn, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories to help you thrive in the dynamic world of Amazon selling.   Episode Notes:   00:17 - Josh Hadley Introduction 01:17 - Josh’s Background 01:56 - Childhood Business Ventures to Amazon 06:00 - Pivoting Categories and Selling Recipe Cards 10:10 - Scaling the Amazon Business and Impact of Covid 12:50 - The Current State of Selling Design-Based Products on Amazon 15:00 - Protecting Intellectual Property and Legal Strategies 20:25 - Barriers to Entry and Success Factors in Design-Based Categories 25:20 - Merch by Amazon and Product Differentiation LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshhadley Website: ues.utah.edu  Related Post: Winning the Bogus IP Claim War on Amazon

Scott gives us 4 key updates in a quick but compact episode. The topics include an analysis of Amazon's FBA placement fee program, SEO strategies for product listings, insights on SmartScout's brand reports, and details about Pattern's Accelerate conference for large brands. Whether you're an experienced seller or new to Amazon's marketplace dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights and tips for enhancing your business reach and efficiency. Episode Notes:   00:40 - Amazon's New FBA Placement Fee 04:07 - SEO Hacks for Product Listings 07:30 - SmartScout’s Brand Reports 09:50 - Pattern’s Accelerate Conference Related Post: The Vendor Central Database of Amazon Brands

Scott is joined by Jed Rawson, CEO of Pirawna, who shares a gripping tale of intrigue and perseverance in the face of adversity.   Jed recounts a recent incident where his team encountered stolen goods being sold on Amazon, totaling a staggering $4 million in inventory. Through meticulous investigation and collaboration with law enforcement, they uncovered an organized crime operation responsible for potentially $50-100 million in stolen goods. Amazon's swift response led to the shutdown of several accounts linked to the illegal activity, marking one of their largest takedowns of fraudulent sellers to date. Jed discusses supply chain security measures, emphasizing the importance of GPS tracking containers and verifying driver identities. He also highlights Pi Agency's success in assisting brands to exit for significant sums, driven by strategies informed by past failures and focused on long-term trends. Episode Notes: 00:13 - Jed Rawson Introduction 01:23 - Mafia on Amazon 04:00 - BuyBox Hijacked 06:25 - Genesis of SmartScout 07:00 - Stolen Inventory Investigation 11:50 - Law Enforcement and Takedown Operations 14:40 - Learning from Amazon Escalations 16:10 - Organized Criminal Operation and Impact on Brands 21:15 - Precautions and Preventive Measures 27:40 - Brand Exits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pirawna/  Website: https://www.pirawna.com/ Related Post: The Amazon Appeals Dilemma: DIY or Delegate