Ecomm Breakthrough Josh Hadley

Robert Clapp is a 60-year-old entrepreneur selling on Amazon since 2020. He started his Amazon business to create a lifestyle that offered new challenges and a work life balance. Previously, he spent 20 + years working in the film industry as a set builder, on shows such as Survivor, Star Wars and Happy Gilmore, which is a very time-consuming profession. Selling on Amazon has certainly been a challenge but also very rewarding. He has learned so much about the business and more importantly, about himself. And he has now the lifestyle that he set out to create.
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> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 
Interview with Bob Clapp about his experience with a strategy audit and scaling his e-commerce businessStrategies for optimizing product listings, financing growth, and leveraging relationships with manufacturersValue of the strategy audit and its impact on Bob's business ideas and effectivenessLeveraging relationships with manufacturers for financing and negotiating favorable termsContinuous testing and optimization of product listings, images, and keywordsMisconceptions about e-commerce businesses as passive income sourcesStrategies for financing growth and optimizing cash flow, including using credit cards and negotiating with suppliersExploring alternative shipping options to improve profitability and scalabilityImportance of ongoing testing, adaptation, and dedication to continuous improvement in e-commerceIn the latest Ecomm Breakthrough podcast episode, host Josh Hadley sits down with Bob Clapp to explore the financial strategies behind scaling an e-commerce business. They delve into the smart use of credit cards for cash flow optimization, the power of negotiating better payment terms with suppliers, and the benefits of seeking alternative shipping solutions. Bob shares his progress and the positive impact of these strategies on his business's growth and profitability. This insightful conversation underscores the importance of proactive financial management and continuous operational optimization for e-commerce success.
Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Action Item #1: Conduct a Strategy Audit: Take time to deeply analyze your e-commerce business operations, marketing, and financial strategies.
Action Item #2: Leverage Manufacturer Relationships for Financing: Consider your manufacturers as potential partners in financing growth.
Action Item #3: Prioritize Continuous Testing and Optimization: Adopt a mindset of continuous improvement by regularly testing and optimizing aspects of your e-commerce operation, such as product listings and marketing strategies.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comPickfuGaryvee on InstagramPlastiqHelium10"Quit Stalling and Build Your Brand" by Ben LeonardSpecial Mention(s):
Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):
“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
Episode Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started my business in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then email me

Scott Needham, CEO of SmartScout & Host of the Smartest Amazon Seller Podcast. He'll be sharing an extraordinary story of how he interrupted his honeymoon to rescue the business when a product went viral on TikTok in 2020.  The same product that they aren’t even selling on TikTok Shop. Scott will also delve into the strategy behind getting SmartScout to the front page of Reddit.
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> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 
Interview with Scott Needham about his experiences with TikTok Shop and success on AmazonStrategies and tips for driving sales on TikTok ShopDiscussion about Fast Moss, a TikTok data analytics platformScott's story of having to rescue his Amazon FBA business while on his honeymoonImportance of launching new products for business growthTips for optimizing main images for products on AmazonInfluence of Naval Almanac and its wisdom for business successIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley and guest Scott Needham, CEO of Smart Scout, delve into the intricacies of leveraging TikTok Shop for e-commerce success. They explore Scott's journey from a viral TikTok product to strategically using TikTok Shop to boost sales. Scott shares insights on utilizing data analytics platforms like Fast Moss to understand top-selling products and successful content creators on TikTok. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to Amazon's changing landscape, recounting a personal story where he had to make quick decisions to save his business during his honeymoon. The conversation also covers the significance of continually launching new products to drive growth and the necessity of optimizing main images for product listings. Scott's recommendations are geared towards helping 6-7 figure business owners scale their operations to 8 figures and beyond by embracing new platforms, refining logistics, and constantly innovating.
Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Action Item#1 Embrace TikTok Shop: Don't be intimidated by content creation. Utilize influencers and creators to generate content and leverage duets to amplify your presence on the platform.
Action Item#2 Master the Fundamentals: Stay ahead of Amazon's evolving fee structures and logistics challenges by hiring experts or consultants to optimize your supply chain and PPC strategies.
Action Item#3 Optimize Main Images: Never settle for a static image. Continuously test and refine your main product images to ensure they remain compelling and effective.
Resources & Links Section
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comFast MossThe Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgenson, Tim Ferriss, et al.Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe Laurence BergreenOpus ProVidyo.AIZulay KitchenMarketplace Pulse Rick Watson on LinkedInSmartScoutSpecial Mention(s):
Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):
“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started my business in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and

