The eCom Ops Podcast

$4.61 Lost for Every $1: The True Cost of eCommerce FraudIn this episode of the eCom Ops Podcast, Norbert Strappler talks with Maanas Godugunur, Senior Director of Fraud and Identity at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, about why manual fraud checks are failing, how refund fraud is exploding, and what merchants can do to protect revenue while boosting customer trust.With more than 15 years of experience in product management, B2B payments, and risk solutions, Maanas has built fraud detection systems using behavioral biometrics, machine learning, and device analytics. His background includes roles at Deloitte and Capgemini, where he launched a B2B payment platform in India that generated more than $120M in its first year and scaled cross-border payments by $2B.You Will LearnWhy manual fraud operations are still shockingly common in 2025The rise of refund fraud and how it’s hurting merchants worldwideWhy digital wallets and mobile payments are becoming fraudsters’ favorite targetsHow marketplaces shape (and sometimes enable) fraud behaviorHow API-driven fraud prevention can protect customers and boost loyaltyThe No.1 eCom Operations hack“If you have the right strategies in place, it should actually help you enhance the experience and flip and increase revenue.”Show Notes(00:02:00) - Guest Introduction(00:05:37) - LexisNexis Overview(00:05:57) - True Cost of Fraud Report(00:06:56) - Competing with Native Solutions(00:11:12) - Mobile Payment Fraud(00:14:17) - Manual vs. Automated Processes(00:16:45) - Most Harmful Fraud Types(00:19:37) - Customer Refund Behavior(00:21:26) - Marketplace Policies(00:24:27) - API Integration(00:29:39) - E-commerce Mentors(00:31:29) - Personal AI Use(00:32:32) - Question for Next GuestLet’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.

The Untold Story Behind AI's Rise - Returns, Margins, and Product DataRomain is the CEO of Akeneo and a former data scientist turned global executive. With 20+ years in data-driven transformation, he helps brands modernize product experience through better product information and smarter systems.You Will LearnWhy AI is rewriting how customers discover productsHow to reduce returns by fixing your product dataWhere AI is already helping with product enrichmentWhat mistakes to avoid when “managing” product informationWhy transformation is 90% about people - not toolsThe No.1 eCom Operations hack“Better product data can directly bring you back several points of margin just by lowering the return rates.”Show Notes(00:01:42) Guest Introduction & Background(00:03:34) Mindset Shift for Scaling(00:05:28) AI’s Impact on Product Management(00:09:52) The Future of Shopping Carts(00:12:03) How AI Improves Product Data(00:14:37) AI and Translation Jobs(00:16:18) High Return Rates in E-Commerce(00:18:03) Product Data’s Impact on Profitability(00:20:22) Importance of Product Videos(00:24:10) Misconceptions in E-Commerce & AILet’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.

The Last Mile Catch: What It Really Takes to Deliver for MillionsSri Thirumalai, Director of Last Mile Delivery at Walmart, joins us to share how the world's largest retailer is transforming e-commerce logistics. With 15 years of experience at companies like Apple and Meta, Sri breaks down the real challenges of getting packages to millions of customers daily. We discuss why last mile costs eat up 50% of supply chain budgets, how Walmart uses AI to optimize routes, and why faster delivery isn't always better.The No.1 eCom Operations hack“Last-mile delivery is so local. It comes down to understanding strengths, understanding what best practices are being done in areas where it is successful.”You Will Learn:Why is the last mile the most complex and critical link in the logistics chainHow AI helps plan efficient, real-time delivery routesWhat to automate, and what to leave to humansHow Walmart balances speed with sustainabilityWhy faster isn’t always better (and what customers actually want)Show Notes(00:02:08) Sri's Journey: Tech Giants to Retail Revolution(00:03:37) Why Logistics Matters Most(00:04:35) Lessons from Apple & Meta(00:06:06) Speed, Convenience, Cost: The Last Mile Trinity(00:08:58) Regional Delivery Challenges(00:13:09) AI-Powered Route Optimization(00:14:45) Automation vs. Human Touch(00:21:02) Sustainability & Electric Vehicles(00:23:06) "Faster Isn't Always Better"(00:26:07) Next Guest Challenge: AI & SustainabilityDisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Walmart or any of its affiliates.Let’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.

