Day 2

Moms. You might picture them chasing after toddlers or packing lunches, and yes, part of their reality involves those things. But here's a fact that may surprise you: they're the largest economic force driving consumer markets.Picture them less as stressed-out parents and more as confident shoppers with credit cards in hand. They're not just buying diapers and snacks; they're the real decision-makers behind a vast range of household purchases.In this episode, I spoke with Maria Bailey, an authority on marketing to moms, award-winning author, radio host, former Lifetime TV host, speaker, and CEO of BSM Media.We discuss how moms with credit cards represent a significant buying group and emphasize the importance of tailoring marketing and product development to this demographic, even for products where moms might not be the end users.Tune in!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why moms are a main consumer group (01:52)The evolving demographics of moms (04:50)Gen Z moms entering the market (08:12)Importance of online reviews for moms before buying (14:06)Younger moms and in-store research (17:59)Consistent values across mom demographics (32:26)Future of influencer and affiliate marketing (40:21)Additional ResourcesConnect with Maria Bailey- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabaileybsm/- X/Twitter: https://x.com/MariaBailey?s=20 https://twitter.com/MomTalkRadio- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momtalkradio/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaBaileyBSM- Find all Maria Bailey books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Maria-T.-Bailey/author/B001HCWBFC---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Amazon's FBA program offers sellers immense convenience, but staying on top of evolving fee structures is crucial for maintaining profitability.2024 brings some significant FBA fee changes, and in this episode, I am joined by Avenue7Media's experts, Malia Kim and David Wilhelm, to break them down and offer strategies to help you adapt and stay profitable.We dissect the adjustments in FBA Inbound, Storage, and Fulfillment fees, offering insights and strategies to navigate and mitigate these costs effectively, ensuring sellers stay ahead in the competitive Amazon landscape.We also look at how these changes could affect your competitiveness in the marketplace, including your Buy Box win rate and search visibility.While these changes might initially feel complex, there's an important takeaway: Amazon is offering ways for sellers to gain greater efficiencies that can offset some of the costs associated with them.Tune in now to adjust your strategy proactively to the new changes and take control of your Amazon success in 2024!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Breakdown of inbound and storage fees (01:29)Amazon FBA cost increases and optimization strategies (07:03)Benefits of opting out of certain fees (12:25)Examination of decreased FBA fulfillment fees (17:10)Partnering with Amazon to reduce waste and improve shipping efficiency (29:04)Analysis of Amazon FBA storage fee adjustments (35:09)Amazon's business strategies and impact on sellers (40:05)Amazon's Warehouse and Distribution Services and winning the Buy Box (48:01)Additional ResourcesMalia Kim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maliakim/David Wilhelm's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwilhelm100/---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Unless you have been living under a rock, you must have heard about the Amazon aggregators/acquirers' recent struggles and the bust of their business model. In fact, Thrasio, the biggest aggregator, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.But even though the aggregators bit off more than they could chew and bought businesses at sky-high valuations, the market for product companies is still active.In this episode, I have the cofounders of GW partners, Chris Shipferling and Jason Somerville, to talk about the market for product companies and how to maximize your business value all the way to exit. Their investment banking firm prepares product companies for optimal valuation and saleChris and Jason give an inside look at all the things buyers/acquirers are looking for in today's market to prepare your product company for an optimal valuation and sale.From focusing on certain sectors to understanding the pivotal shift from growth to profitability, we cover a lot of ground with all the steps you need to take to ensure a lucrative exit.If you're aiming for that ultimate wealth-creation event through the sale of your company, don't miss out on this episode!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Current market trends and active sectors (01:13)Insights on M&A activities and market conditions (03:15)Amazon-centric businesses and valuation changes (05:13)GW Partners' unique approach to selling companies (10:04)The transition from Amazon-only to multi-channel strategies (16:42)What buyers look for in acquisition targets (23:01)Ideal client profile for GW Partners (29:11)Strategies for improving profitability (35:40)Predictions on market rationality and future trends (38:44)Additional ResourcesConnect with Chris and Jason- Website: Gw.partners- Chris Shipferling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshipferling/- Jason Somerville: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-somerville-7273b71a/---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Did you know that the seeds of artificial intelligence were sown as far back as 1937, thanks to Alan Turing's groundbreaking work?Today, we are joined by Dr. Richard Routh, a distinguished expert in the field with a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence, for a discussion on the fascinating history of artificial intelligence and its profound impact on businesses.Dr. Routh brings a wealth of experience, having founded the US Army's Artificial Intelligence Training Center and served as the president of GINESYS, Inc., a leading company specializing in AI solutions for various industries. Currently, at the helm of Tri 7 Services, Dr. Routh leads the charge of providing cutting-edge AI solutions to corporate clients.In this conversation, we delve into the extensive history of AI, dispelling the myth that it's a recent 21st-century innovation. Dr. Routh sheds light on the foundational concepts established by pioneers like Alan Turing in 1937, emphasizing that recent advancements are a result of improvements in computing power and data availability.Stay tuned as we explore how businesses can leverage AI for enhanced efficiency and customer service, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping modern business strategies.Don't miss a masterclass on the historical evolution and practical applications of AI for your business, particularly in eCommerce.Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Historical Context of AI (01:02)Misconceptions about AI's novelty (05:38)Generative AI's potential and risks (12:43)AI's role in business innovation (27:07)Ethical Considerations AI development (31:48)Additional ResourcesConnect with Dr. Richard Routh- Website: https://www.tri7services.com/about/- Email: rrouth@Trie7Services.com---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Have you ever wondered how giants like Amazon continue to grow in the face of economic uncertainty? The answer lies not just in resilience but in strategic innovation and foresight.The latest Amazon Q4 earnings call revealed more than just numbers; it disclosed Amazon's roadmap for 2024 with confidence and ambition.I am joined by two special guests: Annie Palmer, a technology reporter for CNBC specializing in Amazon and e-commerce, and Rohit Kulkarni, a managing director and senior research analyst at Roth MKM Ventures covering internet and capital markets.Together, we dissect the key takeaways from the earnings call, exploring the giant's strategies for overcoming past economic hurdles and its bullish outlook for 2024.We also discuss Amazon's focus on AI, its impact on future revenues, the continued evolution of its advertising and fulfillment efficiencies, and its approach to addressing potential regulatory challenges.Whether you're interested in eCommerce, technology, business strategy, or the future of retail, this episode is for you.Tune in to discover the innovative steps Amazon is taking to maintain its market dominance, how they are using AI to stay ahead of the curve, and how they're adapting to economic headwinds and regulatory challenges.Key TakeawaysIntroduction and guest backgrounds (00:00)Amazon's key messages from the Q4 earnings call (02:20)Amazon Layoffs and Strategic Investments in AI (05:42)Generative AI's impact on the Amazon workforce (10:48)Breakdown of potential revenue from AI (15:34)Amazon's growth strategies, including fresh food and grocery expansion (23:05)Amazon's profitability and growth potential (30:06)Amazon's international market potential (36:28)Competition with TikTok and other marketplaces (41:13)AI investments and future outlook (49:56)Additional ResourcesConnect with Rohit Kulkarni- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohitkulkarnilnkd/- X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/chakkoomaster- Website: https://www.roth.comConnect with Annie Palmer- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annierpalmer/- X/Twitter: https://x.com/annierpalmer?s=20---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

The eCommerce space has undergone significant changes in recent years, presenting both business challenges and opportunities.Financial Models haven't changed, but the mood around which financial metrics matter most certainly has. Tyler Jefcoat, CEO of Seller Accountant and a seasoned entrepreneur, joins me to unpack what's changed for 2024.He remains optimistic about the future of eCommerce, highlighting the valuable lessons businesses have learned from the challenges of the past years.As the business landscape improves, companies are better equipped to manage their portfolios, control expenses, and measure return on investment.With the expectation of normalized interest rates and improved cash flow, Tyler predicts a resurgence in brand exits and increased opportunities for growth.It is evident that a combination of prudent financial management and innovative marketing strategies will be critical to sustained success in eCommerce in 2024.Tune in to this episode for a detailed breakdown of evolving metrics, market dynamics, and strategic decision-making that will shape the outlook for eCommerce brands in 2024.Key Takeaways Intro (00:00)eCommerce shifts to expect in 2024 (01:01)How to plan for the return of brand exits (05:27)How to get capital for growth with increased interest rates (11:38)Track these new KPIs for 2024 (16:21)Leveraging Connected TV and TikTok influencing for growth (28:25)Why you MUST be on Amazon even if other channels seem profitable (34:03)Additional Resources:Website: https://www.selleraccountant.comLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerjefcoat/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/selleraccountanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SellerAccountant---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Ever wondered what it takes to make a brand like OLLY shine on Amazon and other marketplaces? Buckle up because today we have the lady who makes the magic happen, the Amazon Manager at OLLY supplements, Summer Jubelirer.From CommerceHub to Hydralyte, Summer's been a seasoned veteran in the eCommerce game long before joining OLLY. Now, she tackles the ever-evolving Amazon landscape with a smile and a strategy (and co-hosts a hilarious podcast called "Always Off Brand").OLLY is one of the most successful and beautifully branded Amazon businesses globally, and Summer has played a role in this.With a wealth of experience in the eCommerce realm, Summer takes us on a journey through her career and shares valuable insights into the challenges and surprises faced at OLLY, as well as predictions and thoughts regarding Amazon's push into Streaming TV in 2024, the Always of Brand podcast that Summer co-hosts as well as other marketplaces to pay attention to.Summer provides a glimpse into where her team will be directing their attention, revealing potential marketplaces beyond Amazon that they are exploring and why these avenues are worth their consideration. Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Summer Jubelirer's eCommerce career path and brand management (01:16)Brand-agency relationships and effective communication (06:19)Agency-brand communication and collaboration  (09:47)Amazon marketing strategies and tactics (14:20)eCommerce attribution, fulfillment challenges, and inventory management (21:14)Amazon vendor strategies and communication (28:09)Amazon advertising and connected TV (35:56)Additional Resources:- Summer Jubelirer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerjubelirer/- Always Off Brand Podcast: https://alwaysoffbrand.libsyn.com/---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

