Amazing FBA Amazon and ECommerce Podcast, for Amazon Private Label Sellers, Shopify, Magento or Woocommerce business owners,

Building a successful brand on Amazon requires strategic planning. Trademark registration is a crucial step, but the process can seem daunting. This guide breaks down everything you need to know into easy-to-understand steps. [00:00] - You really need to know what you're going to sell[00:56] - Introduction of guest Anita Ma and topic of trademarks[01:21] - Explanation of what a registered trademark agent is[02:12] - Anita's background and founding of Trademark Angel[02:50] - Defining what a trademark is[04:13] - Why trademarks exist and legal protection they provide[05:51] - Benefits of having a registered trademark[07:03] - Importance of trademarks for e-commerce and online sellers[08:16] - Distinction between having a trademark and registering one What is a Trademark and Why Do They Matter for Amazon Sellers? A trademark is a symbol, word, or phrase that identifies the source of a product or service. It acts like a lighthouse, guiding customers to your brand and distinguishing you from competitors. Trademarks offer several benefits for Amazon sellers: Exclusivity: A registered trademark grants you a legal monopoly for your specific product or service category for ten years. This deters competitors from using your brand name or logo. Increased Brand Value: A strong trademark strengthens your brand identity, fostering customer trust and loyalty. Over time, your trademark becomes an invaluable asset, increasing your business value. Brand Registry Access: Trademark registration is a prerequisite for enrolling in Amazon's Brand Registry program. This program unlocks powerful tools to protect your brand from counterfeiters and hijackers, improve product listings, and gain valuable customer insights. While common law rights exist for unregistered trademarks, enforcing them is challenging and expensive. Registration provides concrete evidence of ownership and simplifies the process of protecting your brand. Are You Protected by Your Company Name? Many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe incorporating a business automatically protects their brand name. However, trademarks arise from using a specific brand name for a particular product or service in the marketplace. When Should You File a Trademark? Before filing a trademark application, it's crucial to have a clear business plan and conduct thorough market research. Define your product categories precisely. A vague trademark, like "Kitchen Essentials," won't offer sufficient protection. You can't file an "umbrella trademark" to cover a broad range of unrelated products. The ideal scenario is to file a trademark application before launching your product. However, you don't necessarily need a product already on the market. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll delve into the order of events for trademark registration, market research techniques, and trademark availability checks!

The Roman Empire was famous for being the greatest empire in the ancient world. It lasted hundreds of years. It controlled the then known world, which was around Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, but it's 410 AD, the barbarians sack Rome. What happened? And how can we learn from this as e commerce operators? Stay tuned. Protect your Empire! Hey folks, Michael Veazey here from Amazing FBA. I want to talk about this under appreciated topic. Everyone's obsessed with growth, and of course they should, and the empire building. But once you've got something valuable and desirable, then of course, you're going to get people attacking it in some form or degrading it. And one of the things that a more mature entrepreneur will do when they move from pure startup phase, where you just growth, growth, growth, revenue, revenue, revenue is to understand that you've got something valuable, and now you need to protect it. So that's why we're going to talk about it today. Success invites Attack You think about the Roman Empire, this fertile ground in Italy where it was was focused and Rome is halfway down Italy. It had costly desirable infrastructure, a whole city with beautiful buildings and they had a reputation. They were famous. They were the kind of tall guy that everyone wanted to take a pop at. And although you probably don't feel like you're running the Roman Empire right now, you may have in your category a reputation and an obvious desirability of the market so you need to be protecting it. If you're working in e commerce or Amazon specifically, if you're running a business for fewer than 10 years, 60-70% percent of all the cash you ever see from the business will come when you sell it. Guess what? If you don't have the proof that you own the things that you sell, like your trademark, If you cannot show that you have dealt with the risks inherent in the business, and we'll talk about those, the business is either not sellable, or you will sell it for hundreds of thousands of dollars or pounds less than you could have sold it for. And that is a huge loss. That is real money, not in your pocket, that could have been. So reason to take this stuff seriously. Let's talk briefly about the threats, which is not much fun, and the ways you can protect yourself, which is much better. In no particular order, Sales Channel risk The first one is sales channels risk. The, the Amazon sales channel is a great powerful thing to have access to, but it can be suspended. So there are two ways that can happen. Listing Suspension One is your listing gets suspended because you've got some words in it that you shouldn't have. Maybe these days, weirdly can be even put in place by the Amazon artificial intelligence engine at Amazon. One half of Amazon does that. And then the other half of Amazon that monitors things like what you're allowed to say in your listing will shut your listing down, which is insane, but entirely consistent with how Amazon operates, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. Obviously you could put something yourself in there naively, and that can suspend a listing for months at the worst. Check TOS So first of all. Checked terms of service and do not assume that one half of Amazon isn't doing stupid things. Check your listings very, very regularly. Particularly there's kind of hero product. If you've got a small set of products, 10 products of which one is doing half your sales, then you watch that like a hawk. Okay. And the other one is of course, to not just depend on one hero product. So not an easy one to mitigate. But luckily most of the time that doesn't happen. such that it's permanently suspended but you've got to account for the fact that it could be suspended. Keep enough cash to survive hero product listing suspension That's another reason, by the way, we'll talk about cash, but that's another reason why you've got to have enough cash...

E-commerce offers a thrilling path to entrepreneurship, but scaling your brand often requires an influx of capital. This guide delves into securing e-commerce startup funding, specifically tailored for Amazon FBA sellers. Here, we'll explore financing options, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for maximizing success with minimal capital. 00:57 Introduction01:54 Discussing Financing Options for E-commerce Businesses02:37 How Lenders Assess E-commerce Businesses for Lending04:07 Invoice Finance and Trade Finance Explained06:02 Understanding Working Capital Needs08:09 Importance of Having a Plan for Using Financing09:26 Common Pitfalls for Amazon Sellers with Financing10:33 Red Flags for When Not to Take External Funding13:01 Minimum Requirements Lenders Look For15:18 Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Financing Viability19:02 Assessing Affordability of Financing21:04 Advice for Hesitant Amazon Sellers on Exploring Financing23:11 How to Get in Touch with Jamie Bridgeson24:59 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Understanding Amazon FBA Creditworthiness Amazon's unique business model poses challenges for traditional credit assessments. Lenders often require at least a year of trading history to gauge profitability and Product-Market Fit (PMF). Demonstrating consistent profits strengthens your creditworthiness significantly. Financing Options for E-commerce Startups Beyond traditional loans, several financing options cater to the specific needs of e-commerce businesses: Trade Finance: Injects capital by allowing lenders to pay suppliers directly. Once you sell the stock, you repay the lender. This frees up cash flow, allowing you to focus on marketing while inventory is financed. Some lenders even offer foreign exchange (Forex) support. Invoice Finance: Once you've received inventory and raised invoices on Amazon or Shopify, you can "unlock" cash from those invoices through lenders. This helps bridge the gap between your payment terms and immediate business needs. Financial Challenges and Strategies for E-commerce Businesses Navigating the financial landscape of e-commerce comes with unique challenges: Balancing Affordability: Not all expenses qualify for financing. Marketing costs, for instance, don't have tangible assets as security. Building affordability into your financing plan is crucial. Minimum Requirements: Lenders often have minimum revenue or profit thresholds. Understanding these requirements helps you determine if external funding is suitable. Red Flags for External Funding: While external funding can fuel growth, consider these red flags before diving in: Unaffordable Debt: Can you comfortably repay the loan without hindering your cash flow? Lenders prioritize affordability, so demonstrating a sustainable repayment plan is essential. Overdependence on Unsecured Loans: During challenging times, some business owners turn to unsecured loans, accumulating significant debt. This can limit your options for future financing. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them: Broker Fees: Reputable brokers receive their fees directly from lenders, not you. Be wary of any upfront costs. DIY Lending: Rejection from one lender doesn't have to be a dead end. Brokers can leverage their network to find more suitable options. Rising Interest Rates: The current economic climate might present higher borrowing costs. Be prepared to factor this into your affordability calculations. Will Lenders Still Lend to E-commerce Businesses? Although liquidity challenges might exist, there will likely still be options. While traditional banks might tighten their belts, private investors may still be open to financing profitable ventures. Affordability: Planning is Key Before seeking external funding, establish a clear plan: Purpose: Identify the exact purpose of the funding. Cost of Funds: Factor in interest rates and fees to understand the full cost of borrowing.

E-commerce businesses offer incredible opportunities for growth and scalability. However, many brand owners struggle to secure the capital they need to take their ventures to the next level. This is where exploring e-commerce funding options becomes crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of financing for e-commerce businesses, helping you navigate various funding options and choose the best fit for your brand. We'll also hear expert insights from Jamie Bridson, Co-founder and Director of Aston Commercial Finance Ltd., a specialist commercial finance broker dedicated to simplifying lending for businesses. 00:00 Intro00:16 Welcome to the 10K Collective Podcast01:00 Introduction of Guest: Jamie Bridson01:40 What is a Commercial Finance Broker?02:44 How Jamie Got into Commercial Finance03:55 Challenges E-commerce Business Owners Face with Finance06:03 Types of Credit: Revolving Credit07:03 Types of Credit: Secured and Unsecured Loans08:02 Explanation of Second Charges10:15 Difference Between Secured Loans and Personal Guarantees11:11 Mitigating Risk with Personal Guarantees12:07 Lenders' Approach to Debt Recovery13:32 Understanding Liens and Collateral15:10 Asset Finance and Equipment Financing17:12 Tax Implications of Financing Structures19:05 Competitive Advantage of Financial Education21:21 Importance of Financial Understanding for Amazon Businesses22:14 Closing Thoughts and Contacting Jamie Understanding Your Funding Needs Before diving into specific options, it's essential to identify your funding needs. Are you looking for a cash injection to bolster inventory, invest in marketing campaigns, or expand into new product lines? Knowing your goals will help you choose the most appropriate financing solution. The Role of a Commercial Finance Broker Commercial finance brokers like Jamie Bridson at Aston Commercial Finance Ltd. (www.astoncf.co.uk) act as a bridge between e-commerce businesses and a network of lenders. They leverage their expertise and industry relationships to secure the best possible rates and terms for your specific needs. Traditionally, bank managers performed a similar role. However, the rise of specialized brokers offers a more streamlined and efficient approach. Jamie Bridson's Journey: From E-commerce Entrepreneur to Finance Specialist Jamie's background provides valuable insights for e-commerce businesses seeking funding. He previously ran an Amazon FBA business, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges many brand owners face. This perspective allows him to understand the specific needs of e-commerce clients and tailor financing solutions accordingly. Common Challenges E-commerce Businesses Face Here are some common hurdles e-commerce businesses encounter when seeking financing: Tight Margins: Some lenders may hesitate to offer financing to businesses with low profit margins. Limited Track Record: Newer businesses might struggle to secure funding due to a lack of established financial history. Inventory Management: Funding needs can fluctuate depending on inventory levels and sales cycles. Growth Goals: Securing capital for expansion activities like mergers and acquisitions or purchasing commercial property requires specialized financing solutions. Exploring E-commerce Funding Options Now that you understand the landscape, let's explore the main types of e-commerce funding options: 1. Revolving Credit: Revolving credit facilities, such as business credit cards, offer a flexible line of credit that can be drawn on and repaid continually. These are typically best suited for established businesses with a proven track record and a minimum revenue threshold (often six figures). 2. Unsecured Loans: Unsecured loans are provided based on the borrower's creditworthiness and are not backed by collateral. They typically carry higher interest rates than secured loans and often require a personal guarantee from the busi...

Is Tesla going bankrupt? More importantly - is your ecommerce business? Tesla isn't the Point Sorry for the enigmatic start. I've just got to get your attention somehow. I'm trying to educate you, but I sneakily got to make it entertaining, I guess. So I was just going through my LinkedIn feed earlier and up pops an analyst talking about Tesla. And what struck me wasn't the fact that he thought Tesla could go bankrupt, that it is "the most overvalued stock in history" and that its business model is broken. Although if you invest in Tesla, those are important things, that's not the point of today's post. By the way, just to disclose, I am an investor in Tesla currently, but I may not be soon. I may choose to divest. Now I am not giving you any stock investing advice. God only knows that is not something I'm qualified in or experienced enough to give any advice to anyone about. So that's not what I'm doing. Do your own homework on Tesla. But the point is this I haven't done enough homework. I didn't do enough homework in the first place when I bought it. I just thought it would be a fun ride and it's educational and it has been both of those things. Sounds a bit playful, but it was only 1, 000 invested. So I figure I'm not going to lose my life savings or bet my pension on it. The business model evaluation matters most But the education component is vital because I think what interests me is not whether this guy is right or wrong, but the way he argued, And talked about the stock and how he thought it was overvalued was for me, the right way of thinking. Now the results are not always going to be the same as reality. The result of your thinking and calculations all the time. But over time, if you have an accurate mental model, mental models of the world, I think your results should track reality. And over time that will guide you. Well, so what this guy was talking about Per Lakander's analysis per Lakander of Clean Energy Transition to give him credit. Sounded Scandinavian. And basically, if I summarize what I understood from it, he's saying that. Whilst Tesla has claimed issues, okay, that the headline is, I guess Tesla is about to report some really bad quarterly earnings publicly listed companies report and its quarterly and indeed all the other financial statements. Of course, smaller businesses tend to think only in terms of annual reports, although they're mainly broken down monthly. So here's the thing, he said the The balance sheet and income statement reveal a lot First of all, there has been a claim that, maybe by Elon Musk, maybe by other people who are more fans of Tesla, that they had some arson, and therefore there was a production problem. But he said, well, but if you look at the inventory, it's excess inventory. They have a huge pile of unsold cars somewhere, in other words, car parts, or work in progress towards cars. Which he says implies that there's excess inventory, that's a demand-side problem, not a supply-side problem. Hard to argue with that. Competition Analysis is critical And the other thing he's saying is that the competition such as Volkswagen is coming up with 30 new electric vehicles or mostly electric vehicle models this year. Tesla has two models and it's going to create a new one allegedly by the end of 2025. And he says, well, realistically probably the end of 2026. And then he talks about the business model, which interested me the most because that's. I think highly relevant, bizarrely, for any inventory-based business, including small FBA businesses, even though it sounds so different to Tesla, doesn't it, on the surface of it? Understanding the Business model But he said, okay, the working model was predicated on great growth, very high fixed costs, and thus creating a negative, working capital. What that means is you get paid to sell stuff. And I don't know all the details of Tesla. I probably should as an investor,

Congratulations! You've built a thriving e-commerce brand. But have you considered the next crucial step: wealth management? While achieving explosive business growth is commendable, it's equally important to ensure the resources you've diligently built translate into a fulfilling lifestyle. This guide delves into expert wealth management and investment strategies specifically tailored for e-commerce entrepreneurs seeking to scale their wealth alongside their brands. [00:00:00] Intro: Michael Veazey discusses the challenges faced by business owners in managing their finances. [00:00:21] Intro: Michael introduces the topic of preserving wealth and introduces Henry Okosi from Fortress Wealth Management. [00:01:27] Discussion: Michael and Henry discuss the importance of preserving wealth for SME business owners. [00:02:05] Henry introduces himself and discusses his background in financial planning. [00:02:42] Michael and Henry discuss why wealth management is important for small business owners. [00:03:45] Michael discusses the obsession with revenue and profit in business and the importance of personal wealth management. [00:04:57] Henry talks about the gap in financial knowledge and literacy among business owners. [00:06:14] Henry discusses the importance of having a life plan aligned with business goals. [00:08:03] Henry talks about his background and the services offered by Fortress Wealth Management. [00:09:26] Henry discusses the need for uncomfortable conversations and creating a safe space to discuss personal wealth.+ [00:15:03] Justifying Business Efforts to Significant Others [00:15:19] Setting Specific Outcome Targets [00:15:34] Revenue vs. Meaningful Targets [00:15:48] Building a Plan to Achieve Targets [00:15:51] Ground-Up vs. Backward Planning [00:16:20] Forward-Thinking Decisions [00:16:44] Evaluating and Optimizing Resources [00:17:07] Front Loading vs. Utilizing Business as an Asset [00:17:22] Balancing Resource Allocation and Planning [00:17:34] Importance of Asset and Resource Allocation Bridging the Gap: Why Wealth Management Matters Many e-commerce owners become laser-focused on growth, profit, and scaling their businesses. However, a critical gap often emerges: what happens when success arrives? Many entrepreneurs lack the financial knowledge or time to effectively manage their personal finances amidst the demands of running a business. This lack of planning can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary stress. Wealth management empowers you to take control, ensuring your hard-earned success translates into long-term financial security and a fulfilling life. Meet Henri Okosi: Your Guide to Financial Freedom Henri Okosi, a seasoned financial planner with a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Driven by a genuine interest in finance and a desire to connect with people, Henri leverages his expertise to bridge the knowledge gap for e-commerce business owners. Through Fortress Wealth Management, a proud partner of St. James's Place Wealth Management, Henri offers a personalized approach to wealth management, serving clients in London and beyond. Crafting a Personalized Wealth Plan: The Cornerstone of Success The cornerstone of effective wealth management lies in creating a comprehensive plan. This plan goes beyond just your business goals; it encompasses your personal desires and aspirations. Here's how Henri approaches crafting a personalized wealth plan: Uncovering Your "Why": The journey begins by defining your "why." What is the ideal life you envision for yourself? Is it early retirement, financial independence, or providing for your family's future? Understanding your core values and long-term goals becomes the foundation for your financial strategy. Emotional Check-In: Wealth management goes beyond numbers. Henri starts by exploring your current financial situation – are you feeling uncertain, comfortable, or optimistic?

For e-commerce brand owners looking to scale their businesses with minimal capital, hiring virtual assistants (VAs) can be a game-changer. However, making the wrong hire can lead to lost time, money, and productivity. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore common virtual assistant hiring mistakes and provide actionable tips to help you navigate the process seamlessly. 00:00:43 - Introduction to FreeUp00:01:41 - FreeUp Services00:02:32 - Hiring the Right Freelancers00:06:20 - Effective Communication and Expectations00:08:16 - Structured Approach to Hiring00:09:52 - Creating a Scope of Work00:12:09 - Vetting Freelancers with Test Projects00:14:23 - Tailoring the Interview Process Define Your Needs and Create a Solid Scope of Work Before you even begin the recruitment process, it's crucial to define your needs and create a detailed scope of work. Start by grabbing a pen and paper, and list out all the menial tasks you can hand off to a VA. When you see these tasks in writing, you'll realize which ones can be delegated without extensive training or onboarding. A scope of work serves as an agreement between you and the freelancer, outlining expectations, processes, key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and deliverables. It's essential to have this document in place, whether you're hiring an in-house or freelance VA. Not only does it save time on training, but it also sets clear boundaries and ensures everyone is on the same page. Leverage Freelancer Hiring Platforms and Conduct Test Projects When it comes to sourcing potential candidates, freelancer hiring platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freeup can be valuable resources. These platforms typically pre-vet freelancers, saving you time and effort in the initial screening process. Additionally, you can tap into industry networks, word-of-mouth recommendations, and LinkedIn to find suitable candidates. Regardless of where you find potential VAs, it's crucial to conduct test projects. These projects will not only gauge the candidate's skills but also provide insights into their communication style, time management, and ability to follow instructions. Pay close attention to whether they arrive on time for meetings, complete tasks within the given timeframe, and ask relevant questions to understand the scope of work better. Vet for Experience, Time Capacity, and Communication Skills When evaluating potential VAs, it's essential to consider their experience level, time capacity, and communication skills. At Freeup, for instance, freelancers are required to have at least three years of experience to ensure they possess the necessary expertise and professionalism. Time capacity is another crucial factor. Many international freelancers work extended hours and juggle multiple clients, so it's important to understand their workload and availability. Additionally, inquire about their work setup – are they operating solo or as part of an agency? Knowing who you'll be communicating with can help you gauge the level of support and responsiveness you can expect. Conduct Thorough Interviews and Background Checks While a candidate may look impressive on paper, it's essential to conduct thorough interviews to assess their personality fit, work style, and communication skills. Remember, you'll be working closely with this individual, so ensuring a good cultural and communication fit is crucial for a productive working relationship. Furthermore, don't skip background checks and identity verification processes. These steps can help mitigate potential risks and ensure you're hiring a legitimate and trustworthy individual. Consider Managed Services for a Hands-Off Approach If you prefer a more hands-off approach to managing your virtual assistants, consider opting for managed services offered by platforms like Freeup. With managed services, a dedicated project manager handles weekly meetings, ensures deliverables are met,

Is uk e-commerce market growing? John Lewis and Brick and Mortar stores The state of retail and e-commerce in the UK in 2024 Hey folks, Michael from Amazing FBA. I've just been shopping in my new city, Welwyn Garden City at John Lewis, which used to be the company store here until the 1960s. And even now it's pretty dominant. And I want to talk about my new set of shoes and reflect on the state of retail and e-commerce. As part of my wanderings around Europe, London and the UK, I often like to reflect on retail experiences. I don't personally like shopping by the way. I prefer e-commerce because I can just buy whatever I want and get out. But when I go shoot shopping because of very, very awkward feet, I need to interact with a physical shop. Now, John Lewis. Let's talk about John Lewis for a second. John Lewis is a brand, it's a retail brand rather than a brand that makes things, although they do have their own lines, private label lines of things. We also have an interesting secondhand relationship with a couple of my clients in the 10k collective, both former and current have in the past sold a lot of stuff to John Lewis. And they said you think Amazon is bad and capricious. You should try and talk into John Lewis buyers who will reject you or, you know, push you down on the price by two pence or two cents per unit or something ridiculous. John Lewis has a, business model that's very challenging. I think they're letting go of quite a percentage. Maybe it's 10 per cent of the staff when they come in the year, they shut down some stores, they shut down a flag chick store in Birmingham or Birmingham, England is the Americans call it. So that sounds like it's game over for John Lewis and it's a win for e-commerce but a couple of thoughts. In-person buying can make sense - especially for apparel First of all, the buying experience, I have awkward feet, as I said, and therefore I can't buy shoes online and expect them to fit my awkward feet. I need to go and shop in person. So in-person shopping is not dead yet. And in fact, Thereby hangs a tale... Personalised and human shopping experience The second thing is the experience. I had a very pleasant person serving me and actually serving me, hanging around, looking patient, looking like he actually cared, instead of poking at his phone or just wandering off or giving me monosyllabic answers, which has been my experience of shopping in most places in Britain. And the guys seemed to know their business, and he actually practically helped me by going and fetching different sizes of pairs of shoes. Simple stuff, but in my experience, that's not to be taken for granted these days. So, the experience of somebody seeming to care about you, the experience of somebody, well, maybe he actually cares, maybe he's just polite enough to seem to care, but they've got quality staff. The John Lewis/Waitrose model - the staff owning part of the business John Lewis and Waitrose, which is part of one group, actually have very, very good quality staff. Now, the interesting thing about them, that's not necessarily the lesson to learn, but it's a possible lesson, is that they actually, The staff are, of course, the owners. It's a cooperative, very unusual structure these days. The so-called Cooperative Bank in Britain is no longer a cooperative bank and is about to be bought by Barclays, I believe, so another bank anyway. So they're a rare thing, but what it does seem to mean is that when I go into a John Lewis or Waitrose, the grocery store, as you call it in the States, or John Lewis is a sort of mid-price, I guess it's like Sears or something like that in America, The people are generally cheerful and helpful. And quite consistently so, not just one or two people that you're lucky to find. So, reflections. The High Street is not dead First of all, the high street's not dead. And actually, people have been In the industry that I suppose...

Thinking about selling your e-commerce brand? You're not alone. The market for established online businesses is booming, and Flippa, the world's leading platform for buying and selling online businesses, can help you navigate the process. In this post, we'll explore key factors to consider when evaluating your brand's sellability and provide valuable insights from Benny Gould, Flippa's global head of advisory. [00:02:32] Determining Business Valuation: Assets, Financials, IP.[00:04:40] Understanding Due Diligence in M&A.[00:05:59] Timing and Market for Selling.[00:06:25] Partnerships and Long-Term Acquisitions.[00:06:37] Typical Deal Structures: Cash, Deferred Payments.[00:07:06] Buyer Experience Influences Deal Structure.[00:15:40] Look at Revenue North of 250,000.[00:20:18] E-commerce Success Post-COVID Depends on Audience Targeting.[00:22:40] Impact on Sellers' Lives Drives Flippa's Mission.[00:23:48] Handbook Educates Small to Medium Business Owners.[00:25:19] Insights from Flippa Provide Valuable Perspective. Is Now the Right Time to Sell? The 2024 E-commerce Landscape The answer is a resounding yes! The e-commerce market in 2024 presents a seller-friendly environment. However, many brand owners remain unaware of their business' true value and exit potential. This is where Flippa's expertise comes in. Understanding Your Business Value: Valuation Methods Explained Determining your e-commerce brand's value is crucial. Flippa utilizes a three-pronged approach: Asset Valuation: This considers tangible assets like inventory and intellectual property (IP) associated with your brand. Financial Performance: A thorough analysis of your profit and loss statements reveals your business' profitability, a significant factor for buyers. Market Benchmarking: Flippa leverages its extensive 15-year data pool to compare your business against similar e-commerce brands, providing a realistic valuation range. Beyond Price Tags: Due Diligence - A Critical Step A successful e-commerce business sale hinges on robust due diligence. This involves two key aspects: Verification: Similar to a property inspection, buyers will meticulously examine your business. This includes customer verification, inventory checks, and supplier contract reviews. Deal Structure: Negotiating a win-win deal structure is essential. Key considerations include cash upfront payments, earnouts (performance-based payments), and potential lending arrangements. Legal Considerations: Ensuring a Smooth Transaction Selling your e-commerce brand involves legalities. While market conditions are favorable, focusing solely on valuation multiples isn't always the wisest approach. Flippa can connect you with legal professionals to protect your interests throughout the exit process. Unveiling Typical Deal Structures in the E-commerce Market Flippa caters to both experienced and less-experienced buyers. Here's a breakdown of typical deal structures: Experienced Buyers: These buyers often have readily available funds and can offer a higher percentage of cash upfront, especially for businesses exhibiting consistent growth. Businesses with a strong track record (over 4 years) tend to attract more upfront cash offers. Less Experienced Buyers: Securing loans might be more challenging for less-experienced buyers, potentially impacting the upfront cash component of the deal structure. A Global Marketplace: Cross-border Transactions in E-commerce Flippa facilitates a significant number of cross-border transactions (over 67%). This opens your brand to a wider pool of potential buyers, like family offices and high-net-worth individuals seeking international investment opportunities. Although cross-border transactions involve jurisdictional considerations, Flippa's team is well-equipped to navigate these complexities. Why Consider Selling to International Buyers? Some e-commerce brands might have established a strong presence ...

The ecommerce market is constantly evolving, and 2024 is no exception. While giants like Amazon might seem to dominate the landscape, there's still incredible opportunity for established brands to scale and thrive. In this post, we'll explore how to leverage the power of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to fuel your ecommerce growth, even with limited. [00:00:00] - Benny Gould Mentions Flippa Does Around 12,000 Deals Per Year For Online Businesses.[00:01:12] - Michael Asks Where Benny Is Coming From (Amsterdam).[00:01:57] - Discussion About Flippa Having A Global Reach And Being Distributed Across Different Locations.[00:02:09] - Michael Asks About Flippa's History And Reputation For Smaller Deals In The Past.[00:03:22] - Benny Mentions Flippa Currently Has Over 122 Businesses For Sale Valued Over $1 Million.[00:04:21] - Michael Asks About The Landscape Of Selling Amazon Businesses In 2024 And The Role Of Aggregators.[00:07:09] - Discussion About The Overview Of The E-commerce Business Market In 2024.[00:10:32] - Benny Says March 2024 Was A Record Month For Flippa Across The Company.[00:11:11] - Michael Asks About The Mix Of Different Digital Assets For Sale On Flippa Beyond E-commerce[00:13:35] - Discussion About Amazon Sellers Potentially Combining Different Business Models Like Content Sites.[00:15:18] - Benny Provides Information About Flippa's Free Guides And Resources For Selling Or Acquiring Businesses.[00:16:18] - Benny Offers A Special 30-day Free Trial Of Flippa Premium For Podcast Listeners. Flippa: Your Gateway to High-Value Ecommerce Acquisitions Many brand owners might not realize the potential of M&A for scaling their businesses. This is where Flippa, the world's leading platform for buying and selling online businesses, steps in. Founded in Melbourne, Australia, with hubs in Austin, Texas, and Amsterdam, Flippa boasts a 15-year track record of facilitating successful M&A transactions across over 160 countries. Beyond Small Deals: Uncovering Big Opportunities on Flippa Flippa isn't just about small deals. Contrary to popular belief, 99% of business owners are unaware of the platform's potential for high-value acquisitions. Flippa has facilitated over 122 deals exceeding $1 million valuations, alongside numerous significant 6- and 7-figure transactions. Their experienced team leverages their global reach to connect sellers with qualified buyers, even for cross-border transactions (a staggering 87% of deals on Flippa!). With over 12,000 deals completed last year, Flippa offers a robust marketplace for scaling your brand. The Evolution of Digital Assets: From Domains to Thriving E-commerce Stores The digital landscape is ever-changing. Just like the early days of domain flipping and affiliate marketing, the rise of Amazon and ecommerce created a new wave of valuable digital assets. Today, established e-commerce stores, along with their social media channels and intellectual property, represent lucrative opportunities for acquisition. Meet Benny Gould: Leading Your Ecommerce M&A Journey Benny Gould, Flippa's global head of advisory, leads a dedicated M&A team of 14 experts. This team operates through two distinct models: a pure brokerage model that identifies and secures deals, and an M&A advisory team that provides in-depth valuations for businesses considering an exit strategy. Flippa's experts can guide you through every step of the acquisition process, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Navigating the Evolving Ecommerce Landscape: M&A Trends in 2024 The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly impacted the M&A market, driving up revenue and deal valuations. However, 2024 presents a unique landscape. While some distressed sales are still present, the majority of deals involve profitable businesses. Notably, there's no shortage of capital available for acquisitions, with a significant increase in buyer activity on Flippa over the last two years.

Are you ready to break through plateaus and achieve explosive growth on Amazon? This guide unveils the 8D Framework, a data-driven strategy designed specifically for established e-commerce brands with Product-Market Fit (PMF). Learn how to optimize every aspect of your Amazon presence for maximum impact, leading to a potential 2X growth in just 12 weeks. Time Stamps [00:00:00] - Discussion about profit margins and pricing strategies for Amazon sellers.[00:07:55] - Explanation of the importance of product positioning and brand consistency across platforms.[00:15:18] - Introduction of the fourth dimension of the 8D framework: product positioning and brand building.[00:21:40] - Discussion of the fifth dimension: customer experience optimization for different devices and languages.[00:28:11] - Explanation of the sixth dimension: tech stack and utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT.[00:30:40] - Details on the seventh dimension: logistics and supply chain management, including Amazon's Seller Fulfilled Prime program.[00:33:47] - Description of the eighth dimension: team communication and collaboration.[00:37:15] - Information about attending the free workshop and the 12-week Rapid 2X Accelerator program.[00:40:00] - Summary of the 8D framework and an analogy to the movie "The Karate Kid."[00:40:23] - Details about the 10K Collective Uber Mastermind program offered by the host, Michael Veazey. The 8D Framework: A Deep Dive The 8D Framework goes beyond simply throwing money at advertising. It's a meticulous, step-by-step approach that optimizes your existing assets for peak performance. Let's break down each dimension: Dimension 1: Performance Optimization This stage involves a comprehensive audit of your Amazon presence, including: Product Detail Pages (PDPs): Optimize titles, descriptions, images, and videos for maximum clarity and conversion. Leverage A+ Content to showcase your brand story and product benefits.Brand Store: Establish a dedicated brand presence on Amazon to build trust and brand recognition.Brand Registry: Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry to protect your brand from counterfeiters and unlock additional features.Amazon Ads: For brands exceeding $150,000-$250,000 in annual sales per ASIN, utilize Amazon Ads strategically to target relevant customers and drive conversions. Leverage Amazon Attribution to track campaign effectiveness. Dimension 2: Pricing & Promotions Strategic use of promotions can boost sales, but profitability is paramount. Consider factors like: Ideal Gross Margin: Aim for a 65% gross margin after accounting for landed costs.Amazon Fees: Factor in Amazon's selling price fees (30-35%) and FBA fulfillment costs when determining profitability.Advertising Costs: Account for Advertising Cost of Sale (ACOS) alongside Amazon fees to ensure a healthy net margin (ideally 10-15%).Promotional Calendar: Utilize targeted promotions for holidays like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, but ensure profitability. Dimension 3: Marketing Beyond Amazon Ads Move beyond viewing Amazon PPC as your sole marketing strategy. Focus on building a strong brand story that resonates with your target audience: Craft a Compelling Brand Narrative: Every product has a story – use it to connect with customers. Highlight use cases, and showcase the story behind your brand and founders.Influencer Marketing: Partner with relevant influencers on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to amplify your brand message.A+ Content & Brand Store as Storytelling Platforms: Utilize A+ Content and your brand store to showcase your brand story and product benefits. Seasonally adapt your content to maintain freshness. Dimension 4: Product Positioning & Brand Building Set your product apart from the competition through strategic positioning and brand building: Showcase Product Differentiation: Demonstrate what makes your product unique. Use high-quality product images and videos that showcase the product ...

Have you hit a plateau with your Amazon sales? Dreaming of explosive growth but unsure where to start? This guide unlocks the secrets used by industry leaders to achieve 2X growth in just 12 weeks. Learn the 8D Framework, a data-driven approach specifically designed for established e-commerce brands with Product-Market Fit (PMF) to scale their Amazon presence efficiently. Time Stamps [00:04:15] Having $100k-$250k in yearly sales per product demonstrates product-market fit for Amazon sellers.[00:06:05] He looks at sales per ASIN/product line, not the seller's total sales across all products.[00:09:01] The 12-week Rapid 2X Accelerator program aims to have clients trending at 2x their daily sales rate.[00:10:19] The program implements optimizations across 84 days in areas like logistics, productivity, and sleep habits to compound growth.[00:14:46] The first dimension is Performance Optimization - optimizing product listings, A+ content, pricing, promotions, and PPC campaigns.[00:18:04] This includes optimizing titles, bullet points, images and videos to increase conversions and organic ranking.[00:20:25] For FBA, having enough inventory for 1-day Prime delivery can significantly increase sales conversions.[00:27:11] One client saw 50% sales growth in the first week from just the listing optimization dimension. About the Author : Sabir Semerkant Sabir Semerkant is a titan in the e-commerce world. Over the past 25 years, he's helped launch two entirely new Amazon categories and worked with clients featured on Shark Tank. His company, GrowthBySabir, has generated over $1 billion in e-commerce sales across diverse platforms like DTC, Shopify, and, of course, Amazon. Partnering with Gary Vaynerchuck Sabir's expertise caught the eye of Gary Vaynerchuk, leading to a collaboration that brought e-commerce to the forefront of Vayner Media. Together, they established a global e-commerce agency with a proven track record of success. Defining Product-Market Fit (PMF) Before diving into the 8D Framework, let's solidify the concept of PMF. For Amazon specifically, Sabir defines a brand as PMF-ready if it meets the following criteria: Yearly Sales per ASIN (including variations): $100,000 - $250,000 USD Experience with common challenges: Counterfeiting, cloning, brand registry Marketing Efforts: Basic understanding of advertising (Amazon Ads or Google Ads) Supply Chain Management: Inventory control and responsiveness to customer feedback Product Iteration: Willingness to adapt based on reviews and competitor analysis For Shopify stores, the overall PMF threshold translates to roughly $500,000 in annual sales. Confirming Product-Market Fit (PMF) Here are some additional indicators of PMF: Inventory Management: Consistent stock availability Product Photography: Ability to capture high-quality product images (even with an iPhone) What the 8D Framework Isn't This framework isn't about throwing money at advertising (Amazon Ads or Google Ads). It's a data-driven approach focused on optimizing existing assets for maximum impact.

In the bustling world of e-commerce, one question looms large: why do people buy? We often find ourselves fixating on the features of our products, the materials they're made from, or the benefits they offer. But in reality, successful selling goes beyond these surface-level attributes. It's about tapping into the deeper desires and emotions of our customers. Welcome back to part 2 of our exploration into authentic selling, where we delve into the psychology behind consumer behavior and how authenticity can revolutionize your sales strategy. Understanding the Customer Experience: Beyond Product Features Let's kick things off with a vivid example shared by an online marketing specialist during a recent interview. Picture this: you've developed the ultimate fishing lure. It's crafted with precision, boasting a carbon fiber shell and surgical stainless steel hooks. But here's the twist – nobody cares about the technical details. What truly matters is the experience you're selling. Think about it. When someone buys a fishing lure, they're not just looking to catch fish. They're seeking adventure, camaraderie, and perhaps a taste of victory. By understanding the deeper motivations of your target audience, you can transform a mundane product into an irresistible proposition. In this case, it's not about the lure itself, but the experience of being the ultimate angler – outsmarting your friends, reeling in the biggest catch, and basking in the glory of success. Cultural Nuances in Sales: Tailoring Your Message But authentic selling isn't just about crafting compelling narratives. It's also about understanding the cultural nuances and emotional triggers that drive consumer behavior. Take the example of selling to different markets, such as the UK versus the US. While Brits may downplay their achievements, Americans have a strong affinity for winning and success. By tailoring your message to resonate with the values of your target audience, you can create a deeper connection and drive greater engagement. Embracing Risk and Fearlessness: The Path to Success Authentic selling isn't without its challenges, though. As our interviewee aptly points out, it often requires stepping outside your comfort zone and taking calculated risks. Whether it's expanding your business, investing in new technologies, or challenging prevailing norms, authentic selling demands courage and conviction. It's about pushing past the boundaries of what's comfortable and embracing the unknown. Transcending Fear: Unlocking Your True Potential But perhaps the most profound insight shared during the interview is the idea of transcending the fear of failure and death. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "Mountaintop Speech," our interviewee reflects on the transformative power of fearlessness. By letting go of our insecurities and embracing our true potential, we can unlock new possibilities and achieve extraordinary success. Conclusion: The Power of Authentic Selling In conclusion, authentic selling isn't just a marketing tactic – it's a philosophy that drives meaningful change. By understanding the deeper motivations of our customers, tapping into cultural nuances, and embracing fearlessness, we can elevate our sales strategy to new heights. So the next time you're tempted to focus solely on product features, remember that authenticity is the key to unlocking the hearts and minds of your audience. Join the Authentic Selling Movement: "No Douchebag Selling" Program If you're ready to embark on your journey of authentic selling, we invite you to explore our upcoming program, "No Douchebag Selling." Designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and mindset needed to succeed in today's competitive landscape, this program offers practical insights and actionable strategies for authentic salesmanship. To learn more and join our community of like-minded individuals,

Authentic Selling vs. Jedi Mind Tricks - Coach Dan Gordon Now, I've got to tell you, I said to Coach Dan Gordon, this is who we've got on the show, how I should introduce him. He said, "I want you to say the greatest fraud I've ever met,". Well, Authentic Selling is the focus of today's show, but that's clearly not the truth! Dan Gordon is an executive coach and speaker, and his mission is to raise the consciousness of bad-ass entrepreneurs all over the world. So there you go, welcome to the show Coach Dan. Good to have you here. Gratitude and Insight Thank you so much. It's a real delight. And I just so appreciate what you do, Michael, helping people really step into the things that they struggle with and look at the parts of their life and their business that they need to work on. And just by the nature of the conversations that you have, you force those thoughts. It's beautiful. Authenticity in Conversation Not a sort of soft, cuddly guy, really. I guess British people have a habit of being, you know, a little bit on the cooler side, quietly blunt, I guess in a way. So yeah, I try to keep it real and that's definitely the topic of today's conversation. Authentic Selling vs. Jedi Mind Tricks Our topic, authentic selling versus Jedi mind tricks. Really like this one because it's a huge corrective to what's going on out there. So tell me what's this all about for you. The Overused Concept of Authenticity So last year, the Miriam Webster word of the year was authentic or authenticity, which means it is a widely overused word that now has no meaning. Right. So everybody wants to be authentic. Everybody, you know, and now, you know, people are training people how to be authentic, which is insane, right? Challenges with Traditional Sales Methods When you think about selling authentically, that betrays all of the Sandler type methods, which is, you know, the customer's pain points describing your products, features, and benefits, the open, the middle, the close, all of those things that people use as leverage to sell their crap and what. What makes it so inauthentic is you are not actually engaged with your client. Embracing Authenticity in Sales And so, I love that because it's forcing people to reevaluate how they show up in a sales meeting. And the reevaluation is, I'm going to put you first, Michael, if I want you to buy my coaching, then you have to come first. Not me, not this cool thing, not your pain points, but you, what are you struggling with right now? How can I make you a better person? Whether or not you buy my services and that's what authentic selling is. Adapting Authenticity in E-commerce I mean, they often do, but they probably don't think of it as a sales conversation. If you're talking to a supplier, if you're talking to a freight manager, if you're hiring a photographer, but you know, the essence of what they do is done by a computer screen. Implementing Authenticity Online So that's a great question. I get it. I get that kind of question a lot. I don't do one on one sales. Very few people do one on one sales. What's the point of what I'm talking about? The point is in messaging. How do I reach out to you as a person? Testing Messaging through Human Interaction And so you really have to test your messaging on human beings. And I would say that my best suggestion is to go to a networking meeting, go to a chamber of commerce, go to a place where people are and talk to them about what you're selling and see how they respond to it, right? Appealing to Human Emotions You know, the kids today, they do not go for that crap. If you start doing your product qualities and your, you know, the features and benefits, they go, "Whoa, wait a second, hold on. Just talk to me." Authenticity in Pricing If you start saying, yeah, you're going to get rich. You're going to get a Tesla. You're going to get a Ferrari, instantly.

Hey folks. I want to discuss what is kind of a hard topic, which is why an e-commerce business isn't a cash cow. It's not what is advertised to be on the internet, but the good news is it could make you more money than you think, as long as you know what you're dealing with. The myth of the e-com cash cow So folks let's talk about the myth of an e-commerce business as a cash cow. There is a lot of misconception on the internet about the cash-generating potential of e-commerce ventures. I'm talking about things with physical products at their heart, and therefore inventory, which changes everything. And we need to examine this. Typical cash cow digital businesses Now let's talk about what we mean by cash cow. First of all, I'm talking really about things that produce money. In cash in other words without much capital investment. The examples that spring to mind: are coaching. I know all about that because I've been doing that online for years. The upsides: you don't need to pay much money, or even any to start, if you just use influencer platforms like podcasting as I did to start with, but you need to spend a little bit of money on a little bit of equipment- podcast, mics very, very cheap. You can do it with your phone these days. Downsides of course. You cannot just sell that easily, because it depends on your face and your brand. Also, you're trading time for money, unless you scale it up to be running a huge coaching practice. And then you're trying to scale up people. and hiring people is not easy to scale in the same way as digital systems or physical products. So it is not the easy option it might appear. But it doesn't require necessarily a lot of capital stuck in the business. Digital business models, also digital products like books, have the same characteristic. So I'm not discussing those; what I mean is an e-commerce business model is where you own the inventory that you sell. Challenge 1: Profit margins So let's talk about the challenges of e-commerce business models and what I think they are not. And what I think they are. First of all. It's not a profit monster. There are certain types of business models where you might spend some money on YouTube ads for example, and then you sell your coaching - time for money trade, but at least it's 70% profit. But you have quite healthy profit margins in that kind of business- digital product businesses, very healthy margins. Not so much with physical products. You have to buy the products. You have to ship them around, you have to store them, you have to fulfill them. And then you've got to pay for whichever platform helps you sell them. Amazon takes a 15% sales commission. Plus then you've got to pay for traffic in the form of ads to wherever you sell them, you've got to pay for ads. So the Operating costs are pretty high. The heart of the matter: capital intensity But here's the true meat of the matter. The heart of the matter is capital. If you want to have an inventory-based business, you need to think about the balance sheet. All assets are not created equal To put it simply, the assets are the things that the company owns. Most Amazon or Shopify-type businesses don't tend to own many things that unless you've been, you've got a very big business. They don't tend to own warehouses and offices unless they're really big, but they do own normally two major assets, which is cash and inventory. And if you want to have stock in inventory, you're swapping cash for inventory. Profit is not the same as cash (not even close) And here's the thing. If you increase the value of the equity in the business and assume there's no debt, that's the same as the assets in the business, you can have a paper profit. Let's say you have at the start of your trading a hundred thousand dollars in cash and zero inventory. And at the end of the year, you've turned the cash into inventory. You've turned the inventory twice.

Advertising costs on Amazon are on a ruthless upward trajectory. Feeling the pinch and worried about maintaining profitability? You're not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we'll equip you with powerful strategies to dramatically reduce your Amazon ad spend without sacrificing sales. This isn't about cutting corners or sacrificing quality. We'll show you how to optimize your advertising campaigns, leverage the power of organic ranking, and unlock conversion-boosting techniques that make your ad spend work harder for you. Ready to reclaim control of your advertising budget and fuel explosive sales growth on Amazon? Let's dive in! [00:00:00] Rule-based AI optimizes bids [00:01:10] 10K Collective Podcast Welcome [00:03:02] Travis's Amazon Journey [00:04:09] Optimize Review Funnels [00:06:01] Competing with Reviews [00:07:28] Understanding Review Funnels [00:10:08] Effective Call-to-Action [00:11:45] Valuable Bonus Items [00:12:39] Reducing Friction Levels [00:15:03] Use Helium 10 for tracking rankings. [00:15:19] Amplify bids with bid multipliers. [00:15:39] Monitor ranking until bottom of page 1. [00:15:56] Deploy multifaceted approach for ranking. [00:16:25] Reduce bids by 50% when at top. [00:16:38] Experiment with bid reductions weekly. [00:17:03] Turn off ads for well-ranked bestsellers. [00:17:27] Reduce ad spend by 10% weekly. [00:18:20] Use UGC for inexpensive creatives. [00:18:57] Use subtitles in video ads for engagement. The Ever-Rising Tide of Ad Costs Advertising costs are on an undeniable upward trajectory across platforms like Meta, Youtube, and yes, even Amazon. This trend is fueled by several factors, including: Influx of Sellers: The Amazon marketplace is teeming with new sellers, particularly from China, leading to increased competition and a surge in ad costs for coveted keywords. Amazon's Profit Motive: As a publicly traded company, Amazon prioritizes shareholder value. This often translates to higher fees for sellers, including advertising costs. They may even charge storage fees if you don't maintain sufficient inventory. The Algorithmic Squeeze: Amazon's AI-powered A9 algorithm plays a significant role in product ranking and ad placement. This can make it challenging for new entrants to gain traction without significant advertising spend. The Two-Pronged Approach to Ad Control The key to controlling your Amazon ad spend lies in a two-pronged approach: 1. Optimize for Organic Ranking: The more your products rank organically in search results, the less reliant you become on PPC (pay-per-click) advertising. While AI-driven changes might necessitate some ongoing PPC investment to maintain ranking, a strong organic foundation reduces your overall dependence on paid ads. Here are some key organic ranking optimization strategies: Keyword Research: Identify relevant, high-volume keywords that accurately describe your products. Utilize tools like Amazon Seller Central's search bar and keyword research extensions. Product Listing Optimization: Craft compelling product titles, descriptions, and bullet points rich with relevant keywords. Optimize your product images for clarity and incorporate high-quality visuals. Positive Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Reviews not only build trust and influence purchase decisions but also contribute to organic ranking. 2. Master the Art of Amazon Ads: While organic ranking is crucial, PPC advertising remains a vital tool for driving traffic and sales on Amazon. Here's how to optimize your Amazon ad campaigns for maximum return on investment: Dedicated Ad Management: Ideally, assign a dedicated team member or leverage specialized software to manage your Amazon ads. Software automation can often outperform humans in managing complex bidding strategies. Campaign Structure: Organize your campaigns strategically. Separate broad match, phrase match,

Imagine a thriving Amazon brand with a loyal customer base, consistently generating positive reviews. This isn't a pipe dream! Kusha Karvandi, founder of Launch Titans, a full-service digital agency specializing in Amazon and Shopify success, unveils a powerful strategy to get more Amazon reviews in 2024. Kusha's experience spans over a decade, starting in the early days of Amazon FBA when competition was less fierce. He's successfully built and exited multiple businesses, with a deep understanding of the current Amazon landscape. Here's a crucial truth Kusha reveals: most satisfied customers simply don't leave reviews organically. The challenge lies in the silent majority. Happy customers rarely take the initiative to write reviews, while disgruntled ones are far more vocal. This skews the perception of your product and can hinder sales. The solution? Building a strategic review funnel. [00:00:00] Customer Perspective Offer [00:01:10] Welcome to 10K Collective Podcast [00:03:02] Travis's Amazon Journey [00:04:09] Importance of Review Funnels [00:06:01] Competing with Reviews [00:07:28] What is a Review Funnel? [00:10:08] Enticing Call-to-Action [00:11:45] Tangible Bonus Items [00:12:39] Adjusting Friction Levels [00:15:03] Value ladder upselling strategy [00:15:24] Cost of acquisition vs. cost of goods [00:15:40] Building an email list for upsells [00:15:57] Low cost of managing email list [00:16:11] Lifetime value in Amazon vs. direct sales [00:16:28] Investment in customer list for business value [00:16:43] Building diversified assets for business sale [00:16:57] Example of a concierge card for cheaper upsell [00:17:15] NFC chip concierge card for direct communication [00:17:38] Offering extra service as a value proposition Why Reviews Matter: The Power of Social Proof Reviews are the lifeblood of trust and credibility on Amazon. Here's why getting more reviews is crucial for your success: Social Proof: Positive reviews act as social proof, influencing purchase decisions by demonstrating the value of your product to potential customers. Higher Ranking: Amazon's A9 algorithm prioritizes products with strong review profiles, boosting your organic ranking and visibility in search results. Increased Conversion Rates: Positive reviews build trust, leading to higher conversion rates and ultimately, more sales. The Review Funnel: A Systematic Approach Think of a review funnel as an inverted pyramid. At the top, you cast a wide net to capture a broad audience of potential reviewers. As they move down the funnel, you filter and qualify them, ultimately converting satisfied customers into loyal reviewers. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to create a high-converting review funnel: Step 1: Capture Attention with a Product Insert Low-Tech Option: Design a visually appealing card or sticker with a clear call to action (CTA) and a QR code linking to your review funnel. High-Tech Option: For a more interactive experience, consider an audio or video card embedded with an NFC chip that triggers the funnel upon contact with a smartphone. Step 2: Offer Value in Exchange for Feedback Low-Tech Option: Utilize user-friendly platforms like Typeform to create a short survey that gathers valuable customer feedback in exchange for a free gift. High-Tech Option: Invest in a custom funnel integrated with the Amazon API. This allows for automatic order ID verification, streamlining the survey and gift redemption process. Step 3: Personalize the Experience with a Targeted Offer The key to a successful review funnel lies in the incentive. Relevance is Key: Tailor your offer to your product category. For electronics, a warranty extension might be most valuable. For other products, consider a free e-book or a bonus item. Perceived Value Matters: Aim for a tangible incentive with a perceived value exceeding the actual cost.

80/20 Your Customer List So the thing I want to talk about today is that not all customers are created equal. Just like anything else in the world, especially in the world of e-commerce or any online business environment accelerates this times two, I would say times 10, there is a power law aka 80 20. So you will find, of course, like anything else that as well as products, customers obey the same kind of rules, that the top 20 per cent of your customers probably give you 80 per cent of your profit, et cetera. Small businesses fail to create customer lists So, I've just had a bit of lunch at a local greasy spoon in North London here in Kentish Town. It's a place called Troy Cafe, just to give them a shout-out. Delicious chilli con carne on a jacket potato and coffee for under 10 pounds. Very good. Now I bet anything that those guys do not have a customer list. They're a typical small business. They're working hard. They're slightly off the beaten track. So literally just off the high street here, this is the main drag. So in E-commerce equivalent would be that they do not appear on page one for their main search terms. Here's the thing. Customer lists are incredibly powerful and valuable, but that's something everyone knows. First thing, if you're not collecting customer lists, you need to do everything in your power to do that. If you sell on Amazon, obviously they are primarily Amazon's customers and it's hard to do that. There are lots of ways of doing that. I'm not going to reiterate those now. All customers are not created equal - 80/20 customer lists Like anything else in the world, especially in the world of e-commerce or any online business environment accelerates this times two, I would say times 10, there is a power law aka 80 20. Customers follow the same kind of rules, which is to say that the top 20 per cent of your customers give you 80 per cent of your profit, and so on. How to identify your best customers from a list? Now, how do I identify the top customers in a customer list? Well, obviously how much money they spend with you is important, but there's a really old school, but really powerful formula. Very simple. But if you apply it and they do something with it, it's going to potentially transform your business. The RFM Formula It's R, F, M. R is recency, F is frequency and M is money. So the amount of money somebody spends with you is easier to track. Recency and frequency imply that you're tracking when the transactions happen and you can use various bits of software to figure this stuff out actually, I'm not going to go into the technical details. The general principle is more important because most people don't do anything about this. somebody's bought recently from you, they're much more likely to buy again, of course. Potential value vs likelihood of conversion - Money vs Recency If you want to be more refined about it, I would say the amount of money somebody spent gives you the sort of potential value as a customer, if you can persuade them to buy again. But of course, if they haven't bought from you for two years, the chance of them responding to any kind of outreach in marketing terms, whether you retarget them on Facebook all the way through to just sending them an email, is much lower. So it's less return on your effort or less probability of a conversion. Frequent customers are more valuable long-term Frequency also indicates that they might be a very valuable customer to have if they keep buying because over time the lifetime customer value probably will build. So I would say the frequency at which they buy and the money they've spent is an indication of their potential value. Recency gives conversions But recency is important. I would say rather than saying more recent customers are more likely to buy, I would say old customers you haven't bought for a while are less likely to buy. So if you've got a list of customers that's over a year old,

Imagine an Amazon business that runs like a well-oiled machine, consistently generating sales without the constant struggle for new customers. This isn't a pipe dream; it's the reality for brands that have built a perpetual sales machine. This guide will unveil the secrets used by successful e-commerce entrepreneurs to cultivate a loyal following and dominate their niche on Amazon. Forget the short-term tactics of chasing fleeting trends. Let's build a brand with staying power. [00:00:00] Main Amazon sales strategy simplification [00:01:17] Welcome to 10K Collective Podcast [00:01:46] Achievements and strategies with Travis Zigler [00:02:29] Creating a perpetual sales machine [00:04:59] Key components for perpetual sales [00:05:15] Blog posts, traffic, email capture [00:07:21] Focus on blog posts, Google ads [00:09:42] Simplified Amazon sales machine process [00:10:59] Consumer psychology and product focus [00:12:30] Retargeting for distracted consumers [00:15:02] Three mistakes causing sties [00:16:33] Building audience with advertorials [00:17:57] Increasing ad spend with sales [00:18:56] Using perpetual sales machine [00:20:05] Email for top-of-mind presence Beyond Amazon: Building a Real Brand The allure of Amazon lies in its massive customer base. However, most sellers make a crucial mistake: they focus solely on the Amazon platform, neglecting to build a brand identity outside of it. This approach creates a fragile business model vulnerable to disruptions like account suspensions or stockouts. The key lies in creating a real brand that resonates with customers and solves their problems. Successful brands aren't just "opportunity seekers" jumping on the latest trends with tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout. They're entrepreneurs passionate about solving real problems and building a loyal following. Why Build External Traffic? Here's the magic formula: by cultivating organic traffic to your brand outside of Amazon, you can dominate the platform itself. External traffic sources diversify your sales channels and mitigate risks associated with relying solely on Amazon. Here are some key benefits: Increased Brand Authority: External traffic establishes you as an authority in your niche, boosting your credibility and trust with potential customers. Improved Organic Ranking on Amazon: Amazon's A9 algorithm favors products with high click-through rates (CTR). External traffic drives more visitors to your listings, improving your organic ranking. Safety Net Against Disruptions: Even if you encounter issues like account suspensions or stockouts, your external audience remains engaged, allowing you to maintain sales momentum. Building Your Traffic Engine: Content is King The foundation of your perpetual sales machine is valuable content. Start by creating blog posts that function as extended advertorials. Focus on the problems your products solve, not just the products themselves. For example, if you sell eyelid wipes, your blog post might be titled "How to Get Rid of a Stye in 2 Simple Steps." The content would educate readers about styes, their causes, and effective treatments, naturally integrating your eyelid wipes as part of the solution. Strategic Use of Affiliate Links (Amazon Attribution) While Amazon's affiliate program has undergone changes, the core principle remains: you can earn commissions by directing traffic to Amazon listings through your content. Now, with Amazon Attribution clicks, you can earn back 10% on qualifying purchases within 90 days. Travis Zigler, our guide, shares his experience using attribution links. He's had instances where attribution conversions exceeded the cost of Google Ads! The Power of Google Ads: Targeting the Problem, Not Just the Product Most sellers make the mistake of targeting product-based keywords on Google Ads (e.g., "eyelid wipes"). This can be expensive, with clicks costing $1-2 each. However,

E-commerce brand owners, are you tired of pouring money into Amazon PPC ads without seeing the results you desire? If you're looking to scale your brand on a tight budget, then the 80/20 rule is your key to success. In this comprehensive guide, we'll unveil the secrets of Amazon PPC optimization using the Pareto Principle, a powerful strategy that allows you to focus on the 20% of your efforts that generate 80% of your result. [00:00:00] Helping those in need worldwide. [00:01:15] Introducing e-commerce expert Dr. Travis Zigler. [00:03:37] Journey from optometrist to entrepreneur. [00:04:48] Focus on top-performing products. [00:14:47] Sponsored products key for growth. [00:15:07] Sponsored Brand Video boosts brand, costly; Sponsored Products more economical. [00:15:42] Master Sponsored Products for PPC. [00:16:04] Amazon values conversion rate, sales velocity; prioritize high-converting keywords. [00:17:10] Apply 80/20 rule to search terms; emphasize top-performing keywords. [00:18:56] ACoS is a metric; prioritize sales, profit, TACoS. [00:21:00] High ACoS can boost rank, profit. [00:22:28] High ACoS but high conversion. [00:23:21] Focus on profit, sales, not just ACoS. [00:23:55] Prioritize profit over revenue; eliminate ineffective strategies. [00:28:00] Start with small tests; scale winners with bids, budgets. [00:32:09] Offer product variations; advertise aggressively. [00:36:45] Focus on profits, streamline operations. Who is Travis Zigler? Our guide is led by Travis Zigler, a PPC specialist with a proven track record of exceeding sales goals. Travis has a unique background in optometry, and after establishing a successful private practice, he leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit to build a thriving brand focused on dry eye relief products. Through strategic planning and a data-driven approach to PPC, Travis achieved a successful exit from his company, setting his sights on empowering other e-commerce businesses to achieve similar feats. Who is Travis Zigler? Our guide is led by Travis Zigler, a PPC specialist with a proven track record of exceeding sales goals. Travis has a unique background in optometry, and after establishing a successful private practice, he leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit to build a thriving brand focused on dry eye relief products. Through strategic planning and a data-driven approach to PPC, Travis achieved a successful exit from his company, setting his sights on empowering other e-commerce businesses to achieve similar feats. The Pareto Principle Applied to Amazon PPC The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is a fundamental principle that applies to various aspects of business, including Amazon PPC. In essence, this rule states that roughly 80% of your results will come from 20% of your efforts. By identifying and focusing on the top 20% of your products, keywords, and ad campaigns that drive the most sales and conversions, you can significantly improve your PPC performance. Why Sponsored Products Should Be Your Focus Many sellers mistakenly spread themselves thin across all of Amazon's PPC ad formats. However, the Pareto Principle suggests that Sponsored Products ads should be your primary focus. Sponsored Products ads display your listings directly on Amazon product search results pages, putting your products in front of high-intent buyers who are actively searching for products like yours. This targeted approach not only increases your sales and profitability but also boosts your organic ranking by Amazon's A9 algorithm, which rewards products with a strong click-through rate and conversion rate. The 80/20 of the A9 Algorithm Understanding how the A9 algorithm prioritizes product listings is crucial for optimizing your PPC campaigns. The A9 algorithm prioritizes two key metrics: conversion rate and sales velocity. Conversion rate refers to the percentage of visitors to your product listing who make a purchase.

