Mastering eCommerce Marketing

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Jon Ostenson, Founder, CEO and Consultant at FranBridge Consulting, for a grounded conversation about franchising and how it actually works in the real world.Jon has spent years on both sides of the table. He’s run a franchise system, invested as a franchisee, and now works closely with entrepreneurs and business owners who are deciding whether franchising makes sense for them.Together, they talk through what franchising really means beyond the headlines. Jon explains how franchise models are structured, why non food franchises are growing fast, and what people should consider before choosing between starting a business, buying one, or joining a franchise system.They also cover common mistakes, like underestimating the work involved or moving too fast. Jon shares how territories are protected, how financing usually works, and what strong franchise operators tend to have in place to support their owners.This episode is a clear, honest look at franchising for anyone thinking about business ownership, growth, or expansion without starting from scratch.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Jon Ostenson, Founder, CEO and Consultant at FranBridge ConsultingJon Ostenson’s LinkedIn | FranBridge ConsultingTakeaways:Franchising provides a support system for entrepreneurs.It's essential to evaluate the franchise model before investing.Common mistakes include underestimating the work involved in franchising.Timing is crucial; the right moment to start may never come.Franchising can be a viable expansion strategy for existing businesses.A strong leadership team is vital for franchise success.Understanding the investment and revenue structure is key.Franchisees need protection in their territories to succeed.Non-food franchises are gaining popularity and profitability.Building an asset through franchising offers long-term benefits.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Franchising and Personal Insights03:04 The Franchise Model Explained05:47 Key Considerations for Entrepreneurs08:35 Evaluating Franchise Opportunities11:32 Mistakes to Avoid in Franchising14:16 Franchising as a Growth Strategy17:29 The Role of Support in Franchising20:09 Protecting Franchisees and Territory Management23:07 Investment and Revenue Structure in Franchising25:58 Resources and Next Steps for Interested Entrepreneurs28:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Talor Ofer, founder of Retail Empire, to talk about what it really takes for brands to get into brick and mortar retail in the US.Talor has spent more than 25 years working directly with retail buyers and helping brands move from online-only sales into physical stores. At Retail Empire, his team connects vendors with buyers across hundreds of retail chains, from specialty stores to major big-box retailers.In this conversation, Eitan and Talor talk through why retail still plays such a big role in 2026, even as more brands start online. Talor explains why many founders are closer to retail-ready than they think, and what usually holds them back.They cover how buyers make decisions today, why samples matter more than most brands realize, and what retailers look for beyond just a good product. Talor also breaks down pricing expectations, common mistakes that slow deals down, and how brands should think about wholesale, packaging, and supply chain before approaching buyers.If you’re running a DTC brand, selling on Amazon, or thinking about wholesale for the first time, this episode gives a clear look at how retail actually works, straight from someone who’s in those conversations every day.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Talor Ofer, Founder at Retail EmpireTalor Ofer’s LinkedIn | Retail EmpireWatch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/f6-nuwE5-NATakeaways:Retail is a crucial channel for brands, despite the rise of D2C.Brands must ensure they have a solid supply chain before entering retail.Packaging is key; it should communicate the product's value quickly.Retail buyers are looking for brands with a compelling story.Fast decision-making is becoming more common among retail buyers.Pricing strategies are evolving due to market competition and tariffs.Samples are essential for securing orders from retailers.Understanding the setup process with retailers is critical for success.Brands should be aware of market trends to stay relevant.Loyalty and honesty are foundational for long-term business relationships.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Retail Empire and Talor Ofer01:06 Preparing Brands for Big Box Retail02:41 Timing for Retail Entry: When to Go Big05:22 Common Reasons for Retailer Rejections07:40 Understanding Buyer Decision-Making in 202609:42 The Retail Empire Process: Qualifying Opportunities12:55 The Importance of Samples in Retail14:51 Approaching Retailers: Big vs. Small16:43 Handling Initial Shipments and Training18:29 Marketing and Packaging Considerations19:32 Managing Inventory and Demand Spikes21:01 Sales Cycle: From Introduction to Orders22:26 Technology and Support Systems for Brands23:42 Trends and Innovations in Retail24:20 Exclusivity Terms in Retail Contracts25:40 Dealing with Unsold Inventory27:03 Core Values: Honesty, Transparency, and Loyalty28:14 Connecting with Retail Empire