2023 is coming to a close, and what a year it's been for Amazon sellers! From Andy Jassy's cost-cutting measures to the rise of TikTok Shop, there's been no shortage of change and disruption.In this episode, Shannon and I discuss our January predictions of what would happen in 2023 and take scores based on what we got right and wrong.You know, when I look back at this year, our crystal balls were a little foggy, but we gave it our best shot. Predicting the twists and turns of the eCommerce world is no easy feat. We did okay, though.We both expected to see increased antitrust scrutiny of Amazon in 2023. This prediction also came true, with the FTC filing a lawsuit against Amazon in September. The outcome of this lawsuit is still uncertain, but it could have a major impact on Amazon's business in the years to come.Tune in to this episode to hear how we did with our predictions and what we expect going into 2024!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Amazon growth and profitability in 2023 (01:51)Amazon acquisitions and antitrust concerns (06:50)Advertising and influencer marketing (12:01)Buy with Prime predictions (19:39)Amazon treating sellers like true partners (25:11)Amazon disruptors in 2023 - TikTok? (27:31)Sourcing moving away from China (34:54)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Today, we've got a heavyweight in the eCommerce industry - the legend himself, Kevin King.Kevin's journey in the world of direct marketing and eCommerce dates all the way back to 1989. Yeah, you heard that right! He's been an integral part of the game since before it became the powerhouse it is today.One of the pioneers in the Amazon marketplace, Kevin's got a wealth of experience and a knack for staying ahead of the curve.Kevin is not just a seller; he's an educator. He's the brains behind the Billion Dollar Sellers Newsletter, delivering insights that have propelled countless sellers to success. And also the mastermind behind the Billion Dollar Seller Summit.And if that's not impressive enough, he's the man behind the number one course for Amazon sellers - Freedom Ticket. With over 160,000 students under his wing, it's safe to say he knows a thing or two about navigating the complexities of the eCommerce world.In today's episode, we'll explore how he's seen the industry transform over the years and what he envisions for the future of eCommerce.We'll unravel the secrets behind successful selling strategies and get a glimpse into the mind of a true industry innovator.So, buckle up for an insightful ride with Kevin King. It's time to learn from the best and stay ahead of the curve. Stay tuned!Key Takeaways - Intro (00:00)- Kevin's entrepreneurial journey (02:45)- First eCommerce ventures (15:44)- Owning the customer and your own distribution channels (21:33)- Getting started with Amazon (23:36)- Advice for people getting into eCommerce (27:05)- The key to maintaining a high margin (35:16)- Best performing marketing tools (39:04)- The power of a newsletter (42:46)- Why we should pay attention to TikTok (51:03)Additional Resources:- Billion Dollar Sellers Newsletter: https://www.billiondollarsellers.com/----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow, and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In a previous episode, we advocated for a shift from a two-day Prime day to a more extended two-week campaign as an investment in your listing. Two and a half weeks post-event, we measured the Best Seller Rank (BSR) for clients who followed our extended campaign strategy.The results were staggering. Those who participated in the two-week campaign witnessed a remarkable 240% improvement in BSR compared to clients who adhered to the conventional two-day approach.With the Fall Prime Day Event setting the stage, we're now gearing up for the holiday season. Clients who participated in the fall event find themselves in an elevated position, gaining market share and improving their rank.Liz LaVallee, Vice President of Client Growth here at Avenue7Media, highlights the essential post-Prime Day analysis and what sellers should learn from them.Additionally, Calin and I just got back from Amazon Unboxed. Amazon is moving fast and making the case for Streaming TV Ads, among other exciting announcements.The streaming TV landscape is in its early days, presenting a unique opportunity for forward-thinking brands to establish a foothold and set the stage for future success.It's time to embrace the democratization of TV ads via Streaming TV before costs escalate in the coming years. The next billion-dollar brands will be built using this powerful medium.Join Liz, Calin, and I in this fascinating discussion as we dive deep into these topics and much more!Key Takeaways - Our results from Fall Prime Day (01:16)- Building a full-funnel advertising strategy within Amazon (06:28)- Twitch advertising for Amazon? (09:26)- The promise of Amazon Marketing Cloud (14:48)- Generating demand for your brand (22:16)- Generative AI tools for advertising (24:04)- Streaming TV ads vs Linear TV ads (25:52)- Connecting content to commerce (31:18)Additional Resources:- Calin Ionescu's LinkedIn- Liz LaVallee's  LinkedIn ---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

