

The Smartest Amazon Seller
SmartScout
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 3, 2024 • 37min
EPISODE 273 - Mastering Data for Amazon Success with Robert Row
Join Scott and Robert Row, Co-Founder at Bispoke, as they dive into the power of data in revolutionizing the Amazon selling business.
Robert shares his journey from digital marketing intern to working with top e-commerce brands, and how he leverages data to optimize inventory, advertising strategies, and more.
Discover the importance of data-driven decision-making in Amazon selling, how to use Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) to gain deeper insights into your customers, best practices for inventory management and supply chain optimization, effective advertising strategies for maximizing your return on investment, and practical tips for sellers of all sizes to leverage data analytics.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert and discover how data can help you take your Amazon business to the next level.
Episode Notes:
00:50 - Robert Row Introduction
02:30 - Background of Robert
05:55 - Robert's Journey from Digital Marketing to E-commerce
07:30 - Inventory Management and Advertising Adjustments
08:35 - Advertising Strategy
09:50 - The Importance of Data
11:05 - Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC)
15:15 - Using AMC for Audience Management
18:15 - Practical Application of AMC for Improving Ad Efficiency
22:20 - Practical Tools and Solutions
26:10 - Streamlining the Process
27:40 - Importance of Data in Making Informed Decisions
29:35 - Using SmartScout for Market Share
32:15 - What is Bispoke?
33:50 - Lessons Learned from Previous Years
Email: Robert@bispoke.io
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robert-row-b8006517
Website: https://www.bispoke.io
Related Post: Finding Amazon Keyword Trends: Unleash the Power of SmartScout

Aug 27, 2024 • 28min
EPISODE 272 - Leveraging Google Grants for Amazon Success with Ishan Soni
Scott Needham sits down with Ishan Soni, the founder of Ad Grants Genie, to discuss innovative strategies for reducing Amazon advertising costs while driving sales.
Discover how to harness the power of Google's $10,000 monthly grant for nonprofits to generate free traffic and elevate your brand visibility.
Learn the ins and outs of Google's ad grant program, including eligibility requirements and best practices for maximizing its benefits. Explore the steps in creating a nonprofit that aligns with your brand and effectively leverages the grant to drive Amazon sales.
Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your Amazon selling strategy and unlock new growth opportunities. Tune in now!
Episode Notes:
01:25 - Ishan Soni Introduction
03:20 - Understanding Google Grants Program
04:35 - Establishing a Nonprofit for Amazon Sellers
06:00 - Examples of Nonprofits Created by Various Brands
06:55 - Implementing Google Grants for Amazon Sales
10:00 - Compliances and Guidelines
10:55 - Managing Taxes and Reporting for Nonprofits
13:50 - Granular Execution and Traffic Conversion
17:15 - What is an Advertorial?
19:15 - Leveraging the Nonprofit Setup
21:35 - Tools and Services Offered by Ad Grants Genie
23:20 - Giving Back Through Nonprofit
24:10 - Importance of Building Something Beyond Amazon
Website: https://adgrantsgenie.com/
Related Post: The Best Financing Loans for Amazon Sellers

Aug 20, 2024 • 20min
EPISODE 271 - Scale and Connect at AMZ United 2024
Seasoned Amazon veteran Scott Needham joins forces with the strategic mind of Michael White, Chief Strategy Officer at SmartScout, to discuss the intricacies of scaling your Amazon business. Whether you're just starting out or aiming for the coveted nine-figure sales mark, this episode offers invaluable insights and actionable strategies.
Discover why resellers continue to dominate the Amazon marketplace and learn how to navigate the complex world of compliance to protect your business.
Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into the upcoming AMZ United conference, where you can connect with fellow sellers and gain a competitive edge.
Don't miss this opportunity to level up your Amazon game!
Episode Notes:
00:45 - Michael White Introduction
02:45 - The World of Reselling
04:20 - AMZ United Year 2
05:30 - Remembering Last Year's AMZ United Conference
11:05 - Excitement for This Year's Conference
12:45 - Dealing with Amazon Account Suspension
14:10 - Best Compliance Experts
14:30 - Why Networking is Important
Related Post: Amazon Suspension: What Is It and How to Avoid It

