The Smartest Amazon Seller

Instagram: @smartestseller

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Episode 306 - What Every Brand Needs to Know About AI, Influencers, and Social Video May 27, 2025

Show notes

Justin Willhite, Senior Influencer Marketing Manager at Twitch and Owner and Principal Talent at CommQuest, shares invaluable insights from his journey from YouTube creator to running a successful video production studio.
Discover why "dark social media" is transforming marketing strategies, how brands can create genuinely shareable content, and the delicate balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining authentic connections with audiences.
Also, don't miss Justin's predictions on where video marketing is headed and how to stay ahead of the curve!

Episode Notes:

00:22 - Justin Willhite Introduction

01:52 - Justin Willhite Background and Industry Experience

05:18 - What is dark social media?

07:30 - Starting a Video Production Company & Working with Brands

10:18 - The Social Media Content Playbook for Brands

13:52 - Creating Viral and Engaging Product Content

19:35 - The AI Revolution in Video Marketing

21:10 - Implications of AI for Content Creators and Marketers

27:45 - Favorite AI Tools and Practical Tips

29:50 - UGC Strategies: In-House vs. Outsourced Creator Content

How to Reach Justin:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justinwillhite | linkedin.com/company/commquestofficial/

Scott’s Links:

Instagram: @smartestseller

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Episode 305 - Amazon Ads Are Evolving — Here’s What You Need to Know May 20, 2025

Show notes

Neha Bhuchar, co-founder of Atom11 and former Amazon Advertising insider, shares Amazon Advertising secrets—revealing the game-changing concept of "retail-aware advertising" that integrates inventory, pricing, and search rank signals with advertising automation to maximize ROI.
Discover how Amazon's algorithms work, from the critical difference between click-through and conversion rates to strategic approaches for the newly democratized Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC). Neha breaks down complex concepts into actionable strategies for sellers at every level, from optimizing audience targeting to balancing conversion improvements with cost efficiency.
The conversation explores 2024's pivotal changes to AMC access, practical thresholds for implementation, and bold predictions for the future of e-commerce advertising. Whether you're managing campaigns in-house or evaluating automation tools, this episode delivers a rare insider perspective on Amazon's advertising ecosystem and Atom11's transparent approach to helping sellers thrive in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace.
This is for Amazon sellers, e-commerce marketers, advertising strategists, and anyone looking to understand the future of retail advertising technology.

Episode Notes:

00:26 - Neha Bhuchar Introduction

00:20 - Neha’s Background and Atom11

06:00 - Retail Aware Advertising

07:25 - Dynamic Bidding & Audience Creation

10:39 - Amazon Marketing Cloud

13:36 - Audience Targeting Challenges

14:01 - Look-alike Audience

15:50 - Mainstream Adoption of AMC

26:45- Tariff and Amazon Ads

31:05 - Impact of AI on Ads

How to Reach Neha:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nehabhuchar

Website: https://www.atom11.co/

Scott’s Links:

Instagram: @smartestseller

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Episode 304 - Why Carrier Central Demands Your Attention with Tyler Allgaier May 13, 2025

Show notes

Discover the underutilized potential of Amazon Carrier Central for enhanced shipment trackability, effective management, and avoiding costly delays, especially during peak times such as Prime Day. Tyler Allgaier, Founder & CEO of Pitted Labs, breaks down how live loads directly at fulfillment facilities can be a game-changer for your operations.

But that's not all – Scott and Tyler dive deep into Amazon bundling strategies, exploring how recent policy updates impact consumable categories and how creating unique offers can give you a competitive edge. Learn how smart bundling can significantly increase your AOV, thereby reducing the percentage impact of FBA fees, much like Costco’s successful model.
Tyler also shares insights on using virtual bundles as a low-risk way to test market demand. Plus, get tips on navigating D2C shipping and direct carrier negotiations in light of changing postal service rates.

