Exploring the Future of Product Research: A 2023 Perspective for Amazon Sellers with Sharon Even. In this episode, host Sharon Even, a seasoned Amazon seller and innovative product developer, provides her approach and strategies governing product research in 2023 and beyond. Sharon delves into her main approach, focusing on the guiding question: "How can I build a brand?" rather than merely seeking opportunities in a single product. By pivoting towards brand creation, she explores the broad spectrum of possibilities in today's dynamic marketplace. Sharon shares her strategies to uncover starting points for product research, each illustrated with practical examples. Though casual in tone, this chit-chat-style episode is rich with hidden golden nuggets and tangible examples, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and established Amazon sellers.

  A New Hybrid Model For Financing Your Amazon Business   In this episode of the Seller Sessions Podcast, Danny McMillan and returning guest Fe Soutter dive into a discussion on a groundbreaking hybrid model tailored for Amazon sellers aiming for exponential growth.   Fe Soutter, seasoned Amazon seller, opens up about her own experiences grappling with cash flow constraints and the intricate complexities of managing her brand. At a critical juncture, she confronted the tough choice between sourcing funds for expansion or selling her business altogether. Traditional avenues like a standard business sale or going through an aggregator came with the heavy baggage of tax implications, prompting Fe to explore uncharted territory.   Enter the hybrid model – a game-changing approach that would see Fe not only retain her role as the managing director but also actively collaborate with a partner company. The crux of this innovative pact involved granting a calculated percentage of her company to this strategic partner on only the new revenue and profits generated.   Fe walks us through the intricacies of this model, highlighting how this strategic affiliation allowed her to tap into unparalleled expertise and structural reinforcement.   Central to this hybrid model's success is the relentless pursuit of scalability and methodical systematisation. While relinquishing partial ownership, Fe seized the opportunity to channel her energy into the facets she's most passionate about – nurturing creativity, fostering vision, and fortifying the brand's presence in the market.   Fe dishes out advice drawn from her profound journey, emphasising the immeasurable value of learning from skilled team members. As the episode unfolds, we glean insights into the roadmap ahead. Fe's target? Steering this model towards a strategic exit in the coming years, with aspirations to hit the  eight-figure mark before the final curtain call.    

The Best Finance Options For Amazon Sellers In this episode, Danny is joined by Brandon Young and Peter from Uncapped in a compelling discussion about funding options specifically tailored for Amazon sellers. The focus of the conversation centres around the importance of providing a good service with low fees and reputable companies, ensuring Amazon sellers have access to the best funding opportunities.   Conversation Agenda: The guests delve into various funding options available to Amazon sellers, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of each. Brandon Young takes the lead in discussing calculations and financial considerations related to funding. Peter from Uncapped elaborates on the vital role his company plays in offering diverse funding options, specialised in providing working capital to both Shopify and Amazon sellers   Peter's Background: Peter is the Founder and CEO of Uncapped, a renowned financial services provider. Uncapped specialises in offering working capital solutions to Shopify and Amazon sellers. With funding ranging from £10,000 to £5 million, Uncapped caters to the needs of sellers at all stages, including those with revenues up to 100 million per year. Operating in both Europe and the U.S., Uncapped offers its services to a broad spectrum of sellers.   Brandon's Lever for Growth: Capital to Find and Launch More Products: Brandon highlights how access to adequate capital is pivotal for Amazon sellers to drive growth and expand their product portfolios effectively.   The Importance of Understanding the Cost of Capital: Brandon emphasises the significance of comprehending the cost of capital and its impact on the Amazon selling business. He discusses the challenges of comparing fees among different lenders in the space and stresses the value of transparency.   Exploring Various Funding Sources and Their Limitations: The guests delve into the limitations of traditional bank loans, which often require comprehensive financials and tax returns. They discuss the difficulties faced by international sellers due to varying lending practices worldwide. The ecosystem of lending companies, including Uncapped, is explored, which provides alternative options for sellers seeking funding.   Uncapped's Customer-Centric Approach: Peter sheds light on Uncapped's customer service approach, which offers flexibility and personalised assistance to clients. The importance of being transparent with clients about rates and financing options is underscored.   Navigating Challenges in the Amazon Business: Brandon shares his personal experiences in navigating challenges within the Amazon business, including inventory issues and product launches. He discusses the strategic approach of launching multiple products to adapt to market changes and avoid stale inventory.   Optimising Inventory Management: Peter highlights the significance of inventory turnover for e-commerce companies, and the risks associated with stale inventory. Brandon and Peter discuss the optimal inventory levels to maintain (around 45 to 60 days) and explore factors that can lower costs, such as currency exchange and geopolitical risks.   Hedging and Analysing Downside Risks: Brandon considers buying options as a hedge and analyses potential downside risks for Amazon sellers. The discussion revolves around margin suppression in the current Amazon market.   Contributing to Growth with VC Background: The hosts delve into how lenders like Uncapped, with a venture capital background, can contribute significantly to a seller's growth through strategic partnerships.   Focus on Customer Success and Mission Alignment: Both hosts emphasise that the success of Amazon businesses often hinges on their focus on customer success and mission alignment.   Danny's Open Conversation for Best Funding Options: Throughout the episode, Danny aims to provide the best funding options for sellers by having an open conversation with Brandon and Peter. He seeks clarity on Uncapped's services and how they can benefit Amazon sellers.