All right, everybody, I've got an amazing special episode in store for you all today. So, I've partnered together with the Firing the Man podcast, and Dave and Ken, who run this podcast, have done an amazing job and interviewed Adam Feinberg. Adam had a nine figure exit just a couple of years ago, and he dropped some massive knowledge bombs as to the actionable steps that he took in order to grow his brand, big enough that he had a nine-figure exit where the majority of his revenue was coming from Amazon. So, there's a lot to dig into today. Okay, so make sure you take some notes. And then when you're done with this episode, make sure you go follow Firing the Man podcast by David and Ken.
Adam (00:00:44) - You have to if you want to be an entrepreneur, you have to keep your expenses reasonable and you have to be willing to take risk. And if you don't take risks and take chances, you're just not going to succeed over the long haul. Kind of following strategies correctly pays off.
Adam (00:01:02) - We also invested a lot of money in advertising and building up our brands, which I think is really, really important on Amazon. I kind of learned from it that it's kind of better in a lot of instances, to be the big fish in a little pond than like, the eighth best fish in a big pond. Amazon.com once you have momentum, if you're in the top couple listings in the category, you don't want to give it up no matter what. So I would start and people would laugh. There'd be like your air shipping, solar lights, and the solar lights cost $15 to air strip and you only make ten bucks on each one. Why are you doing that? And I said, it's worth it because we don't want to lose our rank on Amazon.
Intro (00:01:43) - Welcome, everyone, to the Firing the Man podcast, a show for anyone who wants to be their own boss. If you sit in a cubicle every day and know you were capable of more, then join us. This show will help you build a business and grow your passive income streams in just a few short hours per day.
Intro (00:02:01) - And now your host, serial entrepreneurs David Schwimmer and Ken Wilson.
David (00:02:06) - Welcome everyone to The Firing Man podcast. On today's episode, we have the privilege to interview Adam Feinberg. Adam is the CEO of Web Deals Direct and Amazon FBA business that is home to more than 30 brands. Adam recently sold his business to perch, a technology driven commerce company that acquires and operates top Amazon third party sellers and other direct to consumer brands at scale, resulting in an impressive nine figure earnout. We are really excited to share Adam's story and knowledge with listeners today. Welcome to the show, Adam.
Adam (00:02:40) - All right. Thanks for having me. I'm glad to be here.
David (00:02:42) - Yeah, absolutely. So first things first, tell us a little bit about your background and how you got to where you are today.
Adam (00:02:49) - All right. Well, I used to be in the IT consulting business, and I have a wife who's a physician, and I have two big kids now. My daughter is a freshman in college, but about 10 or 11 years ago, we figured our lifestyle didn't work.
Adam (00:03:03) - And as well as I thought I was doing, she told me my job wasn't important. So you stay at home so I could have either been a stay at home dad, or I had to figure out something to do that worked with carpool drop offs and soccer, little league and karate class and all that. So I started running an SEO company at home. I put up a website. I learned a little bit about ranking in Google, helping my wife with her business, and some of her friends with their businesses. And I got lucky with it and put a website on the first page for a bunch of search terms like SEO company, SEO, agency, SEO services, and built up an SEO company up to about $3 million annually for about 4 or 5 years. I have a partner named Richard Bell, and he talked me into expanding the SEO business into the UK in 2012 or so, and we were going along merrily. Go