You've presumably at some point commuted for work or travelled for work. I certainly have. I would often do that for not a lot of money and I would do it repeatedly to earn a living. Assuming you were reliable, you were achieving a simple short-term goal: turning up at work. And yet when I look back over the preceding years or decade and the short term goals I had for my life in business, I would say, well, how come I haven't achieved those? I haven't been reliable for myself doing big stuff with big payoffs myself. And yet I've been reliable for some petty stuff for other people. Why that difference? Well, let's explore that today. The 10K Collective Mastermind Hi, I'm Michael Veazey from Amazing FBA and I'm the leader of the 10k Collective Mastermind, for private label sellers and product brand owners who sell at least half a million dollars a year or more on Amazon. Over the last five years we've had members triple their revenue in one year, grow to eight figures and one member get to a seven-figure exit. Now we're taking it to the next level. I'm excited to introduce the 10K collective Uber mastermind. It's a unique combination of peer group support in person and online and specialist coaching. If you're ready to take your business to seven figures and beyond, just go to TheAmazonmastermind.com. to find out more today. Becoming as reliable for your own short term goals as you were for others You've presumably at some point commuted for work or traveled for work. I certainly have. Imagine that we, we think back to when I would rush out of one bit of work, jump on a bike, risk death, drive, cycle through the rain- welcome to London- jump into a crowded train having hustled past the barriers and the idiots that always seem to be in the way in London and then folded my bike up, got on the train, folded it out the other end and went somewhere else. That sounds exhausting and I would often do that for not a lot of money and I would do it repeatedly to earn a living. And yet when I look back over the pre preceding years or decade and the big goals I had for my life in business, I would say, well, how come I haven't achieved those? We care about other people's opinions - use that! So first of all, I think other people is a really neglected thing in motivation. It's pretty simple, but it's really true that if you try and do stuff on your own and you haven't got anyone else involved, they don't know what you are trying to achieve and therefore you can't be seen to win, but you can't be seen to fail. And it turns out that loss aversion is a much bigger motivator for action in the day-to-day world. So if you're going to be seen by somebody who's being late at work and you think you're going to lose your source of income, i.e. your job or a piece of employment and you're going to look a professional and people are going to look down at you, you're very highly motivated to do that thing. How much work do you put into thinking how bad life's going to be if you don't achieve your business short term goals? So how can you apply that to your own business? How to get accountability I would suggest you want to make as many promises to other people as you can, and then make sure you hold yourself to them. That's the first thing. Shareholders. Customers if you're selling products on Amazon or an e-commerce site getting something out there and forcing yourself to get into action really forces you to stay in action in my experience. And of course, your own community of peers, nobody wants to look like an unsuccessful person in the community of peers. Just make sure you judge success in the right way. . Now I want to explore a couple of things as well about how I specifically would make sure that I, even though I'm not a person who's naturally on time, I would make sure I got to a train or for that matter, years before that would be driving to appointments. Extreme Short Term Goal clarity

Are you an e-commerce brand owner looking to scale your business with minimal capital? Understanding how to effectively analyze data insights can be the key to unlocking your brand's full potential. In this guide, we'll explore strategies to help you maximize your e-commerce success through actionable data insights. 00:00:00 | Introduction to Data Overwhelm 00:01:34 | Challenges of Data Overwhelm 00:03:12 | Understanding Decision Paralysis 00:04:56 | Importance of Defining Objectives 00:06:23 | Role of Human Intervention 00:08:45 | Analytical Framework 00:10:57 | Balancing Technology and Human Skills 00:12:45 | Operational Design Model 00:15:44 | Value of People Skills 00:22:45 | Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners Solution: Keeping the Goals in Mind One of the most critical aspects of utilizing data insights in e-commerce is to keep your goals in mind. It's easy to get lost in the vast amount of data available and lose sight of your end state. Before diving into data analysis, it's essential to know exactly what you want to achieve and stay focused on that objective. Understanding "Capabilities" and "Capability Gaps" in Small Businesses Small businesses often face challenges with their technological capacities. They may exhaust their resources without fully understanding the problems they aim to solve. It's crucial to reverse-engineer capabilities by aligning them with capability gaps, ensuring that your technological investments address specific business needs. Data Must Be Predicated on Purpose and Goals When analyzing data, it's essential to ensure that your efforts are predicated on your business's purpose and goals. Metadata plays a crucial role in distilling vast amounts of data into usable information. By focusing on the "why" and "how" behind your data insights, you can derive actionable strategies for your e-commerce business. The Four Analytical Phases: Hindsight, Insight, Foresight, and Prescriptive Analysis Analyzing data in e-commerce involves four key phases: hindsight, insight, foresight, and prescriptive analysis. Hindsight focuses on understanding past behavior, while insight involves living through the day with lessons learned from the past. Foresight looks ahead, modeling historical data to predict future possibilities. Prescriptive analysis incorporates data to design future paths based on modeling, guiding strategic decisions. Example: Succession Planning in a Church Dr. Simmons provides an example of applying these analytical phases to succession planning in a church. By analyzing factors such as location, educational background, and requirements, Dr. Simmons predicted the viability of the church's succession plan and proposed a more sustainable alternative. Operational Design: End, Means, Ways Operational design involves defining the end goal, determining the means to achieve it, and identifying the ways to implement those means. In today's dynamic business environment, it's crucial to refine processes and make the right assumptions to navigate challenges effectively. Strategic and Analytical Thinking in the Same Space To ensure success, it's essential to have your strategist and analyst in the same room. By integrating strategic and analytical thinking, you can analyze data effectively, understand its application to your goals, and make informed decisions for your e-commerce business. Key Takeaway: Appreciate People Skills While AI and technology play crucial roles in data analysis, there's still no substitute for human logic and thinking. Appreciating people skills and integrating them with technology can lead to more effective data analysis and decision-making. Services Offered by Sixth Gear Consulting Sixth Gear Consulting offers consulting services for small businesses, including leadership coaching, executive coaching, strategic organization design, and talent management. Visit www.sixthgearconsulting.com to learn more about how Sixth Gear Consulting can hel...

In today's fast-paced world of e-commerce, data is king. However, effectively managing and leveraging this data can be daunting, especially for small business owners aiming to scale their brands with minimal capital. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore expert data management strategies to help you navigate the challenges of data overwhelm and make informed decisions to drive your business forward. [00:00:00] Strategic Approach [00:15:17] Competitive Edge [00:16:31] Human Intervention [00:17:22] Evolution of Technology [00:21:48] Value of Human Wisdom [00:23:24] AI as a Multiplier [00:24:52] Navigating AI Integration [00:19:07] Balancing Automation and Human Touch [00:24:09] Iterative Approach [00:26:53] Role of AI in Decision-making Background Dr. Anthony Simmons, a retired Navy Captain with a distinguished 28-year career as a Surface Warfare Officer, is the founder of Sixth Gear Consulting, LLC. His extensive background includes commanding Patrol Coastal and AEGIS Destroyers, strategic planning at the Pentagon, and contributing to the Small Business Innovation Research for the Office of Naval Research in the Maritime Defense Sector. Dr. Simmons specializes in leadership performance, bridging the gap between People and Technology. Data Management Strategies | Understanding Data Overwhelm Data overwhelm is a common challenge faced by e-commerce brand owners. Dr. Simmons has experienced this firsthand, both as a combat information center officer and during his tenure at the Pentagon's acquisition branch. The sheer volume of data can lead to human saturation and decision paralysis, hindering effective decision-making and business growth. Human Saturation: Too Much Data, Not Enough Insight Human saturation occurs when there is too much data for human management. This was evident in Dr. Simmons' experience aboard AEGIS Destroyers, where overwhelming amounts of information were coming in, rendering operators ineffective. To address this challenge, Dr. Simmons emphasizes the importance of defining clear goals and objectives to filter out superfluous data and focus on actionable insights. Decision Paralysis: The Pitfall of Diverging Data Decision paralysis occurs when big data is turned into metadata without proper organization and analysis. Without the right algorithms in place, data can become overwhelming and lead to indecision. Dr. Simmons highlights the need for a balance between convenience and effectiveness, cautioning against over-reliance on systems and tools that may not align with end goals. Data Management Strategies: A Step-by-Step Approach To overcome data overwhelm and decision paralysis, e-commerce brand owners can follow these data management strategies: Define Clear Goals and Objectives: Begin by defining your business objectives and the specific problems you want to solve with data analysis. This will help you focus on collecting and analyzing relevant data. Organize Your Data: Use advanced software tools and algorithms to organize your data into actionable insights. This will help you identify patterns, trends, and relationships that can inform your decision-making process. Implement Data Analysis Techniques: Use predictive and prescriptive analysis techniques to forecast future trends and outcomes, and recommend actions to achieve desired results. Leverage Human Intervention: While AI and analytics tools are valuable, human intervention is essential to interpret data accurately and make informed decisions. Continuously Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly review your data management strategies to ensure they align with your business goals. Be prepared to adjust your approach based on new insights and changing market conditions. Conclusion Data management is a critical aspect of scaling an e-commerce brand. By understanding the challenges of data overwhelm and decision paralysis, and implementing the right strategies,

Vehicles as a metaphor - are you using the right wealth vehicle in your business? This is Michael Veazey from Amazing FBA - today I want to continue my mindset thoughts on travel and today we're going to talk about vehicles. What can that do for us as a metaphor in business and in life? Stay tuned. The 10K Collective Mastermind Hi, I'm Michael Veazey from Amazing FBA and I'm the leader of the 10k Collective Mastermind, for private label sellers and product brand owners who sell at least half a million dollars a year or more on Amazon. Over the last five years we've had members triple their revenue in one year, grow to eight figures and one member get to a seven- figure exit. Now we're taking it to the next level. I'm excited to introduce the 10K collective Uber mastermind. It's a unique combination of peer group support in person and online and specialist coaching. If you're ready to take your business to seven figures and beyond, just click "Mastermind" to find out more today. Wealth Vehicles Hey folks, I'm currently driving a car and this makes my thoughts turn to travel and specifically within this mini-series about travel and mindset lessons in business and in life. I'm going to talk about vehicles or things that get you from A to B. Obviously, that applies in the real physical world and it applies in as a metaphor for wealth as well. I feel like the Milk Tray Man Today, I'm going to be, I'm a bit like the milk tray man. If you remember the milk tray man from the eighties showing you what age we do, then he was a man and it was a man, sorry to be sexist that he used to dress up in black and act like a secret agent jumping out of trains and into cars and scaling buildings and crushing through windows on some kind of harness and then rappelling back out the window all to deliver a milk tray and the tagline was all because the lady loves milk tray. By the way, side note what a brilliant piece of advertising that, that brand name and that product has stuck in my mind. Like a splinter because of a really powerful story, which was kind of cheesy and everyone enjoyed sharing. But I feel a bit like the milk tray man sometimes. Today is a case in point. My many actual vehicles for a journey So I'm driving a car from a rental property that I own that needed some work on today to Bristol where I am going to leave the car get on my folding bike, and get on a train. At the other end of it, I'm going to get off in London, cycle on my folding bike having unfolded it, of course, and then probably finish off with a playful bit of underground trip, or rather the other way round I suspect. And then I'll finally be staying with some friends, and then eventually tomorrow, because there's a train strike, I've got to do some work in London, and then I will eventually Jump on a bike, and then get on a train, and then get on a bike on the other end, and then I'll get back home. Whew, it's exhausting to think about it. Well is that rational? Why am I using so many vehicles? Couldn't I have just used a car? Yes or no. The right vehicle for the right purpose There's a reason for it, and sometimes there is a right vehicle for the right purpose at a certain time and place and a wrong vehicle for it. And that applies literally if you're thinking about logistics, vehicles, and, broadly speaking, forms of transport to move goods and services. It's also quite complex and I'm moving myself around in order to deliver myself one-to-one to do some services tomorrow and if you're moving bulk cargo or a lot of widgets that you're going to sell on e-commerce, the same sort of thing applies. Financial vehicles It's also a metaphor for financial vehicles which is used often as a metaphor, people talk about this, the right financial vehicle for you to increase your wealth in investing. So let's take those couple of metaphors because those are pretty productive, particularly for anyone who's in e-commerce.

Beyond the Marketplace Squeeze: Building Your Brand Empire In the e-commerce landscape, online marketplaces offer undeniable reach but come with limitations. Fierce competition, ever-increasing fees, and limited control over brand identity can stifle growth. This guide explores a powerful alternative: creating your own marketplace. Imagine fostering a community of vetted sellers offering products or services complementary to your brand. By doing so, you not only expand your reach but establish yourself as a platform leader, fostering brand loyalty and minimizing dependence on external platforms. This step-by-step guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to build a thriving marketplace from the ground up. [00:01:42] - Introduction to the discussion on marketplaces and their significance. [00:07:25] - Explanation of the chicken and egg problem in marketplace development. [00:12:04] - Discussion on the importance of building trust in a marketplace. [00:16:14] - Transition to discussing the basic steps to build a marketplace. [00:17:06] - Introduction to the discussion on different business models for marketplaces. [00:19:56] - Mention of subscription models like Amazon Prime and Costco membership. [00:21:00] - Transition to discussing key metrics for tracking marketplace success. [00:22:17] - Explanation of liquidity and match rate as important metrics. [00:23:34] - Question about the level of effort required to create a marketplace compared to selling on one. [00:25:44] - Conclusion with a focus on actionable advice for aspiring marketplace entrepreneurs. Cracking the "Chicken or the Egg" Problem: Starting with Suppliers The biggest hurdle in launching a marketplace is the classic "chicken or the egg" conundrum. Suppliers are hesitant to join a platform with no customers, and customers are hesitant to shop on a platform with no suppliers. So, how do you jumpstart your marketplace and break this cycle? Look to successful startups like DoorDash and Instacart for inspiration. DoorDash initially scraped menus from local restaurants, offering them to customers before securing partnerships with the restaurants themselves. Instacart followed a similar strategy, scraping product information from grocery store websites. These examples illustrate the power of starting with readily available data to attract buyers. Focus on Suppliers First: Define Your Niche: Don't try to be everything to everyone. Focus on a specific geographic area or a well-defined product category. This allows you to tailor your platform to the needs of a specific audience and suppliers within that space. Think of Amazon's initial focus on books. Building Local Relationships: Engaging with potential suppliers in your chosen niche can be crucial. Offerup, a successful peer-to-peer marketplace, initially struggled until they leveraged targeted advertising to a specific geographic area. By focusing on the Seattle and Belleville markets, they fostered trust and laid the groundwork for wider success. Establishing Trust: The Cornerstone of Your Marketplace Trust is paramount in any marketplace. Chinese marketplace Eachnet, a pioneer in C2C transactions, understood this well. To address concerns about product delivery, they established an escrow service, ensuring sellers received payment only after the buyer confirmed receiving the product. Building a Trustworthy Platform: Robust Security: Implement secure payment gateways, data encryption, and fraud prevention measures to protect both buyers and sellers. Transparent Policies: Clearly outline your policies on product listings, disputes, and returns. Comprehensive Review System: Encourage user reviews to build trust and help buyers make informed decisions. From Niche to Empire: Crafting Your Revenue Model There's no one-size-fits-all approach to generating revenue with your marketplace. Explore the options below to determine the best fit for your p...

The word strategy is often used and often used wrongly. And there is a mentality that I want to address today around strategy, which is that you can have your cake and eat it. As one of our famous British leaders recently said, that is never true when it comes to strategy. Stay tuned. We'll explore why and what you can do instead. The 10K Collective Mastermind Hi, I'm Michael Veazey from Amazing FBA and I'm the leader of the 10k Collective Mastermind, for private label sellers and product brand owners who sell at least half a million dollars a year or more on Amazon. Over the last five years we've had members triple their revenue in one year, grow to eight figures and one member get to a seven- figure exit. Now we're taking it to the next level. I'm excited to introduce the 10K collective Uber mastermind. It's a unique combination of peer group support in person and online and specialist coaching. If you're ready to take your business to seven figures and beyond, just go to TheAmazonmastermind.com. to find out more today. You Can NOT have your cake and eat it! Let's deal with an unpleasant reality. So one of our recent British leaders said, "I'm pro having my cake and pro eating it," which is obviously stupid because the whole point of eating a cake is you no longer have a cake. And just as a lot of deluded things came from that person. This was a delusion as well. What I am going to do is refer to an earlier British leader who said," I can only offer you blood, sweat, and tears." Now that's not quite true either. What I can offer you as a painful trade offs now in exchange for really powerful strategy and great business growth, if you are willing to embrace the fact that you can't have everything. You can have anything you want, but you can't have everything you want. Competitive strategy IS strategy So what am I talking about? Well one of the great books about strategy and competitive strategy specifically, which is most of strategy, I would argue your positioning is kind of to a degree defined by your competition, I would argue. Certainly in a very crowded market space like Amazon it's really almost literally true and pretty much true for everyone because we're all in crowded marketplaces because we all depend on either Google or Amazon or possibly Facebook or TikTok, all of which are crowded, all of which are very full of competition. So let me allay two things to start with. Competitive strategy is strategy. Strategy IS about tradeoffs And secondly Porter, Michael Porter in his book, Competitive Strategy, basically nails the fact that Strategy is about trade offs. If you have A, you don't do B. And if you have B, you don't do A, basically. A time-tested truth Now it's an old book, by the way. Some of the 70s or 80s. Examples are a bit dated, but I believe that the, the insights are very, very time tested. And that's great because time tested truths of business are not easy to find. And particularly in the digital era, things come and go very quickly. Tactics come and go, but strategic things I think are long lived and strategic truths I think are long lived truths as well. So that's the great news. First of all, if you get this stuff, right, you get the principles, right? If you get into the habits of thoughts and action, they can stick and be valuable for decades. That's the great news. The other great thing is if you are willing to make trade offs, there are great Prices at the other side of that, but let's explore why you have to make trade offs. Examples of strategic tradeoffs Premium vs mass market products Let's run a thought experiment. Let's say that you are selling a USB webcam, such as the one I'm using by Logitech. Now Logitech has built a brand, that's why I bought not one, but I had a good experience, so I bought two Logitech cameras. I may buy another one at some point. Equally, there are much cheaper webcams out there. Now, you can, if you want,

This guide kicks off with insights from Shirish Nadkarni, a serial entrepreneur, author, and advisor to startups. Having witnessed the rise of Microsoft in its early DOS days and facilitating the acquisition of Hotmail by Microsoft, Nadkarni understands the power of platform dominance. His book, "Winner Takes All," delves into this phenomenon, particularly relevant for e-commerce brands navigating the world of online marketplaces. [00:01:20] Introduction to the discussion about Amazon's evolution and impact on the marketplace. [00:03:45] Mention of Amazon's dominance in the e-commerce space and its increasing influence. [00:07:32] Discussion about Amazon's strategy of data usage and its implications for third-party sellers. [00:11:55] Mention of Amazon's expansion beyond e-commerce into various sectors like healthcare and entertainment. [00:15:13] Transition to Part 2: Focus on the experience of buying and selling within Amazon's marketplace. [00:16:23] Discussion about Amazon's acquisition strategy and its impact on smaller businesses. [00:18:02] Mention of antitrust legislation and its relevance in regulating monopolistic practices, specifically referencing diapers.com and Zappos. [00:20:03] Mention of congressional investigations into Amazon and the potential for future regulatory action. [00:22:28] Discussion about the challenges faced by third-party sellers on Amazon, including pricing pressure and brand differentiation. [00:25:37] Advice on building a marketplace and considerations for setting fees, followed by information about Sharish Nadkarni's services for entrepreneurs. Why Marketplaces Become Monopolies (and How to Leverage It) Marketplaces face a unique challenge: achieving critical mass. Both sellers and buyers need to be present for a marketplace to flourish. However, once this critical mass is achieved, a powerful force called "network effects" kicks in. Imagine Uber and Lyft in the US - many drivers use both apps, maximizing their earning potential. Similarly, a marketplace with a vast pool of sellers attracts more buyers, further attracting sellers – a self-reinforcing cycle that leads to dominance. Multi-Tenanting: Spreading Your Wings Across Marketplaces As an e-commerce brand owner, "multi-tenanting" allows you to sell on multiple marketplaces simultaneously. Think of it like Uber drivers using both Uber and Lyft. For instance, an e-commerce brand might choose to sell on Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. However, this strategy comes with its own set of challenges. Firstly, each marketplace has its own set of dynamics. Walmart, for example, limits its seller pool to around 50,000, while Amazon boasts millions. Secondly, successfully selling on a platform requires significant effort - attracting sales, navigating advertising options, and fulfilling orders. Jumping between marketplaces requires replicating this effort, potentially straining resources. Why Marketplace Pricing is Different (and How to Win) Traditional pricing theory assumes direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, where economies of scale allow you to lower prices as you grow. However, marketplace dynamics introduce a new wrinkle. Consider the role of transaction fees. Visa, for instance, takes a cut from every transaction on a marketplace. Marketplace sellers then factor these fees and additional advertising costs into their pricing strategy. Furthermore, marketplaces like Amazon could theoretically use listing fees levied on sellers to establish loyalty programs for buyers – further influencing seller pricing strategies. How Amazon Flexes Its Muscle (and What You Can Do About It) Marketplace dominance can lead to situations where the platform itself exerts significant control. One tactic is leveraging advertising. By controlling a vast advertising network, Amazon essentially sells "sales positions" to third-party sellers, forcing them to spend more to stand out. Another tactic involves acquisitions.

Today I'm in the car driving, and my mind is turning over on lots of metaphors to do with satnavs and navigation. Where do you want to go and how are you going to get there? Very good questions for life and business. Do you have a sense of direction in business? Hi, this is Michael Veazey from amazing FBA. So I am a driver with, I guess just over 30 years experience now. I'm an average driver , but I'm terrible at navigation. And I do think that a lack of sense of direction can be a problem in business and life as it can most clearly and obviously in the physical realm of navigation. Now if that's you, how do we, what are the problems and how do we solve them? Goldratt's 3 Questions framework Well, a good framework, I think for solving lots of problems is Goldratt's three questions. Eliahu Goldratt wrote an amazing book called The Goal. He asked three very simple. profound questions . And my thanks to my old podcast cohost, Jason Miles of OmniRocket. If you need direct to consumer site advice, particularly based in America, then Jason and his partner, Kyle Hamer are the people to go to. So Jason put me onto the goal and The Goal has the three questions, which are: Number one, what do we want to change? Number two, what do we want to change it to? And number three, how are we going to make that change? Now, if you think about a sat nav, really it encapsulates that in a very physical form. Where do we want to go? Normally you put that in. Where are we is already answered by the GPS positioning satellites that are linked up to the satellite navigation system. And then how are we going to get there is really the question the satellite navigation answers, isn't it? It navigates you gives you the path, gives you the roads and the route. Simplify your life like a Satnav! Now let's think about this, break this down. Cause there's a pretty profound metaphor, I think. And that doesn't mean I've come up with anything clever, but it's clear. And I like clarity because real life is murky and messy and difficult. I'm driving currently to Cardiff where I years ago, I studied conducting orchestras are very, very, very complex because you have a lot of people trying to make music, at the same time as each other. You've got the whole social dynamic of a whole bunch of people. And then you've got the music itself in front of you the score, which is like as the blueprint for construction. They say architecture is frozen music and music has kind of architectural site blueprints and they're very precise things. My orchestra conducting teacher fantastic guy, lots of common sense, said," So, Mike we deal with complicated things. But our job is not to add complexity as conductors is as the leader. Musical leader. It's to simplify." And so hopefully this this metaphor like a lot of mindset metaphors is a simplification device It is of course too simple to just simply apply to life, but I think it's close enough to be pretty robust. Where are you really now? Okay, so for somebody who hasn't got a What do I need to do? Well, first of all clarify, where are you? You may not know where you are in your life and your business. We talked before about the most people, the average person thinks they're above average. The average business owner, in my experience, thinks their business is better than it really is, as assessed by anyone who might. So you buy the business or anyone, he's got a hard nosed reason to pay money, to buy it or to invest in it. Guess what? They're going to want some proof. So I would say that the first thing to do, if you want to figure out what you're doing is you know, work out where you are. Where do you want to be? The second thing is then work out, clarify where you want to be. Now, the truth is about that. I'm not always goal oriented enough. I'm a bit more problem centric and I'm a bit more granular. So that's maybe why I deal with the problems immediately in front of me and w...

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, staying stagnant can quickly lead to missed opportunities. This is especially true for best-selling products. While they may be bringing in consistent revenue, neglecting their potential for evolution can hinder your brand's growth and scalability. In this guide, we'll explore effective strategies for transforming your bestsellers, helping you unlock their full potential and maximize your success. Time Stamp [00:00] - Introduction [02:42] - The importance of product development [07:14] - Examples of missed opportunities in product development [20:44] - Evolution of materials in product development [27:08] - Compliance-driven changes in product development [29:59] - The impact of packaging on product development [32:59] - The end life cycle of a product [34:25] - Conclusion and how to contact Bonnie Hall From Reselling to Owning Your Brand: Identifying Opportunities Many e-commerce businesses begin by reselling third-party products. However, transitioning to developing your own brands allows for greater control and profit margins. The key to success lies in leveraging customer data and market insights. Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics A well-organized product data set is crucial for identifying opportunities within your existing portfolio. Categorize your products effectively to uncover gaps and potential areas for innovation. Analyze customer reviews and purchase patterns to understand which products resonate most with your audience and identify areas for improvement. Competitive Analysis: Identifying Market Trends and Gaps Stay informed about industry trends and competitor offerings. Analyze what's popular in the market and identify opportunities where your brand can fill existing gaps. Look for areas where you can offer a unique proposition, whether through improved functionality, premium materials, or innovative packaging. Case Study: Evolving a "Good" Massage Candle into a "Bestseller" Let's consider a scenario where you offer a basic, strawberry-scented massage candle in a tin for £5. While it might sell decently, there's room for improvement. Analyzing customer reviews might reveal a desire for a more luxurious experience. Here's how you can evolve this product: "Better" Version: Elevate the experience with a ceramic jar, gift box, and a higher price point of £10. "Best" Version: Draw inspiration from industry trends and incorporate new materials like soy wax. Offer additional features like a premium scent and gift box, justifying a price point of £15-20. Beyond Basic Enhancements: Exploring Diverse Evolution Strategies Product evolution extends beyond just changing colors or fragrances. Consider exploring various options: New Sizes and Shapes: Cater to different customer preferences and usage scenarios. Enhanced Functionality: Add features that improve usability and value proposition. Material Upgrades: Utilize premium materials for a more luxurious feel and potentially improved performance. Ingredient Tweaks: Offer vegan alternatives or cater to specific dietary needs. Bundling for Increased Value and Convenience Pre-packaged bundles can create a sense of value and encourage larger purchases. Analyze how customers typically use your products and consider bundling them based on complementary uses or occasions. For example, a "back-to-school" stationery bundle could combine essential items for students. Developing Packaging for Bundles and Premium Products Partner with your product manufacturer or a specialized packaging company to create visually appealing and functional packaging that enhances the product experience. Ensure the packaging protects the product effectively and aligns with your brand identity. Beyond the Obvious: Unveiling Hidden Evolution Opportunities While color changes are often considered readily, deeper exploration can reveal significant potential.

For e-commerce brand owners, scaling their businesses with limited capital is a constant challenge. While a fantastic product is crucial, bringing it to market at the right time and price is equally important. This is where building strong supplier relationships becomes essential. Reliable suppliers ensure timely delivery, meet quality standards, and offer competitive pricing, all of which are critical for success. Time Stamp [00:00:00] Introduction To The Podcast Episode About Developing A Product From Concept To Delivery. [00:02:30] Importance Of Focusing On The Product As The Heart And Soul Of The Business. [00:05:00] Discussion On The Concept Phase: Understanding The Market, Identifying Customer Needs, And Creating A Clear Brief. [00:08:45] Importance Of Defining The Product's USP (Unique Selling Proposition) And Value Proposition. [00:11:30] Transitioning From Concept To CAD Design And The Importance Of Collaboration Between Designers And Engineers. [00:14:00] Discussing The Prototyping Phase, Including The Use Of 3D Printing For Early Product Testing And Iteration. [00:16:45] Importance Of Human Testing And Gathering Feedback From Users During The Development Process. [00:20:30] Further Discussion On 3D Printing For Prototyping And Testing Products In Different Materials. [00:21:48] Importance Of Sitting With CAD Designers During The Design Process And The Value Of Physical Prototypes. [00:23:23] Example Of Getting Products Into Consumers' Hands For Testing And Feedback, Especially In The Cosmetics Industry. [00:25:51] Importance Of Finalizing Branding, Packaging, And Production Terms Before Committing To Production. [00:28:20] Discussion On Quality Control Measures, Including Outgoing Quality Control (OQC) And Supplier Due Diligence. [00:30:24] Importance Of Supplier Due Diligence And Considerations When Selecting Suppliers, Including On-Site Visits And Audits. Why Strong Supplier Relationships Matter Bonnie Hall, founder of Census8, emphasizes the importance of supplier relationships, especially for startups. Suppliers are the backbone of your brand, impacting everything from product quality to pricing and delivery. Even with a great product, if you cannot get it to your customers on time and at a competitive price, your success will be limited. The Product Development Journey Begins The product development process starts with understanding your target audience and competitors. Research who your ideal customer is and analyze existing products in your chosen category. This helps you identify gaps in the market and opportunities for differentiation. Consumer Research: Identifying Your Target Audience Conduct thorough consumer research to understand your target audience's needs and preferences. Analyze trends, read customer reviews, and identify areas where existing products fall short. Based on this research, create a clear picture of your ideal customer and why they would choose your product over the competition. Adapting the Approach for Established Businesses For established e-commerce businesses transitioning from reselling to developing their own brands, the focus shifts to specific goals. You might prioritize reducing out-of-stock situations (OOS), achieving better pricing through higher minimum order quantities (MOQs), or managing longer lead times. Researching competitor packaging and visiting trade shows can provide valuable insights during this stage. Developing New Product Lines for Existing Brands When developing a new product line for an existing brand, start by outlining your desired outcomes. Do you want to modify an existing product, create a completely new one, or simply rebrand and repackage an existing item? Choosing Between Redesigning and Developing from Scratch The decision between redesigning and developing from scratch hinges on several factors, including cost, desired speed of market launch, and product category. For instance, in the cosmetics industry,

Hey there. It's Michael from Amazing FBA- welcome to mindset moments, little bite-sized chunks of thoughts and hopefully wisdom about business and life from my wanderings around London, and other parts of Europe. Today we are going to talk about how your self-perception in business is, how good is it and why does that even matter? Stay tuned. The 10K Collective Mastermind I'm the leader of the 10k Collective Mastermind, for private label sellers and product brand owners who sell at least half a million dollars a year or more on Amazon. Over the last five years we've had members triple their revenue in one year, grow to eight figures and one member get to a seven- figure exit. Now we're taking it to the next level. I'm excited to introduce the 10K collective Uber mastermind. It's a unique combination of peer group support in person and online and specialist coaching. If you're ready to take your business to seven figures and beyond, then just go to www.TheAmazonmastermind.com to find out more today. "The average driver thinks they are above average" So we are on the road, I am on the road, I'm driving and I, like many people, think of myself as an above average driver. It turns out that statistically the average driver thinks they are above average. as in fact, in my experience the average parent thinks the child is above average ability. So in other words, There is a mismatch between the reality of what they do and how they are and their perception of themselves, which is really interesting, isn't it? I guess that you could say that Delusion creates pain. , and yet positive thinking and optimism have a great correlation to success in many professions, including an entrepreneurship. So being Positive and optimistic is really, really important. But on the other hand assessing your own abilities incorrectly could also be a problem. So let's unpick this. Does accurate self-perception matter? So first of all there's a question of how accurate is it? And the second question is, does that even matter or is it even bad to be accurate? All interesting questions. Here's my take for what it's worth. I think within any given business or enterprise, whether it be a, you know starting an e commerce business or an orchestra, I happen to have done both or something else, naturally speaking, at least two people or sets of people. One is optimists who probably inaccurate about where you are currently at as a business, as a person, as a career. They're probably overly optimistic and, and in fact, they think they're better than they are. Like the average person thinking they're better at driving than they are actually in real life. But I think it's also important, or I should say and, and it's also important to have somebody in the business who's really good at the painful business of reality checking and going, well, actually you thought your business was doing better than it actually is. Numbers bring objectivity to self perception Because when we look at the numbers- and numbers are a great corrective, aren't they? They bring an objectivity to it- well, guess what? Actually you're not doing as well as you thought you were. And I would say delusion brings pain. And so does, not being optimistic enough, doesn't get you as far as it could be. Now I tend to be more on the reality check side of life, I'm that kind of person. A bit glass is half empty or rather I'm necessarily half empty, but I would say, yeah, well the glass is half full or, but not, it's not, it's not completely full. And I'm not always pessimistic, but I'm a, I'm a pedant for sure. I was about to say I'm a bit of a pedant, but my wife would disagree and actually anyone who's worked with me for a while probably would. I'm very, very precise. You need an optimist to drive a business Let's not overcomplicate this. If you're in a business and you don't have enough optimism, you probably in the end aren't the sort of person...

If quitting is going to be a strategic choice, then decide in advance what your criteria are for quitting. There's an ultramarathoner, Dick Collins who says: " Decide in advance when you're going to quit. And that does not include- if you're running an ultramarathon- feeling dehydrated, sleepy, tired, and it's cold and windy. If you're making a decision based on how you feel at the moment, you'll probably make the wrong decision." Your criteria for quitting don't include, " I don't like all the hassle I'm getting from Amazon, they've suspended my listing." Those are not strategic quitting reasons. They're just you're getting a bit fed up and stressed. Hi, I'm Michael Veazey from Amazing FBA and I'm the leader of the 10k Collective Mastermind, a mastermind for private label sellers and product brand owners who sell at least half a million dollars a year or more on Amazon. Over the last five years we've had members triple their revenue in one year, grow to eight figures and one member get to a seven- figure exit. Now we're taking it to the next level. I'm excited to introduce the 10K collective Uber mastermind. It's a unique combination of peer group support in person and online and specialist coaching. If you're ready to take your business to seven figures and beyond, then click the button to find out more about the 10k Collective Uber Mastermind today. If you're listening to this on a podcast, just go to TheAmazonmastermind.com. that's theAmazonmastermind.com to find out more today. Hi folks, this is Michael Veazey. Today I'm going to talk about the superpower, the secret power, of quitting when you can grow a business or a career by stopping doing stuff and starting to do other things, making space for other things. Ways to Fail... Here's a little failure list from Godin. "Seven reasons you might fail to become the best in the world. Number one, you run out of time and quit. Number two, you run out of money and you quit. Number three, you get scared and quit. Number four, you're not serious about it and you quit. Number five, you lose interest or enthusiasm or settle for being mediocre. Number six, you focus on the short term instead of the long term and quit when the short term gets too hard. Number seven, you pick the wrong thing at which to be the best in the world because you don't have the talent. " Be honest Now, that sounds like a bit of a depressing list, doesn't it? But let's be honest. If you are honest with yourself, you can probably tell in advance that you don't have enough time to launch a new product this year, or start a direct to consumer site that you're going to do properly. That you don't have enough money yet to go and launch 60 new products this year. I had a client who did that at some point- 60 new products in one quarter. But the guy had borrowed half a million pounds against his house. He had the money. He was taking the risk. He believed in what he was doing and it's worked out incredibly well for him. It's 10 X'd the revenue of his business since he joined the mastermind "You're not serious about it." You're not serious about it." I've been guilty, many of us do, if you get pitched into doing a business model or a type of work that looks attractive, but you're really hoping for a quick buck, you're probably not serious about it. I'm not going to condemn you for that because I've done that and, we're all vulnerable to that kind of marketing, but it's just a good idea to recognize if that's the truth and then just walk away. "Focusing on the short term instead of the long term." "Focusing on the short term instead of the long term." If you have given a business model less than 12 months, then you're just not even, again, you're not serious. Which is fine, but don't bother. If you're going to go into something for three months, I just don't think you should bother doing it at all. Whatever it is, new product line,

"Winners never quit and quitters never win." Famous words by Vince Lombardi, the doyen of American football coaches. Well, is that true? I don't think so. And today we're going to explore why that is not true and how it can help you change your business and your life. Stay tuned. Hi, I'm Michael Veazey from Amazing FBA and I'm the leader of the 10k Collective Mastermind, a mastermind for private label sellers and product brand owners who sell at least half a million dollars a year or more on Amazon. Over the last five years we've had members triple their revenue in one year, grow to eight figures and one member get to a seven- figure exit. Now we're taking it to the next level. I'm excited to introduce the 10K collective Uber mastermind. It's a unique combination of peer group support in person and online and specialist coaching. If you're ready to take your business to seven figures and beyond, then click the button to find out more about the 10k Collective Uber Mastermind today. If you're listening to this on a podcast, just go to TheAmazonmastermind.com. that's theAmazonmastermind.com to find out more today. Hi folks, this is Michael Veazey. Today I'm going to talk about the superpower, the secret power, of quitting when you can grow a business or a career by stopping doing stuff and starting to do other things, making space for other things. See this time of year, I'm recording this in early 2024, is often a time of year when people want to start new products; they want to launch new business ventures; and they want to explore new sales channels. And so they should. But before you can start doing something, before you have the time and energy and money to start something, particularly if you have a small team or a small business, you're going to have to stop doing something. Otherwise you'll never have the space, the money, the focus to start the did things that will work for you. So I think quitting is incredibly important, but you've got to do it strategically. So let's look at this quote. "Winners never quit and quitters never win," says Vince Lombardi. "Bad advice," says Seth Godin in his amazing book, The Dip. "Winners quit all the time. They just quit the right stuff at the right time. Most people quit, they just don't quit successfully." So strategic quitting and equally deciding when not to quit is really, really important. I'm really going to talk about this book, The Dip, very strongly today. Seth Godin's book. I really, really urge everyone to get it and buy it and read it. It's a really thin book, it's really short, but it's really important. It's on one theme, which is basically strategic quitting. When to Stick and When to Quit So the rough idea for the dip, emerged on Godin's blog- he ends the post with a great question "How do you avoid killing something too early? And last, how do you know when to kill a dud?" So let's talk about some of this stuff, and let's give you a few quotes from Seth Godin and translate them into practical action here. So first of all, he says, " Quit the wrong stuff, stick with the right stuff, have the guts to do one or the other." So we are going to go one way or the other. We're going to polarize this, this shuntering along in the middle with something mediocre or actively poor but not so bad that it's forced you to quit is the worst case scenario here. Why does the Mediocre Matter? So why is that actually so important? We're going to make some very important points. So the basic point is being the best in the world is surprisingly powerful. "Extraordinary benefits," as Godin says, "accrue to the tiny minority of people who are able to push a bit longer than most, and equally, extraordinary benefits accrue to the tiny majority of the guts to quit early and refocus their efforts on something new. So either which way, It comes down to being the best in the world." Being the best in the world Now,

Alex Ryan, the CTO of Refundify, offers insights into optimizing the Amazon FBA Reimbursement process. With a background in tech and experience in various industries, including hospitality and e-commerce, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. [00:01] - Introduction of Alex Ryan and Refundify. [04:52] - Importance of Amazon reimbursements for sellers. [07:22] - Identifying discrepancies in inbound shipments. [10:15] - Emphasis on clear documentation for reimbursement. [13:40] - Risks of delaying reimbursement claims. [15:29] - Overview of Refundify's fully managed service. [18:05] - Pricing structure based on revenue brackets. [20:01] - Introduction of additional service: ACE. [22:14] - ACE's comprehensive solutions beyond reimbursements. [25:30] - Leveraging Seller Candy's expertise through ACE. What are Amazon FBA Reimbursements? Amazon ships millions of packages daily, inevitably leading to occasional mistakes. While Amazon's Terms of Service (TOS) promise reimbursements at retail price, not all errors are automatically rectified. Sellers must proactively identify discrepancies and request reimbursement. Why Does it Matter? Discover how up to 10% of profit could be lost due to errors, making it crucial for every FBA seller to actively pursue reimbursements. Learn how a small error rate can significantly impact overall revenue and profitability. How to Get Reimbursements Yourself Explore the different categories for reimbursements, with the majority stemming from inventory adjustments and lost/damaged/disposed items. Understand the process of identifying issues, raising cases with Amazon, and providing necessary evidence. Raising Cases with Amazon Learn why automation is not feasible due to Amazon's volume of cases. Understand common reasons for case rejection and how to provide clear, concise evidence to support your claim. Discover the importance of persistently re-raising rejected cases. Common Errors and Solutions Identify common mistakes such as failing to provide requested documentation and waiting too long to raise cases. Learn how different situations require specific evidence and why persistence is key to successful reimbursements. Common Questions Answered Get answers to frequently asked questions, including how often to pursue reimbursements and what services Refundify offers. Understand the importance of regular reimbursement checks and the benefits of using a managed service like Refundify. Refundify Services Explore Refundify's fully managed reimbursement service, designed to streamline the process and maximize returns for sellers. Discover the expertise of ex-Amazon employees and the benefits of ASIN Suspension insurance. Customer Service Excellence Learn about Seller Candy's customer-focused approach and how Refundify prioritizes client satisfaction. Encourage action with clear calls-to-action (CTAs), directing readers to Refundify.io for more information and a free audit. Conclusion Mastering the Amazon reimbursement process is essential for e-commerce brand owners looking to scale with minimal capital. With expert guidance and the support of services like Refundify, sellers can reclaim lost revenue and maximize profitability.

Title: Unveiling the Zen of E-commerce: Lessons from “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” In a recent podcast episode, we explored the profound insights of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert Pirsig, drawing parallels between the clash of technology and magic in the book and the challenges faced by e-commerce businesses. Here’s a summary of the key takeaways: 1. Unveiling the Connection: Zen, Motorcycle Maintenance, and E-commerce (0:01) Reflecting on the timeless wisdom embedded in Pirsig’s work, we discovered its relevance to the world of e-commerce. The intricate balance required in motorcycle maintenance offers insights into the tools and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of running a profitable online business. 2. E-commerce Complexity and Identifying Points of Failure (4:11) E-commerce businesses, like intricate machines, consist of various components that must seamlessly work together. We highlighted the ripple effect of small problems, drawing a vivid comparison to a factory owner desperate to fix a broken machine. The unconventional solution of hitting the machine with a hammer underscores the importance of identifying and addressing key points of failure in a business. 3. The Power of Masterminds for Problem-Solving (8:26) Introducing the concept of “mastermind” groups, where individuals facing similar challenges collaborate to find solutions, we explored the benefits of collective problem-solving within a supportive community. Advocating for self-reliance and problem-solving skills, we emphasized the value of collaborative efforts over relying on a single person with all the answers. 4. Peer Groups and Experts: Catalysts for Business Growth (12:48) Highlighting the significance of building a business like a well-oiled machine, we encouraged listeners to invest in peer groups rather than seeking a single expert or magic solution. Emphasizing the importance of peer collaboration and the value of experts in tackling specific challenges, we shared success stories from the 10k Collective mastermind, showcasing the impact of collective efforts and expert advice in achieving substantial business growth. 5. Mastering Amazon Business Growth (17:25) We unveiled a mastermind program tailored for e-commerce businesses with an annual revenue of at least $500K. This program aims to provide a platform for solving specific problems and acting as a sounding board for members. Encouraging business owners to join a community, we recommended reading “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” to glean insights that can significantly enhance business operations. 6. Navigating Challenges: A Collective Approach to Problem-Solving (21:02) Underscoring the importance of collaborative problem-solving, we emphasized that challenges are inevitable in the journey of running an e-commerce business. By bringing together a diverse range of perspectives within a mastermind group, business owners can navigate obstacles collectively, gaining insights and strategies that may not be apparent when facing challenges in isolation. This blog post serves as a roadmap for e-commerce enthusiasts, offering insights inspired by the timeless principles of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.” By embracing collaborative problem-solving, leveraging the power of community, and adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, business owners can navigate the complex landscape of e-commerce with resilience and innovation.

Greetings, fellow e-commerce trailblazers! I'm [Your Name], your expert e-commerce consultant here to guide you through unlocking success in 2023. Today, we embark on a journey into the heart of scaling your Amazon brand with minimal capital by mastering the art of the Annual Review. Annual Review Point 1: Marketing Metrics Analysis In our first segment, we delve into the crucial realm of Marketing Metrics Analysis. Discover how to review and analyze key performance metrics specific to the Amazon marketplace, from sales and conversion rates to customer feedback and product reviews. Learn to identify top-performing products and categories, while gaining insights into the ever-evolving impact of Amazon's algorithm changes on your business performance. Annual Review Point 2: Financial Review and Profitability Navigate the financial landscape with precision in our Financial Review and Profitability segment. Uncover strategies to analyze financial statements and profitability, evaluating the impact of fees, shipping costs, and other expenses. Discover innovative ways to improve profit margins and make informed financial decisions that pave the way for sustainable growth. Annual Review Point 3: Inventory Management and Supply Chain Efficient inventory management is the key to success. Dive into Inventory Management and Supply Chain strategies as we evaluate turnover rates, identify slow-moving stock, and discuss the paramount importance of optimizing supply chain processes. Uncover foolproof strategies to avoid the pitfalls of stockouts and overstock situations that can hinder your business. Annual Review Point 4: Amazon Algorithm and SEO Review Stay ahead of the curve by understanding the nuances of Amazon's algorithm in our Algorithm and SEO Review segment. Decode changes throughout the year, ensuring your product listings are optimized for maximum SEO effectiveness. Explore actionable strategies to enhance product discoverability on the platform, a vital aspect of scaling your brand. Annual Review Point 5: Advertising and Marketing Effectiveness Your success story continues with a critical look at Advertising and Marketing Effectiveness. Evaluate the performance of Amazon PPC campaigns, dissect the effectiveness of marketing promotions and discounts, and embark on a journey to explore new advertising opportunities and channels within the Amazon ecosystem. Annual Review Point 6: Customer Feedback and Reviews Harness the power of customer sentiment in our Customer Feedback and Reviews segment. Learn to analyze reviews and feedback effectively, address negativity with strategic improvements, and leverage the profound impact of positive reviews on sales and overall visibility. Annual Review Point 7: Competitor Analysis Navigate the competitive landscape by conducting a thorough Competitor Analysis. Identify your key competitors on the Amazon marketplace, discern competitive advantages, and pinpoint areas for improvement. Uncover strategies that will propel you to stay ahead and thrive in the competitive arena. Annual Review Point 8: Product Line Review Reflect on your product line's journey in our Product Line Review segment. Examine the sales, revenue, and profit of both established and new products launched in the past year. Analyze what worked as expected, exceeded expectations, and areas that may need improvement for a comprehensive understanding of your product lineup. Annual Review Point 9: Technology and Tools Assessment In the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, adaptability is key. Evaluate the effectiveness of your current e-commerce tools and software, identify any gaps or opportunities for improvement, and delve into discussions around emerging technologies that can revolutionize your approach as an Amazon seller. Annual Review Point 10: Celebrating Success and Lessons Learned Celebrate the milestones of your journey in the Celebrating Success and Lessons Learned segment.

You've set up your Amazon affiliate program, products are ready, commissions are tempting, but your inbox is eerily quiet. Where are the eager affiliates, the brand advocates, the traffic champions you envisioned? Fear not, e-commerce warriors, for this guide unlocks the secrets to recruiting the perfect allies for your Amazon success story. [00:00:00] Introduction to the Importance of Flexibility in Commission Rates and Sending Products to Influencers for Effective Promotion [00:02:26] Discussion on Recruiting Affiliates and the Three-Pronged Approach for Scaling the Program [00:03:40] Emphasizing the Use of a Network or Marketplace (Like Levanta) to Access a Large Pool of Affiliates [00:04:16] Insights into the Outbound Recruitment Strategy, Including Using a Tool to Filter and Send Personalized Invitations to Potential Affiliates [00:05:07] Importance of Being Flexible with Commission Rates and Sending Products, Especially for Influencers and Content Creators [00:06:06] Discussion on Creating Compelling Offers for Affiliates, Including the Concept of Offering a Lifetime Supply of Products [00:08:42] The Significance of Building Relationships with Affiliates and How Goodwill Plays a Crucial Role in Affiliate Partnerships [00:12:12] Explanation of External Recruitment Strategy, Involving Discovery, Outreach, and Activation to Bring in New Affiliates [00:18:24] The Third Prong, a Passive Strategy for Brands With an Omni-Channel Presence, Involving Promoting the Amazon Affiliate Program on Their Websites [00:23:21] Summary of Levanta's Role in Automating Affiliate Program Management and Information The 3-Pronged Approach to Affiliate Recruitment: Network Advantage: Leverage established platforms like Levanta to access a pre-vetted pool of affiliates. Filter by audience size, niche, and engagement to find your perfect match. Remember, personalization trumps mass blasts! Be flexible with commission rates and consider product gifts for influencers. Beyond the Network: Don't limit yourself! Actively seek out affiliates through external marketing. Use discovery tools, personalize your outreach (DMs, LinkedIn, emails), and track your efforts. Levanta offers a branded signup link, streamlining the onboarding process for your recruits. Make it Visible: Place your affiliate signup link prominently across your online presence. Include it on your DTC website, social media profiles, and even Amazon listing descriptions. Accessibility is key to attracting potential partners. Building Relationships, Not Just Commissions: While financial incentives are important, remember, genuine connections create long-term success. Offer exclusive deals, early access to new products, and even lifetime supply options for top performers. Go beyond CPA – consider flat fees for valuable affiliates. Navigating the Amazon Affiliate Landscape: Unlike the Wild West of early internet advertising, the Amazon ecosystem offers built-in fraud protection. Focus on finding quality affiliates who align with your brand and target audience, rather than worrying about scams. Don't be afraid to work with smaller influencers – their dedicated communities can offer surprising results. Levanta: Your Affiliate Management Ally: Levanta streamlines affiliate onboarding, tracking, communication, and management. Imagine automated workflows, detailed reports, and a dedicated support team, all under one roof. Empower Your Brand with the Power of Affiliates: Download Levanta's free ebooks: "How to Build an Amazon Affiliate Strategy" – Master the basics of setting up and optimizing your program for maximum impact. "How to Recruit Amazon Affiliates" – Discover proven strategies to attract high-quality affiliates and build a thriving network of brand advocates. Don't wait, activate your free Levanta trial today and unlock the explosive potential of affiliate marketing! Use the code "AMAZING" for a 20% discount on your first mont...

Imagine a world where your Amazon listings reach beyond the confines of the platform, propelled by a dedicated army of brand advocates. A world where targeted traffic floods your listings, driving sales and boosting organic ranking. This, my friends, is the power of a well-structured affiliate program for Amazon sellers. But what exactly is an affiliate program, and how can it work for you? In simple terms, an affiliate program is a partnership with external influencers, bloggers, and social media giants who promote your products to their audiences. You only pay them a commission when they drive a sale, making it a low-risk, high-reward strategy for scaling your brand with minimal upfront investment. Free Ebook: "How to Build an Amazon Affiliate Strategy" – Learn everything you need to launch a successful program, from deals and commission strategies to affiliate recruitment. [00:00] - Introduction and Business Opportunity [01:17] - Guest Introduction and Expertise [02:08] - Setting up an Affiliate Program on Amazon [03:35] - Understanding Affiliate Marketing and External Traffic [04:23] - Challenges in Manual Affiliate Program Management [07:04] - Automated Solutions for Amazon Sellers [08:37] - Scaling Affiliate Recruitment [09:10] - Discussion on Product Selection and Commissions [10:08] - Importance of Deals and Bonus Insights [10:08] - Conclusion and Affiliate Marketing Insights Why Choose Levanta as Your Affiliate Partner? Levanta, the brainchild of Rob, a seasoned veteran in the DTC affiliate space, is built specifically for Amazon sellers. Unlike generic platforms that struggle with the unique nuances of Amazon's ecosystem, Levanta offers a seamless and efficient solution. Here's how Levanta simplifies your life: Effortless Setup: Connect your Amazon Seller Central account, and Levanta automatically pulls in brand information and all your products. No manual data entry required! Granular Control: Set individual or bulk commission rates for each product, tailoring your strategy based on profitability or organic ranking goals. Affiliate Paradise: Levanta boasts a vibrant network of over 2,000 active affiliates across diverse channels, maximizing your reach. Automation is King: Track clicks, add-to-carts, sales, commissions, and the coveted Amazon Brand Referral Bonus – all in one centralized dashboard. One-Stop Billing: No more juggling invoices! Receive a single, consolidated invoice at the end of each month for all your affiliate activity. Beyond Levanta: Building a Winning Affiliate Program Choosing a platform is just the first step. Here's how to set your affiliate program up for success: 1. Select Your Platform: Levanta is a great choice, but explore other options like Archer and add-on commerce to find the best fit for your needs. 2. Product Selection: Start by activating all your products! You never know what might resonate with affiliates. However, consider focusing on high-profit margin items for optimal profitability. 3. Commission Strategy: Set commissions that align with your goals. For profitability, ensure your commission rate + Amazon fees leave you with a positive margin. For organic ranking, consider break-even commissions to boost traffic. 4. Embrace Deals: Offer lightning deals, promo codes, and other discounts to attract deal-loving affiliates and drive sales. 5. The Power of Deals: Don't underestimate the power of the 10% Amazon Brand Referral Bonus. It's free promotion, so offer at least this minimum commission! 6. Recruitment Time: Once your program is ready, focus on recruiting high-quality affiliates. Levanta's network is a great starting point, but don't be afraid to reach out to niche influencers and relevant communities. Bonus Resources: Ebook 1: "How to Build an Amazon Affiliate Strategy" – Learn everything you need to launch a successful program, from deals and commission strategies to affiliate recruitment.

Welcome to your ultimate guide to unlocking the incredible potential of external traffic via affiliate marketing for Amazon sellers. This episode dives deep into this powerful yet often overlooked strategy, empowering you to scale your brand with minimal capital and skyrocket your sales. Download Levanta's free "Guide to Running an Affiliate Program for Amazon Sellers" [00:04:12] Affiliate Marketing Explained (Lemonade Stand Analogy) [00:07:19] External Traffic vs. Affiliate Marketing [00:09:02] Risk & Reward for Affiliates & Merchants [00:11:29] Profitability & Unit Economics [00:13:25] Thin Margins & Alternative Strategies [00:14:19] Organic Rank & Scalability Benefits [00:16:33] Measuring Success & De-risking [00:17:53] Evaluating Affiliate Marketing vs. CPC [00:19:45] Early Mover Advantage & Open Secret Understanding the Landscape: What is External Traffic and Affiliate Marketing? External traffic refers to any traffic that reaches your Amazon listings from sources outside of Amazon itself, such as social media, influencer marketing, or content websites. Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing model where you partner with third-party publishers (affiliates) who promote your products to their audiences. You only pay them a commission when they drive a sale, making it a low-risk, high-reward strategy. Why Leverage External Traffic via Affiliate Marketing? Boost organic ranking: External traffic can significantly improve your organic ranking on Amazon, leading to increased visibility and sales. De-risk your strategy: Unlike paid advertising, affiliate marketing doesn't require upfront investment. You only pay for results, minimizing potential losses. Tap into diverse audiences: Affiliates can reach niche audiences that you might not access through traditional Amazon SEO methods. Enjoy long-term benefits: The brand referral bonus program rewards you for external traffic-driven sales, providing additional revenue streams. Incentivizing Affiliates: The Key to Success Building a thriving affiliate program requires offering attractive incentives. This includes: Competitive commission rates: Aim for at least 10% to attract high-quality affiliates. Strong product-market fit: Ensure your products resonate with your target audience and offer real value. Effective marketing materials: Provide affiliates with high-quality product images, descriptions, and promotional materials. Clear tracking and reporting: Offer transparent tracking tools to enable affiliates to monitor their performance. Case Study: Exploding Sales with the Power of Affiliate Marketing Lockstar, an Amazon seller, saw their sales surge from $0 to $80,000 per month after launching an affiliate program on Levanta. This incredible growth demonstrates the transformative potential of external traffic and affiliate marketing. Beyond the Basics: Advanced Strategies and Resources Diversify your affiliate network: Partner with a variety of affiliates, including social media influencers, bloggers, and niche websites. Leverage deal-focused platforms: Utilize Facebook groups and coupon sites to reach bargain-hunting audiences. Track and optimize your program: Monitor key metrics and adjust your strategies for optimal results. Unlocking the Power of Levanta: Your All-in-One Affiliate Marketing Solution Levanta empowers Amazon sellers to build and manage successful affiliate programs. Their platform offers: Easy program setup and management Extensive affiliate network Advanced tracking and reporting tools Dedicated account managers and support Ready to Take Action? Download Levanta's free "Guide to Running an Affiliate Program for Amazon Sellers" - and unlock the secrets to scaling your brand with external traffic. Start your free trial today and experience the transformative power of affiliate marketing! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to skyrocket your Amazon ...

Embark on a journey with Samantha Kozuch, founder of Maniscripting, as she shares insights into running a profitable Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) site. Discover the strategies that have propelled her e-commerce brand to success, all while minimizing capital investment. Time Stamp [00:00] - "Scaling Businesses Through a Multi-Channel Approach with Amazon and Self-Development." [01:54] - "Entrepreneurship, E-Commerce, and Passion-Driven Business Growth." [07:15] - "Building a Profitable DTC Site Through Community Engagement." [11:41] - "Building a Personal Brand and Community Through Authenticity and Transparency." [16:18] - "Building a Personal Brand and Connecting with Customers Through Social Media." [21:28] - "Building a Profitable Amazon Business with Insights from an Influencer." Starting DTC on Shopify Learn how Samantha initiated her DTC venture on Shopify, utilizing the power of social media (SM) for sales. Overcoming initial resistance to Amazon, she shares experiences from friends and her fiancé's two Amazon businesses, revealing the downsides and pitfalls. Using Amazon as an Overflow Bucket Explore Samantha's unique approach to Amazon as a "leaky bucket" strategy. Discover how she allocates minimal ad spend while directing overflow traffic from social media channels like Meta, Facebook (FB), and Instagram (IG) to Amazon. External Traffic and Paid Marketing Uncover Samantha's insights into using external traffic for Amazon, focusing on paid marketing on Meta to indirectly boost Amazon sales. Learn about her gradual integration of paid marketing on Amazon over six months and the impact on overall profitability. Community Building and Customer Retention Delve into the importance of community building for DTC success. Samantha emphasizes nurturing customers, increasing retention rates, and attributing leads through polls and QR codes. Understand the significance of getting customers off Amazon and into your community. Content Creation and Pre-Selling Explore Samantha's content creation strategy, differentiating between organic and paid content. Learn how pre-selling through engaging content on social media platforms helps customers fall in love with products before reaching the website. DTC Profitability and Product Diversification Understand the key factors in achieving DTC profitability, including lifetime value (LTV) and profitability from the first sale. Explore Samantha's approach to creating a "luxury" journal and integrating digital experiences, virtual courses, and a monthly masterclass for community members. Content Marketing and Traffic Quality Learn the significance of content marketing in attracting the right audience. Samantha shares the value of understanding why someone needs a product, avoiding low conversion rates, and the importance of sending the right traffic to your website. Focusing on Ads and Building Relationships Discover Samantha's perspective on ads, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what works and the value of building relationships. Follow her personal and business journey on Instagram (@samanthakozuch) and learn how consistency and authenticity drive success. Long-Term Perspective and Overcoming Challenges Gain insights into Samantha's long-term perspective on building a brand. Understand the challenges she faced in the first year and the importance of staying focused on the ultimate goal. Learn about the resilience required in the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce. Maniscripting Journal: A Personal Transformation Explore the origin of the Maniscripting journal and how it transformed Samantha's life. Discover the unique method, workbook, and daily journaling practices that help individuals get clear on their goals and maintain focus. Final Advice: Trust Your Intuition Receive a final piece of advice from Samantha as she encourages e-commerce brand owners to listen to their gut and intuition. Embrace the journey, stay consistent,

Samantha Kozuch, the founder of Maniscripting, a self-development and mindset journaling company, shares her entrepreneurial journey spanning over a decade. Initially an influencer on Instagram and owner of a video production company, Samantha transitioned into social media coaching, helping others monetize their online businesses. Despite no initial plans for e-commerce, the inception of Maniscripting during the pandemic marked a turning point. Time Stamp [00:00] - Scaling Businesses Through Multi-Channel Approach with Amazon and Self-Development. [01:54] - Entrepreneurship, E-Commerce, and Passion-Driven Business Growth. [07:15] - Building a Profitable DTC Site Through Community Engagement. [11:41] - Building a Personal Brand and Community Through Authenticity and Transparency. [16:18] - Building Personal Brand and Connecting with Customers Through Social Media. [21:28] - Building a Profitable Amazon Business with Insights from an Influencer. The Birth of Maniscripting and Community Building In the challenging times of the pandemic, Samantha started sharing her morning routine, emphasizing goal-setting during difficult periods. The positive response led to the creation of Maniscripting as a book primarily for women, with a men's journal in the pipeline. The business, now four years in e-commerce, emphasizes building a community alongside offering products. From Coach to Business Owner: Samantha's Background With a background as an online business coach and personal trainer, Samantha relied on podcasts and YouTube for learning. Her teaching mentality and obsession with learning laid the foundation for her success in the online business space. Identifying Business Opportunities and Channels Samantha's business thinking revolves around identifying needs and improving existing products. Whether as an influencer or fitness coach, her focus has always been on helping people achieve results. She emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and goals. Diversifying Channels: Amazon, DTC, Meta, and Instagram Samantha delves into the different channels she has explored, including Amazon, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) sites, Meta platforms, and Instagram. She draws comparisons between legacy brick-and-mortar businesses and digitally native ones, highlighting the importance of community-building in the digital landscape. Building a Community: The Key to Success Samantha emphasizes the value of building a community, sharing insights on creating a Facebook community and using apps for engagement. Engaging the community in product development decisions, from color choices to updates, has been instrumental in Maniscripting's success. Upselling and Reordering: Maximizing Community Engagement By paying attention to what works and involving the community in decision-making, Samantha achieves successful upselling and reorder strategies. She shares her experience of celebrating milestones like the 50th journal order and using other products for upselling. Starting Digitally vs. Bricks and Mortar: A Tested Perspective Samantha reflects on her experience testing products in physical stores and how starting an e-commerce business today differs from a few years ago. She also emphasizes the importance of product types in digital marketing, citing examples like using reels on TikTok for a 90-day journal. Nurturing Personal and Business Brand: Samantha's Approach Samantha advocates for a personal and business brand, showcasing the behind-the-scenes on her Instagram account. She discusses the necessity of personal presence, values, and transparency to build trust with customers. Overcoming Social Media Fears: Tips for the Reluctant For those hesitant about being on social media, Samantha addresses fears and provides practical tips. She encourages starting small, learning the skill, and gradually overcoming discomfort. Building a connection with the end customer helps in maintaining authenticity.

