The Smartest Amazon Seller SmartScout

Join Scott today with Russ Dieringer, the Founder & CEO of Stratably, a leading research group that advises major brands on market trends in e-commerce.

In this episode, they explore how Stratably assists companies in understanding their customers and competitors through an annual membership that includes access to in-depth research, live webinars, and collaborative share groups.

Understanding e-commerce dynamics is vital for brands to balance their online presence with physical stores. Russ highlights challenges for larger brands with global distribution facing price transparency issues, while midsize or smaller first-party (1P) brands may seek third-party alternatives due to tough negotiations with platforms such as Amazon.

With Stratably's innovative approach to research and analysis, companies gain a strategic advantage in navigating the ever-evolving marketplace landscape.

Episode Notes:

00:15 - Russ Dieringer Introduction
01:02 - Stratably Origins
01:58 - The Power Dynamics of 1P and 3P on Amazon
04:50 - The Evolution of E-commerce Post-COVID
06:05 - Benchmarking Consumer Brands
08:08 - Stratably Data Collection
10:10 - Big Brands Dealing with Emerging Marketplaces
16:45 - Marketplace Control
22:48 - Profit Strategies for Midsize and Challenger Brands
24:45 - Tactical Shifts and Innovations on Amazon

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russdieringer
Website: stratably.com


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Today we are diving into the crucial element of speed on Amazon, emphasizing that success isn't just about intelligence — it's about staying ahead of the curve.

Joining Scott is Dillon Carter, the visionary behind Aura, a groundbreaking repricing tool that's revolutionizing the way sellers navigate the Amazon marketplace. From humble beginnings in college to mastering the art of selling on Amazon, Dillon's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Discover how Dillon's detour into personal training paved the way for his entrepreneurial ventures, culminating in the creation of Aura. With a passion for sharing knowledge, Dillon pioneered wholesale sourcing resources and podcasts, empowering sellers with invaluable insights.

Learn how Aura's relentless commitment to efficiency led to the development of a cutting-edge repricing system capable of updating prices in the blink of an eye. Explore the intricate balance between sales velocity and profitability, where AI-driven strategies elevate sellers to new heights without compromising margins.

Episode Notes:

00:35 - Dillon Carter Introduction
01:20 - The Origins of Aura
03:58 - Transition from Wholesale to Software
05:15 - The Move and Expansion to Boston
07:15 - The Shift Back to E-Commerce
09:00 - New API Version
14:20 - Introducing Hyper Drive
16:20 - Understanding Buy Box Dynamics
17:52 - Reframing Success for Amazon Sellers
19:02 - AI and the Future of Repricing

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dillon-carter Website: https://dilloncarter.com/

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Joined by Will Abrams, founder of Axiom Prep, Scott uncovers the hidden impacts of returns on your bottom line and explores effective strategies for managing them.
 
Returns can be more than just a hassle — they can significantly affect your revenue stream.
 
Will shares his personal journey, from navigating piles of returns as an Amazon seller to founding a return service business focused on maximizing value from these items.
 
Explore the complexities of reimbursement types and gain valuable insights into documenting item conditions to support successful reimbursement claims.

Episode Notes:
 
00:20 - Will Abrams Introduction
03:00 - The Nuances of Handling Returns
06:15 - Consignment, and Reimbursement Types
07:25 - Deep Dive into Amazon Reimbursement Challenges
08:35 - The Economic Threshold for Handling Returns
10:00 - Outsourcing Return Handling to Expert Services
16:00 - The Importance of Visibility and Documentation

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-abrams-426b15260/
Website: http://axiomprepcenter.com/


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In this episode, Josh Hadley takes us on a journey through his entrepreneurial path, sharing the story behind Hadley Designs and how they've carved out a niche in the competitive world of stationery products.
 
Discover how Josh's childhood hustle selling lemonade paved the way for his successful e-commerce venture, and learn about the pivotal moments that led to Hadley Designs' evolution from custom wedding invitations to educational posters. With candid insights into navigating market challenges such as COVID-19 and the importance of constant innovation, this episode offers invaluable lessons for aspiring Amazon sellers.
 
We also delve into the intricacies of protecting designs from IP infringement, strategies for effective product launches, and the critical role of community building in e-commerce success.
Whether you're a seasoned seller looking for new strategies or a newcomer eager to learn, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories to help you thrive in the dynamic world of Amazon selling.
 
Episode Notes:
 
00:17 - Josh Hadley Introduction
01:17 - Josh’s Background
01:56 - Childhood Business Ventures to Amazon
06:00 - Pivoting Categories and Selling Recipe Cards
10:10 - Scaling the Amazon Business and Impact of Covid
12:50 - The Current State of Selling Design-Based Products on Amazon
15:00 - Protecting Intellectual Property and Legal Strategies
20:25 - Barriers to Entry and Success Factors in Design-Based Categories
25:20 - Merch by Amazon and Product Differentiation

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshhadley
Website: ues.utah.edu 

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Scott gives us 4 key updates in a quick but compact episode.

The topics include an analysis of Amazon's FBA placement fee program, SEO strategies for product listings, insights on SmartScout's brand reports, and details about Pattern's Accelerate conference for large brands.

Whether you're an experienced seller or new to Amazon's marketplace dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights and tips for enhancing your business reach and efficiency.

Episode Notes:
 
00:40 - Amazon's New FBA Placement Fee
04:07 - SEO Hacks for Product Listings
07:30 - SmartScout’s Brand Reports
09:50 - Pattern’s Accelerate Conference

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Scott is joined by Jed Rawson, CEO of Pirawna, who shares a gripping tale of intrigue and perseverance in the face of adversity.
 
Jed recounts a recent incident where his team encountered stolen goods being sold on Amazon, totaling a staggering $4 million in inventory. Through meticulous investigation and collaboration with law enforcement, they uncovered an organized crime operation responsible for potentially $50-100 million in stolen goods.

Amazon's swift response led to the shutdown of several accounts linked to the illegal activity, marking one of their largest takedowns of fraudulent sellers to date.

Jed discusses supply chain security measures, emphasizing the importance of GPS tracking containers and verifying driver identities. He also highlights Pi Agency's success in assisting brands to exit for significant sums, driven by strategies informed by past failures and focused on long-term trends.

Episode Notes:

00:13 - Jed Rawson Introduction
01:23 - Mafia on Amazon
04:00 - BuyBox Hijacked
06:25 - Genesis of SmartScout
07:00 - Stolen Inventory Investigation
11:50 - Law Enforcement and Takedown Operations
14:40 - Learning from Amazon Escalations
16:10 - Organized Criminal Operation and Impact on Brands
21:15 - Precautions and Preventive Measures
27:40 - Brand Exits

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pirawna/ 
Website: https://www.pirawna.com/

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