The Amazon Strategist Show

The Amazon Strategist Show

The Amazon Strategist Show is a podcast that examines strategies for success as a seller on Amazon. Hosted by John Cavendish, an experienced Amazon seller, and agency owner, the show covers the ins and outs of building a successful Amazon business examined from multiple angles by our expert guests. Unlike other podcasts that focus on tips and hacks, The Amazon Strategist Show provides real strategies for real sellers looking to grow sustainable businesses on Amazon. Whether you're just starting out or have been selling for years, this show has something valuable to offer you. So if you're ready to take your business to the next level, then sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the world of Amazon!

  1. 5D AGO

    How to Get Your Product Into Retail Stores (Costco, CVS, Walmart)

    Getting your product into retail stores is not magic. It’s a numbers game, a conversion game, and a process that takes time. In Part 2, John Cavendish continues the conversation with Talor Ofer, Founder of Retail Empire, who has helped hundreds of ecommerce brands expand into retail chains across the United States. Talor breaks down the real step-by-step process of getting into retail, including how long it takes, how buyers respond, and what brands must have before retailers will even consider them. In this episode you’ll learn • How long it actually takes to get into retail stores • Why smaller retailers can onboard brands in weeks • Why large chains like Costco can take over a year • The conversion math behind retail outreach • Why reaching out to 100 retailers is normal • How many retailers typically say yes • Why every Amazon seller should build a branded website before pitching retail • Why retail buyers evaluate brands differently today Talor also explains why retail outreach is fundamentally a conversion funnel, similar to ecommerce marketing. Out of 100 retailers contacted: • Around 20 may respond • About 10 may show real interest • And 3–5 may become actual retail deals Understanding this process is key for Amazon brands that want to scale beyond ecommerce. Guest: Talor Ofer Founder, Retail Empire Retail Empire helps ecommerce brands expand into retail chains across the United States and works with hundreds of retailers. Connect with Talor and Retail Empire: Website: https://retail-empire.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRetailEmpire Linkedin: http://bit.ly/TalorLinkedIn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retail.empire.official Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategistS...

    11 min
  2. FEB 27

    AI Just Unlocked 29,000 Retail Opportunities for Amazon Sellers

    AI is changing how brands discover retail opportunities. In this episode, John Cavendish sits down with Talor Ofer, Founder of Retail Empire, to explain how AI tools are helping Amazon sellers uncover 29,000+ retail channels across the United States. For years, most ecommerce brands focused only on Amazon. But now, AI-powered research is revealing thousands of overlooked retail opportunities — from major chains like Costco and Walmart to niche distribution channels most sellers have never even heard of. Talor has been helping brands break into retail since 2005 and has worked with companies across nearly every product category. In this conversation, he explains how AI is transforming retail discovery and why more Amazon sellers are expanding beyond ecommerce. In this episode you’ll learn: • How AI is helping brands find thousands of retail opportunities • Why more Amazon sellers are moving into physical retail • How retail buyers evaluate brands faster using AI • Why small brands have a better chance than ever to enter retail • What sellers need before approaching large retailers • How AI research tools can uncover hidden distribution channels Talor also shares a surprising example of a government retail channel serving over 4 million customers that most ecommerce brands never consider. Guest: Talor Ofer Founder, Retail Empire Talor has been helping ecommerce brands enter retail stores since 2005 and works with companies expanding into major retailers across the United States. Connect with Talor and Retail Empire: Website: https://retail-empire.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRetailEmpire Linkedin: http://bit.ly/TalorLinkedIn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retail.empire.official Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategistS...

