The Smartest Amazon Seller - podcast cover

The Smartest Amazon Seller

Scott Needham is the Founder of SmartScout. An Amazon software developer for 10 years his company BuyBoxer has done over $300m in sales on Amazon. Scott has accumulated a deep knowledge about selling product online, and in the podcast he shares his knowledge with you to help you become a better Amazon seller.
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Episodes

Episode 56: How To Attract New Customers and Increase Sales | Amazon DSP with George Meressa

Today’s episode covers all things Amazon DSP (demand-side platform) with George Meressa from Clear Ads, an AdWords agency that helps businesses attract new customers and increase sales. We discuss what Amazon DSP is, how it is different from Sponsored Products, and the advantageous data and re-marketing features it provides for creating custom audiences. We talk about how you can start using Amazon DSP through 3rd party agencies like Clear Ads. We speak about some of the bugs that Amazon is work...

Jun 23, 202025 min

Episode 55: What Is the Onsite Associates Program? | How To Increase Sales and Search Volume

In today’s episode, we talk with Benjamin Faw, co-founder of BestReviews, a very successful product review company. We talk about how review sites work and the process of getting into Amazon’s Onsite Associates program to bring outside editorial into an Amazon search result. We discuss how this program can increase search volume and sales on a successful product, as well as help take the value of your brand to the next level. We give pointers on how to place your product on a review site, as wel...

Jun 16, 202026 min

Episode 54: Online Merchants Guild | What You Can Do To Support Small Businesses with Paul Rafelson

Today, we talk with Paul Rafelson, founder of the Online Merchants Guild, a trade association that gives online merchants a voice. We talk about the achievements of this group, including their instrumental role in the launching of the AB-147 bill and fighting for marketplace facilitator’s laws in 39 states. We talk about Amazon’s “scapegoat” approach to price gouging enforcement. We talk about OMG’s unique and valuable services to the seller community, as well as the affordable and important res...

Jun 09, 202044 min

Episode 53: Secrets Spilled! | How To Price Products and Build Business Relationships, With Larry Lubarsky

In today’s episode, we talk with Larry Lubarsky, AKA “Watch Me Amazon,” who has launched the influential Wholesale Academy program. We start by discussing how the coronavirus has affected Amazon sellers. We talk about best practices with pricing and how to work with account health reps to prevent suspension. We talk about best tactics with negotiating discounts with vendors. We then discuss the benefits and opportunities overseas with Amazon in Europe, as well as the best way to start selling in...

Jun 02, 202049 min

Episode 52: You’ve Got A Friend In Helium 10 | Tools To Increase Amazon Sales With Bradley Sutton

Today we talk with Bradley Sun From Helium 10, a software provider, about launching products on Amazon. We discuss how the Coronavirus has affected launching products, pointing out that to launch a product, you need to be looking at historical data of its past performance. We talk about Helium 10’s Project X on Youtube, as well as how Helium 10 is supporting categories whose sales are significantly down due to the effects of the pandemic. We talk about the unique tools of Helium 10 in helping yo...

May 26, 202029 min

Episode 51: How To Save Money For Your Business With Veriship | Shipping Is Part of Your Brand

In today’s episode, we talk with Jeremy and Andy from Veriship, a UPS and FedEx audit company that bought Scott’s company, Valence. We discuss how the coronavirus pandemic has affected shipping. We explain what kinds of audits Veriship performs and why their services are of value for your Amazon business. We discuss the One Rate Program and Seller-Fulfilled Prime. We end with a discussion about how shipping is a major part of your company’s brand, and offer the listeners to this podcast a specia...

May 19, 202028 min

Episode 50: What To Do When Suspended On Amazon | Riverbend Can Be Your Hail Mary

Today, we talk all things seller performance with Lesley Hensell, co-founder and co-owner of Riverbend Consulting ( http://riverbendconsulting.com/) . We discuss account suspensions and how to react if this happens to you. We give insights into some of Amazon’s procedures and processes with price gouging and suspensions. We talk about the many measures Riverbend takes to help sellers in a variety of situations. We discuss suspensions of single ASIN’s, and also give important advice for writing a...