In the fast-paced world of Amazon-centric e-commerce, mastering the art of juggling time and finances is non-negotiable. This guide aims to assist small business owners in navigating the relentless demands of running an Amazon-based enterprise, emphasizing the critical role effective time and financial management plays in achieving scalable success. [00:00] - Time Management [05:40] - Cashflow Management [12:30] - Practical Tips for Success [17:30] - Utilizing Analytics and Data [20:50] - Psychological strength Time Management: Your Most Precious Asset Time, once lost, can never be regained. In the e-commerce realm, where every minute counts, efficient time management is a game-changer. Start by setting a schedule, understanding the pitfalls of multitasking, and embracing the power of focus. Learn the art of delegation and outsourcing to free up crucial hours, and don’t underestimate the importance of balance and rest to stave off burnout. Mastering SMART Goals and Prioritization Techniques To optimize time management, set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Implement prioritization techniques like the 50/1 rule (identifying the 1% of tasks yielding 50% results) and the Eisenhower matrix for efficient task categorization. Explore time-blocking methods, reserving the first and last hours of your day for mission-critical activities. Embrace automation wisely, but avoid expecting last-minute rescues from tools. Cashflow Management: Navigating the Ebb and Flow Understanding and managing cash flow is the financial lifeline of any e-commerce venture. Dive into the strategies for effective cash flow management, including forecasting and inventory control. Maximize cash inflow by adjusting prices strategically—up for fast-selling items and down for slow movers. Implement proactive credit control to ensure timely payments from owed invoices. Minimize cash outflow through negotiation with suppliers and judicious use of credit. Surviving Lean Periods and Inventory Jedi Tricks Maintaining a cash reserve is paramount, especially for weathering slow sales periods. Uncover practical tips for managing inventory to boost profitability, steering clear of common pitfalls like trying to gain market share during Q4. Resist overspending on ads; instead, focus on maximizing profits. Learn the delicate dance of negotiating terms with suppliers and utilizing credit wisely. Practical Tips for Success: Analytics, Psychology, and Support Harnessing the Power of Data Dive into the world of analytics and data-driven decision-making. Leverage Amazon analytics and other tools to make informed choices and optimize business strategies. Discard reliance on intuition; instead, let data guide your actions. Avoid the temptation to average out exceptional weeks or months for sales projections—it's a common pitfall that can lead to costly mistakes. Strengthening Psychological Resilience Master stress management techniques to navigate the inevitable pressures of entrepreneurship. Discover the benefits of regular workouts, taking intentional breaks, prioritizing sleep, and injecting fun and connection into your routine. Recognize that a healthy mindset is a powerful asset in the world of e-commerce. Building a Robust Support Network Forge connections with fellow entrepreneurs and seek mentorship. Networking is not only about professional connections but also about building a personal support system. Lean on family and friends, as their encouragement and understanding can be invaluable during challenging times. Embrace the strength derived from building a community that understands the unique challenges of the e-commerce landscape. In conclusion, as an Amazon seller, mastering the delicate dance between time and financial pressures is a continuous learning process. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide,

In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, staying ahead of the game requires an in-depth understanding of the Amazon search algorithm. As an e-commerce brand owner, optimizing your listing is crucial to reaching your target audience effectively. In 2023, Amazon's algorithm has undergone significant changes, emphasizing semantic matching over lexical matching. This guide will provide you with actionable insights on how to navigate these changes and optimize your listing effectively. [00:00:43] - "Discussion on Algorithm and Semantic Style Search" [00:01:21] - "Introduction to Zonguru and ACL Updates" [00:01:42] - "Discussion on Zonguru Tool and Listing Optimization" [00:02:17] - "Discussion on AI, Lexical Matching, and Semantic Matching" [00:03:04] - "Explanation of Lexical Matching and Semantic Matching in Amazon World" [00:07:47] - "Methods for Understanding Customers: Surveys, Research, and Recording Buyer Process" [00:08:56] - "Analyzing Emotions in Reviews" [00:09:31] - "Analysis of Customer Emotions and Reviews" [00:10:18] - "Optimizing Amazon SEO: Pricing, PPC, and Keyword Strategy" [00:11:34] - "Importance of Aligning PPC and SEO Strategies" [00:12:13] - "Zonguru's Focus on Data Analytics, Keyword Intelligence, and SEO" [00:23:43] - "Finding Opportunities Amidst Growing Competition" [00:24:08] - "Importance of Analytical Tools in Competitive Amazon Market" [00:24:17] - "Overview of Zonguru's Tools: Product Research, Keyword Intelligence, Listing Optimization, and More" [00:25:59] - "Zonguru's Offerings: Private Label Brands, Agencies, and Evolving with the Industry" For a 10% OFF Lifetime Offer on Zonguru, click Zonguru 1. Adapting to Amazon's Shifting Algorithm The Amazon search algorithm, driven by AI, is transitioning from traditional exact matching to semantic matching. Project Nile, set to launch in early 2024, focuses on understanding customer behavior and product meaning. As a seller, the key is to adapt, focusing on broader, more relevant keywords. Remember, you could rank for terms not explicitly in your listing. The challenge remains: how do you direct the algorithm to index your products accurately? 2. Understanding Your Customer Base To succeed in this evolving landscape, understanding your customers is paramount. Research their profiles, emotions, and search behaviors through surveys and tools like Pickfu. Record the buyer process of your target audience to identify crucial touchpoints. Analyze reviews using semantic analysis, identifying emotions in both positive and negative feedback. This understanding forms the foundation of your optimized listing strategy. 3. Optimizing for Semantic Search Optimizing your listing for semantic search involves strategic use of keywords. Your title, bullets, and backend search terms should incorporate relevant, high-volume keywords. However, avoid keyword stuffing. Use AI integration wisely; it can boost revenue by 23% for existing listings. Broad match your keywords in the listing, especially in the title, allowing Amazon's AI to identify relevant connections. Remember, the title holds the most weight in Amazon's algorithm. 4. Aligning PPC and SEO Strategies Integrating your PPC and SEO strategies is essential. Build your storefront around specific keywords, aiming to dominate areas where your competition is weak. Use ACOS data to invest in high-converting keywords. Often, sellers overspend on low-converting keywords. Ensure your PPC strategy aligns with high-converting keywords, creating a halo effect across your listing. 5. Leveraging AI for Creative Enhancement AI can be a powerful assistant in brainstorming and contextual keyword research. It helps in understanding your competition's ranking, strengths, and weaknesses. By analyzing this data, you can make informed decisions, removing emotion from the equation. AI also aids in image brainstorming, ensuring your visuals stand out in the crowded marketplace.

When considering buying an ecommerce business, it's crucial to evaluate various financial metrics. In this article, we will explore nine vital financial metrics that potential buyers should assess when looking to buy an ecommerce business. Introduction Before diving into the financial metrics, it's important to recognize that buying an ecommerce business is a substantial investment. To ensure the success and profitability of your acquisition, you need to consider both financial and non-financial factors. Financial Metrics 1. Financial Metrics Trump Marketing Ones While marketing metrics are important, financial metrics take precedence. Understanding the financial health of the business is paramount. Key documents, such as the Profit and Loss (P&L) statement and the balance sheet, should be the first items you examine. 2. Profit, Not Revenue, Drives Value Growing revenue does not necessarily mean growing the business. Profitability is what truly drives the value of an ecommerce business. Even if a business has a substantial top-line revenue, if it's not profitable, it may not be a fully developed and sustainable business. 3. Define Earnings Metrics Different earnings metrics, such as operating profit, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization), and SDE (Seller's Discretionary Earnings), are essential for understanding the financial health of the business. Knowing the differences between these metrics will help you make informed decisions. Criteria in Order of Importance Consider the following financial criteria when evaluating an ecommerce business for acquisition: 1. Absolute SDE Size The size of the Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) matters for the business's valuation. Your criteria for SDE size should align with your investment goals, ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. 2. Profit Percentage Assess the profit percentage. A minimum profit margin of 10% after management costs or a minimum of 20% SDE (excluding management costs) is a good benchmark. 3. Profit Trend Year-Over-Year (YOY) and Recent Months Prefer businesses with a steady or slightly growing profit trend YOY. Recent declines are acceptable if you believe you can reverse them. 4. Profit Multiple (Initial Expectation) Consider the profit multiple you expect when purchasing the business. Note that a 5X multiple for an Amazon-focused business with less than $300,000 SDE may be overinflated. 5. Working Capital Requirements Assess the working capital requirements, especially if you are importing products. Managing inventory and working capital is crucial for the business's financial health. Marketing KPIs In addition to financial metrics, evaluate marketing key performance indicators (KPIs) to understand the business's potential for growth: 6. Product Category Be selective with the product category. Avoid overly competitive markets and supply chain issues. Consider product categories with higher barriers to entry. 7. Performance of the Category (BCG Matrix) Assess whether the category is in an upward or downward trend. Highly competitive categories may not be ideal for acquisition. 8. Market Share/Dominance (BCG Matrix) Evaluate the market share and dominance of the business within its niche. Avoid markets dominated by big brand names. 9. Conversion Rate A high conversion rate is desirable, especially on platforms like Amazon. It indicates the efficiency of turning visitors into customers. A low conversion rate may signify that the business is attracting the wrong kind of traffic. Conclusion Buying an ecommerce business involves a comprehensive evaluation of both financial and non-financial factors. By understanding and applying the financial metrics mentioned above, you can make a well-informed decision when considering the purchase of an ecommerce business. This due diligence will contribute to the success and profitability of your investment in the ...

In today's rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, international expansion has become a key strategy for scaling brands. For UK-based sellers eyeing growth opportunities, tapping into the European Union (EU) market in 2023 is not just a possibility; it's a goldmine waiting to be explored. Despite the challenges posed by Brexit and varying regulations, the EU offers immense potential for entrepreneurs willing to adapt and strategize effectively. 00:00 - "Expanding into Europe: Challenges for UK Sellers" 02:15 - "Navigating EU Market Entry Post-Brexit" 04:30 - "Quick Guide: Selling in Europe After Brexit" 06:45 - "Strategies for UK Based Sellers in the EU Market" 09:00 - "Optimizing Logistics: Key to European Success" 11:15 - "VAT Demystified: Selling Across EU Borders" 13:30 - "Finding the Right Partners in EU Expansion" 15:45 - "Customer Experience: The Heart of European Sales" 18:00 - "Beyond Brexit: Seizing EU Market Opportunities" 20:15 - "Localizing Your Approach: European Market Insights" 22:30 - "Profitable PPC Campaigns in European Markets" 24:45 - "Success Stories: UK Brands Thriving in Europe" 27:00 - "Marketplace Diversity: Beyond Amazon in Europe" 29:15 - "Sustainable Growth: Scaling Your EU Presence" 31:30 - "The Future of UK-EU E-commerce Relations" Understanding the European Marketplace The first step in conquering the EU market is comprehending its diverse nature. Europe is not a monolithic entity but a mosaic of unique cultures, languages, and consumer behaviors. UK sellers must abandon the notion of a homogenous European market and instead embrace a localized approach. This means tailoring products, marketing, and customer support to individual countries. Navigating VAT and Compliance VAT registration and compliance are pivotal in cross-border trade. Setting up a company in Europe, preferably in countries like the Netherlands with tax advantages, facilitates smooth VAT registration. Importantly, understanding VAT thresholds and regulations specific to each country is vital. Additionally, ensuring products comply with EU standards, including CE certification, is non-negotiable. Compliance guarantees seamless entry and avoids legal complications. Logistics: The Heartbeat of Customer Experience Logistics is the backbone of customer experience in e-commerce. A European hub, strategically located in countries like the Netherlands, acts as a centralized point for stock control. Implementing a robust logistics network ensures efficient order fulfillment and, crucially, enables next-day deliveries, a key factor in customer satisfaction. Cracking the Code: Language and Marketing Language is the gateway to consumers' hearts. Utilizing professional native speakers for product page translations, keyword optimization, and localized marketing is indispensable. Google Translate won't cut it; authentic communication resonates with customers. Implementing effective PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaigns, rooted in thorough keyword research, ensures visibility and drives targeted traffic. Continual monitoring and adaptation are vital to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Strategic Partnerships: Your Secret Weapon In the intricate tapestry of EU market entry, having the right partners is a game-changer. Choosing partners adept at navigating the complexities of customs, regulations, and local markets expedites the process. These partners facilitate seamless import-export operations and handle the nuances of each country, allowing sellers to focus on core business aspects. Seizing the Opportunity: Your Path to Profitability Embracing EU market entry in 2023 is not just a strategy; it's a lucrative opportunity for UK-based e-commerce brands. Despite initial hurdles, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. By adopting a localized approach, understanding VAT intricacies, optimizing logistics, investing in effective language and marketing strategies,

Effective e-commerce customer service is the lifeblood of any business, but there are times when mistakes can have far-reaching consequences. In this article, we explore a series of customer service blunders that can negatively impact your business, from hindering customers' basic functions to leaving your business vulnerable to errors and inefficiency. 1. Stopping Customers from Performing Basic Functions : Imagine trying to complete a simple task, only to find that a company's customer service is preventing you from doing so. When customer service obstructs rather than assists, it creates frustration and dissatisfaction. In the absence of clear rules and contacts, customers may be left with no choice but to navigate a maze of automated systems. 2. Automated, Non-Human Phone Calls: Many companies opt for automated phone systems to handle customer inquiries. While automation can be efficient, a lack of human touch can alienate customers. Often, this leads to more problems, as customers may require personalized assistance that automated systems cannot provide. 3. Requiring Physical Visits for Phone Support: In some cases, customers might be directed to visit a physical location for phone support. This not only inconveniences customers but also contradicts the convenience that online services should offer. It's a sure way to discourage business. 4. Inadequate Staffing: A common pitfall is not having enough staff to handle customer inquiries effectively. Long wait times, unanswered emails, or delayed responses can all result from inadequate staffing. This is a recipe for customer frustration and a tarnished reputation. 5. Inefficient System for Rectifying Faults: When a customer encounters an issue, resolving it should be straightforward. If, instead, your customer service relies on a manual, time-consuming, and inefficient system, customers are left hanging, and their problems may remain unresolved. 6. Risk of Knowledge Leaving with Older Staff: Experienced employees often hold a wealth of knowledge about your business's operations and customer interactions. When they retire or leave, this valuable knowledge could depart with them, leaving younger or newer staff with gaps in understanding that can lead to errors. 7. Incorrect Records and No Way to Verify: Inaccurate records can spell disaster for your business. Without a system to verify and cross-check information, you risk making decisions based on incorrect data, which can be costly and damaging to your reputation. Conclusion: Mistakes in customer service can have far-reaching consequences for your business. From frustrating customers to risking errors and inefficiency, these blunders can tarnish your reputation and affect your bottom line. It's crucial for businesses to identify these pitfalls and take proactive steps to rectify them, ensuring that customer service remains a cornerstone of success, not a liability. By providing exceptional service and addressing these common mistakes, your business can thrive in the competitive landscape of today.

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, mastering the art of Ecommerce Pricing Strategies is essential to your business's success. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, understanding the ecommerce strategies that empower your pricing is crucial. In this article, we're going to explore three powerful principles that can significantly impact your pricing power and your ability to set prices that attract and retain customers. Are you ready to discover the secrets of e-commerce pricing? Let's dive in. Ecommerce Pricing Strategy 1: Pre-Selling for Anticipation and Trust In a world where raising prices can often lead to customer pushback, pre-selling is a strategy that can work wonders. It's like creating a magical aura around your products. Imagine being able to raise your prices, and your customers still eagerly line up to buy. Pre-selling is all about building anticipation and trust. It's the art of telegraphing your punches to your customers, letting them know what you'll offer in the future. The more anticipation and enthusiasm you can generate, the more pricing power you gain. A fantastic example of pre-selling is the launch of Elon Musk's Cybertruck. Years before it was set to be produced, Musk pre-sold the Cybertruck. People could sign up with a $1,000 deposit, even though the final price wasn't announced. The result? A massive number of customers signed up without knowing the exact cost, showcasing the power of pre-selling. So, how can you apply pre-selling to your e-commerce business? Consider these strategies: Product Suites: Think in terms of creating a series of products or integrated product concepts. This allows you to stack products and generate anticipation for the entire suite. Launch Strategies: Don't just release a product quietly. Create a buzz with a well-planned product launch. Engage your audience with teasers, events, and an exciting unveiling. Leverage Trust: Building trust in your brand is essential. When customers trust your products, they are more likely to embrace pre-selling. Focus on delivering quality and value consistently. Ecommerce Pricing Strategy 2: The Power of Timing Timing is everything in e-commerce, and it can be a potent tool in creating pricing power. Think about seasonal products like Halloween costumes or Thanksgiving turkeys. People expect to see these items during specific times of the year, and they are willing to pay a premium for them when the time is right. Consider the timing in your niche and your product offerings. Look for opportunities to align your products with moments when demand naturally increases. Whether it's holidays, special events, or even trends, timing can give you a significant advantage in setting higher prices without customer resistance. Timing can also be about releasing your products strategically. If you have a loyal customer base, they may eagerly await your new releases. This anticipation can allow you to price your products higher during the initial launch. Remember, timing isn't just about the time of year; it's also about the moment within your customers' buying journey. Ensure you're meeting their needs and delivering value when they need it most. Ecommerce Pricing Strategy 3: Leveraging Gift Cards for Price Insensitivity Gift cards are a valuable, yet often underutilized asset for e-commerce businesses. They create a unique form of price insensitivity. When customers use gift cards, they are essentially spending someone else's money. As a result, they become less sensitive to individual item prices and more focused on the overall shopping experience. Here's how you can leverage gift cards to enhance your pricing strategy: Promote Gift Cards: Encourage the purchase of gift cards during special occasions, like birthdays or holidays. This not only increases sales but also boosts price insensitivity. Easy Gift Card Redemption: Make it simple for customers to use gift cards during the checkout...

Welcome back to the 10 K Collective Podcast. Today, we have Stef Van Boekel from O1, the European marketplace operator. They cover over a hundred marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Cdiscount in 27 countries. We're diving deep into the topic of making money selling on Amazon EU in 2023 for international sellers. Let's uncover the challenges and strategies for success in this ever-shifting landscape. [00:01:14] Introduction to Stef Van Boekel and O1, the European marketplace operator. [00:02:08] Discussion about UK sellers vs. US sellers and the challenges of selling on Amazon EU. [00:03:20] Opportunities for established brands to grow on European marketplaces. [00:04:30] Basics of expanding into the EU, including tax compliance and import requirements. [00:06:08] Importance of launching new products or entering new marketplaces for brand growth. [00:07:08] Differences between Amazon US and European marketplaces in terms of competition and marketing strategies. [00:10:03] Importance of market reviews and customer perception in the European market. [00:11:32] Discussion on local heroes and the significance of positive reviews in Europe. [00:12:21] Strategies for entering the European market country by country for a healthy business. [00:14:08] Importance of operational excellence and focusing on profitability. [00:15:23] How to pick the right country to enter the European market based on revenue potential and competition analysis. [00:16:22] Calculating actual cost price for selling and operating in a specific country. [00:18:26] Leveraging top three marketplaces in each country for profitable sales. [00:23:03] Profitability in dominating niche markets and low competition dynamics in Europe. [00:24:50] Information on how to contact Stef Van Boekel and O1 for further assistance in expanding into the European market. Understanding the European Market Landscape in 2023 The European market is a vast and diverse landscape. Unlike the United States, Europe comprises multiple countries, each with its own languages, currencies, and regulations. When it comes to selling on Amazon EU, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Stef emphasizes that it's essential to view Europe as individual markets rather than a unified entity. Operational complexity is high, with different tax levels, languages, and logistical challenges. While Amazon USA is a marketing game, Amazon EU requires a focus on operational excellence. Choosing the Right European Countries to Target When expanding into Europe, the key is to identify the countries with the most potential for your products. Don't choose based on your comfort zone. Instead, analyze market revenue, competitors, and your ability to compete on content, quality, and price. Make a shortlist of countries based on these criteria. Then, calculate your actual cost price for each country, factoring in taxes, logistics, and other expenses. This detailed analysis helps you identify the most profitable markets and plan your entry strategy accordingly. Why Amazon is the Gateway to European Markets Amazon, particularly in countries where it has been established for over a decade, serves as the primary product search engine. Utilize Amazon's vast data insights to understand market trends and consumer behavior. While Amazon is essential, consider other marketplaces like Cdiscount in France or bol.com in the Netherlands. These platforms often have lower competition, allowing you to explore niche markets and maximize profits. Dominating a smaller market within Europe can yield substantial rewards, making it a viable strategy for profit-driven sellers. How O1 Simplifies European Market Entry For sellers looking to tap into the European market, O1 offers a streamlined solution. O1 takes care of import, warehousing, logistics, content optimization, marketing campaigns, and VAT filing. By partnering with O1, sellers can focus on their core strengths while leaving the complexities of European mar...

As an online entrepreneur, you're no stranger to the complexities of running an e-commerce business. From managing your products and customers to handling logistics, there's already a lot on your plate. But there's one aspect that often goes overlooked until it's too late: ecommerce tax. In this article, we'll explore why tax planning is crucial for e-commerce businesses and how it can save you money and headaches in the long run. Sales Tax: A Challenge for E-commerce Tax Planning The landscape of e-commerce taxation in the United States is anything but straightforward. Unlike many other countries with unified national tax systems, the U.S. relies on a state-by-state approach. This means that if you're selling products online, you must consider sales tax on multiple levels: State Sales Tax: Each state has its own sales tax rate, rules, and exemptions. County Sales Tax: Some states allow counties to impose additional sales taxes. City Sales Tax: In certain cases, even individual cities may have their sales tax requirements. Other Considerations: Besides sales tax, e-commerce businesses must also navigate issues like marketplace facilitator agreements, where platforms like Amazon might handle tax collection on your behalf. If your e-commerce business reaches six, seven, or eight-figure revenues, it's crucial to think about sales tax planning. Failing to do so could lead to legal troubles and unnecessary expenses. For instance, Florida mandates that businesses exceeding $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions must register for a sales tax permit and may need to file sales tax returns quarterly. The Role of Technology in Ecommerce Tax Planning Fortunately, you don't have to navigate the complex world of ecommerce tax on your own. There are tools and platforms that can simplify the process. Here are some options: TaxJar: This tool helps automate sales tax calculations, reporting, and filing. Avalara: Avalara offers end-to-end sales tax automation for e-commerce businesses. Integrations: Some platforms like Amazon and Shopify have integrations that allow you to streamline sales tax management. However, the question remains, when should you hire a professional to handle your e-commerce taxes? The answer lies in the complexities of your business and your comfort level with tax planning. The Need for Professional Assistance While technology can certainly help, it's essential to recognize when professional assistance is required. Here are some situations where you should consider hiring a tax specialist: Complex Figures: A tax professional can review your financials to ensure accuracy and compliance. Tax Planning: They can help you strategically plan your taxes to minimize your liability. Thresholds and Compliance: Tax experts can guide you in navigating various state sales tax thresholds and compliance issues. Maximizing Deductions: You could be missing out on valuable deductions that could significantly reduce your tax liability. Moreover, e-commerce tax specialists focus exclusively on the online business sector. This specialized knowledge allows them to provide targeted advice, ultimately saving their clients more money than expected. The Knowledge Gap Running a successful e-commerce business doesn't necessarily translate to expertise in tax matters. Many entrepreneurs excel at their businesses but struggle with the intricacies of accounting and taxation. This gap in knowledge can lead to significant financial losses. If you're serious about your e-commerce business, don't hesitate to reach out to an expert in the field. Even if you're unsure about what questions to ask, a tax specialist can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas where you might be overpaying on taxes or missing out on potential deductions. The Importance of Tax Planning The notion of income and corporate tax planning might not be appealing to every business owner,

Why Have My Amazon Sales Dropped? Are you an Amazon seller who's recently noticed a dip in your sales figures? Maybe you're asking yourself "Why Have My Amazon Sales Dropped?". If so, you're not alone. The e-commerce landscape is dynamic and ever-changing, and understanding the reasons behind fluctuations in your Amazon sales is crucial. In this blog post, we'll explore the common factors that can cause your Amazon sales to drop and whether you're asking the right questions to address the issue. Let's dive in and uncover the strategies to revive your Amazon sales. 1. Seasonal Variations One potential reason for a drop in Amazon sales is seasonality. Many products experience fluctuations in demand based on the time of the year. For instance, holiday-related products may see a surge in sales during the holiday season but slow down significantly during other times. It's essential to recognize the seasonality factor and adjust your strategies accordingly. 2. Amazon Algorithm Changes Amazon frequently updates its search and ranking algorithms. These changes can significantly affect your product's visibility and sales. To address this, stay informed about algorithm updates, and adjust your listing optimization strategies as needed. This can help you adapt to the evolving algorithmic landscape and maintain your sales performance. 3. Competitor Analysis Your competitors can have a profound impact on your sales. If your competitors are offering better pricing, more enticing promotions, or superior product listings, it can divert customers away from your products. Regularly analyze your competitors' activities, understand their strengths, and find ways to differentiate yourself in the market. 4. Product Listing Optimization Product listings are the digital storefronts of your Amazon business. Poorly optimized listings can result in lower visibility and decreased sales. Ensure your product titles, descriptions, and images are well-crafted with relevant keywords. Effective listing optimization can help improve your product's visibility and attract potential customers. 5. Customer Reviews and Feedback Customer reviews and feedback play a significant role in Amazon sales. Negative reviews or inadequate feedback can deter potential buyers. Focus on providing top-notch customer service and address issues promptly to build a positive reputation. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, and learn from constructive criticism to make improvements. 6. Pricing and Promotions Pricing strategies and promotions can directly impact your Amazon sales. Evaluate your pricing in comparison to competitors and consider offering discounts or promotions to entice buyers. Additionally, take advantage of Amazon's advertising and promotion features to boost your product's visibility. 7. Inventory Management Effective inventory management is vital to prevent stockouts or overstocking. Running out of stock can result in missed sales opportunities, while overstocking ties up your capital. Keep a close eye on your inventory levels and use forecasting tools to ensure that you maintain an optimal balance. 8. Sessions (traffic problem) vs conversion There is a big difference between low traffic and low conversions. Low traffic shows up in reduced “Sessions” (more or less similar to page views, ie number of people who visited your listing during a period of time). If you reduce your ad spend, you have to expect most of the time, you’ll get less traffic. This is a very common reason for Amazon sales dropping. In contrast, a drop in conversions shows up in a reduced “unit session percentage”. The biggest factors that drive this are price increases or a decrease in average rating. The latter can really hit conversion rates hard - if that’s happening, you need to dive into figuring out why the negative reviews are coming in. Why have my Amazon sales dropped? - Summary In conclusion, if you've been wondering,

In today's fast-paced business landscape, the path to entrepreneurship often begins with rapid growth through online platforms. Some entrepreneurs build multi-million dollar businesses without a deep understanding of financial fundamentals, but when it comes time to exit, they must confront the essential financial metrics. Whether you're buying or selling a business, these key performance indicators (KPIs) can make or break the deal. In this blog post, we'll explore nine vital KPIs for business acquisition and why they matter. The Primacy of Financial Metrics First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that financial metrics should take precedence over marketing metrics when evaluating a business for acquisition. While marketing metrics are important for gauging performance and strategy, they should always align with financial outcomes. A business's income statement and balance sheet are the cornerstones of evaluation, as they provide a comprehensive financial overview. They act as a universal language in the world of business deals, understood by lenders, investors, and buyers across different industries. Profit Over Revenue One common mistake many business owners, especially those new to the acquisition game, make is overemphasizing revenue over profit. While revenue is a key indicator of growth and market presence, profit is the primary driver of business value. A business's profitability tells a potential buyer how much money the business is truly making after accounting for costs and expenses. The Value of Profit Profit should be viewed as a primary driver of a business's worth. When considering selling a business, it's essential to think about how profit contributes to its overall value. Buyers often seek businesses with established profit margins, as these indicate stable and lucrative operations. Smaller businesses with lower profit figures may still have value but need to be priced accordingly based on their scalability and potential. Understanding Earnings Metrics When evaluating a business's financial performance, you'll need to understand different earnings metrics: Operating Profit: This metric calculates profit by subtracting direct costs and overheads from income. It excludes interest and taxes. EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization): EBITDA removes non-cash expenses like depreciation and amortization. It provides a more accurate picture of a business's operational earnings. SDE (Seller Discretionary Earnings): SDE considers the real cost of running the business, which often includes the owner's under-market salary. This is a crucial metric for evaluating small businesses, especially those with owner-operators heavily involved. The Nuances of Valuation Valuing a business is a complex task that depends on several factors, including the specific role of the owner and the potential need for additional staff or investments by the buyer. When determining the value of a business, consider what's leaving when the owner exits. If the owner played multiple roles within the business, such as CFO, CMO, and CTO, their departure may imply a need to hire new staff, increasing expenses. Additionally, if the business is too reliant on the owner's involvement, it may be perceived as more of a job than an independent business, impacting its valuation. Different Buyer Pools Just like in real estate, businesses have distinct buyer pools. Some buyers are interested in acquiring a business to run it themselves, while others want a business that can operate independently. These two types of buyers may assign different values to the same business. A business that can run without an owner-operator is often more attractive to a broader pool of buyers, potentially driving up its valuation. Financial KPIs drive business value! When it comes to buying or selling a business, the financial metrics take precedence, with profit being the key driver of a business's value.

How to Grow an Amazon Business- How Scott Needham Achieved a 50% Growth in Margins In today's blog post, we're going to delve into how to grow an Amazon business, and specifically a reseller business. Scott Needham is a seasoned Amazon seller and software developer. Scott shares invaluable insights on how he managed to scale a reseller business, increase margins from 14% to 21%, and even built a cutting-edge software tool to revolutionize the reselling game. Join us as we uncover the key strategies and lessons that can help you grow your Amazon business. The Journey to 50% Margin Growth Scott Needham's journey began in 2013 when he joined his brother's already thriving Amazon reseller business, which had accumulated millions in sales but faced challenges in scaling. The pivotal moment came when Scott harnessed technology to automate critical business processes. This automation laid the foundation for substantial growth, taking their team from just a handful of employees to a formidable workforce of 80. One of the critical components of their success was the development of custom software tools designed to streamline various aspects of the reselling process, from inventory management to order automation. These tools enabled them to efficiently scale their business, despite initial hiccups and pricing mistakes. Scott emphasizes that reselling is one of the fastest ways to grow revenue, even if the profit margins can be lower than those in private label ventures. The real secret to their impressive 50% margin growth lay in how they managed their pricing strategies using a repricer tool. They strategically adjusted their pricing based on inventory levels and competition, allowing them to maximize profits. Lessons Learned and Mistakes Made while growing an Amazon business While Scott's journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, he also candidly shares the challenges and mistakes they encountered along the way. Two key takeaways are particularly noteworthy: Winning Over Big Brands One of the significant lessons was the importance of building strong relationships with big brands. Scott acknowledges that they could have been more persuasive in their approach to convince larger brands to work with them. He believes investing in a more professional website to convey a sense of trustworthiness would have been beneficial. Simplifying their sales process and avoiding excessive Amazon-specific jargon could also have helped secure more partnerships. The Power of the Repricer Scott's second valuable lesson revolves around the repricer tool. Resellers often focus on selling at the lowest price to win the buy box, but Scott and his team adopted a different approach. They used their repricer to float their prices higher when they restocked a product, aiming for a minimum gross margin. This strategic pricing approach, combined with automation, significantly boosted their margins. Introducing Smart Scout Scott Needham's passion for technology and data analysis led him to create Smart Scout, a tool tailored for resellers. Smart Scout simplifies the process of identifying profitable products and brands on Amazon by providing a comprehensive overview of estimated revenue and in-stock rates. It allows resellers to filter and pinpoint brands that meet specific criteria, streamlining the sourcing process. Smart Scout is a powerful resource for resellers looking to uncover hidden opportunities and make data-driven decisions. To explore this tool further, you can visit Smart Scout and use the coupon code "smartpodcast15" to enjoy a 15% discount. Conclusion Scott Needham's journey from a family reselling business to creating powerful software tools for Amazon sellers is an inspiring story of growth and adaptation. His valuable insights and lessons can guide resellers on their path to success, and the Smart Scout tool offers a cutting-edge solution to enhance sourcing and decision-making.

Hi there, this is Michael from Amazing FBA and welcome to Practical Hacks. If you subscribe to the philosophy that done is better than perfect, you're going to love these little hacks. Today we'll look at how to increase your Amazon seller profit margin. Do you want to grow your business bigger and faster? A free audit of your Amazon business can help you see and avoid threats and find missed golden opportunities. I generally charge per hour, but this would be free. You can be a reseller or a brand owner. All I ask is that you're doing a few thousand dollars a month in sales already. Just visit myamazonaudit. com, That's M Y A M A Z O N A U D I T dot com. Hi there folks, Michael Veazey here for another episode, this one's going to be a quick one I've got some insights from a recent audit I did for somebody who's got only one SKU, but been selling for about a year. So quite early stages. This person has got up to around two and a half thousand dollars in sales a month selling in the U S. So here was some insights from what is not untypical situation. There were spending quite a bit on hours and ads. The first thing is that this person was not really aware of one critical metric that I recommend everyone who is new ish on Amazon or new to e-commerce which the advertising to sales ratio or the TACOS =total advertising cost of sales. That is the same as the total advertising spend divided by the total sales of any given product. That's a useful metric by the way that predates Amazon selling by many decades. And I think it's a good one to keep an eye on across e-commerce or even retail generally. If your profit margin and your product accounting for all your direct costs- the cost of the product and your Amazon fulfillment costs- is say 30%. Then if you're spending more than 30% of your ad revenue on advertising, you are making zero profit. Sadly a common circumstance. If you are launching a new product line, perfectly acceptable to pay effectively for market share. If you're not however. In launch mode, then something needs to change drastically. So. That was the starting point of this audit that we did a few days ago. I did it personally, by the way, I didn't have my staff to it. One of the things to look at is why that number so high, the advertising to sales ratio. One reason for that often is a low conversion rate. That is to say the out of a hundred people visiting your listing, only a handful will buy . And it was true in this case, as I looked in the business reports, which if you go to Amazon Seller Central dashboard. You get a business reports under. Detailed sales page by ASIN. I think you need the one in this case by parent product. It says anyone product and it was about 8% unit session percentage, which is the number of units divided by the number of sessions. A session is roughly equivalent to visits to put it in simple tips. And if that number is low, that means that every time you spend money on an ad you pay per click as the name implies for that type of marketing, PPC. And therefore, if you have to get in this case, 8% means 12 clicks before you get a sale, then you paid for those 11 other clicks without a sale. So that really drives up the advertising to sales ratio, which is a critical number. And that strips out the profits. How to increase your Amazon Seller profit margin: Improve your Amazon Listing Conversion Rate Improve Star Rating --- So how do we get that conversion rate higher? Well the easiest way is to work on your reviews. In this case, they had 4.8 star average. So that wasn't probably the issue. Lower Price --- The price could be. Lowered. That obviously can strip out your profits of course, in a different way, but there is probably a sweet spot or they can sometimes be a sweet spot. It's worth experimenting with price. Value. Adding more valley. Can help with conversion rates. Optimization, obviously that probably needs to be actual value,

Welcome to a guide that holds the key to unlocking success in the world of Ecommerce business sales. In this comprehensive walkthrough, we'll explore essential strategies tailored for Ecommerce brand owners. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, understanding the pitfalls and how to avoid them is crucial for scaling your brand with minimal capital. The Compliance Conundrum Not Eliminating Deal Killers in Compliance The Hidden Risks Compliance - it might not be the sexiest topic, but it's an absolute deal-maker or deal-breaker in Ecommerce business sales. From intellectual property to Amazon's intricate terms of service, compliance issues can sneak up on you. Imagine the nightmare of trademarking your name instead of your business's name, leading to unforeseen tax complications. It's crucial to define the line between what's allowed and what's not, as reducing risk significantly adds value to your business. Timing is Everything (Approx. 250 words) Waiting until the last minute to address compliance concerns can lead to sleepless nights and regrets. Ideally, start addressing compliance issues 1-2 years before going to market. Leaving skeletons in the closet, such as unresolved compliance problems, can haunt you, as all the liability stays with the seller. Calculating Your True Worth (Approx. 250 words) Understanding your business's value requires more than just a multiple of your trailing twelve months (TTM) earnings. The lifetime effective multiple, considering earnouts and other variables, is a better measure. Pre-calculate a weighted average analysis against the likelihood of these events happening. Sometimes, taking 100% cash in the exit isn't the most lucrative option, as it might lead to a lower multiple. Diversifying with earnouts can often result in a better overall deal. Maintaining Momentum Slowing Down Growth Prior to Exiting The Profit Paradox It's essential to be profit-conscious in the year leading up to your exit, but don't let this blind you to the potential pitfalls of slowing down growth. Stabilization payments and earnouts might tempt you to be penny-wise but pound-foolish. Buyers are interested in future earnings more than past ones, so continue to profitably grow to present a more attractive story. The Future Vision (Approx. 250 words) In Ecommerce, it's not about what you've earned, but what you can earn in the future. While past data matters, it's the vision of where the business can go that truly counts. As the Ecommerce landscape becomes more competitive, exiting to someone else or even to yourself is often the best choice. Don't get stuck with an undiversified stockpile. The Importance of Accurate Financials Ensuring Your Financials are Bulletproof Financial Clarity (Approx. 250 words) Accurate and fully accrual-based financials are essential. Ensure your financial records are immaculate and transparent. This not only helps during due diligence but also builds trust with potential buyers. Northbound Group - Your Partner for Premium Exits Your Guide to Success (Approx. 250 words) Northbound Group specializes in premium exits for premium sellers. We understand that 80% of the valuation increase isn't just about negotiation; it's about creating a premium. Whether your business is over 1M in EBITDA or on a growth trajectory from 500K, we can advise you. Download our Workbook for the essential steps to a successful exit Reach out to Scott at scott@northboundgroup.com for a free checklist of what you'll need in your data room to prepare for your exit. With this guide, you're well-equipped to navigate the complexities of crafting a premium Ecommerce business for sale. Let's unlock success together.

In the world of e-commerce, building a successful business is no small feat. But the ultimate goal for many e-commerce brand owners is to scale their brands and, eventually, achieve a profitable sale. However, achieving this goal can be a challenging endeavor, especially if you're not prepared for the potential pitfalls that lie ahead. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the essential strategies to help you avoid these common e-commerce business pitfalls, all with the objective of optimizing your business for a successful sale. [00:00:00] Scot Deetz Emphasizes the Importance of Strategic Planning for Business Exit. [00:01:34] Introduction of Scott Deetz from Northbound as an Expert in Business Exits. [00:02:18] Scott Shares His Background and the Genesis of Northbound. [00:03:21] Discussion of Northbound's Role in Helping Businesses Exit. [00:06:24] The Significance of Spending Time Planning for the Exit. [00:10:55] Thinking from the Buyer's Perspective Is Crucial in Building an Exitable Business. [00:13:08] The Impact of Business Model Choice on Exitability. [00:18:01] An Example of Solving Challenges in Highly Seasonal Businesses. [00:19:38] How Proactive Problem-Solving Can Enhance the Value of a Business. [00:20:49] The Competitive Advantage Often Lies in Financial Arrangements Rather Than the Front End. The Scott Story: Learning from Failure to Success Before we dive into the intricacies of avoiding e-commerce business pitfalls, let's take a moment to draw inspiration from Scott's story. Scott, like many e-commerce entrepreneurs, initially attempted a DIY exit strategy for his business, only to see it fail. However, he didn't give up. Instead, he brought in an advisor, and the results were astonishing: not only did he secure a deal, but it was also three times more valuable than his initial attempt. Scott's journey began in 2013 when he entered the world of Amazon as a seller. Over five years, he honed his skills, but he discovered that his true passion lay in helping others achieve their financial goals. This realization led to the birth of Northbound Group, which started facilitating exits in 2016, even before the rise of e-commerce aggregators. With a team of 25 full-time experts and over half a billion dollars in exits, Northbound Group focused its efforts on e-commerce, be it physical goods or service providers. The key to their success? Advisors who played a pivotal role in Scott's exit journey. Investment Bank vs. Broker: Your Partners in Success Before we explore the e-commerce pitfalls, it's essential to understand the role of investment banks and brokers. These professionals not only help create an exitable and sellable company but also guide you through the complex process of exiting. They are your partners, both pre and post-sale. Now, let's delve into the critical aspects of avoiding e-commerce business pitfalls. Before You Go to Market: The Importance of Exit Planning One of the most significant mistakes e-commerce entrepreneurs make is not planning for their exit. Shockingly, over 50% of the money you make in your business will come from the exit. To put it into perspective, imagine if someone told you that more than half of your lifetime earnings depended on a single event. How much time would you dedicate to preparing for it? Often, decisions are made in a vacuum, detached from exit planning. It's analogous to ignoring the cost of goods sold (COGS) when calculating product margins. In this context, your exit strategy should be integral to your overall business plan. Thinking from the Buyer's Perspective Scott's mentor once emphasized the importance of thinking from the buyer's perspective rather than solely from your own. Building trust with potential buyers requires highlighting the benefits and providing proof. Buyers want to see how your e-commerce business can fulfill their needs and expectations. Selecting a Sellable Business Strategy

Opening The e-commerce landscape is brimming with activity, hosting countless businesses vying for attention. In this fiercely competitive arena, distinguishing your brand can be a formidable challenge. Even more so if you're offering identical products to your competitors. But fret not, there exists an array of effective strategies to outshine your rivals and propel your e-commerce venture to greater heights. Here are 12 invaluable recommendations: 1. Prioritize Customer Delight In the fiercely competitive e-commerce realm, customer satisfaction reigns supreme. If you can deliver a superior customer experience compared to your rivals, you stand a better chance of winning their patronage. This involves providing exceptional customer service, swift delivery, and a user-friendly website. 2. Present Exclusive Offerings To emerge as a standout player, you must offer something unique, something your competitors can't match. This uniqueness could manifest in the form of exclusive products, innovative services, or more competitive pricing. Providing something unavailable elsewhere enhances your appeal. 3. Cultivate a Robust Brand Identity A strong brand identity is the cornerstone of e-commerce triumph. It's what sets your business apart from the crowd and draws new customers. Ensure that your brand maintains a consistent presence across all channels, from your website to your social media platforms. 4. Invest in Strategic Marketing Regardless of the excellence of your products or services, without a well-crafted marketing strategy, you'll struggle to reach your intended audience. Allocate resources to marketing initiatives that resonate with your target customers and drive sales. 5. Optimize Your Website for Search Engines To thrive in e-commerce, it's imperative that your website is finely tuned for search engines. This necessitates the strategic use of keywords and phrases to ensure that your offerings surface when potential customers search for products or services like yours. 6. Harness the Power of Social Media Social media wields considerable influence in connecting with new customers and nurturing relationships with existing ones. Maintaining an active presence on social platforms and sharing captivating content tailored to your target audience is key. 7. Extend Tempting Discounts and Promotions Discounts and promotions serve as enticing incentives for attracting new customers and motivating existing ones to make repeat purchases. Offering these regularly can foster loyalty and encourage customers to return for more. 8. Forge Collaborative Alliances Teaming up with complementary businesses offers a potent avenue for expanding your customer base. Seek out businesses that align with your values and target audience, exploring opportunities for joint promotions, discounts, or cross-promotion on your respective websites. 9. Participate in Trade Shows and Events Trade shows and industry events provide fertile ground for connecting with potential customers and forging valuable partnerships. Attend as many of these events as possible to raise your profile and stay attuned to emerging trends within your industry. 10. Engage with Your Local Community Active community involvement can help you build meaningful relationships with potential customers and partners. Consider volunteering your time for local organizations, sponsoring community events, or contributing to local charities. This demonstrates your commitment to both your customers and the community you serve. 11. Stay Informed About Industry Trends E-commerce is a dynamic arena, perpetually evolving. To stay ahead, stay informed by regularly perusing industry publications, attending relevant trade shows, and keeping tabs on industry experts through social media. 12. Persevere Through Challenges Initiating and growing an e-commerce enterprise demands unwavering determination. Despite the obstacles,

Welcome to the ultimate guide for e-commerce brand owners aiming to scale their Amazon businesses and prepare for successful exits while navigating the legal complexities. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the legal challenges and solutions involved in selling an Amazon business, helping you understand the intricacies to ensure a seamless transition. From account transfers to compliance issues, we'll unveil the crucial insights you need to master the art of selling your Amazon business. [00:00:00] Account Transfer Misconceptions: [00:01:13] Consent Requirement: Importance of obtaining consent in account transfers. [00:01:51] No Amazon Consent: Acknowledging lack of official consent in account transfers. [00:03:12] Listing Transfer Approach: Explaining the alternative of listing transfers for business transfer. [00:03:31] Inventory Transfer: Comparing account transfer and listing transfer for inventory. [00:05:03] Account Transfer Process: Simplifying the account transfer process. [00:05:21] Amazon's Stance: Speculating Amazon's potential stance on account transfers. [00:05:59] Possible Issues: Addressing potential verification issues during account transfers. [00:10:07] Compliance Challenges: Amazon's stronger stance on compliance due to legal changes. [00:14:08] Seek Professional Help Understanding Account Transfer Account transfer is a critical step in selling your Amazon business, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Let's explore the process and legal considerations to ensure a smooth transition. Account Transfer Process: The process of transferring your Amazon account ownership may seem daunting, but it's an industry-standard practice. While Amazon's policies do not officially support account transfers, there are ways to navigate this situation legally. Importance of Consent: Consent plays a pivotal role in account transfer. Sellers must acknowledge that Amazon's consent is typically not obtained due to policy restrictions. However, account transfer has become a common practice, and sellers should approach it transparently. Streamlining Account Transfer: Contrary to myths, account transfers can be straightforward and efficient. By updating your information, such as tax IDs and bank accounts, you can complete the transfer process swiftly. Alternative Approaches: Apart from direct account transfer, there's an alternative method called brand registry listing transfer. This approach involves transferring brand registry to a new account and gradually moving inventory. This approach requires careful planning but offers a feasible solution. Addressing Compliance Issues Compliance is crucial for Amazon businesses, especially when preparing for a sale. Let's explore the compliance landscape and how to navigate it effectively. Shift in Compliance Landscape: Amazon's increased focus on compliance has implications for sellers. Recent legal changes mean that Amazon now assumes greater responsibility for products and their compliance with regulations. Preventing Compliance Issues: To prevent compliance-related setbacks, seek professional help. A legal plan like Seller Basics offers a valuable resource for Amazon entrepreneurs. It provides access to lawyers who specialize in Amazon-related legal matters, enabling you to make informed decisions. Role of Professional Advisors: Just as you consult accountants for financial matters, having legal advisors is equally essential. Lawyers with expertise in Amazon law can guide you through potential pitfalls and help you make compliant business decisions. Avoiding Last-Minute Surprises: Addressing compliance issues early can prevent last-minute surprises during the selling process. Engaging legal experts can provide peace of mind, knowing you're proactively minimizing risks. Navigating Verification Challenges Verification challenges are common on Amazon, and they can impact your business's value when you're ready to exit.

Navigating the Complex Terrain of Cash Flow Problems and Solutions in your business In the realm of e-commerce, it's not uncommon to encounter cash flow problems, but mastering these financial hurdles involves the strategic implementation of practical solutions. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll delve deep into the intricacies of cash flow problems and equip you with a wealth of effective solutions to successfully navigate these financial challenges. Identifying Cash Flow Problems The Prevalence of Cash Flow Challenges: In today's hyper-competitive business landscape, a substantial number of businesses, including Amazon sellers, grapple with cash flow problems, making it an omnipresent issue that necessitates attention. Understanding the Domino Effect: The root cause of many cash flow problems often stems from reduced sales and consequently diminished profits. This interconnected web of financial troubles can have a significant impact on your overall financial health. The Vicious Cycle of Diminished Sales: The downward spiral can become more pronounced when your sales drop to a point where you can no longer replenish your best-selling products. This unfortunate scenario creates a self-perpetuating cycle where cash flow constraints prevent you from making necessary investments in your inventory, leading to further declines in sales. Solutions for Cash Flow Problems The Significance of Prioritizing Profitable Products: Amid the turbulence of cash flow problems, one of the most critical strategies is identifying products that continue to perform well. These products not only contribute to profitability but are also instrumental in restoring a healthier cash flow situation. Swift Action: Focusing on Quick-Selling Items: In situations characterized by cash flow constraints, the importance of prioritizing products that have a rapid sales turnover cannot be overstated. Even if the profit margins on these items aren't exceedingly high, their ability to inject liquidity into your business is invaluable. Implementing Cost-Cutting Measures: A thorough examination of your profit and loss statement becomes imperative during challenging times. While revenue growth is often a primary focus, controlling costs becomes paramount. Implementing rigorous cost-cutting measures, even if it means making difficult decisions about personnel, is crucial. Streamlining Your Product Portfolio: A reduction in the complexity of your product offerings, often manifested as fewer ASINs or SKUs, can lead to noticeable reductions in overhead costs. This streamlined approach becomes particularly beneficial when faced with limited cash flow resources. Opting for Shorter Inventory Orders: Consider adopting a strategy of ordering shorter quantities of stock, typically one to two weeks' worth. This approach can free up much-needed capital for other essential business needs. While more relevant to certain e-commerce models, it remains a viable solution in a cash flow-constrained scenario. Prioritizing Debt Repayment: High-interest debts can significantly impede your financial flexibility. Prioritize repaying these debts promptly to reduce interest costs and liberate funds for other critical business expenses. Leveraging Existing Business Assets: It's crucial to recognize that your business retains inherent value. Your successful products, established brand, and past achievements all represent valuable assets. While tough choices may be necessary, it's vital not to disregard the foundational strengths of your business. Seeking Support and Accountability: Managing a business facing financial challenges can be emotionally taxing. Consider enlisting the guidance of a business coach or joining a peer group for much-needed support and accountability. Peer groups, in particular, provide a unique understanding of the specific challenges you encounter during tumultuous times. By systematically implementing these multifacete...

Introduction In the bustling e-commerce landscape, standing out can be a formidable challenge. When you're dealing with competitors offering the same products, the path to success becomes even more elusive. But don't fret; there are ample strategies to outshine your competitors and elevate your e-commerce brand. In this article, we present you with 12 valuable tips to help you navigate the crowded e-commerce arena. 1. Prioritize Customer Experience In today's cutthroat e-commerce arena, customer experience reigns supreme. To secure customer loyalty, focus on delivering exceptional customer service, lightning-fast shipping, and a user-friendly website. 2. Offer Unique Products or Services Distinguishing yourself from competitors demands innovation. Consider offering unique products, introducing novel services, or providing more competitive pricing. An exclusive offering can entice customers and set you apart. 3. Cultivate a Robust Brand A robust brand is the bedrock of e-commerce success. Consistency in branding across all touchpoints, from your website to social media platforms, ensures a memorable and recognizable presence. 4. Invest in Marketing No matter how remarkable your products or services are, they won't shine without a potent marketing strategy. Allocate resources to marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience and drive sales. 5. Optimize for Search Engines To thrive in e-commerce, ensure your website is search engine optimized. Employ relevant keywords and phrases to enhance discoverability among potential customers. 6. Harness the Power of Social Media Leverage social media platforms to connect with your audience and cultivate relationships. Regularly share engaging content that resonates with your target demographic. 7. Offer Discounts and Promotions Attract and retain customers by periodically offering enticing discounts and promotions. These incentives can motivate shoppers to return for more. 8. Form Strategic Partnerships Collaborating with complementary businesses is an effective way to expand your customer base. Seek out businesses that align with your brand and target audience, and explore opportunities for joint promotions and cross-promotion. 9. Attend Trade Shows and Events Participation in trade shows and industry events provides networking opportunities and exposure. It's a chance to introduce your brand to new prospects and stay updated on industry trends. 10. Engage with Your Community Building community relationships can foster customer loyalty. Volunteer, sponsor local events, or contribute to charitable causes in your area to show your commitment to both your customers and community. 11. Stay Informed About Trends E-commerce is dynamic, constantly evolving. Keep abreast of industry developments by reading industry publications, attending trade shows, and following experts on social media. 12. Persevere Launching and growing an e-commerce business requires tenacity. Despite the challenges, remember to stay committed to your vision, continue learning, and adapt to changes in the market. By implementing these strategies, you can outshine your competitors and propel your e-commerce brand to new heights. Stay focused, work diligently, and never lose sight of your goals. Resources mentioned in this article: Free Amazon PPC audit by Eva.guru Michael’s 10K Collective Mastermind based in London and on Zoom for 6- and 7-figure Amazon private label sellers Jason and Kyle’s overall ecommerce consultancy and software business Please note that some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase. We only endorse products and services that we have thoroughly evaluated and believe offer genuine value to you.

Navigating the legal landscape of selling an Amazon business is essential for e-commerce brand owners looking to scale their brands with minimal capital. Paul Rafelson, an experienced lawyer with a background as in-house counsel at Microsoft, Walmart, and General Electric, has been a key player in the world of exits and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) throughout his career. With insights gained from his six years of running an e-commerce law practice, he offers invaluable advice on avoiding legal pitfalls and maximizing the success of your Amazon business sale. Time Stamp [00:00:00] - Introduction: Avoiding Legal Deal Killers [00:01:14] - Preparing for Business Exit [00:01:32] - Interview with Paul Raffleson [00:02:45] - Shifting Focus: Legal Due Diligence [00:03:26] - Lack of Due Diligence in Amazon Deals [00:06:03] - Importance of IP Due Diligence [00:08:13] - Changing Market Dynamics for Acquisitions [00:09:47] - Understanding Representations and Warranties [00:10:30] - Risks Involved in Business Deals [00:14:46] - Legal Complexities in Real Estate Transactions [00:15:50] - Intellectual Property and Business Sale [00:16:10] - Reliance on Seller Promises [00:16:39] - Buyer's Reliance and Due Diligence [00:17:18] - Quick Close and Reliance [00:18:44] - Preventing Legal Issues [00:19:31] - Intellectual Property Ownership [00:27:29] - Positive Perspective on Intellectual Property [00:34:42] - Financial Records, Contracts, Compliance, and More The Significance of Legal Preparations when selling an Amazon business In the competitive world of e-commerce, overlooking legal considerations during the sale of your Amazon business can lead to significant complications down the road. While some deals have been successfully closed without thorough legal due diligence, it's important to understand that such a strategy might not always yield favorable outcomes. To protect your interests and streamline the sales process, addressing legal aspects is crucial. The Changing Landscape: A Shift in Perspective With the exponential growth of e-commerce businesses, many deals were hastily closed without a comprehensive assessment of intellectual property (IP) assets. Buyers were eager to invest, often seeking contractual promises from sellers about the state of their businesses. These good-faith promises, however, led to unforeseen challenges. As the landscape evolves, it's clear that due diligence is no longer optional; it's becoming a fundamental aspect of every transaction. The Impact of Warranties and Representations in Amazon business exits The journey of selling your Amazon business involves various stages, including a Letter of Intent (LOI), due diligence (DD), and ultimately a purchase agreement. It's common for the buyer's lawyer to draft this agreement, which includes warranties and representations—the seller's assurances about the state of the business. These assurances can encompass a range of matters, from compliance with laws to the overall health of the business. Understanding the Complexities: Navigating the Purchase Agreement Representations and warranties are more than just standard legal jargon; they represent a bundle of assurances that buyers rely upon when making their purchasing decisions. Ensuring that these assurances accurately reflect the state of your business is essential, as any discrepancies can lead to complications. The complexity lies in configuring the contract to reflect the market's level of risk and maintaining transparency. Identifying Key Risks: A Focus on Due Diligence The LOI not only determines the price but also outlines the allocation of risk between the buyer and the seller. Buyers often seek the right to recover their investment and hold the seller personally responsible for any misrepresentations or undisclosed issues. Consequently, every word and comma in the purchase agreement plays a vital role in defining the parties' obligations and liabilities...

In the whimsical world of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, there's a famous saying: "The million-to-one chance happens every day." In this fantastical realm, where magic and chaos reign supreme, this adage serves as a reminder that the most improbable events have a knack for unfolding precisely when you least expect them. While Discworld may be a realm of fantasy, this concept bears an uncanny resemblance to the unpredictability of the real world and the principles of Nassim Taleb's Black Swan theory and "Antifragility." The Million-to-One Chance and Black Swans In Terry Pratchett's Discworld, this saying highlights the absurdity and unpredictability of life. It's a reminder that even the most improbable events can occur regularly. This notion aligns with Nassim Taleb's concept of the "Black Swan." A Black Swan event is a highly improbable, unforeseen, and impactful occurrence that, in hindsight, appears inevitable. Just like in Discworld, Black Swan events defy conventional wisdom and challenge our ability to predict the future. One of the most memorable Black Swan events in recent history is the 2008 financial crisis. Few saw it coming, and its consequences were felt worldwide. Taleb's point is that we often underestimate the likelihood and impact of these rare events, and their occurrence can reshape the course of industries, economies, and lives. The Antifragile Response In Taleb's book "Antifragile," he introduces the idea that certain systems, individuals, or organizations not only withstand chaos and volatility but actually thrive and grow stronger in the face of adversity. This is the essence of antifragility. The concept of having a "Plan B" in business can be seen as a manifestation of antifragility. Imagine a business that has only one revenue stream, entirely dependent on a single product or market. When unexpected disruptions occur, like economic downturns, supply chain issues, or sudden shifts in consumer behavior, this business is fragile. It's vulnerable to the shocks of the unpredictable world and may struggle to survive. On the other hand, a business that diversifies its revenue streams, invests in innovation, and is prepared for contingencies is antifragile. When confronted with unforeseen challenges, it can adapt, pivot, and even find new opportunities amidst the chaos. This adaptability is what keeps it not just resilient but thriving. The Wisdom of the Million-to-One Chance The million-to-one chance concept reminds us that unpredictability is a constant companion in both fictional worlds like Discworld and our own. Embracing the wisdom of the million-to-one chance means acknowledging that Black Swan events can and do happen. Therefore, it's prudent to have a Plan B and even a Plan C in business. Incorporating antifragility into our strategies means preparing for the unexpected, diversifying our resources, and cultivating adaptability. It means recognizing that the chaotic nature of the world is not a threat but an opportunity to grow and evolve. As business leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals navigating a complex and ever-changing landscape, we should take inspiration from Terry Pratchett's whimsical world, Nassim Taleb's insights, and the concept of the million-to-one chance. Embrace the uncertainty, prepare for the unexpected, and remember that the improbable is not so rare after all. In conclusion, flight chaos may serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of having a Plan B in business, but it also offers a chance to elevate our strategies to a state of antifragility. The million-to-one chance happens every day, and by understanding and embracing it, we can navigate the turbulence of the business world with confidence and resilience. So, let's keep our plans flexible, our minds open, and our wings ready to soar through the unpredictable skies of entrepreneurship and innovation.