Episode Notes:

00:22 - Tyler Allgaier Introduction

02:20 - Background and Origins of the Carrier Central

03:32 - The Importance of Carrier Central: Practical Advice

09:07 - Amazon’s Bundle Policy Updates

13:19 - The Benefits and Strategy of Bundling on Amazon

14:29 - Types of Bundles and Customer Behavior Insights

16:00 - Bundling Tactics: Operational Considerations and Virtual Bundles

20:11 - Catalog Expansion vs. Profit Optimization Through Bundling

21:31 - Innovative Bundling: Cross-Brand Collaborations

23:47 - Trends in Logistics and the Role of Direct Carrier Relationships

26:52 - Tyler Allgaier Future Plans and Final Thoughts

How to Reach Tyler:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tylerallgaier

Website: pittedlabs.com | pittedlogistics.com

Scott’s Links:

Instagram: @smartestseller

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Episode 303 - Tariffs, HTS Codes, and Supply Chain Wisdom with Burak Yolga May 06, 2025

Show notes

Learn legal strategies to minimize tariffs with Burak Yolga, CEO and co-founder of Forceget.

Discover the importance of understanding HTS codes and how they impact global shipping costs. Burak shares creative, legal methods like product disassembly and reassembly that businesses use to mitigate the financial burden of import tariffs. Drawing from his recent visit to China, Burak provides firsthand observations on the evolution of China's manufacturing and export strategies, offering a fresh perspective on global sourcing.
Explore the shifting landscape of global sourcing as businesses look beyond China to countries like Vietnam, India, and Turkey, and understand the inherent risks and challenges in international supply chains, including the crucial need for verifying suppliers' country of origin claims.
Burak delves into the current impact of tariffs on shipping container volumes from China, the strategic use of bonded warehouses, and makes predictions on how persistent tariffs will affect product pricing and consumer markets.
Learn how Forceget is assisting businesses with global shipping and marketplace entries, and gain actionable advice on navigating these turbulent times without panic.

Episode Notes:

00:30 - Burak Yolga Introduction

01:30 - Background and Global Trade Insights

03:28 - Understanding Tariffs and HTS Codes

05:15 - Strategies to Minimize Tariffs

07:29 - Risks and Challenges in International Supply Chain

09:10 - Shifts in Global Sourcing

12:33 - The Unfair Competition

14:15 - Balancing the Playing Field

18:35 - Impact on Shipping and Consumer Markets

23:00 - Market Responses and Predictions

How to Reach Burak:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/burakyolga1 | linkedin.com/company/forceget/

Scott’s Links:

Instagram: @smartestseller

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Episode 302 - Aaron Conant on Building BWG Connect and Solving Amazon Challenges Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Discover the challenges large brands face on the Amazon marketplace and how to navigate this complex landscape with Scott and Aaron Conant, Co-Founder & Chief Digital Strategist at BWG Connect.

Aaron shares his journey from corporate executive to building BWG Connect, a key platform for networking and sharing knowledge. Learn how peer-to-peer learning is crucial for overcoming operational hurdles, finding trusted service providers, and adapting traditional business models for Amazon.

This episode tackles critical issues affecting brand profitability on Amazon, including rising costs, tariffs, and the growing impact of retail media networks. Aaron also offers insights on how AI tools can boost profitability and explores the debate around Amazon's role as a sales channel versus a marketing powerhouse.

Episode Notes:

02:22 - Aaron Conant Introduction

01:10 - The Genesis of BWG Connect

03:09 - The Dynamics of Networking and Knowledge Sharing

05:43 - Challenges Faced by Large Brands on Amazon

08:51 - The Role of Retail Media and Advertising Technology

17:02 - Navigating Profitability and Unit Economics

21:39 - The Impact of PE and VC Money on Tech Industry

22:11 - BWG Connect as a Resource for Brands and Agencies

How to Reach Aaron:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aaronconant

Email: aaron@bwgconnect.com

Scott’s Links:

Instagram: @smartestseller

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Episode 301 - Jon Derkits on Building an Amazon Brand That Lasts Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Jon Derkits, a former Amazon marketplace leader and now independent brand owner, shares his expert insights for Amazon entrepreneurs.

He draws from his experience creating the "Best at Amazon" newsletter and his finance background to discuss Amazon Selling Strategies, Collaboration on Amazon, Impact of U.S.-China Tariffs, Essential Amazon Seller Tools, Balancing Content and Engagement, and Financial Acumen in E-commerce.