The global landscape is rapidly changing, and businesses must adapt to survive and thrive. Supply chain diversification, manufacturing alternatives, and careful consideration of geopolitical risks are essential in navigating this uncertain terrain.China, the world's factory, is faced with a myriad of problems ranging from economic instability, debt, political tensions, crumbling infrastructure, and a fast-declining manufacturing industry.Small businesses and sellers should be taking proactive steps to secure their future and diversify their supply chains before they get disrupted.In this episode, I sat down with Steve Simonson, a Global Entrepreneur and Founder of the e-commerce association Empowery.com.Our discussion centered around the rapidly changing global landscape, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities facing product brands and small businesses amid escalating geopolitical tensions.Steve Simonson predicts that these tensions may lead to more kinetic actions, including wars, which could disrupt global trade and geopolitics.So, what does all this mean for small businesses and sellers?It's time to look at alternative supply chain options seriously. Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, the E.U., Turkey, and India are all viable options. But they possess different strengths and challenges.But there is also a possible U.S. onshore manufacturing renaissance, coupled with a strategic North American alliance, that seems to be on the cards.Tune in to gain valuable insights and expert advice to help you navigate the complex world of global business and supply chains.Key Takeaways- Intro (00:00)- The Global Chaos Curve and its implication for sellers (01:44)- China's economic stability and manufacturing decline (10:09)- Supply chain alternatives to China (19:59)- Diversifying to ASEAN countries (27:33)- Always get on TERMS when buying from China (29:36)- Manufacturing renaissance in U.S. and North America (37:43)- E.U. supply chains (40:32)- Onshoring back manufacturing to North America (43:56)Additional Resources:Connect with Steve Simonson- Website and podcast platform: https://www.awesomers.com/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevesimonson/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevesimonson- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.simonson1/----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, I am joined by Scott Ohsman, a seasoned veteran of Amazon Vendor Central and an expert in the world of eCommerce.He is also the VP of Digital Commerce at Quickfire, LLC, Speaker, Brand Strategist, and co-host of the "Always Off Brand" podcast.Scott Ohsman's journey in the retail industry began long before eCommerce took center stage. He has seen the industry undergo significant shifts, from brick-and-mortar dominance to the rise of online marketplaces.With over 28 years of experience in retail and eCommerce, Scott has not only launched over 200 brands on Amazon but also witnessed the platform's transformation from its early days to the present.In this insightful conversation, we delve into the changing landscape of Amazon, the evolution of 1P (Vendor Central) and 3P (Third-Party Sellers) dynamics, Amazon's streamlined logistics, Amazon's response to antitrust concerns, and more.Key Takeaways- Meet Scott Ohsman (01:15)- The importance of sales training (06:57)- Vendor Central (1P) evolution (09:05)- The big purge of Vendor Central in 2018 (17:01)- The major changes in 1P (19:22)- Strategic Vendor Services (21:08)- Some Amazon news (25:08)- Concerns with Amazon's streamlined logistics plan (30:26)- FTC lawsuit against Amazon (34:02)Additional Resources:- Always Off Brand Podcast by Scott Ohsman: https://alwaysoffbrand.libsyn.com/----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Amazon Accelerate 2023 recently concluded, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The annual conference brought together Amazon sellers, experts, and enthusiasts to discuss the latest updates, innovations, and opportunities in Amazon's eCommerce world.The Avenue7Media team had a front-row seat at the event, and today, we're breaking down all the exciting news and insights from the conference.I'm excited to introduce you to Liz LaVallee, our Director of Client Operations, Leoho'onani Texeira, our Director of Client Relations, and Malia Kim, our Director of Presence.We also had the brilliant Shannon Roddy on stage for a branding panel, but we're letting him off the hook for this particular episode.Amazon's commitment to improving its relationship with sellers was evident throughout the conference.Our team members who attended were all impressed by the accessibility to Amazon employees who could provide answers and assistance, making it an invaluable experience for sellers.The "Customer Obsession" theme extended to sellers, emphasizing their importance to Amazon's ecosystem.Beyond the refreshing change of attitude by Amazon towards sellers, there were also some game-changing announcements.Amazon's Supply Chain caught everyone's attention, promising more cost-effective and efficient shipping solutions. Amazon Shipping Services rollout promises lower costs and improved delivery experiences.Stay tuned as we dive deep into our experiences and insights from this year's Amazon Accelerate event!Key Takeaways- Intro (00:00)- Avenue7Media team impression of 2023 Amazon Accelerate (02:00)- The biggest announcement from Accelerate (07:03)- Amazon's new shipping services (13:47)- Ship in Own Container (SIOC) pilot program (15:26)- Generative AI tools for Amazon (20:09)- New customer insights tools and dashboards (26:49)- Amazon Emerald program to integrate 3rd party apps (40:41)- Seller support improvements (43:23)- Amazon's efforts to rebuild trust with sellers (45:12)Additional Resources:- Malia Kim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maliakim/- Liz LaVallee's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-lavallee/- Leoho'onani Texeira's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leotex/----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Major eCommerce players Amazon and Shopify have recently struck a significant deal that's shaking up the industry.This partnership involves the introduction of the "Buy with Prime" feature, among other exciting developments. Buy with Prime is a feature that has the potential to revolutionize the way shoppers on Shopify access Amazon Prime benefits.BwP is a game-changer for sellers because it's the only way to tap into Amazon Prime's customer base.While some sellers initially had concerns about sharing customer data with Amazon, BwP actually flips the script, enabling sellers to expand their customer database with Prime members.For both Amazon and Shopify, this is a win-win partnership as they get to leverage each other's strengths.In this episode, I am joined by James Kelly to dissect the key aspects of this game-changing collaboration and other noteworthy updates in the eCommerce marketplace.Among these new developments are the clear signs that Amazon is shifting its approach to embracing a more supportive role as an eCommerce enabler rather than continuing as a monopolistic and anti-competitive actor in the space.As we noticed at Amazon's Accelerate event, it's clear that the eCommerce giant is becoming more open than ever before. Amazon Emerald, an integration partnership offering SaaS tools directly within Seller Central, is a testament to this openness.Don't miss out on these exciting developments and more in the eCommerce space. Tune in now!Key Takeaways- Intro (00:00)- Buy with Prime conversation rates on DTC brands (02:10)- Amazon's shift towards a more seller-friendly platform (06:34)- Amazon-Shopify partnership and its implications (14:23- Amazon and Shopify integration, traffic, and fulfillment (23:40)- Amazon's vast fulfillment network (25:17)- The aggregator model and debt situation (27:50)- Achieving economies of scale with Amazon (36:08)- Amazon's investment in AI (40:30)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Jason Boyce chats with Scott Reid, President & CEO at Dormeo North America. Scott's career has been marked by his success in building $100 million brands both in the good ol' USA and all the way over in Japan using the power of Direct TV. He is a master of Media Efficiency Ratios (MER), which Amazon sellers may recognize as TACoS.Scott and his company's marketing strategy for success in the Japanese market involved identifying products that were already successful in North America and replicating them in Japan through the use of Direct Response TV.So, what's the secret sauce for success in DRTV?The success of DRTV campaigns relies on showcasing innovative, highly demonstrable products with clear Unique Selling Propositions (USPs), making them fun and easy to use, and ultimately delivering happiness to consumers.But if you are going to spend massive amounts of marketing dollars on such campaigns, you've got to be ready to defend your products with patents to maintain a competitive edge in the market.Despite the success of DRTV, Scott insists that being on Amazon is necessary for a brand's success, given its reach and the trust consumers have in the platform, and also for channel control.There are many cool things that Amazon sellers can learn from Scott's successes when it comes to launching a product in a new market, building brand awareness, measuring the performance of your marketing campaigns, and defending your brand.We cover these topics in detail in the episode, as well as other great insights. Tune in!Key Takeaways- Scott's journey into direct marketing (00:53)- Translating successful products in the US to Japan (04:45)- Categories of products that resonate across cultures (11:54)- The secret to the success of DRTV (14:13)- Defending your product with patents to build a brand (16:17)- Why brands must be on Amazon even with DRTV (23:43)- How to build a $100 million brand (31:04)- Media Efficiency Rate (33:05)- What's next for Scott and Dormeo (37:30)Additional Resources- Scott Reid's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-reid-b61a3a7/- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Within the Amazon marketplace, the difference between prosperity and obscurity often boils down to a single skill: Amazon listing optimization. This is one of the key elements that separates triumphant brands from struggling ones.In this episode, Shannon Roddy is joined by Liz LaVallee, Director of Client Operations at Avenue7Media, to dive deep into the very effective strategies employed by 7 and 8-figure brand owners to master the art of listing optimization.But before we even get to the strategies, it's important to underscore the significance of mindset.While listing optimization may seem like a mere technical exercise, the right mindset to have is one that emphasizes setting clear goals, creating well-defined plans, establishing metrics for tracking progress, and consistently iterating and improving.The three fundamental pillars or outcomes of listing optimization should be:- Improve traffic to the listing- Increase conversion rates- Enhance customer experience through clarity and satisfactionTune in to this episode to learn of the tactics in each of these three pillars of listing optimization that successful 8 figure brands use to create listings that attract, convert, and delight customers.Key Takeaways- The mindset difference in listing optimization (01:48)- The goal of listing optimization (02:53)- Listing optimization to improve conversion rate (04:30)- Listing optimization to increase traffic (15:41)- Listing optimization to enhance customer experience (24:27)- Metrics to gauge listing optimization progress (38:30)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Amazon isn't just another sales channel; it's a diverse and intensely competitive eCommerce ecosystem.A small percentage of sellers dominate the market and account for the majority of sales. The journey from an early-stage brand owner to a top Amazon seller requires more than just strategies and tactics.Mindset is often the differentiating factor that propels certain sellers to the top of the Amazon marketplace.While external resources like budget and product range do play a role, they can only take you so far. The internal factors, especially mindset, are what truly determine the trajectory of success.Building a 7 or 8-figure brand demands a mindset that embraces change, values customer feedback, and focuses on long-term growth rather than short-term gains.Applying traditional retail strategies won't suffice; even strategies that work on other eCommerce platforms won't work. Amazon requires dedicated expertise and an adaptable mindset to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.The journey to becoming a top Amazon seller begins with a mindset that aligns with the dynamic nature of the platform.In this episode, Shannon and I delve into the mindset that sets apart the biggest sellers, highlighting the internal mindset factors that contribute to their success, including channel control, advertising, listings, product development, and more.Let's dive right in!Key Takeaways- How much success on Amazon is dependent on mindset? (03:19)- Success is more about mindset than resources (08:16)- Why is channel control so important (10:42)- How do big sellers think about listings compared to smaller sellers (18:30)- Advertising mindset that differentiates 8-figure brands from the rest (26:12)- Key mindset differentiators in regard to product development (34:58)- How big brands stay ahead of the competition on Amazon (43:01)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Amazon's Q2 earnings call marked a significant shift in the company's trajectory under the leadership of CEO Andy Jassy.The earnings call not only showcased a remarkable turnaround in financial performance but also shed light on Amazon's shift toward regionalized fulfillment networks and a strategic focus on AI-driven initiatives to shape the future of AWS.In a noticeable departure from recent earnings calls, the 2023 Q2 call exuded an air of confidence and optimism.Andy Jassy's cost-cutting efforts appear to have been effective, leading to a substantial improvement in earnings compared to the same period last year. Investors were pleased to witness an 11% year-over-year revenue growth, indicating a positive shift from several quarters of single-digit growth.In this episode, I am joined by two esteemed experts, Annie Palmer of CNBC and Rohit Kulkarni of Roth MKM Ventures to break down the Q2 earnings call.  Every quarterly earnings call, Amazon does two press conferences, one for the news media and one for the analysts.Annie and Rohit offer unique insights into Amazon's Q2 earnings call, highlighting key takeaways, shifts in focus, and implications for the future.Key Takeaways- Change in tone around the Q2 earnings call (03:36)- Are Andy Jassy's cost-cutting measures paying off? (04:31)- Amazon plans for AI in the cloud (05:54)- Third-party seller services vs. AWS (10:11)- Shifts toward regionalized fulfillment networks (17:37)- Secret info Amazon sellers are buying on Telegram channels (20:51)- Andy Jassy's moment in the sun (32:36)- Grading Amazon Q2 earnings (35:26)- Amazon plans for their physical retail stores (42:28)- Unpacking Q2 revenue numbers (49:46)- The AWS story and AI revolution in the cloud (56:42)- Looking ahead to Q3 (01:01:34)Additional Resources:- Connect with Annie Palmer https://twitter.com/annierpalmer or email her at: anne.palmer@nbcuni.com- Connect with Rohit Kulkarni at: rkulkarni@roth.com- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Prime Day, Amazon's highly anticipated annual sales event, evokes mixed feelings among sellers and brands.Some are skeptical about its profitability due to heavy discounts, while others see it as an opportunity to boost search rankings and Best Seller Rank (BSR).In this episode, I am joined by my friend Liz LaVallee. Liz grew an enormous digital business over 16 years for Vermont Teddy Bear and PajamaGram, and Avenue7Media is honored to have her as our Director of Operations.We delve into the anonymized results from Avenue7Media's client base, discussing the outcomes for those who participated and those who refrained from joining Prime Day.Additionally, Liz reveals a winning strategy to leverage Prime Early Access in October for a sustained halo effect on rankings and sales.Tune in!Key Takeaways- To participate or not participate in Prime Day (02:17)- How to go all in on Prime Day (04:19)- 2023 Prime Day statistics (10:13)- The Prime Day Halo effect (16:48)- The best strategy to prepare for the next Prime event (20:22)- Should you send your list to send traffic to Amazon on Prime Day? (26:46)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

