The Smartest Amazon Seller SmartScout

Scott is joined by special guests Raj, the Chief Strategy Officer of Netrush, and Chris Marantette, the Co-CEO / Co-Founder of Netrush. They delve into the dynamic evolution of Netrush from a small two-person team to a robust company focused on maximizing brand profitability through strategic partnerships and innovative infrastructure.

The discussion provides valuable insights into the shifts in Amazon's marketplace, highlighting the transition from high-profit margins to tighter margins due to market maturation and commoditization.

Chris highlights the importance of integrating logistics technology into overall business strategy, addressing recent Amazon fee changes and their impact on sellers.

The episode also explores the role of 'brand runners'—individuals managing various aspects within a company—and the necessity for sophisticated logistics and supply chain management tools.

Tune in to learn how proactive pricing strategies, cost optimization, and innovative solutions can help brands navigate the complexities of the Amazon marketplace and stay ahead in a competitive environment.


Episode Notes:

00:45 - Raj Sapru and Chris Marantette Introduction
01:05 - The Net Rush Origin Story and the Shift to a Brand-Centric Approach
04:35 - Starting Sellozo
08:23 - FBA Fee Increase History
18:25 - Importance of Advertising and Logistics in Amazon FBA
19:45 - Addressing the Complexities of Amazon's Logistics and Fee Changes
25:19 - Minimizing Expenses
29:55 - Analyzing Amazon's Fee Structure and the Impact of Shipping Time on Conversion
31:15 - Understanding the Role of the Brand Runner in Modern Commerce
35:02 - Optimizing Costs in Shipping and Inventory Management


LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/rajsapru
linkedin.com/in/chris-marantette-4701b9

Website: netrush.com

Related Post: Understanding Amazon's Fee Structure for Wholesale Sellers

In this special episode, we’re excited to present a unique podcast swap, featuring an insightful episode from Josh Hadley's eComm Breakthrough Podcast.

Join us as Josh interviews Matt Altman from Right Side Up, delving into advanced strategies for product optimization, managing PPC campaigns, and knowing when to let go of underperforming products.

This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for Amazon sellers looking to enhance their business growth and streamline their operations. Josh Hadley shares his inspiring journey of growing Hadley Designs into an eight-figure brand, offering candid insights into the challenges he faced and the strategies that led to his success.

Meanwhile, Matt Altman brings over a decade of experience to the table, discussing crucial topics such as  the importance of high-converting keywords, innovative photo editing techniques for product images, and effective affiliate marketing strategies.

Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting, this episode provides valuable lessons and practical tips to help you optimize your Amazon business and achieve sustained growth.

Tune in and transform your selling strategy today!
 
Episode notes:
 
02:45 - Ecom Breakthrough Podcast Overview
03:50 - Matt Altman Introduction
05:10 - Matt's journey into ecommerce 
06:40 - Insights into Successful Brand Exits
10:21 - Strategy for Launching New Products on Amazon
13:00 - Product Launch Budget
15:35 - Types of Ad Campaigns
20:40 - Product Conversion Rate \ Optimizing Products
28:40 - Amazon A/B Testing Feature
31:45 - EVA.Guru / Intellivy.net / mturk.com
33:25 - Other Software Tools to Manage Multiple Brands
35:20 - PPC Tactics
48:40 - External Marketing
51:10  - Amazon Affiliates
 
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/matt-altman-39b72a70
linkedin.com/in/joshhadley/


Website:
www.rightsideup.com
https://wavve.link/Ecommbreakthrough
 
Email:
mattaltman89@gmail.com
josh@ecommbreakthrough.com
 
Related Post: Yes, E-Commerce in Latin America Is Worth It

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


Related Post: Expanding With Amazon FBA – How To Start Selling in Europe

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/

Related Post: The Top Insights to Amazon Repricing Tools

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/


Related Post: How To Leverage Reverse Logistics for a Competitive Advantage

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 

Related Post: Winning the Bogus IP Claim War on Amazon