Lunch With Norm - The eCommerce & Amazon FBA Podcast

Norman Farrar
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Lunch With Norm - The eCommerce & Amazon FBA Podcast

An hour long, live interview hosted by Norman Farrar AKA ”The Beard Guy”. Norm digs into current trends, the latest tips, and advice from experts in the Ecomm, Amazon and online business world. Listeners will walk away with actionable tips that they can apply immediately to their business. Norm and his guests don’t give you get-rich-quick tips, they give sound advice to help you manage and grow your business.

  1. 1D AGO

    How to Survive The Trump Tariffs & Supply Chain Chaos

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

    50 min

  2. MAR 17

    The Very Real Stress of an Entrepreneur - How to Handle Stress & Stay Resilient

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

    43 min

  3. MAR 10

    The Secret Behind High-Converting Amazon Hero Images

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

    53 min

  4. MAR 3

    Your SEO Strategy is Failing - Panic or Profit

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

    58 min

  5. FEB 17

    Amazon Search Just Changed Forever... Amazon AI Rules for 2025 | Vanessa Hung

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

    53 min

  6. FEB 10

    Amazon Ads Are Bleeding Your Profits - Here's What to Do! | Mike Frekey

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

    38 min

  7. FEB 3

    Amazon Seller’s $19 Million Nightmare | Debi Slaver

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

    52 min

  8. JAN 27

    Remove Damaging Amazon Reviews Before It's Too Late! [100% Compliant] | Shane Barker

    In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Norm Farrar welcomes Shane Barker, founder of Trace Fuse, to discuss the art and science of managing and removing negative reviews on Amazon. Discover proven strategies to protect your star ratings and sales, while staying compliant with Amazon’s guidelines. Key topics include: - Why negative reviews aren’t always bad—and how to use them to improve your product. - The hidden impact of star rating drops on your BSR and PPC costs. - How to identify and handle non-compliant reviews with expert precision. - Shane’s top tips for maintaining a 4.3+ rating and avoiding sales decline.   Whether you’re a new or seasoned Amazon seller, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you safeguard your reputation, boost conversions, and stay ahead of competitors. 📩 Have a review horror story or a question about removing reviews? Share in the comments below! ✅ Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert advice on eCommerce, branding, and marketing strategies. Join the Beard Nation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lunchwithnorm Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/ Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TrueOps: Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%. 🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨 It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Negative Reviews 00:33 Impact of Negative Reviews on Amazon Sales 01:27 Strategies for Q4 Success 02:11 Challenges in Removing Amazon Reviews 03:52 Understanding Amazon's Review Guidelines 05:37 Dealing with Unfair Reviews 15:12 Tips for Removing Negative Reviews 26:54 Performance-Based Review Removal 27:34 The Amazon Algorithm's Impact on Reviews 28:14 Negative Reviews and Their Consequences 29:22 Strategies for Managing Reviews 32:15 Buy Box Eligibility and Review Management 38:27 The Role of Vine Reviews 40:59 AI and Review Authenticity 42:59 Final Thoughts and Listener Questions

    54 min
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    About

    An hour long, live interview hosted by Norman Farrar AKA ”The Beard Guy”. Norm digs into current trends, the latest tips, and advice from experts in the Ecomm, Amazon and online business world. Listeners will walk away with actionable tips that they can apply immediately to their business. Norm and his guests don’t give you get-rich-quick tips, they give sound advice to help you manage and grow your business.

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