May 12, 202033 min

Episode 49: Scott in The Time of Corona | Adjusting Your Business During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Today Scott talks about what he’s doing with his business to take advantage of and reduce the risk surrounding the changes that have taken place in Amazon due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about the categories that are doing well right now, such as crafts, puzzles, musical instruments, and home gym products. We also discuss how Amazon and BuyBoxer are adapting to the pandemic, and talk about small business loans such as the disaster grant and disaster relief loan, as well as the Payroll Prot...

May 05, 202016 min

Episode 48: How to Build Trust in Your Business | Client Service Strategies With Michelle Kartchner

Today we interview one of our most tenured employees at Buyboxer, Michelle Kartchner, Director of Client Services. She works with suppliers and distributors, and explains the ins and outs of that process. We discuss the importance of building trust with shipping companies on Amazon. We talk about what makes a brand successful on Amazon, including channel control, investing in advertising, and having winning skews. We emphasize the importance of getting first reviews right, careful pricing, and a...

Apr 21, 202027 min

Episode 47: New Opportunities In Wholesale | How to Maximize Profit With Todd Snively and Chris Keef

Today we interview Todd Snively and Chris Keef, two Amazon Wholesale professionals. We discuss how the current global pandemic has affected E-commerce on Amazon, and warn against trying to capitalize on products that are currently under the microscope. We share that FBM is now a wide-open opportunity, and advise that sellers look out for products that are further down on the bestseller rank but are rising in demand. We discuss how the wholesale model can involve much less risk than private label...

Apr 14, 202037 min

Episode 46: Scott’s Rave Review | How to Scale Your Business Using wholesaleinspector.com

Today’s episode is about a tool that can be a game changer for wholesalers and resellers. We interview Tom Myers from the Wholesale Inspector, an online tool which helps the seller find the best opportunities from among hundreds of UPC’s. We talk about the features and data points of wholesaleinspector.com and how they were developed, as well as new features that are about to debut. We also give pro tips on how to use Wholesale Inspector, including double checking the numbers of bundle packs. We...

Apr 07, 202021 min

Episode 45: Insights From An Amazon Grocery Expert | Effects of COVID-19 on Amazon

Today we talk with Jed Rawson, a grocery expert on Amazon. We talk about the changes that have happened in Amazon since the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about Amazon Lending withholding money, the spike in demand for food items, and repeat purchase rate and organic review rate as essential analysis numbers for grocery businesses on Amazon. We also talk about CPC in online grocery, and the important, trending terms in the marketplace such as keto and gluten-free. We talk about changes in CPC, data ...

Mar 31, 202043 min

Episode 44: 8 Figure Strategy | Launching Private Label Products on Amazon with Derek James

In today’s episode, we interview Derek James, an 8 figure private label seller on Amazon and Amazon coach who has made $200 million with all new ASIN’s. We begin by discussing launch strategies for private label products and brand licensing, including the importance of budgeting and category research. We talk about getting returns on your investments both at Derek’s scale and smaller scales. We also talk strategy for lighting deals and other deals. We then talk about removing stress from managin...

Mar 24, 202040 min

Episode 43: Automate, Eliminate, or Delegate? | Using Data Automation for Maximum Efficiency with Will Christensen

Today we talk with Will Christensen, Co-Founder of DataAutomation. He explains Zapier, an iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) that automates repetitive tasks without coding or relying on developers to build the integration. We talk about the unique services that DataAutomation provides using Zapier, including helping you understand how to use the platform to push ahead as well as building applications on Zapier. We make the special offer to listeners that if they email Will at will@dataaut...

