Panicking about tariffs on Chinese imports? Think twice before abandoning your suppliers. In this eye-opening conversation with sourcing expert Omer Sasson, Matt Edmundson cuts through the noise surrounding the recent tariff announcements that have sent many eCommerce businesses into crisis mode. Drawing on a decade of experience across Asian markets, Omer reveals why hasty decisions often cause more damage than the tariffs themselves, which countries truly offer viable alternatives, and when China still makes financial sense—even with added costs. You'll discover practical strategies for building a tariff-resistant business, why product uniqueness trumps cheap sourcing, and how to avoid the costly mistakes other brands made during similar disruptions. Whether you're doing £20k or £2M in revenue, this no-nonsense guide offers the clarity you need to navigate these challenging waters.---What You'll Learn:Why rushing away from Chinese suppliers often backfires (and what COVID taught us about panic-driven decisions)The surprising math behind tariffs and when China remains your best option despite the costsAlternative Asian markets worth exploring (Japan, Korea, Vietnam, India) and their unique strengthsHow to develop products that stand apart from competition, creating what Omer calls "heaven time"The cultural misunderstandings that sabotage Western-Asian business relationships---LinksEpisode with Norm Farrar:Can you massively increase perceived value or is it just American Hype? with NormOmer Sasson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/om...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omer...Website: https://thesassoncompany.com/Matt Edmundson:Instagram: Matt Edmundson (@mattedmundson)LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mattedmundsoneCommerce Podcast:Homepage - Ecommerce Podcast---If this episode of the eCommerce Podcast piqued your interest make sure to check out everything that gets done over here on the eCommerce Podcast, a space dedicated to eCommerce Wow!

What if everything we know about e-commerce is wrong? Digital strategy maverick Björn Ognibeni reveals how Chinese platforms built what Western e-commerce abandoned - the social heart of shopping. While Amazon optimized for convenience, Chinese platforms like Taobao created experiences where friends shop together virtually and browsing becomes entertainment. Discover why our e-commerce hasn't changed in 20+ years and how Eastern innovations could revolutionize your online store.---What You'll LearnWhy Western e-commerce hasn't fundamentally changed in over 20 yearsHow Chinese platforms built social shopping experiences missing from AmazonThe difference between search-driven and discovery-driven e-commerceWhy competition drives innovation in Chinese digital marketsPractical features you could implement from Eastern e-commerce platform---Timestamps 00:00:04 - Introduction and overview00:04:17 - Björn explains his background and Chinese digital expertise00:09:32 - Why e-commerce hasn't changed in the West for decades00:13:51 - The mall experience vs. Western online shopping00:19:10 - How KPIs dictate innovation and stagnation00:28:51 - The surprising positive experience of "TikTok refugees"00:34:18 - Key lessons Western e-commerce can learn from China---Key Links:Björn's LinkedInChinaBriefs.ioThe eCommerce PodcastData Driven Ecommerce with Friedrich SchwandtPodjunction---If this episode of the eCommerce Podcast piqued your interest make sure to check out everything that gets done over here on the eCommerce Podcast, a space dedicated to eCommerce Wow!

Is your product photography secretly sabotaging your eCommerce success? In this eye-opening episode, Dresma Inc. CEO Siddharth Sinha reveals why image quality might be the hidden factor killing your conversions. Discover why customers rarely read product descriptions anymore, how AI is revolutionising product photography, and why that white background product shot just won't cut it. From mobile shopping behaviour to the future of personalised product imagery, this conversation is packed with insights that could transform your approach to visual content.---What You'll Learn:Why most customers make buying decisions without reading product descriptionsHow to use AI to create compelling lifestyle shots without expensive photo shootsThe critical difference between basic product shots and context-rich imageryWhy mobile shopping is changing everything about product photographyThe future of personalised product imagery and what it means for your storeCommon product photography mistakes that increase return ratesHow to balance investment between website design and product imagery---Get in touch with Siddharth: siddharth@dresma.comSiddharth Sinha | LinkedIndresma.comGet in touch with Mattmattedmundson.comMatt Edmundson | LinkedInMore of the eCommerce Podcast ecommercepodcast.netExplore PodjunctionHomepage - Podjunction