As an Amazon seller, the ultimate goal is to have your products rank at the top of organic search results, attracting more potential customers and boosting profitable revenue.In the fiercely competitive world of Amazon, mastering advanced SEO strategies can make all the difference between a product that languishes in obscurity and one that soars to the top of search results.One key aspect of these strategies is the synergy between advertising and organic ranking through effective keyword identification and optimization. By identifying high-converting keywords through advertising and strategically optimizing product listings, you can enhance organic visibility, attract potential customers, and ultimately increase sales and profitability. Leveraging the power of SEO enables you to position your products in front of potential customers effectively, making it one of the most potent tools for brand owners looking to increase sales.By understanding the nuances of Amazon's algorithm and tailoring your SEO approach accordingly, you can achieve higher sales ranks, increased visibility, and, ultimately, greater profitability for your brand.In this episode, Shannon and I dive into advanced SEO strategies that can help you achieve just that.Let's explore the world of Amazon SEO and how it can revolutionize your sales performance.Key Takeaways- Why Amazon SEO is so important (01:46)- Common misconceptions around Amazon SEO (06:40)- Step #1 of the Amazon SEO process (13:40)- The advanced Amazon SEO funnel (16:42)- The role of advertising in organic ranking on Amazon (28:30)- Identifying converting keywords through advertising (33:57)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In our visually-driven society, a picture speaks volumes, and this is especially true in the world of online shopping.On Amazon, product images are not just eye-catching visuals; they are critical drivers of click-through rates, sales, and overall customer satisfaction.With millions of products available, customers often rely on these visuals as their first point of contact with a product. A compelling image can pique their interest, encourage them to click on a listing, and eventually lead to a sale.Beyond click-through rates and sales, product images also play a key role in overall customer satisfaction. When customers receive a product that aligns with their expectations based on the images they saw, they are more likely to be satisfied with their purchase. On the other hand, misleading or unclear images can lead to disappointment, returns, and negative reviews, impacting a brand's reputation.Amazon recognizes the importance of product images and encourages sellers to present their products in the best possible light. They provide guidelines and requirements to ensure images are of high quality, relevant, and informative.Gone are the days of basic product images. High-quality 3D renderings have become the gold standard for showcasing products. These lifelike renderings provide customers with a clearer understanding of the product's features and benefits, increasing their trust in the brand.In today's episode, Shannon and I uncover the top Amazon product image strategies used by successful 7 and 8-figure brands to stand out in the competitive marketplace.Let's dive in!Key Takeaways - Amazon Accelerate Conference update (00:38)- Use High-Quality 3D Product Renderings (09:49)- Position Everything for Your Customer's Avatar (12:21)- Focus on Your Primary Image (19:11)- Give Them a Feeling (22:28)- Show Them How It Works (24:42)- Provide Vital Info about the Product in the image (27:28)- Make It Mobile Friendly (29:15)- Share Your Brand Story, Values, and Commitments (30:35)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

The world is brimming with creative individuals who constantly generate brilliant ideas for new and innovative products. Transformative innovation that offers unique solutions and aligns with cultural values holds tremendous potential for success.Launching these innovative products requires careful planning, market research, and an understanding of customer needs. Meanwhile, Amazon continues to dominate the e-commerce market as the largest platform, capturing over half of all e-commerce market share. It has become a crucial starting point for entrepreneurs, but how do you launch a brand-new innovative product on the platform?Utilizing platforms like Amazon, along with strategic external traffic sources, can amplify visibility and generate valuable customer feedback.By continuously improving and refining products based on customer insights, entrepreneurs can create truly transformative brands that stand out in the market.Remember, getting started is often the hardest part, and perfection should not be the enemy of progress. Embrace the journey, iterate, and watch your innovative product thrive.In this episode, Shannon and I delve into the essential steps required to successfully launch and continually improve innovative products.So, let's dive in and explore how to create and market truly unique and innovative products that meet current cultural values.Key Takeaways- Innovators vs imitators (02:04)- How innovative products are created (05:46)- Proof of concept (10:43)- Launching a new product in the market (13:39)- The most effective way to launch on Amazon (20:02)- How to drive SEO traffic for innovative products (26:52)- Get in front of the right audienceAdditional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In the vast digital landscape, where online marketplaces have revolutionized how we buy and sell goods and services, questions arise about the potential for these platforms to become monopolies.Giants such as Amazon reign supreme, but even the others are all looking for dominance.  In this episode, Shirish Nadkarni, a seasoned entrepreneur and author of the book "Winner Takes All: Case Studies in How Online Marketplaces Are Creating Modern Monopolies," joins me to shed light on the dynamics of online marketplaces and their potential for monopolistic dominance.Online marketplaces have become the beating heart of commerce, connecting millions of buyers and sellers across the globe. But beneath their seemingly benign façade lies a captivating tale of ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of dominance.Imagine a world where a single marketplace/platform controls the fate of entire industries, where a select few wield power to reshape economies, and where the rules of engagement are rewritten before our very eyes.The question consumers and regulators are left to grapple with is, are online marketplaces destined to become unstoppable monopolies? Can any force unseat these titans once they attain critical mass? Shirish and I explore these burning questions, providing you with an intimate understanding of the complex dynamics that govern the digital marketplace landscape.This thought-provoking conversation challenges traditional perceptions and delves into the factors that contribute to the rise of dominant players like Amazon.Join us as we delve into online marketplaces and the intricate dance of competition, innovation, and the quest for market dominance.Key Takeaways- How Shirish created the largest language marketplace (00:32) - The network effect of marketplaces (10:03)- How eBay lost in China (14:44)- How Amazon displaced eBay (20:14)- What is critical mass for a marketplace (23:26)- How regulators can ensure a level field (26:02)- Amazon's self-preferencing behaviors (30:09)- The next big marketplace (32:07)Additional Resources:- Winner Takes All Book- Connect with Shirish NadkarniWebsiteLinkedIn Twitter ----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Amazon, the ecommerce powerhouse, is renowned for its frequent launches and experiments, often unveiling new features in April and October.It is continuously innovating and ceaselessly exploring new avenues and refining its offerings to defend its huge ecommerce market share and even grow it.Glimpses of Amazon's latest tests and innovations have started to emerge, offering a tantalizing preview of what's in store.Amazon's relentless pace of change and continuous testing can be overwhelming for sellers. While being an early adopter of new features may not always yield long-term benefits, staying informed is crucial for making informed decisions for your business.Keeping a finger on the pulse of Amazon's developments, businesses can adapt their strategies to harness opportunities and provide an exceptional shopping experience.In this episode, Shannon and I explore some of the most intriguing developments that have caught our attention. From estimated units sold and AI-driven review summaries to the return of Seller Fulfilled Prime and strategic partnerships, Amazon continues to push boundaries and reshape the online shopping landscape.Tune in to learn more about the new features Amazon is testing and what Shannon and I think about them.Key Takeaways- Estimated units sold appearing on the search results page (01:48)- Amazon is summarizing Reviews with AI (05:18)- Small Business Brand Names disappearing from titles (10:10)- The return of Seller Fulfilled Prime (13:02)- Posts have officially moved to the Ad Console (20:23)- Shop similar items feature in infographics (23:28)- Amazon's deal with Pinterest to make pins "shoppable" (25:15)- Amazon sued by the FTC (31:29)- Prime Day shopping event (34:07)Additional Resources:- Amazon Hands Out ‘Small Business' Label to Huge Sellers By Theo Wayt----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode! 

In today's episode, I am joined by Malia Kim, Director of Presence at Avenue7Media, and James Ford-Bey, Head of Catalog at Avenue7Media, to discuss the complexities of variations, multipacks, and bundles on Amazon.While these tactics can be beneficial for sellers, it's crucial to understand what is allowed, what is not allowed, and how to avoid potential problems with Amazon and fines from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).The recent lawsuit and hefty fine imposed on The Bountiful Corporation for "review hijacking" by the FTC has caused quite a stir in the Amazon seller community.This review hijacking or variation strategy, which has been employed for years across millions of listings, suddenly became a violation of the law. Malia shares her insights on what made this case different from the average rank-boosting variation.Additionally, we question whether Amazon holds any responsibility, considering they allow the sharing of reviews. Could this issue have been avoided if Amazon permitted variations with separate reviews for each variant?To prevent falling into the same predicament as The Bountiful Corporation, it's vital for sellers to familiarize themselves with Amazon's Variation Policy.Malia explains that variation relationships, also known as parent-child relationships, involve sets of products related based on attributes such as size, color, or flavor. These relationships allow buyers to compare and choose products on a single product detail page.James, having encountered numerous TOS violations while managing catalog listings offers his expertise on how sellers can avoid such infringements. It is crucial to stay up to date with Amazon's policies, fix any incorrect listings promptly, and ensure compliance with the guidelines.Tune in as Malia, James, and I explore the best practices to approach variations, multipacks, and bundles correctly, following Amazon's rules and guidelines and potential fines from the FTC!Key Takeaways- What's happening with FBA orders and performance (01:31)- The problem with In-Stock Head Start Program  (06:36)- FTC case on review hijacking (09:05)- How to be compliant with variation policy (12:56)- Best practices for Amazon listing variation (15:40)- Bundles are not part of a variation family (21:32)- The right way to do a bundle (26:59)- Physical vs. Virtual bundles (29:25)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Amazon offers a plethora of ways for customers to save money while shopping. However, understanding which discount option to choose and which will yield the best results can be daunting for sellers.While offering coupons, promotions, and deals can boost visibility, click-through rates, and conversion rates, it's crucial to integrate them into a holistic strategy.A comprehensive approach includes driving traffic to optimized listings, utilizing advertising for greater visibility, prioritizing customer service, and employing effective forecasting techniques, among other strategies.You also need to track the results of any promotion on Amazon, not just from the number of units sold but from the long-term impact on your listing.  In this episode, Shannon and I dive into the world of Amazon coupons, deals, and promotions, exploring their pros and cons and how you can effectively utilize them to grow your profitable sales on the platform.Key Takeaways- The 4 key goals of promotions of discounts (03:26)- How brands can best leverage Amazon coupon codes (09:00)- The deal types that Amazon offers (12:49)- The crazy money Amazon makes from deals (17:21)- Prime Exclusive discounts (22:02)- How to run promotions on Amazon (24:17)- Tips for upcoming Prime Day (29:30)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

