Join Sharon Even in this captivating episode as she explores the ins and outs of NNN agreements for sourcing from China. Discover when and why to use them, the role of a Chinese lawyer, and how to handle supplier resistance. Sharon also shares an example of a complicated NNN agreement she had made with her Lawyer! Get ready for valuable insights and practical tips to protect your business interests. Don't miss this essential episode for successful China sourcing!

Behind The Scenes of Seller Sessions Live with Adam Heist and Danny McMillan Episode Summary: In this episode of Seller Sessions, Adam Heist and Danny McMillan take a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes aspects of organising the Seller Sessions Live conference in London. They discuss the challenges, successes, and unique experiences that make Seller Sessions a must-attend event for Amazon sellers. From the origins of the conference to creating a safe and inclusive environment, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of organising and hosting live events. Episode Highlights: The Origins and Challenges of Seller Sessions Conference: The discussion delves into the origins of the Seller Sessions conference and the challenges Danny faced in starting and organising the event. Finding Passion and Energy for Long-Term Engagement: Danny emphasises the importance of finding one's passion and energy to sustain long-term engagement in a particular field. Creating a Vibrant and Unique Event Experience: Danny discusses his vision for the Seller Sessions conference, focusing on creating a vibrant atmosphere that encourages self-expression and differs from traditional events. Balancing Sponsorship and Attendee Experience: The conversation covers the significance of affordable pricing made possible by sponsorship, which facilitates the inclusion of diverse speakers and perspectives while maintaining a quality attendee experience. Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment for Women: Danny highlights the significance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for women in the industry, and how the Seller Sessions podcast and events contribute to this goal. Event Economics and Maintaining Reasonable Pricing: Danny explains his pricing strategy and how he balances sponsorships with maintaining reasonable pricing to avoid sponsor influence. Challenges, Recovery, and Reflections: The guests discuss the challenges of recovering from a half-empty event, organising events during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of human connection during events. Embracing Authenticity and Continuous Improvement: The importance of authenticity, embracing flaws, and continuous improvement is emphasised, along with anecdotes and stories from past events. The Intense Pressure of Organising an Event and Overcoming Challenges: The guests discuss the intense pressure of  resolving logistical issues, and maintaining great relationships with sponsors. Strategies employed to overcome challenges are shared. Reflecting on Successful Event Execution: The Danny shares a personal experience of organising an event, including last-minute room rearrangements, maintaining the schedule, and engaging the audience during presentations. Lessons Learned and Planning for the Future: The guys reflects on the event experience, plans for improvements in the coming year, and expresses gratitude to attendees for their support. Join Adam Heist and Danny McMillan as they provide an inside look into the world of organising Seller Sessions Live, revealing the dedication, challenges, and rewards behind the scenes. Are you a 7 figure brand selling on Amazon? Want to work with an Agency that knows both PPC and the A9 algorithm? Click here to request a free PPC Audit https://www.databrill.com/  

In-Depth With Amazon Seller Ben Webber  In today's episode, we sit down with Ben Webber, an entrepreneur with multiple successful Amazon businesses. Ben shares his journey, from his early influences to his experiences building a thriving e-commerce empire. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and key takeaways from Ben's remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Early Influences and Ambitions Ben grew up in West Virginia with a strong entrepreneurial influence from his aunt and uncle, who were successful entrepreneurs and lawyers. Initially, Ben aspired to become a marine biologist but later developed a passion for ancient history in college due to his interest in the subject and the quality of his teachers. Customer-First Approach in Business After graduating college, Ben started a tennis lesson business, where he prioritised customer satisfaction and relied on word-of-mouth referrals instead of traditional advertising. His approach focused on keeping customers happy, leading to increased positive referrals and business growth. Transition to Entrepreneurship Following his experience with the tennis lesson business, Ben worked with a telecom company, but left in 2015 to pursue entrepreneurship full-time after changes to his bonus structure. Ben embarked on his Amazon business journey in 2014/2015, teaming up with three friends, including a lawyer and a friend looking to transition out of their family business. Early Ventures in Amazon FBA The team discovered a price disparity for Swiffer liquid and decided to venture into Amazon FBA, establishing a company under the holding name JLS (Johnny's Lawn Service) as a nod to their friend's first entrepreneurial venture. Initially focused on retail arbitrage, they eventually shifted to private label, capitalising on gaps in the market and achieving significant revenue growth. Expansion and Success By sourcing from Chinese manufacturers, the team improved margins and introduced multiple brands across various categories on Amazon. Their revenue reached $30 million by 2021, thanks to systemisation, team training, and proprietary software development. Challenges and Growth Maintaining a moral compass in the competitive marketplace was a significant challenge. The team attempted to diversify by investing in an in-house printing setup but eventually sold the equipment due to low production rates. They pivoted their strategy to patent acquisition and purchasing existing products, leading to better margins and substantial success.   In this episode, we delved into the entrepreneurial journey of Ben Webber, a successful Amazon entrepreneur. Ben's story teaches us the importance of a customer-first approach, adapting to market trends, and maintaining a moral compass in highly competitive environments. We explored their transition from a tennis lesson business to building a thriving e-commerce empire, their early ventures in Amazon FBA, and the challenges they encountered along the way. Ben's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, team success, and personal growth.    Are you a 7 figure brand selling on Amazon? Want to work with an Agency that knows both PPC and the A9 algorithm? Click here to request a free PPC Audit https://www.databrill.com/

