Lunch With Norm - The eCommerce & Amazon FBA Podcast

Is TikTok Shop still worth it in 2024? Or is the ban just smoke and mirrors? In this episode of Lunch With Norm, Michelle Barnum Smith breaks down everything sellers need to know about growing on TikTok—from setting up your shop the right way to generating hundreds of videos without being the face of your brand. ➡️ Ready to grow your brand and sell more? Check out all the tools and resources we recommend at: https://www.lunchwithnorm.com/ This episode is a must-watch for any Amazon or DTC brand looking to tap into TikTok Shop’s explosive growth. Michelle covers the exact strategies that are working right now, including how to get your account approved, how to seed products to creators, and why content—not followers—is the key to scale. She also explains why most sellers fail in their first 90 days and how to avoid being one of them. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to go all in on TikTok, Michelle lays out the playbook. 🔍 What You'll Learn: - Why most brands are still ignoring TikTok Shop (and losing money) - How to scale content without being on camera - What the TikTok ban actually means (and why the platform’s still growing) - Real-world onboarding and setup advice that saves time and headaches Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to TikTok's Content Strategy 00:24 The Rise and Risks of TikTok Shop 02:20 Challenges Big Brands Face on TikTok 03:12 The Authenticity Factor 05:16 Opportunities for Small and Medium Businesses 08:52 Getting Started on TikTok 21:12 TikTok Shop vs. TikTok 22:48 Tips for Business Registration 26:38 Canadian Companies and TikTok Shop 28:45 TikTok Ban and Its Impact 34:51 Strategies for TikTok Shop Success 38:02 Content Creation for TikTok Shop 42:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by Levanta: Amazon’s not broken—but your strategy might be. If your sales are stalling while ad costs climb, you're not alone. Top brands like HyperIce and Caraway are shifting their mix with performance-based affiliate marketing. With Levanta, you only pay when a sale happens—and you tap into over 10,000 vetted creators, publishers, and review sites driving external traffic that lifts your organic rank. They even built a free tool to show the calculated revenue lift you could see. Check it out at https://hubs.ly/Q03ghJk60 ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE.   🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ________________________________________________________ Your Brand Here? – Contact k@Lunchlunchwithnorm.com for sponsorship opportunities

Launching a beauty brand sounds glamorous—until you hit the endless delays, huge upfront costs, and sourcing headaches. In this episode of Lunch With Norm, Adam Chuntz, co-founder of Blanka, shares how anyone from solo entrepreneurs to salons can launch a fully branded beauty line in minutes—without minimums or manufacturing nightmares. Norm and Adam dive into the revival of private label, why North American sourcing is back, and how smart founders are using white label platforms and instant Shopify integrations to build lean, fast-growing brands. They also cover why most people get branding completely wrong, how to price for profit, and what it really takes to stand out in a saturated market. 🔥 Join the Lunch with Norm Newsletter https://LWN.news  Get 15% off your first Sample Order with Blanka, using the code: LUNCHWITHNORM - https://blankabrand.com/  ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by Levanta: If you're an Amazon seller, you already know—PPC costs are rising fast. But what if you could grow sales without increasing your ad spend? The team at Levanta put together a free guide that shows you how to get started, what networks to use, and how to find affiliates who actually perform. Grab the Free Guide - https://hubs.ly/Q03dyv6R0 ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ________________________________________________________ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Branding Beyond the Logo 02:21 The Evolution of Private Labeling 10:35 Custom Formulations 21:37 The Importance of Brand Development 23:53 Efficient Order Fulfillment Strategies 24:50 Leveraging Warehousing 29:39 Understanding Your Audience 34:34 Expanding Your Product Line 41:07 Final Thoughts

Amazon ads are getting more expensive, more competitive—and way more confusing. In this episode of Lunch With Norm, PPC strategist Elizabeth Greene breaks down what’s really happening inside Amazon’s ad console in 2024 and what you need to do to scale profitably in 2025. From catchall campaigns and B2B optimization to fractional DSP access and Amazon’s new AI tools, Elizabeth shares advanced strategies that are working now. She also explains why most sellers are mismanaging ad spend, how to evaluate performance across massive catalogs, and why the key to growth isn't more money—it’s smarter strategy. Whether you’re a beginner or running a complex multi-SKU operation, this episode is your crash course in Amazon advertising that actually works.   Want to know the EXACT ACoS to hit your profit goal? - https://junglr.com/growthbalanceequation/  🔥 Join the Lunch with Norm Newsletter https://LWN.news ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ______________________________________ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:34 Welcome Elizabeth 06:23 Scaling Strategies 10:31 Optimizing Ad Spend 17:04 Advice for New Amazon Sellers 19:58 Low Bid Strategies 21:33 Leveraging Auto Campaigns 23:28 Advertising Insights and Coaching 30:21 Optimizing PPC 34:18 Effective Bid and Keyword Management 36:32 Final Thoughts