Todd is an English major who made good as an entrepreneur. He has founded and bootstrapped two companies into 8 figure valuations and is currently working on his eCommerce brand Finer Form. That brand focuses on at-home exercise equipment and is one of that category's top-selling brands on Amazon.
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> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 
Explosive growth of Finer Form brand during COVIDStrategies and levers used to scale the brand to eight-figure valuations and beyondAdapting to changing circumstances and managing inventory and supply chain challengesImportance of improvisation and quick decision-making in businessProviding exceptional customer service and its impact on positive reviews and customer loyaltyImpact of pricing strategies during the pandemicCutting off negative reviews by formulating the product to be friendlierImportance of becoming a PPC expert and understanding advertising on AmazonUtilizing TikTok Shop for generating sales and influencer marketingLong-term business decisions, mindset shift in PPC management, and potential of TikTok Shop for e-commerce brands
In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley chats with Todd Bairstow, CEO of Finer Form, about the brand's impressive growth trajectory during the pandemic and the strategic moves that propelled them to eight-figure success. Todd shares how Finer Form preemptively tackled potential negative reviews by improving product design and assembly instructions, enhancing the customer experience. He also delves into the critical role of Amazon PPC expertise in their growth, emphasizing the importance of keyword specificity and campaign organization. Furthermore, Todd discusses the value of maintaining a white hat approach and building strong relationships with Amazon account managers. The episode also explores Finer Form's unexpected success on TikTok Shop, outperforming other sales channels, and the benefits of influencer marketing on the platform. Todd recommends "The Big Short" for diverse business perspectives, ChatGPT for productivity, and the "Odd Lots" podcast for global business insights. This episode is packed with actionable strategies for e-commerce entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses.
Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:
Action Item #1: Embrace Adaptability and Strategic Decision-Making: Todd Bairstow's experience with Finer Form underscores the importance of adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Action Item #2: Prioritize Exceptional Customer Service: Building a loyal customer base is crucial for sustained success in e-commerce. 
Action Item #3: Master Amazon PPC and Explore Emerging Platforms: Post-COVID, the significance of Amazon PPC advertising has surged. 
Resources & Links Section
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comFiner FormChatGPT"The Big Short" by Michael LewisOdd Lots PodcastSpecial Mention(s):

Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):
“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
Episode Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started my business in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me g

Guest Introduction
Gracey is an Amazon Influencer & content creator who specializes in bringing the best deals & Amazon finds to her community of over a million followers across Tik Tok and 6+ additional platforms. She will show you why influencer marketing is the next vital step for your brand and the secrets to succeed with it on Tik Tok and Amazon Live. In her first year, she has driven over seven figures of revenue and helped many brands selling on Amazon boost sales, increase long-term keyword ranking, drive brand awareness, and go viral. She also live streams for Amazon as an A-List Amazon Live Creator and is often featured on the Amazon.com home & deals page.
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> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 
Importance of influencer marketing for brands on AmazonLandscape of Amazon in 2024Strategies for leveraging affiliate platformsBuilding long-term relationships with influencersRole of influencer marketing in helping consumers make purchasing decisionsLow-hanging fruit and best levers for seven-figure brand ownersCreating brand ambassador partnershipsUse of creative briefs for influencersInfluencer outreach on TikTok ShopImportance of commission rates and dollar amounts in influencer marketingIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley welcomes Gracey Ryback, a renowned Amazon influencer and marketing guru. They dive into the nuances of influencer marketing on Amazon, discussing strategies for brands to maximize ROI through affiliate platforms and influencer partnerships. Gracey shares her expertise on building effective relationships with influencers, leveraging platforms like TikTok Shop, and the importance of commission rates in driving sales. The duo also touches on the significance of product fit and communication in successful collaborations. For business owners aiming to scale, Gracey's practical advice and personal anecdotes offer a treasure trove of actionable tips.
Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Action Item #1: Gracey advised brands to vet influencers based on content quality and engagement rate, and to utilize TikTok's messaging platform for targeted outreach campaigns.
Action Item #2: Gracey highlighted the lack of trust associated with TikTok Shop and its influence on Amazon sales. Discoveries made on TikTok often translate into increased sales on Amazon, illustrating the interconnectedness of these platforms.
Action Item #3: Gracey emphasized the growing preference for commission-based collaborations and the positive impact of providing free samples to influencers.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comLevantaLogieArcher AffiliatesBreaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe DispenzaNotionSpecial Mention(s):
Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):
“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started my business in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then email me at josh@ecommbreakthrough.com and in your subject line say