Introduction:   In this episode of the Seller Sessions Podcast, host Danny McMillan welcomes Mihkel Moosel from Estonia to delve into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship. Mihkel shares his inspiring journey, from his childhood aspirations to his experiences as a successful Amazon seller. They also explore the challenges he faced along the way and how he found motivation and inspiration.   Childhood Dreams and Role Models: Mihkel reflects on his childhood and how he looked up to his father for inspiration. He shares his early aspirations, ranging from wanting to be a veterinarian to a car mechanic, highlighting the diverse range of interests that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. Academic Journey and Discovering Sales: Mihkel excelled in high school but found university to be lacking excitement. He then stumbled upon an opportunity that would change his life - selling books door-to-door in the United States during his university years. This experience marked his entry into the world of sales. Building Sales Teams and Venturing into Amazon: Mihkel explains how his sales acumen led him to become a sales manager, where he recruited and managed teams for a company. Eventually, in 2016, he made the pivotal decision to start selling on Amazon. He launched two brands, one focused on water and air quality testing, and the other revolving around RFID wallets. The Journey of Selling Brands: Mihkel shares the process of selling his brands, from receiving offers to negotiating the deal. He reflects on the emotional aspects of this decision, as well as how he celebrated the successful sale. This marked a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Mistakes: Mihkel opens up about facing challenges with a previous brand, which resulted in financial losses and the departure of valuable team members. He discusses how personal and business-related difficulties, including depression and a severe shoulder injury, took a toll on his well-being and team motivation. The Road to Recovery and Personal Growth: Taking a break and seeking solace in Madera for five weeks became a turning point for Mihkel. He shares how this rejuvenating vacation helped him regain his strength and mental well-being. Gradually returning to work, he focused on a healthier work-life balance, personal growth, and travel experiences. Supporting a New Brand and Overcoming Initial Setbacks: Mihkel's business partner and a talented team member started a new brand, with Mihkel providing financial and strategic support. They encountered challenges with defective products during the initial launches but persisted, resolved the issues, and ultimately achieved profitability. Aspirations and Inspiration: Looking ahead, Mihkel aspires to build a successful eight-figure business on Amazon. However, he remains open to exploring new opportunities if needed. He finds inspiration through various channels, including walking, exercise, conversations with others, and exposure to new experiences and information.   Conclusion: Mihkel Moosel's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome challenges. From childhood dreams to facing setbacks, he demonstrates the importance of learning from mistakes and maintaining team motivation. Tune in to this captivating episode as Mihkel shares his experiences and insights that can inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking to find their own path to success.