Actionable tips: The Game-Changer's Guide to eCommerce MarketingMatt Janaway is a seasoned eCommerce expert, currently serving as the CEO of Marketing Labs, a UK-based digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and paid advertising. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge to the table with a background in eCommerce entrepreneurship and a keen understanding of marketing strategy and data analysis.Under his leadership, Marketing Labs has helped many businesses unlock growth potential by optimizing their online marketing strategies. From exploring advanced Google advertising features to emphasizing the importance of team learning in staying up-to-date with industry evolution, Matt's insights make him a guiding light in the world of eCommerce.Marketing Labs is a dynamic digital marketing agency passionate about every project. As a boasting award-winning team, their expertise covers a broad spectrum, including SEO, PPC, CRO, branding, content, social media, and website design. They have experience across various commercial websites and understand the importance of aligning their work with clients' business goals.With a commitment to transparency, they ensure clients are involved every step of the way. What sets Marketing Labs apart is their tailored approach to each client - every action they undertake is aimed at growing online businesses sustainably and effectively. They thrive on helping companies to improve their digital strategies and achieve measurable results.The No.1 eCom Operations hackYou've really gotta allow more time to gather that data, to make decisions and test. You can't make a decision on a few hundred clicks. You've got to have enough data to make decisions.You Will LearnMatt shares his experiences with different e-commerce technology platforms from HTML templates to OsCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Shopify, and BigCommerce.The role of AI in e-commerce and its impact on personalization is examined.Matt emphasizes the importance of tailoring product descriptions and names to increase search visibility.The challenges of balancing search engine visibility and conversion rates in e-commerce are explored.Matt discusses the effectiveness of link building when done correctly, citing successful campaigns that led to substantial revenue increases for clients.Matt explains the unique features of his agency's approach, focusing on building a team of highly experienced individuals rather than solely scalingLet’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.

Future of Product Visualization: Try Before You Buy Is Dead.Episode SummaryOur guest, Daniel Frith, is the Chief Creative Officer at London Dynamics and a former 3D lead at IKEA, with over 30 years of experience in 3D visualization across gaming, retail, and tech.In this groundbreaking episode, we dive deep into the future of e-commerce with Daniel Frith, a pioneer who's been shaping 3D visualization for three decades. From his early inspiration by Disney's Tron movie to revolutionizing how IKEA presents products online, Daniel shares insights on how 3D technology is transforming retail.The conversation explores how businesses can digitize physical products, allowing customers to interact with items in ways traditional photography simply can't match. Daniel explains how 3D models enable customers to customize products, change materials, and view items from every angle - creating a more engaging and informative shopping experience.You Will LearnWhy 3D visualization isn’t just for large product catalogsHow AR works best as a “fit check,” not the main shopping journeyWhere AI adds value in 3D workflows - and where it still falls shortHow product configurators can impact even manufacturing decisionsWhat standardization means for scalable, cross-platform 3DWhy wearables may finally unlock AR’s full potential in retailShow Notes(00:02:10) Meet Daniel: A Journey Through 3D Visualization(00:03:24) 3D Visualization in E-Commerce(00:06:23) The Future of 3D and AR in Retail(00:16:33) AI in 3D Visualization(00:19:24) Every Pixel Tells a Story(00:21:30) Debunking Myths About AR and 3D(00:22:01) The Future of AR and Wearables(00:26:26) Final Thoughts and FarewellResources MentionedIKEA Place: AR furniture application that pioneered spatial product placementLondon Dynamics: Daniel's current company specializing in 3D visualization experiencesKronos 3D Commerce Working Group: Industry standardization initiativeTron (Disney): The movie that inspired Daniel's career in computer graphicsAmazon AR: Product placement technology for items like TVs and furnitureSnap x Ray-Ban: Wearable AR collaboration exampleMeta: AR/VR technology developmentMojo Vision: Contact lens AR technology pioneerTechnical Platforms MentionedE-commerce Integration: Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce3D Standards: Industry standardization for cross-platform compatibilityMobile Optimization: Responsive design for smartphone usersWeb Technologies: Browser-based 3D rendering capabilitiesLet’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.