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, Eitan Koter sits down with Avani Oswal, Head of Digital at Elizée and Founder at Catalyst.Avani works closely with retail brands, eCommerce teams, and tech startups, helping them make sense of where technology actually fits into their day to day work. She brings a grounded point of view shaped by real experience, not trends for the sake of trends.They talk about how teams can test new tools without overcommitting, why measuring results matters more than adding more software, and how personalization is finally becoming something brands can deliver in meaningful ways. Avani also shares why clean product data is now just as important as design when it comes to being discovered.The conversation touches on how shopping behavior is shifting, how people want answers faster, and what brands need to do to show up when customers are searching differently. Later on, Avani explains why she started Catalyst and how retail leaders are learning from each other in smaller, more honest settings.It’s a clear, thoughtful conversation about what to focus on and how to move forward without making things harder than they need to be.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Avani Oswal, Head of Digital at Elizée | Founder at CatalystAvani Oswal’s LinkedIn | Elizée | CatalystWatch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/XmgZXrFuehQTakeaways:Curiosity drives learning and innovation in retail.Testing AI solutions is crucial for understanding their impact.Personalization is evolving towards one-to-one experiences.Clean data is essential for effective discoverability.Customer expectations are rising, demanding better experiences.Building relationships is key to success in business.AI can significantly improve inventory management.The retail landscape is rapidly changing, requiring agility.Consolidation of tools in e-commerce is on the horizon.Community building fosters knowledge sharing and collaboration.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Avni Oswal and Her Values02:54 The Impact of AI on E-commerce and Retail05:27 Testing and Measuring AI Solutions08:25 Personalization in E-commerce11:19 The Shift from Search to Answer Engines14:07 Data Management and AI Integration16:55 Catalyst Community and Its Purpose19:57 Emerging Trends in Retail and AI22:36 Advising AI Startups and Building Relationships

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Jason Greenwood, founder of Greenwood Consulting and host of the eCommerce Edge podcast.Jason has spent over 25 years working across eCommerce, with a sharp focus on B2B. The conversation centers on why B2B commerce has followed a very different path than DTC, and why many manufacturers and distributors are only now taking digital seriously.They talk about how COVID accelerated change, why marketplaces are one of the fastest-growing B2B channels, and what modern B2B buyers actually expect from suppliers today. Jason also explains why traditional KPIs like AOV and conversion rate don’t tell the full story in B2B, and what metrics matter more.The episode also covers change management, sales team resistance, and how technology should support people instead of replacing them. Toward the end, Jason shares his take on when DTC brands should start thinking about wholesale and distribution, and what happens when they wait too long.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTubeGuest: Jason Greenwood, Founder & Lead Consultant at Greenwood ConsultingJason Greenwood’s LinkedIn | Greenwood ConsultingWatch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/luahzCh6-fATakeaways:• B2B e-commerce is significantly behind B2C but is catching up rapidly.• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for digital transformation in B2B.• Sales teams often resist digital changes due to traditional practices.• Change management is crucial for successful digital adoption in B2B.• B2B relationships are long-term and require a human touch.• Digital channels are essential for B2B growth and efficiency.• AI can enhance B2B operations but should not replace human interaction.• D2C brands should consider B2B as a growth channel once stable.• Understanding KPIs in B2B is different from B2C due to higher AOVs.• Technology plays a vital role in the future of B2B e-commerce.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background01:00 Understanding B2B E-commerce08:58 Digital Channels in B2B13:48 Change Management in B2B Transformation17:49 Key Performance Indicators in B2B22:13 Technology Building Blocks for B2B25:21 D2C Brands and B2B Opportunities31:18 Personal Values and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter chats with Lars Hauwert, founder of Howard Consulting and former owner of Nancy Home Store, a home goods brand he built and scaled across Europe.Lars shares his journey from running his own store to helping brands improve their funnels end to end. He explains why product quality and clear offers still come first, even with better ads, tools, and AI. They talk about common conversion blockers, the role of trust on a website, and why making it easy for customers to reach you still matters.The conversation also covers paid media, testing budgets, creative formats, and how founders should think about growth timelines. Lars is honest about mistakes he made, especially around retention, and why ignoring past customers is one of the biggest missed opportunities in eCommerce.They wrap up with thoughts on AI, content creation, and how brands can grow faster by staying focused on fundamentals.A straightforward conversation for anyone running or scaling an online store.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Lars Hauwert, Founder & CEO at Hauwert ConsultingLars Hauwert’s LinkedIn | Hauwert ConsultingWatch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/fZsUt1D9FZkTakeaways:Care about your family and friends.Strive for excellence in everything you do.Dedication to the process is key.Having a solid product is crucial for success.Focus on optimizing your website for conversions.Utilize AI for marketing and efficiency.Invest in both traffic acquisition and customer retention.A unique product assortment enhances brand value.Allocate 80-90% of your budget to ads.Building a successful e-commerce business takes time.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to E-commerce Success02:49 Core Values and Personal Philosophy05:21 Challenges in E-commerce08:24 Product Management and Sourcing11:09 Conversion Optimization Strategies14:00 Traffic Acquisition Techniques16:54 The Importance of Patience in E-commerce19:47 Omnichannel Strategies for Success20:53 Product Assortment for Longevity22:49 The Role of AI in E-commerce25:55 Advice for E-commerce Growth28:59 Marketing Budget Allocation30:17 Creating Engaging Content

