Ecommerce Coffee Break – The Ecom Marketing & Sales Podcast

In this episode, we talk about how to get real Amazon reviews without breaking the rules. Our guest is Adam Melenkivitz, founder of Test Squared, a platform that helps Amazon sellers grow with FTC-compliant reviews. He shares how sellers can earn trust, avoid fake reviews, and stay on the right side of the law—while also getting real feedback that helps improve their products. Topics discussed in this episode:  Why authentic Amazon reviews are more critical than ever for building consumer trust. What the new FTC rule means for Amazon sellers. How TestSquared's matching system works without breaking Amazon's rules. Why most reviews aren't five-star ratings and that's actually beneficial. What product categories work best for authentic review programs. How the 35-day review timeline varies by product type. Why 20 authentic reviews is the magic number for Amazon's algorithm. How proper vetting prevents fake testers from gaming the system. What the affiliate program offers for referral partners. Why being unconventional in marketing helps generate organic reviews. Links & Resources Website: https://www.testsquared.com/ Affiliate link: https://www.testsquared.com/affiliate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammelenkivitz/ Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/4h9sdwtn SUPPORT OUR SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we explore SMS and email list growth for direct-to-consumer brands on Shopify.  Our guest is Soma Toth, founder and CEO of recart.com. He shares insights on building active subscriber lists, creating effective popups, and why traditional list growth methods often fail. Soma discusses their innovative one-click opt-in system that eliminates typing friction and reveals how popups can impact revenue by 10-20% when done right. Topics discussed in this episode:  What list growth really means for e-commerce brands. Why 84% of top Shopify brands use welcome popups. How popups drive 5-15% revenue increases. What makes the perfect popup discount offer. Why technical popup optimization matters more than design. How timing affects popup visibility vs conversion rates. What screen recordings revealed about user behavior. Why one-click opt-in eliminates the biggest conversion killer. How audience networks work while respecting privacy. What impact popups have on overall business performance. Links & Resources Website: https://recart.com/ Shopify App Store:  https://apps.shopify.com/recart LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somatoth/ Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/2hp3phme SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we explore how to grow an e-commerce brand without burning out. Our guest, Leon van der Laan, a seasoned coach and consultant, shares his expertise on building self-managing organizations.  Learn how to step back, delegate effectively, and scale your business to eight figures and beyond with clarity and purpose.  If you’re tired of chasing your team around to get things done and want to build an eCom powerhouse that manages itself, apply for a Free Leadership Audit on remode.company. Topics discussed in this episode:  Why scaling breaks when founders stay too involved. How self-managing teams unlock 8-figure growth. What the REMOTE framework does for e-com brands. Why founders burn out after hitting 7 figures. How clarity in mission boosts team autonomy. Why delegation fails without structure. How to know when it’s time to step back. What true ownership looks like in your team. Why fear of letting go stalls your business. How remote-first leadership builds freedom and scale. Links & Resources Website: https://remode.company/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-van-der-laan/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/Leon_vd_Laan IG: https://www.instagram.com/leon.van.der.laan/ Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/2pmmb372 SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

This episode dives into smart inventory management for fast-growing Shopify brands. Our guest, Sebastiaan Debrouwere, founder of Genie, shares how to stay in stock without overstocking, avoid spreadsheet chaos, and grow your business efficiently. Topics discussed in this episode: Why is inventory key for fast-growing Shopify stores. How do spreadsheets fail as brands scale. What triggers the move beyond manual tracking. Why does multichannel selling break old systems. How did Sebastian’s experience inspire Genie. What was the impact of a friend’s mistake. How does Genie simplify inventory automation. What features does Genie offer merchants. Links & Resources Website: https://www.genie.io/ Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/genie-io LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sdebrouwere X/Twitter: https://x.com/iamsebdeb Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/3mvk6mepSUPPORT OUR SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we discuss how artificial intelligence can boost your online store sales through smart product recommendations. Nikolay Gushchin, a software engineer and founder of an AI-powered Shopify extension, shares insights from his eight years in tech working with major brands.He explains how AI analyzes customer behavior to suggest the right products at the right time and offers practical tips for balancing automated recommendations with human input in your e-commerce business. Topics discussed in this episode: Why basic “people also bought” tools fall short in eCommerce. How AI boosts conversions with smarter Shopify recommendations. Why most recommendation engines miss the mark. What a quick, plug-and-play AI setup looks like. Why smaller brands move faster with AI tools. How AI and manual tweaks make better product bundles. Why “below the fold” can kill your sales. What AI “Shop the Look” features mean for fashion stores. How AI knows what to recommend based on user behavior. Why personalization drives sales for any store size. Links & Resources Website: https://apps.shopify.com/aetherwave-recommendations Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/aetherwave-recommendations Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/bdfzdatpSUPPORT OUR SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Discover the value-packed E-Commerce Coffee Break newsletter in this milestone 400th episode!  Host Claus Lauter shares how his twice-weekly newsletter helps busy online sellers stay informed in just 3-5 minutes of reading time.  