Are You Making Data-Driven Decisions or Just Having Opinions?In this data-packed episode, we sit down with Paul "Gravy" Graeve, founder and CEO of The Data Group, who's spent nearly three decades helping 300+ companies transform scattered information into strategic advantage. Paul "Gravy" Graeve is the Founder & CEO of The Data Group and the upcoming author of The Data-Driven Leader. He has spent the past two decades helping over 300 companies demystify data, streamline integrations, and unlock significant growth. The No.1 eCom Operations hack"if you want to have a real grasp on the truth about your company, you need to have a real grasp on your data because it is the truth about your company."You Will LearnWhy "data is just strings, dates, and numbers" - and why that simplicity is powerful.The hidden trap of SaaS proliferation and how it's fragmenting your business intelligence.How a $6 billion wholesaler uses data integration to serve 14,000+ retail stores.The three critical questions every CEO should ask before buying new software.Why your next system migration could hold you hostage (and how to prevent it).Resources MentionedUpcoming Book: "The Data Driven Leader" by Paul Graeve (coming later this year)Leadership Influences: John Maxwell, Pastor Chris Hodges, Pastor Craig GroeschelRecommended Podcast: Craig Groeschel Leadership PodcastCase Study: Orgill Wholesale ($6B revenue, 14K+ retail partners)Show Notes(00:01:14) Meet Paul Graeve: The Man Behind the Data Group(00:04:02) Common Data Mistakes and Misconceptions(00:05:51) The Importance of Owning Your Data(00:08:28) Data Group's Flagship Platforms: Foxtrot, Alpha, and Tango(00:17:32) Writing 'The Data-Driven Leader'(00:19:36) Empowering Non-Technical Leaders with Data(00:21:17) Practical Steps for E-commerce Businesses(00:27:26) Leadership Lessons and Influences(00:30:05) Future of AI and Data Ownership(00:32:29) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLet’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.

Faster Sites, Higher Sales: How Speed Impacts eCommerce RevenueWhat if your website’s backend was secretly costing you conversions, search rankings, and customer satisfaction? In this episode of the eCom Ops Podcast, Norbert sits down with Andrew Chambers, EVP of Marketing at Harper, to uncover how milliseconds affect millions - and what top brands are doing to eliminate tech bottlenecks for good.Andrew Chambers is a performance marketing expert with a deep background in eCommerce, SaaS, and startup growth. With two successful exits under his belt, he blends strategic brand storytelling with hard data and performance metrics to help high-traffic brands stay fast and scalable.The No.1 eCom Operations hack“We’ve seen customers that have come to us with LCPs in the neighborhood of like two and a half seconds... and we've seen those drop to 180 milliseconds.”You Will LearnWhy sub-second performance is no longer optional for competitive eCommerceWhat Harper’s fused-stack technology changes about dev speed and scaleHow Andrew bridges technical innovation with brand storytellingThe link between system clarity and marketing ROIWhy backend complexity kills frontend revenueResources MentionedCore Web Vitals: LCP, CLS, INPCustomer Lifetime Value (LTV)Google CrUX performance dataBandit Running (case example)Marginal marketing efficiency ratiosShopify, AmazonChatGPT’s impact on SEO and discoverabilityShow Notes(00:01:22) Andrew's Journey in Marketing(00:02:42) Typical Customers and Their Challenges(00:04:25) Lessons from Previous Startups(00:06:40) Outcome-Driven Marketing Strategies(00:10:06) Tracking and Analyzing Marketing Efforts(00:17:08) Customer Success Stories(00:18:33) Final Thoughts and AdviceLet’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.