In the competitive landscape of e-commerce, standing out and capturing your target audience's attention is paramount. One of the most crucial aspects of achieving this is by optimizing your Amazon listings. However, the traditional approach to creating listings can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Enter Generative AI, a revolutionary technology that has the potential to transform the way you create Amazon listings, boost your sales, and maximize your brand's visibility. [00:00:00] Introduction to technological revolutions and their scale. [00:04:18] Max Sinclair's background and transition to working with generative AI. [00:08:05] Importance of using generative AI for Amazon listings and staying competitive. [00:12:09] Challenges of AI, including hallucinations and managing temperature settings. [00:16:05] Creating effective prompts for generative AI image generation. [00:20:10] Importance of curation, taste, and differentiation in AI-generated content. [00:24:05] Speculating on the future of AI and e-commerce content. [00:28:18] Balancing creativity and analytics with AI in content creation. [00:32:26] Discussing potential changes in search results and PPC due to AI. [00:36:17] Overview of EcomContent.ai's services and applying the discount code. Understanding Generative AI and its Impact on Amazon Listings Generative AI, a subset of artificial intelligence, involves using algorithms to generate creative and unique content. In the context of Amazon listings, Generative AI can craft product titles, descriptions, and bullet points that are engaging, accurate, and tailored to your target audience. This technology can significantly reduce the time and effort required to create compelling listings, allowing you to focus on other critical aspects of your business. The Benefits of Leveraging Generative AI for Amazon Listings Time Efficiency: Traditional listing creation methods involve manual writing and editing. Generative AI streamlines this process by swiftly generating high-quality content, freeing up your time to focus on strategic business growth. Consistency: Maintaining a consistent tone and style across your Amazon listings can enhance your brand's credibility. Generative AI ensures uniformity in your listings while adapting to different product categories. Optimized SEO: Keyword optimization is crucial for improving your listings' visibility on Amazon search results. Generative AI can integrate relevant keywords seamlessly, enhancing your listings' SEO performance. A/B Testing: Experimenting with different listing variations is essential to identify what resonates best with your audience. Generative AI can help you generate multiple options quickly for effective A/B testing. Implementing Generative AI in Your Amazon Listing Strategy Research and Training: Begin by understanding the basics of Generative AI and its capabilities. Explore tools and platforms that offer Generative AI services tailored for Amazon listings. Train the AI with relevant data to ensure accurate content generation. Defining Brand Voice and Style: Even though Generative AI is proficient at content creation, it's essential to input your brand's unique voice and style. Customize the AI-generated content to align with your brand identity. Keyword Integration: Conduct thorough keyword research to identify the most relevant and high-ranking keywords for your product category. Integrate these keywords strategically into the AI-generated content. Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Quality Review and Editing: While Generative AI can automate the content generation process, it's crucial to review and edit the output. Ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency in the AI-generated content. Fine-Tuning: Monitor the performance of AI-generated listings and make necessary adjustments. Continuously fine-tune the AI's training data to improve content quality over time.

Which are my best business books of all time? Well, when you have to get rid of some physical copies, it helps clarify what you really want to keep - and what doesn't make the cut. I'm busy editing my business book collection prior to moving house. Some books are ones I'm keeping with me. Some are going into long-term storage. And some, frankly, are off to the charity shop (really terrible ones are reserved for the recycling!) Here are my lists: Some of My Best business books of all time All links are for Amazon UK. Some links may be affiliate links. Simplify by Richard Koch and Greg Lockwood - an amazing strategy level book Romancing the Balance Sheet by Anil Lamba Profit First by Mike Michalowitz Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs by Joe Knight and Karen Berman Influence by Robert Cialdini Keepers but not top priority books Getting Things Done by Dave Allen - a standard texton productivity but frankly I find it overly complex to actually implement. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (Founder of Nike) Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman "All decision making is value clarification" My old business coach, Dan Bradbury, who's a master NLP guy, used to say that all decision making is value clarification. I find that to be a great truth. Particularly deciding what you're going to get rid of, what you're going to keep on, what you're going to really commit to forces you to think about what you value. The books you value also tell you interesting things about your focus. It seems the financial analysis books are the ones I'm most focussed on and valuing the most. While overly technical marketing books seem to be getting cut. Cut, Cut, Cut! If you're an e commerce business owner and you look at your catalogue honestly, and look at the numbers objectively, you'll probably see that you should probably stop selling quite a lot of the products. I'm sure you've got an emotional attachment to it much greater than any of my attachment to any of my books. My rucksack for my books is a very small example of a physical constraint. Amazon's Q4 storage limits are a much bigger version of really what is fundamentally the same thing. And your capital constraints are a less physical (but brutally real!) constraint on what stock you can afford to carry. So in the end, whether it be mere secondhand books or entire product lines, being forced to cut is a wonderful discipline for any business owner.

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, adaptation is key to survival. The concept of business pivoting, often heard in entrepreneurial circles, has gained significant traction. But what exactly does it mean to pivot, and how can e-commerce business owners harness its power to thrive amidst uncertainty? In this blog post, we'll delve into the essence of business pivots and explore various strategies for e-commerce entrepreneurs to consider. Defining Business Pivoting At its core, business pivoting involves a strategic shift in direction, often prompted by the realization that the current course is unsustainable or that a more promising opportunity awaits. To put it simply, it's the act of making a calculated change to pursue a new path that aligns better with market trends, consumer needs, or a company's strengths. Consider the examples provided in the podcast. Twitter, originally envisioned for a different purpose, pivoted to focus on short messages – a move that catapulted it to global recognition. Similarly, SMS messaging, initially meant for engineers' convenience, became a colossal communication tool. These instances highlight the transformative power of pivots in reshaping the destiny of businesses. Types of Pivots: Business pivoting isn't exclusive to any specific industry or platform; it's a versatile concept applicable across different business genres. The podcast guests emphasized that pivots aren't solely for Amazon sellers – they are universal strategies to consider across various sectors. Product or Service Pivot: This involves altering your core offering to better serve customer demands. For e-commerce, it could mean refining your product line, adding new features, or targeting a different customer segment. Market Pivot: Shifting your focus to a new target market that could benefit from your products. This might involve geographical expansion or targeting a demographic you hadn't considered before. Technology Pivot: Evolving your business by embracing new technologies, platforms, or tools that can enhance efficiency, customer experience, or operational capabilities. Business Model Pivot: Reevaluating your entire business model to find a more effective way of generating revenue. This could involve changing your pricing strategy, subscription-based models, or adopting a direct-to-consumer approach. Pivoting Challenges and Insights: While pivoting holds immense potential, it's not without challenges. The emotional roller coaster that accompanies change can lead to polarized reactions – from over-optimism to paralyzing fear. This is where thoughtful analysis and a disciplined mindset come into play. 1. Rational Evaluation: Rather than succumbing to emotional extremes, e-commerce entrepreneurs should approach pivots rationally. The disciplined mind considers both the opportunities and challenges, striving for an informed decision rather than an impulsive one. 2. Psychological Agility: Pivoting requires psychological agility – the ability to recalibrate your mindset, embrace change, and adapt to new circumstances. Recognize that your business journey is a dynamic process, and your reaction to uncertainty can shape your success. 3. Value Addition: Central to any pivot is the concept of value addition. E-commerce entrepreneurs must focus on how they can enhance their offerings, systems, or customer interactions to provide value that resonates in the market. 4. Leaning into Passion: Pivots don't just involve following trends; they entail embracing what genuinely excites you. E-commerce success stems from aligning your passion with market opportunities, which can sustain your energy and enthusiasm over the long haul. 5. Thoughtful Action: Entrepreneurs must strike a balance between action and thoughtful contemplation. While action is essential, hastily jumping into new directions without evaluating their potential can lead to missteps. Final Thoughts:

In the dynamic world of ecommerce, sustaining and increasing sales is a paramount concern for every brand owner. After conducting an extensive review of over 20 businesses for sale on Amazon, it's clear that a concerning trend has emerged – a consistent decline in revenue year-over-year, exacerbated even more on a month-over-month basis since the summer of 2023. This decline is a clarion call for action. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the 10 proven strategies that will empower e-commerce brand owners to reverse this trend and achieve remarkable growth. As we delve into each strategy, we'll address the root problems, discuss solutions, and provide actionable steps to optimize your brand's revenue potential. [00:00:00] - Introduction and Overview of the Challenges in E-commerce Sales Decline. [00:02:08] - Don't Sell at a Loss Unless You Have a Valid Reason. [00:03:06] - Avoid Relying on Discounts and Promotions as They Can Hurt Profit Margins. [00:05:27] - Capture Customer Emails for Marketing and Offer Discounts to Them. [00:09:49] - Email Lists Have a High Return on Investment, so Use Them Effectively. [00:10:28] - Capture Customer Details to Market to Them and Offer Discounts. [00:13:08] - Offer Bonuses, Discounts, and Personalized Experiences to Build Customer Loyalty. [00:14:10] - Focus on Capturing Leads and Nurturing Them for Better Conversions. [00:15:19] - Differentiate Your Products, Conduct Market Research, and Build a Strong Brand Identity. [00:16:28] - Increase the Average Order Value to Counter Competition and Maintain Profitability. [00:17:47] - Implement Dynamic Pricing and Focus on Product Differentiation. [00:19:06] - Connect with Customers Through Great Customer Service and Loyalty Programs. [00:20:30] - Strategic Thinking Is Crucial, as Well as Capturing Leads for Ongoing Marketing. [00:21:56] - E-commerce Is Changing, and the Opportunity Lies in Grabbing Market Share. [00:22:54] - Focus on Both Revenue Growth and Profit Increase for a Successful Business. Unraveling the Sales Decline 1. Acknowledging the Real Problem In the midst of a dwindling market, it's imperative to distinguish between the two core issues – a shrinking market and a decline in your market share. Begin by understanding the market dynamics and recognizing where your brand fits in. This awareness will guide your decisions and strategies moving forward. 2. Embracing the Power of Demographics To overcome the challenge of demographics delusion, adopt a Know Your Customer (KYC) approach. Dive deep into your customer data to uncover their preferences, behaviors, and buying patterns. This knowledge will empower you to tailor your products and marketing efforts precisely to your target audience. 3. Staying Relevant through Market Research Changing consumer preferences demand adaptive strategies. Conduct thorough market research to remain attuned to these shifts. By aligning your product offerings and marketing tactics with the evolving preferences of your audience, you position yourself for sustainable growth. 4. Differentiating for Distinction Outshining competitors requires differentiation. Conduct in-depth market research to identify gaps, validate product ideas, and truly understand customer needs. Build a robust brand identity and craft compelling value propositions to capture your audience's attention. 5. Conquering Competition and Acquisition Costs In a fiercely competitive landscape, consider the Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) versus the Average Order Value (AOV). Optimize your pricing strategy and leverage bundling to enhance AOV. Emphasize value over discounts, and remember, the real competition isn't just about price – it's about the value you provide. Strategies for Revenue Amplification 6. Eliminating Out-of-Stock Woes Out-of-stock situations cripple sales potential. Implement efficient inventory management systems supported by data analytics.

Exploring Unique Store Branding Examples: Embracing Identity and Standing Out Are you looking for unique store branding examples that can help your business stand out? In this article, we explore a daring approach to branding that can help you connect deeply with your intended audience and establish a lasting impact. Challenging the Conventional In a world where businesses often strive to blend in and conform to norms, one shop owner in Cardiff made a daring choice to embrace their distinct identity. Rather than hiding their specialty in serving Halal food, they proudly displayed it in their branding. This bold strategy prompted us to reflect on the potential advantages and risks associated with such a unique approach. Applying the Lesson to E-commerce The lesson here is highly applicable to the realm of e-commerce, where setting yourself apart and engaging customers are paramount. Here's how you can incorporate this audacious approach to your online business while optimizing for the keyword "store branding examples": Understand Your Niche: Just as the Cardiff shop owner comprehends their audience's preference for Halal food, it's crucial to thoroughly understand your specific market. Identify the unique traits that define your target customers and tailor your branding to align with those distinct characteristics. Highlight Your Unique Attributes: Instead of aiming to appeal universally, direct your focus toward spotlighting the distinctive features of your products or services. Whether it's exceptional quality, sustainable practices, or ethical sourcing, showcasing these exclusive attributes can deeply resonate with your intended audience. Embrace Transparent Storytelling: Similar to the transparency displayed by the Cardiff shop, your e-commerce business can flourish by embracing authenticity and transparency. Share the narrative behind your products, your brand's core values, and your overarching mission. This fosters a robust emotional connection with your customers. Evaluate Risk and Reward: Every bold venture comes with an element of risk. While some potential customers might be deterred by your unconventional approach, the possibility of attracting customers who genuinely resonate with your values is equally significant. Remember, success lies in connecting deeply with the right audience rather than attempting to please everyone. Stand Out in the Crowd: In the expansive online marketplace, standing out is a challenge. Yet, by daring to be distinctive and embracing your unique identity, you position yourself to shine. When customers forge a profound bond with your brand, they're more inclined to select your business over competitors. Foster a Forward-Thinking Mindset: Maintain an open mindset in your e-commerce journey. Be willing to explore novel strategies, challenge norms, and experiment with your branding to ascertain what genuinely resonates with your audience. In conclusion, the lesson derived from the innovative branding approach of the Cardiff shop is undeniably powerful. Embracing risk and wholeheartedly embracing your singular identity can yield remarkable outcomes. While it's essential to weigh both the risks and rewards, remember that in the realm of e-commerce, success often hinges on forging a profound connection with a specific audience rather than attempting to cater to everyone. As you ponder ways to make your e-commerce business distinct, contemplate taking a bold leap that authentically embodies your brand's identity. Amidst a sea of commonplace offerings, it's those willing to take unconventional paths that truly capture attention and establish a lasting impact.

Unlocking E-Commerce Pricing Power: From Price Taker to Price Maker In the world of e-commerce, where competition is fierce and markets are ever-evolving, the concept of pricing power can make all the difference between struggling as a price taker and thriving as a price maker. The distinction between these two roles lies at the heart of every successful e-commerce venture. While being a price taker might seem like the easier route, being a price maker opens up a realm of possibilities that can skyrocket your business's success. Today, we delve into the art of e-commerce pricing power, exploring the principles that can transform your approach and help you take charge of your product's value. Understanding Price Taker vs. Price Maker Being a price taker means surrendering control over your product's price to market forces. It implies passively accepting the price that the market dictates for your offerings. On the other hand, being a price maker empowers you to shape your product's value and influence its price. As a price maker, you hold the reins, positioning your products as highly valuable and crafting a pricing strategy that aligns with their worth. Harnessing the Neglected Power of the Unique Selling Proposition (USP) At the core of pricing power lies the often-neglected term: Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Your USP is the distinctive factor that sets your product apart from the competition. It's not just about highlighting your product's features; it's about conveying the value it brings to your customers' lives. When your USP is strong, you have the foundation to become a price maker. Your product's unique attributes allow you to command a premium, transcending the limitations of being a mere price taker. Crafting Classic USPs for Physical Products Classic USPs are timeless tactics that have proven effective across industries. Whether it's superior quality, innovative design, or unparalleled functionality, these attributes can transform your product into a must-have item. For example, showcasing how your product's organic materials positively impact the environment can resonate deeply with environmentally conscious consumers, allowing you to dictate a price that reflects your product's unique contribution. Mastery of Price Anchoring Price anchoring is a psychological phenomenon that can significantly impact purchasing decisions. It involves presenting a higher-priced option alongside your target price, making the target price appear more reasonable in comparison. Skillful utilization of price anchoring allows you to nudge customers towards the price point you desire, making you a price maker by subtly influencing their perception of value. The Power of Discount Clubs as a Pricing Strategy Creating a discount club is a powerful technique that not only drives customer loyalty but also grants you pricing power. By offering exclusive discounts to club members, you create a sense of privilege and value. This encourages customers to see your products as premium offerings, allowing you to maintain higher prices without losing demand. Navigating Marketplace Pricing Challenges While marketplaces offer immense reach, they often force businesses into the price taker role due to cutthroat competition. Marketplaces emphasize price comparisons, driving businesses to undercut each other to attract customers. To mitigate these risks, consider diversifying your sales channels, building a strong brand identity, and focusing on educating your customers about your unique value proposition. In conclusion, the journey from being a price taker to a price maker in the e-commerce world is both a challenge and an opportunity. By embracing a strong Unique Selling Proposition, utilizing classic USPs, mastering price anchoring, and strategically implementing discount clubs, you can position your products as invaluable, granting you the power to influence their price.

Introduction In this episode of "The E-commerce Leader" podcast, hosted by Michael Veazey and Jason Miles, the panel (including Chris Green and Kyle Hamar) discusses common ecommerce myths and misconceptions about starting an e-commerce business. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and practical experience in the entrepreneurial journey. The panel also touches on the reasons why small businesses fail and the significance of cash flow management. Let's dive into the key takeaways from this thought-provoking discussion. Myth 1: E-commerce is a System The biggest ecommerce myth of all. Chris Green, one of the panel members, shares his experience of helping people learn how to sell on platforms like eBay and Amazon. It's a common misconception that e-commerce is a straightforward system where following a set of steps guarantees success. However, entrepreneurship and selling on online platforms are not that simple. It requires a deeper level of understanding, expertise, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Chris emphasizes the importance of gaining practical experience, trying different strategies, and accepting the risks involved in the process. Myth 2: Following a Guru's Steps Blindly following gurus or step-by-step guides without critical thinking is a huge mistake. It is critical that entrepreneurs think for themselves and develop their own understanding of the business. While guidance and mentorship can be valuable, it is essential to question and adapt strategies to fit individual circumstances. We would strongly encourage you to avoid relying solely on gurus and instead develop their own expertise through experience and continuous learning. Myth 3: Lack of Adaptability We all agree that one of the fundamental features of being an entrepreneur is adaptability. Many small businesses fail due to a lack of adaptability and an inability to respond to changing market conditions. Constantly evaluating and adjusting strategies to stay ahead in the competitive e-commerce landscape is paramount. Adaptability, combined with hard work and critical thinking, is crucial for long-term success. Myth 4: Cash Flow Mismanagement While cash flow mismanagement is often cited as a reason for small business failure, we believe that it is a downstream problem resulting from more upstream issues. The lack of adaptability and the inability to think like an entrepreneur are the root causes of cash flow problems. By addressing these fundamental issues, entrepreneurs can better manage their cash flow and ensure the financial stability of their businesses. Conclusion In this episode of "The E-commerce Leader" podcast, we challenge common myths and misconceptions about starting an e-commerce business. What we think is critical is of adaptability, critical thinking, and practical experience in the entrepreneurial journey. By debunking these myths, we hope to help you think for yourself, question conventional wisdom, and develop your own expertise. Remember, success in e-commerce requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks. If you found this episode thought-provoking and useful, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.

In today's digital era, social media has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives. For small business owners, harnessing the power of social media offers a plethora of advantages, primarily centered around increasing brand visibility. However, this landscape comes with its own set of intricacies and potential pitfalls. As we explore ten advantages and disadvantages of social media for small businesses in this article, we aim to equip you with the insights needed to make informed decisions. This will allow you to maximize your online presence while conserving precious time and resources. [00:00:00] | Introduction [00:00:08] | Overview of E-commerce Sales Decline [00:01:14] | E-commerce Sales Decline Trend [00:02:17] | Importance of Understanding the Big Picture [00:03:45] | Competition and Market Share [00:06:32] | Understanding Changing Consumer Preferences [00:08:08] | Importance of Demographics and Brand Identity [00:10:08] | Addressing Intense Competition and Customer Acquisition Costs [00:13:14] | Strategic Stock Management and Supply Credit [00:14:06] | Navigating Price Pressure and Information Parity [00:19:52] | Conclusion and Final Thoughts Advantages of Social Media for Small Businesses: Enhanced Brand Awareness: Social media offers a platform for small businesses to showcase their brand and forge connections with a larger audience. By crafting compelling content, businesses can elevate brand visibility and leave a lasting impression on potential customers. Targeted Advertising: The powerful advertising tools available on social media platforms enable precise audience targeting. This means you can reach the right people with your message, ensuring optimal return on investment. Increased Website Traffic: Sharing links to your website via social media channels can drive substantial traffic, potentially leading to more conversions. By optimizing your posts with relevant keywords and persuasive calls to action, you can entice users to explore your offerings. Customer Engagement and Feedback: Social media facilitates direct communication between businesses and their customers. Engaging with your audience through comments, messages, and polls provides an avenue to swiftly address concerns and gather valuable feedback for improvement. Cost-Effective Marketing: In contrast to traditional advertising methods, social media marketing offers a more budget-friendly approach. This is especially advantageous for small businesses with limited resources, enabling them to achieve significant results through strategic content creation. Competitive Advantage: A robust social media presence can confer a competitive edge to small businesses. Monitoring competitors' activities provides insights to adapt marketing strategies and stay ahead in the race. However, it's important to note that merely being on social media is no longer a unique advantage. Brand Authority and Thought Leadership: Sharing insightful content positions your business as an industry expert, fostering trust among your target audience. This loyalty-building tactic establishes your brand as a go-to resource for solutions, provided the content is valuable and unique. Partnerships and Collaborations: Social media platforms open doors to collaboration with other businesses, influencers, and industry leaders. Strategic partnerships can amplify your reach, tap into new customer bases, and bolster brand visibility. Disadvantages of Social Media for Small Businesses: Time-Consuming: Managing social media accounts can be a time-intensive endeavor, especially for multitasking small business owners. Consistency poses a challenge, necessitating dedicated resources or outsourcing to maintain a steady online presence. Negative Feedback and Public Criticism: The transparent nature of social media means negative feedback is highly visible. Small businesses must adeptly handle such situations to safeguard their brand reputation,

This is another mindset episode, from my wanderings in London, UK and Europe. Today finds me in Cardiff, the Capital of Wales (in the West of Great Britain). And I'm thinking about how to look for business opportunity. Automotive manufacturing is incredibly robot and technology driven. Real estate/property is almost 19th century. Does this represent a business opportunity? This is great practice for how to look at a sector and evaluate where there might be growth opportunities. Either for buying and rolling up businesses or for starting one.

In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for sustaining growth. If you're an e-commerce brand owner, you might have noticed a concerning trend: UK ecommerce sales are experiencing a decline. Through careful analysis of over 20 businesses listed on Amazon, the data shows a consistent year-over-year decrease in revenue, which has become even more alarming since the summer of 2023. In this guide, we'll delve into the core issue, explore why this decline matters, and unveil a powerful strategy to counteract this trend by unlocking the vast US ecommerce market opportunity. [00:02:06] | Challenges of Shrinking Sales [00:02:32] | Strategies for Boosting Sales [00:03:20] | Tsunami Analogy [00:04:09] | Demand Side: Big Picture [00:04:56] | UK Economic Challenges [00:13:36] | US Market Opportunity [00:14:14] | Entering the US Market [00:15:09] | Preparing for US Expansion [00:09:42] | Importance of Value [00:20:08] | US Growth and Infrastructure The Problem: Unraveling the UK Ecommerce Sales Decline Understanding the Decline The decline in UK ecommerce sales is not a mere coincidence. It's rooted in a complex web of global economic slowdowns, evolving consumer preferences, and increasing competition. Addressing Demand Side Factors Global Economic Slowdown Problem: In today's interconnected world, global economic fluctuations can significantly impact consumer spending patterns. Solution: Keep a watchful eye on global economic trends. This knowledge will empower you to adapt your pricing strategies according to economic ups and downs. Moreover, diversify your product offerings to cater to the varying preferences of different markets. This not only safeguards your business against economic uncertainties but also opens doors to new revenue streams. Navigating UK-Specific Challenges Understanding UK-Specific Issues Problem: The UK ecommerce landscape is unique, and its challenges are distinct from those of other markets. Solution: Stay updated on UK-specific economic trends and their implications for your business. Adjust your pricing strategies based on these trends to maintain your competitiveness. Diversify your product portfolio to reach international audiences and mitigate the impact of local economic fluctuations. Embracing the USA Ecommerce Opportunity Seizing the US Ecommerce Market Opportunity Problem: While UK sales are declining, the US ecommerce market stands out as an exceptional opportunity for growth. Solution: Dive deep into US-specific economic trends and adjust your pricing strategies accordingly. Don't just think broadly; think niche. The US market is vast, and catering to specific niches can help your brand cut through the noise and capture the attention of focused audiences. Taking Action: Navigating the US Market Critical Steps to Success 1. Raise Adequate Capital: To tap into the US ecommerce market, secure sufficient capital. This may involve seeking investors, exploring funding options, or reallocating existing resources. Remember, entering a new market requires initial investments for marketing, logistics, and operations. 2. Source Strategically: Consider sourcing products from regions outside Europe, such as China. Air express a few boxes from the next production run to the USA, ensuring swift market entry. Additionally, explore potential partnerships with US-based suppliers to streamline your supply chain and enhance efficiency. 3. Leverage Digital Platforms: Utilize ecommerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify to establish your US presence. These platforms offer ready-made audiences, robust tools, and a seamless shopping experience that can propel your growth. 4. Optimize for Niches: Instead of casting a wide net, tailor your product offerings to niche markets within the US. This specialization allows you to resonate with specific consumer needs,

Time management for Amazon Sellers Hey there, it's Michael from Amazing FBA, and I want to dive into a topic that's a crucial part of every entrepreneur's journey: the often misunderstood relationship between time and money. So often, we hear the phrase "time is money," and it's true in many ways, but it's also a concept that can lead us down a tricky path if we're not careful. Time management for Amazon sellers is difficult because Amazon and our contract manufacturers (suppliers) remove 95% of the manual labour. So what remains is often that fluffy stuff, "knowledge work". Let's break it down. Time management is so valuable because life is so short We often hear that time is a finite resource. Our productive years are limited, especially when you consider that retirement might come around 70 in the modern world. But what's intriguing is that while time holds immense value, it's more than just money. To truly measure the connection between time and money, the concept of the effective hourly rate comes into play. One thinker I deeply admire in this realm is James Schramko, who's a fantastic business coach and author of "Work Less, Make More", a book that aligns perfectly with our ultimate goals. It's essential to assign a value to our time, but there's a catch – valuing time solely in monetary terms can sometimes lead us astray. The employee mentality around time You see, the reason we often link time and money is that many of us get paid for our time. This equation is evident in manufacturing plants where physical labor directly correlates with pay. For those of us involved in e-commerce, this connection might not be as direct. When we work with contract manufacturers, we usually focus on the cost per unit rather than measuring labor by the hour. But here's where the real revelation lies. Paying attention solely to the time-money equation often masks a crucial aspect of productivity: results. The challenge is that measuring time through a financial lens can sometimes hinder our efficiency. So, what's the alternative? Pay by outcome rather than labour The key lies in paying for outcomes, not just work. As I've found, this mindset shift can significantly impact our approach to managing our time. Whether you're a solopreneur or leading a team, the same principle applies – strive to achieve results. Think about it – when you hire someone for a job, you're not just paying for their time; you're paying for what they deliver. Defining knowledge work cleanly But how do we apply this principle to areas where outcomes are less tangible, such as marketing or managing teams? The solution, I've realized, involves a structured approach. Before delving into tasks, it's crucial to set clear objectives and define the expected results. Only then should we evaluate the time and resources required. Done vs not done - borrowing clarity from the world of manual labour Here's a practical example from my own experience. I own a rental property, and when it needed renovations, I made clear decisions about the results I wanted – clean white ceilings, magnolia walls, and precise laminate flooring. By doing this, I not only made the hiring process smoother but also focused on the outcomes I desired. Applying this concept to my podcast production brought similar benefits. Knowing my target audience and the message I wanted to convey allowed me to gauge the value of my time based on the outcome – a well-crafted podcast episode that resonates with my audience. Digital labour can still be defined by results In the world of e-commerce, where much of the work for the Amazon seller especially is digital, we need to honour these lessons. In my journey as a small business owner, I've come to realize that this shift in mindset is not just about managing time and money differently; it's about fundamentally altering how we view our work. As someone who's been both a solopreneur and part of a team,

As an e-commerce brand owner, the journey of building and selling a business can be both challenging and rewarding. Tomer David, renowned for his Sourcing Monster YouTube channel, has successfully built and sold a 7-figure business on Amazon. Now, you've reached a significant milestone—you've sold your business! But what comes next? In this guide, we'll explore Tomer's experience and valuable insights to help you plan for life after selling your business and navigate your way towards new opportunities for growth. [00:00:00] The podcast welcomes Tema David, who has built and sold a seven-figure business on Amazon and is now back in the game. [00:00:34] Tema David had a plan to sell his business and had already prepared for it before getting an offer from an aggregator. [00:01:51] He planned for the day after the sale, considering different scenarios and possibilities. [00:03:02] Tema opened another brand as a contingency plan to reduce risk in case something went wrong with the sale. [00:04:16] He planned to invest in real estate and sought tax advice to maximize his savings. [00:06:26] After the sale, Tema got involved in content creation, particularly YouTube channels for kids and animals. [00:07:30] Tema suggests that people should ask themselves what they want their lifestyle to look like and align their plans accordingly. [00:09:23] He believes that people struggle because they lack discipline and focus on easy tasks rather than sticking to the process. [00:13:30] Tema emphasizes the importance of not judging results too early and giving the process enough time to succeed. [00:16:11] He offers a service to review Amazon product listings and provide recommendations for optimization. [00:17:45] Optimizing product listings is crucial for improving conversion rates and increasing sales. [00:18:20] The podcast concludes with gratitude for the inspiring conversation and encouragement to take action. 1. Planning for the Future: Tomer David's journey began with a vision and a plan. He always knew that one day he would sell his business. When an attractive offer from an aggregator came his way, he took it seriously. This experience taught him the importance of having a contingency plan—what to do if you sell and what to do if you don't. Planning ahead instills confidence and reduces stress during the selling process. 2. Exploring New Ventures: After selling his business, Tomer loved the lifestyle and flexibility that e-commerce offered. However, he didn't rest on his laurels; instead, he opened another brand a year before selling the first one. This was a way to diversify and mitigate risks. Exploring new ventures like real estate, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies became Tomer's priority. It's crucial to ask yourself what kind of lifestyle you desire, what your financial goals are, and where your industry will be in the future. 3. The Power of Discipline: Many entrepreneurs struggle after selling their businesses due to lack of discipline. Tomer emphasizes that taking the harder path—staying organized and disciplined—will make life easier in the long run. It's easy to get overwhelmed, but focusing on what needs to be done and having a clear plan can alleviate stress and lead to success in new ventures. 4. Setting and Achieving Goals: Tomer's initial Amazon goal was to achieve $10K in profit per month to replace his current career. He had a detailed plan and dedicated long hours to work on his business. He stresses that success doesn't always happen overnight and that sticking to the process, even in the face of failures, is essential. By sticking to his plan, he achieved his goal within a year, even though the first six months were challenging. 5. Embracing Failure and Learning: Tomer has experienced failures before, but he never let them discourage him. He highlights that failure is a part of the process, and it's crucial not to let setbacks dent your confidence.

Introduction: In today's fast-paced world, setting and achieving goals is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth. Many of us have experienced the frustration of setting ambitious goals only to fall short of reaching them. What if there was a scientific approach that could significantly increase our chances of success? In this blog post, we will explore the groundbreaking research of Gail Matthews, which sheds light on the five levels of breakthroughs that can pave the way to goal achievement. Level 1: The Power of Writing It Down Gail Matthews' research reveals that merely having a goal in mind is not enough. The first level of breakthrough occurs when you take the time to write down your goal. This simple act of putting your aspirations into words makes them tangible and solidifies your commitment to achieving them. Whether it's a personal or professional objective, writing it down marks the beginning of your journey toward success. Level 2: Creating Action Steps Moving to the second level of success, Gail's research shows that adding action steps or milestones to your written goals significantly increases your chances of achievement. Jason Fladlien explains that by outlining clear and actionable steps toward your goal, you create a roadmap for success. These milestones become essential markers that guide your progress and ensure you stay on track. Level 3: Sharing with a Friend Level three of breakthrough involves social accountability. Sharing your written goals and action steps with a friend who supports and encourages you enhances your commitment and responsibility to your objectives. Michael Seneadza, a coaching expert, notes that involving someone else in your journey brings an additional level of commitment to your progress. This friend becomes your accountability partner, offering motivation and encouragement to keep you focused on your path to success. Level 4: Weekly Progress Reports The fourth level of breakthrough is perhaps the most powerful. Sending weekly progress reports to your friend adds an element of ongoing accountability that can supercharge your progress. The act of reporting your achievements each week reinforces your commitment to your goals, ensures you are continually working toward them, and allows for regular feedback and support from your accountability partner. Level 5: The Path to Peak Performance The fifth and final level in Gail Matthews' study is the pinnacle of goal achievement. At this stage, you have a goal, written it down, created action steps, shared it with a friend, and regularly reported your progress. This comprehensive approach to goal setting and accountability proves to be the most effective in accomplishing your ambitions. Conclusion: In conclusion, Gail Matthews's research offers valuable insights into the power of accountability in goal achievement. By progressing through the five levels of breakthrough, individuals can significantly increase their chances of success. Writing down your goals, creating actionable steps, sharing with a supportive friend, and reporting progress weekly are proven strategies that can take you from a mere idea to realizing your dreams. So, the next time you set a goal, consider incorporating these breakthrough principles into your journey to success. Remember, accountability is not a hindrance but a powerful tool that can help you unleash your full potential and make your aspirations a reality.

Welcome to the world of e-commerce brand owners, where scaling your business with minimal capital is the key to success. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the valuable experience of Tomer David, an accomplished Amazon seller who has successfully built and sold a 7-figure business on the platform. As the founder of Sourcing Monster and a popular YouTube channel dedicated to sharing the latest strategies for Amazon sellers, Tomer's insights can help you make informed decisions to sell your Amazon FBA business profitably. Let's dive in and discover why selling an Amazon FBA business can be a strategic move, the step-by-step process involved, and essential skills for success. [00:00:00] Introduction and advertisement for a free Amazon business audit. [00:00:57] Introduction to Tomer David, a seller who built and sold a seven-figure Amazon business. [00:01:21] Tomer's reason for selling his business was to reduce risk and see more money in his bank account. [00:03:23] He decided to sell his business when he received a good offer from a buyer. [00:05:13] Tomer started preparing his business for sale from the beginning, focusing on organization and SOPs. [00:06:55] He worked with a broker to improve his business's valuation and received almost double the initial offer. [00:09:10] Tomer advises having products in the pipeline for negotiation leverage and a backup plan if the sale doesn't happen. [00:11:46] Balancing time between selling the business and running it requires effective planning and prioritization. [00:13:43] Creating a disciplined approach to tracking numbers and focusing on profitability is crucial for a successful business. [00:16:01] Having a mentor or partner can help maintain accountability and discipline in managing the business. [00:20:01] Tomer offers an e-commerce course and Q&A sessions to assist sellers with action-oriented strategies. [00:21:58] Tomer's website and YouTube channel, "Sourcing Monster," offer practical and up-to-date content for sellers. Why Sell Your Amazon FBA Business? Running an Amazon FBA business is not without its challenges. Despite appearing profitable on paper, you may find that the profits don't align with the cash in your bank account. Why is this the case? Inventory Business: Amazon FBA requires significant investment in stock, and managing inventory can tie up cash flow. Cash Flow Constraints: With inventory in transit from China and sitting in Amazon's warehouses, cash flow can be held up for weeks. Lack of Full Control: Amazon's policies and potential risks mean that you may not have complete control over your business's fate. Risk Factors: The business landscape is unpredictable, and having more cash reserves can be crucial for navigating unforeseen challenges. The Step-by-Step Selling Process Preparation: From the outset, prepare your business to be sale-ready. Organize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and build a capable team, making the business easy to transfer to potential buyers. Unexpected Offer: Even if you don't have immediate plans to sell, you may receive unsolicited offers. Tomer's experience involved receiving a Letter of Intent (LOI) from an aggregator. While tempting, consider waiting for the right offer. Optimization for Better Offers: Declining the initial offer allowed Tomer to plan better and eventually secure a double of the first offer. Organize your numbers, focus on profitability, and showcase your pipeline of potential products as a bonus for buyers. Balancing Time: Selling a business while running it can be challenging. Prioritize tasks, be mentally prepared for the process, and delegate responsibilities where possible. Creating a Sellable Business from Day One Building a sellable business from the start sets you up for success when it's time to sell. Key elements include: Great Products: Focus on creating high-quality, profitable products that resonate with your targ...

Selling an Amazon FBA Business The world of e-commerce is an ever-evolving landscape, and one of the most significant milestones for entrepreneurs is selling an Amazon FBA business. Today, we delve into the experiences and wisdom of Tomer David, an accomplished Amazon seller who not only built a thriving 7-figure business but also successfully navigated the process of selling it. Through his popular YouTube channel, Sourcing Monster, Tomer shares his journey and offers valuable insights to aspiring entrepreneurs seeking success in the competitive realm of Amazon selling. Why Bother Selling an FBA Business? At first glance, running an Amazon FBA business may seem like a lucrative venture, boasting impressive profits on paper. However, there are several factors that prompt sellers to consider selling their businesses. One of the most significant challenges lies in the nature of the business itself - it revolves around managing inventory. A considerable portion of the profits goes towards covering expenses like stock, freight forwarders, and other operational costs. As a result, the tangible profit that finds its way into the seller's bank account may not match the apparent earnings. Furthermore, sellers often face a lack of full control over their business when dealing with Amazon's dynamic policies and ever-changing marketplace conditions. This uncertainty can add significant risk to the venture and lead entrepreneurs to contemplate selling their business in search of more stability and control. The Steps in the Selling Process Tomer David advises that preparation is key to a successful sale of an Amazon FBA business. Right from the beginning, entrepreneurs should work towards making their businesses sellable. This involves organizing standard operating procedures (SOPs), hiring a competent team, and ensuring the business is easy to transfer to a new owner. Tomer's journey took an unexpected turn when he received an offer from an aggregator. Despite the enticing proposition, he decided to explore other opportunities and declined the initial offer. It was then that he began to plan more seriously to sell the business and enlisted the assistance of a brokerage firm specializing in helping sellers with the selling process. Balancing Time Between Preparation and Running the Business Entrepreneurs often wonder how to strike the right balance between preparing the business for sale and running its day-to-day operations effectively. Tomer emphasizes the significance of planning ahead and taking a step-by-step approach. By staying organized throughout the business journey and maintaining proper financial records, invoices, and essential documents, sellers can make the selling process smoother when the time comes. Essential Skills for Amazon Business Success Tomer attributes much of his success as an Amazon seller to his prior experience in a family business. In that role, he learned the value of tracking metrics and numbers to derive achievable goals for the future. Regularly analyzing profits and performance enabled him to make informed decisions, ensuring steady growth and progress. Recreating Success in Amazon Business For entrepreneurs starting fresh, Tomer suggests partnering with someone who already has an existing Amazon business. This approach provides an easier entry into the market and mitigates the risks associated with starting from scratch. The key to success lies in discipline and consistency. By maintaining focus and adhering to a well-thought-out plan, sellers can overcome obstacles and build a flourishing Amazon business. Creating a Contingency Plan Tomer's experience in selling his Amazon FBA business taught him the importance of having a contingency plan in place. He continued to sell on Amazon while simultaneously exploring other investment opportunities like real estate and online ventures. Having a clear vision of the desired lifestyle and long-term financial goals guided his decision-making ...

For Amazon Business sellers, the opportunity to build a successful e-commerce venture can be incredibly rewarding. Something like 60% of all the cash you'll ever get (on average) comes when you as an owner get to sell your entire Amazon business to a potential acquirer. But these 10 Amazon Business Seller Mistakes with Numbers can kill the deal before it even gets started. When such an opportunity arises, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes that could undermine the credibility and value of the business. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 critical mistakes that Amazon Business sellers should steer clear of when selling their business to a potential acquirer. 1.Insufficient Business Details: When presenting your Amazon business to a potential acquirer, you need to give them enough information to consider whether to go further. Sure, like any owner, you're nervous about revealing sensitive information. It's fine to wait until you've got a signed NDA before you go further. But even upfront, your potential buyer needs a certain basic level of information. Failing to provide enough essential information about your business, such as the category it operates in, its market presence (e.g., US, UK, Europe), and approximate revenue figures, can deter potential buyers from showing further interest. To capture their attention, ensure your elevator pitch includes crucial details that allow buyers to assess whether your business aligns with their acquisition criteria. 2. Concealing the Business Age: One of the first things an acquirer would want to know is the age of your Amazon business. Being upfront about its age, whether it is relatively young or well-established, is vital in determining its value and risk profile. Concealing this information can raise suspicion and hinder the development of trust with potential buyers. This is a classic Amazon business seller mistake. 3. Ambiguous Trailing 12-Month Unit Sales: Accurate sales figures are essential for acquirers to evaluate the overall health and potential of your Amazon business. Failing to disclose trailing 12-month unit sales can create uncertainty and make it difficult for buyers to assess the stock turnover rate and profitability. 4.Confusing Profit and Loss (P&L) Statements: Ensure your P&L statements are well-organized, clear, and free of errors. Acquirers rely heavily on financial data to make informed decisions. Misleading or garbled P&L numbers can erode confidence in the business's financial performance and deter serious buyers. 5. Misusing Financial Terminology: Avoid using financial terms incorrectly or interchangeably, such as referring to trailing 24 months as "TTM" (trailing 12 months). Misusing financial terminology can create confusion and signal a lack of financial acumen to potential acquirers. 6. Overstating Inventory Value: This is one of the commonest Amazon business seller mistakes. That's probably because it takes a lot of emotional discipline to overcome this. You paid £50,000 for your inventory? Doesn't mean it's worth £50,000 to anyone else if it doesn't sell fast enough! Attempting to sell excess inventory to potential acquirers can be a red flag. Be honest about your inventory levels and avoid inflating its value to secure a higher selling price. Instead, consider offering excess inventory as part of the deal or finding alternative solutions, such as donating or liquidating it. 7. Lack of Inventory Clarity: Communicate the status and location of your inventory. If some inventory is not immediately available for sale, disclose this information to potential acquirers. Being transparent about inventory will help buyers assess potential stock issues and make informed decisions. 8. Uncertain Critical Financial Metrics: Buyers heavily scrutinize financial metrics when evaluating a business. Avoid presenting unclear or misleading numbers, as this can undermine trust and credibility during the negotiation process.

Title: Mindset Moments: Introduction Welcome to Mindset Moments with Michael from Amazing FBA! Join me as we explore bite-sized thoughts and wisdom about business and life during my wanderings around London and Europe. The Hat and Clothing Dilemma: Money and Time Today, let's talk about the significance of a hat and some clothes in life and business. I have a rather fetching hat, similar to one Terry Pratchett wore. While it holds happy memories, it's time to part ways. Let's delve into two reasons behind my decision - time and money. The Hidden Costs of Objects Everything we buy has a cost, not just in terms of money but also in opportunities. Every purchase means allocating funds away from other potential investments. As an e-commerce seller, putting money into inventory means missing out on potentially more profitable ventures. Neglected Inventory and Its Consequences Long-term storage implications of owning inventory often go unnoticed. Whether it's stored in your closet, warehouse, or home, space has a cost. Cash is valuable, and tying it up in stagnant inventory can hinder your cash flow, affecting your business's financial health. The Solution: Letting Go and Focusing on Profitability To maintain a healthy business and life, it's essential to let go of things that don't bring joy or serve a purpose. Just like Marie Kondo suggests for personal belongings, in business, we should focus on stock that generates good profits and sells quickly. Overcoming the Sunk Cost Fallacy One reason we struggle to part with things is the sunk cost fallacy - the emotional attachment to what we spent, even if it no longer serves us. Business owners must overcome this fallacy and make rational decisions about inventory, cutting out items that are not profitable. Conclusion By evaluating the true cost of ownership and acknowledging the sunk cost fallacy, we can make better decisions in both business and life. So, as I bid farewell to my hat and clothing, I encourage you to assess your inventory, ensure profitability, and focus on what truly brings joy and success. Do you want to take your business to the next level? Consider a free Amazon business audit to identify opportunities and threats. Book your audit at www.myamazonaudit.com if you're already doing a few thousand dollars a month in sales. Thank you for listening, and I hope you found this discussion valuable!

When it comes to running an e-commerce business, increasing the Average Order Value (AOV) is crucial for maximizing revenue and profitability. In this guide, we will explore effective strategies to help you boost your AOV and unlock higher revenue on your DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) site. We will be joined by Eric Melchor, the partnerships lead at Optimonk, an all-in-one Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) platform for e-commerce brands. [0:00:00] Introduction to the topic of Average Order Value (AOV) [0:02:05] Importance of Increasing AOV for Profitability [0:04:32] Tactics for Increasing AOV, such as Offering Complementary Products [0:08:15] Importance of Product Mix in Increasing AOV [0:09:16] Factors for Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) [0:09:45] Strategies for Reducing Abandoned Carts [0:10:03] Growing Email Subscriber List as a Profit Driver [0:12:09] Introduction to AI-Based CRO Features [0:14:51] Importance of Clear Pricing Information [0:19:09] Overview of A/B Testing and Statistical Significance [0:21:07] Introduction to Upcoming AI Features for CRO Automation Why is AOV important? Before diving into the strategies, let's understand the importance of AOV. By encouraging customers to purchase additional products or increase their order value, you can maximize your revenue per transaction and improve the overall profitability of your business. This allows you to make the most of your customer acquisition efforts and scale your brand with minimal capital investment. Tactics to Increase AOV: Implement Smart Sales Promotions: One effective strategy is to run targeted sales promotions, such as New Year sales, that are prominently displayed on every page of your site. Consider using horizontal banners or popups to catch the attention of visitors and encourage them to explore more products. Set a Free Shipping Threshold: Increase the average order value by setting a minimum purchase amount for free shipping. Utilize popups or banners to inform customers about the threshold and motivate them to add more items to their cart to qualify for free shipping. Cross-Sell and Upsell: Leverage the product page to showcase complementary or upgraded products that customers may be interested in. For example, if a customer adds a blender to their cart, display a message suggesting adding smoothie ingredients or accessories. Clarify Goals and Improve Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Clearly define your goals and optimize your website to provide a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience. Be cautious with aggressive popups and consider the perspective of first-time visitors. Optimonk can provide you with a checklist and questions to help you enhance your site's CRO and reduce cart abandonment. Personalize Recommendations: Instead of relying solely on coupons or discounts, offer personalized recommendations to visitors based on their browsing behavior and preferences. Use smart tags to display best-selling items, popular products for specific seasons, or items frequently bought together. This approach piques visitors' interest and increases the likelihood of making a purchase. Improve Product Page Optimization: Optimize your product pages across your website by conducting A/B tests on various elements such as headlines, pricing clarity, call-to-action buttons, and product descriptions. Utilize the statistical certainty of A/B testing to identify the most effective changes that drive higher conversions and AOV. Increasing the Average Order Value on your DTC site is essential for driving higher revenue and profitability. By implementing the strategies discussed in this guide, such as smart sales promotions, cross-selling, personalized recommendations, and CRO optimization, you can unlock the potential of your e-commerce business. Take advantage of tools like Optimonk's AI-based features to enhance your A/B testing and further optimize your site for maximum results.

Engaging consumers on a DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) site is a crucial aspect of scaling brands for Amazon sellers. With the objective of maximizing growth with minimal capital, it is essential to optimize strategies for DTC site engagement. This article will explore various effective techniques to connect with consumers, boost brand visibility, and enhance customer experiences. By implementing these strategies, Amazon sellers can unlock the potential of their DTC sites and achieve long-term success. Time Stamps 0:00:00 Introduction to the Importance of Growing a Brand 0:02:18 Using a DTC Site to Personalize the Shopping Experience 0:04:09 The Value of List Building and Zero Party Data 0:07:04 Engaging with Visitors to Collect Zero Party Data 0:09:32 The Importance of Personalizing the Experience for Visitors 0:10:48 The Difference Between Zero Party Data and Other Types of Data 0:14:38 The Impact of Zero Party Data on Email Marketing 0:18:44 The Benefits of Conversion Rate Optimization for DTC Sites 0:20:24 The Importance of Optimizing the Customer Experience on Your Website 0:23:29 The Future of AI in Conversion Rate Optimization The Power of DTC Sites for Amazon Sellers Selling on DTC sites provides numerous advantages for Amazon sellers. It offers greater control over brand representation, customer data ownership, and profitability. By complementing their Amazon sales with a DTC site, sellers can establish a direct connection with their target audience and foster brand loyalty. DTC sites serve as a platform for personalized interactions, allowing sellers to deliver tailored experiences to consumers. Leveraging List Building and Zero Party Data List building plays a pivotal role in establishing strong brand foundations and engaging consumers. It involves collecting contact information, such as email addresses, to build a subscriber list. Additionally, zero party data, which is voluntarily provided by consumers, offers valuable insights into their preferences and behaviors. Implementing conversational popups, where visitors are prompted to share their pain points and interests, can facilitate the collection of zero party data. By offering incentives such as coupon codes, sellers can incentivize consumers to provide their contact information, thus expanding their subscriber base. Personalization and Segmentation Personalization is key to creating exceptional customer experiences. By leveraging zero party data, Amazon sellers can segment their audience based on demographics, preferences, and purchase history. This enables them to tailor their marketing messages, product recommendations, and promotions to specific customer segments. Implementing VIP customer engagement programs can further enhance personalization by offering exclusive perks and rewards to loyal customers. Harnessing the Power of Moments of Max Curiosity Capturing consumers' attention during moments of curiosity is crucial for successful DTC site engagement. When consumers first interact with an ad, blog post, or affiliate link, their interest is at its peak. Capitalizing on this moment, sellers must create captivating experiences and capture their contact information promptly. Effective strategies include providing engaging content, offering gated resources, and implementing lead capture forms. By nurturing leads through email marketing and SMS campaigns, sellers can build relationships and convert potential customers into loyal advocates. Understanding Zero Party Data and Privacy Concerns Zero party data is voluntarily shared by consumers and helps sellers create personalized experiences. It provides insights into customers' preferences and allows for targeted marketing efforts. However, it is crucial to address privacy concerns and ensure transparent data collection practices. Respecting consumers' privacy preferences, maintaining data security, and obtaining explicit consent for data usage are vital considerations when leveraging zero par...

Hey there. It's Michael from amazing FBA welcome to mindset moments, a little bite-sized chunks of thoughts and hopefully wisdom about business and life from my wanderings around London, and other parts of Europe. Hey there folks, you find me today in green and sunny Broxbourne, which is in Hertfordshire, in England, just northeast of London. And this tranquil surroundings made me think of something I wanted to share with you, which is a Zen story, a koan, as it's called, K O A N. I'm not a practitioner of Zen or something, but I'm, I'm a big, big fan of the thinking. and philosophy and a whole way of life really that's put forth by a lot of Zen practitioners. So anyway, here's the story. There was a Zen master once called Anshin, probably I'm guessing from the name in Japan, doesn't matter really. Anshin had a student he wanted to teach a lesson to in this female student was sitting there in hut one day and Anshin said to her, okay, I'm going to put a box in my hand. And he put a box in his hand. And I was like, just on his palm. Nothing special. And he said to the student, Okay, now I want you to try to take the box out of my hand. And bear in mind, he wasn't gripping the box, he was just holding it. The student looked a bit puzzled, reached out, and took the box out of the master's hand. Anshin smiled a bit, and he said, No, no, I want you to try to take the box out of my hand. The student frowned a bit, reached out, and took the box out of her hand again. It was just resting on the master's hand. And then, Anshin smiled a bit more, and he said, No, no, I want you to try to take the box out of my hand and then the student hesitated this time and looked at the master, looked at the box and thought a bit and then reached out and took the box out of the master's hand . And Anshin smiled at her and said you see there is no such thing as try. There is only do or not do. Now ,this was made very famous as a quote by Yoda in Star Wars and I looked it up because I don't want to be quoting star wars like that's a source of great wisdom i enjoyed the movie by the way, but people always quoting some American movie is if it's a great source of wisdom, newsflash Americans, people in East Asia have been coming up with wisdom for 2000 years before the Europeans even encountered America. So they've had a bit of time to work out what really, really makes sense in life and what doesn't, in my opinion. So what does that mean in practice? Well, I want to think about this from a point of view of a small business owner, which I suppose I am, or a freelance musician, which I still do. Or, indeed a husband or anything else a couple of implications. The first one is, trying hard doesn't work very well. Now that, that's sort of got a bit of a bad press because of their mindset, I suppose. But, I know that when I was a piano teacher or before that, anything else, really, conducting a choir I'd say something like Hello, pupil I would like you to practise because you're not getting any better otherwise, and I would like you to practise, five times a week for 20 minutes, 20 minutes a day, which is for me very minimal. But you know, these are busy people. Normally, the sons and daughters of middle class parents and they're at prep school. So they are doing way, way, way too many things. to do any of them properly. There's a hint there, isn't there? That's not what Zen and the art of archery is. Not Zen and the art of archery and ballet lessons and piano, all of which you do badly because New Flash as well. That isn't Zen. That's not going to improve your kid's concentration or self esteem. Anyway, so you know what? These guys normally say something like, well, I'll try. And I look at them. If I'm feeling playful, I say, there's no such thing as try. As Yoda said, there's only do or not do. I think that's true. However, it does get very hard if you are overly busy for that to be the case. By the way,

Social media - advantages or disadvantages- which are strongest? In today's digital era, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. As a small business owner, harnessing the power of social media can offer many advantages. Above all, increasing brand visibility. But, you must navigate this landscape with caution. In this article, we explore social media advantages and disadvantages for small business. There are hidden disadvantages that can hinder your progress. We hope you can make informed decisions and maximize your online presence, without wasting precious time or money. Advantages of Social Media for Small Businesses: 1. Enhanced Brand Awareness: Small businesses can use social media to showcase their brand and connect with more people. Posting great content can increase brand visibility and make an impact on potential customers. 2. Targeted Advertising. Social media platforms offer powerful advertising tools that let you reach your exact audience. This means hit the right people and maximize your return. 3. Increased Website Traffic: Sharing links to your website through social media channels can drive significant traffic. In turn that can be more potential conversions. If you optimize your posts with relevant keywords and compelling calls to action, you can encourage users to visit your website. Then they can explore your products or services further. 4. Customer Engagement and Feedback: Social media provides a direct line of communication between businesses and customers. By reaching out to your audience through comments, messages, and polls, you can address concerns fast. You can also gather valuable feedback for improvement. 5. Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to traditional advertising methods, social media marketing can be more affordable. That makes it perfect for small businesses with limited cash. You can get serious results without breaking the bank. But only with careful planning and strategic content creation. 6. Competitive Advantage: Having a robust social media presence can give small businesses a competitive edge. By monitoring your competitors' activities, you can gather insights and identify trends. If you actually do something with that, you can adapt your marketing strategies. And in turn beat the competition. But don't kid yourself. Being on social media as such is not an advantage any more. 7. Brand Authority and Thought Leadership: If you share valuable and insightful content, you can establish your business as industry experts. This gains trust among your target audience. This can also foster loyalty, and position your brand as a go-to resource for information and solutions. Powerful but...only if your content is valuable. And insightful. Not generic regurgitation! 8. Partnerships and Collaborations: Social media platforms offer opportunities to connect and collaborate. That can be with other businesses, influencers, or industry leaders. By forming strategic partnerships, you can expand your reac. You can tap into new customer bases, and cross-promotion, amplifying your brand's visibility. Disadvantages of Social Media for Small Businesses 1. Time-Consuming: Social media advantages and disadvantages have to start with time. Managing social media accounts can be time-consuming. Especially for small business owners wearing many hats. Consistency is a challenge. creating and curating content, responding to comments, and monitoring analytics takes time. It may need dedicated resources or outsourcing. 2. Negative Feedback and Public Criticism: The open nature of social media means that negative feedback or criticism is highly public. Say something politically incorrect and it can get ugly fast. Small businesses must be ready to handle such situations professionally and promptly. You need to have a plan to protect your brand reputation when the messy stuff hits the fan (don't sue me on social media!) 3. Information Overload:

In this episode, we will explore the transformative power of mindset and delve into five powerful strategies that can help you achieve wealth and happiness. Having the right mindset is crucial for e-commerce brand owners looking to scale their businesses with minimal capital. By optimizing your mindset, you can overcome challenges, enhance problem-solving abilities, and create a positive path towards success. Time Stamps 0:00:00 Introduction to the Importance of Mindset 0:02:29 Changing Your Mindset Means Finding Solutions Instead of Problems 0:03:26 The Importance of Routine and Consistency 0:07:23 Being Intentional in Everything You Do 0:08:59 The Power of Movement and Staying Active 0:11:00 Surrounding Yourself with Positive and Inspiring People 0:14:53 You Are Not Defined by Your Mistakes or Fleeting Moments 0:18:57 The Impact of Mindset on Mental Health 0:23:05 Strategies for Improving Mindset Can Benefit Everyone 0:30:07 Who Can Benefit from Mindset Coaching and How to Contact Christian Strategy I Routine & Consistency: Establishing a daily routine is key to nurturing a growth mindset. This routine can include morning rituals, such as setting positive intentions for the day and staying hydrated. Movement and exercise should also be part of your routine to invigorate your mind and body. By maintaining consistency in your habits, you strengthen your resilience and ensure steady progress towards your goals. Strategy II Intention: Intentionality is a powerful tool for shaping your mindset. By setting clear intentions for your actions, whether it's in your work, relationships, or personal growth, you bring purpose and focus to your endeavors. When you approach each task with intention, you increase your chances of success and fulfillment. Strategy III Movement: Physical movement is closely linked to mental well-being. Engaging in activities like walking or exercising can boost your energy levels, improve clarity of thought, and stimulate creativity. Incorporating movement breaks throughout your day allows you to recharge and maintain a positive mindset. Strategy IV Connections: The people you surround yourself with greatly influence your mindset. Seek out connections with supportive and inspiring individuals, such as successful entrepreneurs, mentors, and like-minded peers. Building a network of positive influences enhances personal growth and provides valuable insights and guidance on your entrepreneurial journey. Strategy V Mindset Flexibility: A flexible mindset is crucial for adapting to challenges and embracing change. Recognize that your thoughts and decisions do not define your identity or limit your potential. Embrace the ability to change perspectives, learn from mistakes, and respond to setbacks with resilience and adaptability. Cultivating a growth-oriented mindset allows you to navigate obstacles and discover new opportunities for wealth and happiness. By implementing these five powerful strategies for transforming your mindset, you can unlock the potential for wealth and happiness in your entrepreneurial journey. Embrace routine and consistency, set clear intentions, incorporate movement, nurture positive connections, and foster mindset flexibility. Remember that mindset is a key factor in your success as an e-commerce brand owner. Reach out to Christian Hoyle, a mindset coach, for personalized support and guidance on your path to wealth and happiness.