Factory Red Flags with Steven Selikoff   Welcome to Seller Sessions where we talk about real experiences from the world of manufacturing and commerce. In this episode, we're joined by Steven Selikoff who shares his recent, eye-opening trip to China. From the unsavory revelations about illegal labor to an awe-inspiring visit to an ultra-modern manufacturing hub, Selikoff provides a unique, insider perspective on the reality of today's factory landscape in China.   Key points: Factory Transparency: Steven Selikoff emphasises the importance of thoroughly inspecting factories, including the office and showroom, production floor, quality assurance, and shipping warehouse. This is essential in assessing the factory's practices and potential clientele. Labor Issues: Selikoff recounts a startling experience where he discovered a factory was potentially employing illegal labor. A "showcase" factory was used to impress auditors and customers, while another hidden factory carried out the actual production. The scenario highlighted potential issues like forced labor or child labor in some factories. Modern Factory Practices: In stark contrast, Selikoff also shares his experience at a large, modern factory where high-quality, ethical production practices are followed. This factory demonstrated effective use of automation, strict quality control, and a clean, organized work environment, illustrating the strides China is making towards modern manufacturing. Cost vs Ethics: The anecdote brings to light the ethical considerations businesses must keep in mind when choosing their suppliers. Cheaper costs can sometimes point to unethical labor practices, and it's important to thoroughly vet potential factories. Final Summary: This podcast episode offers a compelling glimpse into the realities of factory operations in China, as told by Steven Selikoff. From the alarming discovery of potential illegal labor practices to the promising strides towards modern, ethical manufacturing, his experiences underline the importance of due diligence and ethical considerations in global commerce. It's a must-listen for anyone sourcing products from overseas, providing valuable insights into navigating the complex landscape of international manufacturing.   Are you a 7 figure brand selling on Amazon?   Want to work with an Agency that knows both PPC and the A9 algorithm?   Click here to request a free PPC Audit https://www.databrill.com/

Estonian Super Star Amazon Seller Egle Radeek - Back From The Brink   Welcome back to the podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest, Egle, who will be sharing her story of an exit just before the bubble burst in 2022. Egle has been a frequent guest on our show and has also appeared on other platforms. While her journey may not have followed the traditional success story, it's important to shed light on the challenges entrepreneurs face. So, let's dive into the compelling parts of Egle's story and explore the lessons we can learn.   Key Points:   The prelude to the exit: Egle was approached to start selling her business in December 2021, and everything seemed promising. However, their main seller faced issues due to a catalogue error in the Amazon system, leading to a significant loss in revenue. Despite working with aggregators and consultants, they struggled to overcome the obstacles. The impact of COVID-19: Just as they managed to resolve the listing issue, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Since their business focused on office supplies, their customer base suffered as people transitioned to remote work. This further added to their challenges, making survival seem like a daily struggle. The decision to continue or shut down: Faced with mounting debts and the need to invest in new ventures, Egle and her business partner had to make a difficult choice. They consulted with experts and realised that although their business had flatlined, it still had potential for growth post-pandemic. They decided to persevere and wait for better times.   Final Summary:   Egle's story highlights the harsh realities entrepreneurs can face, even in favourable circumstances. Despite setbacks, Egle and her team chose to weather the storm and find opportunities within the adversity. By stabilising their business, optimising their strategies, and leveraging the understanding of aggregators, they held on, believing that their industry would eventually recover. This tale reminds us that entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster journey, and success often requires resilience and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.   Are you a 7 figure brand selling on Amazon?   Want to work with an Agency that knows both PPC and the A9 algorithm?   Click here to request a free PPC Audit https://www.databrill.com/

Estonian Roundtable with 7+8 Figure Amazon Sellers On this episode of Seller Sessions, the hosts (Danny & Adam Heist) sit down we a group of successful Estonian sellers to discuss the challenges faced by Amazon sellers in general and how to overcome them. The Estonian crew share their experience with finding the "sweet spot" for their product to generate the most sales. They also discuss the importance of community in solving business problems, as well as the need for a solid plan to succeed in the industry.   Episode Topic: Finding the Sweet Spot for Amazon Sellers   - The team's goal is to find the "sweet spot" for their product category to generate the most sales velocity. - Ivan negotiates in China to determine how to achieve the right price point and required velocity. - The team focuses on the market and sweet spot first. - Internal workshops help them realise their biggest mistake in not mentioning the market earlier.   Key Takeaways: - The importance of community in a co-working space, including non-Amazon experts. - Building a tool for keyword targeting and the importance of relevance and being realistic. - A discussion of the challenges Amazon sellers face this year versus last. - The importance of finding the right market before the product. - The necessity of managing expenses, detaching from unsuccessful products, and building a product pipeline. - Pay-per-click is a necessary evil and a significant cost centre outside of factory cogs. - The team's pivot from product development to finding a suitable market to populate with five-figure products.   Are you a 7 figure brand selling on Amazon?   Want to work with an Agency that knows both PPC and the A9 algorithm?   Click here to request a free PPC Audit https://www.databrill.com/  

Aligning Product Development and Brand Personality for Amazon FBA Success In this episode Join Sharon Even as she Explores the transformative impact of shaping products to align with your brands purpose to help shape your Brands personality. She emphasizes the significance of comprehensive buyer and competitor research, uncovering market gaps on a brand personality level that fuel effective branding strategies and more. Through an engaging real-life story, discover how she strategized transforming three unrelated kids' products into a cohesive niche, simplifying target marketing efforts and empowering a robust brand strategy.