Actionable tips: Harnessing AI to Drive Revenue and Optimize Customer ExperienceRichard Harris is the Founder & CEO of Black Crow AI, a cutting-edge, no-code predictive software that harnesses machine learning to help companies understand likely customer behavior. With over 20 years of experience in tech, Richard has been a part of the industry since the 90s, starting in consulting and eventually serving as the SVP of Strategy for Travelocity during the dot-com boom.Black Crow AI is a trailblazing software solution that helps businesses of all sizes unlock the hidden value in their customer data and improve profitability through machine-learned predictions. By bringing Fortune 500-grade machine learning technology to companies of every size, Black Crow AI empowers e-commerce brands to challenge and disrupt the market, leveling the data playing field.No.1 eCom Operations hackBecause we're predicting the future value of every user, you can get a very early read, like in the first 10 minutes or 10 hours of users coming from an influencer campaign, you can say, is this influencer delivering high-value users to me, or more of those 0.02% low-value users.You Will LearnThe importance of de-averaging your user base to optimize your business and tailor the actions you take for customer segmentation How machine learning models can help run multiple tests in parallel, speeding up the process of finding the right answers and improving marketing strategiesThe benefits of using AI-driven solutions to predict the future value of every user, allowing you to make informed decisions when partnering with influencersRecommendations for implementing AI-driven solutions in e-commerce businesses without a background in technology, including starting with free and easy-to-integrate toolsThe impact of data-driven insights on partnering with influencers to target the right audience and promote your products effectivelyLet’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.

How to Unlock 7-Figure Revenue with TikTok ShopsJesse shares how resilience, smart systems, and trend-driven product selection helped him scale his eCommerce empire. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, this episode is packed with mindset shifts and practical strategies you won’t want to miss.The No.1 eCom Operations hack“Start slow, start with something that doesn't require as much capital upfront investment. Start with something that you can do during your spare time when you get home from your regular job.”You Will LearnWhy resilience isn't just a mindset - it's a business modelJesse’s organic-first strategy for finding and testing viral productsThe affiliate model that fuels his 7-figure brandHow systems, not hustle, are the key to scaling from 6 to 7 figuresWhy e-commerce is far from saturated and where the biggest opportunities lieResources Mentioned:Prestige UniversityAI Product Research: Viral NinjaTikTok Tools: TikTok Trend Discovery, TikTok Affiliate CenterDropshipping Suppliers: CJ Dropshipping, Zen DropAutomation: SyncSpider, ZapierAffiliate Management Platform: BrandfamAuthors of the recommended books: Russell Brunson, Robert Kiyosaki, Robert CialdiniShow Notes(00:00:57) Meet Jesse Frimpone: From Homelessness to Success(00:03:09) Overcoming Hardships and Building Resilience(00:05:29) The Power of the First Sale(00:07:00) Mastering Marketing for E-commerce(00:09:04) Testing Products and Campaigns with AI(00:12:51) The Logistics of E-commerce(00:17:17) Mindset Shifts for E-commerce Success(00:19:03) Scaling from Six to Seven Figures(00:21:36) Debunking E-commerce Myths(00:22:55) The Future of E-commerce and B2B(00:24:22) Final Thoughts and FarewellLet’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.

The Legal Hack Every Startup Overlooks with Jeff HolmanJeff is a former patent attorney with a unique blend of engineering, law, and business expertise. Through Intellectual Strategies, he helps founders protect their IP, avoid costly mistakes, and stay compliant—before it’s too late.The No.1 eCom Operations hack“An hour conversation with an attorney upfront about IP… very well could lead to multiple on the valuation of your business in the long term.”You Will LearnWhy documenting decisions beats any contract templateHow early IP moves can 3x your valuationWhat legal risks do eCommerce stores always missHow AI is changing the legal game—for better and worseShow Notes(00:01:09) Welcome to the e-Commerce Podcast(00:01:47) Meet Jeff Felman: Startup Legal Expert(00:03:07) Biggest Early Learning in Building a Business(00:06:48) Misconceptions About Intellectual Property(00:08:08) The Importance of Documentation for Startups(00:11:48) Legal Loopholes and Compliance Issues(00:16:38) AI's Impact on the Legal Industry(00:18:31) Pricing Strategy for Legal Services(00:20:55) Creative Negotiations: A Fun Story(00:24:01) Dealing with New Regulations(00:26:24) Final Thoughts and FarewellLet’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.