Hey there. It's Michael from amazing FBA welcome to mindset moments, a little bite-sized chunks of thoughts and hopefully wisdom about business and life from my wanderings around London, and other parts of Europe. Folks, I'm out again, looking at my most glamorous wearing my fetching Sam Brown belt. I've been out cycling around London as is my wont today. I just wanted to catch another instance of me, observing myself as a consumer, if you like, with my marketing head on. I always find that fascinating. I've just been into a place called the cycle Republic, which if you look at it, it's just full of, as you'd expect beautiful expensive bikes Brompton, which is, you know, very famous engineering quality, very expensive. what it is, it's going to be over a thousand pounds worth. There's helmets, there's accessories. So, also, I want to think about a few different things. First of all, the consumer need. They say, sell to people with a bleeding neck. So, in other words, when somebody's seriously, in pain, they're the most likely to actually buy. I've just been cycling in the rain. Thank goodness it stopped raining, as you can see. by the way, beautiful, old church behind me here. And that's part of the point of what I want to talk about. There's a hint there for you to think about in a second why that will be relevant to my buying experience. I want to think about the price that I was willing to pay specifically today. So first thing, a person and the pain. There's me. I'm a cyclist. I identify myself as places as a commuter cyclist. And secondly, I'm a person with a pain that is called having cold hands while I cycle in the rain and the wind and all the lovely weather we get in London this time of year sometimes. so second thing, location, as you just see, there's some beautiful buildings around here. It's right in central London, mountains of Hoban. District. it's W C one to the borough of Hoban as it used to be, quite high end place in the city of Westminster. So my expectation is it's going to be expensive. And I went to a specialist shop called cycle Republic, partly because I just saw it and, visibility is critical. If you don't see something, you're not going to do anything about it. My expectation was that it would be good quality stuff and expensive. And so it has proved. So the next thing is I browsed around and they had a bunch of expensive products. I can't really show you without making the shop owner very annoyed, but, they had, gloves, which is what I'm looking for from amazingly to my eyes, 50 pounds. And then they'd arrange them in order from expensive to cheaper. And somewhere down near the bottom, I found a pair of those stuff for nine pounds, but I didn't think it was really going to be waterproof. And that's pretty essential for me in this situation. So I'm just managing to crash my bike here. So in the end, I went for a 20 pound pair. Now, why did I buy these? First of all, a few things. the need was there, so I'm prepared to pay more if I can get it quickly. Typical of Amazon consumers, I'm not that price sensitive. Typical. I'm a consumer Amazon consumer, but I like to shop around. I mean, Amazon's much more price driven than a shop context, in the context of a brand that looks quite smart and has a lot of high-end products in its store, literally in its storefront here. I was prepared to expect a higher price. Comparison, they have 50 gloves, had 9 gloves. I'll bet you any money that they sell most of the stuff between about 20 and 30 because those other things are what we call price bracketing. And finally, features. The actual only way I could justify to myself spending 20 on a pair of gloves, it looks so simple, maybe they look to me like a 5 pair of gloves somewhere else, is that number one, I trust. that they're cycle specialists, so they actually will know my business as a cyclist. They know and understand my needs. They're not just selling random widgets,

The entrepreneurial journey is a challenging one, filled with ups and downs, uncertainties, and obstacles. However, successful entrepreneurs understand the power of mindset in achieving their goals. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to master the growth mindset for entrepreneurs, with insights from renowned mindset coach Christian Hoyle. Whether you are an e-commerce brand owner looking to scale your business or an aspiring entrepreneur, this guide will provide valuable strategies to cultivate a growth mindset and unlock your full potential. 0:00:00 | Introduction and discussion about the importance of mindset 0:03:28 | Importance of taking responsibility for one's own mindset 0:05:04 | Importance of relationships and how they affect mindset 0:07:23 | The role of belief in mindset and the importance of practicing belief 0:09:40 | Importance of being present and taking control of one's thoughts 0:11:15 | Importance of taking action and making an effort to change 0:13:34 | Discussion about the services offered by Christian Hoyle 0:18:39 | The importance of honesty and calling out one's own BS 0:19:49 | The importance of making small changes for personal growth 0:21:05 | Conclusion and closing remarks Understanding the Growth Mindset The growth mindset is a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, which refers to the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and learning. Entrepreneurs with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persevere in the face of setbacks, and view failures as opportunities for growth. This mindset is essential for navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship and achieving long-term success. Developing a Growth Mindset Embrace a Learning Mindset: Adopting a learning mindset involves being open to new ideas, seeking knowledge, and continuously expanding your skills and expertise. Embrace a lifelong learning journey by attending workshops, reading books, and seeking mentorship. Emphasize Effort and Persistence: Cultivate a belief that effort and persistence lead to growth and improvement. Embrace challenges, persevere through setbacks, and view failures as valuable learning experiences. Foster a Positive Attitude: Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial for a growth mindset. Practice gratitude, focus on solutions rather than problems, and surround yourself with positive influences. Embrace Feedback and Criticism: See feedback and criticism as opportunities for growth and improvement. Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, and customers, and use it to refine your strategies and enhance your skills. Cultivate Resilience: Resilience is a key attribute of entrepreneurs with a growth mindset. Develop strategies to bounce back from failures and setbacks, practice self-care, and build a support network to help you stay resilient in challenging times. Adopting a Growth Mindset in Entrepreneurship Embrace Challenges: Instead of avoiding challenges, view them as opportunities for growth. Take calculated risks, step out of your comfort zone, and tackle new and ambitious projects. Emphasize Learning and Growth: Shift your focus from solely pursuing outcomes to valuing the learning and growth that comes with the entrepreneurial journey. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and recognize that setbacks are stepping stones to future success. Develop a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for growth and entrepreneurship. Join communities, attend networking events, and seek mentors who can provide guidance and support. Set Realistic Goals: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with your vision and values. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain momentum and track your progress. Practice Self-Reflection and Adaptation: Regularly reflect on your expe...

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of mindset coaching with Christian Hoyle, an expert who assists professionals, entrepreneurs, and sales teams in becoming the best versions of themselves. Our focus is on understanding the profound impact mindset has on entrepreneurial success and how harnessing the power of a growth mindset can help e-commerce brand owners scale their businesses with minimal capital. Time Stamp 0:00:00 | Introduction and discussion about mindset 0:02:16 | Definition of mindset as the way we think and act 0:03:43 | Importance of physical activity for mindset 0:06:00 | Importance of consistency and discipline for mindset 0:08:19 | Importance of perspective and happiness for mindset 0:10:10 | Relationship between wealth and happiness 0:11:12 | Importance of balance and perspective for happiness 0:14:15 | Importance of habits and routines for mindset 0:16:37 | Relationship between actions and happiness 0:19:47 | Importance of focus and managing oneself for entrepreneurs Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mindset To achieve peak performance as entrepreneurs, it's crucial to examine all areas of our lives. Christian emphasizes the significance of mindset—how our thoughts and subsequent actions shape our entrepreneurial journey. Often, our thoughts limit our ability to fully invest in projects and hinder our potential for success. The Mindset Persona: Identifying Limiting Beliefs We frequently interact with only a fraction of what's happening in our minds, creating a cacophony of noise that holds us back. Christian encourages us to recognize and reset this "what we're not" mindset persona. By gaining control over our thoughts and focusing on what truly matters, we can break free from self-imposed limitations. Resetting Your Mindset: Dealing with Setbacks Inevitably, setbacks occur along the entrepreneurial path. However, the key lies in our ability to bounce back and regain momentum. Christian shares insights into getting back on track and changing our mindset to view setbacks as stepping stones to growth and learning. Changing Your Mindset The Power of Consistency: Christian introduces a practical approach to change our mindset. Through two simple questions, we assess our current state in various aspects of life and identify where we want to be. By reflecting on past achievements and adopting the behaviors that led to success, we can cultivate a growth mindset and propel ourselves forward. Building Habits Creating a Balanced Morning Routine: Consistency is the cornerstone of habit formation. Christian underscores the importance of a well-rounded morning routine that encompasses physical activity, hydration, and mental preparation. Drawing on personal experiences, he shares how morning routines can shape our perspective and contribute to long-term happiness. Finding Balance: Entrepreneurship and the Pursuit of Happiness Entrepreneurs face unique challenges when it comes to achieving work-life balance. Christian addresses the loneliness and lack of motivation that often accompany working alone. He introduces practical tools like Focusmate and emphasizes the significance of self-management to stay motivated and accountable. Managing the Chimp Mind Controlling Negative Thoughts: Our minds can often generate negative thoughts that hinder progress and happiness. Christian identifies this internal voice as the "chimp mind" and offers strategies to manage and calm it. By gaining control over our thoughts, we can create a positive shift in our mindset and unlock our true potential. Connect with Christian Hoyle Leveraging Support for Growth: Discover how to connect with Christian and tap into his expertise. Engaging in virtual coffee chats and personalized guidance allows entrepreneurs to benefit from his knowledge and experience. Embracing mentorship and seeking support from like-minded individuals can accelerate personal and professional growth. In conclusion,

Ben Leonard is a successful ecommerce entrepreneur who built and sold a brand within three years for seven figures. He is still building brands and is one of the go-to people in the Amazon space. In this episode, Ben talks about the challenges of building an online business, specifically on Amazon. He emphasizes that getting started is difficult, and many people fear failure and judgment. He shares his personal experience of how he overcame his fear and started his first brand. Ben also talks about the challenges of running an ecommerce business day to day and the importance of picking a lane and building a brand around something you're passionate about. In addition, Ben and the host discuss the importance of forming connections and building a community of like-minded individuals to overcome common challenges and experience good stress. Time Stamp 0:00:00 | Introduction to the podcast episode and the importance of picking a lane and sticking to it. 0:00:56 | Introduction to the Amazon Profit Quiz, which helps identify the biggest Amazon profit killer. 0:02:31 | Challenges of building an online business, including fear of failure and judgment. 0:03:33 | Society's influence on individuals not pursuing entrepreneurship and the importance of giving oneself permission to take action. 0:04:39 | Introduction to the hero's journey and how it relates to taking action. 0:04:47 | The hero's journey and how external events can lead to taking action. 0:05:22 | Whether the hero's journey can be engineered or is a matter of fate. 0:05:30 | Giving oneself permission to take action and write one's own story. 0:06:03 | Taking control of one's destiny and giving full commitment to ecommerce entrepreneurship. 0:07:12 | The challenges of running an ecommerce business, including overwhelming information and decision fatigue. 0:09:14 | Overcoming the challenges of being an entrepreneur by seeking out other people, building relationships, attending events, and forming a community. 0:11:56 | The benefits of being part of a community and how it can lead to confidence, productivity, and good stress. 0:13:48 | Channeling pressure into production and the magic that happens when you have a supportive network. 0:13:51 | The importance of connections in overcoming imposter syndrome and the value of being part of a community. 0:15:04 | The Goethe quote on commitment and the power of giving oneself permission to take action. 0:16:24 | The importance of being aligned with what you're trying to build and building something you're passionate about. 0:17:44 | Building a brand that aligns with your interests and strengths, and finding ways to make it work. 0:20:19 | Advice on not shutting down a profitable business that you're not passionate about, but finding ways to make it work by partnering with someone who is passionate or hiring someone to handle aspects you're not good at. 0:21:23 | People who start a business half-heartedly and end up regretting it and losing money. 0:21:42 | The importance of growing profits and cutting waste in order to build a sellable business. 0:22:10 | Introduction to the Amazon Profit Quiz website. 0:22:51 | Ben's consulting services for ecommerce business owners and private equity backed portfolios of brands. 0:23:22 | How to find Ben's consulting services online. 0:24:06 | Information on Ben's upcoming book and where to find it. 0:25:12 | Conclusion and call to action. Overcoming Fear and Taking Action According to Ben, one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is actually getting started. Many people have an idea for a brand or recognize the potential of ecommerce, but fear failure or judgment from others. Society has conditioned us to follow a certain path, and the idea of deviating from that path can be daunting. As Ben notes, "these people are the kind of people who sort of need to give themselves permission to take action." To overcome this fear,

When it comes to social media traffic there are two types – organic (or unpaid) traffic. Which takes time and energy – and then there is paid traffic, which you get by spending ad budget. In this episode we’ll explain how to optimize organic social media traffic. Why organic (unpaid) social media is a good place to start your traffic generating efforts. How to use Facebook most effectively for organic social engagement How Reddit and Quora can be used to generate organic social traffic The most effective way to use Instagram for organic social engagement Why Pinterest is frequently the powerhouse that gets very little time and attention – and how to correct that and profit. Tools you can use to make your social media efforts simpler. The Vayner Media (Gary Vee) content strategy that Jason learned from his interview with them for the Instagram Power book. Resources Mentioned: www.9mountains.com https://hootsuite.com Planoly Promo Republic Instagram Power Pinterest Power Youtube Marketing Power

When buyers are looking to acquire an e-commerce business, there are a number of factors they will consider. These factors include: Revenue: Buyers will want to see that the business has a strong track record of revenue growth. This shows that the business has a viable business model and that there is a demand for its products or services. Profitability: Buyers will also want to see that the business is profitable. This means that the business is generating more revenue than it is spending. Brand: A strong brand can be a valuable asset for an e-commerce business. A strong brand can help the business attract new customers and command a premium price. Management team: Buyers will want to assess the quality of the management team. A strong management team can help the business continue to grow and succeed. Growth potential: Buyers will also want to see that the business has the potential to grow. This could mean expanding into new markets, launching new products, or increasing sales through marketing and advertising. In addition to these factors, buyers will also consider the specific industry and niche that the e-commerce business operates in. For example, a buyer who is looking to acquire an e-commerce business in the fashion industry will have different criteria than a buyer who is looking to acquire an e-commerce business in the technology industry. How to Make Your E-Commerce Business More Attractive to Buyers There are a number of things you can do to make your e-commerce business more attractive to buyers. These include: Grow your revenue: The more revenue your business generates, the more attractive it will be to buyers. You can grow your revenue by increasing sales, expanding into new markets, or launching new products or services. Improve your profitability: A profitable business is more attractive to buyers than a business that is not profitable. You can improve your profitability by reducing costs, increasing sales, or both. Build a strong brand: A strong brand can help your business attract new customers and command a premium price. You can build a strong brand by investing in marketing and advertising, providing excellent customer service, and consistently delivering high-quality products or services. Strengthen your management team: A strong management team can help your business continue to grow and succeed. You can strengthen your management team by hiring experienced and qualified professionals, providing them with training and development opportunities, and creating a culture of accountability. Identify your growth potential: Buyers are interested in businesses that have the potential to grow. You can identify your growth potential by analyzing your market, assessing your competitive landscape, and developing a growth strategy. Conclusion If you are considering selling your e-commerce business, it is important to understand what buyers are looking for and what you can do to make your business more attractive to buyers. By taking the steps outlined in this blog post, you can increase your chances of getting a good price for your business. Additional Tips for Business Owners In addition to the tips above, here are some additional tips for business owners who are looking to make their e-commerce business more attractive to buyers: Make sure your website is up-to-date and professional: Your website is the first impression that potential buyers will have of your business, so it is important to make sure that it is well-designed and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images and videos of your products: High-quality images and videos can help to showcase your products and make them more appealing to potential buyers. Provide clear and concise product descriptions: Your product descriptions should be clear and concise, so that potential buyers know exactly what they are getting. Offer excellent customer service: Excellent customer service can help ...

Hey there. It's Michael from amazing FBA welcome to mindset moments, a little bite-sized chunks of thoughts and hopefully wisdom about business and life from my wanderings around London, and other parts of Europe. Today we are talking about the power of a niche brand: Brompton. Hello folks, I am out here with a brand creation story, and not mine, but I'm a customer in this case, or a would be customer. And I just wanted to reflect on, when you really, really create a fantastic product and brand combined, how strongly people will... make an effort or go out of their way to get it. And that's when you've really got a strong brand. So I'm going out of my way right now to get something. I'm walking through a strange part of town. It's freezing cold here in London, as often is. And, I need a bicycle and I live in a relatively modest sized flat in London. It's not as small as the one we used to be in, but space is always at a premium. And so I'm off shopping for the obvious solution for a cyclist in London. With space at a premium, there's one word that springs to mind, and that is Brompton. The origins of this niche brand That is a very famous brand, created in the 1970s by a Londoner. I think in response to the fact that he needed a solution to his clean needs, which is to say, a fold up bike that was good quality and actually was... Something that would fold up small and would be there for something you could take on public transport, on the tube, on the train to use what we call subway, if you're American, or the underground formally or other options like that. And which would also be a quality bike that was safe and sturdy and would cope with being folded and unfolded many, many times and would survive the process intact. Now. it's a very nice product, and that's another thing I wanted to say, like, if, if somebody hates cycling and they're going to hate Bromptons because they've never heard of them or they just think they're a complete waste of time or something, somebody who doesn't have a particular need for a bike that you can fold up and put on public transport, Or indeed into a car in a small space would find it a complete waste of time, and in many cities that would be the case. But if you're in London or for that matter somewhere like New York, I guess, I don't know if they're famous in New York, it's the obvious answer. And so the feeling is appealing to a very particular need, in this case, in quite a geographically specific situation, shall we say. I'm in London specifically, but also New York or anywhere like that, I guess would work. Having a genuinely better niche product And then the other thing, of course, is this. So, there's the person and the need, but then it's having a product that's good. my wife at one point a few years ago, bought a couple of, just on a whim. I came home and she found she'd bought two folding bikes because she sensed the need for it. Now, first of all, she never cycles having had an nasty accident here years ago, and London's pretty scary. She cyclist, I could see why she doesn't, but kind of odd that she bought two. And then I remember, that's what my wife does, . She bargain hunts and she buys more than one. Okay, now a lot of people shot that way online. That's not the sort of brand I'm talking about because when I used it, it felt, so insecure and it was so inconsistent in the way it behaved that I just felt I didn't trust it, I thought it would kill me. And by the way, that might well have been true. So I didn't use it at all. and we've given one of them away for free, despite the fact it was a hundred and fifty pounds or each or something. A hundred and twenty pounds, a hundred and fifty bucks, whatever, or euros. So, that was a kind of false economy for me, and I'm now considering buying a Brompton, which is going to be at least a thousand pounds, probably by the time I've got all the features I want on it,

Welcome to "Mastering Amazon Brand Building: Building a Sellable Brand with Expert Tips." In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the strategies and techniques that will help e-commerce brand owners scale their brands on Amazon with minimal capital. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your existing brand to new heights, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and actionable steps to master the art of Amazon brand building. 00:00:00: Introduction to the Podcast Episode and the Importance of Picking a Lane and Building a Brand around Something Passionate 00:01:33: Introduction to the Challenges of Building an Online Business, Specifically on Amazon 00:03:05: Fear of Failure and Judgment as a Barrier to Taking Action towards Building an Ecommerce Business 00:03:54: Society's Norms and Expectations as a Barrier to Entrepreneurship 00:04:39: Importance of Taking Action and Giving Oneself Permission to Pursue Entrepreneurship 00:05:12: Discussion of the Challenges of Running an Ecommerce Business Day-to-Day 00:06:30: Importance of Taking Control of One's Own Destiny and Giving Full Commitment to Entrepreneurship 00:07:12: Challenges of Getting Started and Running an Ecommerce Business, Including Overwhelming Amounts of Information and Decision Fatigue 00:08:51: Loneliness, Pressure, and Imposter Syndrome as Additional Challenges of Running an Ecommerce Business 00:09:14: The Playing Field Is Level for Anyone to Become an Ecommerce Entrepreneur, and the Importance of Seeking out Other People and Building Relationships 00:10:45: Importance of Attending Real Events and Conferences to Network and Form a Community of Like-Minded People, Which Can Help Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Loneliness 00:13:01: The Importance of Good Stress (You Stress) in Entrepreneurship and How Having a Supportive Network and Resources Can Help Channel Pressure into Productivity 00:13:51: The Importance of Forming Connections and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome by Realizing That Others Experience Similar Challenges; the Significance of Giving Oneself Permission to Pursue Entrepreneurship; the Importance of Aligning One's Business with One's Passions 00:17:44: The Importance of Being Passionate about the Business You Build; Advice for Those Who Are Not Passionate about Their Business; the Importance of Not Shutting Down a Profitable Business but Finding Ways to Make It Make More Sense 00:20:19: People Allowing Their Business to Die Because They Kind of Want Out; the Importance of Growing a Business to Make It Sellable; the Amazon Profit Quiz for Identifying Profit Killers in Private Label Amazon Businesses 00:22:10: Introduction to Ben Leonard's Consulting Services, Including Consultations for Private Equity Backed Portfolios of Brands and Ecommerce Business Owners 00:23:22: Information on How to Get in Touch with Ben Leonard, Including His Website and Email 00:25:12: Information on the Amazon Profit Quiz and Closing Remarks What is a brand? At its core, a brand represents a group of products that solves specific problems for a specific group of people. In this episode, we will explore the importance of building a brand on Amazon and how it can transform your business. Understanding Your Target Audience To build a successful brand, it is essential to understand your target audience. Amazon provides powerful tools like brand registry, brand analytics, and brand pages that can help you gain valuable insights into your customers. By leveraging these tools, you can identify the preferences and behaviors of your target audience, allowing you to create targeted marketing strategies. Transitioning from Selling Stuff to Building a Brand Transitioning from simply selling products on Amazon to building a brand requires a shift in mindset. Without a strong brand identity, you may find yourself constantly chasing the next sale. We will explore the importance of creating anticipation, building trust,

Getting started as an e-commerce seller can feel intimidating in quite a few ways. One of the ways is the feeling that you have to spend a large budget just to get started. In today’s show our panel explores how you can use just $100 to get started in eCommerce. We explore physical product options, how to work with Kindle and physical books. We touch on marketing on and off Amazon. We also discuss how to approach influencers in an original way. We touch on how to approach a potential business mentor, and how you might put together your own peer group for peer-to-peer learning as well. What you’ll learn How to use Kindle books as cheap marketing tools How to approach an experienced potential e-commerce mentor Ways to influence multiple influencers for $100! The easiest way to get started in eCommerce for $100 Why checking product-market fit might be the best use of your budget! The hack for getting free marketing books to learn from When should you quit the day job and go full time with your own ecommerce business?

In our initial episode about Paid Social” we outlined 3 big goals. In today’s conversation we’re continuing the discussion about how to engage warm traffic with effective social media advertising. What you’ll learn A 2 Step Process for getting cold traffic very inexpensively, then retargeting them via (Facebook). Engagement goals and other non-sales goals for warm traffic. remarketing via (Google Adwords). How Live-Commerce Techniques and goals are transforming e-commerce businesses Forming direct sales strategies with social ads Resources Mentioned www.streamyard.com www.commentsold.com

In our initial episode about Paid Social” we outlined 3 big goals. In today’s conversation we’re going to give you “The Secret” and really unpack the 3 big ideas with tons of actionable tips and insights for each. What you’ll learn Who Paid Social Media Ads are ideal for The ideal sequence of when paid social media ads should be used A budget rule-of-thumb for paid social media advertising How long it takes to get results with paid social media ads A terrific Facebook Video Strategy that works really well in support of paid social ads. How Pinterest Promoted Pins factor into paid social media ads Ad Instagram Ad strategy that you can start with just a few dollars.

Entrepreneurship is not just about pursuing upside potential; it's also about managing risks effectively. When it comes to scaling e-commerce brands with minimal capital, having a robust supply chain strategy is crucial. In this blog post, we will explore the insights and expertise shared by Dayu Yang, founder of EcommOps, on how to master ecommerce supply chain strategy. With a focus on the target audience of e-commerce brand owners, we'll delve into the strategies and best practices that can help businesses thrive in a competitive market. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | Exploring Fast Fashion Strategies and Supply Chain Flexibility with Daiyu Yang of Ecom Ops 0:02:39 | Discussion on Risk Management and Maximizing Risk-Adjusted Upside in Entrepreneurship 0:04:40 | "Exploring the Benefits of a Profit Share Model for Risk Management and Agility in eCommerce" 0:07:04 | "The Benefits of Fast Fashion and the Risks of Private Label Manufacturing" 0:10:29 | Discussion on the Business Model of Shein and Its Impact on Traditional Retailers 0:11:49 | Exploring the Benefits of Fulfilling from China for E-Commerce Businesses 0:15:46 | "The Importance of Choosing the Right Shipping Lines for Ecommerce Fulfillment" 0:18:48 | "The Importance of Consistent Standards in the DTC World: A Discussion on Freight Shipping Mechanics" 0:20:35 | "The Benefits of Working with a Local Fulfillment Center in China" 0:24:19 | Heading: Bridging the Gap Between Western and Chinese Businesses Through Ecommerce Fulfillment 0:26:41 | "The Complexity of Efficient and Cost-Effective Fulfillment at Scale" 0:28:31 | Exploring the Benefits of Outsourcing Fulfillment and Supply Chain Management 0:29:59 | Exploring the Benefits of a Strategic Supply Chain Strategy 0:32:41 | Exploring Strategies for Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Business 0:34:07 | Conversation with Diode, Founder of Ecomm Ops: Exploring the Benefits of Building a Profitable Business 0:35:54 | Heading: Conversation with Fulfillment Expert on Minimum Order Requirements and Leveraging Chinese Strengths 0:38:28 | Interview with Daiyu Young of Ecom Ops: Exploring Strategies for Building a Successful Ecommerce Business Fast Fashion and the Power of Iteration One of the most successful case studies in the realm of supply chain strategy is the rise of fast fashion brands. Zara, for example, revolutionized the fashion industry by adopting a strategy that emphasized fast turnaround times and smaller batch sizes. By closely following trends, minimizing stockholding, and iterating their product offerings frequently, they became a force to be reckoned with. Today, brands like Shein have taken this model even further, achieving massive success by shipping directly from China and scaling rapidly based on demand. We'll explore how embracing smaller batch sizes and faster iteration can be advantageous for e-commerce brands seeking to stay ahead of the competition. Ensuring Consistency and Reliability in Shipping Reliable shipping is a vital aspect of any successful supply chain strategy. For e-commerce businesses, it's essential to choose shipping lines that offer consistent delivery times. We'll delve into some recommended shipping lines, such as Yunexpress, 4px, CNE, and UBI, which have proven to be reliable and recognized by Amazon. These partners, along with expert intermediaries like EcommOps, help manage customs clearance and ensure smooth operations throughout the shipping process. Efficiency and Communication in Fulfillment Efficient fulfillment is a critical component of a well-executed supply chain strategy. By optimizing communication and collaboration between Chinese factories and fulfillment centers, e-commerce brands can streamline operations and reduce turnaround times. We'll explore how ongoing communication plays a crucial role in overcoming capacity constraints, avoiding mistakes, and ensuring timely order fulfillment.

Spending money on advertising on the social media websites can be incredibly valuable. Or you can waste a ton of time and money. In this episode we’ll help you dial up the former, and avoid the latter. Let’s start with a short-list of the sites we’re talking about. What you’ll learn The 3 “Big Goals” of paid social media advertising. Techniques for achieving each of the 3 big goals. The 6 Stages of the Loyalty Ladder How to work with influencers to accelerate your goals.

In this blog post, we will explore the concept of Fulfilment FBM China and its benefits for e-commerce brand owners looking to scale their businesses with minimal capital. We'll delve into the insights shared by Dayu Yang, founder of EcommOps, and gain valuable knowledge on how to leverage Fulfilment FBM China effectively. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | Exploring Fulfillment Solutions for Amazon Sellers with Daiu Yang of Ecom Ops 0:02:26 | Conversation with [Name], Former Product Manager and Boston Consulting Group Consultant, on Repositioning Business Using the Boston Consulting Group Matrix 0:04:27 | Exploring the Benefits of Direct Fulfillment from China: A Conversation with [Name] 0:05:58 | Exploring the Benefits of China Fulfillment for Businesses 0:08:10 | Exploring the Benefits of Utilizing China Shipping for Amazon FBM Listings 0:10:17 | Exploring the Benefits of International Shipping for Western Amazon Sellers 0:12:13 | Exploring the Benefits of Long-Term Shipping for Western Brands 0:17:24 | The Benefits of Establishing a Strong Brand: Lower Risk and Working Capital 0:18:47 | Benefits of a Hybrid Supply Chain Model for FBA Sellers 0:21:00 | Discussion on Logistics Chain and Inventory Management 0:24:18 | Benefits of Fulfilling from China for US and EU Markets 0:25:53 | The Benefits of Shipping Parcels from China to the US and EU 0:29:56 | Conversation on Solving VAT Problems for Amazon Sellers in the EU 0:31:18 | Balance Sheet Management: A Simple Tool for Risk Reduction and Capital Allocation 0:33:05 | Exploring Cash Flow Strategies for Ecommerce Business Growth with Dia from EcomOps Dayu's Background and the Rise of Fulfilment FBM China Dayu Yang's journey began in the video game industry, where he learned the importance of acquiring users at a loss initially to maximize profits later. After obtaining an MBA and consulting in the retail and e-commerce sector, he started his own company, which was featured on Shark Tank. Dayu gained valuable experience in the end-to-end supply chain of e-commerce, specifically in dropshipping from China. Fulfilment FBM China emerged as a new approach, allowing businesses to ship products directly from China and retain control over the supply chain. Advantages of Fulfilment FBM China Why do brands choose Fulfilment FBM China? One primary reason is the significant time reduction in shipping products. While traditional freight can take months, Fulfilment FBM China allows for shipment in as little as three days. Additionally, the cost aspect is favorable, with end-to-end shipping costs, including CF air freight, customs, and last-mile postage, typically being comparable or even cheaper than alternative options. Competing with Chinese Sellers As an e-commerce brand owner, it's crucial to understand the competitive landscape when selling alongside Chinese sellers. While there may be challenges, Fulfilment FBM China provides an opportunity to compete effectively. By reducing inventory risk and planning for shorter lead times, businesses can maintain a healthy balance sheet. The ability to test additional markets without holding inventory in those regions offers a cost-effective way to expand internationally. Fulfilment FBM China for DTC Brands For brands with a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) focus, Fulfilment FBM China can serve as a backup when facing out-of-stock situations. While selling through FBM may result in a slight decrease in performance compared to FBA, it allows brands to continue generating sales and maintain visibility. Moreover, for Amazon sellers looking to venture into DTC, Fulfilment FBM China offers a smoother transition and ensures fulfillment continuity. Successful Case Studies and Unique Product Considerations Shein, a fast-fashion online player, stands as a prime example of a successful brand leveraging Fulfilment FBM China. With their direct shipping from China, they have achieved remarkable growth and surpassed competitors like Zara and H&M.

Paid search traffic is a terrific place to start your advertising efforts online. It flows logically out of your organic search efforts and can help you create a short-cut to success. People are looking for solutions and you have the opportunity to present your product as the solution. In this episode we dig into the value proposition of Google Adwords. In the 2nd episode in this conversation, we’ll focus on Amazon Advertising. You’ll learn Why search based marketing beats interruption based marketing, aka why Google Ads are better than social media ads. How Jason got a $40,000 a month Google Ad Grant Why use Google Text Ads Why use Google Retail / Shopping Ads The pros and cons of taking the DIY approach versus hiring someone to run your ads for you Why Google Shopping Actions create a powerful set of options. How Google is stepping into the E-commerce space Resources mentioned Google Shopping Actions

Poor Branding in e-commerce Effective branding is crucial for e-commerce businesses on Amazon. As an owner of a 6- or 7-figure e-commerce business, it's critical to identify signs of poor branding. You then need to work out their underlying causes. Only then can you improve your brand's performance. In this post, we'll explore common red flags of poor branding on Amazon. Understanding the Metrics Evaluating Branding Performance To assess branding effectiveness, monitoring key metrics is vital. Let's explore these essential indicators of poor branding. Conversion Rate: This metric shows the percentage of visitors who buy. A low conversion rate can show poor branding. That suggests a gap between your brand's promise and customer perception. Customer Reviews and Ratings: Feedback from customers shapes your brand's reputation. Negative reviews or low ratings might signal poor branding. This can crater conversion rates! Repeat Purchase Rate: This rate reflects brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. A low repeat purchase rate may suggest poor branding. Happy customers are more likely to come back to your brand. Brand Search Volume: The volume of searches for your brand name on Amazon reflects customer awareness and interest. Low search volume may show weak brand recognition and ineffective branding efforts. Price Premium: A premium price compared to competitors can be a sign of strong branding. A lack of a price premium may suggest that your brand is not perceived as distinct or valuable. Case Study: Conversion Rate and Poor Branding (RavPower) Let's explore RavPower, an electronic accessories seller on Amazon. RavPower observed a low conversion rate despite receiving many visitors to their product pages. They discovered that their product images were poor at showcasing features. Their product descriptions lacked clarity. To change this, RavPower invested in professional product photography and improved descriptions. As a result, their conversion rate improved, leading to higher sales. Poor Branding vs Market Choice - which is driving the bad metrics? It's a must to recognize branding limitations, especially when it comes to market choice. Entering a hyper-competitive market can present challenges in establishing a strong brand presence. Thorough market research is essential. The Star Principle, aka the BCG growth matrix, teaches the critical value of being the market leader. It's mission-critical to only go into markets where your products can be the market leader. If one or two big players dominate your market, move on! Case Study: Element26 and Overcoming Market Challenges Element26, specializing in weightlifting belts, is as an inspiring case. The brand won market share in a highly competitive industry. Element 26 had high expertise, total commitment and enough funds. Jason Franciosa's business partner had a PhD in physiotherapy. They were and are obsessive cross-fit enthusiasts. And they had solid funding. As a result, Element26 differentiated their brand and emerged as market leaders. This is not normal. It is very hard to do this! Unless you are as expert, fanatical and funded as these guys, don't do it! Common Root Causes of Poor Branding Identifying the underlying causes of poor branding is crucial to addressing them effectively. Let's explore some common root causes. Inconsistent or Confusing Messaging. When your brand has an inconsistent or unclear message across different channels, it's confusing. Customers struggle to understand and connect with your brand. Lack of Brand Identity and Differentiation. Without a distinct identity and value proposition, your brand will not stand out from competitors. This makes it hard to capture customers' attention and establish long-term brand loyalty. Poor Product Quality: Product quality is the foundation stone on which all brands are built. If your brand delivers subpar or mediocre products,

As an e-commerce brand owner, you may find yourself struggling to scale your business with minimal capital. One of the key challenges you may face is optimizing your advertising to sales ratio (A/S) for Amazon. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of Amazon advertising optimization, and provide you with actionable strategies to help you stop the leaks and boost your sales. Welcome to our topic on Amazon advertising optimization. In this post, we will cover the importance of maintaining a balanced A/S ratio for business success and provide you with key strategies to optimize your A/S ratio. The A/S ratio is a key metric that measures the effectiveness of your advertising campaigns in generating sales. It is calculated by dividing your ad spend by your total sales. Maintaining a balanced A/S ratio is crucial for business success, as it ensures that your advertising campaigns are generating a positive return on investment. Key Strategies to Optimize Your A/S Ratio Improving ad targeting and keyword selection Using relevant keywords is key to optimizing your A/S ratio. You can use tools and techniques for keyword research and choose between long-tail and short-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords may drive more profits with lower sales volume, while short-tail keywords may drive more sales but require monitoring profitability. Adjusting advertising budget Evaluating ad spend efficiency is crucial for determining your advertising budget. Although Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) is a good metric, it is important to monitor your ranking organically for each keyword. Scaling up or down based on performance and allocating budget across different campaigns can also help you optimize your A/S ratio. Enhancing product listings and optimizing for conversions High-quality product images, compelling product titles and descriptions, bullet points, and A+ content can enhance your product listings and optimize for conversions. Price is also an important factor to consider in optimizing your product listings. Utilizing promotions and discounts to drive sales Running limited-time promotions, offering discounts or bundling products, and leveraging Amazon promotions tools can help you drive sales and optimize your A/S ratio. Monitoring and adjusting A/S ratio over time Continuously reviewing ad performance, making data-driven decisions for optimization, and periodically reassessing A/S ratio goals can help you monitor and adjust your A/S ratio over time. Tips for Balancing A/S Ratio Optimization with Other KPIs Identifying other crucial KPIs for your business Identifying other crucial KPIs for your business, such as profit by product line and identifying your biggest profit-driving products, can help you manage your business with great focus and avoid micromanaging less high-performing products. Striking the right balance between A/S ratio and other KPIs Striking the right balance between A/S ratio and other KPIs, such as conversion rate and price, is important for business success. Importance of a holistic approach to business success Taking a holistic approach to business success, where the bottom line is the bottom line, is key to achieving long-term success. In conclusion, optimizing your A/S ratio is crucial for scaling your Amazon e-commerce business with minimal capital. We hope that these key strategies will help you stop the leaks and boost your sales. Thank you for reading our blog post on Amazon advertising optimization. We invite your feedback and suggestions for future topics. Don't hesitate to reach out to us on social media or via our contact information.

Expanding your business globally is a great way to scale your e-commerce brand. However, this process can be challenging, especially for small businesses with minimal capital. As an e-commerce brand owner, it is important to find ways to validate your products in different markets before investing a lot of money. In this post, we will discuss how to maximize your international Amazon expansion using surveys and image testing. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | "Exploring International Expansion with PickFu Co-Founder Justin Chen" 0:02:31 | Exploring International Markets on Amazon: A Discussion on Selling in Germany, the US, and Canada 0:03:53 |"Testing Branding and Product Names for International Markets" 0:05:18 | Exploring Cultural Considerations for Brand Names and Product Packaging 0:07:22 | Exploring Cultural Differences in Marketing Strategies 0:10:15 | "Exploring Different Cultural Mindsets for Ecommerce Marketers" 0:12:19 | "Maximizing International Market Opportunities: Advice for Selling on Amazon in Germany" 0:13:30 | "Understanding the Benefits of Demographic Targeting on Amazon for Increased Sales" 0:15:21 | "Exploring International Targeting Options with PickFu" 0:18:53 | Exploring International Expansion: Validation and Price Pressures in Different Countries 0:20:19 | Exploring International Expansion Strategies for E-Commerce Sellers 0:23:37 | "Exploring Cultural Differences in DIY: A Conversation with PickFu's CEO" 0:24:41 | "Exploring the Benefits of PickFu for Market Research" 0:26:41 | Interview with Justin Chen of PickFu : Validate Your Product Ideas Early for Stress-Free Scaling Market Validation for Products When expanding your business internationally, it is essential to validate your products in different markets. This process involves testing your products with potential customers in the target market to understand their preferences and buying habits. This is where surveys and image testing come in handy. What Should You Test? It is important to note that when conducting surveys and image testing for international Amazon expansion, you should not just test your main image. Other factors, such as your brand name and logo, should be tested too. You should also consider adjusting your brand messaging and positioning to appeal to the local audience. For instance, it is essential to ensure that your brand name is not offensive in the local language. Additionally, it is important to understand the local culture and their buying habits. For example, there may be differences in shopping habits between the USA and the UK. Even brand colors can have associations that may not translate well in different cultures. Product Packaging Testing Product packaging is also an important factor to consider when expanding your business internationally. You need to test how the information is presented and whether bold marketing claims are effective. It is essential to be more factual by listing features instead of making exaggerated claims. You can use open-ended questions to gather more information from potential customers. For example, if you are targeting a German audience and selling teapots, you could ask what is important to them when buying a teapot. By doing this, you can understand the local preferences and tailor your product accordingly. Understanding the Culture Before jumping straight into testing your main image, it is essential to understand the local culture first. You can ask conversational questions to get into their mindset. For instance, you can ask about the important shopping milestones of the year or what German moms care about in their schooling. Demographic Targeting When conducting surveys and image testing for international Amazon expansion, you can target specific demographics to get more accurate results. The basic targeting options, such as age and gender,

Paid search traffic is a terrific place to start your advertising efforts online. It flows logically out of your organic search efforts and can help you create a short-cut to success. People are looking for solutions and you have the opportunity to present your product as the solution. In this episode we dig into the value proposition of Google Adwords. In the 2nd episode in this conversation, we’ll focus on Amazon Advertising. You’ll learn Why search based marketing beats interruption based marketing, aka why Google Ads are better than social media ads. How Jason got a $40,000 a month Google Ad Grant Why use Google Text Ads Why use Google Retail / Shopping Ads The pros and cons of taking the DIY approach versus hiring someone to run your ads for you Why Google Shopping Actions create a powerful set of options. How Google is stepping into the E-commerce space Resources mentioned Google Shopping Actions

Welcome to our blog post, "Unveiling the Secrets: What the Advertising to Sales Ratio on Amazon Reveals About Your E-commerce Business." In this post, we will delve into the importance of understanding the Advertising to Sales Ratio (A/S) on Amazon and how it can provide valuable insights for e-commerce brand owners. With the objective of helping you scale your brands with minimal capital, we will explore the significance of the A/S ratio and how it can optimize your business on Amazon. Understanding Advertising to Sales Ratio To make informed decisions about your advertising campaigns, it's crucial to comprehend the concept of the Advertising to Sales Ratio. This ratio represents the relationship between your advertising spend and your total sales on Amazon. By calculating the A/S ratio (Ad Spend / Total Sales), you gain insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of your advertising efforts. This knowledge is particularly valuable for e-commerce sellers on Amazon. Reality of E-commerce In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, clear communication and strategic planning are vital to success. Just as miscommunication during the Charge of the Light Brigade led to tragic consequences, poor communication and planning in e-commerce can hinder growth and profitability. Understanding and leveraging the A/S ratio is one of the keys to overcoming these challenges and scaling your business effectively on Amazon. Interpreting Your A/S Ratio To harness the power of the A/S ratio, it's essential to interpret its implications accurately. Evaluating your A/S ratio involves examining the relationship between your ad spend and organic sales. A low A/S ratio indicates efficient ad spend and strong organic sales, highlighting a healthy advertising strategy. Conversely, a high A/S ratio suggests inefficient ad spend or low organic sales, indicating the need for optimization and adjustment. Benchmarking your A/S ratio against industry standards and competitors is another valuable practice. By understanding how your ratio compares to others in your niche, you can identify areas for improvement and strive for excellence. Additionally, consider the role of the product lifecycle in interpreting your A/S ratio. Different stages of the lifecycle may require different advertising strategies, and understanding this relationship empowers you to make data-driven decisions. III. A/S Ratio as a Component of Overall Business Health While the A/S ratio is a critical metric, it should be viewed as part of the bigger picture. Balancing the A/S ratio with other key performance indicators (KPIs) allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your Amazon e-commerce business. Key metrics to consider alongside the A/S ratio include conversion rate, customer acquisition cost, and customer lifetime value. Analyzing these metrics collectively provides a holistic view of your business's health and performance. In conclusion, understanding the Advertising to Sales Ratio on Amazon is crucial for e-commerce brand owners looking to scale their businesses with minimal capital. By analyzing and interpreting your A/S ratio, you can make informed decisions about your advertising strategies, optimize your campaigns, and drive business success on Amazon. We encourage you to continue monitoring and optimizing your A/S ratio as an ongoing practice to stay ahead of the competition and achieve long-term growth. Next Episode: Tactics to Optimize Your A/S Ratio In our next blog post, we will dive into practical tactics to optimize your A/S ratio. We will explore strategies such as improving ad targeting and keyword selection, adjusting your advertising budget, enhancing product listings for higher conversions, utilizing promotions and discounts, and continuously monitoring and adjusting your A/S ratio over time. Stay tuned for valuable insights and actionable tips to take your e-commerce business to the next level.

If you're an e-commerce brand owner, you know that product validation is crucial to the success of your business. By validating your product early on, you can ensure that it will resonate with your target market and save money on expensive late changes. This is where PickFu comes in. In this article, we'll dive into what PickFu is and how to use it for product validation. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | "Exploring Digital Focus Groups with Justin Chen of PickFu" 0:03:10 | "Exploring PickFu: A Simplified Market Research Tool for SMBs" 0:05:18 | Exploring the Benefits of Consumer Research for Amazon Sellers with PickFu 0:08:44 | "Product Validation: Leveraging Helium Ten to Ensure Your Product Resonates with Your Target Market" 0:10:00 | "Product Validation: Using Pickfu for Early Feedback" 0:11:41 | "The Benefits of Early Validation in Product Development" 0:14:35 | "Using PickFu to Validate Product Offerings for Market Success" 0:16:01 | "The Benefits of Image Split Testing for Product Validation" 0:19:45 | The Importance of Image Testing in Marketplaces: A Discussion on Seeking Genuine Feedback 0:23:50 | "Using PickFu to Test Product Variations and Gather Public Opinion" 0:27:07 | Split Testing Images and Copy for Ecommerce Validation 0:28:44 | "Exploring the Benefits of AI Writing Tools for Business-to-Consumer Marketing" 0:30:07 | "Exploring the Benefits of PickFu: A Conversation with [Name]" 0:31:40 | "Exploring PollsPlus: An Overview of the Platform's Features and International Expansion Opportunities" 0:33:50 | "Product Validation with Justin from PickFu: A Discussion on International Expansion" What is PickFu? PickFu is a digital focus group that allows you to get consumer feedback on any aspect of your market. It's a survey tool that lets you gather consumer feedback on your product or idea, and then filters through the data to provide you with the results. PickFu brings enterprise market research to SME businesses and has been used by self-publishing authors on Amazon to validate their book titles, as well as e-commerce brands to optimize their main product images. Using image split-testing (PickFu) for Product Validation The co-founders of PickFu, Justin Chen and John Li, are software engineers who were working on a website redesign and needed feedback. They wanted to validate their ideas through real-world feedback, so they went to coffee shops and asked people what they thought. They quickly realized that there was a need for a tool that made it easy to get this type of feedback, and PickFu was born. Product validation ensures that your product will resonate with your target market as early in the process as possible. Early changes are easy and cheap, while late changes are hard and expensive. Product validation comes in two forms: open-ended surveys and split testing. How to Use PickFu for Product Validation When it comes to split testing, you can use PickFu to test hypotheticals, variations against each other, and variations against the competition. For example, if you want to go into the infusion teapot market, you can create 3D renders of your product and put an image up against the top 2-3 competitors in the market, potentially testing price and title as well. This will help you determine if you can make a dent in the market. It's important to compare with the competition before you compare your own images. The marketplace is visual, and people will only stop and click on things that are visually appealing. People aren't often searching by brand, so it's important to ensure that your product stands out. PickFu can also be used to compare marketing copy, actual product concepts and images, product variation testing, and even bundles and pricing. For example, you can test the pricing of a bundle, such as offering 1 at x price or 3 at y price.

How do you make decisions wisely and profitably? One of the most important things you can do in business is to get good at decision making. It may feel at times that all that matters is action. Certainly, action counts for a huge amount. Without action, nothing happens in your business. But that can lead to a big delusion: that what matters is just following a playbook. Do certain things in a certain order and hey, presto! A business that works. In reality, actions that matter are preceded by clear, high-quality decisions. The question then becomes how to make such good decisions. It could be Jeff Bezos’s famous “Type 1 and Type 2 Decisions” differentiation. It could be clarifying the nature of the goals is you’re pursuing. It could be getting clear on the deceptively simple question “What do I really want?” Whatever the principles you follow, the way you approach decisions can have a powerful impact on the actions you and your team take. Which in turn changes the results you produce. What you’ll learn What all decisions force you to do The more important decision than “How do I make money online?” Jeff Bezos’s two decision types The 5 money goal types Jason has identified What “Return on Luck” is and why it matters Why momentum matters more than the perfect playbook Resources mentioned Greg McKeown: Essentialism Greg McKeown: Effortless Principles by Ray Dalio Atomic Habits by James Clear The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt

As an Amazon seller, you’re always looking for ways to grow your business while keeping your expenses in check. One way to achieve this is by speeding up your cash conversion cycle using good debt. In this episode of the "Protect Your Amazon Profit" series, we'll explore how you can optimize your accounts receivable and payable to increase profitability. Managing accounts receivable and payable is essential for e-commerce brand owners, especially Amazon sellers. Efficient cash management can help to reduce working capital, minimize risks, and grow a business organically. In this episode, we will discuss how you can make more profit from the same capital by speeding up your cash conversion cycle using good debt. Importance of Managing Accounts Receivable and Payable for Amazon sellers As an Amazon seller, managing your cash conversion cycle is critical to increasing your profitability and business growth. The cash conversion cycle formula is a measure of how long it takes for a company to convert its investments in inventory and other resources into cash flows from sales. In this episode, we'll explore how you can speed up your cash conversion cycle using good debt, negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers, and optimize your accounts receivable and payable. This episode is to provide Amazon sellers with practical strategies for optimizing their cash conversion cycle, reducing working capital, minimizing risks, and increasing profitability using good debt. Why This Matters Reduce Working Capital By optimizing your cash conversion cycle, you can reduce your working capital needs, freeing up capital for other investments or reducing your need for external financing. Minimizing Risks By improving your accounts receivable and payable management, you can minimize the risks associated with inventory stockouts, delayed payments, and other supply chain disruptions. Grow Organically By reducing your working capital needs and increasing your profitability, you can grow your business organically, without the need for external investment or loans. More Sellable Business By optimizing your cash conversion cycle, you can increase the value of your business and make it more attractive to potential buyers or investors. More Investable By improving your profitability and reducing your need for external financing, your business becomes more investable and can attract higher valuations and better returns on equity. More Lendable If you do need external financing, optimizing your cash conversion cycle can make your business more lendable and improve your cash flow. What We Want Negotiating Favorable Payment Terms with Suppliers Negotiating favorable payment terms with your suppliers can help you manage your cash flow more effectively and reduce your working capital needs. For example, you can negotiate longer payment terms, such as 60 or 90 days, or ask for discounts for early payments. Leveraging Supplier Credit Using supplier credit can help you reduce your working capital needs and improve your cash conversion cycle. By using supplier credit, you can delay payments for inventory until after you have sold it, reducing the need for upfront capital. Classic Mistakes to Avoid Poorly Negotiating Payment Terms with Suppliers If you don't negotiate favorable payment terms with your suppliers, you may be forced to pay upfront for inventory or make payments before you receive payment from your customers. This can strain your cash flow and increase your working capital needs. Having No Cashflow Projections Without accurate cash flow projections, you may not have a clear understanding of your working capital needs or be able to plan for future investments or financing needs. Ignoring Cash Flow Projections Even if you have cash flow projections, ignoring them can be just as damaging.

Starting an E-commerce business on Amazon can be a lucrative venture for entrepreneurs. The Amazon platform offers a ready-made audience for online sellers, making it easier to reach a larger customer base than starting a standalone e-commerce website. However, starting an e-commerce business on Amazon requires a lot of planning, education, and capital. This article will outline the key factors required to start an e-commerce business on Amazon. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | "Starting a Profitable Ecommerce Business on Amazon: What You Need to Know" 0:04:07 | "Getting Started with Amazon FBA: What You Need to Know" 0:05:01 | Exploring the Amazon Automation Industry: Vetting the Right Place to Invest Capital 0:06:30 | Heading: Questions to Ask When Partnering with an Amazon FBA Company 0:10:54 | Exploring the Benefits of Amazon Automation for Business Growth and Investment 0:14:29 | "Exploring the Relationship Between Ecommerce and Alternative Investment Opportunities" 0:15:31 | Exploring the Benefits of Licensing for Businesses Selling on Amazon 0:17:55 | "Understanding the Value of Licensing Agreements in Wholesale Businesses" 0:19:07 | Heading: Exploring Unique Investment Opportunities with Ascend Cap Ventures 0:20:55 | Exploring International Markets for Amazon Businesses 0:22:44 | Interview with Will from Ascend Cap Ventures: Exploring Monumental Growth in the National Market Factors Required to Start an E-commerce Business on Amazon Time Starting an e-commerce business on Amazon requires a considerable amount of time investment. One must invest time in research, sourcing products, setting up an Amazon seller account, and creating product listings. It is also essential to spend time analyzing data and adjusting strategies to improve sales. Money Starting an e-commerce business on Amazon also requires a significant financial investment. You need to invest in inventory, product listing fees, and advertising to increase visibility and drive sales. Additionally, you may need to hire experts in areas such as product photography, copywriting, and SEO to optimize product listings. Patience Starting an e-commerce business on Amazon requires patience. It takes time to gain traction and build a loyal customer base. It is essential to be patient and persistent, even when facing setbacks. Acceptance of Failure Starting an e-commerce business on Amazon involves a significant risk of failure. Accepting that failure is possible and that not all products will generate profit is crucial. Being willing to pivot strategies and try new approaches is critical to long-term success. Bringing in the Right Third-Parties One of the most crucial factors in starting an e-commerce business on Amazon is bringing in the right third parties. There are several third parties you may need to work with to run a successful Amazon business. You Need a 3PL Partner for Scalability To scale your e-commerce business, you need a third-party logistics (3PL) partner. A 3PL partner will help you manage your inventory, store, and fulfill orders. However, finding a 3PL partner that does not cut into your profit margin is challenging. You can start by prepping your products out of your garage or having your suppliers pre-prep them for Amazon, but that takes a lot of work. Education To start an e-commerce business on Amazon, you need to educate yourself. There are plenty of resources available, including books, blogs, and courses. You should take advantage of these resources and learn about different sourcing strategies, scaling techniques, and how to optimize your Amazon business. Scaling Requires More than One Person Scaling an e-commerce business on Amazon requires more than one person. You need a team of experts to handle different aspects of your business, including product sourcing, marketing, inventory management, and logistics.

What are first principles? And are there any for e-commerce sellers? In this episode we’ll explore that topic and explain how e-commerce first principles apply to your business in a powerful way. What you’ll learn The 3 Parts Of 1st Principles Thinking Applied To e-commerce. They are: 1.Identify and define your current assumptions. 2.Break down the problem into it’s fundamental principles. 3.Create new solutions The 5 Questions To Ask Yourself To Apply 1st Principles To E-commerce. They are: 1.What Am I working on right now? 2.What assumptions do I have about how this will help me? 3.Why do I think it will add business value? 4.How much am I spending in time or money? 5.Which basic economic or psychological principles involved? What Elon Musk Says about 1st Principles Thinking. Resources Mentioned The Goal, Eliyahu Godratt E-myth Revisited Blue Ocean Strategy Marketing Warfare (Al Reis & Jack Trout)

Welcome to the fifth episode of our "Protect Your Amazon Profit" series. In this episode, we'll be discussing how to maximize your profit with the cash conversion cycle formula. As an e-commerce brand owner on Amazon, it's essential to scale your brand with minimal capital. Optimizing your cash conversion cycle is one way to achieve this goal. This post aims to provide you with the necessary information and tips to improve your cash conversion cycle and scale your brand successfully. Importance of optimizing cash conversion cycle for Amazon sellers Optimizing your cash conversion cycle is critical for Amazon sellers. It's a metric that measures how long it takes for your company to convert resources into cash flow. The faster you can convert your resources into cash, the more profitable your business will be. Helping you maximize your profit with the cash conversion cycle formula. We'll discuss its importance, why it matters, what we want, classic mistakes to avoid, and five to ten talking points to help you optimize your cash conversion cycle. Why This Matters Direct impact on profitability Optimizing your cash conversion cycle has a direct impact on your profitability. The faster you can convert resources into cash, the more capital you'll have available to invest in growing your business. Grow faster By improving your cash conversion cycle, you can grow your business faster. You'll have the capital available to invest in inventory, marketing, and other growth initiatives. Improving business sustainability Optimizing your cash conversion cycle can improve the sustainability of your business. It ensures that you have the capital to meet your financial obligations and invest in growth. Lower investment for same profit! By optimizing your cash conversion cycle, you can achieve the same level of profit with lower investment. E. Lower or no debt for same profit You can achieve the same level of profit with lower or no debt by optimizing your cash conversion cycle. F. More sellable business! By optimizing your cash conversion cycle, you'll have a more sellable business. Investors and buyers value businesses that have a strong cash conversion cycle. What We Want Quicker inventory turnover To improve your cash conversion cycle, you want to achieve quicker inventory turnover. You should aim to keep your inventory moving as quickly as possible. Faster accounts receivable collection You should aim to collect accounts receivable as quickly as possible to improve your cash conversion cycle. Efficient accounts payable management Efficient accounts payable management is critical to optimizing your cash conversion cycle. You should aim to pay your suppliers as slowly as possible without hurting your relationships with them. Classic Mistakes to Avoid Overstocking inventory Overstocking inventory can tie up your capital and hurt your cash conversion cycle. You should aim to keep your inventory levels as lean as possible. Poorly negotiating payment terms with suppliers Poorly negotiating payment terms with suppliers can hurt your cash conversion cycle. You should aim to negotiate payment terms that are favorable to your business. Having no cash flow projections Having no cash flow projections can hurt your cash conversion cycle. You should aim to create cash flow projections to help you plan and manage your business. Ignoring them! Ignoring your cash conversion cycle can hurt your business. You should aim to monitor and improve your cash conversion cycle regularly. Main Body: 5-10 Talking Points Accurate demand forecasting Accurate demand forecasting can help you optimize your inventory levels and improve your cash conversion cycle. Smart inventory management techniques Smart inventory management techniques, such as just-in-time inventory management, can help you keep your inventory levels lean and improve your cash Get a free Amazon profit audit Get a free audit from me, Michael Veazey,

The current political climate and global health crisis have disrupted many aspects of the supply chain, including sourcing from China. For ecommerce businesses, this means finding alternative sourcing solutions outside of China. One potential solution is sourcing from Latin America, which offers a growing consumer market and proximity advantages. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of sourcing from Latin America, how to start sourcing from the region, and other potential sourcing options outside of China. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | "Exploring Sourcing from China with Will Bastard of Ascend Cap Ventures" 0:03:05 | Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Sourcing from Latin America with Will 0:03:38 | Exploring the Benefits of Manufacturing in Latin America for Businesses 0:07:06 | Exploring the Benefits of Sourcing from Latin America for US Businesses 0:09:07 | Exploring Opportunities in Latin America: Networking Strategies for Business Owners 0:10:03 | Exploring Alternatives to China for Sourcing and Manufacturing 0:14:13 | Discussion on US-China Relations and Dependence on China in Asia 0:15:39 | Interview with Will Bastian of Ascend Cap Ventures: Global Sourcing and Starting an Ecommerce Business on Amazon in 2023 and Beyond The Challenges of Sourcing from China China has been a dominant force in the global manufacturing industry for decades, with many businesses relying on China for their sourcing needs. However, recent events have highlighted the potential risks and challenges of relying solely on China for sourcing. Geopolitical tensions between China and other countries, such as the United States, can lead to trade barriers, tariffs, and other disruptions. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused logistical and supply chain issues, such as factory shutdowns and delays in shipping. Sourcing from Latin America As China sourcing becomes more challenging, many businesses are turning to Latin America as an alternative. The region offers several advantages, including a growing consumer market and proximity to the United States. Tampa Bay in Florida, for example, is a popular location for businesses sourcing from Latin America due to its proximity to ports and transportation infrastructure. While labor costs may be slightly higher than in China, other factors, such as reduced lead times, can offset this cost. Other potential sourcing locations outside of China include Southeast Asia and India. Vietnam, in particular, has emerged as a strong alternative to China, with a growing manufacturing sector and a relatively stable political climate. Starting to Source from Latin America If you’re interested in sourcing from Latin America, it’s important to know the right people. Networking events, trade shows, and conferences can be valuable resources for making connections with potential suppliers and partners. One way to start building relationships is to attend industry events in Latin America, such as the eCommerce Summit in Buenos Aires or the Latin American Ecommerce Forum in Santiago. These events can provide opportunities to meet with local suppliers and distributors and learn about the region’s ecommerce market. It’s also important to have a clear understanding of the regulatory and legal requirements for sourcing from Latin America. This may include understanding customs regulations, import/export requirements, and taxes and tariffs. Mitigating Sourcing Risk One of the challenges of sourcing from outside China is the potential risk of supply chain disruptions. To mitigate this risk, it’s important to diversify your sourcing options and avoid concentrating your supply chain in just one region. This may involve sourcing from multiple countries or regions, or even sourcing from different suppliers within the same region. Additionally, it’s important to have contingency plans in place to address any supply c...