All right, guys, I have a very special episode for you all today. Scott Needham and I from the Smartest Amazon Seller podcast have partnered together, where he interviewed Amy Wees, and she delivered some amazing, actionable strategies as to how you can grow your brand off of Amazon. I feel like this message is super timely for what a lot of us are experiencing massive amounts of overseas competition, a lot of margin reduction, an increase in FBA fees, etc. the list continues to go on and on, and while many people look for what's going to be the next best sales channel for me to get into, Amy shares some actionable tips and strategies, and I think you can experience a mindset shift in terms of understanding that getting into retail can open up some massive doors, an opportunity even bigger than what you're experiencing on Amazon. So go ahead, sit back, listen to this episode, take down some notes, and then when you're done, go ahead and follow the smartest Amazon seller podcast by Scott Needham.
Intro (00:01:09) - One, two, three.
Scott (00:01:12) - Welcome to the Smartest Amazon Seller podcast. I am your host, Scott Needham, an Amazon seller. And I have with me Amy Wees from Amazing At Home. She has been giving such amazing advice. I was at a conference with her 2 or 3 weeks ago in Boston, and when I heard her talk, I was like, all right, I've got to get her on the podcast to talk about this subject. I've never talked about it, and I know there's a few people that are probably at this threshold of how to take some of their products, some of their brands, to the next level, understand, what it can mean to branch outside of Amazon and perhaps even into retail stores. Amy, welcome to the podcast.
Amy (00:01:57) - Thank you for having me, Scott. It's great to be here.
Scott (00:01:59) - So, you know, I like to think that I'm, pretty good at selling on Amazon, but, the more I've been doing this podcast, the more that I like, I'm like, there's just way more things to consider.
Scott (00:02:14) - in how to, you know, grow a brand and actually maybe turn a product into a brand. And, one of the first things that you think of in, in answering that question is like, well, are you just on Amazon? You know, have you if you expanded and like, have you found the best fits off of Amazon? So, let's just do a thought experiment where, you know, I have grown to, say $500,000 a year in sales, and it's all just on Amazon doing, you know, private label. What would you think be, you know, the next step.
Amy (00:03:00) - Well, I think always you have to look at your customer base, right? who is your customer and where do they shop? What are their brands? Do they follow, you know, where do they expect to find you? and of course, we all love Amazon. I love Amazon too. I'm an Amazon seller as well. but when it comes to expansion, we really have to think and remember that e-commerce is 10% of all of retail.
Amy (00:03:31) - E-commerce is 10% of all retail. So it's like, whoa, you know, and then Amazon is a little over half of the e-commerce chunk, but there's still so many cool places that we can sell our products both online and offline, in brick and mortar channels as well. So when you're thinking about, okay, you know, could I do something off Amazon? I know a lot of people too. They don't want to keep all of their eggs in the Amazon basket right now because it's just been yeah really crazy. Amazon's changed a lot right.
Scott (00:04:03) - That's not a yeah it's not a great idea. now so expanding off Amazon and you know figuring out where your customers are or how to get to them, you know, the most natural might be, you know, Walmart Shopify but like and then the rest of, you know, brick and mortar you could set up wholesale. So say you're approaching you're approaching that question right there. what are some factors that you should be considering?
Amy (00:04:34) - Yeah. So I mean, the first thing that you should consider is your margin.
Amy (00: