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. APR 24

    Everyone Is Using AI Wrong for Amazon Ads

    AI is everywhere in Amazon selling. But most sellers are using it completely wrong. In this episode, John Cavendish sits down with Elizabeth Greene, Co-Founder of Junglr, to break down what AI can actually do for Amazon ads — and where it completely fails. What you’ll learn in this episode • Why AI outputs are often “AI slop” without expertise • The biggest mistake sellers make when using AI tools • How to actually use AI to improve Amazon ads performance • Why expertise still matters more than automation • The right way to build AI-powered systems for your business • How AI + human strategy creates better results than either alone Key Takeaways AI is powerful, but not autonomous Garbage in = garbage out AI works best when guided by real expertise Most sellers expect AI to replace thinking, not enhance it The Big Insight AI doesn’t replace experts. It amplifies them. If you don’t know what “good” looks like, AI won’t help you get there. Guest Elizabeth Greene Co-Founder, Junglr Helping Amazon brands scale past 8 figures with data-driven ad strategies 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  #AmazonStrategis...

    12 min
  2. APR 17

    Stop Relying on Amazon FBA in 2026 (You’re Losing Money) | Supply Chain Secrets

    Amazon FBA isn’t as simple as it used to be. In this episode, John Cavendish talks with Burak Yolga (Co-Founder & CEO of Forceget) about why relying only on Amazon’s ecosystem could be costing you serious money — and what smart sellers are doing instead. What you’ll learn in this episode • Why you should NOT rely only on Amazon fulfillment (MCF risks) • The hidden costs of Amazon AWD, AGL, and inventory delays • How slow check-ins are killing your cash flow • Why inventory can sit unsellable for weeks inside Amazon • The real advantage of using your own 3PL • How brands are saving thousands by restructuring fulfillment • Why omnichannel supply chains are the future Key Insights Amazon is optimizing for data, not your profitability Inventory delays = locked cash + lost sales FBA alone is no longer enough to scale Flexible supply chains win in 2026 Real Example from the Episode Some sellers have $100K+ worth of inventory stuck in Amazon warehouses, unable to sell due to slow check-ins and internal transfers. The Big Shift The most successful brands today are: ✔ Building their own supply chain ✔ Using independent 3PLs ✔ Expanding beyond Amazon ✔ Taking control of inventory and fulfillment Guest Burak Yolga Co-Founder & CEO, Forceget Experts in global logistics, fulfillment, and supply chain optimization 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  #AmazonStrategis...

    13 min
  3. APR 10

    Why 25% of Amazon Sellers Are Quitting (And How to Survive)

    Amazon sellers are facing a brutal reality in 2026: Rising shipping costs.  Higher FBA fees.  Shrinking margins. In this episode, John Cavendish sits down with Burak Yolga, Co-Founder & CEO of Forceget, to break down what’s really happening in global supply chains and how eCommerce brands can survive. What you’ll learn in this episode • Why shipping prices are rising again (and what’s coming next)   • The real impact of geopolitics on Amazon sellers  • How to reduce landed costs and protect your margins  • Why relying only on Amazon FBA is becoming risky  • The hidden costs most sellers ignore (HTS codes, duties, storage)  • Why omnichannel selling is no longer optional  • How Amazon’s new payout changes affect your cash flow Key Takeaways  Shipping volatility isn’t over yet  Amazon fees + ads + coupons are eating margins  Sellers must optimize supply chain AND diversify channels  Cash flow is becoming one of the biggest risks in eCommerce Why This Matters According to Burak, up to 25% of mid-level Amazon sellers are leaving the market due to rising costs and competition. This is no longer a side hustle. It’s a full-scale business or nothing. Guest Burak Yolga Co-Founder & CEO, Forceget Experts in global sourcing, freight, and supply chain optimization 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  #AmazonStrategis...

    10 min
  4. APR 3

    Amazon Product Strategy: When to Launch New SKUs vs Scale Existing Ones

    Most Amazon brands don’t fail. They plateau. In Part 2, John Cavendish sits down with Colin Plotica, Founder & CEO of Movement Retail, to break down why growth slows down and what brands must do to keep scaling. From product launch cadence to identifying new opportunities, this episode dives into the real strategy behind sustained Amazon growth. In this episode you’ll learn • Why Amazon product catalogs eventually plateau   • When to focus on optimization vs launching new products  • How top brands decide when to scale or expand  • Why some brands need aggressive SKU launches  • How to use keywords, competitors, and reviews to find new opportunities  • The role of brand lifecycle in product strategy  • What types of brands should invest in Amazon growth Colin also shares a powerful take on AI: Why real product photos and videos will outperform AI-generated content as the market becomes saturated with low-quality visuals. Key Takeaway You can’t scale forever on the same products. At some point, growth requires new SKUs, new ideas, and better positioning. Guest - Colin Plotica Founder & CEO, Movement Retail Movement Retail helps brands grow on Amazon through product strategy, development, and long-term partnerships. If you're an Amazon seller trying to break past a plateau, this episode will help you understand when to optimize and when to expand. 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  #AmazonStrategis...

