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

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,

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 affordabil...

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,

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,

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.

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.