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, Eitan Koter welcomes Rob te Braake, founder of Insight Matters, to talk about how eCommerce brands should really think about finance.Rob works with founders as a fractional CFO, helping them set up accounting and reporting in a way that supports real decision-making. He’s also been an operator himself, which shows up throughout the conversation. He understands the pressure of choosing between ads, inventory, payroll, and growth, because he’s lived it.Together, they talk about why revenue alone doesn’t tell the full story, how cash flow problems often start with inventory and financing costs, and why many brands rely on numbers that aren’t built for management decisions. Rob explains what founders should look for in their P&L, how forecasting improves over time, and why trying to automate thinking with AI can miss the mark.They also cover exit planning, what makes a business attractive to buyers, and why trust in the numbers matters more than anything else.This episode is a grounded conversation for founders who want clarity, fewer surprises, and a better handle on how money actually moves through their business.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Rob te Braake, Founder at Insight MattersRob te Braake’s LinkedIn | Insight MattersIs your financial setup holding back your eCommerce Growth? Find out here: http://financeinsightmatters.com/masteringecommercemarketingWatch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/FYkZAU5lzXkTakeaways:Freedom is a core driver for entrepreneurship.Values are essential for meaningful work.Management accounting is crucial for e-commerce success.Financial data should be used for decision-making, not just compliance.Sales forecasting is key to optimizing cash flow.Clean financial records build trust with potential buyers.Understanding the cost of financing is vital for profitability.E-commerce businesses need to prepare for exits well in advance.Data-driven insights can steer companies toward success.Founders must engage actively in financial management.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Strategic Financing and Management Accounting01:50 Rob's Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit03:45 The Importance of Management Accounting05:27 Understanding Management vs. Tax Accounting07:33 The Three Tiers of Financial Management09:02 Prioritizing Data for Business Decisions10:27 The Financial Hierarchy of Needs12:01 Preparing for an Exit: Key Considerations13:39 The Importance of Clean Financial Records16:50 Profitability vs. Cash Flow Management18:41 The Operator's Advantage in Finance19:57 Revenue vs. Profitability: The Ongoing Debate21:08 Case Study: Turning Around a Struggling E-commerce Business22:53 Immediate Financial Recommendations for Founders23:58 Facilitating Financial Management for Founders25:32 Engagement Models and Initial Steps

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Victoria Vaughan, Founder of B612, an award-winning PR agency based in New York that works closely with tech companies and founders.Their conversation focuses on how PR really works today, especially in a world filled with AI-generated content and nonstop noise. Victoria shares how strong brand stories are built, why founder-led PR matters more than ever, and how human connection still plays a major role in media coverage.They talk about how founders can find real gaps in their market, why research comes before messaging, and how PR has expanded far beyond traditional press to include podcasts, newsletters, and independent journalists. Victoria also explains how AI can support research and monitoring, without replacing real relationships or thoughtful outreach.Eitan and Victoria also cover what goes into a successful product launch, how early founders should think about timelines, and why earned media continues to build trust long after a campaign ends.This episode is a grounded conversation about storytelling, credibility, and how brands can stand out by being real, clear, and intentional.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Victoria Vaughan, Founder at B612Victoria Vaughan’s LinkedIn | B612Watch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/Q0aN9Mlj0mYTakeaways:Authenticity resonates more than curated success stories.People relate better to real-life struggles than to perfection.Mistakes are a crucial part of the journey to success.Sharing vulnerabilities can enhance audience connection.Trust is built through honesty and openness.Social media often presents a skewed view of success.Real stories can inspire and motivate others.Embracing failure is essential for growth.Transparency in storytelling fosters community.The narrative of success is often incomplete without failures.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Victoria Vaughan and B61202:00 Why PR still matters in an AI world05:30 How brands find real market gaps09:30 Choosing the right PR channels13:00 Building relationships with journalists17:00 Founder-led PR and personal branding21:30 Preparing for a product launch25:30 Media coverage vs paid marketing30:30 The story behind B612