In this episode of Lunch With Norm, supply chain expert Kerim Kfuri joins Norm to break down the hard truths about sourcing in 2025. From tariff pressures and supplier risk to AI-powered product development and nearshoring myths, Kerim delivers no-nonsense advice for Amazon sellers navigating the chaos of global trade. Learn why too much loyalty to your supplier can kill your business, how to negotiate better terms, and the real reason nearshoring might not save you. Plus, hear about how Alibaba is reshaping sourcing with AI. If you rely on imports, want better margins, or just want to survive the next supply chain shake-up, don’t miss this one. _______________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ________________________________________________ Timestamps 00:00 Diversifying Your Supply Chain 02:44 Karem Kafu's Insights 05:54 Tariffs and Their Impact on Amazon Sellers 14:09 Mitigate Tariff Challenges 20:11 Supplier Relationships 28:56 Cost Cutting and Quality Control 34:46 Nearshoring 37:16 Leveraging AI 45:05 Shark Tank's Daymond John

Starting and scaling a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s a mental game. The pressure, setbacks, and isolation can break even the toughest entrepreneurs. In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Kevin Oldham, founder of DeFactory, joins Norm Farrar to discuss the real struggles of entrepreneurship, mental health, and building resilience. 🔥 Key Topics: - Why mental health challenges like anxiety, ADHD, and addiction affect so many entrepreneurs. - How to build resilience and manage stress in business. - The 75% rule: Why most entrepreneurs regret selling their business. - How to prepare for an exit strategy that won’t leave you lost. - The power of mastermind groups and support networks. Whether you're facing burnout, struggling with self-doubt, or planning an exit, this episode is filled with real talk and actionable advice on how to survive and thrive as an entrepreneur. 📩 How do you handle the stress of entrepreneurship? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! ✅ Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more insights on business, branding, and mental resilience. 🎯 Links & Resources Mentioned: Kevin Oldham’s Company – DeFactory: defactory.com Follow Kevin & Learn More: bethefilament.com Lunch with Norm Newsletter: LWN.news I encourage you to reach out to people in your lives to either seek support, offer support, or check in. If you or someone you know needs help, please do not hesitate to reach out to someone and ask for help. If that feels scary, you can call the mental health and suicide prevention hotline for support by dialing 988 ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TrueOps: Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%. 🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨 It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Harsh Reality of Entrepreneurship 00:42 Introducing Kevin Oldham 02:42 Kevin's Journey and Mission 04:23 The Mental Health Struggles of Entrepreneurs 07:57 Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems 14:39 Identifying and Managing Mental Health Issues 22:51 Turning a Bad Day Around 23:43 Small Wins for Big Confidence 27:56 Lessons from Failure 34:05 Embracing AI and the Future 36:32 Avoiding Seller's Remorse

A weak hero image can ruin your conversion rates, increase ad costs, and make you invisible in search results. In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Norm Farrar chats with John Aspinall, Amazon creative expert and brand evangelist for PickFu, to break down how to optimize product images for maximum clicks and conversions.    Key topics include: - Why your hero image is the most important factor in click-through rates. - How to test and optimize images using PickFu & real customer feedback. - The biggest mistakes sellers make with product photography. - 3D renders vs. traditional photography—which one works best? - Insider hacks for budget-friendly product photoshoots (including the secret JCPenney trick). If you're an Amazon seller, eCommerce brand, or marketer struggling to stand out in search results, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you win the click and increase sales. 🎯 Links & Resources Mentioned: PickFu – Test Your Images: pickfu.com John Aspinall’s Agency – Go Aspi: goaspi.com   Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TrueOps: Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%. 🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨 It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ________________________________________________________ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Hero Images 01:06 The Importance of Packaging 04:37 Creating Compelling Images 06:11 Testing and Feedback 07:36 Avoiding Common Mistakes 09:17 Optimizing for Amazon's Algorithm 12:15 Real-World Examples and Tips 27:52 Clear Hero Images 28:35 Branding Strategies for Small Businesses 31:53 Affordable Photography Hacks 39:44 Maximizing Scroll-Stopping Power 44:47 Answering Audience Questions