Life After Exit With 7 Figure Amazon Seller Tom Wang Adam Heist returns; today he sits down with Tom Wang… Exploring Tom's experiences post-business exit, highlighting that an exit is the start of a new phase, not the pinnacle of success.     Bullet Points: Tom's introduction: An Amazon seller based in Vancouver, started at 17 with his now-wife, sharing a passion for entrepreneurship and selling on Amazon. Skincare business journey: Tom's first venture, Sedaris Skin Care, began as a side hustle with initial product failures, but eventually found success with their third product. Peak revenue: The skincare brand reached $5-6 million yearly revenue, reflecting the high-profit margins in skincare and supplements on Amazon. The life-changing exit: Tom sold the business in December 2020, providing him the opportunity to buy his dream house and travel. Health struggles: Tom faced health issues after the sale, leading to self-reflection and exploration during his year and a half of recovery. Current ventures: Tom now runs the FBA Masterclass course and plans to launch more brands, seeing continued potential in e-commerce. Emotional roller coaster: The exit process was stressful due to market uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the deal closing marked a significant moment for Tom. Self-discovery journey: Tom reflects on his childhood desire for validation through financial success and shares his transformation towards pursuing purpose and fulfilment. Importance of relationships: Tom emphasises valuing personal relationships and happiness over immense wealth, based on studies showing the impact of relationships on well-being.     The episode delves into the post-exit life of Tom Wang, a successful Amazon seller. Tom shares his journey of self-discovery after exiting his skincare business, emphasising the significance of relationships and personal fulfilment over wealth. He highlights the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of adapting to economic conditions, and the need for discipline and resilience in business. Tom's wisdom gained at a young age serves as a valuable reminder to focus on personal values and growth while navigating life's uncertainties.

Adam Jagot, experienced Amazon seller in clothing, shares his journey from eBay to Amazon, dealing with hijacked listings and price undercutting. He expands to Europe, attends trade events, and discovers new opportunities. They discuss the challenges of managing an online store, strategies for selling women's clothing as men, and the power of influencer marketing.

Sourcing Mishaps: A Tale of Caution for Amazon FBA Sellers   In this episode of Seller Sessions, Sharon Even shares a personal and humbling tale of sourcing mishaps that led to unexpected costs and delays. Sharon, known for her expertise in the industry, shares how even seasoned professionals can make avoidable mistakes when driven by passion. The story revolves around two separate products sourced from different suppliers. Due to a lack of thorough communication and assuming certain aspects, Sharon faced issues with consolidation and packaging. In this episode you will learn the importance of requesting photos, being explicit in instructions, and not underestimating attention to detail when sourcing products. This cautionary tale, narrated by Sharon herself, serves as a reminder that entrepreneurs are not immune to mistakes and highlights the significance of learning from others' experiences.