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Ricky Ho, CEO and co-founder of SourceReady, a platform that helps brands find real and reliable manufacturers without the usual guesswork.Ricky talks through how the sourcing world actually works, why so many great factories stay hidden, and why smaller brands often struggle to reach them. He breaks down common mistakes founders make when choosing suppliers and explains why chasing the lowest price can create more problems than it solves.They also discuss how customs data shows who really makes products for major brands, why so many Amazon sellers are searching for alternatives outside China, and how automation can handle the late-night supplier conversations that normally drain an entire week.Listeners will hear simple ways to think about product quality, transparency, and the steps that matter most when building a supply chain from scratch. Ricky also shares how SourceReady helps small brands and global retailers cut through noise and find suppliers that actually fit their needs.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Ricky Ho, Co-Founder & CEO at SourceReadyRicky Ho’s LinkedIn | SourceReadyWatch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/2dvMtjR6i5ETakeaways:Ricky emphasizes the role of optimism in the face of AI advancements.Transparency in the supply chain is becoming increasingly crucial.The textile industry is lagging in technological innovation.Many top suppliers are not visible on traditional platforms.SourceReady aims to empower smaller brands in sourcing.AI can significantly streamline the supplier discovery process.Emerging markets like Vietnam are becoming key manufacturing hubs.Cost should not be the sole focus when sourcing products.Differentiation through quality and sustainability is vital for brands.Ricky encourages learning from advanced industries to innovate in legacy sectors.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Ricky Ho and SourceReady02:44 The Importance of Optimism, Productivity, and Transparency05:51 Ricky's Background and the Family Business08:35 Challenges in the Sourcing and Supplier Industry11:18 The Role of AI in Sourcing and Supplier Discovery14:28 Emerging Manufacturing Regions and Trends17:03 Platform Features and User Experience19:41 Advice for Entrepreneurs in Legacy Industries22:36 Current Status and Future Plans for SourceReady

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, Eitan Koter sits down with Andrew Maff, founder and CEO of BlueTuskr. Andrew has worked inside ecommerce brands and now leads a team that supports them across ads, SEO, Amazon strategy, and more.Eitan and Andrew talk about why relying on one sales channel, especially Amazon, can put a brand at risk. Andrew explains how to diversify in small steps, how to test demand before building a full website, and how to use SEO to bring in traffic that Amazon rewards.They also get into rising ad costs, how real shoppers move across platforms, and why a top down view of performance makes more sense than chasing ROAS in each channel.Andrew closes with advice for Q4 and beyond. He shares how to keep new customers engaged in the new year without pushing constant discounts.A simple and clear conversation about building a more stable ecommerce business.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Andrew Maff, Founder at BlueTuskrAndrew Maff’s LinkedIn | BlueTuskrWatch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/j0eAcX4lsi4Takeaways:Diversification is essential for e-commerce brands.Brands should not rely solely on Amazon for sales.Understanding your customer acquisition channels is crucial.SEO can significantly enhance DTC and Amazon performance.Bootstrapping your DTC strategy can save costs.Providing value to customers is key for retention.Video marketing is effective for engaging younger audiences.Evaluate the return on investment for new marketing channels.Measuring overall marketing performance is vital for success.Q4 is a great time to collect data and new customers.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Omnichannel Strategies02:48 The Importance of Diversification in E-commerce05:32 Understanding BlueTuskr's Unique Agency Model08:32 Connecting Amazon and DTC for Unified Strategy11:17 Generating Traffic Outside of Amazon14:22 Bootstrapping Your DTC Strategy17:20 Measuring Marketing Performance Across Channels20:19 Customer Retention Beyond Q423:08 The Role of Video Marketing in E-commerce25:45 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Arthur Glinkin, Co-Founder of SNG Bookkeeping, to talk about something every online brand needs but few truly understand, getting your books right from day one.Arthur shares how he went from selling newspapers as a teen to building a bookkeeping firm focused entirely on eCommerce brands. He explains why messy books can cost you big when it comes to funding, exits, or tax season, and why tools like QuickBooks Online and TaxJar are non-negotiable for keeping things clean and compliant.They discuss common mistakes brands make, how to actually understand your profit and loss, and what to track if you want real clarity on cash flow. Arthur also covers how software can simplify complex sales tax rules across states and how eCommerce owners can use data to make smarter decisions.If you have ever wondered whether your numbers are telling the real story of your business, this episode is worth a listen.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Arthur Glinkin, Founder at S & G BookkeepingArthur Glinkin’s LinkedIn | S & G BookkeepingWatch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/m156avVLqQUTakeaways:Discipline is key in accounting and bookkeeping.E-commerce bookkeeping presents unique challenges.Sales tax compliance is crucial for e-commerce businesses.Understanding financial statements is essential for decision-making.Clean books are necessary for attracting investors.Data-driven advisory helps in optimizing expenses.QuickBooks Online is a recommended accounting software.Emerging tools are shaping the future of e-commerce accounting.A good tech stack simplifies financial management.Client engagement is about providing value and support.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to E-commerce Bookkeeping02:06 The Importance of Discipline in Accounting04:02 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes in E-commerce08:39 Understanding Financial Statements12:47 The Role of Bookkeeping in Scaling and Exits15:16 Data-Driven Advisory for Financial Decisions17:15 Recommended Financial Tech Stack21:20 Emerging Trends in Accounting Technology22:54 SNG Bookkeeping's Ideal Client Engagement24:36 Onboarding Process for New Clients26:36 Conclusion and Resources