Mar 17, 202040 min

Episode 42: Smart International Shipping | How Freight Forwarders Can Provide Peace of Mind

Today we interview John Eagan, and Rose Del Rio from Flat World Global Solutions. We talk about the effects of the coronavirus on shipping freight internationally. We talk about the current status of freight and shipping, as well as how it’s affecting the market. We then give valuable expert advice for international shipping, covering topics such as customs and duties. One of these tips is to never let manufacturers take control of the shipment, and we explain the reasons why. We break down term...

Mar 10, 202040 min

Episode 41: How to Grow Your Business | Scott’s Secrets of Scaling

In today’s episode, we invite the listener to dive into Scott’s new content on compliance, found on buyboxer.com/healthyaccount. The topic of this episode is scaling your business for efficiency to get more value for the time you put into it. We talk about how to best spend your time when scaling your business, including continuously educating your employees and improving technology. We read a review from someone who took simple yet effective techniques from our podcast and applied them to get a...

Mar 05, 202020 min

Episode 40: Pro Tips from a Champion Seller | Chase Leavitt

Today, we talk with Chase Leavitt, CEO of Upstreet Brands, and cousin of Scott Needham. We discuss the roles and benefits of sourcing agents, who help you negotiate with suppliers and factories. These benefits include simplifying correspondence between you and your supplier, building stronger business relationships, and finding you the right new manufacturers based on your needs. They also help you hold your suppliers accountable for the quality of the product, which is critical for its successf...

Mar 03, 202031 min

Episode 39: Seller Fulfilled Prime and FBA Onsite

Today’s episode is focused on Seller Fulfilled Prime and the Prime that you can do out of your own warehouse. We explain the Seller Fulfilled Prime program, including their trial period, as well as their higher requirements. We explain why we built an FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) into our warehouse to increase revenue, and why other businesses would be wise to do the same. We also emphasize the value of a new program called Seller Fulfilled Prime Regional. We talk about the higher requirements to...

Feb 25, 202016 min

Episode 38: Questions To Ask Your Amazon Agency

Today’s topic is Amazon agencies, which is any person or entity that handles other people’s Amazon business or their problems. We discuss which brands we normally see use the agency. We give examples of businesses that have benefited from using an agency. We talk about questions you should ask an Amazon agency, including pricing, comprehensive/selective management, and services. We go more in depth about payment, talking about the pros and cons of both commission based and flat fees. We talk abo...

Feb 18, 202026 min

Episode 37: FBA Fees Are Crazy!

Today, we begin the episode by telling you what we want to offer you with this podcast. We point out that instead of telling you things you could easily look up and find out online, we want this podcast to be more in depth and help make real E-commerce professionals out of our listeners. Our topic for today is Amazon’s FBA fees, including what they are, how they move, and how they affect us. We talk about the efficiency of Amazon’s FBA program and operation, including their positioning and fundi...

Feb 11, 202024 min

Episode 36: Brand Registry | Ryan Morgan

In today’s episode, we talk with one of our BuyBoxer marketing team members, Ryan Morgan. We discuss the Brand Registry Program; what it is, how to get into it, and why it’s helpful. We talk about some of the features of the program, including using it to report violations and infringement of trademarks, patents, and copyright. We also discuss how the brand registry can help you more quickly and effectively update your product pages. We cover some of the other benefits of using the program, incl...

Feb 04, 202026 min

Episode 35: Keeping your Amazon Account Healthy with Megan Swanton

In today’s episode, we talk about compliance with Amazon policies to keep your account in good health with Megan Swanton, BuyBoxer’s compliance manager. As a disclaimer, we remind you that we are not legal professionals and that you shouldn’t take anything said on this episode as legal advice. We talk about contacting rights owners as soon as possible when dealing with intellectual property complaints and complaints about selling below minimum advertised price. We discuss what to do in case righ...