The newsletter includes curated e-commerce news, podcast episode highlights, and educational tips to improve your online business. Sign up for free at https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/Topics discussed in this episode: What makes this newsletter unique: Curated from 50+ sources in 3–5 mins. How the newsletter is structured: News, podcast picks, education. Why twice-weekly works: Frequent, not overwhelming. What value it provides: Time-saving insights for busy sellers. How it complements the podcast: Direct links to episodes. What premium subscribers get. How the community helps: Connect with fellow merchants. What the readership looks like: 8,100+ and growing. Why feedback matters: Claus replies to every email. Links & Resources Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/Website: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommerce-coffee-break-podcast/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ecomcoffeebreakInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecommercecoffeebreak/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/jvkjpfxmSUPPORT OUR SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, we dive into the impact of tariffs on e-commerce brands.Olivier Grinda, Chief Operating Officer at Clearco, shares insights on how these extra costs can hurt profit margins and offers practical strategies for handling the situation. He explains what tariffs are, how they affect brand profits, and why waiting for market conditions to stabilize might be riskier than taking immediate action. Olivier provides valuable advice on financing options that can help businesses weather these challenging times.Topics discussed in this episode: How tariffs cut into your e-commerce profits. Why grasping protectionism’s past is key to judging tariffs. How passing costs to customers can hurt demand and loyalty. How to share tariff costs with manufacturers. Why shifting production to Vietnam or Cambodia is so hard. How new shipyard taxes on Chinese vessels will disrupt shipping. What dangers come from “waiting and seeing” during trade shifts. How Clearco’s revenue financing can stabilize your cash flow. Why underwriters use margins, reserves, and trends to set rates. What it means to be “mindfully aggressive” in a tariff crisis. Links & Resources Website: https://clear.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getclearco/X/Twitter: https://x.com/getclearcoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/getclearcoGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/usakn83jSUPPORT OUR SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Discover how to navigate e-commerce outsourcing to streamline operations and scale your business. Siva Balakrishnan, founder and CEO of Vserve with over 20 years of e-commerce outsourcing experience in the US market, shares strategies for brands at different growth stages. Learn how the right partner can help optimize supply chain management, expand to multichannel selling, and improve profitability while navigating today's complex omnichannel marketplace.Topics discussed in this episode: How to boost EBITDA and ad returns as your brand grows. What smart outsourcing looks like at each business stage. How to build a strong supply chain with tech and people. What shifts when moving from single-channel to omnichannel. Why knowing marketplace quirks fuels multichannel growth. How to stay clear and open when working with outsourcers. What makes a mid-market ecom brand ideal for outsourcing. How to pick between retainer and project pricing. What steps to take to start outsourcing with lasting results. Links & Resources Website: https://vservesolution.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vservesolution/posts/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siva-balakrishnan-38216b1/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vservesolution1Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/2satzjt7SUPPORT OUR SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this episode, we dive into a genius solution for handling open box returns. Brad Sorock, e-commerce veteran and creator of the Shopify app "Returns for Sale," shares how his app helps merchants easily sell returned items at discounted prices. Learn how his unique tool transforms a common e-commerce headache into a revenue opportunity while supporting sustainability by keeping returned products out of landfills.Topics discussed in this episode: Why efficient open box returns matter.How drip pricing optimizes product sales.Why different industries struggle with returns.How seamless Shopify integration simplifies processes.Why customer service is a top priority.How location independence shapes business strategy.Why eco-consciousness drives app development.What challenges exist in marketing the app.Links & Resources Website: https://returnsforsale.com/Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/returnsforsaleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-sorock-7054a02/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/27n38ef9SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this episode, we dive into how to create an effective cross-selling strategy to boost your online store's average order value. Our guest Varun Kundra, co-founder of AfterSell, shares practical insights on the psychology behind successful upselling and cross-selling. He explains different ways to implement these strategies - in cart, at checkout, and post-purchase. Varun also introduces an innovative "network offers" feature that lets merchants earn passive income by displaying relevant third-party offers on their confirmation pages. Learn how personalization, timing, and presentation can significantly impact your cross-selling success.Topics discussed in this episode: How to get the right cross sell offer. What are the types of cross sell offers. Why cross selling will boost your AOV. How to implement cross-selling post-purchase. Why post-purchase timing creates the perfect upsell opportunity. How to monetize your thank-you page with other brands' products. Why smart merchants are becoming mini retail media networks. The most effective post-purchase upsell implementation revealed. How to earn passive income displaying 3rd party offers on Shopify. Links & Resources Website: https://www.aftersell.com/Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/aftersellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vk1/X/Twitter: https://x.com/varkundraGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/hha27ypzSUPPORT OUR SPONSORTry Brevo for free or use code ECB for 50% off Starter & Business Plans (first 3 months, annual plan). 👉 https://www.brevo.com/ ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/