Search engines are shifting, organic visibility is fading, and if you’re not evolving, you’re losing! In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Norm Farrar sits down with SEO expert Dan Kurtz to uncover the latest SEO and keyword strategies that Amazon sellers and eCommerce brands need to dominate the search results in 2024 and beyond. Join the Beard Nation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lunchwithnorm Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/ Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TrueOps: Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%. 🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨 It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Guest Introduction: Dan Kurtz 02:50 SEO Trends and Strategies 13:25 Press Releases and Backlinks 30:55 Commercial Break: Maximize Your Amazon Reimbursements 32:25 Using IFTTT for Content Distribution 35:19 Understanding Google Knowledge Panels 43:43 The Power of Google Business Profiles 48:52 SEO Tips for Amazon Sellers 50:18 Final Tips and Common Mistakes

In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Vanessa Hung breaks down how Amazon’s AI-powered Rufus and Cosmo are changing the game for sellers. She explains how AI is reshaping Amazon search rankings, product listings, and PPC advertising—and why traditional keyword strategies are becoming obsolete. Vanessa dives deep into how AI personalizes search results, how to optimize listings for Amazon’s new algorithm, and the biggest mistakes sellers must avoid to stay competitive. If you’re an Amazon seller, this episode is packed with must-know insights about the future of eCommerce, audience targeting, and AI-driven marketing strategies.  Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/   Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TrueOps: Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%. 🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨 It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Guest Introduction: Vanessa 02:52 AI's Role in Amazon's Evolving Landscape 03:34 Understanding Rufus 06:35 The Shift in PPC and Audience Targeting 08:20 Personalized Shopping Experiences with AI 13:16 Optimizing Listings for AI and Rufus 24:45 Future Implications and Strategies for Sellers 30:24 Optimizing Your Amazon Listing 34:30 Introduction to Cosmo Technology 39:52 The Future of AI in Business 46:00 Creating Content with AI Tools 50:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Mike Frekey joins Norm Farrar to break down the latest Amazon advertising strategies and how sellers can adapt to the platform's changing landscape. 🚨Free PPC audit 🚨 https://igppc.com/services/amazon-ppc-audit/ to any seller with over $10K in monthly ad spend From leveraging brand analytics to mastering PPC and understanding the impact of Amazon's new B2B placement modifiers, Mike shares actionable tips to help you maximize your ad spend while staying ahead of the competition. They also discuss the increasing dominance of ads over organic traffic, the power of keyword research, and strategies for balancing profitability with growth. If you’re serious about scaling your Amazon business in 2025, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss! Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/ Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TrueOps: Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%. 🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back.  It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Amazon's New Ad Placements 00:15 Current Trends in Sponsored Ads 00:24 The Decline of Organic Rankings 00:28 Winning with Brand Analytics 01:24 Guest Introduction: Mike Freckey 02:50 Deep Dive into Brand Analytics 04:02 Identifying Market Keywords 09:16 Using ChatGPT for Market Analysis 10:10 Interpreting Brand Analytics Data 17:18 Effective Sponsored Ad Strategies 21:43 The Impact of Ad Widgets 26:58 External Traffic and Amazon Attribution 33:10 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Lunch With Norm, Norm Farrar sits down with Deb Slaver to tackle one of the most critical challenges for Amazon sellers: avoiding costly compliance mistakes. Deb shares her insights on sourcing authentic products, navigating intellectual property (IP) pitfalls, and the steps every seller must take to protect their account from suspensions. They discuss real-world horror stories of counterfeit allegations, IP disputes, and packaging errors—and how these common missteps can bankrupt a business. Packed with actionable advice, this episode is a must-watch for anyone serious about staying compliant and thriving on Amazon.   Join the Beard Nation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lunchwithnorm Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/ Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TrueOps: Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%. 🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨 It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ Timestamps 00:00 The Costly Mistake: A Copyright Catastrophe 00:30 Navigating Amazon's Minefield: Policies and Compliance 01:05 Introducing Our Expert Guest: Deb Slaver 01:41 Sponsor Spotlight: Tracefuse 02:46 Deb Slaver Joins the Conversation 03:56 Ensuring Product Authenticity on Amazon 09:01 Handling Amazon Notifications and Compliance 18:01 Best Practices for Packaging and Record Keeping 25:56 TrueOps Reimbursement Benefits 26:33 Effective Complaint Handling Strategies 27:37 Addressing Customer Complaints 31:08 Understanding IP Protection 32:32 Importance of Patents and Trademarks 35:46 Challenges with IP and Amazon 44:53 Handling IP Complaints 46:58 Final Thoughts and Contact Information ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 🎉 TrueOps - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm Tracefuse - https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ AZ Rank - http://www.azrank.com/ Walmart Marketplace - https://marketplace.walmart.com/?utm_campaign=2024-US-MP-GEN-DB-LWN&utm_source=Lunch_With_Norm&utm_medium=Direct_Buy StartUp Club - https://www.startup.club HONU Worldwide - https://www.honuworldwide.com ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