Ever wonder why some e-commerce businesses thrive while others barely survive? In this eye-opening episode of the E-Commerce Podcast, host Matt Edmundson and fractional CFO Jodi Mercer unpack the financial secrets that separate successful e-commerce ventures from the rest. With over 25 years of financial leadership experience, Jodi shares crucial insights about disciplined planning, the power of external accountability, and knowing when to pivot or persist in your business journey. Their candid discussion reveals why many entrepreneurs struggle with financial management and offers practical solutions for building a sustainable e-commerce business.---Key Takeaways1 Financial Planning is Critical Entrepreneurs need a clear, disciplined plan for revenue, spending, and metrics tracking. Without this foundation, businesses risk making emotional rather than strategic decisions.2 External Accountability MattersHaving an outside perspective through a board, advisor, or fractional CFO can provide crucial oversight and help maintain focus on long-term goals rather than getting distracted by new ideas.3 Know Your Exit PointsPlan for both success and failure scenarios upfront. Set clear metrics and timelines for when to pivot or shut down, rather than continuously investing in a non-viable business model.---If this episode of the eCommerce Podcast piqued your interest make sure to check out everything that gets done over here on the eCommerce Podcast, a space dedicated to eCommerce Wow!---Links referenced in this episode:ecommercepodcast.netascentcfo.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Ascent CFO Solutions Beehive

In this episode of The Ecommerce Podcast, host Matt Edmundson interviews Matt Stafford, CEO of Build Grow Scale, about revenue optimisation strategies for e-commerce websites. Stafford shares valuable insights on improving conversion rates, including optimising checkout processes, using effective button colours and text, and leveraging customer feedback. The conversation covers practical tips for enhancing website performance and increasing sales without necessarily increasing traffic.---Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and guest background3:24 - Matthew's journey into ecommerce6:13 - The importance of Google Analytics12:38 - Starting optimisation from the back of the store19:49 - The hierarchy of focus principle24:20 - Button text and colour optimisation30:38 - The power of website optimisation over increasing ad spend32:45 - Mobile vs desktop conversion rates36:50 - The one question that can transform your business---Key Takeaways:1. Start with Cart and Checkout OptimisationMatthew Stafford emphasises the importance of beginning with the cart and checkout process when optimising your ecommerce site. By enhancing these areas first, you ensure that any improvements made elsewhere on the site directly contribute to increased revenue. This approach prioritises revenue optimisation over mere conversion rate improvements.2. Use Unique Colours for Call-to-Action ButtonsStafford advises using a distinct colour for call-to-action buttons that stands out from the rest of the site's theme. This makes it clear to customers what the next step is, thereby improving the user experience and boosting conversions. The focus should be on clarity and visibility rather than adhering to a specific colour scheme.3. Leverage Customer Feedback on the Thank You PageImplement a pop-up on the thank you page asking customers, "What was the one thing that almost made you not buy?" This feedback is invaluable for identifying and addressing potential issues in the purchasing process. Stafford notes that some of their top improvements have come from insights gained through this simple question.---If this episode of the eCommerce Podcast piqued your interest make sure to check out everything that gets done over here on the eCommerce Podcast, a space dedicated to eCommerce Wow!

In this episode of the Ecommerce Podcast, host Matt Edmundson interviews Dan Nikas, a former homicide detective turned marketing expert, about effective email marketing strategies. Dan shares insights on personalizing email campaigns, leveraging Google's conversion window metric, and creating consistent messaging across platforms. Learn how to optimize your email marketing efforts and build trust with customers through strategic touchpoints and tailored content.---Timestamps:0:00 Intro5:46 From detective to marketing maestro11:36 Building brand uniqueness and authenticity18:25 Personalising email marketing strategies27:51 Integrating email with other marketing channels36:59 Crafting effective email content42:44 Closing remarks and contact information---Key Takeaways:1. Leverage your passion to stand outDan emphasises the importance of authenticity in marketing. He suggests that brands should leverage their genuine passion for their products or industry to connect with customers. This authentic enthusiasm can help create loyal followers and set you apart from larger, impersonal competitors.2. Personalise based on the customer journeyDan advises tailoring email content to where customers are in their decision-making process. Use data like Google's conversion window metric to understand how long it typically takes customers to convert. Then create personalised messaging that addresses common questions and concerns at each stage of that journey.3. Keep emails focused on one key pointDan recommends giving readers "one job" per email. People tend to scan rather than read thoroughly, so focus each email on communicating a single important message or call-to-action. This approach is more effective than trying to cram multiple selling points into a single, lengthy email.---If this episode of the eCommerce Podcast piqued your interest make sure to check out everything that gets done over here on the eCommerce Podcast, a space dedicated to eCommerce Wow!

In this episode of the Ecommerce Podcast, host Matt Edmundson chats with Tanner Holt from Mach 7 Marketing about growth-driven design and its impact on online businesses. Tanner shares insights on microtesting, minimum viable concepts, and the importance of understanding buyer psychology in e-commerce. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in marketing and optimization strategies for businesses of all sizes.---Timestamps:0:00 Intro5:25 Growth driven design explained12:26 Testing ads before website design18:39 Microtesting for product development24:18 Minimum viable funnel components30:46 When to start split testing36:16 AI's impact on optimization---Key Takeaways:1. Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP):Tanner emphasises the importance of beginning with a basic version of your website and iterating based on user feedback. He states, "You're starting with a minimum viable product. So you still have a little bit of a strategy but you're starting with your base pages. You know, you don't need some fancy calculator on your website right at the beginning."2. Utilise Microtesting with Ads:Tanner suggests using ads to test concepts before fully implementing them on your site. He explains, "The first thing I test is, hey, am I following? Am I solving a problem that people actually need?"3. Focus on Buyer Psychology:Understanding the psychological aspects of your customers is crucial. Tanner advises, "Focusing on the root of the problem, identity, and buyer psychology. If you can master that, you'll be good at anything."---If this episode of the eCommerce Podcast piqued your interest make sure to check out everything that gets done over here on the eCommerce Podcast, a space dedicated to eCommerce Wow!