    10 min
  5. MAR 27

    How to Test & Launch Winning Amazon Products (Before You Scale)

    Most Amazon sellers don’t fail because of ads. They fail because the product isn’t good enough. In Part 1, John sits down with Colin Plotica, Founder & CEO of Movement Retail, to break down how top brands actually develop, test, and validate new products before scaling. This episode dives deep into real-world product development strategies used by manufacturers and Amazon-focused brands. In this episode you’ll learn • How to validate product ideas using real Amazon data • Why customer reviews are the ultimate product test • How to test products before committing to large inventory • The step-by-step process from idea → product → launch • Why you can’t “market” a bad product into success • How small batch testing reduces risk • The role of aggressive early ad spend in product validation • When to kill a product vs improve it Colin also shares how his team works directly with manufacturers to: • Rapidly iterate products based on real feedback • Fix product issues using customer reviews • Launch test batches before scaling inventory Key Takeaway You can’t out-market a bad product. Amazon customers will tell you the truth fast and brutally. The smartest brands test early, iterate quickly, and let real customer feedback guide decisions. Guest Colin Plotica Founder & CEO, Movement Retail Movement Retail helps brands scale on Amazon through product development, strategy, and long-term partnerships. Connect with Colin and Movement Retail Website: https://movementretail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Movement-Retail Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/movement-retail Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movementretail 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  #AmazonStrategis...

    14 min
  6. MAR 20

    How Amazon Sellers Pay Less Tax (Cash vs Accrual Explained)

    Most Amazon sellers don’t have a tax problem. They have a timing problem. In Part 2, John continues the conversation with Matt Remuzzi, Owner of CapForge Accounting, breaking down one of the most important concepts in ecommerce finance: Cash vs accrual accounting. This single shift can dramatically impact how much tax you pay — without changing your actual profit. In this episode you’ll learn • The difference between cash and accrual accounting • Why ecommerce businesses should track both • How timing affects your reported profit • How inventory impacts your tax bill • Why growing brands benefit from cash-based tax reporting • How to legally reduce your taxable income • Why most sellers overpay taxes without realizing it • How proactive tax planning saves more than reactive filing Matt also explains why ecommerce sellers should: • Use accrual accounting for decision-making • Use cash accounting for tax optimization The same numbers, different timing — very different outcomes. Guest Matt Remuzzi Owner, CapForge Accounting CapForge specializes in bookkeeping, tax strategy, and advisory for ecommerce businesses. Connect with Matt and CapForge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capforge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/58977659/admin/feed/posts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capforge_bookkeeping 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  #AmazonStrategis...

    18 min
  7. MAR 13

    Amazon Seller Taxes: Why AI & Generic CPAs Cost You Money

    AI is powerful. But when it comes to your finances, it can cost you a lot more than you think. In this episode, John Cavendish sits down with Matt Remuzzi, Owner of CapForge Accounting, to break down why Amazon sellers should be careful using AI for bookkeeping and tax decisions. Matt has been in accounting since before the ecommerce boom and now leads a 90+ person team specializing in ecommerce accounting, tax strategy, and business exits. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why AI is not ready to replace accountants • The hidden risks of using AI for tax advice • How one decision could cost you hundreds of thousands • Why ecommerce accounting is different from traditional accounting • The biggest mistakes general CPAs make with Amazon sellers • How specialized accountants help reduce tax liability • Why many sellers overpay taxes without realizing it Matt also explains how ecommerce-specific tax strategies can lead to massive savings, sometimes turning large tax bills into zero. Guest Matt Remuzzi Owner, CapForge Accounting CapForge specializes in bookkeeping, tax prep, advisory, due diligence, and exits for ecommerce businesses. Connect with Matt and CapForge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capforge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/58977659 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capforge_bookkeeping 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  #AmazonStrategis...

    13 min
  8. MAR 6

    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  #AmazonStrategis...

    11 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!