    12 min
  3. FEB 20

    Why Your ROAS Is Wrong in 2026: Amazon LTV Strategy, Profitability & AI Myths

    Most Amazon sellers optimize for the first sale. That might be costing you serious growth. In Part 2, John Cavendish sits down with Tom Baker, CEO of Fordebaker, to break down how Amazon sellers should think about: • Lifetime value (LTV) • Recurring revenue • Lowering ROAS targets to scale faster • Launch profitability expectations • AI, Rufus, and algorithm myths As competition increases and CPCs continue rising, optimizing for first-purchase profitability may be limiting your growth. Tom explains why mature brands should shift from: “Is this ad profitable today?” to “How much revenue does this customer generate over 12 months?” In This Episode • Why most Amazon brands don’t track lifetime value properly • How to calculate 12-month LTV by ASIN • When to lower your ROAS target intentionally • Why recurring revenue is the most profitable revenue • Cash flow risks to watch when scaling acquisition • Launch strategy: focus on velocity vs profit • When profitability should matter at launch • Why chasing Amazon AI algorithm hacks is a mistake • Why Rufus doesn’t change best practices If your product is replenishable, this strategy can unlock significantly faster scaling. But only if you understand the data. Connect with Tom and Fordebaker: Website: https://fordebaker.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-baker-amazon-agency ------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategistS...

    16 min
  4. FEB 13

    Amazon vs TikTok Shop vs Walmart in 2026: Where Should Sellers Launch First?

    Is Amazon still the best place to launch a product in 2026? In this episode, John Cavendish sits down with Tom Baker, CEO of Fordebaker, to break down how marketplace strategy is shifting, and why more brands are questioning whether Amazon should come first. After launching his own toy brand on Amazon in 2016 and expanding into the UK, EU, and US, Tom now leads multi-marketplace growth strategies across: • Amazon • TikTok Shop • Walmart And the trend is clear: sellers are diversifying. In Part 1, you’ll discover: • Why rising FBA fees and PPC costs are squeezing Amazon margins • How Walmart compares operationally to Amazon • Why TikTok Shop is a demand creation engine • The difference between search-driven sales and discovery-driven sales • How creator marketing powers TikTok Shop • Why some new brands are choosing TikTok first • When Amazon is still the best first move • What a modern 2026 marketplace strategy looks like Amazon captures demand. TikTok creates demand. Walmart offers margin opportunity. Understanding how these platforms fit together is critical for brand growth in 2026. If you’re an Amazon seller thinking about expanding beyond FBA, this episode is essential. Watch Part 2 for deeper insights into lifetime value, customer acquisition, and marketplace profitability. Connect with Tom and Fordebaker: Website: https://fordebaker.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-baker-amazon-agency Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategistS...

    10 min
  5. FEB 6

    How Fulfillment Impacts Amazon Rankings, Prime Eligibility & Profit

    What you will learn in this episode • How Amazon fulfillment performance impacts ranking and visibility • Why communication failures are the biggest 3PL red flag • What accuracy standards top 3PLs must hit to stay competitive • How hazmat and lithium ion products are really handled off Amazon • Why forecasting is a growth skill, not an ops task • How fulfillment mistakes should be resolved and owned • Why logistics is one of the biggest hidden profit leaks for sellers Mark also explains why most brands spend all their energy on marketing while ignoring fulfillment signals that Amazon uses behind the scenes. This is Part 2 of a deep dive into Amazon fulfillment, logistics strategy, and how operational decisions affect sales, rankings, and profitability. If you have not watched Part 1 yet, start there to understand Amazon’s FBA vs FBM shift and hybrid fulfillment strategies. ------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Mark and G10 Fulfillment Website: https://g10fulfillment.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G10Fulfillment LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-becker-03b70854 Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategistS...

    9 min
  6. JAN 30

    Amazon FBA vs FBM in 2026: How Smart Brands Avoid Storage Fees and Stockouts

    Amazon used to reward sellers who sent massive amounts of inventory into FBA. That era is over. In Part 1 of this podcast, John Cavendish sits down with Mark Becker, CEO and Co-Founder of G10 Fulfillment, one of the longest operating Amazon-focused 3PLs in the industry. They break down how Amazon’s aggressive stance on long term storage fees, inventory limits, and warehouse prioritization is forcing brands to rethink their entire fulfillment strategy. This episode goes deep into hybrid FBA and FBM models, Seller Fulfilled Prime, and how brands can protect cash flow while staying in stock even when Amazon changes the rules overnight. What you will learn in this episode • Why Amazon is penalizing excess FBA inventory • How Seller Fulfilled Prime actually works in 2026 • The real difference between FBA, FBM, and hybrid fulfillment models • How multi-warehouse FBM setups maintain Prime eligibility • Why inventory flexibility matters more than ever • When it makes sense to move inventory out of Amazon warehouses • How advanced 3PLs help brands pivot fast without losing sales Mark also explains how national warehouse networks allow sellers to reach nearly the entire US population with two day shipping without relying solely on FBA. Who this episode is for • Amazon sellers frustrated with storage fees • Brands hitting inventory limits or stockouts • Operators running Shopify, Amazon, and Walmart together • Sellers considering FBM or hybrid fulfillment • Brands scaling beyond 500 orders per month ------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Mark and G10 Fulfillment Website: https://g10fulfillment.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G10Fulfillment LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-becker-03b70854 ------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategistS...