What are first principles? And are there any for e-commerce sellers? In this episode we’ll explore that topic and explain how e-commerce first principles apply to your business in a powerful way. What you’ll learn The 3 Parts Of 1st Principles Thinking Applied To e-commerce. They are: 1.Identify and define your current assumptions. 2.Break down the problem into it’s fundamental principles. 3.Create new solutions The 5 Questions To Ask Yourself To Apply 1st Principles To E-commerce. They are: 1.What Am I working on right now? 2.What assumptions do I have about how this will help me? 3.Why do I think it will add business value? 4.How much am I spending in time or money? 5.Which basic economic or psychological principles involved? What Elon Musk Says about 1st Principles Thinking. Resources Mentioned The Goal, Eliyahu Godratt E-myth Revisited Blue Ocean Strategy Marketing Warfare (Al Reis & Jack Trout)

Starting a wholesale sourcing business for Amazon can be a lucrative venture, but like any business, it requires some initial capital investment. Ascend Capventures is a company that builds and runs Amazon businesses for people. They offer services covering market and product choices, logistics, Amazon account management, and various business models such as direct from manufacturers, direct from wholesalers, and developing products. In this article, we will discuss the capital required to start a wholesale sourcing business for Amazon, the minimum working capital, and the factors that affect profit margins. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | "Welcome to the Ten K Collective Podcast: A Conversation with Will Bastard of Ascend Cap Ventures on Building and Running Amazon Businesses" 0:03:12 | "Exploring the Capital Requirements for Starting and Scaling a Custom Product Business" 0:04:03 | Conversation on Estimating Capital Requirements for Wholesale and Direct Manufacturer Business Models 0:05:51 | Heading: Benefits of Investing with Our Company 0:07:27 | Exploring the Benefits of Working with a Wholesale Management Partner 0:11:06 | Exploring Margin Changes in Ecommerce Business Models 0:14:25 | Exploring the Benefits of Private Label and Custom Product Sourcing on Amazon 0:16:10 | Private Label Business: Sourcing Manufacturers and Developing Products 0:16:59 | "Reflecting on the Benefits of Bulk Sourcing with Will Buster of Ascend Cap Ventures" 0:18:53 | Exploring Private Label and Wholesale Sourcing for Amazon Businesses with Will from Ascend Cap Ventures Starting an Amazon Wholesale Sourcing Business: Required Capital Starting a wholesale sourcing business for Amazon can be a lucrative venture, but like any business, it requires some initial capital investment. Ascend Capventures is a company that builds and runs Amazon businesses for people. They offer services covering market and product choices, logistics, Amazon account management, and various business models such as direct from manufacturers, direct from wholesalers, and developing products. In this article, we will discuss the capital required to start a wholesale sourcing business for Amazon, the minimum working capital, and the factors that affect profit margins. Understanding Infrastructure Fees and Working Capital Minimums Ascend Capventures offers infrastructure fees that start at $20,000, which includes access to their warehouse facilities in the USA and their team of hundreds of employees. This is similar to a franchising cost, and they also offer customized plans for aged businesses. However, in addition to the infrastructure fee, they also require a minimum working capital of $15,000. Why is the working capital set at $15,000? According to Ascend Capventures, this amount enables them to get the best initial deal from a good supplier and negotiate the minimum order quantity (MOQ) down as low as possible. This is based on their internal data and experiences, and they guarantee a sell-through in 90 days or refund the client. If the working capital is less than $15,000, building a business from scratch will lead to very low margins. For instance, if you pay $20,000 for infrastructure with a low $15,000 capital, you will only get a 20% margin on $5,000. Therefore, it is crucial to have enough working capital to generate strong profit margins. Product Sourcing: Essential Working Capital Minimums The minimum working capital required for products is also essential. Ascend Capventures recommends a minimum of $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the product and supplier. This will enable you to purchase the products in bulk, negotiate better deals with suppliers, and have enough inventory to meet the demand. Maximizing Profit Margins: Key Factors to Consider The profit margins in a wholesale sourcing business for Amazon depend on several factors, including the supplier,

In this episode we get a real-time update from Jason – he’s in the middle of managing a 5 day challenge for e-commerce sellers. Anyone wanting to develop their Amazon business with a customer challenge, or thinking of running a live event, whether to sell products or training, should have plenty to learn from Jason’s experiences this week. He’s got 400 participants – in this episode we’ll find out how it’s going, what behind the scenes lessons he’s learned, and even mistakes he’s made (and how he’s recovering from them). What you’ll learn What an online challenge is – and why consider managing one. Considerations for how long to run a challenge – the duration question. The goals and priorities of online challenges The psychology behind challenges How the Penny Gap applies to challenges How Clickfunnels can be used for online Challenges Resources for Amazon SEO Keyword Research/Keyword Ranking Taki Moore Book recommendation: $100M Pedro Adao is the expert on challenges

As an e-commerce brand owner, you know that product development is crucial to the success of your business. However, developing a new product from scratch can be a daunting task. In this article, we will discuss some product development hacks that can help you scale your e-commerce brand with minimal capital. Timestamps 0:00:00 | "Developing a Skin Care Brand: A Step-by-Step Guide" 0:02:51 | Exploring Options for Developing a Skincare Product 0:04:16 | Exploring the Radical Path of Formulating Skincare Products at Home 0:08:13 | Exploring Radical Business Practices in the Skin Care Industry 0:13:08 | "Exploring the Benefits of Building a Brand vs. Private Labeling on Amazon" 0:14:15 | Exploring the Benefits of Having a Complimentary Team for Product Development 0:15:46 | Heading: Understanding the Basics of Website Design and Influencer Marketing for Entrepreneurs 0:17:21 | Conversation on Understanding Products and Hiring the Right People 0:19:04 | "Understanding the Necessity of Outsourcing and In-House Specialists for Business Success" 0:21:09 | Conversation Summary: Balancing CEO and COO Roles in a Small Business 0:26:28 | Conversation on Setting Clear Expectations for Employees and Establishing Long-Term Relationships 0:28:39 | Conversation on Product Development: Process, Results, and Time Management 0:30:12 | Exploring Strategies for Faster, Better, and Cheaper Product Development 0:31:36 | "Exploring the Benefits of Researching Competitors' Products and Services" 0:33:22 | Exploring the Mindset of Product Analysis and Customer Experience 0:36:13 | Exploring the Benefits of Meticulous Research: A Conversation with [Name] 0:37:50 | "The Benefits of Thorough Product Testing: A Conversation with [Name]" 0:39:25 | Interview with Jake from Crete Brand: A Passionate Entrepreneur's Journey to Success 0:41:26 | Conversation on Crete Club and Business Advice 0:42:15 | Interview with Jake Rosenberg of Crete Club: Achieving Success Through Hard Work and Thoroughness Finding Your Niche/Brand The first step in product development is finding your niche/brand. Your brand should be something that resonates with you personally and solves a problem. Jake, the founder of Scare, had a mark on his nose from a skiing accident and was using whatever shampoo smelled nice. He realized that there was a gap in the market for men’s skincare products that were easy to use and efficient. This led to the creation of Scare, a skincare brand for men that only takes 30 seconds to use. Appealing to a Specific Set of Values and Behaviors It is essential to have a specific set of values and behaviors that you appeal to when developing your brand. Scare is centered around the idea of efficiency and saving time. Most men don’t want to spend 30 minutes in the bathroom, while some women actively enjoy the experience. Scare’s 30-second skincare routine appeals to men who want an easy and efficient solution to their skincare needs. Fast Wins Every product that you develop should give your customers a fast win. Scare’s products are designed to give customers a positive experience in the first minute of use. This is important because people are more likely to continue using a product if they see results quickly. A gym membership, for example, can be challenging to stick to because people don’t see results immediately. Scare’s products give customers a fast win, which keeps them coming back. Value Equation The value equation is a critical component of product development. The value equation is the dream outcome multiplied by the perceived likelihood of achievement divided by the time delay and effort and sacrifice. Scare’s products deliver a fast win, which increases the perceived likelihood of achievement. The 30-second skincare routine is also easy to use, reducing effort and sacrifice. Credibility of Your Promise It is essential to establish credibility with your customers.

In this episode we get a real-time update from Jason – he’s in the middle of managing a 5 day challenge for e-commerce sellers. Anyone wanting to develop their Amazon business with a customer challenge, or thinking of running a live event, whether to sell products or training, should have plenty to learn from Jason’s experiences this week. He’s got 400 participants – in this episode we’ll find out how it’s going, what behind the scenes lessons he’s learned, and even mistakes he’s made (and how he’s recovering from them). What you’ll learn What an online challenge is – and why consider managing one. Considerations for how long to run a challenge – the duration question. The goals and priorities of online challenges The psychology behind challenges How the Penny Gap applies to challenges How Clickfunnels can be used for online Challenges Resources for Amazon SEO Keyword Research/Keyword Ranking Taki Moore Book recommendation: $100M Pedro Adao is the expert on challenges

In the world of e-commerce, finding a niche and building a strong brand is crucial to success. One way to do this is by identifying a gap in the market and creating a product that fills that gap. For Jake, the founder of a successful unisex skincare brand, this meant creating a product that was efficient, fast, and appealing to a broader range of men and women. In this article, we will explore how Jake identified a niche, created a unisex skincare brand, and used fast wins and efficiency to build a valuable e-commerce brand. Timestamps 0:00:00 | Interview with Jake Rosenberg, Founder and CEO of Crete Skincare Company 0:02:23 | Conversation on Skincare Company and Market Response 0:04:00 | Exploring the Shift from Male-Focused Skincare to Unisex with Crete Founder, David Lim 0:07:36 | Exploring Masculine and Feminine Niches for Customer Experience Vibes 0:09:02 | Exploring the Value Proposition of 1 Minute Skincare 0:11:52 | Discussion on Aspirational Outcomes and Fast Wins in Product Development 0:13:41 | Exploring the Psychology of Product Use: How to Create a Positive User Experience 0:17:48 | The Benefits of Delivering Fast Wins for Business Success 0:19:24 | Product Development: The Key to Capturing and Sustaining Attention in the Age of Attention Identifying a Niche: Creating a Unisex Skincare Brand Jake's brand was born out of his own need for a skincare solution that was both effective and efficient. After suffering a skiing accident that left a mark on his nose, Jake realized the importance of skincare but found that the existing options on the market were either too time-consuming or too gendered. He wanted to create a skincare solution that would appeal to a broader range of men and women and would take no more than 30 seconds in the bathroom. Efficiency: The Key to a Successful E-commerce Brand Jake knew that the most precious resource for his target audience was time. To create a successful e-commerce brand, he had to design a product that was efficient and easy to use. This meant creating a product that would provide fast wins – positive experiences in the first minute of use – and consistently deliver results. Fast Wins: Building Credibility and Creating Value for Your Brand Fast wins are crucial to building credibility and creating value for your brand. For Jake's brand, this meant creating a product that would give users positive experiences in the first minute of use. This approach helped his brand stand out from the competition and gave users the confidence to continue using his products. The value proposition of his brand was clear – it was a unisex skincare solution that was fast, efficient, and consistently delivered results. Conclusion Finding a niche and building a strong brand in e-commerce requires a deep understanding of your target audience and their needs. For Jake, this meant identifying a gap in the market and creating a product that was efficient, fast, and appealing to a broader range of men and women. By focusing on fast wins and consistently delivering results, Jake was able to build a credible and valuable brand that has achieved great success in the competitive world of e-commerce. What services do you offer? CTA 1 Check out https://krete.club/ for USA/Canada CTA 2 Email Jake for mentoring or consulting about DTC business development or product development jake@krete.club or krete.club

Borrowing money to sustain or expand your business is one of the most controversial business decisions we all have to make. To Debt Or Not To Debt, That Is The Question & In this 2-part episode we’ll explore the issue, share personal insights and lessons, and encourage you to dig deeper with recommendations and resources. You’ll learn 7 Things Smart Business Owners Do When It Comes To Debt & Borrowing Tips on where to find effective funding in both the U.S. and U.K. The 2 factors banks use to evaluate your credit worthiness The #1 Skillset most top e-commerce sellers master and how it relates to debt The levels of risk appetite The riskiest financing moves you can make Recommendations for those considering using debt to grow Resources mentioned Reid Hoffman Lecture At Stanford: Entrepreneurship: A High-risk Investment Facing Competition through Innovation Live Life in Permanent Beta E-commerce and Business Books mentioned Growing A Business, Paul Hawken

Chase Climber, co-founder of Electric.I, joins the podcast to discuss optimizing ecommerce stores. He explains that many Amazon sellers struggle to optimize their own store, and even sellers who are only on direct-to-consumer sites face similar issues. Electric.I creates Shopify powered sales machines from their sites with a strategic design approach and intelligent development decisions. He also hosts the Honest Ecommerce podcast with honest advice to increase sales and grow businesses. The key message of this episode is that to grow profits, sellers must cut waste and increase profitable sales, and the Quick Assessment at Amazonprofitquiz.com can help identify the biggest profit killer. Timestamps 0:00:00 | Optimizing Your Ecommerce Store with Chase Climber of Electric. 0:02:28 | Heading: Optimizing Existing Store: Is It Possible to Be Good at Both Amazon and Shopify? 0:04:22 | Conversation on the Necessity of Specialized Heads for Ecommerce and Amazon Businesses 0:06:08 | Analysis of Direct-to-Consumer vs. Reselling on Amazon: A Case Study 0:07:42 | Analysis of Ecommerce Opportunity for Private Label Products 0:12:22 | Heading: Strategies for Finding Product Market Fit 0:13:24 | Analysis of Drop Shipping and Private Label Business Product Profitability 0:16:03 | Exploring Strategies to Increase Average Order Value (AOV) 0:17:48 | Case Study: Moving from Amazon to Direct Consumer with Limited Success 0:20:59 | Conversation Summary: Building an Online Channel vs. Selling on Amazon 0:22:49 | Optimizing a Shopify Store for Increased Conversion Rates 0:26:06 | RO Retainer: A Case Study on Increasing Average Order Value by 25% 0:30:55 | Exploring the Journey of Ecommerce with Honest Ecommerce Podcast 0:31:55 | Interview with Chase Clymer: Discussing Electricy IO, Marketplace vs. Direct to Consumer, and CRO 0:33:28 | Interview with Chase Climate of Electric Eye: A Crash Course in Brand Scaling for Amazon Sellers If you're looking to excel in both marketplaces and DTC, it's important to understand that they require separate skillsets. Most 8-figure plus brands have someone in charge of each division. If you want to optimize DTC, it's going to take a lot of time and effort. You need to understand the nuances of the platform, whether it's Shopify, Woocommerce, or Magento. Case Study 1: Why a Reseller with Some PL Only Made 1M on DTC If you're not seeing profits on DTC, there could be a variety of reasons. You need to consider your product mix and whether you're focusing on private labeling or reselling. Is your energy and margin solely focused on one aspect? What is your CAC? Are customers looking for your product? Is your entire catalogue on your DTC site? If you're approaching DTC with the mentality of a marketplace, consider spinning it out or hiring a head of ecommerce. You can still keep reselling while building your own DTC. It's also important to analyze your sales and see what's actually selling on your site. You can also consider bundling products that aren't selling as free gifts or offering promotions to increase AOV. Case Study 2: How to Transition from Amazon to DTC Transitioning from Amazon to DTC requires a lot of investment and effort, particularly in driving traffic. Don't rely solely on Google SEO, as there are thousands of other sites competing for attention. You need to invest in influencers, paid ads, and other forms of marketing. When optimizing your site, focus on speed and performance, as slow sites can lower your CVR. Use ICE (impact, competence, ease) to prioritize your CRO efforts, and conduct customer interviews and user testing to understand why customers aren't buying. By focusing on increasing AOV, improving conversion rates, and driving traffic, you can succeed in both marketplaces and DTC. Remember, it's a unique mindset and skillset,

Borrowing money to sustain or expand your business is one of the most controversial business decisions we all have to make. To Debt Or Not To Debt, That Is The Question & In this 2-part episode we’ll explore the issue, share personal insights and lessons, and encourage you to dig deeper with recommendations and resources. You’ll learn 7 Things Smart Business Owners Do When It Comes To Debt & Borrowing Tips on where to find effective funding in both the U.S. and U.K. The 2 factors banks use to evaluate your credit worthiness The #1 Skillset most top e-commerce sellers master and how it relates to debt The levels of risk appetite The riskiest financing moves you can make Recommendations for those considering using debt to grow Resources mentioned Reid Hoffman Lecture At Stanford: Entrepreneurship: A High-risk Investment Facing Competition through Innovation Live Life in Permanent Beta E-commerce and Business Books mentioned Growing A Business, Paul Hawken

Chase Clymer, co-founder of Electric Eye and host of the Honest Ecommerce podcast, joined the Ten K Collective Podcast to discuss the transition from Amazon to Shopify. He recommends that if someone were to start an ecommerce brand today, they should use Amazon, even though they would need to learn a lot about the platform. He believes Amazon has a built-in audience and can help increase sales. He also recommends taking advantage of the Amazon Profit Quiz to help identify areas of waste and how to address them. Timestamps 0:00:00 | Exploring the Benefits of Selling on Amazon vs. Shopify 0:03:51 | Exploring the Benefits of Starting a Brand on Amazon vs. Building an Owned Audience 0:05:22 | Product Market Fit: Finding the Right Balance for Ecommerce Success 0:07:14 | Exploring the Transition from Amazon to Building Your Own Channel: A Discussion on Revenue and Product Strategy 0:08:36 | Understanding Commodity vs. Average Order Value in Ecommerce 0:11:22 | Exploring the Possibility of Transitioning to a Direct-to-Consumer Model 0:12:37 | Exploring the Benefits of a Small Product Catalog for Ecommerce Stores 0:14:34 | Discussion on Achieving an Average Order Value of $75+ with a 40%+ Profit Margin 0:17:56 | Understanding the Necessary Numbers for Successful Paid Media Advertising 0:19:23 | Heading: Examining the Benefits of a Profitable Product Line 0:20:51 | Conversation on Optimizing Existing Stores and Electric Eye Services 0:27:48 | Heading: Electrici IO Shopify Diagnostic for Amazon Seller 0:29:01 | Exploring Shopify vs. Amazon: A Conversation with Chase Climber of Electric Eye Starting an Ecommerce Brand: Shopify or Amazon? When it comes to starting an ecommerce brand, the two most popular platforms are Shopify and Amazon. Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to choose between the two. In this post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each platform and provide some guidance on which one might be better for your brand. Why Choose Amazon? Amazon is a massive marketplace that has a built-in audience of millions of users. This can be a huge advantage for new ecommerce brands that are looking to test their product and find product-market fit (PMF) quickly. With Amazon, you can get feedback on your product and make adjustments rapidly. Amazon’s customer data and algorithms can also help you to find new customers and increase sales. However, there are also some downsides to using Amazon. While it’s a great platform for testing and validation, it may not be the best long-term solution. Amazon takes a percentage of your sales and owns your customer data, which can limit your ability to grow your brand and increase profits. Additionally, if you’re selling a luxury product, Amazon may not be the best fit, as it tends to favor commodity products with low margins and low average order value (AOV). When to Transition from Amazon to Your Own Platform? The decision to transition from Amazon to your own platform will depend on several factors, such as your revenue, profit, and business goals. According to experts, when sales are “just happening,” and your revenue is in the thousands, it’s a sign that you’ve found PMF. However, to build a sustainable and sellable business model, you need to build your own platform. If your brand has a unique value proposition or a flagship product that performs well on Amazon, you may consider building out your own store. However, you need to ensure that your AOV is above $75, and your profit margins are high enough to acquire customers through paid media channels like Facebook and Google. Why Choose Shopify? Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform that allows you to build your own online store and customize it according to your brand’s needs. It offers a range of features, such as inventory management,

As an entrepreneur, it's important to not only focus on building a profitable business but also to consider the potential for a future exit. In this blog post, we'll discuss some key factors that appeal to buyers and how you can increase your potential multiple for exit. We'll also take a look at the "Exit DNA" course by Mac Lackey, which offers valuable insights into the exit process. Time Stamps 00:00 | "Delegating Your Way to a Sellable Business: A Conversation with Yoni Kozinski" 03:30 | "The Benefits of Building a Business with a Clear Plan" 04:41 | "Maximizing Your Exit Potential: Strategies for Achieving a Successful Acquisition" 06:41 | "Strategies for Selling a Business: Understanding Aggregators and Prospective Buyers" 08:24 | Exploring Strategies to Maximize Exit Value for Businesses 14:00 | "Understanding the Challenges of Selling an Ecommerce Business" 14:54 | Discussion on Setting Financial Objectives for Business Success 16:45 | Exploring the Process of Preparing to Sell a Business: A Discussion 19:54 | "Maximizing Your Business Multiple: A Step-by-Step Guide" 21:56 | Heading: Considerations for Building Toward an Exit in Ecommerce 23:26 | "The Importance of Budgeting and Inventory Management for Building a Sellable Business" 29:05 | Exploring Growth Strategies for Ecommerce Businesses with South Coal 32:28 | Discussion on Ecommerce Business Investment Criteria 33:43 | "Exploring the Benefits of Working with a Consultant Who Has Skin in the Game" 34:55 | Heading: Exploring Southcool Co's Ecommerce Valuation Tool with Yannie of Southcool Co 36:51 | "Interview with Yoni Mazor: Building Business Value and Evergreen Skills" Understanding Your Ideal Buyer To build towards a successful exit, it's essential to understand who your ideal buyer is. This requires looking years out and considering the types of businesses that would be interested in acquiring your company. For example, if you're in the e-commerce space, you might be looking to sell to private equity or strategic acquirers. Assessing TAM & Competitor Position Investors always look at TAM (Total Addressable Market) with an eye towards growth opportunities. Consider the level of competition in your niche and whether there is an opportunity for you to take market share. Is there a private equity or strategic acquirer in the niche? If so, building towards a market-leading position in that niche could make your business more appealing to buyers. Why Start in the USA? Starting a business in the USA offers a significant advantage due to the large population of 350 million people, with 50% of e-commerce sales happening on Amazon. This provides a vast TAM to penetrate and build market share. While other markets like Australia may offer less competition, the smaller population makes it harder to achieve meaningful scale. Maximizing Multiples To increase your potential multiple for exit, it's essential to have a clear distinction between getting ready for exit and maximizing your multiples. This requires identifying areas of the business that are critical to the multiple, such as SOPs, training videos, and documentation. Automating and delegating to people who are better than you are at certain tasks is also crucial. Building Relationships with Suppliers Building strong relationships with suppliers is also essential to building a sellable business. Aggregators and other buyers are interested in businesses that are operationally sound and can continue to grow even without the founder's involvement. Having clear SOPs, training videos, and documentation helps ensure that acquirers can understand how the business works and can integrate it into their operations. Inventory Planning and Budgeting Inventory planning and budgeting are also critical to building a sellable business.

Growing a Business to Sell on an e-commerce business can be a challenging task, especially in the current market. Yoni Kozminski, Founding Partner of South Col, shares insights on the current state of the market, the aggregator business model, and South Col’s approach to investing in e-commerce businesses. Time Stamp 00:00 | "Welcome to the Ten K Collective Podcast: Accelerating Ecommerce Businesses to Exit with Yoni Kozminski" 02:34 | Michael Krakaris: Exploring Ecommerce, Digital Marketing, and Process Improvement Management Consulting 04:22 | Heading: South Coal: A Joint Venture to Invest in Ecommerce Businesses 05:59 | Exploring the Business Model of an Aggregator: A Discussion with South Coal 08:03 | The Benefits of Working with an Equity Investment Firm for Ecommerce Businesses 14:13 | Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Aggregator Business Models: A Discussion with Michael 15:08 | The Impact of Rapid Growth on Businesses: A Discussion 20:50 | Heading: Navigating the Venture Capital Environment as an Entrepreneur 22:40 | Heading: The Cost of Venture Capital Investment 25:08 | Exploring Sustainable Business Opportunities for Entrepreneurs 26:11 | Exploring Strategies for Accelerating Business Growth: A Discussion on Selling vs. Owning a Business 31:12 | Discussion on Accelerating Growth and Exiting a Business 32:35 | Understanding the Current State of Ecommerce Business Exits 34:28 | "Strategizing for Intentional Business Growth: Advice for Amazon Sellers" Who is Yoni Kozminski? Yoni Kozminski is a founding partner of South Col, a growth fund focused on accelerating e-commerce businesses to exit. He has a background in digital marketing and has worked with well-known brands such as Sony, Mastercard, and Mercedes-Benz. Kozminski grew a brand to 5 million in 12 months and later founded services such as EScala, which provides consulting services to systemize, scale, and exit e-commerce businesses. He also founded Multiplymii, which provides executive search and HR functions. Growing a Business to Sell : South Col's Business Model South Col invests in e-commerce businesses, focusing on growing them and maximizing their exit value. Unlike aggregators, they aim to keep the founder in the business and invest millions of dollars in it. South Col builds a two-year roadmap and works on removing the founder from the aspects of the business they hate, such as PPC, inventory, logistics, 3PL, and IP lawyers. The founder can then focus on new product development, building out the next ten products, and expanding the brand into new regions. South Col is committed to the outcome and sees upside when the founder does. Aggregator Business Model Issues Yoni Kozminski was approached by many aggregators and brokers who wanted to buy e-commerce businesses. However, he did not feel good about this because the brokers' goal is to buy the brand at the lowest price, which conflicts with the owner's aim of getting the highest price. Growing a Business to Sell : Lessons from the Aggregators' Tales It is hard to scale any business at speed, and this is never wise. Spreadsheet jockeys saw the immense demand for aggregators and drove up multiples from 1.5x to 7-9x EBITDA. There was a lot of market confidence in early 2020, and the pandemic's duration impacted it significantly. Entrepreneurs' decisions are affected by the venture capital model, where they are there to force the outcome, but only 1 in 10 or 1 in 20 will succeed. South Col is a possible alternative for those considering taking on VC. Why Sell an E-commerce Business? The business model affects the decision to sell. In a service business, you can typically build healthy margins once you get to critical mass, yielding around 300K a year for you and being independent of you. On the other hand, e-commerce businesses require more cash requirements, making them more stressful to grow. Unless you have seriously high margins,

How do you know whether a new product is a good idea on Amazon? In this week’s Tip Of The Week video we discuss five decision making criteria you can use to evaluate a product on Amazon.

If you are running an e-commerce business, chances are you want to rank high on Google. But why is it so difficult to convert traffic into sales? And what can you do to increase your chances of success? One strategy that could help you is topical mapping. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what topical mapping is, how it can help you rank higher on Google, and how you can use it to convert more sales. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | Unlock Your Ecommerce SEO Potential: How to Rank Your Website and Make Money with Ashley Pearce from Future State Media 0:02:38 | Exploring SEO Strategies for Ecommerce Websites with Ashley Pearce" 0:04:21 | Exploring Google Knowledge Graph: Maximizing Opportunities and Diversifying Platforms 0:06:35 | Exploring Risk Mitigation and Concentration Risk Mitigation for Amazon: A Conversation on SEO Strategies for Increased Revenue" 0:09:57 | Exploring Opportunities for Expanding Product Lines Through SEO 0:13:15 | Exploring the Benefits of Niche Marketing for Business Growth 0:15:06 | Exploring the Power of Authority Building in the Online World" 0:16:05 | Exploring Opportunities to Convert Website Visitors into Customers 0:19:49 | Exploring the Possibility of Selling Digital Products on a Blog 0:22:00 | Exploring the Possibilities of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) 0:25:01 | Optimizing Lead Magnets for Search Intent: Maximizing Conversion Rates" 0:26:52 | Exploring Lead Capture Strategies for Ecommerce Sites" 0:29:13 | Maximizing Your SEO Budget for Maximum Conversion Rates" 0:31:09 | Heading: SEO Projects Showing Impressive ROI Results 0:32:38 | Understanding the ROI of SEO: A Discussion on Building an Asset to Sell" 0:35:21 | Exploring the Benefits of Long-Term Investment in Businesses for Exit Strategies 0:37:00 | Exploring Long-Term Strategies for Building Authority and ROI in Ecommerce" 0:38:34 | Exploring SEO Strategies for Ecommerce Operators: A Guide to DIY and Outsourcing Solutions" 0:40:00 | Unlocking the Power of Organic Traffic: A Conversation with Ashley on SEO Strategies" 0:41:33 | Interview with Ashley Pearce of Future State Media: Strategies for Staying Focused on Your North Star What is Topical Mapping? Topical mapping is a strategy that involves mapping out the topics that are most relevant to your business and your customers. By doing so, you can create content that is more targeted and relevant to your audience, which can help you rank higher on Google. Topical mapping takes a longer-term perspective, which means that you should focus on topics that are relevant to your business in the long run, rather than just trying to rank for one single keyword. From an SEO perspective, topical mapping is important because it helps validate that your content is topically relevant. When Google sees that your content is focused on a specific topic, it's more likely to rank it higher in search results. This can help drive more traffic to your site, which is essential for e-commerce businesses. Why Aren't We Converting More Sales from Traffic? One reason why businesses struggle to convert traffic into sales is that the first content to rank on Google tends not to be the most commercially driven pages. For example, if you sell dog products, ranking for "Why does my dog follow me everywhere?" may not result in many sales. Instead, you should focus on bottom-of-the-funnel pages with high buyer intent. When Do We Start Making Money from E-commerce SEO with Topical Mapping? To make money from e-commerce SEO, you need to compare yourself to your competitors. Look at how widely they've covered a topic, their ranking, and what their particular income looks like. You should also look at the traffic to commercial pages and make assumptions about conversion rates. Once you have this information,

When you increase your average order value (AOV) – you make more money per transaction – and that helps boost your revenue and profit. In this 2-part episode we’re going to discuss 7 ways to increase your AOV. What you’ll learn Russell Brunson’s most effective product AOV test ever. The Apps that make AOV increase simple. Active vs Passive Upsell strategies How your product catalog can influence AOV How to test your way to higher AOVs E-commerce and Business Books & Resources mentioned 80/20 curve Perry Marshall

As an e-commerce business owner, you work hard to make sales and grow your business. However, it can be frustrating when you see that there's not much money left at the end of the month, quarter, or year. You may not know where your money goes or understand your business financially. This is where a profit and loss statement (P&L) comes in handy. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to structure your P&L for e-commerce to gain clarity and profit. We'll cover why this matters, the frustrations you may be experiencing, what we want, signs you've got this wrong, who this is for, and phase A: how to set up your P&L. Why This Matters A P&L is a financial statement that shows the revenue, costs, and expenses of a business over a period. It's an essential tool for tracking your business's financial performance and making informed decisions. A well-structured P&L provides clarity on your business's profitability and helps you identify areas for improvement. Frustrations You May Be Experiencing with Your P & L for e-Commerce If you're an e-commerce business owner, you may be experiencing frustrations such as working hard but not having much money left at the end of the month, quarter, or year. You may not know where your money goes or understand your business financially. This can lead to uncertainty and a lack of direction. What We Want We want clarity on our business's financial performance, an overall business strategy, and to be guided by numbers. A well-structured P&L can help us achieve these goals. Signs You've Got This Wrong If you don't have a profit analytics system, you won't know what's working and what's not. If your numbers are inaccurate, you won't be able to trust your P&L. If you don't understand your P&L, you won't be able to make informed decisions. If you don't know what to do with the information you get, your P&L won't be useful. P & L for e-Commerce : Who This Is For This blog post is for resellers using RA, OA, or wholesale sourcing, own brand sellers (private label/custom products), and Shopify or DTC store owners. If you're an e-commerce business owner, you're the financial manager of your business, and this post is for you. Phase A: How to Set Up Your P&L To set up your P&L, you need to be clear about the difference between tax accounting and management accounting. Tax accounting is for the IRS, and management accounting is for you. You need to have a bookkeeper or accountant who understands e-commerce and can set up your P&L correctly. Choose a bookkeeping system (e.g., Xero or Quickbooks) that is universally used and preferred by your accountant/bookkeeper. Use software to link your sales channels (e.g., Amazon) to your bookkeeping system (e.g., A2X or Linkmybooks). Set up your chart of accounts with your accountant, and have your bookkeeper get your accounts up to date historically. Then get your accounts up to date for the previous month by the 15th of the next month. Have them set up a P&L report that clearly shows direct vs. indirect costs (i.e., you get a clear gross margin). In conclusion, a well-structured P&L is essential for gaining clarity and profitability in your e-commerce business. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can set up your P&L correctly and make informed decisions for the future of your business.

Ecommerce SEO strategies, as an eCommerce business owner, you likely understand the importance of optimizing your website for search engines. After all, appearing at the top of Google's search results is the key to driving traffic to your website and boosting sales. However, many eCommerce businesses make the mistake of focusing solely on product pages and category pages and overlooking the value of a blog. In this post, we'll explore the real reason eCommerce business owners should be publishing articles on their blog, and how it can help maximize eCommerce SEO. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | Unlocking the Benefits of SEO for Ecommerce Businesses: Why Publishing Articles on Your Blog is Key 0:03:24 | Optimizing Ecommerce Websites for Organic Traffic: A Content-Led Approach 0:05:54 | Exploring Topical Mapping: A Comprehensive Overview 0:07:09 | Exploring Content Mapping Strategies for SEO Success 0:08:41 | Exploring the Benefits of Topical Mapping for SEO 0:10:09 | Exploring the Connection Between Topical Relevance and High Performance Ranking 0:13:15 | Evaluating SEO Performance: Leading Edge Metrics and Competitor Analysis 0:14:59 | Exploring the Benefits of Topical Mapping for SEO Programs 0:18:19 | Exploring the Benefits of Topic Mapping and Buyer Journey Mapping for SEO 0:18:55 | Exploring the Benefits of Building Authority for SEO Success 0:21:50 | Understanding the Relationship Between SEO and Ecommerce: How to Maximize Traffic and Conversion Rates 0:24:42 | Unlocking the Potential of SEO: Insights from Ashley Pierce 0:26:36 | Understanding SEO for Ecommerce: Key Takeaways for Driving Traffic and Conversions 0:28:12 | Understanding Ecommerce SEO: Takeaways from Ashley Pierce of Future State Media 0:32:37 | Exploring Risk Mitigation Strategies for E-Commerce Platforms 0:35:51 | Exploring the Benefits of SEO: Leveraging Topical Relevance to Increase Profitability 0:38:19 | Exploring Opportunities for Establishing Topical Relevance in SEO 0:41:25 | Exploring the Power of Authority Building in SEO Ecommerce SEO Strategies : The Power of Topical Mapping To start, it's essential to understand the power of topical mapping. At its core, topical mapping is the process of identifying the key topics that are most relevant to your business and creating content around those topics. This approach can help build a level of topical authority in search engines, which can drive traffic to your website. Traditionally, building topical authority involved generating millions of backlinks. However, today's SEO techniques are more sophisticated, and topical mapping has become an essential tool in the eCommerce SEO toolkit. To get started with topical mapping, you'll need to map out your niche using tools like Google and SEM Rush. By analyzing what your competitors are already publishing, you can gain a better understanding of the topics that are most relevant to your business. Ecommerce SEO Strategies : Topical Mapping and the Buyer Journey However, it's essential to note that topical mapping is not the same as mapping out the buyer journey and providing content. In most cases, there will be some overlap between these two approaches, but they won't be perfectly aligned. The aim of the game is to cover the topic more fully and to a higher quality than your competitors in the search market. Once you do this, you'll find ranking for commercial "buying intent" terms easier and more reliable. The Role of Commercial Intent One of the most common mistakes eCommerce businesses make is creating content solely for informational search intent, which may have no commercial intent. While this approach can help you rank product pages and category pages for commercial intent topics, it doesn't necessarily translate into sales. Instead, it's essential to create content that aligns with commercial search intent. This type of content should be designed to drive high-profit sales from Google Organic traffic,

When you increase your average order value (AOV) – you make more money per transaction – and that helps boost your revenue and profit. In this 2-part episode we’re going to discuss 7 ways to increase your AOV. What you’ll learn Russell Brunson’s most effective product AOV test ever. The Apps that make AOV increase simple. Active vs Passive Upsell strategies How your product catalog can influence AOV How to test your way to higher AOVs E-commerce and Business Books & Resources mentioned 80/20 curve Perry Marshall

Returns are a part and parcel of the e-commerce business. As a store owner, it's essential to have a fair and transparent return policy in place to protect your brand. Having a streamlined and efficient product return process can also go a long way in reducing the number of returns and preserving customer satisfaction. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind product returns, the importance of having a clear return policy, and steps you can take to reduce returns and protect your brand. Understanding the Reasons Behind Returns The first step in reducing product returns is to understand why customers want to return their purchases. Some of the most common reasons for product returns include: The product is damaged or defective The product received is not what the customer ordered The product received is different from the product described on the website The customer changed their mind about the purchase The product did not fit as expected By analyzing customer feedback and tracking patterns and trends in returns, you can identify areas for improvement and make changes to your products, website, or return process. Implementing a Fair and Transparent Return Policy Having a clear and transparent return policy is critical to building trust with your customers and protecting your brand. A well-designed return policy should include the following key elements: A clear explanation of the conditions under which a product can be returned The time frame in which customers can return a product Information on how customers can initiate a return Details on the return process, including shipping instructions and any costs associated with returns Information on how customers will receive their refund or exchange By providing clear and concise information about your return policy, you can help reduce the number of returns and minimize any negative impact on your business. Streamlining the Return Process An efficient and streamlined return process is essential to reducing the number of returns and preserving customer satisfaction. The return process should be simple and straightforward, with clear instructions on how customers can initiate a return and receive their refund or exchange. To streamline the return process, consider automating as much as possible. For example, you can use software to generate return labels, track returns, and calculate the cost of returns. This can help you save time and reduce manual effort. Enhancing Customer Experience During Returns The customer experience during the return process is just as important as the customer experience during the purchase process. By providing clear and concise instructions for returns and offering multiple options for returns, such as in-store returns or prepaid shipping labels, you can enhance the customer experience and reduce the number of returns. Measuring the Impact of Returns on Your Business Keeping track of the number of returns and the cost of returns is essential to understanding the impact of returns on your business. By tracking this information, you can identify areas for improvement and make changes to your products, website, or return process. To reduce the impact of returns on your business, consider offering a satisfaction guarantee or a limited warranty. This can help build trust with your customers and reduce the number of returns. Conclusion Returns are an inevitable part of the e-commerce business, but by having a fair and transparent return policy, streamlining the return process, and enhancing the customer experience during returns, you can reduce the number of returns and protect your brand. Keeping track of the number of returns and the cost of returns is also essential to understanding the impact of returns on your business and making changes to improve the customer experience. In conclusion, handling product returns effectively is critical to protecting your e-commerce brand and pre...

As an Amazon seller, having access to Amazon Brand Analytics can greatly benefit your business. It provides valuable insights into your brand's performance, helping you make informed decisions to maximize your business's growth. Time Stamps [03:35] Understanding The Results [05:31] Why Should You Prioritize The Image [06:12] Conversation Rate Optimization [06:50] Getting Reviews [09:22] Managing Your Reviews [15:05] Search Query Performance Report [19:13] Summary Understanding Your Analytics Performance One of the main benefits of using Amazon Brand Analytics is having a comprehensive view of your brand's performance. This tool provides data on your brand's sales, impressions, conversion rate, and more. Having this information at your fingertips allows you to make informed decisions to drive growth. Monitoring Your Competition Another important aspect is the ability to monitor your competition. By tracking your competitors' performance, you can identify areas where you can improve your own products and strategies to gain a competitive advantage. Improving Product Listings : In addition to providing insights into your brand's performance, Amazon Brand Analytics also offers valuable information on how to improve your product listings. This information can help you optimize your product listings to increase conversions, drive more traffic, and ultimately grow your sales. Making Data-Driven Decisions You can make informed, data-driven decisions that will help maximize your business's growth. This tool provides insights into your brand's performance and helps you make informed decisions about your product offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies. In conclusion, Amazon Brand Analytics is a valuable tool for any Amazon seller. By using this tool, you can make informed decisions that will help grow your business and stay ahead of the competition. So if you haven't already, be sure to take advantage of Amazon Brand Analytics and start maximizing your business today! Resources Reach Out to Mina Elias!

If you want to drive conversions on Amazon, then you’ll want to get really good at photography and image marketing. In this episode we dive into this topic and to help you increase your PROFITS as you work to increase your SALES. What you’ll learn The Person, Problem, Psychological Driver Framework. The 10 steps to create terrific visual impact Tips for working with a photographer The 4 types of images you need on every Amazon listing. Resources for product development https://karltayloreducation.com/karl-taylor-photography-new-website/

Are you looking for ways to increase your Amazon conversion rate and maximize your cash flow? It’s no secret that the success of any eCommerce business is dependent on boosting the Amazon conversion rate. Yet, it can feel like an uphill battle if you don’t know where to start—but guess what: You are NOT alone! Our expert guest, Mina Elias,has created this checklist full of tricks, tips and strategies designed specifically to help you take charge of your conversions, drive more sales, and make serious money with your Amazon business. By learning how to leverage advertising strategy within Amazon’s platform as well optimizing user experience (UX), you will have all the tools needed dump extra cash in your pocket right away. So stop wasting time—let's get started! Time Stamps [02:35] Why does Running Ads Matter? [04:39] Improving Your Click-Through Rate [06:43] The Importance of A Bestseller Badge [08:24] Price and Image Test : Doing A Coupon Test [10:15] Keeping In Mind The Price and The Main Image [14:00] Product Opinion [14:41] Updating Images On A Weekly Basis [15:54] How To Improve Conversion Rate? [17:56] Bullet Points and SEO [19:07] Standout [20:52] Wrapup CTR Optimization to Increase amazon Conversion Rate CTR optimization is crucial when it comes to advertising and sales on Amazon. CTR stands for click-through rate and is calculated by dividing the number of clicks by the number of impressions. A higher CTR means more people are clicking on your listing and moving further down the funnel towards a conversion. To maximize CTR, focus on three main areas: the main image, price, and reviews. The Amazon Choice and Bestseller badges can also impact CTR, but the Bestseller badge can only be earned by spending a significant amount of money. Meanwhile, the Choice badge is only useful for your own brand name. Optimizing your pricing, either by yourself or using a service, can also impact CTR. Running coupon tests, either in the form of a dollar amount or percentage off, can drive more conversions. Lastly, tracking your spending and CTR through an excel sheet or software is important to monitor progress and make adjustments. Dropping your price may result in lower profit per unit, but can improve CTR and overall sales. Increase amazon Conversion Rate with Your Main Image The main image of your product plays a crucial role in attracting potential buyers to your listing. To optimize your main image, you can use polling platforms such as Pickfu or Productpinion to gather opinions on which image is more appealing. The results of these polls can help you make changes to the image to make it more eye-catching and increase the CTR. For example, you can incorporate certain elements in the main image to make it stand out, such as the size of the product or its intended use (such as pre and intra workout vs hydration). It's important to remember that the results of these experiments may not be 100% accurate, so it's best to keep testing and adjusting over time to see what works best for your product. Keep in mind that an increase in CTR can lead to a higher ad spend, so it's important to be controlled with your spending. A conversion rate of 2-3% is considered good, but a conversion rate of 4% or higher is considered phenomenal. Conversion Optimization Conversion optimization is a crucial aspect of e-commerce success. The CTR elements, such as the main image and pricing, also impact conversion rates. The rest of the images, questions, and videos play a significant role in converting shoppers into customers. Most sellers first click on the main image, price, and star rating, then look at the images. The images are crucial, and their position matters. Productpinion, a product testing tool, can be used to test the impact of different image positions on sales by asking "Which one would you buy and why?" Testing videos, price, and coupons can also help increase conversion rates. However,

If you want to drive conversions on Amazon, then you’ll want to get really good at photography and image marketing. In this episode we dive into this topic and to help you increase your PROFITS as you work to increase your SALES. What you’ll learn The Person, Problem, Psychological Driver Framework. The 10 steps to create terrific visual impact Tips for working with a photographer The 4 types of images you need on every Amazon listing. Resources for product development https://karltayloreducation.com/karl-taylor-photography-new-website/

Vance Lee is the founder of Playground Theory, a company specializing in community building for product validation. In this episode, Vance will discuss the importance of building a strong community for product validation and how to effectively engage with potential customers to gather valuable feedback and insights. He will share his expertise and experiences in creating successful communities and how it can help companies validate and improve their products. Time Stamps 00:00 | Introduction 02:13 | Introduction to Product Validation 04:59 | Scaling Product Validation 07:41 | How do we even find people to even ask their opinion of 11:58 | How Do We Start That Conversation In a Way That's Helpful? 14:25 | The Five Question Survey 18:27 | Mistakes To Avoid 22:33 | More About Playground Theory Introduction to Product Validation for Amazon Sellers Vance Lee of Playground Theory is an expert in pre-orders and crowdfunding Discusses the importance of product validation for Amazon sellers The process of validating a product involves figuring out if people want it and what they want/don't want about it Validation helps to ensure the product is successful and profitable before investing time and money The Importance of Product Validation Product validation is an important step before investing resources in a new/existing product Without validation, companies may spend time and money on a product nobody wants The traditional Amazon private label process involves looking at reviews, but it's important to look at other options for validation Validation ensures the product will be successful and profitable Understanding Product Validation The speaker discusses the concept of product validation and how it's crucial before scaling a product Defines validation as getting feedback from customers about the product and understanding their needs Mentioned Andreessen's idea of product-market fit as another important aspect of validation By getting customer feedback, businesses can make sure the product has the desired features and is viable The Process of Product Validation Validation is the process of getting feedback from potential customers to make sure the product meets their needs Involves talking to people and getting their opinions, as well as market research Helps to create a defensible product that sets the business apart from competitors Also involves talking to suppliers to see if the product is feasible and the necessary resources are available Validation helps to create a unique product that fulfills its primary and secondary functions and desired price point. Resources Ready to take your Amazon business to the next level? Visit amazingfba.com/playground today and unlock the power of community-driven product validation. Get the expert insights and resources you need to validate your products and ensure their success and profitability. Don't wait, click now and join the revolution!

Today we focus on the latest business opportunity Chris Green is teaching: buying and selling web Domains. Chris has being having fun and making profits from this since the late ‘90s. Internet Domains aren’t new. Domains have been bought and sold since the early ‘90s. They have existed as an asset class for 30 years now. But NFTs and other recent digital assets have recently brought domain buying and selling back into awareness. It’s re-emerged as a hot topic. There are multi-million dollar domains out there; but new domains can be bought for as little as $9. Finding underpriced domains is a fun game Chris has honed for years. It’s low risk and high reward. But it does require patience – and experience. What you’ll learn Why domain buying and selling is low-risk, potentially very high reward Why it’s come back into fashion What Jason plans to do with his 100+ domains! How Chris stumbled on the need for training in this area The similarities between Retail Arb and Domaining – and the differences Why buying strangely worded domains is always a no-no When you should consider adding other assets to a domain (such as a website on the domain! Or social media accounts) 5 reasons why Domains are great assets Resources Mentioned Go to www.thedomainchallenge.com 5 days of live training with Chris Green. Day 1 is for beginners/basic concepts After that it ramps up! Chris will go live at 1pm and 9 pm Eastern daily (same content, just allowing for different timezones etc. )

Amazon sellers often experience frustration with not knowing where their money is going and not having a way to analyze and identify the best products to sell. Using ecommerce profit analytics programs, such as Sellerboard or Eva, can help sellers identify profitable products, track their sales and profits, and manage their inventory and advertising. Reviewing the data regularly and double down on out of stock, high profit items is crucial to maximize profits. It's also important to calculate "AROI" (Annualized Return on investment) which is more accurate than just ROI. Additionally, it's recommended to reallocate capital from mediocre/loss making products to profitable items and explore options such as creating variations or bundles of successful products. Why This matters Amazon Seller Frustrations Working hard but not much money left at end of month/quarter/year Don’t know where your money goes Don’t know if you should reorder products, what to buy. How much What we Want from our Products [Revenue?] Return on Investment (more on this shortly) Cashflow Profit replenishable/repeatable Missing out on what’s working Having no profit analytics system so you don’t know what’s working Not having a way to analyse and “surface” the best products Shiny object/creativity syndrome Not acting on the insights you get Who this is for -Resellers using RA, OA, or wholesale sourcing - own brand sellers (Private Label/custom products) - Shopify or DTC store owners Using Amazon Profit Analytics is like panning for gold - or Shopify analytics or apps - eCommerce and Amazon is the new Gold Rush. Don’t throw the gold out with the gravel! What Amazon profit seekers can learn from gold panning: Once you’ve got the gold (keep the profits!).... Keep what you have! Go back to the same source! How to get more out of what’s working Phase A. Finding profitable products [as before] Get an ecommerce profit analytics programme or use what works Amazon-specific Sellerboard is common. Eva is probably better value. - EVA Accurate Sales & Profit Analytics - like Sellerboard Custom Reporting At Product, Store & Daily Sales Level Advertising Analytics & Rule-Based Settings Dynamic Pricing & Promotion Management Inventory Management & Replenishment Forecasting Very affordable. Shopify - in left hand menu Analytics>Reports Categories: Finances Gross profit report Input accurate COGS and other costs Having a system with no data is a waste of time Having a system with inaccurate data is positively dangerous You believe it - lose money You don’t believe it - so you don’t follow the insights - also lose money! Review the data - regularly! Annually is too late Quarterly minimum Monthly is best Note frequently Out of stocks Find highest margin products Look at stock turn Don’t worry about ROI - calculate “AROI” (Annualized Return on investment] (listen to/watch future episode) Phase B- implementation DOuble down on OOS - Make sure you stay in stock/deepen stock on fast-selling and profitable items (reallocate capital for slow-selling or loss making items) Double down on high profit items - For the most profitable items, reallocate capital from mediocre/loss making products create/find variations on profitable items (future episode) Create Bundles (listen/watch for future episode) Are You Sitting on a Gold Mine? What to do next to Crush Your Amazon [or Shopify/DTC] Profit Margin Get a free Amazon profit audit Get a free audit from me, Michael Veazey, personally. As long as you have at least $10K/€10K/£10K in monthly revenue. You can be a reseller or Private label/custom product brand owner Just click the link below, scroll down,

Vance Lee of Playground Theory talks about how to use pre-order launches to grow Amazon businesses. Vance got into the Amazon FBA business in 2015 and launched his first product. He explains how pre-order launches enable Amazon sellers to get great cash flow and scale faster. Vance talks about how pre-order launches are a great way to get money up front and avoid wasting valuable resources. He also shares his free Quick Assessment, which helps identify the biggest Amazon profit killer and provides solutions for it. Time Stamps 0:00:00 | Welcome to the Ten K Collective Podcast: Exploring Pre-Order Launches to Increase Cash Flow and Scale Faster with Vance Lee of Playground Theory 0:02:31 | Exploring Preorders and Crowdfunding: How I Launched My First Product and Achieved 950,000 in Sales 0:03:48 | The Benefits of Crowdfunding and Building an Audience for Product Launches 0:06:13 | Conversation on Crowdfunding for Experienced Sellers and Beginners 0:11:03 | "Avoiding Common Mistakes When Launching a Crowdfunding Campaign" 0:12:26 | "Key Learnings from a Successful Preorder Campaign" 0:16:57 | "Unlocking the Power of Crowdfunding for Amazon Sellers: An Interview with Savannah Sanchez of Playground" 0:18:39 | Interview with Vance Morris of AmazingFBA.com on Pre-Launch Model Strategies for Amazon Sellers Vance Lee has an accelerated program for anyone interested in launching your next product idea using preorders and crowdfunding. From if you're in the idea conception phase all the way to launching and how to leverage that to scale to ecommerce, Vance and his team will assist you throughout the process. Regardless if you're doing this for preorder crowdfunding launch, or if you're finding a way to do this in your way for your Amazon store, at the end of the day, the key to scaling businesses and nowadays with rising ad costs and all the challenges that we have with launching products, is to build your own community. When it comes to being able to create a campaign that's effective and successful on a launch platform like Kickstarter, it's really important that we do a good job in understanding our customers because it's not at that point only about keyword research data. Vance thinks there's a lot of things that we can learn when it comes to executing a successful preorder campaign. We're going to have to do a lot of things that allow for that to work. And I would argue nowadays with Amazon, having really strong video content for ads and other types of media will really help you with being successful on Amazon. And the good thing about this is that you can create these assets and they're usable immediately for when you move over to Amazon or shopify or wherever else you're going to be selling. Resources Find Out More About Playground Theory

Multi-channel marketing is all the rage. Most smart e-commerce entrepreneurs know that having one e commerce sales channel is an unacceptable concentration risk for their business. Launching a new ecommerce sales channel seems like the obvious answer. And, just to be clear, we think it is! However, launching a new sales channel or launching a product on a new e commerce marketplace is not without its challenges. Seeing the logic in starting a new sales channel is one thing. But making it work in practice is another. The main thing is to not fall into some classic traps. In today’s show, we discuss 5 classic traps (and one “bonus trap”) that e-commerce operators fall into when starting up a new e commerce sales channel. And of course, we discuss how to avoid those mistakes. What you’ll learn Why all sales channels are not born equal How amazon.com (US) is different from say amazon.it Some critical differences between Etsy and Shopify How the Math of profitability varies between platforms Some client examples of wrong strategies – and what works best instead How Jason and Cinnamon got 50X the price the competition got – from off-platform marketing! The critical error marketers make when planning the time & effort needed to launch a new sales channel When outsourcing to an expert helps – and when it’s a trap (or worse!) Why smart eCommerce entrepreneurs end up discounting their own knowledge The 3 foundations you need to put in place before you launch a new e commerce sales channel How to maximise the chances of success with a new e commerce channel The thing you need to do first before you even start something new Resources Real Real Poshmark Fbmarketplace Offerup Teachable/Kajabi

This episode discusses strategies for increasing profits for e-commerce businesses, including monitoring conditions and cleaning up the profit and loss statement. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding cash flow and working with an accountant who understands ecommerce and the business. The article provides twelve ways to maximize profit and stay safe, using a metaphor of instrument flying to understand the system, and suggests involving oneself in the process of setting up an accounting system and chart of accounts. Get a Free Amazon Profit Audit Get a free audit from me, Michael Veazey, personally. As long as you have at least $10K/€10K/£10K in monthly revenue. You can be a reseller or Private label/custom product brand owner Just click the link below, scroll down, click on “Amazon audit” and book in a time! Timestamps [0:00:00 : Maximizing Profits in Ecommerce: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Up Your Profit and Loss [0:02:35] 2 Ways to Boost Your Profits by Cleaning Up Your Amazon Profit and Loss [0:05:54] Understanding Cash Flow and Instrument Flying for Ecommerce Businesses [0:07:04] Setting Up an Ecommerce Accounting System: Tips from an Accountant [0:08:41] Tips for Cleaning Up Your Profit and Loss Statement for an Ecommerce Business [0:12:14] Tips for Accurate Accounting for Amazon Sellers [0:14:43] Tips for Effective Financial Management in E-Commerce Businesses [0:16:09] Tips for Monitoring Your Ecommerce Business Finances [0:18:18] Tips for Optimizing Operating Profit in E-Commerce Businesses [0:20:04] Audit Your Profit and Loss: Get a Free Audit from My Amazonaudit.com The Show Outline Why This matters Amazon Seller Frustrations Working hard but not much money left at end of month/quarter/year Don’t know where your money goes Don’t know if you should reorder products, what to buy. How much What we Want from our Profit System Clarity and guidance Financially informed decisions Overview of business Know what to do more and to stop Know what to costs to cut Profit and Loss Mistakes Having no accounting system Not integrating Amazon with the system Not updating the system with accurate data Not acting on the insights you get Who this is for Resellers using RA, OA, or wholesale sourcing Own brand sellers (Private Label/custom products) Using Amazon Profit and Loss is like a dashboard on a small plane “Instrument flying” is what pro pilots do to be able to fly in all weather conditions With “instrument flying” you are using accurate data to build a mental map of conditions. Everything you do has two aims: To get to the destination To stay safe while doing so You need to monitor things like Altitude above the ground Attitude/orientation Air speed Weather conditions Other aircraft What Amazon profit seekers can learn from instrument flying Altitude - how far from zero profit are you? Attitude/orientation Are you at an aggressive approach angle relative to direction of travel Environmental conditions - like shrinking markets, recessions Other aircraft - competitors - where they are, speed, how close How to Clean up your Amazon Profit and Loss Choose an accountant that understands ecommerce/ your business Use an accountant to set up your accounting systems Use the system your accountant and book keepers are comfortable with Xero is common. QuickBooks is fine 3 . Identify the most important numbers to clean up for in your p and l - then work backwards from there The most important numbers in your p and l for management accounting are gross profit Operating profit Gross profit is your net revenue minus all your direct costs It shows how profitable your product sales are. It’s most helpful at the product by product level to help you decide what pro...

Welcome to our discussion on SMS Marketing for DTC eCommerce Stores. SMS Marketing has become a popular and effective way for businesses to reach and engage with their customers. As the eCommerce industry continues to grow, DTC eCommerce stores are looking for new ways to connect with their customers and drive sales. In this discussion, we will explore how SMS marketing can help DTC eCommerce stores increase engagement and sales, as well as provide tips and best practices for using SMS marketing in eCommerce. Budai Media focuses on customer retention for ecommerce companies, believing it to be key to success. The company was founded by a geology student who discovered the potential of sales email copywriting while working a job he hated. Budai Media has grown to a 30-person team with 150+ clients, generating over $50,000,000 in extra revenue. The company is now 100% remote, and dedicated to being the best ecommerce retention marketing agency. Time Stamps [02:06:32] SMS Marketing [03:24:23] ROI on SMS Marketing [05:00:58] SMS Marketing an Annoying Method? [07:01:43] Things To Look Out For When Starting SMS Marketing [10:58:87] The Cost of SMS Marketing, Is is Worth The Investment? [12:06:47] Persuading People to Join SMS Marketing [14:37:25] Building SMS Marketing for an Amazon Focused Seller [16:14:62] What to Say to Your Customers Using SMS Marketing? [19:03:79] Structuring Things To Make It More Relevant For Your Customers [20:23:02] Balancing the Relationship Between SMS and Campaign [24:56:86] About Dubai Media [27:44:71] 50 Point Klaviyo Email Checklist Why Does My eCommerce Stores Need SMS marketing? SMS marketing, also known as text message marketing, is a highly effective way for businesses to reach and engage with their customers. One of the key benefits of SMS marketing is its high open rate, with an estimated 90-95% of text messages being opened by recipients. Additionally, most text messages are opened within just five minutes of being received, making SMS an excellent way to quickly deliver time-sensitive information. SMS marketing also has a high click-through rate, with an estimated 20-30% of recipients clicking through to a business's website. This makes it an effective way to drive website traffic and increase conversions. When it comes to return on investment (ROI), SMS marketing can be incredibly profitable for businesses. While the average ROI for SMS marketing can vary depending on a variety of factors, some businesses have reported returns of 100X or even 150X. Many business owners report that SMS marketing is their highest ROI channel. This is not just restricted to big brands, but also on 6-8 figure small businesses as well. In general, it's quite common to achieve at least 50X ROI, which makes SMS marketing a highly cost-effective marketing channel. Overall, SMS marketing is a powerful tool that can help businesses reach and engage with their customers, drive website traffic and conversions, and achieve a high return on investment. Provide Incentives to Your Customer! Discount Free T-shirt (AOV high) Free product samples Start out with automations first Abandoned cart flow New customer flow Scalability Limitations of SMS Some companies could use SMS more middle of funnel but it will be hard to get ROI Gary Veynerchuck sends motivational quotes etc to his SMS list It’s hard to measure ROI, it’s more about branding. He promoted it heavily on IG and SM Resources : Get More at amazingfba.com/klaviyo Free 30-minute DTC business audit (usually charged $200 but free) | Get Started Here!

What are your relationship objectives? The first step to figuring out whether or not joining a high-priced eCommerce mastermind is right for you is to figure out your relationship objectives. First, it’s important to understand that mastermind relationships are a two-way street. You can’t just expect people in the group to take care of everything and give you all the support you need; they expect the same in return. If your goal is just to have other people help with marketing, strategy and other tasks related to running an online business—then this may not be right for you (at least at first). But if your objective is more about finding true peers who have similar goals and challenges as yourself—you might find it worthwhile after all! A lot of work goes into building good relationships with other entrepreneurs who are going through similar things as yourself—but it’s worth every minute spent on getting there! Join a mastermind and surround yourself with like-minded people. One of the main benefits of joining a mastermind group is that you’ll be able to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support each other. These are people who are committed to your success, and they will help you achieve your goals by providing feedback, ideas, solutions, and more. Membership in an online community can also give you access to resources that might not be available elsewhere. For example: A forum where people can answer questions about how they’ve handled specific problems or situations related to ecommerce business growth tactics A rolodex of experts like freight specialists, accountants and CPAs who understand ecommerce, Intellectual property lawyers etc. A forum to meet and have hot-seat sessions (and really drill down on problems in your personal business) Do you have time to commit fully? If you’re not going to be present and commit fully, then it may not be worth your time. A mastermind is a group of like-minded people who meet regularly to support each other in achieving their goals. Most of the members are running online businesses and rely on their mastermind for support as they grow their revenue. If you have a full-time job in addition to your business, heavy family commitments or other business commitments that take up most of your time, you might find it hard to commit fully to this kind of group. That can be especially if you don’t live near the others and they have a strong in-person component. Or if you can’t meet frequently enough for online group sessions. You may also struggle with prioritizing your family and friends over an ecommerce mastermind group (and vice versa). If you’re in the right situation and can commit fully to an online ecommerce mastermind group, then this can be a great tool for growing your business. And if it’s not, then there are other ways to get support and advice. Are the other members in my mastermind the right ones? Do they have enough experience to help me? One of the most important things to consider when joining an ecommerce mastermind is whether or not the other people in your group are a good fit for you. You need to find a group that will grow your business and that isn’t too large or small for you. The right size for a group can vary depending on what kind of help you want, but it usually falls between 5-15 members. If there are too many people in the room, it may feel over crowded and difficult to get your questions answered during Q&A sessions at meetings (or if there aren’t enough people in attendance). The right mix of mentors and coaches is also important because they will each play different roles within the group, so finding someone who is good at teaching online courses versus mentoring one-on-one can help bridge any gaps in skill sets among members. A mastermind group can help you solve your problems but only if it’s the right one for you. There are many benefits of joining a mastermind group.

In today's highly competitive e-commerce landscape, retaining customers is crucial for any business looking to boost its profit. With the rise of online shopping, consumers have more options than ever before, making it essential for e-commerce companies to keep their customers engaged and coming back for more. So, how can you retain your e-commerce customers and increase profit at the same time? In this blog post, we will explore5 Ways to Keep Your e-Commerce Customers Longer and Boost Profit that can help you achieve both goals, and give you the tools you need to create a loyal customer base that will drive the growth of your business. From improving your customer service to implementing personalized marketing campaigns, these tactics will help you stand out in the crowded e-commerce market and achieve long-term success. Budai Media focuses on customer retention for ecommerce companies, believing it to be key to success. The company was founded by a geology student who discovered the potential of sales email copywriting while working a job he hated. Budai Media has grown to a 30-person team with 150+ clients, generating over $50,000,000 in extra revenue. The company is now 100% remote, and dedicated to being the best ecommerce retention marketing agency. Time Stamps [02:28:42] Introduction : Why Daniel Started His Agency [04:04:46] What is Retention Marketing? [06:25:49] The Basic Principles On Retaining Customers [06:39:65] 1st Principle : Pesonalized Experience [08:09:30] 2nd Principle : Customer Service [09:55:70] 3rd Principle : Offer Incentives [11:46:94] 4th Principle : Proper Use of Email Marketing [14:57:73] 5th Principle : Loyalty Program [17:08:46] How To Apply These Principles for Amazon Business? [20:07:07] Recap of the Principles and Services Offered eCommerce and Retention Marketing Retention marketing is the practice of focusing on increasing the lifetime value of customers and retention rate of a business. It's a strategy that is becoming increasingly important for e-commerce business owners, as they look for ways to grow their businesses and attract new customers. But retention marketing is not just important, it is vital. When a company can retain more of its customers, it can see an increase of profits by 20-80% (2X profits) by just a 5-10% increase in customer retention annually. And not just that, it costs 7 times less to get a second sale from a customer than it does to acquire a new one. The 5 Principles of Marketing Offer a Personalised Experience Excellent Customer Service Offer Incentives or Reasons to Buy From You Again Use Email Marketing and Using It Properly Loyalty Programme What Aspects of This Can You Use to Your Customers in the Amazon Focused Business? Personalization - packaging QR codes on packaging to somewhere else Give them a gift with QR code One of members left team and did a video Customer service - still applies Email marketing more relevant from 2023 using Amazon own email tool “Delivering happiness” - Zapos - sold to amazon Resources : Get More at amazingfba.com/klaviyo Free 30-minute DTC business audit (usually charged $200 but free) | Get Started Here!