On May 4th, Shopify made headlines with its announcement to sell its logistics business to Flexport. This deal involves Shopify receiving 13% equity in Flexport, bringing its ownership to the high teens.Flexport, led by Dave Clark, a former logistics leader and head of worldwide operations at Amazon, has a strong background in building logistics and final-mile businesses during his 20-year tenure at Amazon.It's worth noting that Shopify had previously acquired Deliverr for $2.1 billion, showcasing its commitment to bolstering its logistics capabilities. Flexport, on the other hand, has raised $2.3 billion to date, with a primary focus on ocean, air, truck, and rail freight forwarding and brokerage services.Additionally, the integration of 6 River Systems, which specializes in warehouse automation and robotic solutions, adds further depth to the partnership.In today's episode, I am joined by James Kelly, a former Amazon insider and current Amazon and DTC seller, as well as the CEO of Woolly.Clothing and other ventures.We dive into this intriguing partnership and explore how Shopify's recent divestment of its logistics business to Flexport has implications for both companies and the broader e-commerce landscape.Tune in!Key Takeaways- Shopify and Flexport integration (04:01)- Is Flexport now a viable competitor to Amazon FBA? (06:56)- Buy with Prime on social platforms (13:53)- Why Shopify doesn't have logistics DNA (17:24)- Customer behaviors and traffic (23:15)- Will Shopify and Flexport eventually become one company? (31:04)- How the Shopify-Flexport deal impact sellers (36:15)Additional Resources:- Check out James Kelly's brand here: woolly.clothing-------- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Today we have a special guest, Rohit Kulkarni, Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst covering Internet and Capital Markets at ROTH MKM Ventures. With almost 25 years of experience in the field, Rohit brings valuable insights into the world of technology products and investment banking.Rohit and I dive deep into Amazon's recent earnings call in this episode and discuss the key takeaways.Amazon's cost-cutting measures have garnered attention and concern among investors. Just as we observed last episode with Malia Kim, it is possible that the red pen got a little too thick-lined and cut not just to the bone but to the marrow.Andy Jassy's budget cuts are causing disruptions in the FBA system, which is leading to delays and inventory issues.From the revenue numbers standpoint, Amazon is surprisingly doing very well. Compared to other companies, the investment community received their earrings call well, though it didn't lead to a higher share price.Rohit and I break down the various revenue streams for Amazon, including online store sales, physical store sales, third-party seller services, subscription fees, advertising, and AWS.As the numbers show, Amazon's marketplace is the king and drives a lot of cash to their top line. Amazon obfuscates many of the numbers coming from sellers and vendors, leading to the mistaken notion that AWS is the cash flow king.Looking ahead to the next quarter, Rohit and I discuss the factors investors will scrutinize before influencing Amazon's stock price. Third-party seller services and AWS will continue to drive Amazon's cash flow.Join us in this episode as we analyze Amazon's numbers and what they mean for sellers and brands. Key Takeaways- 2022 – the year to forget (03:04)- Insights from the Amazon earnings call (07:40)- Andy Jassy's cost-cutting impact (10:20)- Amazon's pillars of revenue and profitability (17:10)- Amazon revenue numbers line by line (18:22)- The juggernaut that is Amazon advertising (23:10)- Amazon ecommerce vs. AWS (26:58)- How much FBA is driving towards Amazon's bottom line (33:43)- Is Buy with Prime sticking around? (41:10)Additional Resources:Rohit Kulkarni's email: rkulkarni@roth.com------- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue7Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

As Amazon continues to evolve, it's essential for sellers to stay on top of changes in the marketplace that could affect their businesses.One recent development that's causing concern among many Amazon sellers is the restructuring of the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program.Andy Jassy, the CEO of Amazon, recently released his second Annual Shareholders Letter in which he talked about the company's efforts to "rearchitect fulfillment."While these changes may ultimately benefit Amazon and its customers, some sellers are experiencing issues with the FBA program. In particular, many items that are supposed to be in stock are not being delivered on time, leading to frustration and loss of trust among Amazon Prime shoppers.One program that was intended to help with this issue is the In-Stock Head Start program, which allows temporarily out-of-stock products to be automatically made available for purchase by customers when a new shipment is on its way to the fulfillment center.However, sellers are finding that this program is not working as intended, and products are not becoming available as expected.There seems to be a lack of oversight in many of the programs that Amazon offers, including FBA and Prime. If these issues are not resolved soon, it could spell big trouble for Amazon's business.So, what can Amazon sellers do in light of these issues?In this episode, I am joined by Avenue7Media's Director of Presence, Malia Kim, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience, first as an Amazon insider and now as helping sellers, brands, and vendors fight for their rights.Tune in to learn more.Key Takeaways- Andy Jassy's shareholder's letter (01:27)- Why Amazon Prime and FBA are showing signs of breaking (04:47)- Pending order problems with Amazon Prime (08:15)- The problem with the In-Stock Head Start program (14:24)- What sellers need to do in light of these issues (21:10)- Why you should pause the In-Stock Head Start program (22:01)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In Amazon's fast-paced and highly competitive landscape, brands need to take advantage of every tool and opportunity available to them to succeed.One such opportunity is Amazon Storefronts, which allows brands to create their own branded web store within the Amazon platform.However, many brands fail to leverage the benefits and best practices of Amazon Storefronts and often create a Storefront without knowing why or how to prioritize it.In this episode of the Day2 Podcast, Shannon speaks with Carolina Maldonado, our Brand Content Manager at Avenue7Media, also known as the "Brand Whisperer," about Amazon Storefronts and how brands can effectively use them to build their brand and grow sales.So, why should brand owners have an Amazon Storefront?One of the biggest benefits is creative control. It's the only place shoppers can shop the brand's entire catalog without being distracted by competitors' products.Brands can also drive external traffic from Google search results to their Storefront and have access to valuable metrics and insights, such as where shoppers are coming from and how much they are spending.If you're a brand owner looking to gain a competitive edge with Amazon Storefront, make sure to listen to this episode of the Day2 Podcast and learn from the "Brand Whisperer" herself, Carolina Maldonado, and Shannon Roddy.Key Takeaways- Why brands need a storefront (00:52)- Storefront vs. Product detail page (03:55)- How to leverage Storefront to get the most value for your business (07:29)- The current requirements to have a Storefront on Amazon (16:08)- Modules brands can add to their Storefront (20:18)- How to create a great storefront that converts (22:54)- Best practices when building Storefront (29:50)- Mistakes brands are making with Amazon Storefront (33:41)- Seasonal branding for your Storefront (35:37)- Missed opportunities with Amazon Storefront (38:48)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Amazon is a highly competitive marketplace, and many businesses rely on Amazon agencies or consultants to navigate the complexities of the platform to grow and scale their business.However, not all agencies and consultants are created equal.Some may make unrealistic promises or use manipulative tactics to secure your business, while others may lack the necessary expertise or experience to deliver results.Finding the right agency or consultant can be a challenge. From slick brochures that oversell and underdeliver to outright hucksters who are out to fleece clients, the risks of hiring the wrong partner are high.In this episode, Shannon and I discuss the top 10 red flags that may indicate a less-than-reputable partner.Key Takeaways- They promise you they'll get specific results (03:08)- They create projections and forecasts without any real data (09:27)- Their prices are suspiciously 'low' (12:24)- They haven't worked with clients in your industry (15:02)- They have a slow response time (19:03)- They lack proof or case studies (20:12)- They have poor client retention (22:18)- They don't ask about your challenges; they only sell their services (27:34)- They rely on outsourcing instead of in-house talent (29:01)- They don't take time to vet you as a client and gain alignment (32:57)Additional Resources:Links to the news story:- https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/11/ftc-takes-action-stop-dk-automation-kevin-david-hulse-pitching-phony-amazon-crypto-moneymaking----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Our guest today joined us last year for our “When Sellers Attack” episode. This time we revisit a story we briefly mentioned on that episode that everyone in the Amazon space is talking about this week.In September 2020, Spencer Soper of Bloomberg reported that several employees in India were indicted along with 6 Amazon consultants by the DOJ for a bribery scheme worth $100mm dollars to those involved.One of those accused was Ed Rosenberg, Founder of ASGTG, a membership group for sellers looking to get ahead on Amazon and share expertise. Ed's company consultants paid for Account and Listing Reinstatements, among other things.This week, after swearing the allegations were false, Ed went onto Social Media to admit that he had been lying all along and that we were, in fact, guilty of bribery.Ed has now changed his not-guilty plea to guilty.My friend and guest today, Chris McCabe, former Amazon employee and founder of eCommerce Chris, and firm that provides the valuable service of Account and ASIN Reinstatements.However, Chris, like our director, Malia Kim, here at Avenue7Media, doesn't break the law and doesn't send suitcases full of cash to Amazon employees!He has followed this case closely and shares what it's all about. Tune in!Key Takeaways- The background to the bribery story (01:54)- The federal indictments and guilty pleas (03:51)- Bribery, Lies, and Scandal (05:19)- The road to hell is paved with good intentions (11:14)- Ignorance of the law is no defense (16:22)- Two wrongs don't make a right (26:08)- How the bribery scheme affected other sellers and brands (28:06)- It's not worth it to soil your relationship with Amazon (30:25)- Has Amazon done enough to weed out the bad practices (33:53)Additional Resources:Links to the news story:- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-18/amazon-ex-employee-charged-by-u-s-in-merchant-bribery-scheme?leadSource=uverify%20wall- https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/27/amazon-seller-consultant-admits-to-bribing-employees-to-help-clients.html#:~:text=Ephraim%20%E2%80%9CEd%E2%80%9D%20Rosenberg%20wrote%20in,on%20Amazon's%20third%2Dparty%20marketplace-------- Chris McCabe LinkedIn- Click here to contact Chris McCabe----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Shannon and I provide an in-depth recap of The Prosper Show 2023, one of the leading eCommerce conferences in the United States, and the Roth Capital Conference, both of which we attended.THE Roth Conference is held annually at Dana Point, where big and small companies looking to pitch and deep-pocketed investors meet. In this year's conference, I was invited for a panel discussion on Amazon Vs. E-Commerce: A Post-Pandemic Tipping Point Coming Up? It was a fascinating discussion, but one thing we all agreed on was we are not seeing a decline in revenues from the Amazon channel for our client bases.The Prosper Show is one we always look forward to attending every year. It is an event that brings together thousands of Amazon sellers, eCommerce professionals, experts, and business owners from all over the world to share knowledge and insights on the latest trends, tools, and strategies in the eCommerce industry.In this year's show, Shannon had a presentation on Amazon SEO which he undoubtedly delivered excellently, while I was moderating the Trends and Prediction Panel, which is always a popular session.Overall, Shannon and I felt the quality of the presentations and attendees, the networking opportunities, and the energy at the Prosper Show were great and improved from previous years. There was a lot of learning, community building, and networking going on.  One key takeaway from both conferences was that a recession is coming. However, this is not the time to hunker down and cut down on your advertising; it's time to pounce and eat into your competitor's market share.But we have so much more for you in this episode from both conferences. Tune in!Key Takeaways- Recap of the Roth Capital Conference (01:43)- Amazon Vs. Shopify debate (05:08)- Will 'Buy with Prime' last (08:01)- Prosper Show 2023 recap (11:36)- What are you doing to prepare for a recession (25:23)- Gaining market share in a recession (26:47)- There's always an opportunity to pounce (28:53)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