Jan 28, 202040 min

Episode 34: Profiles of Other Sellers

In today’s episode, we talk about what we have learned from other large Amazon sellers. We speak briefly about the process of selling our business, Valence Services, our Amazon reimbursement/auditing service. We discuss the advantages of using such services, as well as the advantages and details of selling a business. We then talk about the strengths and differences of sellers such as Pharmapacks; AnkerDirect; Asurion, LLC; and Zappos. We then talk about large Amazon book sellers and what we can...

Jan 21, 202028 min

Special Announcement!

This is an invitation for our loyal listeners to set up an Amazon Seller meetup with Scott! Included below is the link to set up your meetup, as well as a coupon code to get a 50% discount off the cost! Coupon Code: SMART smartestseller.eventbrite.com

Jan 20, 20206 min

Episode 33: Working With Amazon Lending

In today’s episode, we talk about the Amazon lending program. We discuss the different parameters that determine the customized offers they make to each seller. We explain how the program works and highlight why we, at BuyBoxer, chose Amazon Lending above other services. We also explain the particulars of why we now want to switch to another service. We talk about their policies and how they are strictly enforced, as well as some of the pros and cons of using their program. We explain our experi...

Jan 14, 202018 min

Episode 32: Getting Ahead With Jungle Scout | Greg Mercer

In today’s episode, we talk with the founder of Junglescout.com, Greg Mercer. Jungle Scout is the #1 Amazon product finder and research tool. Greg gives us his perspective about the challenges of starting a SAS business and he talks about how he planned and built the particular facets of his product. We also discuss the various features of Jungle Scout within the context of Amazon's inner mechanics; such as keyword optimization, promotions/launching, rank tracking, alerts, and inventory manageme...

Jan 07, 202038 min

Episode 31: Saving Money With Ping Pong Payments | Yohan Wong

In today’s episode, we do an interview with Yohan Wong, Merchant Service Sales Manager at Ping Pong Payments, a foreign-exchange virtual bank account. We talk about what Ping Pong Payments does and what the advantages are of using their service over their competitors. These advantages include greater profits from better exchange rates and a 1% instead of 1.5% foreign exchange fee (EXCLUSIVE FOR LISTENERS OF THIS PODCAST). We also discuss the benefits of the Supplier Payment Product of Ping Pong ...

Dec 31, 201920 min

Episode 30: What You Can Gain From the Prosper Conference | James Thomson

In today’s episode, we speak with James Thomson from Prosper, an Amazon-specific conference. He was Amazon’s first FBA account manager and then ran Amazon Services, the group that is responsible for recruiting almost all 3rd party sellers to the platform. We discuss how Prosper is different from other conferences in that its main focus is education and providing networking opportunities without bias. While some conferences may try to promote certain methods, Prosper aims to help sellers get a be...

Dec 24, 201929 min

Episode 29: The Magic of Product Page Optimization | Danny Carlson

In today’s episode, we do a phone interview with Danny Carlson, E-Commerce professional and founder of the Amazon FBA Agency, Kenji ROI. Danny also hosts the podcasts, Actualize Freedom Podcast and The Danny Carlson Podcast. In this interview, we get into the details of product page optimization and discuss the best approaches to structuring product descriptions. We also talk to Danny about indexing, getting Amazon’s search algorithm to work for you, and the best ways to incentivize customers to...

Dec 17, 201933 min

Episode 28: Amazon PPC | From Fundamentals to Advanced

In today’s episode, we discuss advertising on Amazon through pay-per-click. We explain the basics of PPC, discuss what’s unique to Amazon’s approach to PPC, and talk about many different strategies to optimize your advertising strategy, including choosing and managing campaigns and determining the best average cost of sale. Introducing Topic 0:33 Why Do PPC? 3:03 What’s Unique About Amazon PPC? 5:13 Choosing and Managing Campaigns 8:43 What’s the Right “A Cost”? 10:29 What Does BuyBoxer Do for I...

Dec 10, 201925 min
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