It’s never been easier to buy or sell an e-commerce company. In this episode we’re going to dive into the topic of how – and why – to acquire e-commerce businesses. What you’ll learn 2 Strategic questions to ask yourself before buying an e-commerce company. 4 Ways a new e-commerce company can add value to your current business. Building a ‘house of brands’. Keeping brands versus rebranding e-commerce assets you purchase. Vertical integration concepts. Acquire To Hire Strategies in e-commerce. Valuing businesses that don’t make any profit. Deal making to acquire an e-commerce company. How to value an e-commerce company. Creating profit and value in a new e-commerce company you buy. 4 Ways to finance the purchase of an e-commerce company. How to evaluate the down-side risk of acquiring an e-commerce company Resources for product development Buy Then Build (Book) by Walker Deibel of Quiet Life Brokerage https://empireflippers.com https://flippa.com https://microacquire.com https://exchangemarketplace.com https://feinternational.com

When it comes to running an e-commerce business, it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the tasks that need to be done. One solution to help manage the workload is to hire virtual assistants (VA). A VA is a professional who provides support services remotely, typically online. They can take care of a variety of tasks, including customer service, managing social media accounts, data entry, and more. Time Stamps [03:00:12] Creating Job Descriptions [07:36:79] Onboarding Issues : Mistakes When Recruiting [13:31:56] VAs Leaving Under Distress [19:43:80] The Superman Syndrome [21:39:58] The VAA Philippines However, managing remote teams and Virtual Assistants can present its own set of challenges. Here are some mistakes to avoid when hiring and working with a VA: Not having clear job descriptions: Before hiring Virtual Assistants, it's important to have a clear understanding of what tasks and responsibilities you want them to handle. This includes creating documentation like job descriptions to ensure that both parties are on the same page. Not looking for specific skills and experience: If you're hiring a VA for a specific task, such as managing your PPC campaigns, it's essential to look for someone with relevant experience and skills. For example, a PPC VA should have experience with analyzing data and optimizing campaigns. Not providing upfront tasks and training: It's important to provide your VA with a clear understanding of what they will be trained on and the hours of work expected. A clear contract, including an NDA, should also be in place to protect both parties. Not properly verifying the VA's identity and location: It's important to ensure that the VA you are working with is who they say they are, and to verify their location. This can be done by getting their identification and other personal information. Letting VAs feel isolated: Even though everything is done online, it's still important to invest in creating a sense of community with your VA. This can include holding actual meetings, celebrating birthdays, and participating in events in their location (if applicable). Feeling the need to create a book of SOPs: It can be tempting to want to create a book of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your VA to follow, but this can be a mistake. Instead, show your VA the responsibilities and tasks they will be handling, and provide training and support. You can even record the training sessions for them to refer back to. This will allow them to create their own SOPs as they become more familiar with the work. Not having a schedule of work: It's important to create a schedule for your VA to follow, so they can work independently without constant supervision. This can include tasks like checking listings for issues, managing PPC campaigns, and checking inventory. Not having reports: Set up a system for your VA to report to you on a daily or weekly basis. This can include what tasks they completed, any achievements or problems they encountered, and the hours they worked. Tools like Asana, Trello, and email can be used for this purpose. Not having a communication structure or regular meetings: It's important to have regular communication and meetings with your VA to ensure that everything is running smoothly and to address any issues that may arise. Suffering from the "Superman Syndrome": It's common for e-commerce business owners to try to do everything themselves when they first start out. However, as the business grows, it's important to delegate tasks to VAs and other team members to ensure that everything is being taken care of. Neglecting tasks like shipments, supplier management, and customer service can lead to problems down the line. Resources Schedule a call with Gilad at VAAphilippines.com To learn more about getting a VA, reach out to VAA Philippines at the email service@VAAphilippines.com

There are so many advertising platforms out there for ecommerce sellers these days. But not all platforms are created equal. Our intrepid quartet of ecommerce operators and thought leaders compare their favourite platforms and also the ones they love to hate! We cover Amazon ads, Google advertising (both Google text ads and Google shopping ads), Tiktok, Pinterest ads, Wallmart and Etsy advertising platforms. We also touch on some basic practices around ads: including making sure you don’t lose money on the deal! And how to link ad platforms into an ecosystem for outsized results. What you’ll learn Why goal clarity is critical before you start advertising Jason’s Amazon ads use…but it’s not what you think! Why Json loves to hate Facebook ads The under-used aspect of Google ads that can really increase your ROAS The importance of some critical numbers at the product level How understanding consumer behavior helps you engineer better performing ads Why and when you need to turn off your ads – even if they’re working! Resources Pin and Grow by Craig Lewis (Pinterest ecommerce agency – mention Amazing FBA or Michael Veazey for discounts and better service)

Managing remote employees, particularly virtual assistants (VAs), can be a challenge for e-commerce businesses. In this article, we will discuss the key strategies for effectively managing remote teams and using VAs to support your business. From establishing clear communication channels to setting clear expectations and goals, we will provide practical tips on how to make the most of your remote workforce. As the world becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, many businesses are turning to remote work as a way to cut costs, increase efficiency, and attract top talent. While remote work has many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing remote employees. In this article, we will discuss some common mistakes that e-commerce businesses make when using virtual assistants (VAs) and how to avoid them. As the founder and assistant of virtual assistant academy, VAA Philippines, Gilad knows firsthand the challenges of managing remote employees, particularly virtual assistants (VAs) in the e-commerce industry. When he started his Amazon business in 2015, he grew quickly and recruited his first two VAs in the Philippines. However, things did not go as smoothly as he had hoped. Time Stamps [02:50:98] Introduction [04:36:29] Thinking What people Say About Themselves in CV/Resume is Important [07:39:48] How To Find Motivated People? [11:02:22] The Next Stop of the Process [18:59:60] The Interview Process [24:21:40] Wrap Up Mistakes When Handling Your Virtual Assistants One of the main mistakes Gilad made was assuming that what people wrote about themselves in their CVs or resumes was important. He overweighted resumes that listed a lot of experience, without taking into consideration how good the person could potentially become. When he put out his first recruitment ad, he received 300 applications, all from people who claimed to have many years of experience and the ability to scale companies. However, Gilad learned the hard way that this was not always the case. He found one VA who seemed like the perfect fit and spent a month training them, only for them to stop replying to his messages. This experience taught Gilad the importance of testing for commitment, motivation, and speed of learning before hiring VAs. He also learned the value of properly evaluating English skills. Recruiting Virtual Assistants at VAA Now, at VAA, Gilad takes the time to properly filter candidates through a recruitment funnel. He tests their ability to analyze data, their commitment, and their motivation by giving them tasks that take time and effort to complete. This includes asking them to review an Amazon listing and recommend improvements based on negative customer reviews. In addition to these mistakes, Gilad also learned the importance of understanding Filipino culture when managing remote employees in the Philippines. Filipinos are generally quieter and more loyal than Westerners, and they do not appreciate being pushed or told they have made mistakes. This can be catastrophic for the employer-employee relationship. Instead, Gilad recommends showing VAs that it is okay to make mistakes and encouraging them to make suggestions. Handling Virtual Assistants at VAA At VAA, Gilad connects sellers with a Filipino manager in addition to their VA to facilitate better communication and avoid misunderstandings. He also emphasizes the importance of being open about the business, its growth expectations, and the VA's role in the company. This helps to build a strong sense of belonging and connection, which can increase engagement and productivity. Another important aspect of managing remote employees is understanding their work environment. Gilad recommends conducting live video interviews to check the connection and physical background, as well as being clear about expectations and tasks. He advises setting specific hours and procedures for communication,

Amazon SEO – or “Amazon keyword ranking” – is rightly more than important – it’s almost an obsession of any focussed ecommerce operator who sells on Amazon. Getting your product listing to rank on Amazon for powerful keywords is indeed incredibly important. Having talked in the last live (or last 2 podcast episodes) about the strategic drivers, today we discuss some practical action steps to get your products ranked for valuable keywords on Amazon? What you’ll learn How boost traffic to your Amazon listing without advertising How to conduct keyword research How to refine your keyword lists Best practices in keyword research How A+ content impacts search engine optimization on Amazon Is adjusting the main image a good hack for SEO / ranking? Resources for Amazon SEO Viral Launch Helium 10 Jungle Scout Google SEO Training: clickminded.com by Tommy Griffith, former Head of SEO, PayPal & AirBnB amazingfba Steve Pope of My Amazon Guy

Welcome to our discussion on influencer marketing mistakes that Amazon sellers often make! If you're an Amazon seller looking to leverage the power of influencers to promote your products, it's essential to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your success. In this episode, we'll take a look at some of the most common mistakes that Amazon sellers make when it comes to influencer marketing, and provide tips for how to avoid them. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just getting started, these insights will help you get the most out of your influencer marketing efforts and drive more sales for your business. Background Tomer Hen is a business professional based in Los Angeles, California. He has a wealth of experience working with big companies, including Amazon, to help them gain users. In addition to his work with these larger companies, Tomer has also founded his own "biohacking" supplements brand. As he looks to build relationships with influencers, Tomer is launching his brand with a modest budget, relying on relationships and micro influencer strategies to help get the word out about his products. While he has done many interviews in the past, this is the first time he has spoken about his influencer marketing strategy. Before delving into the world of ecommerce, Tomer had a team that he worked with to build sales funnels and handle other important tasks like copyrighting. His company, Mobco Media, has been around for ten years, and he works with a variety of brands, with about 70% of his business focused on Amazon. Despite this focus on Amazon, Tomer is also interested in building relationships with direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. Overall, he leans towards a DTC model, believing that most brands do influencer marketing wrong. Time Stamps 01:56:76 | An Introduction About Mobco Media 02:54:88 | How to Launch A New Brand? 05:50:68 | The Definition of Influencer Marketing 08:35:16 | How Are You Going To Find Or Choose The Influencers? 10:14:58 | What Drives Influencers? 13:35:56 | How Do We Go About This In Practice? 22:19:04 | Is Using Influencer Shout-Outs Work? 25:47:07 | How Do We Find Possible Influencers? 29:53:23 | What Servicers Do You Offer? How To Launch a New Brand on Amazon with Influencer Partnerships Welcome to our discussion on how to launch a new brand on Amazon with influencer partnerships. Our guest today is TOMER HEN of Mobco media, a company that helps brands grow their profits through influencer partnerships. Recently, Tomer had a conversation with a founder who is working on launching a new supplement brand. This brand is entering a very competitive space, but with the right strategy, it can still succeed. One key way to stand out is by building credibility and social proof outside of Amazon, and then using that to your advantage on the platform. For example, if an influencer endorses your product and directs their followers to your Amazon listing, it can be more effective than having a high number of reviews on your own. Tomer's company, Mobco media, has been around for 10 years and has worked with big brands like L'Oreal and Amazon. In the past two years, they have focused on helping supplement and food founders grow their businesses. If you're launching a new brand on Amazon, Tomer and his team at Mobco media can help you leverage influencer partnerships to give your brand the best possible chance of success. What Drives Influencers? Is It Just Relationship-Driven or Is it Real Business? Influencers, also known as content creators or social media influencers, are individuals who have a significant online presence and the ability to influence their followers' purchasing decisions. Many influencers are able to monetize their platforms through sponsored content, where they promote products or services to their audience in exchange for compensation. But what drives influencers to create content and collaborate with brands?

Okay, so you’re an Amazon 3rd Party Seller and you’ve decided that using Amazon ads (formerly AMS) could boost your sales and your business. Now how to start? You could plunge into the 100s of technical podcasts, blog posts and youtube videos. But if you’re new to the whole ad platform, that’s going to be overwhelming. Instead, let us walk you through the basics and give some simple but battle-tested guiding principles for practical action to boost your sales. You’ll learn How long tail keywords can win you big markets…over time Why advertising matters – and what it CAN’T do for you… The 3 main ways that Amazon ads help your product rank organically Why this “second order” effect is your PRIMARY goal with Amazon ads The “red herring” metric to AVOID using – and what to use instead The most cost effective way to use Amazon Sponsored Brands The power of video ads and how they fit into the Amazon ad world Evaluating your personal style and how this impacts your ad strategy Jason’s “Magic Trick” to get cheap exposure for your brand Resources on Amazon Advertising https://advertising.amazon.com/ – the login to amazon advertising (& Amazon’s explanations) Google Ad Quality Score Definition Helium10 Amazon Research Tool Suite Viral Launch Amazon Research Suite Merchantwords Google (and possibly Amazon) keyword suggestion & search volume tool Keyword Inspector (Reverse ASIN tool -meaning that you put in the ASIN -Amazon ID number – of a product into the tool and it gives a list of keywords for which the product is ranking) Interviews with Amazon Ads experts on 10K Collective podcast: Amazon ad management with Brian Johnson of Canopy Management Amazon Advertising and profits with Mike Zagare of PPC Entourage Amazon Sponsored Brand ads with Ritu Java of PPC Ninja

Why You Should Start an Agency Blog Introduction: Starting an agency can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the e-commerce world. An agency offers economies of scale, which means you can start with just one client and quickly grow to two or three. It’s an easy business to start up since the client pays for it, and if you manage it correctly, you can easily scale your agency from five employees to fifty. Jeff ran his own agency for nearly 20 years and knows first hand the rewards and pitfalls of running a successful business. Here’s what he had to say about why even run an agency in this day and age. Time Stamps [02:40:55] Why Even Run An Agency? [03:42:30] What Do You Call An Agency? [06:19:28] What Are The Downsides of Agencies? [07:57:49] Employees Don’t Get Better Then More You Hire [09:38:92] Using Data For An Agency [12:32:79] How Would You Manage The Client Asking For Goals That Don't Serve Them? [16:01:86] Why Are So Many Amazon Sellers Not Happy with Agencies? [20:36:51] How Do We Measure Management Effectiveness? [25:00:72] How Do We Deal with the Problem of Hiring One Person and Getting Another [28:16:48] How Do We Use Data To Run A Better Agency? What is an Agency? First off, it’s important to know exactly what an agency is. A freelancer is usually just one person working on their own projects, but an agency typically has a hierarchical structure with multiple people working within it. Jeff’s own agency started out with five employees, and eventually grew to over fifty. He left the day-to-day management of his agency to others so he could focus on larger tasks like strategy, branding, and marketing initiatives that would ultimately benefit all of his clients. Downside of Digital Marketing Agency While there are many benefits to running an e-commerce business as an agency, there are also some potential downsides that should be taken into consideration before taking the leap. For example, running an e-commerce company as an agency is like running any other inventory-heavy business—like FBA—in that if you land a new client on the agency side then you have to project how much work will need to be done in order for them to achieve their goals. Additionally, while people don’t necessarily get worse when you hire more of them (as opposed to machines or software), they are definitely harder to scale than other aspects of your business—and agencies don’t always sell what they do; instead they sell results! How Would You Manage Client Requests? Another problem that arises when dealing with clients is how do you manage requests for goals that don’t serve them? According to Jeff, the best thing to do here is never call out your client directly; instead approach it from a different angle by saying something like “here’s how I look at it...” This allows you take control of the conversation without alienating your client or making them feel bad about their decision making process. How to Manage Clients and Keep Them Happy : Digital Marketing Agency Blog Introduction: Amazon sellers often find themselves not happy with the e-commerce agencies they hire. They may feel that their goals are not being met, or that they aren’t feeling heard. That’s why it’s so important for agency owners to set expectations from the beginning and maintain a strong line of communication with their clients. In this blog post, we will discuss how to manage your clients and keep them happy, as well as how to measure management effectiveness. Structuring Account Managers The best way to ensure that your clients are happy is by having a solid structure in place for managing them. This means assigning an account manager to each client and scheduling a monthly management call with them. During these calls, you should communicate goals, results, and any changes that need to be made in order to better serve the client. Never Call Out the Client When communicating with your clients,

Okay, so you’re an Amazon 3rd Party Seller and you’ve decided that using Amazon ads (formerly AMS) could boost your sales and your business. Now how to start? You could plunge into the 100s of technical podcasts, blog posts and youtube videos. But if you’re new to the whole ad platform, that’s going to be overwhelming. Instead, let us walk you through the basics and give some simple but battle-tested guiding principles for practical action to boost your sales. You’ll learn What Amazon ads are – and the options What Amazon advertising can do to boost your sales The make-or-break relationship between the ads and product listing The hidden power of “intent” – what it is, why it matters How to find additional keywords – without overhelm How low price points impact the economics of advertising The simplest way to set up Amazon ads How to get Amazon to do the heavy lifting for you The simple hack to find the best keywords for your Amazon listing The one tool that covers pretty much all your keyword research needs The critical importance of 3 financial numbers Why low price points can kill your profit Resources mentioned https://advertising.amazon.com/ – the login to amazon advertising (& Amazon’s explanations) Google Ad Quality Score Definition Helium10 Amazon Research Tool Suite Viral Launch Amazon Research Suite Merchantwords Google (and possibly Amazon) keyword suggestion & search volume tool Keyword Inspector (Reverse ASIN tool -meaning that you put in the ASIN -Amazon ID number – of a product into the tool and it gives a list of keywords for which the product is ranking) Interviews with Amazon Ads experts on 10K Collective podcast: Amazon ad management with Brian Johnson of Canopy Management Amazon Advertising and profits with Mike Zagare of PPC Entourage

Data-driven decision-making is a process that helps you identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that best describe your business. It also helps you identify the metrics that best reflect the impact of the changes you're making in your business. It's an analytical approach to decision-making that requires data. Instead of that, how do we get this to work in the real world? What do you measure? More importantly, how do you make sure that the metrics you choose are actually relevant to your business model? In this blog post, we'll explore some common KPI mistakes that many sellers make. We'll look at how data-driven approaches can help prevent these issues from happening. Time Stamps [00:43:43] What is Data - Driven Approach To Managing An E-Commerce Business? [01:45:70] Data Driven vs Data Informed is Better [02:51:15] Why Does Data-Driven Decision-Making Matter? [07:52:73] The S.M.A.L.L. Framework [12:40:56] KPIs You Need For Your Business [15:54:78] Are Revenue Targets A Good Plan? [19:10:33] Industry Benchmarks for Gross Margins [21:57:07] For the "Leveraged"Business - KPIs [27:29:95] Have 1 KPI Per Marketing Person [31:56:01] Data Drive U: Services This article will cover: Why data-driven decision-making matters How we can put in place a data-driven approach? What are some of the ways that you can use data to make better business decisions? How will this help your ecommerce business grow?eCommerce What is a Data-Driven Approach to Managing an e-commerce businesss ? A data-driven approach to managing your e-commerce business is about using facts and figures to make decisions. This is better than just relying on your gut instinct. The process involves collecting data, analyzing it and making decisions based on the analysis. The Data-Driven Approach has three main steps: Collecting data in a systematic manner; Analyzing and interpreting the collected data. We are look fordecision-making meaningful insights for better decision making; and finally, Using those insights to improve marketing strategies, customer service or other areas of your e-commerce business. Data-Driven Data-Driven vs Data-Informed Why Does Data-Driven Decision-Making Matter? Data-driven decision making is an important part of any business. It allows you to make better, more informed and more accurate decisions—which in turn leads to more effective business processes. The reason it’s so important is that good data gives you the insights needed to make smart choices. The choices could be about your product or service development, or marketing and sales strategies. Either way, your choices can dramatically impact your bottom line. The problem is that most companies don’t have the right tools in place to get their data and turn it into actionable insights. And those that do often find themselves drowning in an ocean of information. As a result, they waste time trying to figure out what their customers really want. Worse still, they make decisions based on bad data. More Data Doesn't Mean Better Decisions! You don't need MORE data per se. Rather, you need better and more relevant data that can help you make better decisions. More data doesn’t mean better decisions! Data can be misleading - It’s important to understand how your customers are using your products and services. But understanding the customer journey is only half of the equation when it comes to using Amazon KPIs. You may, for example, place too much weight on negative reviews. You need to have context or perspective on why something happened in the first place (if you're able). Data can be misinterpreted. How many times have we seen people get fired up over something that turned out to be false? The same thing goes with sales numbers. One set of results from one customer won't tell us enough to generalize safely. How Do We Install Data-Driven Decision-Making? You start by understanding what type of data you should collect....

Getting started as an e-commerce seller can feel intimidating in quite a few ways. One of the ways is the feeling that you have to spend a large budget just to get started. In today’s show our panel explores how you can use just $100 to get started in eCommerce. We explore physical product options, how to work with Kindle and physical books. We touch on marketing on and off Amazon. We also discuss how to approach influencers in an original way. We touch on how to approach a potential business mentor, and how you might put together your own peer group for peer-to-peer learning as well. What you’ll learn How to use Kindle books as cheap marketing tools How to approach an experienced potential e-commerce mentor Ways to influence multiple influencers for $100! The easiest way to get started in eCommerce for $100 Why checking product-market fit might be the best use of your budget! The hack for getting free marketing books to learn from When should you quit the day job and go full time with your own ecommerce business? Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Ecommerce is a constantly changing landscape. Learning the basics of product design can help you keep up with the latest trends and techniques. Getting a custom design is one of the most exciting opportunities in ecommerce. The biggest reason is making a differentiated product. Plus it’s more creative. Timestamps for Podcast [02:24:59] Why Go Custom Product? [03:27:88] Isn't It Too Expensive? [06:10:26] Which is the Hardest Part of the Process? Isn't it Manufacturing? [06:38:98] Innovate within Your Space and Create Excitement [07:14:43] Getting Focus Group Feedback [13:32:04] From Product Design To Manufacturing [14:51:22] Industrial Designer or Product Design? [19:28:66] A Good Industrial Designer About our Guests- Jason Byer and Crowd Spring Are the 99 Designs of e-commerce with two tweaks. Firstly, they have a very highly selected set of designers. Secondly, their designers include industrial designers (aka product designers). Get Your Free Custom Brand Report Here ! Get a $35 Off Your First Product Here : Get It Here ! Why Custom Products are Worth While Custom products are worth the cost because of their profitability, uniqueness and usefulness. They can also be more fun for you and your customers. When you work with an industrial designer, they can help you solve a specific problem or create something that is uniquely suited to your customer’s needs. What's the difference between an e-commerce industrial designer and an e-commerce product designer? Who is an industrial designer? Industrial designers are the ones who are responsible for the look and feel of your product. They specialize in developing products that have an emotional connection with people — they create experiences, not just objects. While their work includes technical aspects, it also involves creating positive emotions, like joy or nostalgia. What's the Difference Between an e-commerce Industrial Designer and a Product Designer? The main difference between these two roles is their focus: An e-commerce industrial designer focuses on how products will look online. An e-commerce product designer usually creates physical objects that you can touch, see, or feel in person (like furniture). Creating industrial design with great utility. Your first goal should be to define the problem. Don't start with a solution. A great industrial designer will ask you questions and get you thinking about why you are doing what you're doing and how it affects people's lives. I don't know anyone who would happily use a product they hate, so if the answer is "because that's what we do," then that's not good enough! You need to think about how your product fits into people's lives, what their goals are when interacting with it, how it can improve those interactions for them (and for other people who interact with them as well). There are two things here: 1) have an idea of what kind of person is going to use this thing; 2) know where they're coming from in terms of their experiences using other products before this one—what was okay? What wasn't? How could some of those things be changed? That sounds like a lot--but really all those questions boil down into one thing: make sure users have an experience worth investing time into! Finding the best form for your e-commerce product. When it comes to e-commerce products, form is everything. It's tempting to think of form as something that just "looks nice," but in the world of industrial design and product development, form and function are inseparable. If a product doesn't do what it's supposed to do (like make coffee), then any attention paid to its appearance is wasted effort—or worse, it may even hinder its performance. So what makes good product form? Products with good form are ones that work well, and they look good while doing so. A classic example of this is the iMac computer: not only does the product fulfil its primary function (computing),

In this 2-part episode we discuss adding charitable giving to your e-commerce work and how it can help change the world, strengthen your brand, and build a better business. We also discuss challenges and cautionary tales too. You’ll learn Common legal structures for charitable work Create ideas for giving (beyond cash) to charities Michael & Jason’s shared 1st charity experience Cautionary Tales from McDonald’s Founder’s Estate to Tom’s Shoes Tips for finding a charity that you resonate with How to get started in a wise way Resources Mentioned www.sewpowerful.org www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org www.voluntaryworker.co.uk/volunteering-with-meals-wheels.html

Brand Identity Definition If you're selling your products on a website, it's important to give your brand an identity. The best way to do this is with a brand strategy. A brand strategy can help you understand what makes your product different and how to communicate that to customers. It also helps you decide when it's time for a rebranding project! What is a brand identity definition? A brand identity is everything your customers associate with your products and company. A brand strategy is a plan that helps you decide how to communicate your brand. This includes things like what your logo will look like, what colors you'll use and how you're going to talk about yourself. It's all about understanding who your customers are, what they need from your product, and how you can meet those needs better than anyone else! Timestamps for Podcast [00:35:02] Intro: Curated Marketplace For Custom Design [01:41:77] What is Brand Identity? [03:37:07] Crowdspring Offers A Wide Variety of Designer Types [06:49:41] Brand Perception is Guided By The Companies [09:37:82] The Product Has To Be Good But So Does The Whole Experience [12:07:36] What Are The Steps In Creating A Brand Identity From The Beginning? [12:38:30] The Core Brand : Visual Identity [14:03:35] Transferring Your Design Into Packaging [16:37:32] Brand Consistency [18:13:38] How Do We Get Consistency? [20:53:53] How Do We Create Brand Guidelines? Is it Necessary to Hire Someone? [23:03:76] Branding and Packaging [27:22:64] Crowdspring and their Services About our Guests- Jason Byer and Crowd Spring Are the 99 Designs of e-commerce with two tweaks. Firstly, they have a very highly selected set of designers. Secondly, their designers include industrial designers (aka product designers). Get Your Free Custom Brand Report Here ! Get a $35 Off Your First Product Here : Get It Here ! What Does a Successful Brand Identity Look Like? If you want to build a successful brand identity, you need to start with the basics. Brand identity is the sum of all the elements that make up your brand. This includes not only what you say about your business and how it’s doing, but also how others perceive these things by looking at your logo and website, reading some of your content on social media, or watching videos on YouTube. A successful brand identity is one where all these components work together as part of an overall strategy that helps customers understand what makes this company different from others in its market niche. It does this through: A well-defined promise or value proposition; Clear messaging (whether verbal or visual); Consistent branding across platforms; and Appropriate use of colours, fonts and imagery How to Create a Great Brand Identity for Your eCommerce Business A great brand identity is one that is recognizable and distinct. This means that it should be consistent across all channels, including your website, social media platforms, packaging and marketing campaigns. Being consistent with your brand identity will allow you to establish trust among consumers. That helps them feel comfortable making purchases from you. Your logo is the key component of this. Make sure it stands out from other logos. That way, customers can easily identify it as belonging to your company. Your logo should also be memorable so that customers don't forget about you after they've made their purchase. By using the same colors, fonts and images consistently throughout all aspects of your business operations (including packaging), you'll create an environment where customers are comfortable making purchases from you. They know exactly what they're getting into when they see one of these characteristics associated with any type of product purchased online. How to Get Consistent Brand Identity Creating a strong visual communication system helps make sure everyone at your company knows how each other's work fits into the bigger pictur...

In this 2-part episode we discuss adding charitable giving to your e-commerce work and how it can help change the world, strengthen your brand, and build a better business. We also discuss challenges and cautionary tales too. You’ll learn Common legal structures for charitable work Create ideas for giving (beyond cash) to charities Michael & Jason’s shared 1st charity experience Cautionary Tales from McDonald’s Founder’s Estate to Tom’s Shoes Tips for finding a charity that you resonate with How to get started in a wise way Resources Mentioned www.sewpowerful.org www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org www.voluntaryworker.co.uk/volunteering-with-meals-wheels.html

The High-ticket dropshipping model The high-ticket dropshipping model has multiple moving parts. But the advantages over similar ecommerce models are considerable. Compared to Private Label, it has pretty minimal startup costs. We are talking a $few hundred not $10,000 plus. And compared to retail arbitrage, or online arbitrage, it is both more scalable in the short-term, and more sellable in the medium and long-term. In many ways, it combines the best of both of those business models. Creating a marketing funnel However, if you don’t have much money to spend on advertising, it’s better to focus on building quality backlinks from websites in high-trafficked niches. If you need help getting started with SEO for e-commerce and generating organic traffic then check out my previous article. If you are looking for a more direct approach, consider buying some Facebook ads or Google ads. You can target people who are most likely to be interested in your products and services, reaching them with well-crafted ads. Keep in mind that this will likely cost more than building backlinks—but it’s worth it if you can get the results you want. It’s also important to note that you should use a variety of marketing tactics when trying to build your brand. This includes social media, email marketing, infographics and more. Here are some ideas for your brand-building strategy: Write blog posts that provide useful information about your industry or niche. These are excellent content marketing tools because they attract links from other websites, which improves your search rankings. You can also use them to attract more followers on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Can you apply Dropshipping Tactics to your own Private Label? You can use the same tactics of dropshipping. But instead of getting a third party to manufacture products then ship them to your customer, you yourself manufacture and ship them to your customers. The great thing about this is that you don't have to stick with just one product category or type. You can actually run your own private label brand if you want. All that's required is some research on what works well with this model. You'll work from developing the brand name itsel. Then you'll need to pick out which products you will sell under it and how much you will invest in marketing them. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you want out of your business. If you are looking for a quick way to make money and don't mind spending some time researching and developing products that will sell well, then dropshipping may be right for you. If, on the other hand, you want to build a stable and long-term business that will provide consistent income for years to come, then private labeling may be better for your needs. Can a High-ticket dropshipping model create a Sellable business? The value of your dropshipping business will increase as you add more marketing assets. So it’s important that you decide how best to do this. You can choose to build an online store yourself or pay someone else to do it for you. Whichever option you choose, it will help improve the value of your business and increase its overall worth. However, if you have a high ticket product range and want to sell them on your own storefront, then there may be fewer buyers interested. That's because they don’t fit into the price range that most people are looking for when searching for products online (i.e., under $100). This means that building up these kinds of stores might not be as easy as they seem at first glance; however, if you do it correctly, they could still prove profitable over time. Another way would be through Private Label (PL), where instead of buying products wholesale directly from suppliers themselves like other sellers do - sellers who use PL buy them from wholesalers instead but put their own brand names on them rather than using expensive ones such as Nike or Apple etcetera which woul...

E-commerce buying and selling is skyrocketing in use. Now is the perfect time to launch your own Shopify store and begin selling direct to the public. In this 2nd part of our 1-part episode, we finish exploring 9 valuable reasons that is true – drawing on Jason’s work with thousands of Shopify store owners as well as his own experience with brands. What you’ll learn A surprising list of business experts that support Shopify Understanding the use of Shopify as the e-commerce hub-and-spoke tool. How integration partners are pushing Shopify further ahead. A consideration of the Apps available on Shopify Resources Mentioned Shopify Power: Build An Ecommerce Website Using Shopify Sell Online With Shopify Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

What is Drop Shipping? Drop shipping is when a store doesn’t keep inventory and instead buys from a supplier and then has the supplier ship directly to the customer. This is a fulfillment method for online retailers. Drop shipping gives you a chance to sell products that you don't have in your possession, which means you can offer more products for your customers. There are many benefits of drop shipping. Another simple but easily-missed point is that because it demands no cash tied up in inventory, it is much more scalable if it takes off. All ecommerce operators reach a a point where growing their business means expanding the catalogue a lot. Private label sellers often find they need to find an extra $100-500,000 in funding. Many simply can't do it; others have to enter the risk of very large loans or investing their life savings. The high-ticket dropshipping model just bypasses this issue. Drop Shipping Explained Drop shipping is a method of selling goods without having to keep them in stock. In this case, the supplier ships the goods directly to the customer. The retailer receives payment from their customers and pays the supplier afterwards. This allows you to have a website or physical storefront without having to purchase product ahead of time and risk tying up your capital in inventory that might not sell. Again though there are now ready off-the-shelf solutions, so technical know-how is no longer much of a barrier. High-Ticket Drop Shipping High-ticket drop shipping is a business model that focuses on selling high-ticket items. The reason this type of drop shipping works so well is because high-ticket items have much higher profit margins, which means you can make more money with less sales. High-ticket items also require far fewer customers to generate the same revenue as low-margin products, which makes it easier for your company to grow . You’ll find yourself with fewer customers overall because each one will be spending a lot more money than someone who buys a lower priced item. That means you have far fewer headaches when it comes time to manage your customer base! How Does Drop Shipping Work? Drop shipping works like this: You find a product you want to sell, and then you make an agreement with the supplier that lets you sell it without having to buy the inventory first. The arrangement is simple—you tell your drop shipper what products you want to sell, and they take care of everything else. They will handle orders, ship them out directly to customers, collect payment from customers on your behalf, and then ship those items directly back to you after they've been sold (this is called "fulfillment"). And because the suppliers have already taken care of the cost of buying the inventory for themselves (which is usually pretty high), there are usually no setup fees involved in starting a drop shipping business! How to Start Your Dropshipping Business! Now that you know what drop shipping is and how it works, let's get started with setting up your own dropshipping store. First, register a domain. Ben uses Namecheap but anywhere similar will do. $12 a year Get a google workspace and an email address for about $12 a month. Get some professional but simple branding work done. You need a logo and a simple home page with sliders or well laid-out images. Cost around $100. Set up Shopify. This will be your online store platform where all of your products will be stored and sold from. That costs around $29 a month. Next, choose a niche product that you want to sell in order to start building your customer base. You can make the most money if you find something that no one else has already started selling yet! It's best if this niche product is high ticket (at least $50) because it means customers are more likely to buy from you instead of going directly through Amazon/Ebay or whatever other site they're familiar with buying things on already.

E-commerce buying and selling is skyrocketing in use. Now is the perfect time to launch your own Shopify store and begin selling direct to the public. In this 2-part episode, we begin exploring 9 valuable reasons that is true – drawing on Jason’s work with thousands of Shopify store owners as well as his own experience with brands. What you’ll learn Reason 1-5 of why Shopify is a terrific solution for e-commerce sellers. What keeps Amazon seller’s up-at-night and how to solve it The alternatives to Shopify that you should avoid How building a business with a partner that has opposing objectives can ruin things Resources Mentioned E-Commerce Sales Will Explode This Holiday Season Shopify Power: Build An Ecommerce Website Using Shopify Sell online with Shopify

Ken Burke, founder and CEO of The EntrepreneurNOW! Network, is a speaker, serial entrepreneur, mentor, and author. Ken founded MarketLive, a market-leading, enterprise class eCommerce software platform used by major merchants generating $2b in online sales through the platform. He sold MarketLive to Vista Equity Partners in 2016. Ken authored the book, “Intelligent Selling: The Art and Science of Selling Online,” as well as hundreds of industry articles. He earned his MBA in Entrepreneurship from the USC Marshall School of Business, which later awarded him the honor of Entrepreneur of the Year. Business strategy during recession for Amazon & E-commerce Introduction The economy is in the midst of its longest recession in a century. In this volatile time, it’s important that you have a strategy to stay viable as an Amazon and e-commerce business owner. Let's take a look at some ways that you can keep your business moving forward during these uncertain times! Ken Burke's 2001 Dot.com Crash experience Ken Burke was a serial entrepreneur with a background in technology. He started out selling computer hardware before moving onto software development, building his first company from the ground up. At the height of the dot com crash his company survived. What happened on the other side of the recession was much better: in 2003-06, they had their best season ever. Europe and UK may face long-term recession or stagnation The current recession is not simply a one-off event. It's the beginning of a long period of stagnation, or even decline, for Europe and UK as well. The reason is simple: Gas is not only in short supply now, it will be for the foreseeable future because shale gas production has peaked out in US and no country outside of US has made any significant progress towards developing shale gas reserves. Germany was the engine of European economy due to its large manufacturing sector which depended on cheap energy (gas) to be competitive globally. Germany's industry accounted for 36% share of total industrial output globally in 2015[1], making it largest exporter among all European countries. But that can't continue as German manufacturing industry depends on cheap energy and Russia controls almost all gas supplies into Europe through Nord Stream pipeline and other pipelines through Eastern Europe. Nowadays gas prices have increased significantly due to sanctions imposed upon Russian Federation following annexation Crimea from Ukraine. Sadly there is little prospect of that changing. Even if Russia makes peace soon, its supplies will have been permanently damaged, or shut down. Luckily there is an alternative, giant market of consumers which should be thriving... How to play in Amazon USA, the most robust market The medium-term economic future for the USA is much brighter than for Europe. The US has become self-sufficient in oil and natural gas. North America also has some of the healthiest demographics in any developed continent, with a combined population of over 500 million people. It has a continent-sized market in North America with NAFTA 2.0 with Mexico and Canada expected to boost trade even further (and hopefully end tariffs). America is also retooling its factories at record speed, which is helping to generate jobs and investment at home rather than overseas as well as keep import costs low while boosting exports - all good news for eCommerce players like Amazon! Taking over your market The period towards the end of a recession can be a period where you get to take over the market. The main reason for this is because of the economy in general and how people react to it. When there is an economic downturn, many companies will either merge or go under completely because they cannot afford to stay in business anymore. This means that there is more room for new competitors who have been able to survive during this time and are looking for ways to make money back into their company's p...

In our initial episode about Paid Social” we outlined 3 big goals. In today’s conversation we’re continuing the discussion about how to engage warm traffic with effective social media advertising. What you’ll learn A 2 Step Process for getting cold traffic very inexpensively, then retargeting them via (Facebook). Engagement goals and other non-sales goals for warm traffic. remarketing via (Google Adwords). How Live-Commerce Techniques and goals are transforming e-commerce businesses Forming direct sales strategies with social ads Resources Mentioned www.streamyard.com www.commentsold.com Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

How Does Entrepreneur Decision-Making Work in Real Life? Entrepreneur decision-making works in a variety of ways. Some entrepreneurs prefer to gather as much information as possible before making a choice, while others simply follow their gut instinct.Regardless of your decision-making style, there are some principles you should always keep in mind: Action creates momentum – If it feels like you've been stuck on the same problem for days or weeks without any progress, then it's time to take action. The more time spent thinking about how to solve a problem without actually solving it will just lead to frustration and an eventual loss of motivation. Test, measure and adjust – When trying out new ideas or testing different solutions for problems, don't be afraid to try things out quickly and see what works best (and what doesn't). Use this process as an opportunity for learning so that you can learn from your mistakes while they're still fresh in your mind instead of later down the road when they might have cost you too much money or time already! Tactics for Entrepreneur Decision-Making- the Decision Matrix There are three things that you need to do in order for you to make your own decision. List the criteria for the decision. This is the most difficult part because it requires thinking about what matters and why it matters, but it's also very important because you cannot weight a factor if you don't know what's being weighted in the first place. Make sure that all of your criteria are relevant and appropriate for this type of decision and don't get carried away by making too many or too few; this will help keep things simple later on when calculating weights (see below). Weight each of your criteria numerically based on their relative importance (so 1 = high priority, 5 = low priority). To give an example: suppose I'm trying decide whether or not I want my ecommerce website design done by an agency rather than doing it myself. One of my criteria might be "time spent", since developing websites takes me a significant amount of time every month; another might be "cost", because agencies often charge more per hour than freelancers do; yet another could be "quality", since hiring someone else means outsourcing some portion of control over how well my site looks or functions. The point here is not just listing them—you must think about these factors as having varying levels of importance depending upon which option(s) from our list above we're considering at any given moment during our evaluation process (e.g., if we had chosen Option A instead of Option B above, then cost would no longer matter as much). Do the math After this, it's a simple question of multiplying and comparing: In a spreadhseet, you'd have the options or choices in rows down the left-hand column, and the criteria along column headers going left to right. for each possible option or choice, you'll have a score for each criterion For each of these criteria boxes, you'll need to multiple the score by the "weight" you've which of multiplying the score of each possible option by the "weight" for has the most weight then add up the total score across all the criteria for each decision. Finally, look at the relative scores of each decision. Like most maths, and all spreadsheets, it's so much easier to see it on an actual spreadsheet! Ken has created a spreadsheet that does the heavy lifting for you with a structured approach to decisions. Click here for his free entrepreneur decision matrix spreadsheet. Have 3-Year Financial Forecast! And Measure the Decisions A key tool for Entrepreneur Decision-Making is financial forecasting. It is imperative that you know where your business is going, so it’s important to have a financial forecast. You need a forecast for the next 3 years - and this is a shock to many entrepreneurs because they don't even have a one-year forecast.

In our initial episode about Paid Social” we outlined 3 big goals. In today’s conversation we’re going to give you “The Secret” and really unpack the 3 big ideas with tons of actionable tips and insights for each. What you’ll learn Who Paid Social Media Ads are ideal for The ideal sequence of when paid social media ads should be used A budget rule-of-thumb for paid social media advertising How long it takes to get results with paid social media ads A terrific Facebook Video Strategy that works really well in support of paid social ads. How Pinterest Promoted Pins factor into paid social media ads Ad Instagram Ad strategy that you can start with just a few dollars. Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Inventory is the lifeblood of your Amazon business. It's how you make money, and it can also be how you lose money. The trick is to make sure that you're using inventory to make decisions in your business rather than letting it control your business decisions. This post will cover a few different ways that inventory can be used to manage your Amazon business. The new Way to Use Inventory Inventory management at its most basic is a system of passive records. Of course, it's important to get this organised. But to leave it at that is to miss a lot of critical insights into your consmers. IInventory isn't just a record of widgets sitting in warehouses. In fact, it is a system of engagement with customers. It’s more than just a record: it tells a story about each customer and the interactions you have with them over time. Inventory reconciliation can be one of the most challenging parts of managing your Amazon business, but it doesn't have to be! You can use inventory reports to avoid shortages or out-of-stock products, improve order fulfillment times, and make better decisions about how to grow your business. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to use inventory reports to actually see customer trends. You need a place where you aggregate data You need a place where you can aggregate data. This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s actually the root issue with inventory management. You need to think about how your product is going to be sold, how you will get it out the door, and how your inventory system needs to support all of these things. The best way to do this is by thinking about how your inventory system will support each of these things individually. Then, once you’ve figured that out, you can start combining them together. Looking for inventory clues When you're looking to identify the root cause of your inventory gaps and ways to solve them, it's important to consider the inventory clues you'll find in your product data. First of all, when you look at current orders and sales for a particular SKU (stock keeping unit), you can see if there are any patterns that might indicate an upcoming gap. If a product is selling well and will soon be out of stock, it's time to order more from your supplier or manufacturer. This is especially true if your costs per unit are going down as well—that means you'll earn more profit by ordering more units! Next up: customer insights! While analyzing customer data may sound like an overwhelming task because of how much information is available with Amazon Fulfillment API tools like Seller Central Reports and Vendor Central Reports, we've got some simple tips for getting started on this fun project that could lead to some big improvements in your business strategy: 3 Key Data points to look for There are three key data points you need to look for: Date received to date bought by consumer Accounts receivable ageing by product Market sizing. This is how you get the size of your market. The first step is to identify what product or service you are selling, then using that as a benchmark to find out how many people are buying it. This can be done either through surveys and interviews with potential customers or by looking at sales data from your current customer base. Then, you can use this information to find out how much each of your customers are spending on your product or service. This can help you get a sense of how big your market is and what kind of potential there is for growth. Once you have this data, it becomes much easier to make financial projections about future sales and profits. The Magic of Aged Accounts Receivable Aged accounts receivable (A/R) is the term used to describe the amount of time that passes between when you sell a product and when your customer pays you for it. For example, if a customer buys an item from your store and doesn't pay within two weeks, the A/R would be calculated as 2 weeks.

Amazon is the largest e-commerce platform in the world. It has more than 300 million active users and 45 million products offered by third-party sellers. If you listen regularly to this podcast, you may have been selling on Amazon yourself for quite some time. But many Amazon sellers struggle to get sales. Of those that do get sales, many fight to get mediocre profits. Even 7 figure sellers I work with have this challenge. The solution? Become a category king and dominate your niche! Before we dive into how to find a niche on Amazon, let's discuss what a profitable niche on Amazon is. A niche market is a market that focuses on a specific category or even single product type. There are many reasons why you should consider niching down if you want to increase sales and profits. In the US, the e-commerce market was valued at $601.75 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $735 billion by 2027. Looking to get into the online retail game? Or increase your reach? Amazon is the place to be. But first, you'll have to find your niche—the sweet spot that gives you a competitive edge and makes you stand out from the crowd. You could go after a big category like "home goods," but if you're not big enough or well-known enough for them yet, it'll be difficult for you to compete against established brands like Home Depot or Lowe's. Instead of jumping into an already crowded market, consider going after an underserved niche where there's less competition and fewer sellers competing for search engine visibility. How Big Retailers Know Which Category will be Profitable? The truth is that nobody really knows why some categories are more profitable than others. There is no magic formula or algorithm to finding a profitable niche on Amazon and becoming your "category king." But there are some things you can do to increase your chances of success. Know Your Customer: The first step in any business venture is understanding who your customers are, what they want, and how much they're willing to pay for it. When searching for a profitable category I like to use tools like Helium10 so that I can see what people are searching for before entering into the market space as well as how much competition exists within each individual keyword phrase (and what keywords potential competitors might be using). This gives me an idea of whether or not this specific niche has enough demand from consumers while also keeping me away from areas where there isn't enough demand but still plenty of competitors in place already. To Do This Well You Need to Understand How Consumers Shop Online. To do this well you need to understand how consumers shop online. Amazon shoppers are no different from other shoppers. They like quick and easy, so they want to find what they're looking for as quickly as possible. Once you've done the research, it's time to niche down even further. If you choose a product category with too many competitors, it will be hard for you to compete successfully against them because there's not enough room for all of your listings on page one of Amazon search results (and that's where most customers start). You can use a tool like JungleScout that helps with finding profitable niches on Amazon by analyzing their data and giving insights into which products have good demand potential based on estimated sales volume per month or year over time - this way it will be easier to find those products that might perform better than others within certain categories or subcategories which tend not only sell better but also rank higher in terms of overall search performance due mostly due increased visibility among consumers who aren't aware yet about what exactly they want most urgently at any given moment when looking up something specific online (like "men's watches"). How to reach out to consumers If you're a consumer, and you're looking for a solution to your problem, where do you go? As the top 20% of consumers will have already ...

Famous Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Laundry once said, “A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be.” As coaches and as coachees or mentees – we both know – coaching CAN lead to huge rewards for the business owner using the coach. In this special 2-part episode we discuss how to get the most out of your relationship with a coach and use a coach as a way to accelerate your business growth, profits and peace of mind! What you’ll learn What you can learn from guitar lessons with Segovia’s students 5 key functions of a high-impact coach 5 things to look for in a coach E-commerce and Business Books & Resources mentioned www.winningonshopify.com www.amazingfba.com/mentoring www.Theamazonmastermind.com Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Ben Kotch is an investor and advisor in various early and growth-stage companies including many e-commerce ventures. He is an active Amazon seller and advises thousands of Amazon business owners through his affiliation with ALGO Online Retail What You'll Learn A Simple Division : Debt vs Equity Investments : Where to start when asking for a loan The equity for AccrueMe : “preferred equity investment” What's A Good Use for Loans? The value of equity and just how it makes sense for Ben An creating an Exit Strategy on your Loan Resources

Ben Kotch is an investor and advisor in various early and growth-stage companies including many e-commerce ventures. He is an active Amazon seller and advises thousands of Amazon business owners through his affiliation with ALGO Online Retail What You'll Learn How did Ben started his business with AccrueMe The value Ben saw in the market that gave birth to AccrueMe Why should you go to AccrueMe for funding? Understanding the Metrics of Investment The Upside Down of Debt What Ben sees on the profit trends on FBA Resources

Famous Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Laundry once said, “A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be.” As coaches and as coachees or mentees – we both know – coaching CAN lead to huge rewards for the business owner using the coach. In this special 2-part episode we discuss how to get the most out of your relationship with a coach and use a coach as a way to accelerate your business growth, profits and peace of mind! What you’ll learn What you can learn from guitar lessons with Segovia’s students 5 key functions of a high-impact coach 5 things to look for in a coach E-commerce and Business Books & Resources mentioned www.winningonshopify.com www.amazingfba.com/mentoring www.Theamazonmastermind.com Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Amazon Keyword Research Tool is a tool used to find relevant keywords for your product or service. You can use this tool to find specific keywords and phrases, perform regular keyword research, or just see which words people are using in their searches on Amazon. Jana Krekic have always wanted for YLT Translations to provide the top results for your brands. That’s why her team only hire native translators that are trained for Amazon translations. Her team consists of around 80 native speakers, who take content and localize it to convert and engage in a seller’s target country. Each translator is well-versed in Amazon’s dynamic and ever-changing landscape, and can perform the keyword research and write the copy needed to improve conversions and engagement. What You'll Learn Cutting costs from a lot of Sellers in 2022, What Happened? Jana shares her experience when working with Aggregators during Covid Working with Big Corporations, is it worth it? The importance of documentation and creating a company deck What do corporates do badly that SMEs do well? What’s my competitive advantage as SME owner? Resources Find out more about Helium10! Get your SemRush App Here!

Amazon Keyword Research Tool is a tool used to find relevant keywords for your product or service. You can use this tool to find specific keywords and phrases, perform regular keyword research, or just see which words people are using in their searches on Amazon. Jana Krekic have always wanted for YLT Translations to provide the top results for your brands. That’s why her team only hire native translators that are trained for Amazon translations. Her team consists of around 80 native speakers, who take content and localize it to convert and engage in a seller’s target country. Each translator is well-versed in Amazon’s dynamic and ever-changing landscape, and can perform the keyword research and write the copy needed to improve conversions and engagement. What You'll Learn The State of eCommerce - What Does it Mean for the Keyword Research Tool? Why are These Keyword Tools So Popular? What's Really Going on Behind the Scenes? The Amazon Keyword Research Tool is H10. Using H10 and Data Drive Tool to maximize nice research The Amazon Keyword Research Tool has limitations and can't answer every question. In this episode, Jana will demonstrate some of the limitations of the Amazon keyword research tool. Resources Find out more about Helium10! Get your SemRush App Here!

The Live-Selling wars are heating up like never before. In recent months Amazon has doubled down on it’s push to make e-commerce a live event by offering it’s LiveStream App, and Nordstrom has launched it’s own live-stream channel. In this episode we discuss how to leverage this new opportunity to sell more goods with 3 quick tips. What you’ll learn The basic selling formula. How Amazon and QVC are going head-to-head How Streamyard can power your live selling efforts. How to make on-screen text overlays for live selling using Canva. 3 Proven ways to hook a viewer at the start of your live-selling video Resources for product development https://www.amazon.com/live www.streamyard.com www.canva.com Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Chris started his career in CPG, having worked for companies ranging between 20-500MM as a Sales & Marketing Executive. Leveraging his experience, he has consulted all types of digital and omni channel brands. As a co-founder of Global Wired Advisors, they have closed over $1 Billion in transactions. What You'll Learn A history with Yoni from Escala and Multiply Mii called with an idea The 4 Areas that they help with a brand : Capital, Product, Marketing and Target businesses What target business does GWA offers The parties involved with GWA The aim of GWA is to sell the best strategic fit. Finding the Opportunity to “Really become a brand” Resources Apply now for a Consultation with SouthCol!

Chris started his career in CPG, having worked for companies ranging between 20-500MM as a Sales & Marketing Executive. Leveraging his experience, he has consulted all types of digital and omni channel brands. As a co-founder of Global Wired Advisors, they have closed over $1 Billion in transactions. What You'll Learn Who are global wired advisors? Understanding the difference between Bankers and Brokers What is going on with Amazon Aggregators? What should business owners do? Should business owners sell now? Chris shares his two cents on selling. Should you sell now in this environment? Resources Apply now for a Consultation with SouthCol!

Adding a new e-commerce team member doesn’t have to be hard. There are 3 areas to cover when you’re bringing on your new person – and in this 2nd part of our 2-part conversation, we’re going to cover dig into the final details. What You'll Learn The 1st and 2nd Core areas of onboarding for new team members – and how to get them right. Tech Tools & Processes that help make onboarding easy. Tools Slack Asana Chromecast Monday Transferwise Paypal Zoom

Born in Vancouver, BC. Lives in Boise, Idaho. Trent is a serial entrepreneur, the founder of Flowster.app and a complete nerd when it comes to creating scalable business processes. Prior to starting Flowster, Trent was the host of the long-running Bright Ideas podcast where he spent over a decade interviewing successful founders. In addition to being CEO of Flowster, Trent is also the founder of a digital agency that ranked #254 and #622 on the Inc 5000 in 2019 and 2020. Profit Magazine named Trent’s first company as one of Canada’s PROFIT 100 fastest growing companies for two years in a row before he sold it in 2008. Business in Vancouver magazine named Trent a Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur. What You'll Learn The power of using a VA How to hire and onboard a virtual assistant Ask people to do tasks that they have done before You can work with people on ways to save money on the front end so you can pay them more Resources Here Find out more about Flowster Here!

Born in Vancouver, BC. Lives in Boise, Idaho. Trent is a serial entrepreneur, the founder of Flowster.app and a complete nerd when it comes to creating scalable business processes. Prior to starting Flowster, Trent was the host of the long-running Bright Ideas podcast where he spent over a decade interviewing successful founders. In addition to being CEO of Flowster, Trent is also the founder of a digital agency that ranked #254 and #622 on the Inc 5000 in 2019 and 2020. Profit Magazine named Trent’s first company as one of Canada’s PROFIT 100 fastest growing companies for two years in a row before he sold it in 2008. Business in Vancouver magazine named Trent a Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur. What You'll Learn Why you need an SOP When do you need an SOP Checklist for when you need an SOP What should You tackle first? How to create an SOP How to make an SOP for something you haven’t done before, How to keep up to date How to share with team Easy way to run and grow your business Resources Here Find out more about Flowster Here!

Adding a new e-commerce team member doesn’t have to be hard. There are 3 areas to cover when you’re bringing on your new person – and in this 2-part episode we’re going to explore the initial details. What you’ll learn The 1st and 2nd Core areas of onboarding for new team members – and how to get them right. Tech Tools & Processes that help make onboarding easy. Tools Skype Chat Google Docs Zoom Airtable Daily Email/Template Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Let's face it. Insurance isn't something that most of us get excited about. When you sell on Amazon, it's not usually your top of mind worry either. But maybe it should be. Getting your account suspended because you don’t meet Amazon seller insurance requirements is no joke. If you get it wrong, it can be a bigger issue than you might realise. With recent changes like the one on the .com platform around deductibles, or Issues with recalls, we need to be more aware than most of us are about the details of Amazon selling insurance. Luckily today's guest, Ashlin Hadden, is perfectly placed to guide us through these rapids. With a professional advisor and proper insurance in place, you’re doing what all professional business owners should: protecting your business. What You’ll Learn The requirements for selling on the .COM platform. Do other companies outside US, sue as much as US? Understanding the price of having a premium product A list items to stay away from unless ROI is great Resources Get Your Sample Insurance Policy here! For more information about Ashlin you can check her out on their website.

Every decent Amazon seller knows that getting great images is really vital for their Amazon listing. That is absolutely true. They also know that hiring a great photographer or image professional is critical. Sadly, when it comes to communications, many Amazon sellers snatch defeat from the jaws of victory! Creating a great brief for your image pro's is vital -hence today's show with our expert, Daisi Sepulveda. What You'll Learn Making a Brief for an eCommerce Video Content Creator Resources Here UGC Guide and Course Use the Promo Code : AMAZINGFBA20 for a Discounted Price for MyProductModel

Tip Of The Week: How do you improve your e-commerce conversion rate? Start by looking at your mobile usage stats. In this tip Jason shows how to use free tools to examine and then improve your mobile e-commcere conversion rate. We show you how using a simple tool in this weeks

Every decent Amazon seller knows that getting great images is really vital for their Amazon listing. That is absolutely true. They also know that hiring a great photographer or image professional is critical. Sadly, when it comes to communications, many Amazon sellers snatch defeat from the jaws of victory! Creating a great brief for your image pro's is vital -hence today's show with our expert, Daisi Sepulveda. What You'll Learn The Importance of Having a Brief The several ways to collect user-generated content and use it to build your brand. How Daist integrated UGC service into myproductmodel Resources Here UGC Guide and Course Use the Promo Code : AMAZINGFBA20 for a Discounted Price for MyProductModel

Daisi is a “Modelpreneur” – former Miss Jamaica, Founder of My product Model.com which is an agency for eCommerce entrepreneurs to get incredible photography; also the founder of “Brazen Influencers”, an agency that links eCommerce sellers and influencers. What You'll Learn How to understand User Generated Content What is UGC How do you use UGC? You can use UGC in so many ways! How to encourage UGC What makes a good UGC image? Using UGC in your ad creatives Resources Here UGC Guide and Course Use the Promo Code : AMAZINGFBA20 for a Discounted Price for MyProductModel

Return-On-Investment (ROI) concepts applied to e-commerce – is one of our e-commerce 1st principles. In this 2-part episode we’re going to discuss 3 ROI super-strategies to help you clarify your approach to ROI thinking, and scale up your online selling business. What you’ll learn 3 ROI Super-Strategies To Help You Scale Your Business Vital Questions For ROI Thinking For E-commerce Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Ah team building! The mythic solution to all our problems! The problem is of course that this is not only not easy, it's new to most solopreneurs. Even those with substantial teams in UK or USA etc. (Home country) have a steep learning curve when it comes to remote hiring and managing. Luckily today's guest, Mina Elias, has been hiring a remote team at great speed! So he's here to share how to crack this particular nut... What You’ll Learn When you have to work from home, things can get hectic. To make sure you aren’t missing out on anything, here are some tips on how to manage remotely and still keep up with your routine. The tools used by Mina when it comes to managing his team Workflow and SOPs by Mina You can keep on track with these tools and steps to help you achieve goals. How to become a GOAL manager not a TASK manager Mina's Corporate Structure : “You Will Do Whatever It Takes”

Ah team building! The mythic solution to all our problems! The problem is of course that this is not only not easy, it's new to most solopreneurs. Even those with substantial teams in UK or USA etc. (Home country) have a steep learning curve when it comes to remote hiring and managing. Luckily today's guest, Mina Elias, has been hiring a remote team at great speed! So he's here to share how to crack this particular nut... What You’ll Learn Taking it back to basics here - How Mina hired and onboarded my new project manager remotely. Hiring and onboarding people remotely is no longer a gimmicky idea. It’s a must-have for growing your business. Hiring and onboarding can be a difficult process, especially if you are trying to do it remotely or with large teams. Mina will share some tips for hiring and onboarding your team. We've got the answers you need to save time and money, hire and onboard remotely. If you’re a full time employee of your company and Amazon is a side hustle, take some of your salary and put some towards an employee for Amazon business. Better Beginner Process with Mina Mina talks about his thoughts on CV and why CVs are not effective during the hiring process. The 16- Personality test is a great way to get an accurate read on your personality and work style.