The US Supreme Court is about to deliver an opinion that could undo the law many believe made the internet possible. This opinion might drastically affect Internet giants such as Amazon, Google, and Facebook.But smaller businesses, such as Amazon sellers, might also be impacted.The case, Gonzalez v. Google, questions the protections offered to Big Tech companies by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.The internet likely would not exist today without the protection afforded it in 1996 by this Act. But the times have changed, and websites are not merely conduits for information to innocently be passed back and forth. These websites are processing, recommending, and doing things to keep you engaged on their site…so they can serve more ads and make money…a lot of money.As a seller or vendor, it's wise to protect your business by following the law and producing safe products. It's also important to make claims that are supported by evidence. Amazon's actions in the last few years seem to suggest they know a time is coming when they won't be protected, so protect yourself, your customers, and your business first.Our guest, John Bergmayer, is here to help us make sense of this case and how its outcome may impact the internet. He has spent a career tracking the effects of Section 230 and is paying particularly close attention to this latest case.He's here today to unpack what's going on and how a decision may affect you, the Amazon Seller or Vendor.Key Takeaways- History of Section 230 (03:02)- Does Section 230 cover today's issues (10:50)- Is Amazon liable for what's sold on their platform (19:45)- Holding Amazon liable as a seller vs. as a third-party content platform (21:39)- Section 230 as a shield for the internet (28:09)- What are the possible outcomes if the Gonzalez family wins (31:02)Additional Resources:Connect with John Bergmayer:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bergmayer-a745b2102/- https://twitter.com/publicknowledge------ Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

To FBA or FBM, that is the question... If you're a seller on Amazon, you're probably familiar with these two terms - FBA and FBM. But which one is right for you? As we hum along in 2023, it's essential to understand the different Amazon fulfillment strategies to make the right choice for your business.So, what exactly are FBA and FBM? In short, FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) means that Amazon takes care of the storage, packing, and shipping of your products, while FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) means that you handle all of these aspects yourself. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and we'll be exploring these in detail in this episode.With FBA fees increasing every year, sellers are asking the ONE question, why can't I just do FBM? It costs less, and it's less headache.But don't make the switch just yet, we may have a lot of complaints about FBA, but there's a reason why it's so popular.If you're looking to expand your Amazon business or just starting, you won't want to miss out on this value-packed episode.But that's not all; Shannon and I discuss FBA vs. FBM, the pros and cons of each, and the mythological SFP (Seller Fulfilled Prime) and why having the Prime Badge can increase your sales exponentially.So, let's get started!Key Takeaways- The FBA Prime advantage (01:26)- Prime members spend 3 times more than non-Prime members (03:06)- That Prime badge is very powerful (07:21)- The Seller Fulfilled Prime challenge (09:00)- Fast shipping moves the needle (13:37)- FBA vs FBM vs SFP (15:42)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

There's never a dull moment when it comes to Amazon and Amazon sellers. This time, it's all about the Federal Trade Commission. For the very first time in their history, they are cracking down on Amazon review hacking.The FTC has taken action against a supplement marketer known as The Bountiful Company for abusing Amazon's features to deceive customers. They have fined them a whopping $600,000.The FTC has accused Bountiful of using review hijacking, a tactic they claim is deceptive, to merge its newly introduced supplements on Amazon with well-established products that had more product ratings, reviews, and badges to create an impression of higher product ratings and reviews, as well as "Amazon's Choice" and "Best Seller" badges.The tricky thing about this decision from FTC for Amazon sellers is that some things that we never thought were illegal are now deemed illegal by the commission. Some of these aren't even against Amazon's TOS.Bountiful took advantage of Amazon's feature that allows vendors to create variation relationships between similar products that differ only in narrow, specific ways such as color, size, quantity, or flavor. Products with a variation relationship share the same product detail page on Amazon.com and appear as alternative choices, so shoppers can compare and choose among similar products.They used this loophole to create numerous variation relationships for their new supplement products with different formulations.But according to the FTC, this practice has no place in the ecommerce space. It's a misrepresentation whose only purpose is malicious intent to deceive customers through false claims.To unpack what this means for Amazon sellers, I am joined by Shannon Roddy.Key Takeaways- The case against Bountiful (01:51)- Legitimate and illegitimate variations of Amazon listings (04:20)- Amazon's responsibility to warn sellers (10:21)- How Amazon can provide listing transparency to customers in their platform (13:03)- Why the FTC is looking to clean up reviews for ecommerce platforms (18:17)- The issue of product reviews on Amazon (20:58)Additional Resources:Article in question-------- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

The honeymoon is over for Amazon sellers. The ecommerce boom of the past few years is now over. It doesn't matter if you are big or small; you must be focused on driving more cash to the bottom line.Profitability is what everybody is talking about today, not more sales.In this episode, I am joined by Tyler Jefcoat, the Founder & CEO of SellerAccountant. He also leads the Sellers Roundtable, an exclusive mastermind for 7 & 8-figure sellers.Prior to this, he built a 100-employee firm in the home healthcare space and exited. The best way I like to describe my friend Tyler is that he's the CFO, Controller, Business Shaman, and friend of Amazon Sellers everywhere.Whether you are looking for an exit or financial freedom, there are some basic profit metrics you should be paying attention to. Unfortunately, many sellers don't know about them.Yes, Amazon is raising fees, and it sucks, but compared to other channels where you're paying for Google or Facebook traffic, Amazon isn't a bad gig when you have a clear strategy. If for no other reason, you should be there to defend your brand.Stay tuned because our guest today is the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to getting your Amazon financial house in order.Key Takeaways- Tyler's background and superpowers (01:50)- FBA fees in 2023 (04:25)- Gross and net margin in Amazon VS D2C Shopify sites (08:57)- How sellers should be looking at profitability (15:25)- Inventory turn and inventory velocity metrics (20:28)- Building your ecommerce strategy around your objective (22:58)- The aggregator's valuations boom (26:46)- Get a handle on your cash flow (34:09)- What Amazon sellers should do to prepare for a recession (40:40)- 2023 Amazon/ecommerce predictions (43:37)Additional Resources:Connect with Tyler JefcoatWebsite: https://www.selleraccountant.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerjefcoat/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SellerAccountanPodcast: Return On Podcast-------- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode! 