Aug 13, 2024 • 41min
EPISODE 270 - Scaling Your Amazon Business with Pattern’s Logistics
Feeling overwhelmed by Amazon's ever-changing logistics landscape?
This episode of The Smartest Amazon Seller cuts through the complexity with expert insights from Rob Hahn, Head of Transportation at Pattern. Rob, with his journey from Amazon intern to robotics mastermind, unveils the secrets to optimized fulfillment and boosted sales conversions.
Discover how Pattern navigates FBA fees and complexities, unlocks the power of zone skipping for faster deliveries, and masters Amazon's intricate network. Learn why Pattern's Marketplace Prep Service is a game-changer for sellers and how they streamline your fulfillment process from labeling to delivery.
Rob also shares insights on addressing challenges with oversized items, unexpected inventory issues, and the future of FBA policies. Don't miss this episode to gain a competitive edge in the Amazon marketplace.
Episode Notes:
00:27 - Rob Hahn Introduction
02:30 - Rob Hahn’s Background
07:40 - Transition to Pattern and the role as COO
09:55 - Differences in Logistics and Transportation in the International Operations
11:00 - Challenges of Selling Across Different Markets and Languages
11:40 - Leveraging Amazon's APIs and Handling Warehouse Management Across Regions
18:32 - Explaining the Roles of Cross-docking and Fulfillment Centers in Amazon's Network
21:35 - Pattern's Initiative in Marketplace Prep Services
26:50 - Pattern’s Latest Facilities
28:30 - Addressing Challenges with Oversized Items
30:38 - Dealing with Discrepancies
32:15 - Chinese Sellers
33:45 - Future of FBA
Website: Pattern.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rob-hahn-12136736
Related Post: Is Amazon FBA Worth It? A Quick Look Into Making Money on Amazon

Aug 6, 2024 • 42min
EPISODE 269 - Diana Gershman Secrets to Amazon Wholesale Success
Diana Gershman, known as the 'Mary Poppins of Amazon FBA,' has over 15 years of experience in the Amazon selling world. She shares her journey from academia to e-commerce pioneer. Diana discusses the evolution of Amazon FBA, the significance of data-driven decision-making, and effective strategies for successful wholesale. She also dives into her unique experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry and the importance of networking within the Amazon seller community. Her insights are invaluable for navigating the ever-changing e-commerce landscape.

Jul 30, 2024 • 48min
EPISODE 268 - From Solo Seller to Big Brand Strategist with Josh Justice
Join host Scott as he chats with Josh Justice, a seasoned Amazon expert who has worked with major brands like Nordic Natural and Lego. Josh shares his 11+ years of experience, from being a solo seller in China to managing multi-million dollar ad budgets and navigating the unique challenges of working with big brands.
Discover how to transition from selling your products to working for an agency or in-house at a major brand. Learn the pros and cons of working at different-sized teams, gain insights into how Amazon's biggest brands operate, and uncover strategies for optimizing your Amazon presence, including ads, SEO, and product prioritization. Finally, get an inside look at the challenges and opportunities of remote work in the Amazon space.
Whether you're an Amazon agency pro or simply curious about the inner workings of the world's largest online marketplace, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the business!
00:16 - Josh Justice Introduction
01:45 - Josh’s Background
03:33 - The Agency Landscape and Working for Marketplace Ignition
09:30 - Transition to Working In-House
12:05 - Working with Nordic Naturals
13:40 - The Different Mafia Families of Amazon Selling
15:10 - Initial Thoughts on LEGO as a Dream Brand
17:00 - The Remote Work Considerations and Transition at LEGO
21:13 - LEGO's Amazon Strategy Insights
25:02 - The Importance of SEO
28:30 - LEGO’s View on Ads
30:55 - Dealing with Discontinued Products
33:55 - Infinite Commerce
41:20 - Infinite Commerce Hiring
44:15 - Learning from Other People
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshua-justice
Related Post: How to Search Amazon Storefronts and Sellers