Return-On-Investment (ROI) concepts applied to e-commerce – is one of our e-commerce 1st principles. In this 2-part episode we’re going to discuss 3 ROI super-strategies to help you clarify your approach to ROI thinking, and scale up your online selling business. What you’ll learn 3 ROI Super-Strategies To Help You Scale Your Business Vital Questions For ROI Thinking For E-commerce Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Germany is still Amazon's second biggest marketplace by value in the world, beating the UK and Japan. It's a great opportunity for many sellers to sell there. However... UK, American, Australian Amazon Sellers - or any other non-European sellers - struggle to export to the EU. Whether it's VAT, customs or other red tape, it's often confusing and frustrating. For UK sellers, Brexit has been a brutal experience. From being able to sell effortlessly, we’ve had to learn to jump through ever-changing hoops. Step forward Avask. Used by several 10K Collective mastermind members, they are tried and trusted experts in solving these problems - and getting us access to those lucrative European markets! What You'll Learn Understanding the shipping polices in Germany The cause and effects of engaging with German customs The Alternatives : UK to Netherlands Discover the EPRs for UK-Based People Other things other than VAT and indirect rep do we need in place Get In Touch Find Out More About Avask More info about exports Book A Call with Jacob

Germany is still Amazon's second biggest marketplace by value in the world, beating the UK and Japan. It's a great opportunity for many sellers to sell there. However... UK, American, Australian Amazon Sellers - or any other non-European sellers - struggle to export to the EU. Whether it's VAT, customs or other red tape, it's often confusing and frustrating. For UK sellers, Brexit has been a brutal experience. From being able to sell effortlessly, we’ve had to learn to jump through ever-changing hoops. Step forward Avask. Used by several 10K Collective mastermind members, they are tried and trusted experts in solving these problems - and getting us access to those lucrative European markets! What You'll Learn The benefits of considering shipping to non-European sellers The common misconceptions of of shipping How to approach European markets Start with UK and Expand to other places, why is it the best option You need someone for customs to clear shipping Get In Touch More info about exports Book A Call with Jacob

Instagram is incredibly hot! I’m honored to have written Instagram Power with McGraw Hill in 2014. Until then, we’ve written a little ebook for you – just as a starter tool. Simply follow us on Facebook Messenger and it’s all yours! Resources : Download the Ebook Here!

Bookkeepers and entrepreneurs sometimes feel like they speak separate languages! And many e-commerce sellers are not very familiar with hiring experts. So there are a few errors of communication it’s critical to watch out for as an eCommerce operator when hiring and communicating with a book-keeper Muddling up personal and business banking, not telling bookkeepers critical information; assuming bookkeepers know everything - these are some of the ways entrepreneurs shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to communicating with bookkeepers! But there are a few simple rules of thumb that Nathan and his team have developed to get much smoother communication! About Nathan Nathan Hirsch is a lifelong entrepreneur and currently the CEO of EcomBalance and Outsource School. Nathan is best known for co-founding FreeUp.net in 2015 with an initial $5,000 investment, scaling it to $12 million in yearly revenue, and having it acquired in 2019. Today, he leads EcomBalance, an online bookkeeping service for eCommerce and digital businesses, and Outsource School, a membership teaching business owners how to hire effectively online. Nathan has appeared on 400+ podcasts, is a social media personality. Him and his wife live in Denver, Colorado with his two dogs where they are foster parents. What You’ll Learn Why a kick-off call matters with your book keeper and what you should cover in it Why the first 30 days is critical and what needs to happen during that period Why sharing your key metrics is so important How assumptions can damage communications How to deal with large purchases How to make sure your tax accounts tie in with your book keeping Resources Get Your PDF Files from Nathan Hirsch here! Join Today and Get 2 Free Months!

There's a saying "it's not the things you don't know that hurt you; it's the things you think you do know and are wrong! Bookkeeping is one of the areas in which I see e-commerce sellers messing up the most in my client work. Many people simply ignore the numbers, which is a bit frightening. Other people, however, I think they're doing things the right way but they are in fact not! And that is possibly the most dangerous of all. Join Nathan Hirsch of ecombalance to find those errors and how to work with a book-keeper to correct them! About Nathan Nathan Hirsch is a lifelong entrepreneur and currently the CEO of EcomBalance and Outsource School. Nathan is best known for co-founding FreeUp.net in 2015 with an initial $5,000 investment, scaling it to $12 million in yearly revenue, and having it acquired in 2019. Today, he leads EcomBalance, an online bookkeeping service for eCommerce and digital businesses, and Outsource School, a membership teaching business owners how to hire effectively online. Nathan has appeared on 400+ podcasts, is a social media personality. Him and his wife live in Denver, Colorado with his two dogs where they are foster parents. What You’ll Learn Why there is no situation where you should do your own books as an entrepreneur Why doing your books yourself badly may cost you more than hiring a book keeper! What tools to avoid in book-keeping The only 2 recommended book-keeping software systems Why cash basis accounting is a big error for ecommerce businesses What the key document is that you and your book keeper need to understand The 3 things you can’t avoid paying for when you start in business Resources Get Your PDF Files from Nathan Hirsch here! Join Today and Get 2 Free Months!

In this week’s video Kyle and I discuss Shiny Object Syndrome. Why it happens, but also when and how to use it to your advantage to grow your business! Of course we also share tips for how to avoid it when it’s hurting you.

Many of my big seller friends in the UK made millions of pounds and Euros before Brexit. Same is true for the 7-figure clients in my mastermind. But after Brexit, many went from €1 million or more a year in Europe to a handful of Euros. It's been a painful road back for some of us. So is selling into Amazon Europe still viable? And if most of your stock is in the UK to start with, how do we cross the EU barrier? There seem to be so many issues. Between VAT registration, "indirect representatives", and customs declarations, it can seem very intimidating. Add in the vagaries of the German and French governments and it can feel like it's not worthwhile. There are two reasons to rethink this position. Let's look at the opportunity first. Firstly, the size of the opportunity is bigger than ever. The pandemic boosted sales in Germany as it did in all Amazon marketplace. Relative to other marketplaces, Germany is the 2nd biggest in the world. Relative to its own size 2 or 3 years ago, it's huge. Either way, it's a huge market. Secondly, if you're facing barriers, so are your competitors. If you can solve this problem, you face much lower competition than you would in equivalent UK or US markets. But what about all those niggly problems? Luckily, all is not as bad as it seems. For starters, companies exist that specialise in solving exactly this kind of problem. Companies like Global Ecomm Experts in fact! Then also, the practices have been stabilising between the UK and EU. Plus, some countries are easier to deal with than others. Find the smoother path into Europe via those countries, and it all becomes much more doable. What You'll Learn Understanding the Pre-Brexit and Post-Brexit economy The current situation and how this will benefit your business What's the next step, Post-Brexit? Customs and the importance of having an Indirect Rep The best way to scale your brand! The complications of EFN Resources Get in touch with Global Ecommerce Experts Connect with Andy Hooper

Selling in Europe has been a goal for many Amazon sellers. Whether you're based in UK or USA it's always a siren call. But is it worth the hassle? Many of my big seller friends in the UK made millions of pounds and Euros before Brexit. Same is true for the 7-figure clients in my mastermind. But about post Brexit? Is it still viable? There seem to be so many issues. Between VAT registration, "indirect representatives", and customs declarations, it can seem very intimidating. Add in the vagaries of the German government and it can feel like it's not worthwhile. If that's how you feel, it's worth thinking again. For starters, Amazon Germany and Amazon UK together account for well over 2/3 of all European Amazon sales. And with German sales being even bigger than UK ones, they are problems worth solving. Particularly as you're not the only seller facing these problems. And on the other side of barriers to entry are: less competitive markets! We talk to the specialist in solving these issues, Andy Hooper of Global Ecommerce Experts. What You'll Learn The opportunities of selling Amazon in Europe The benefits of expanding your market to Europe The main reason why people are scared in selling in Europe Understand VAT Compliance and get yourself ahead with your competition Finding the common red tape issues The benefits of being an entrepreneur instead of a shipping agent The pains of shipping in some areas in Europe Resources Get in touch with Global Ecommerce Experts Connect with Andy Hooper

In this video we discuss how you can set up and run a membership program on a Shopify website. We share details about our program and explain the benefits of the model.

Today we will continue with Off-Amazon PPC and Amazon Attribution with Hai Mag and it's marketing value to your business. Amazon Advertising is a mixed blessing at the best of times. On the one hand - pull the lever and the traffic comes (most of the time anyway!). On the other - not only does it cost a good % of your revenue - but the price keeps going up for ads! Now add in a recession - and what should we be doing to grow our Amazon PL businesses? To discuss this and more, Hai Mag from Eva joins us. With many large PL clients using their service to manage Amazon PPC, they have the inside track on the data! What You’ll Learn Find out how to increase your profits from 5% to 20%! How to maximize your profit from pricing. Discover the things that improve profit, such as using reimbursements Resources Get Your Reimbursement Repricing and Stock Management Free PPC Audit + Account Audit + Market Share Analysis

Amazon Advertising is a mixed blessing at the best of times. On the one hand - pull the lever and the traffic comes (most of the time anyway!). On the other - not only does it cost a good % of your revenue - but the price keeps going up for ads! Now add in a recession - and what should we be doing to grow our Amazon PL businesses? To discuss this and more, Hai Mag from Eva joins us. With many large PL clients using their service to manage Amazon PPC, they have the inside track on the data! What You’ll Learn Understanding a recession and how to leverage it to your advantage! What you should do is build a data-driven strategy with your partners, Hai's two cents on increasing your business The Small and Big Data how does this affect your business? How to find holistic target competitors. What to do with the boutique agencies? Resources Get Your Reimbursement Repricing and Stock Management Free PPC Audit + Account Audit + Market Share Analysis

Running an e-commerce business in an economic downturn can present intense challenges. Some businesses will thrive & grow. Others will struggle. Of course, we all want to survive. And if possible, thrive. That means we have to prepare ourselves to defend against a downturn. To defend against a downturn, we must first all determine if we are yet in one. So first of all, we must figure out where we are at in an economic cycle. That's actually extremely hard to a degree. And a personal judgement call. Nonetheless, one we have to make. Next, we need to be prepared in advance. Trying to sort this out on the fly is a bad plan for several reasons. One is that we won't be able to handle the workload and stress. The second is that our competitors will be after the same resources at the same time. We need to think through a downturn optimal product strategy (physical vs digital). We also need to have a downturn optimal pricing strategy. These are some of the many thoughts we explored in today's discussion. In this episode, we share 10 principles you can use to survive and thrive. What you’ll learn 10 Principles for surviving and thriving in a down economy Why Productive Paranoia helped Bill Gates thrive in difficult times Why you should probably cut a lot of your physical product lines How the Star Principle applies and more importantly, when to use it What your product mix is and how to optimise it for a downturn The right time to push for market share! The big opportunity that comes from running your business well, while others start to fail The importance of timing your moves Resources The Star Principle, Book by Richard Koch Pixie Faire, Jason and Cinnamon’s primary business Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Business loan for ecommerce is the main topic for this episode and Stephen will share his insights and help you increase the size of the business you can possible acquire! Debt. The word has so many negative connotations and yet - used wisely - it can be a key to making the operations of your ecom business work. But debt can also to fund the acquisition of a business - or enable your business to be sold using debt. Why would you even consider doing this? And What is the difference between financing for exit vs for operations? Today's expert guest, Stephen Speer, answers this and more. Stephen is a 28-year veteran of funding and His lending career spans over 28 years. His company, eCommerce Lending Inc, has funded over $300 million in online business acquisition loans. What You’ll Learn How to use the “Plug and play angle” that would benefit you from your competition! Stephen shares his thoughts on how he does his deals and how it benefited him (This section has some details you might want to look out!) Do you see yourself as an aggregator or someone that just acquire business, leverage where you stand on both sides! Freebies Book a consultation with Stephen Speer at here

This week we mix it up and share a special list Michael’s prepared after interviewing over 500 Amazon sellers. It’s a list of 10 powerful business concepts from top Amazon experts. So join us as we share the best of the best. What you’ll learn 10 powerful business concepts from over 500 episodes of the amazingfba podcast. Links to Amazing FBA Podcast interviews mentioned The Amazon Jungle with Rick Cesari and Jason Boyce PL cf Wholesale sourcing with Dylan Frost of The Wholesale Formula How to choose products for amazon private label with Kevin king Stephen Somers on Product Research for Amazon (from Marketplace Superheroes) Inventory management ecommerce with Marvin Harris of Ovalz Amazon Fulfilment Problems (and solutions) with Will Tjernlund of Goat Consulting Daisi Jo Pollard Sepulveda on models in product photography Ecommerce Business Processes with Dillon Carter of Vendrive CRM e commerce trends 2021 with Dylan Frost of The Wholesale Formula Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Amazon inventory management doesn’t sound very sexy. Sadly, it’s not just necessary. It's critical. The great news is this: get this right and you can improve everything you care about as an entrepreneur. It can actually transform your business. Especially its cash flow and profitability. If those aren't sexy words to you yet, they should be! Cash flow keeps you in business. And profit enables you not only to pay yourself. It creates 100% of the value in your business! Why it's important to get right Amazon inventory management right All systems selling products need to manage inventory well. Certainly, that's especially true for physical products. The sheer sales velocity on Amazon makes inventory management particularly critical on Amazon. It's a classic case of balance sheet management. You can make the same sales with lower working capital. That's less money invested. You can have stronger cashflow. Meaning it's safer. In addition, you can also make more sales. A LOT more sales. AND more profits! There are HUGE wins to be got from this. Nailing Amazon seller central inventory management is mission critical. What can go wrong with Amazon inventory management But what happens if you get it wrong? Why does it matter so much? Well, there are two big potential pitfalls. The first is having overstock inventory [internal link]. The second is having Amazon out of stock [internal link]. Both have serious consequences. Overstock inventory means... If you're overstocked, you'll get a ton of issues. That's kind of easier to understand than being out of stock but worth listing here. First of all, you'll end up tying up a lot more cash in inventory than you need. That has many bad effects: The working capital [kw research then internal link?] needed for a product line shoots up. If you're already importing from abroad, that number may become huge fast . Cash can crater to low levels. You may have to borrow more [do kw research then internal link], increasing your costs as you pay interest It will stop you redeploying that capital to start a new product line It's not an efficient part of your business. That makes your business as a whole less lendable. It makes your business less sellable and less desirable. Being out of stock. What's badly misunderstood is the danger of being out of stock. The reason is simple. Those losses don't show up in any kind of financial document. Even so, the loss is real. And it's often huge. Carrying insufficient quantities of inventory on hand [internal link] is worse than it sounds. It can lead to many cash flow issues, including: Weeks (or months) of zero profit Zero cashflow from those products while out of stock. Giving your competitors sales you could have had Giving your competitors market share which may be hard to regain Losing Amazon keyword ranking which you may not get back Lower growth for your business Lost future value of your business How to forecast inventory This is not a quick win if you insist on doing this yourself! That's why I spent so long telling you how important it is. You're either going to end spending a few hours a week on it yourself. Or you'll hire someone competent and pay good money. Or you'll use some high-quality software system. There's no short cut. But That said, it does depend where you are at with your business growth. The size of your business makes a difference. How to restock inventory for Early stage Amazon businesses Early stage businesses with under $3000 a month in sales may need to do manual stock management. In essence, you're deciding - when to restock inventory into which part of your supply chain - how much stock to get or move. Factors in inventory organization There are a few important factors in good Amazon inventory management: inventory organization [int link] and stock tracking how to forecast sales using historical data [internal link]

Debt. The word has so many negative connotations and yet - used wisely - it can be a key to making the operations of your ecommerce business work. But exit financing for ecommerce - aka using debt to sell your business - is a great way to sell your business for more money! But debt can also to fund the acquisition of a business - or enable your business to be sold using debt. Why would you even consider doing this? And What is the difference between financing for exit vs for operations? Today's expert guest, Stephen Speer, answers this and more. He specialises in exit financing for ecommerce businesses. Stephen is a 28-year veteran of funding and his lending career spans over 28 years. His company, eCommerce Lending Inc, has funded over $300 million in online business acquisition loans. What You’ll Learn The definition of exit financing for e-commerce and its value to you The difference between financing for exit vs for operations understanding this can make or break your business! Add value to your business through understanding the importance of maximizing your value when you exit. The reason why you, the seller, should be organizing the finance and not someone else! (Hint: You can leverage your price!) Does the size of your business qualify for this? The Pros and Cons of Exit Financing, find out if this suits you! Freebies Book a consultation with Stephen Speer at here

This week we mix it up and share a special list Michael’s prepared after interviewing over 500 Amazon sellers. It’s a list of 10 powerful business concepts from top Amazon experts. So join us as we share the best of the best. What you’ll learn 10 powerful business concepts from over 500 episodes of the amazingfba podcast. Links to Amazing FBA Podcast interviews mentioned The Amazon Jungle with Rick Cesari and Jason Boyce PL cf Wholesale sourcing with Dylan Frost of The Wholesale Formula How to choose products for amazon private label with Kevin king Stephen Somers on Product Research for Amazon (from Marketplace Superheroes) Inventory management ecommerce with Marvin Harris of Ovalz Amazon Fulfilment Problems (and solutions) with Will Tjernlund of Goat Consulting Daisi Jo Pollard Sepulveda on models in product photography Ecommerce Business Processes with Dillon Carter of Vendrive CRM e commerce trends 2021 with Dylan Frost of The Wholesale Formula Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Amazon repricing is the act of changing the sales prices of Amazon products multiple times. A common aim is to maximise the profit made over a given period. And that's what this series is all about: maximising your profits on Amazon. Amazon repricing - why this matters Most sellers - the vast majority in my experience - have rigid Amazon pricing. Here are some knock-on effects: Effects of Pricing too low on Amazon 1. You'll run out of stock more quickly...Usually of your best-selling products! 2. Weeks (months?)of zero cashflow and Zero profit while out of stock. 3. leaving profit on the table 4. no presence on Amazon while out of stock 5. Handing market share and sales to competitors 6. it can be hard to rank again when back in stock Effects of pricing too high on Amazon 1. Low sales velocity - which ties up a ton of cash. 2. Lower ranking, which can be hard to regain. Which in turn leads to lower visibility...and lower sales 3. You can lose the buy box – and sales - to your competition! (and YES - that IS a thing for PL sellers, not just resellers) 4. Slow-moving stock in FBA incurs inbound stock limits. That’s a peak season nightmare! Selling more units is the hardest way to drive more profits. Small pricing changes can drive BIG profits. The power of Amazon repricing to drive profits Say your product sells at $20 for a $4 profit. Increase the sales price by just 10% to $22, (assuming costs stay the same), and you get an extra $2 profit. That's a FIFTY % increase in profits - for just a TEN % increase in price! This applies across all categories: Health or supplements; home & kitchen; sports and outdoors, pet care... you name it. The 3 main Amazon repricing options Repricing Option 1: manual repricing One mastermind member employed a full-time member of staff to do their repricing. Granted, they had over 2000 product lines. This is nonetheless an expensive, difficult way of doing things! Apart from the expense, it means you can only practically reprice products once a week with a large catalogue (say over 1000 SKUs) at most. With a small catalogue, say 10-100 SKUs, there is still a practical limit of daily adjustments. Humans also have a bad habit of changing prices abruptly in substantial amounts. To be fair to humans, this is partly because of the low frequency of changes, meaning they need to be bigger when they happen. But it's very unwise. Amazon's algorithm can remove the buy box from even private label sellers, for repeated movements of over 1-2% of the price. For most products around the $20 price mark, that means movements of even 25-50 cents could trigger problems. (Oh and losing the buy box means losing 80% of sales - not good!) Repricing Option 2: using a Rules-based repricer Manual repricing is impractical so it has to be (90%) automated. For resellers (RA, wholesale etc) the traditional solution has been a rules-based automated system. But that's primitive - often winning sales but losing profits! Also, it just doesn’t account for your stock level! Why obsess over winning the buy box when going out of stock is usually the single biggest hit to your profits? What you need is a system that integrates repricing and stock levels. That understands the dynamics of Amazon and changes actions based on results. Repricing Option 3: Intelligent repricers Intelligent repricing for private label gives you the biggest and quickest extra profits. That breaks down into two parts: 1. repricing: this means adjusting product prices daily, in tiny steps. So it won’t annoy Amazon or customers - or start price wars with competitors. 2. “Intelligent” means NOT rules-based; It learns from experience. If you set a certain profit aim, it will adjust over time, to get that profit. Costs for such systems are also less than 1/10 the cost of hiring people to do this job.

So many Amazon business owners these days are very focused on selling the business. And rightly so. With values of over $1 Million for a business that could be just 3-4 years old, and with 60%+ of ALL the money you EVER make from your business coming at exit, it makes total sense! But what happens if you're successful? Like the dog that caught the car, you need to know what to do if you actually achieve the dream? What do people actually do with their lives and money? Well, Ben Leonard sold a private label Amazon-focused business for 7 figures within just 3 years of starting. He shares with us some of his experiences of life after Exit. What You’ll Learn What Ben did after selling his business - inspired by the book “Hero on a Mission” by Donald Miller How the book influenced Ben to exit and sell his business. After the exit sell, Ben invested on other ventures with his money. The importance of talking with an expert when selling your business. Freebies Get your free consultation with Ben Leonard Find out more abouts Ecom Brokers

In this week’s video Kyle and I behind the scenes as we discuss a rebranding project we did for our Shopify project, www.thehappygardeninglife.com We describe the project, how we got it built in less than two weeks, how we migrated it over to the new name and URL and the WHY behind the site structure and style.

"In the mundane act of naming a price, we translate the desires of our hearts into the public language of numbers. That turns out to be a surprisingly tricky process." William Poundstone Why Pricing Strategy Matters in e-commerce So let's talk about this. First of all, why does this even matter? More than ever, e-commerce entrepreneurs have had crazy rises in costs. Whether it's shipping or raw material costs, they have shot up. Amazon ads costs have also gone up across the board. At least 50% year-on-year increase in Amazon ad costs. Focussing on Amazon pricing and how it drives profits, the maths is pretty simple. Let's come back to more mundane math that we can all grasp, but overlook, which is this: If you have a $20 product, which has say a 20% profit margin, that means if you're good at math, you are making $4 in profits. Let's say you increase the price by 10%. Let's say also you can maintain that price and keep your other costs the same. Well, guess what? Your profit has increased from four to $6. Yes, that isn't a dramatic amount in absolute terms. But, it's a 50% increase in profit for a mere 10% increase in price. Can I just increase my price on Amazon? Now, can you just increase your price by 10%? Well, that's an interesting question. Isn't it? In some cases, the answer is - yes, more than you might think! In those cases, this maths has got huge power. It goes straight to your gross profit line. Not only is it not abstract, but it's not a casual matter. This drives huge amounts of profit if you get it right. That's why it's a subject worthy of serious consideration. And of intense action. Price Sensitivity - a key part of Amazon Pricing Strategy (it's not always what you think!) So one concept I want to talk about is price sensitivity. We all as sellers tend to assume that all products are very price-sensitive on Amazon. At least most people I've ever worked with or spoken with. Back in the day myself, I've done that as well.But in the 10 K collective mastermind, we've found a different reality on the ground. 3 product categories of price sensitivity Learning how price sensitive your products are is a critical piece of your Amazon pricing strategy. But it's a bit more subtle than that. From the mastermind, it seems that three categories have emerged of price sensitivity on Amazon. 1. Price-sensitive products First of all, some products are indeed quite price sensitive. So if you raise your price and the competitors keep theirs, then you find that the sales drop off. And if you raise your price a lot, they drop off a great deal. Sometimes it's caused by the competitors lowering their prices. Sometimes that kicks off a price war. Of course, we're all incredibly familiar with that. However, there are new forces coming into play now. Sometimes you and the competition might keep prices the same but still see price sensitivity. Consumers become more price-sensitive because they feel under financial pressure. That's a very strong trend and set to continue. For the foreseeable future in mid-2022, they will be feeling the effects of inflation. Who knows what comes next? We already have inflation. A recession may well be to come, probably with rising unemployment to follow. All of these reduce consumers' purchasing power. So with all that at play, that sounds like the mundane boring and rather depressing reality of the normal price sensitivity. 2. Price insensitive products However, some of the more savvy members of the mastermind have discovered some products are quite price insensitive. That is to say, you can raise the price quite a significant amount before demand drops. That's a dramatically powerful discovery! And thus a key part of Amazon pricing strategy. So you raise your price by 10% and you maybe increase your profits anywhere, depending on your profit margin From 30% to 50 per cent or more...

So many Amazon business owners these days are very focused on selling the business. And rightly so. With values of over $1 Million for a business that could be just 3-4 years old, and with 60%+ of ALL the money you EVER make from your business coming at exit, it makes total sense! But what happens if you're successful? Like the dog that caught the car, you need to know what to do if you actually achieve the dream? What do people actually do with their lives and money? Well, Ben Leonard sold a private label Amazon-focused business for 7 figures within just 3 years of starting. He shares with us some of his experiences of life after Exit. What You’ll Learn A brief overview of Ben and his background How Ben started his journey on Ecommerce The reason for selling the brand - a methodical approach from Ben Timing is crucial when selling a brand based on Ben's Experience The process of selling your business The drawbacks of actually selling your business Freebies Get your free consultation with Ben Leonard Find out more abouts Ecom Brokers

“Private Label” has been a buzzword in e-commerce for several years. But what does it mean for Amazon sellers in 2022? Well, private label product development is a key part of the picture. So, how do we beat the competition? And stay ahead of them too? On Amazon, one question stands out. How do we make our products different from the competition? Simply this: the key is never to compete only on price. Get this wrong and at most, you’ll make empty sales. Sadly, that usually means no profits and probably a loss. Get this right and you have a chance to make sustainable profits. Amazon private label product development is the key to success. Without a differentiated product, marketing has no chance. With one, it has a flying start. Then marketing's job is to explain those differences clearly. In this 3rd episode on this topic, we dive further into Michael’s principles for product development. What you’ll learn Why talking to users while developing your product is critical Why scaling issues should NOT be your focus at the start of a new project, business or product The multiple upsides of quick iterations Why low MOQ beats capacity to scale when sourcing Why mentality matters and how it changes everything else What iterating is and why it’s so critical How “failing fast” is the fastest way to finding what works Related pages 12 Principles of Product Development Part 1 12 Principles of Product Development Part 2 Resources Mentioned Kickstarter – crowdfunding site for startups/new products Ycombinator – co-founded by Paul Graham (company motto: “Make something people want”) The Corridor Principle – Robert Ronstadt E-commerce and Business Books Mentioned Tom Peters: In search of Excellence – (UK Amazon) Jim Collins: Great by Choice – (UK Amazon) Steve Anderson: The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazon – (UK Amazon link)

Maximising your Amazon Profits Profit Maximisation on Amazon has always been a nice to have. In the current tough economic times, it’s become a must-have. Is it the 1970s again? In the current climate of global economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever for ecommerce businesses to focus on profit maximisation. With inflation on the rise in both the UK and the US, and recent reports of strikes and walkouts in both countries, the need to maximize profits has never been more apparent. Here are some of the 1970s resonances: Oil price shocks due to war UK, esp US Inflation edging into double digits (currently 9+% annually in UK) Strikes: nationwide train strikes in UK (biggest since 1989) ( RMT union members voted to strike after their demand for a 7% pay rise was rejected in favour of a 3% offer) London Tube (Underground aka subway) multiple strikes staff at British Airways voted for a walkout again over pay USA: Strikes by Southwest Airlines pilots Why does profit maximisation matter? While it is important to increase revenue, this should not be done at the expense of profit. In fact, in difficult economic times it is even more important to focus on profit maximization. This is because profit is the best source of cash flow, and cash flow is the most important factor for business survival. Businesses without profits have little to no value. This is because profits are essential for businesses to grow and be successful. Finally, businesses without profits mean you can't pay yourself! How to increase your Amazon profits There are a number of ways to maximize profits, but one of the most important is pricing. Pricing matters pricing is a key factor in ensuring that your product is profitable. It is also important to understand how branding can impact your conversion rate and the price you can charge for your product. Business Model Another important factor to consider is the private label/custom business model. This is a model where businesses create their own products and sell them under their own brand. This can be a great way to maximize profits, but it is important to understand the limitations of this model. Clear financial numbers The best way to maximize profits is to have a clear understanding of your financial numbers and to make informed decisions about your business. A mastermind or community can help you understand the reality of your business and your colleagues' businesses. There are quite a few things that need to be considered when selling a business, even for advanced sellers. Profit maximization is important, especially in uncertain times. Running a lean ship is key to maximizing profits. The Amazon Profit Killer Quiz can help you determine which factors are causing the biggest loss of profits in your business. Solutions to these problems will also be provided. If you want to learn more about how to be successful in the digital ecommerce marketplace, tune in to the next episode of the 10K Collective Podcast What’s coming up in this mini series on Profit Maximisation - Make the most revenue per unit - pricing and re pricing - Stay in stock - Stock control - See things coming, double down on what works, stop things that don’t - Profit/numbers clarity - Save wasted money, get ROI - Amazon ads - Get more sales per 100 visitors, & better price: Branding - Get YOUR cash out of Amazon - Reimbursement - Understand how you make profit, what you’re doing: Business models - Understanding what the PL biz model can and can’t do for you: Private label model clarity Diagnose Your Own Biggest Amazon Profit Killer Take our precision engineered assessment especially for 6-, 7- and 8-figure Amazon sellers to find out your own biggest Amazon Profit Killer - and what to do about it: www.amazonprofitquiz.com

Most Amazon sellers spend 95% of their time ranking their products on Amazon itself. Of course that’s a very very important thing to get right. But what if you could drive external traffic to your listing on Amazon? You could obliterate the competition - and they wouldn’t even know why! Of course, many sellers try highly involved things including social media influencers. And yes - although it’s a lot of work, done right it can give a big surge in traffic. The tragedy of this though is that the traffic may be impressive - but it’s a one-off. It’s a one-time traffic solution to an ongoing traffic problem. In other words, that isn’t really much of a solution to boosting your Amazon ranking. Instead, today Farzad Rashidi of Respona tells us simple but very powerful techniques to find exactly who to approach who can give you ongoing traffic. Traffic that can give you consistently increased sales, and boost your rankings each and every month. It turns out that it’s all much simpler than you might think! What You’ll Learn The simple ways to get Affiliate traffic for your Amazon Products How does everyone win when using on the Amazon A simple way to ID affiliates “listicle strategy” How to persuade bloggers to link to your DTC in order to get sales The Problem with Social media influencers are one-offs The Hidden Gem for Bloggers Freebies Get your free Respona outreach strategy hub here! Free demo with Farzad himself

“Private Label” has been a buzzword in e-commerce for several years. But what does it mean for Amazon sellers in 2022? Well, private label product development is a key part of the picture. So, how do we beat the competition? And stay ahead of them too? On Amazon, one question stands out. How do we make our products different from the competition? Simply this: the key is never to compete only on price. Get this wrong and at most, you’ll make empty sales. Sadly, that usually means no profits and probably a loss. Get this right and you have a chance to make sustainable profits. Amazon private label product development is the key to success. Without a differentiated product, marketing has no chance. With one, it has a flying start. Then marketing's job is to explain those differences clearly. In this 2nd of 3 episodes on this topic, we dive further into Michael’s principles for product development. What you’ll learn about private label product development What your “P & P” is and why it’s critical to differentiating your product Why talking to people matters so much. And why you DON’T talk about products initially Jason’s “12 Days of Christmas” campaign. How it gave them big insights into their customers’ buying patterns What “search intent” is and why it matters so much Why keyword research alone never creates differentiated products Why sourcing needs to be part of market selection Why local sourcing can be a super-smart sourcing strategy Related pages 12 Principles of Product Development Part 1 12 Principles of Product Development Part 3 Resources Mentioned www.Ruralhandmade.com – run by Konark Ogra www.Futurestatemedia.com – by Ashley Pearce 10K Collective Mastermind – run by Michael Avenue7media – Amazon Agency run by Jason Boyce E-commerce and Business Books Mentioned Ash Maurya: Running Lean (includes a chapter on the “Problem interview”) – (UK Amazon link) Richard Koch: The Star Principle – (UK Amazon Link) Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Amazon sellers obsess about how to get their own ecommerce site. There are excellent reasons why you’d want your own DTC (direct to consumer site) Amazon IS a nightmare at times. With Amazon Account Suspension, listing suspension and intellectual property violations all significant risks, it’s a wise move for risk diversification. And with Amazon ads costs going up all the time, it seems like it might even make financial sense. However. once you're off Amazon you're confronted with another challenge: How on earth do I get quality traffic to my site? And how do I get enough of it to make a real business? So many Amazon sellers have a Shopify or woocommerce site that does almost nothing. Others pay so much for traffic in paid ads that they can't make a profit. Most serious DTC owners know that SEO has to be the backbone of traffic. But how do we actually go about SEO in a way that works? Today we talk with Farzad Rashidi of Respona on exactly how to get that precious Google organic traffic in a way that’s doable for busy entrepreneurs. What You’ll Learn Find out what's the buzz all about with Respona The backstory of Farzad and how marketing paved way with Respona The value of Paid Ads Understanding the ins and out of Cold Out Reach Maximizing value with Cold Outreach Freebies Get your free "Recipe Book" for Outreach Traffic Tactics here! Your free demo with Farzad himself at https://respona.com

“Private Label” has been a buzzword in e-commerce for several years. But what does it mean for Amazon sellers in 2022? Well, private label product development is a key part of the picture. So, how do we beat the competition? And stay ahead of them too? On Amazon, one question stands out. How do we make our products different from the competition? Simply this: the key is never to compete only on price. Get this wrong and at most, you’ll make empty sales. Sadly, that usually means no profits and probably a loss. Get this right and you have a chance to make sustainable profits. Amazon private label product development is the key to success. Without a differentiated product, marketing has no chance. With one, it has a flying start. Then marketing's job is to explain those differences clearly. In this 1st of 3 episodes on this topic, we dive further into Michael’s principles for product development. What you’ll learn What modern Amazon sellers mean by “private label” Why “different is better than better” (Rick Cesari) What you must do…or loss money Why you must skate where the puck is going Why getting into a trend early is easier than going into an established market Why you must pick a fight you can win on Amazon! Related pages 12 Principles of Product Development Part 2 12 Principles of Product Development Part 3 Resources Mentioned Pixiefaire – Jason and Cinnamon’s dolls clothes patterns marketplace 10K Collective Mastermind – run by Michael E-commerce and Business Books Mentioned Jason Miles: Instagram Power – (UK Amazon Link) Rick Cesari and Jason Boyce: The Amazon Jungle – (UK Amazon Link) Dan Olsen: The Lean Product Playbook – (UK Amazon Link) Ash Ali: Your Unfair Advantage Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

We spend so much time as Amazon sellers stressing about how to get OFF Amazon. No wonder. Between Amazon's iron grip on customer data, the fact they showcase our competition to "our" shoppers/prospective customers and of course...the dreaded suspension email... we all have solid aspirations to develop our own independent sales channels. The reality however is often a damp squib. So many Amazon sellers I know have a Shopify or woocommerce site that does almost nothing. A few I know make a few % of revenue from their DTC site - but with almost no profit! So how do we make this work in reality? Well one thing is to make use of all the incredible hard work we’ve already done on product research, design, development and supplier sourcing. Supply chains are hard things to make work at the best of times - especially these days! But if you’ve already done that work, leveraging your existing catalogue onto your own Direct to Consumer (DTC) site turns out to be surprisingly doable. Listen to Robert, ecommerce veteran of over two decades, as he talks through how to make this work successfully. What You’ll Learn How to start with a business case and work backwards to an excel sheet to utilize your product Catalogue inventory Different methods when it comes to tracking your product inventory The advantages of having a DTC Platform when it comes to serving it as your order and stock management system Resources More info about Ironplane here For more information about Robert Giovannini check him here

The Welcome Email Series is a powerful way to automate email marketing. In this video we discuss 4 elements that need to be in your email welcome series.

We spend so much time as Amazon sellers stressing about how to get OFF Amazon. No wonder. Between Amazon's iron grip on customer data, the fact they showcase our competition to "our" shoppers/prospective customers and of course...the dreaded suspension email... we all have solid aspirations to develop our own independent sales channels. The reality however is often a damp squib. So many Amazon sellers I know have a Shopify or woocommerce site that does almost nothing. A few I know make a few % of revenue from their DTC site - but with almost no profit! So how do we make this work in reality? Well one thing is to make use of all the incredible hard work we’ve already done on product research, design, development and supplier sourcing. Supply chains are hard things to make work at the best of times - especially these days! But if you’ve already done that work, leveraging your existing catalogue onto your own Direct to Consumer (DTC) site turns out to be surprisingly doable. Listen to Robert, ecommerce veteran of over two decades, as he talks through how to make this work successfully. What You’ll Learn How to start with a business case and work backwards to an excel sheet to utilize your product Catalogue inventory Different methods when it comes to tracking your product inventory The advantages of having a DTC Platform when it comes to serving it as your order and stock management system Resources More info about Ironplane here For more information about Robert Giovannini check him here

We spend so much time as Amazon sellers stressing about how to get OFF Amazon. No wonder. Between Amazon's iron grip on customer data, the fact they showcase our competition to "our" shoppers/prospective customers and of course...the dreaded suspension email. We all have solid aspirations to develop our own independent sales channels. The reality however is often a damp squib. So many Amazon sellers I know have a Shopify or WooCommerce site that does almost nothing. A few I know make a few % of revenue from their DTC site - but with almost no profit! So how do we make this work in reality? Step forward today's guest, Robert Giovannini of Ironplane. What You’ll Learn How a trip in Russia opened the gates for Robert to start his DTC journey When should you decide to start your DTC, is it the right time to put DTC in the mix? Working out a relationship between selling on Amazon and on a DTC site to maximize your profit. The benefits of using a DTC site over Amazon The classics mistakes newbies make on DTC When to change your platform and should you maximize everything or getting a gradual increase overtime What to expect when you're changing from one platform to another Resources More info about Ironplane here For more information about Robert Giovannini check him here

Jason’s new ebook – The 9 Mountains Of Traffic – launched today and we’re excited to share it with you. It reveals a framework we’ve been using with our coaching clients and mastermind group members for the last several years.

Alexis Lanternier is the Chief Operating Officer at BRANDED. BRANDED is building the next-generation consumer products company that transforms online businesses into massive global brands. Since the founding in late 2020, they've built a portfolio of over 30 amazing brands and have quickly become a Top 20 Seller on Amazon. Fueled by proprietary tech and the international operational expertise of leaders from Lazada, Amazon, Alibaba, P&G, Mars, L'Oréal, SoftBank, and Goldman Sachs - BRANDED is the ideal partner to accelerate your brand's global growth. What You’ll Learn Alexis' background and how he manages his brands. The value of Amazon SEO and how does it benefit your business The Pros and Cons for Amazon SEO Using valuable keywords to maximize your PPC Alex explains when you should sunset a product and how will this benefit you Learning the importance of contribution margin and why you should use it. Resources For more information about Branded find out here! Find out more about Alexis Lanternier

Patrick O'Connell is the Chief Strategy Officer at BRANDED. BRANDED is building the next-generation consumer products company that transforms online businesses into massive global brands. Since the founding in late 2020, they've built a portfolio of over 30 amazing brands and have quickly become a Top 20 Seller on Amazon. Fueled by proprietary tech and the international operational expertise of leaders from Lazada, Amazon, Alibaba, P&G, Mars, L'Oréal, SoftBank, and Goldman Sachs - BRANDED is the ideal partner to accelerate your brand's global growth. What You’ll Learn Understanding the evolution of the market : The importance of Moving from Closed to Open Retail System The Pros and Cons of the Open Retail System How to Scale Using the Open Retail System The importance of Challenger Brands and to why serving "super specific customer" is beneficial to your business. How to create a create a genuine “challenger” brand that would maximize your potential earnings! The Nature of Amazon SEO, how it works and how does it benefit your business The value of brand analyzing and how you match up against your competition Resources For more information about Branded find out here! Find out more about Alexis Lanternier

Adam Wright, is a long-time sufferer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and wanted to ensure he received all the essential nutrients to help him combat daily fatigue and brain fog. The search for the ultimate greens blend ended up with him creating his own formula alongside one of the top USA Nutritional manufacturers. A competitive Triathlete when he was younger, Adam became ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and still suffers the symptoms today. Although not able to compete in long-distance running and triathlons anymore, Adam spent years studying sport physiology and nutrition at Brighton University under prominent physiologists and coaches of the day. Disillusioned with many supplement brands available today, he decided to create his own brand that he takes every day to support his health and well-being. What you’ll learn What about email marketing? Email capture on blog Email marketing has actually been on the brand Klaviyo best tool he’s used! Email camp’s 30% of woocommerce Promotion - Adam is not really a sales person Personal branding future proofs more than generic brand Resources For the super greens for US customers Super Green Tonik Code : AmazingFBA - 15% Consultancy for those considering selling supplements find out more here!

Adam Wright, is a long-time sufferer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and wanted to ensure he received all the essential nutrients to help him combat daily fatigue and brain fog. The search for the ultimate greens blend ended up with him creating his own formula alongside one of the top USA Nutritional manufacturers. A competitive Triathlete when he was younger, Adam became ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and still suffers the symptoms today. Although not able to compete in long-distance running and triathlons anymore, Adam spent years studying sport physiology and nutrition at Brighton University under prominent physiologists and coaches of the day. Disillusioned with many supplement brands available today, he decided to create his own brand that he takes every day to support his health and well-being. What you’ll learn 3 traffic Strategies was going to be simple at start Affiliate Programs Blog content CTR and EPC Sales split? Resources For the super greens for US customers Super Green Tonik Code : AmazingFBA - 15% Consultancy for those considering selling supplements find out more here!

Adam Wright, is a long-time sufferer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and wanted to ensure he received all the essential nutrients to help him combat daily fatigue and brain fog. The search for the ultimate greens blend ended up with him creating his own formula alongside one of the top USA Nutritional manufacturers. A competitive Triathlete when he was younger, Adam became ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and still suffers the symptoms today. Although not able to compete in long-distance running and triathlons anymore, Adam spent years studying sport physiology and nutrition at Brighton University under prominent physiologists and coaches of the day. Disillusioned with many supplement brands available today, he decided to create his own brand that he takes every day to support his health and well-being. What you’ll learn Cashcow blog articles? Is that across multiple articles? Or is that within each article ? SEO Keyword Research Outsource writing? Product development alongside blogging 3 Phases of Blogging Outsourcing content In 2021 slowed down blogging Blogging now Resources For the super greens for US customers Super Green Tonik Code : AmazingFBA - 15% Consultancy for those considering selling supplements find out more here!

Adam Wright, is a long-time sufferer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and wanted to ensure he received all the essential nutrients to help him combat daily fatigue and brain fog. The search for the ultimate greens blend ended up with him creating his own formula alongside one of the top USA Nutritional manufacturers. A competitive Triathlete when he was younger, Adam became ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and still suffers the symptoms today. Although not able to compete in long-distance running and triathlons anymore, Adam spent years studying sport physiology and nutrition at Brighton University under prominent physiologists and coaches of the day. Disillusioned with many supplement brands available today, he decided to create his own brand that he takes every day to support his health and well-being. What you’ll learn Why start DTC not Amazon? What platform and why? Woocommerce Shopify How easy would it be to set up? Traffic - Part 1 How did you get traffic? How to reverse engineer your journey Resources For the super greens for US customers Super Green Tonik Code : AmazingFBA - 15% Consultancy for those considering selling supplements find out more here!

The longer a customer camps on your website and/or product listing, the more likely they are to buy the product. In this episode we explore ways to get your time-on-site increased, so you’ve got a better shot at making the sale. What you’ll learn 10 Tips For Increasing Your Time On Site Why time on site and e-commerce conversion rate are tightly correlated. A recap of the conversion rate possibilities Frontier framework.

Most people think stories and storytelling are just for entertainment. However, this is a misconception. Stories contain data built in a pattern that repeats itself in every human's daily experience. This pattern is known as "The Hero's Journey." For instance, some days you're storming the castle, and some days you're chained up in the dungeon. Either way, we are all heroes on our journey, experiencing the same pattern in our own lives. This shared experience is why "The Hero's Journey" resonates with everyone across cultures, religions, ages, and sexes. We all live in it, and we all know it. When you combine the knowledge of a familiar pattern with what current neuroscience is telling us, you begin to realize a few things. The brain is very similar to a computer. Because the brain is similar to a computer, it has an OS Since there's an OS, there are also apps and firewalls. If there are apps, then there's a way to code applications. So, storytelling and "The Heroes Journey" become more than a way to entertain people. It also becomes the key to how you code applications on the customer's mind. When you connect the dots, it gives you a way to hack humans. At Storify, Seth believes any startup can learn how to tell better stories. His startups know how to communicate better, make their value crystal clear to the marketplace, and outpace the competition. What you’ll learn What is the interaction between photos and words on a PDP? How do we even start with trying to tell stories on a DTC ecommerce site? Identify the need/the problem your product solves. Customer hero of story How do we turn that into a story? Hero’s Journey How to hack humans - storytelling for startups Resources Find out more on their website and get the 1st chapter of book, Neuroscience Prime, for free!

Most people think stories and storytelling are just for entertainment. However, this is a misconception. Stories contain data built in a pattern that repeats itself in every human's daily experience. This pattern is known as "The Hero's Journey." For instance, some days you're storming the castle, and some days you're chained up in the dungeon. Either way, we are all heroes on our journey, experiencing the same pattern in our own lives. This shared experience is why "The Hero's Journey" resonates with everyone across cultures, religions, ages, and sexes. We all live in it, and we all know it. When you combine the knowledge of a familiar pattern with what current neuroscience is telling us, you begin to realize a few things. The brain is very similar to a computer. Because the brain is similar to a computer, it has an OS Since there's an OS, there are also apps and firewalls. If there are apps, then there's a way to code applications. So, storytelling and "The Heroes Journey" become more than a way to entertain people. It also becomes the key to how you code applications on the customer's mind. When you connect the dots, it gives you a way to hack humans. At Storify, Seth believes any startup can learn how to tell better stories. His startups know how to communicate better, make their value crystal clear to the marketplace, and outpace the competition. What you’ll learn What is storytelling? The difference between marketing and storytelling Neuroscience of storytelling Brain scans Simulation How important as people in stories? The significant objects project How does emotion play into storytelling? How do use the power of emotion without becoming monsters?! Resources Find out more on their website and get the 1st chapter of book, Neuroscience Prime, for free!

New e-commerce sellers always tell me they want more traffic to their website, and when I ask why – they say “I need more sales”. In this episode we’ll talk about how your returning customer rate directly impacts your conversion rate – 8 ways to improve your returning customer rate. What you’ll learn 9 Tips For Increasing Your Returning Customer Rate Why returning customer rate and e-commerce conversion rate are tightly correlated. A recap of the conversion rate possibilities Frontier framework. Why just 2 of our ways are advertising based strategies – and the others are free and/or more organic.

AnyBiz is a super smart marketing tool that brings the right people, information, and tools together to grow. AnyBiz connects businesses, and drive collaboration forward. AnyBiz - Find and reach potential customers using cold email campaigns. B2B sales prospecting and outreach, made simple. Reaching potential customer is fast and super easy. Everything in one place. Database + Cold email campaign. A one-stop-shop to reach potential customers. Everything is in one place. Simple dashboard. Great results. In this episode you'll learn: Wholesale pricing “They always prefer the cheapest” - is this true? How do we get an ROI? What metric would you use to assess a deal? Talking about minimum order Risk reduction Resources Contact Retail Empire and tell them we sent you and get a 20% off!

AnyBiz is a super smart marketing tool that brings the right people, information, and tools together to grow. AnyBiz connects businesses, and drive collaboration forward. Reaching potential customer is fast and super easy. Everything in one place. Database + Cold email campaign. A one-stop-shop to reach potential customers. Everything is in one place. Simple dashboard. Great results. Daniel is the co founder of Anybiz , Talor is a collaborator and expert in getting into B2B sales In this episode you'll learn: Juicy outcomes of B2B Problems with B2C Valuing the Economic Benefits Understanding your Brand Recognition Find prospect companies How to choose businesses What do we say in the email? The key is sending to the right person Show that you understand their language and expectation Clean and clear and short No attachments How do fine tune the targeting of the person? Finding the right buyer in a big chain Should you target big or smaller companies? Resources Contact Retail Empire and tell them we sent you and get a 20% off!

New e-commerce sellers always tell me they want more traffic to their website, and when I ask why – they say “I need more sales”. In this episode we’ll talk about how your returning customer rate directly impacts your conversion rate – 8 ways to improve your returning customer rate. What you’ll learn 9 Tips For Increasing Your Returning Customer Rate Why returning customer rate and e-commerce conversion rate are tightly correlated. A recap of the conversion rate possibilities Frontier framework. Why just 2 of our ways are advertising based strategies – and the others are free and/or more organic.

Petru Iacob is the founder of Audiencer.io, helps FB advertisers inc ecommerce advertisers find cold audiences What you’ll learn Understanding FB ads for DTC Categories that work well on FB Factors of Success How to combine DTC/Amazon? Budgeting Retargeting List Package a QR code - leave email for coupon etc. Lookalike audience effectiveness cf interest based? How about the Ezra Firestone idea of 3 pillars - cold audience and then retargting How would you combine email followup with retargeting? Why Choose Audiencer Resources Sign Up Now for Free Trial! Check out the Masterclass Video on Driving Traffic FB to Amazon

Petru Iacob is the founder of Audiencer.io, helps FB advertisers inc ecommerce advertisers find cold audiences What You’ll Learn Why choose Facebook? Solving the Attribution Issue Problems on Amazon vs Solutions from other Platforms Why use Shopify Best Ways on Doing Things Calculating the Numbers Two Types of Launches CAT Framework Resources Sign Up Now for Free Trial! Check out the Masterclass Video on Driving Traffic FB to Amazon

Jeff Bezos is famously stepping down as CEO and handing off the CEO position to Andy Jassy. This is the first time the CEO has changed at Amazon since its creation in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. Especially in the light of the crazy upswing in 2020 ecommerce demand, this feels like a natural moment to reflect on Jeff Bezos’s legacy and where Andy Jassy is likely to take amazon. In this 2-part episode we explore how this change might impact Amazon 3rd Party sellers. What you’ll learn Jeff Bezos’ historical wins and accomplishments Hi less successful ventures What Andy Jassy should keep, start, and stop (in our opinion). Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

Savvy DTC eCommerce store owners have known for years that Pinterest is their secret traffic source. Increasingly Amazon sellers are realising that it’s not just DTC store owners- whether Shopify, woocommerce or magento - that can benefit hugely from Pinterest. But is it just another social media channel? Or does it work in more specific ways? Our guest for this podcast, agency owner Craig Lewis, focuses only on Pinterest and is laser targetted on Pinterest for eCommerce in particular. That means that he and his team have a ton of relevant data from which to draw conclusions. Craig shares with ecommerce and Amazon sellers the 10 biggest mistakes he sees ecommerce operators and Amazon sellers make with pinterest - and what to do instead! What you’ll learn A Brief Overview of Craig Lewis and his role in Pin and Grow 10 Mistakes Seller Make In Pinterest Using it like a social platform and looking for likes and comments Irrelevant boards trying to beat the algo! No call to action on the images What Services Does Craig and his team offers

Savvy DTC eCommerce store owners have known for years that Pinterest is their secret traffic source. Increasingly Amazon sellers are realising that it’s not just DTC store owners- whether Shopify, woocommerce or magento - that can benefit hugely from Pinterest. But is it just another social media channel? Or does it work in more specific ways? Our guest for this podcast, agency owner Craig Lewis, focuses only on Pinterest and is laser targetted on Pinterest for eCommerce in particular. That means that he and his team have a ton of relevant data from which to draw conclusions. Craig shares with ecommerce and Amazon sellers the 10 biggest mistakes he sees ecommerce operators and Amazon sellers make with pinterest - and what to do instead! What you’ll learn A Brief Overview of Craig Lewis and his role in Pin and Grow 10 Mistakes Seller Make In Pinterest Using it like a social platform and looking for likes and comments Irrelevant boards trying to beat the algo! No call to action on the images What Services Does Craig and his team offers

Jeff Bezos is famously stepping down as CEO and handing off the CEO position to Andy Jassy. This is the first time the CEO has changed at Amazon since its creation in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. Especially in the light of the crazy upswing in 2020 ecommerce demand, this feels like a natural moment to reflect on Jeff Bezos’s legacy and where Andy Jassy is likely to take amazon. In this 2-part episode we explore how this change might impact Amazon 3rd Party sellers. What you’ll learn Jeff Bezos’ historical wins and accomplishments Hi less successful ventures What Andy Jassy should keep, start, and stop (in our opinion). Some of the resources on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We only promote those products or services that we have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.

A dynamic leader with a no-nonsense approach, Brett is an experienced, energetic and creative executive as well as a self-contributor for both startups and established corporations. Currently, Brett is the CEO of Successful Media where he leads partnership development, operations and strategy. Brett spent 4 years as the COO of WorkBook6, a leading partnership agency serving Fortune 5000 brands. Prior to WorkBook6, Brett consulted with a number of companies (NotVodka Water, WynZyn, MediaPro Services and many more). He also oversaw marketing and acquisition at Goji, a large national insurance agency. Before that he led mobile marketing globally for an international search publisher with revenues in excess of $100MM, and was principally involved in the explosive growth of that the company’s mobile marketing business. Before his career in lead gen, Brett ran online marketing and eCommerce for a number of tech startups in San Francisco. Listen to today’s podcast to find out what these errors are - and how to avoid them. What you’ll learn Recap of the “5 part full proof framework” How do we do this for a warm email list? How do you justify all this work on your emails Make your emails your primary focus Email Deliverability and Engagement Surveying the Email List Services Well Spring Media Offers Resources mentioned Well Spring Media

A dynamic leader with a no-nonsense approach, Brett is an experienced, energetic and creative executive as well as a self-contributor for both startups and established corporations. Currently, Brett is the CEO of Successful Media where he leads partnership development, operations and strategy. Brett spent 4 years as the COO of WorkBook6, a leading partnership agency serving Fortune 5000 brands. Prior to WorkBook6, Brett consulted with a number of companies (NotVodka Water, WynZyn, MediaPro Services and many more). He also oversaw marketing and acquisition at Goji, a large national insurance agency. Before that he led mobile marketing globally for an international search publisher with revenues in excess of $100MM, and was principally involved in the explosive growth of that the company’s mobile marketing business. Before his career in lead gen, Brett ran online marketing and eCommerce for a number of tech startups in San Francisco. Listen to today’s podcast to find out what these errors are - and how to avoid them. What you’ll learn List building and high-converting landing page An Overview of Brett Kaufman Images vs Emails Why bother with email if you’re an Amazon seller? 5-part framework when Capturing Emails How to build a list Classic mistakes Contact anyone who’s ever bought from you, and ask them why 3 types of marketing - cold outreach, Word Of Mouth and warm outreach Resources mentioned Well Spring Media

There has probably never been a better time to sell a quality Private label or customer product business. The meteoric rise of Amazon aggregators since about 2020 has meant a jump in the competition for buyers of Amazon-based businesses. What does this mean? Well, an Amazon business with the same exact profit might be worth twice now what is was worth 2 years ago. However, this buying frenzy can lead to private label business owners making a series of mistakes when it comes to selling their businesses. In the normal course of M & A (mergers and acquisitions), both the seller and buyer of the business understand the process. But in the e-commerce space, private label business owners with no understanding of mergers often sit across from educated buyers with Stanford business degrees. There is a knowledge gap that is potentially dangerous for the business owners. An unwise business seller can end up exaggerating that danger to themselves. That could show up in relation to the business itself, commonly in dodgy financial data, exaggerated revenue claims, faking reviews or black hat operating tactics. It could also be around the deal itself. Taking renegotiation personally, allowing a deal structure that is not right for you or allowing the buyers to force exclusivity on you are some classic errors. Listen to today’s podcast to find out what these errors are - and how to avoid them. What you’ll learn Be clear and understand it’s all about the buyer getting the best possible deal - it’s business! Lowball offers after Due diligence checking LOI that looks good and giving buyer exclusivity Looking into Unreasonable stability fund Understanding Buyers That Are Not Like This Be honest about why you’re selling Letting go of your staff - but not bringing it up People working for them not very professional in an interview Resources mentioned Aepic Sellers

There has probably never been a better time to sell a quality Private label or customer product business. The meteoric rise of Amazon aggregators since about 2020 has meant a jump in the competition for buyers of Amazon-based businesses. What does this mean? Well, an Amazon business with the same exact profit might be worth twice now what is was worth 2 years ago. However, this buying frenzy can lead to private label business owners making a series of mistakes when it comes to selling their businesses. In the normal course of M & A (mergers and acquisitions), both the seller and buyer of the business understand the process. But in the e-commerce space, private label business owners with no understanding of mergers often sit across from educated buyers with Stanford business degrees. There is a knowledge gap that is potentially dangerous for the business owners. An unwise business seller can end up exaggerating that danger to themselves. That could show up in relation to the business itself, commonly in dodgy financial data, exaggerated revenue claims, faking reviews or black hat operating tactics. It could also be around the deal itself. Taking renegotiation personally, allowing a deal structure that is not right for you or allowing the buyers to force exclusivity on you are some classic errors. Listen to today’s podcast to find out what these errors are - and how to avoid them. What you’ll learn Be clear and understand it’s all about the buyer getting the best possible deal - it’s business! Lowball offers after Due diligence checking LOI that looks good and giving buyer exclusivity Looking into Unreasonable stability fund Understanding Buyers That Are Not Like This Be honest about why you’re selling Letting go of your staff - but not bringing it up People working for them not very professional in an interview Resources mentioned Aepic Sellers

There has probably never been a better time to sell a quality Private label or customer product business. The meteoric rise of Amazon aggregators since about 2020 has meant a jump in the competition for buyers of Amazon-based businesses. What does this mean? Well, an Amazon business with the same exact profit might be worth twice now what is was worth 2 years ago. However, this buying frenzy can lead to private label business owners making a series of mistakes when it comes to selling their businesses. In the normal course of M & A (mergers and acquisitions), both the seller and buyer of the business understand the process. But in the e-commerce space, private label business owners with no understanding of mergers often sit across from educated buyers with Stanford business degrees. There is a knowledge gap that is potentially dangerous for the business owners. An unwise business seller can end up exaggerating that danger to themselves. That could show up in relation to the business itself, commonly in dodgy financial data, exaggerated revenue claims, faking reviews or black hat operating tactics. It could also be around the deal itself. Taking renegotiation personally, allowing a deal structure that is not right for you or allowing the buyers to force exclusivity on you are some classic errors. Listen to today’s podcast to find out what these errors are - and how to avoid them. What you’ll learn How to decide when to sell Financial accounting errors The dangers of exaggerating revenue Why exclusivity is often asked for by the buyers - and why you need to avoid it! Why fake reviews are more dangerous to your business sale than you might think What an “earnout” is and when it’s right for you A common error in the supply chain - and how to fix it Resources mentioned Aepic Sellers

Display Advertising is one of the earliest online marketing methods, but it’s changed a lot over the years. In this episode we’ll share our lessons and perspective, plus a few tips, and resources too. If you’re an ecommerce seller and you’ve never investigated using Paid Display Ads beyond Facebook or Google, this is the conversation for you! What you’ll learn Reasons to use Display Ad networks Display Ad Network Options How Facebook and Google factor into Display Advertising Understanding the costs involved in Display Advertising How Retargeting / Remarketing factor into the work How Display Advertising intersects with Influencer Marketing

The relationship between ads and other factors with Hai Mag and Eva What you’ll learn Recap of the “5 Part Full Proof Framework” Position The Problem Paint The Pain Sing The Solution Disclose The Data Offer Up Opportunities To Overcome Objections Applying The Strategy For Warm Email List Justifying Your Email Build Deliverability and Engagement What Services Does EVA Offer?

The profit habits workshop just ended – and there are interesting lessons to learn for every e-commerce operator – Jason I know you have a list of insights / take-aways that our listeners will get a lot of value out of – shall we jump in … What you’ll learn 7 Key Accounting Insights For Ecommerce Operators The value of a good CPA The Questions People Don’t Ask, but Should The value of a mentor The single biggest mistake ecommerce operators make with their accounting

Ben Sztejka was a former online seller on eBay and Amazon, when Ben trained as a Chartered Accountant, he found that traditional accountants did not understand eCommerce clients. In 2018 Ben founded Your Ecommerce Accountant with the aim of providing a knowledgeable service for online entrepreneurs. What you’ll learn What to claim when the VAT is back on DIY, Settlement from Amazon What Do You Have to Reclaim VAT on - Ads Applied 20% to Settlement - You Have Overclaimed Did You Know ½ of goods are exempt from VAT eCommerce Accountant - What services do you offer?

Greg Reynolds is the founder and CEO of ZonSupport, they are customer care experts for Amazon. Greg was originally from New Zealand but is currently in Thailand as a digital nomad. Today we are going to discuss if Customer Service is just a commodity or is it something more? Check them out here: https://amazingfba.com/zonsupport You'll Learn: The times where you should be taking customer service emails/ tickets Why Native speakers matter even if they are typing not only speaking Why something as small as a product insert can take your business one step further How to begin with the end in mind The 3PL Fulfilment juggle stock How to improve your feedback score