Return rates on Amazon are getting crazy, and so are the negative reviews. Many Amazon sellers have been frustrated by this whole experience around returns and the ridiculously awful fees involved because Amazon FBA sucks at processing returns.But one seller did the unthinkable…They developed a solution to this problem, approached Amazon, and convinced them that they should allow sellers to communicate directly with the customers to reduce customer returns.Amazon listened, and the 'Get Product Support' Feature was incorporated. The "Get Product Support" feature or "Product Lifecycle Support (PLS)" helps brands save tons of money by avoiding unnecessary product returns, reducing negative product reviews, and learning about customer pain points with their product while achieving direct contact with the customer completely in line with Amazon terms of service.In this episode, I am joined by Shannon and Joseph Abitbol, the entrepreneur who developed this feature.This solution is a no-brainer for any e-commerce entrepreneur. It solves many problems we face with the return process and the associated negative reviews. Tune in to hear why this is a must-have product for any serious Amazon seller.Key Takeaways- Joseph's Amazon journey (01:20)- How brands speaking directly to Amazon, customers reduces returns (05:00)- The idea behind the Get Product Support button (10:31)- How the Get Product Support Button works (15:36)- How the button reduces return rates (21:44)?- Product lifecycle support (25:25)- All the issues that the support button solves for Amazon Sellers (25:48)- Fix those problems before a negative review (37:18)Additional Resources:- Contact Joseph Abitbol joe@onsitesupport.io- Website: onsitesupport.io  Use Code PROSPEROS for $200 Off- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-abitbol-75035780/-------- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In 2020, Thrasio raised hundreds of millions of dollars and eyebrows, then the floodgates opened. By 2021, billions of dollars had been raised for as many as 100 Amazon aggregators.Everyone was doing it.By 2022, the Covid bump slammed shut the floodgates, and the aggregator's magic was gone - all thanks to supply chain and inventory management issues which are absolutely critical to an Amazon business.The gold rush of free money and outrageous aggregator valuations is over. Big aggregators are missing their obligations, and the rumor mills have it that it's about to get worse. We might even see some bankruptcies soon.Amazon aggregators and their venture capital backers are beginning to learn the hard way what my guest and I learned a long time ago.Amazon is different, it's hard, and it's all about the BRAND.Building a great, beautiful, and trusted brand continues to be the pathway to success and wealth. You can't sling commodities on Amazon today and hope to have success.In this episode, I am joined by my friend, James Kelly, to discuss Amazon aggregators, brand building, and 2023 predictions.If you have wanted to understand the Amazon Aggregator business model or have been looking to sell to an aggregator, then this is a must-listen episode as we go through some great points.  Key Takeaways- The state of Amazon Aggregators 2023 (03:42)- What to look for when selling to an aggregator (09:52)- The keys to running a successful Amazon business (11:49)- What the rumors are saying about aggregators (15:25)- Will one of the bigger aggregators file for bankruptcy? (21:28)- What it takes to build a great brand on Amazon and beyond (25:19)- Content is the king (28:59)- Get the reps in (32:27)- Amazon predictions and trends for 2023 (35:45)- A new era for ecommerce? (39:15)- Diversifying from Amazon (40:54)Additional Resources:- Check out Jame Kelly's brands here: https://www.woolly.clothing/ and https://www.bloom.city/-------- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

For many years big brands and manufacturers have taken a passive approach to Amazon, allowing resellers to sell their products on the platform provided they abide by MAP.But the reality is that Amazon is unlike any other sales channel. Failing to control and defend your brand can have devastating consequences well beyond the platform.To highlight this point, many sellers will start their product research on Amazon, even if they buy from another website or a brick-and-mortar store. If no other reason we give you in this episode persuades you, then this one should.The only way to gain control of the marketplace is to establish yourself as the only seller of your brand on Amazon. Allowing multiple resellers creates additional complexities and ultimately harms your business and your customers.  The question then is, why don't brands do it?The HUGE obstacle brands face is the internal belief that it's okay to let resellers stay on the Amazon Platform. They view themselves as only B2B.In this episode, Jason and Shannon break down the false beliefs behind this mindset and why being the only seller of your brand on Amazon is the best and only way to succeed.Key Takeaways- Why brands are unwilling to enforce channel control (03:03)- Why MAP is not a channel control strategy (05:03)- Obstacles brands face on Amazon (07:58)- Profitability on Amazon vs. other channels (09:14)- The distributor model is dying (10:53)- Problem with allowing multiple sellers of your product on Amazon (12:26)- Advertising attribution issues with multiple sellers (14:41)- Value of having a direct relationship with consumers (19:42)- If you're not on Amazon, you're totally susceptible to counterfeiters (22:02)- The benefits of controlling your brand (24:39)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Let's face it folks, 2022 was nuts.We started the year with COVID supply chain issues that carried over from the previous year. Russia invaded Ukraine, which led to a disruption of global trade. We had midterms here in the US that didn't go exactly as predicted, inflation took off, and we ended the year in a constant threat of a looming recession.But even with all this, we made it to 2023.In this episode, Shannon and I recap the events of 2022 and their impact on Amazon and Amazon sellers and predict what's to come for 2023.Without a doubt, the biggest issue for 2023 is the threat of a looming recession. Many sellers and brands are worried about what this means for their businesses.Having been in this game for more than 20 years and gone through the great recession, this is not the time to be afraid. This is the time to get ready to pounce by keeping your growth mindset.Some of your competitors who are looking at this the wrong way will wither away and die. It's your chance to eat into their market share. Some of the biggest well-known brands in the world started and became famous during a recession because they didn't give in to it.Tune in to this episode to hear our predictions on what's coming up for Amazon and Amazon sellers and how best to take advantage of upcoming opportunities.Key Takeaways- What's happening with Andy Jassy at Amazon (03:32)- Customer engagement on Amazon (05:48)- Amazon acquisitions in 2022 (10:35)- Role of influencers on the Amazon platform in 2023 (13:41)- What's coming up on the Antitrust front? (17:22)- Buy Box Suppression in 2023 (21:24)- Will Walmart eat into Amazon's market share (25:37)- Amazon advertising predictions (28:07)- Optimizing Amazon listings for mobile (36:40)- How recession will impact Amazon sellers (42:01)Additional Resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

To create a product listing on Amazon, you must have a unique product identifier known as a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number).GTINs make your products easy to find, buy, trace, and fulfill by providing a standardized digital language to communicate seamlessly across the supply chain. Think of them like fingerprints for your products that gives retailers, marketplaces, and consumers confidence that they can trace products to their owners.GTINs and UPC codes help standardize product identification for recalls, brand protection, and consumer safety and protect against bad actors.Previously, sellers could obtain these numbers from many places, but the valid numbers are issued directly by GS1 and licensed to brand owners. Amazon considers GTINs obtained from elsewhere invalid, which means you cant list your product.GS1 runs a database that is the single source of truth for licensed GTINs and the legal entities associated with them. Amazon will often check the database for the validity of GTINs/UPC codes provided for a listing.But many Amazon sellers have a problem differentiating between a GTIN, a UPC code, EAN, and a barcode. They are often used interchangeably, but there is a small difference.In this episode, Jason and Shannon interview Michelle Covey of GS1 US about the importance of GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers), UPC Codes, EAN, and Amazon. We also discuss some of the recent changes Amazon has made regarding UPC use, as well as hijacked UPCs and the right way to purchase a GS1 Prefix License.Key Takeaways- How GS1 all started (01:27)- GTIN vs. UPC vs. EAN codes (06:23)- Best practices for getting GTINs from GS1 (12:27)- Minimum number of GTINs you can buy (15:05)- Common mistakes sellers make inputting UPC codes on Amazon (22:48)- GTIN hijacking scenario on Amazon (24:11)- How to get Amazon to allow updates of UPC codes on a listing (27:05)- Transferring GTIN prefix ownership at GS1 (30:11)- Laying the foundation for success on Amazon (33:35)- Amazon errors messages related to UPC/GTINs (39:26)- What's coming up for unique identifiers in 2023 (42:09)Additional Resources:✅GS1 US: https://www.gs1us.org/ ✅GEPIR: https://www.gs1us.org/tools/gs1-company-database-gepir ✅Get Started: https://www.gs1us.org/upcs-barcodes-prefixes/how-to-get-a-upc-barcode GS1 US SOCIAL Pages ✅https://www.linkedin.com/company/gs1-us/ ✅https://www.facebook.com/GS1US ✅https://www.youtube.com/user/GS1US----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode! 

There are two ways you can sell on Amazon. You can sell through Seller Central (3P) or to Amazon via Vendor Central (1P). For many third-party sellers, 1P is somewhere they never want to go, but it's an absolute necessity for some brands.Today's episode is all about 1P.I interview Martin Heubel about the pros and cons and the common issues brands face when using Amazon Vendor Central.Martin is a former Amazon Vendor Manager, strategy consultant, and ecommerce enthusiast. He is an Amazon vendor manager whisperer for brands looking to survive and thrive on Amazon 1P.Having sat on the other side for many years, Martin has a unique perspective on what brands need to do to succeed on Amazon and beyond.Often, we dehumanize Amazon, but once you listen to this episode and hear how they make some of their decisions, you'll understand why they do it.They are not just thinking about you as a vendor; they are also thinking about the greater online retail landscape, which can make negotiations tough. This makes selling online complex, especially if you are selling to Amazon and other channels.A key requirement for success for 1P sellers on Amazon Vendor Central is to have a solid channel control strategy to enforce pricing and distribution control across all your digital channels. This way, you can effectively negotiate with Amazon for price increases.This is a valuable episode for any Vendor Central Seller who wants to understand the inner workings of Amazon. Even 3P sellers will get a lot of value for it.Tune in.Key Takeaways- 1P vs. 3P from a brand and Amazon perspective (03:23)- Amazon's excess warehousing capacity (07:22)- The major cons of 1P (10:33)- The Amazon marketplace is a mirror of your distribution strategy (14:39)- Channel control in the digital age (20:07)- Vendor central negotiation tactics (24:00)- Amazon overstock problem (34:05)- The #1 mistake vendors make when negotiating with Amazon (41:55)Additional Resources:Connect with Martin Heubel✅  Website ✅  LinkedIn----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

You've probably seen the unbelievable scenes coming out of China. Protestors have taken to the streets across all major cities after growing frustrations over the government's Zero-Covid policy.The protests risk causing supply chain issues for Amazon sellers who source from China.Steven Simonson is joining us today to help us understand what is happening, how it might impact Amazon sellers, and what other options are available. Steve has extensive knowledge of global trade, specifically with issues affecting SE Asia and China. I don't know anyone as knowledgeable about China as Steve. But as bad as the protests are, they are only exacerbating a situation that was already bad. The reality is that peak China is over, and it's only downhill from here. The reasons that had made the country so attractive as the world's factory are quickly vanishing, and it's time Amazon sellers and other entrepreneurs looked elsewhere for their sourcing.Tune in to this episode as we discuss the impact of the protest and some of the alternative viable sourcing options available to sellers.Key Takeaways- WTF is happening in China (02:19)- How Covid has been different for the Chinese (09:25)- 'Control your soul's desire for freedom.' (15:53)- The looming demographic and labor challenge facing China (25:25)- How Chinese factories work (32:23)- Risks involved with sourcing from China for Amazon sellers (35:36) - China has peaked as a source market (41:21)- Viable alternatives to China for different industries (45:14)- Is the Chinese regime strong enough to withstand these protests? (51:31)- Getting manufacturing back to the US, Mexico, and Canada (55:26)Additional Resources:Connect with Steven Simonson✅  Website ✅  LinkedIn✅ Twitter ----- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