In this episode of the Ecommerce Podcast, host Matt Edmundson interviews Friedrich Schwandt, founder of ECDB, about leveraging ecommerce data for business success. They discuss the importance of data analysis in ecommerce, surprising market trends, and strategies for building profitable online businesses. Friedrich shares insights on international expansion, the rise of social shopping platforms like TikTok, and the challenges of relying on marketplaces for sustainable growth.---Timestamps:0:00 Intro7:48 The power of numbers in communication13:14 Gathering and analysing ecommerce data18:49 Starting an ecommerce business in beauty23:07 Surprising trends in global ecommerce markets27:55 TikTok Shop's potential for early adopters31:35 Building brand loyalty for long-term profitability37:01 International expansion opportunities for ecommerce businesses41:01 Connecting with Friedrich and ECDB---Key Takeaways:1. Focus on Profitability Over Growth:Friedrich emphasises the importance of prioritising profitability rather than just growth. He states, "You really do it only for the profitability. And if that is true, again, that means basically all your actions should be questioned by do I believe... I can really develop a profitable business?"2. Be Cautious with Marketplaces:He advises against relying heavily on marketplaces for day-to-day business due to intense price competition and diminishing margins. Friedrich mentions, "If a marketplace is basically the channel for new customer acquisition, I agree. And then work on it. But if it's basically for your day-to-day business, I don't think it will work."3. Consider International Expansion:Friedrich highlights the benefits of exploring international markets once a niche is established. He shares, "Once you found your niche, and you are absolutely sure, [international expansion] is something which I would always recommend to others."---If this episode of the eCommerce Podcast piqued your interest make sure to check out everything that gets done over here on the eCommerce Podcast, a space dedicated to eCommerce Wow!

Lucy Toone, the creative founder of TOMM Jewellery, shares her path from childhood bracelet-making to launching a brand that champions personal stories and customer experiences. She emphasizes the power of authenticity in brand storytelling and how personalization helps forge deeper connections with customers. Lucy discusses transforming online jewelry shopping into a joyous experience, especially for gift-givers, while navigating the challenges of maintaining brand values during business growth. Her journey offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned e-commerce professionals alike.

Join host Matt Edmundson in this episode of the E Commerce Podcast as he delves into the world of subscription commerce with expert Matthew Holman, founder of Subscription Doc. Discover how D2C brands can master the subscription model to boost retention and acquisition. Matthew shares his journey into the subscription space, insights on innovating subscription offers, and the importance of understanding customer use cases. Whether you're new to subscriptions or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you stay competitive in the evolving e-commerce landscape.---Episode Timestamps:- 0:05 - 1:39: Introduction to the podcast and guest, Matthew Holman.- 1:40 - 1:56: Matthew Holman on being an expert in a niche market.- 3:22 - 5:28: Matthew's journey into subscription commerce.- 6:09 - 8:41: Current trends in subscription e-commerce.- 10:12 - 12:43: Strategies for staying competitive in the subscription market.- 15:05 - 16:47: Importance of customer education and retention strategies.- 18:00 - 20:42: Future of subscription commerce and technology integration.- 21:42 - 23:55: Understanding consumer buying preferences.- 25:19 - 27:10: Effective subscription retention strategies.- 29:23 - 31:33: Starting a subscription business today.- 33:55 - 35:39: Key metrics for subscription commerce success.- 37:23 - 39:11: Common pitfalls in subscription commerce.- 41:51 - 43:09: Ending customer relationships positively.- 44:23 - 45:17: Information about Matthew Holman's podcast and newsletter.3 Key Guest Takeaways:1. Understanding Customer Use Cases: Matthew emphasises the importance of knowing why customers use your product and tailoring your subscription offers to meet those specific needs. This approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also improves retention rates.2. Innovative Subscription Strategies: Experimenting with different subscription models, such as bundling or offering prepaid options, can significantly impact customer retention and average order value. Brands should focus on creating compelling offers that resonate with their target audience.3. Future of Subscription Commerce: The integration of technology and personalised experiences is crucial for the future of subscription commerce. Brands that leverage these advancements to offer more control and predictability to their customers will likely see increased engagement and loyalty.