    15 min
  7. JAN 16

    How to Recover a Crashed Amazon Listing (Ranking, Suppression & Relaunch Strategy) | Part 2

    Most Amazon sellers think once a listing crashes, it is game over.  That is not true. In Part 2 of this conversation, John Cavendish sits down with Colin Raja, Founder of Launch Lab, to break down how experienced sellers actually recover suppressed listings, lost rankings, and stalled ASINs. They dive deep into what really happens when Amazon suppresses a listing, why some types of suppression can actually be easier to recover from, and how poor segmentation, pricing mismatches, and buyer intent confusion silently kill momentum. Colin explains why many “dead” listings fail to recover, not because Amazon is unfair, but because sellers are targeting the wrong buyer, the wrong value perception, or the wrong data signals. He also shares how deep audits, segmentation analysis, and incremental improvements can bring listings back to life, sometimes stronger than before. This episode is essential for Amazon sellers dealing with ranking drops, suppressed listings, hijackers, bad reviews, or failed launches. In Part 2, you’ll learn: • What to do when an Amazon listing crashes  • The difference between soft suppression and hard suppression  • Why some listings fail to recover after relaunch  • How buyer segmentation impacts ranking and conversions  • Why pricing and product positioning matter more than keywords  • How small improvements compound into major ranking gains  • The data signals Amazon rewards long term Hosted by John Cavendish Guest: Colin Raja, Founder of Launch Lab Colin is offering a free ASIN segmentation review for listeners, a process his team normally charges for. You can connect with him via colinraja.org or on LinkedIn or via Facebook at Colin Raja. If you are serious about fixing broken listings and building sustainable Amazon growth, this episode will change how you think about recovery. Subscribe for real Amazon strategies that focus on data, momentum, and long term wins, not shortcuts. Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategistS...

    11 min
  8. JAN 9

    Amazon Product Launch Strategy That Actually Ranks Keywords (Part 1)

    Most Amazon sellers fail at product launches because they chase tactics instead of following data. In Part 1 of this conversation, John Cavendish sits down with Colin Raja, Founder of Launch Lab, to break down the foundations of a successful Amazon product launch. Colin has built and scaled eight figure Amazon brands and now helps seven and eight figure sellers remove guesswork from keyword ranking and launch strategy. This episode focuses on the early decisions that determine whether a launch succeeds or stalls. Colin explains how Amazon reveals ranking signals, why momentum matters more than hacks, and where most sellers go wrong before ads even scale. If you are planning a new launch or fixing one that never gained traction, this episode lays the groundwork you need before moving into execution. In Part 1, you’ll learn: • Why most Amazon launches fail early  • How data signals influence keyword ranking  • What Amazon looks for during the launch phase  • Why momentum beats short term tactics  • The role of buyer intent in launch success  • Common mistakes sellers make before scaling PPC Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategistS...

    20 min

About

The Amazon Strategist Show is a podcast that examines strategies for success as a seller on Amazon. Hosted by John Cavendish, an experienced Amazon seller, and agency owner, the show covers the ins and outs of building a successful Amazon business examined from multiple angles by our expert guests. Unlike other podcasts that focus on tips and hacks, The Amazon Strategist Show provides real strategies for real sellers looking to grow sustainable businesses on Amazon. Whether you're just starting out or have been selling for years, this show has something valuable to offer you. So if you're ready to take your business to the next level, then sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the world of Amazon!