There was a time when resellers ruled the Amazon Marketplace, but today's Amazon is about brands. Without Brand Registry, you cannot defend your brand or reach your full Amazon potential.In this episode, Jason and Shannon interview Scott Harders of Fisher Broyles about Trademarks, Amazon Brand Registry, and Amazon's IP Accelerator program that allows brand owners to get trademarks faster (as well as some things to watch out for and avoid).Scott is funny, knowledgeable, and experienced and is here to break down Trademark Law for us in a way that we can all understand.Trademark rights are established to protect the consuming public and give them confidence that the goods or services that they're purchasing come from a common source.One common mistake brand owners make is investing huge amounts of money in a brand without knowing if they can trademark it. We've seen so many people take all the time to build a brand, build a website, and get products with their labels, only to realize they can't get a trademark.The time and effort, and energy to rebrand or fight for a trademark isn't worth it.And a trademark doesn't have to be identical for your application to be turned down; it just has to be confusingly similar.On Amazon, sellers need a registered trademark to get the benefits of the brand registry, which are increasing by the day.We cannot overstate the importance of doing your trademark the right way for all Amazon sellers. Besides brand registry, it is a valuable asset that will add value to your future exit if you do it right.If you've ever wanted to know all about trademarks and the Amazon brand registry, this is your episode. Tune in!Key Takeaways- Common myths about trademarks (01:48)- What is the point of a trademark? (06:18)- When to apply for a trademark (11:37)- Benefits of a trademark in Amazon brand registry (14:33)- The Amazon IP Accelerator program (18:13)- The Concept of 'Prior Use" (30:29)- How to protect your trademark (34:37)- Difference between TM (™) and R (®) symbol in trademark (41:53)- Text mark or design mark for brand registry purposes (49:03)- Trademark fraud and scams sellers should be aware of (51:51)Additional resources:✅ Amazon IP Accelerator: https://brandservices.amazon.com/ipaccelerator✅  Fisher Broyles Website: https://www.fisherbroyles.com/people/w-scott-harders✅ Scott Harders Email: scott.harders@fisherbroyles.com✅ Trademark Search USPTO: https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

It's every seller's worst nightmare – your Q4 sales are just starting to rocket when Amazon takes action against one of your products. Customers can no longer find or purchase your product, costing you thousands of dollars in sales a day.The root causes can run the gamut from product quality, catalog issues, performance issues, and many more….Today I'll be talking with Malia Kim, the Director of Product Availability, along with James Ford-Bey, our Senior Catalog Consultant here at Avenue7Media, who helps solve these issues for the sellers and brands we work with every day.Product availability is the #1 thing we look at when analyzing our client's accounts. It's amazing how many sellers overlook this, yet if your product is not available, people can't buy it.This can cause you thousands of dollars in sales a day, especially if it's your highest-selling product in the upcoming holiday sales season.But keeping your product listing up all the time is a challenge to sellers due to the fact that Amazon has grown exponentially and become so complex in the past few years and that complexity becomes a burden to sellers and brand owners who want to continue selling on the platform.We're excited to share the knowledge we have to help you avoid and overcome this potentially devastating issue.Key Takeaways- Amazon's always a constantly changing environment (01:26)- Creative aspects and approach to resolving Amazon catalog issues (04:08)- Diagnosing a performance issue versus a catalog issue (06:25)- Avenue7Media's secret sauce to getting your product back up (11:27)- Most common catalog issues we're seeing (15:59)- How catalog issues impact advertising (21:39)- Search suppression because of browse nodes (27:01)- The biggest mistakes sellers make when their listing goes down (29:20)- When a seller should ask for help with Amazon issues (33:28)Additional resources:Avenue7Media Amazon Services mentioned during the episode: ✅ ASIN Reinstatement: https://avenue7media.com/asin-reinstatement/ ✅ Amazon Catalog Support: https://avenue7media.com/amazon-catalog-support/---- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In today's episode, James Kelly and I run through all the latest stories from Amazon and talk about how they can influence sellers on the platform.James began selling on Amazon years ago and has since had multiple successful exits and morphed into an incredibly successful brand builder.In today's episode, we shed light on some stories, such as accepting Venmo as a payment option, Bezos' role in the company, and the real story behind Amazon's stock price.Make sure to check it out!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Venmo & Amazon working together (01:48)Bezos' involvement with Amazon (09:14)Is Amazon greedy? (15:04)Is Amazon watching Shopify? (17:14)The businesses James is running now (20:11)The panic over Q3 results (23:49)Episode wrap-up (32:26)Additional resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

In today's episode, Jason is joined by Shannon Roddy, as they go through all the latest headlines and updates about Amazon.Amazon is like a celebrity, so they always end up in the headlines, but as you can find out in today's episode, sometimes it's for the wrong reasons.In today's episode, you're gonna hear about the new seller forum, the truth about Amazon's third quarter earnings, whether Facebook and Google are eating Amazon's market share, and Amazon's holiday re-stock limits.We're gonna be discussing what this means for Amazon, and how it all affects buyers and sellers using the platform.Make sure to check it out!Key Takeaways:- Intro (00:00)- Amazon's new seller forum (02:24)- Is Amazon in a slow growth period? (07:49)- Are Facebook and Google taking their market share? (11:09)- The new merchant cash advance program (12:24)- Episode wrap-up (25:11)Additional resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

70% of our prospective clients here at Avenue 7 Media always ask us two questions: How can we get them more sales and get them more product reviews?Amazon reviews have become so important in driving sales that some sellers are desperate to get them through any means.This has led to the big challenge of fake reviews. It's not uncommon to see a brand with 900 reviews after selling just 100 orders in 30 days. Do the math.Honest businesses selling great products and getting legitimate reviews are left wondering what else they should do to compete.Amazon has tried tackling this problem with its TOS and other means, but it remains a problem. The Federal Trade Commission has stepped in and is considering new rules regarding fake online reviews.In this episode, Shannon and I talk about Amazon product reviews, the challenges for brands and sellers to get legitimate product reviews, how Amazon is vetting (or not vetting) those reviews properly, and what the FTC is doing about product review manipulation.Key Takeaways- Intro (00:00)- Product reviews are the heartbeat of Amazon (01:25)- Why reviews are so important (02:10)- Product Reviews vs. product ratings (04:15)- The can of worms that is the Amazon Vine Program (07:15)- Average ratings and reviews per every 100 products (11:35)- How sellers should ask for reviews (17:36)- TOS-compliant ways to get positive reviews (21:50)- Why you shouldn't mess around with reviews (32:22)- Episode wrap-up (41:22) Additional resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

The proposed Senate legislation, The American Innovation And Online Choice Act, popularly known as S.2992, has elicited mixed reactions from the big tech companies themselves, legislators, sellers, and consumers alike.Amazon has particularly been very vocal in its opposition to this bill to the extent of running ads claiming that this proposed legislation will kill Prime as we know it.Their CEO, Andy Jassy, was recently interviewed at the Code 2022 Conference, where he made some incorrect statements regarding the impact of this legislation on Amazon and on sellers on its platform.He continues to claim that this bill unfairly targets Amazon, who he claims to be a 'small player' in the retail space.In this episode, I provide some counterpoints to Andy's comments and give my own insight on this bill based on my 20-year experience as an Amazon seller and 10 years of experience supporting sellers.Tune in!Key Takeaways- Is the bill broad, overreaching, and vague (03:13)- The problem with fulfillment (05:33)- You're welcome, sellers (08:50)- Private label issues  (13:45)- Will this bill break the internet? (16:47)- Amazon thinks they are a small retailer (18:32)- Amazon is NOT a victim (20:01)- Who will speak for small business owners? (24:35)- What's next for Amazon (28:02)Additional resources:- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Today's guest, Justin Chen, along with his co-founder, John Li, and the crack team at PickFu, is on a mission to democratize consumer research so that anyone and everyone can make better, data-driven decisions.PickFu provides consumer research services to a wide range of customers, from NY Times bestselling self-published authors to the largest video game companies to the full range of CPG and Amazon FBA businesses.For the modern seller, knowledge is power and getting as much data, and input from a curated audience most likely to buy your product is a must.For sellers, PickFu helps ensure that their products resonate with the target audience so that they don't make blind decisions. Unlike in the older days, you can no longer list your products on Amazon and rely on reviews to iterate.It's also an affordable way to optimize your e-commerce marketing images and copy before buying ads.Key Takeaways- Justin's journey to developing PickFu (01:57)- Democratizing consumer research (07:45)- Range of ideas you can test with PickFu (10:10)- Keeping things fresh with re-optimization (20:08)- Testing against your competition to validate your designs (25:11)- How to use the Q&A's to learn about your product (28:10)- Amazon's AB testing program - manage your experiments (30:33)- Instilling a data-driven mindset into your organization (34:00)Additional resources:Stop guessing what your customers want - Get Insights from PickFu- Schedule a FREE consultation with the Ave7 team- Grab the FREE Amazon Seller Central Checklist- Get the book “The Amazon Jungle” book by Jason Boyce- Learn more about Avenue 7 Media----Day 2 Podcast has a goal of helping Amazon sellers learn how to launch, grow and protect their brand on the world's largest online marketplace (and beyond).Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!