The Dynamic Duo On Their Way To 8 Figures On Amazon From Domestically Sourced Products Welcome to Seller Sessions, where we delve into the inspiring journey of Amanda and John, accomplished Amazon sellers on their way to 8-figure success. Since their fortuitous meeting in 2008, Amanda and John have built a thriving partnership by harnessing their individual strengths and division of roles. In this episode, they share their experiences, insights, and aspirations, shedding light on their journey from flipping books online to conquering the world of private labels. Join us as they discuss work-life balance, market strategy, expansion, and the importance of a harmonious partnership. Episode Highlights: *         Leveraging Strengths: A Recipe for Success * Amanda and John attribute their successful partnership to identifying their individual strengths and weaknesses. * John's prowess lies in execution and operations, while Amanda excels in logistics and identifying deficits. * The couple emphasises the importance of clearly defined roles as they aim to build a robust team. *         Private Labels and Seven-Figure Milestones * Amanda discusses their transition from their previous business model to private labels, highlighting the remarkable difference in margins. * They recount hitting the coveted seven-figure milestone within two years of venturing into private labels. * The couple recalls their journey, from humble beginnings flipping books to focusing solely on their thriving private label business. *         Building a Powerhouse Product Line and Market Presence * Amanda shares their strategic decision to phase out income-providing businesses and focus on developing their brand. * Maintaining a reliable supply chain and optimising inventory levels to avoid stock shortages become key priorities. * The couple reveals their current four-product line, with two main focuses, and the significance of capturing a substantial market share in each vertical. *         Solidifying Market Position and Future Opportunities * John highlights the high barriers to entry in their business space, which insulate them from potential competitors. * They discuss the potential impact of market changes and innovation on their business model. * Amanda emphasises the importance of staying abreast of market trends, expanding market share, and exploring opportunities beyond the Amazon platform. *         Balancing Amazon and Off-Platform Expansion * Amanda shares their cautious approach to expanding beyond Amazon, prioritising the establishment of a solid Amazon operation. * They discuss the potential allure of a robust Amazon presence for potential buyers eyeing off-Amazon opportunities. * The couple reflects on their experiences with aggregators interested in acquiring their business and their decision to wait until their desired selling price is achieved. *         Scaling Up, Hiring, and Future Goals * Amanda unveils their target numbers for the current year, aiming to reach eight figures in 2024/25. * They discuss the process of hiring additional staff and transitioning John's focus from the warehouse to business growth. * John emphasises the significance of finding products that allow for streamlined shipping to scale at a rapid pace with solid systems and processes in place. *         Navigating Supply Chain Dynamics and Domestic Suppliers * Amanda underscores the role of a supply chain manager as a vital component of their operations. * They emphasise the importance of maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and negotiating mutually beneficial terms. * The couple expresses their commitment to U.S. manufacturing, aligning with their brand's patriotic values, and highlights the value of repeat customers in the consumer space. *         Overcoming Challenges and Strengthening the Partnership * Amanda recalls a daunting moment when their Amazon account was suspended for six weeks, highlighting the importance of swift conflict resolution. * John and Amanda share their strategies for diffusing heated arguments, emphasising the significance of taking breaks to cool down and seeking spiritual guidance during challenging times. Conclusion: Join us on this captivating episode of Seller Sessions as Amanda and John, accomplished Amazon sellers on their way to 8-figure success, share their invaluable experiences and insights. From recognising their individual strengths to conquering the private label space, they provide inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and couples aiming to build thriving businesses while maintaining a harmonious personal and professional life. Discover the secrets behind their remarkable growth and future aspirations as they continue their journey.

In this episode, Sharon explains the five stages of a product's life cycle in the context of selling on Amazon FBA. She emphasises the importance of understanding the product life cycle and provides tips on how to extend the life cycle of a product. Sharon starts by comparing the life cycle of a product to the life cycle of humans or animals. She explains that every product goes through a journey from its launch to its eventual decline or discontinuation. On Amazon FBA, the product life cycle typically consists of five stages: development, introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. During the development stage, the product is being sourced, manufactured, and prepared for sale on Amazon. The introduction stage is when the product is launched in the marketplace, and Sharon advises focusing on differentiation and branding during this stage to ensure acceptance by the market. The growth stage indicates that the product is gaining acceptance and experiencing faster sales growth. Sharon mentions the importance of organic ranking, profitability, and positive cash flow during this stage. The maturity stage can vary in duration and is characterised by market saturation and the presence of copycats. Sharon highlights the need to focus on branding and differentiation to extend the product life cycle during this stage. Sharon concludes by emphasising the significance of branding and building a brand around a specific niche or buyer avatar. She suggests dominating within a niche and using branding to extend both the product and brand life cycle.

Open Brands: From Pools to New Markets. Exploring Entrepreneurship and Growth Strategies With Michael Kaufman   The conversation is a part of the "Open Brands" series, where brands openly discuss their experiences. The guest is Michael Kaufman, the founder of Pro Tuff Products, which started in 2014. Michael initially sold organic fertilisers and synthetic lubricants through a multilevel marketing company. In 2012, he started looking for online opportunities for income diversification and discovered Amazon. Michael began with retail arbitrage and later ventured into private labelling after attending a webinar by Amazing Selling Machines. They discuss the difference between the broader Amazon seller community and the Amazon FBA community. Michael didn't fully realise the potential of Amazon until a few years into selling on the platform. The conversation highlights the changing landscape of Amazon and the challenges faced as the market matured. Michael didn't set specific revenue goals but aimed to continuously grow sales and expand his business. They faced challenges in expanding their team and dealing with competition from low-cost Chinese sellers. They played catch up in a saturated category but managed to increase sales. They are looking for an exit strategy for their current brand and planning to launch a new brand. The new brand will focus on a telescoping pole with a patented locking mechanism. They launched their first product, a pool rake, and gradually added variations. They introduced a lifetime warranty, which was a differentiator in their category. They developed a good review profile and received positive feedback. They partnered with a pool pro who invented a new locking mechanism, which became their most profitable product. They used their subscriber list for product launches, including pre-orders and beta testing. They created a groundswell of engagement and feedback from their subscribers. They launched new products, including a flat skimmer and a pool brush, using their organic launch approach.  

E-commerce expert Rich Hawkins shares insights on leveraging influencers as affiliates, brand recognition, Facebook ads, working with larger affiliates, development of their fitness app, overcoming Brexit challenges, and expanding into the US market.