Ben Leonard - In-Depth On this episode of Seller Sessions, Ben Leonard shares his experience of selling his first business and working with experts to invest his exit money smartly. He talks about the challenges he faced while setting up his own brand, including facing legal challenges and self-doubt. Ben also discusses the impact of entrepreneurship on mental health and how this played a role in turning around to build BeastGear into a 6m business before exiting to Thrasio in Nov 2019.      - Ben's Personal Story - Ben's initial career in environmental advising - Heart problem and mental health struggles that led to his entrepreneurial spark - Mistakes he made with trademarks and selling his business   - Ben's Business Journey - How Ben started his business with the Beast Rope jump rope - How he ordered samples from manufacturers and refined the product with boxers - Legal challenge from a Canadian company that sued Ben for patent infringement - Advice from Scott, and Ben's customer-first approach   - Personal Finance and Investing - Ben's journey meeting an independent financial advisor after selling his first business - Importance of working with experts and learning enough about a topic to understand it - Ben's investment strategy after selling his business - Importance of saving money in multiple accounts to protect against bank busts - Ben's lifestyle changes after the sale   - Entrepreneurship and Mental Health - Why people become entrepreneurs - Mental health issues prevalent among entrepreneurs - Potential genetic link between entrepreneurship and mental health issues

Seller Sessions Live Recap with Adam Heist On this episode of Seller Sessions, Adam Heist is recording remotely from Morocco and discussing the key themes and learnings from a recent Seller Sessions Live. He talks about the importance of creating products based on specific customers and building a brand product emotion. He shares his approach to building his new brand, Radio, using equity to bring in world-class team members and leveraging 3D renderings from a company in Germany to bring the visual identity of the brand together.  The focus of the discussion is on the move towards more professionalized businesses in the Amazon space and the key theme of brands over hacks from the speakers on the day. The podcast addresses ways to uplift views, reach, followers and commercial sales, such as running ads on Reels and TikTok. Also, they discuss using expired domains and generating SEO-rich articles using AI for cheap organic traffic and good Google organic SEO.  Adam also discuss strategies for optimising Listing Quality Score (Ben Webber), including improving listing quality and adding missing attributes. They suggest using hooks, like mentioning that a product is BPA-free to increase conversion rates and launching individual single keyword targeting campaigns for specific words. They advise to focus on maintaining conversion rates for those keywords, simplifying 7 to 10 keywords to achieve dramatic launch results within the first 30 days. In addition, the podcast discusses the strategy used by Beast Gear to engage with their Instagram followers, and the importance of customer engagement at a personal level by using personally typed-out replies to customer comments on posts and reaching out to customers when new products are launched. They will also do a future podcast episode with a deep dive on their brand build strategy.   Topics covered in this episode:   1. Building a new brand called Radio - Selling folding kids balance bikes - Importance of creating products based on specific customers and building a brand product emotion - Different approach to building this business compared to others   2. Discussion on an event that took place - Key themes and learnings from the presentations at the event - Amazon space becoming more professionalized - Key theme of brands over hacks   3. Running ads on Reels, TikTok, and Google - Uplifting views, reach, followers, and commercial sales - Focusing on broad trends and niching down as an effective strategy - Using expired domains and Phrase IO for SEO-rich content   4. Launch strategy for a brand - Starting with Kickstarter and moving to Amazon and retail - Focusing on audience and brand building, using influencers, email traffic, and "weaponising" tactics for Amazon   5. Tools and strategies for Amazon sellers - Updates to Pixel Me software for driving external traffic to Amazon using conversion objectives - Listing Quality Score on Amazon   6. Recap of Seller Sessions live event in London   Key facts: - Beast Gear's strategy to engage with Instagram followers - Simplified 7 to 10 keywords result in dramatic launch results within the first 30 days - Listing Quality Score can impact organic results on Amazon - Using hooks, like mentioning that a product is BPA-free, can significantly increase conversion rates.