Ready to level up your Amazon game? Tune in and gain the insights you need to thrive in this competitive Amazon marketplace!

Episode Notes:

00:17 - Jon Derkits Introduction

02:06 - Jon Derkits Background

05:02 - Role of Finance in Amazon Business Strategy

06:14 - The Newsletter: Best at Amazon

11:27 - Navigating the Amazon News Cycle

13:05 - Tariffs and Their Impact on Amazon Sellers

17:33 - Anker Price Increase

19:46 - The Concept of One-Way Doors in Business Decisions

22:12 - Decision-making Frameworks

22:56 - Tech Stack and Tools for Amazon Sellers

25:05 - Combining SmartScout with Keepa

29:10 - The Simplicity and Power of SmartScout Data

32:38 - Jon Derkits’ Favorite SmartScout Features

39:35 - Two Best Tips From Jon

How to Reach Jon:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jon-derkits

Websites: auxoecommerce.com | tidycal.com/jonderkits/quick-chat

BEST@AMAZON NEWSLETTER: https://bestatamazon.ck.page/

AMAZON COACHING & ADVISORY: https://tidycal.com/jonderkits/amazon-coaching-and-advisory

Scott’s Links:

Instagram: @smartestseller

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Episode 300 - Tariff Tremors: Chinese Sellers, Rule-Breaking, and the New E-commerce Reality Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

The e-commerce landscape is experiencing seismic shifts as new tariffs against China send shockwaves through Amazon's marketplace.

Scott explores how these economic tremors are disrupting the delicate balance of global online retail—potentially the most significant supply chain disruption since COVID. Through exclusive insights from a conversation with one of the largest Chinese sellers in the world, Scott uncovers why businesses importing from China are facing unexpected cash crunches and how these tariffs might reshape the competitive landscape for sellers worldwide.

But tariffs are only half the story. Scott pulls back the curtain on the controversial tactics Chinese sellers use to dominate Amazon, controlling approximately 50% of third-party revenue on the platform. You'll discover the inner workings of tools like the Ziniao browser—software specifically designed to help sellers create multiple Amazon accounts against platform policies—and why some sellers can operate "10 stores selling one product" while others face immediate suspension for similar behavior. This rule-breaking reality explains why 75% of Amazon sellers believe the marketplace isn't fair.

As billionaires like Mark Cuban and Chamath share data showing Chinese sellers capturing up to 60% market share in certain Amazon categories, Scott examines what this new e-commerce reality means for businesses, consumers, and the global economy.

Episode Notes:

00:23 - Dinner with a Top Chinese Seller & Introduction to China Topic

01:13 - China’s Amazon Seller Landscape & Entrepreneurial Drive

02:30 - Energy & Business Culture in China

04:47 - Chinese Sellers' Approach to Amazon’s Rules

05:40 - The Ziniao Browser Tool

09:00 - Widespread Multi-Account Strategy & Aggressive Tactics

10:17 - Amazon’s Evolving Policies & Fairness Concerns

11:52 - New Tariffs on Chinese Goods & Impacts on Sellers

13:39 - Preparing for a Cash Crunch

15:05 - The Role of Chinese Sellers and the Political Spotlight

15:30 - Building Influence Through Data

17:58 - Immediate Reactions from Brands

18:48 -Bias and Hopes for U.S.-Based Sellers

Links:

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: @smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Episode 299: Inside Prosper 2025: Innovations Changing Amazon Selling Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Scott brings you the latest from Prosper 2025, revealing the innovations that will empower you to succeed on Amazon.

Discover cutting-edge tech for listing optimization, TikTok marketing, and private label repricing, and how other AI and emerging tools are reshaping e-commerce.

Episode Notes:

00:23- New Tech for Selling on Amazon in 2025

01:35 - Autopilot Brand

03:00 - Automato AI

05:12 - The TikTok Influence

08:06 - Tools and Agencies Aiding TikTok Marketing Efforts

10:05 - Pricing Innovations

11:15 - Variations and Optimization

14:27 - Prosper Show Reflections

16:25 - Conferences Comparison

Instagram: @smartestseller

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up