Jul 23, 2024 • 49min
EPISODE 267 - Scaling the Amazon Selling Business with Eric Castellano
Scale your Amazon business with insider secrets from e-commerce titan Eric Castellano, who shares his strategies for massive growth in this latest podcast.
The episode delves into the scalability potential of growing an Amazon business from $10 million to $100 million in sales. Gain real-world insights and strategies as Eric, a seasoned Amazon seller, shares his experiences and expertise.
Get a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of e-commerce entrepreneurship and key takeaways on effectively scaling on the Amazon platform. Learn from Eric's successes and mistakes, and gain valuable tips on optimizing listings, managing finances, and navigating Amazon's ever-changing landscape.
Don't miss this opportunity to propel your business to new heights with insights from a true Amazon expert.
Episode Notes:
00:09 - Eric Castellano Introduction
03:10 - The Challenges of Running an Amazon Business
06:00 - Amazon's Fee Increases and Impact on Sellers
09:45 - Knowing When to Call It Quits
13:00 - Stories of Significant Losses and Lessons Learned
16:52 - Sourcing Strategies and Inventory Management
18:36 - Coping with Amazon's Technical Mistakes and Oversights
27:20 - Implementing Amazon Clerk
30:15 - The Proper Way to Bundle
34:25 - Eric’s Favorite Category
39:00 - The Eclectic Side of Amazon Business
42:00 - The Future of Brand Direct
43:17 - Eric’s Favorite Place to Find Brands
Related Post: The Best Software Tools for an Amazon FBA Wholesale Seller

Jul 16, 2024 • 29min
EPISODE 266 - Challenger Brands and Amazon Growth Strategies with Wes Clark
Wes Clark, Head of Marketing Operations & Marketplace at Kizik, shares his journey from working at Fortune 500 companies such as Intel to startups, revealing key insights about the importance of reviews on Amazon. He discusses the challenges of manipulated reviews and effective strategies to combat them.
Learn how Purple leveraged Amazon for brand awareness and how Kizik ensures presence across all customer-preferred platforms. The episode covers Kizik’s video advertising strategies and the importance of balancing Amazon with other sales channels to avoid over-reliance.
Wes also shares data-driven tactics for ad mix optimization, competitor analysis, and efficient return management. For more insights or questions about Kizik’s strategy, listeners can reach out via LinkedIn provided in the show notes.
Tune in for expert advice on maximizing your Amazon strategy!
Episode Notes:
00:28 - Wes Clark Introduction
01:20 - Wes Clark's Background and Entry into Amazon
03:33 - Understanding and Combatting Review Manipulation on Amazon
07:05 - Purple’s Brand Awareness Strategy
09:10 - The Success and Growth of Kizik on Amazon
10:34 - Kizik's Selective Approach to Amazon Listings and Shaping Customer Experience
14:05 - Utilizing Amazon Demand Side Platform (DSP) for Brand Exposure
15:09 - Measuring the Impact of Off-Amazon Advertising on Amazon Sales
16:00 - Growth Levers and Generating Top-of-Funnel Awareness
17:32 - The Importance of Video Marketing for DTC Brands on Amazon
19:00 - Exploring Sponsored Brand Video vs. DSP Video on Amazon
19:49 - Insight into Brand Risks and Challenges When Selling on Amazon
21:20 - Utilizing Data to Inform Strategy and Stay Ahead of Competitors
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wesclark2
Related Post: Exclusive Access to Middle East Products for US Wholesalers

Jul 9, 2024 • 16min
Episode 265 - The Compound Effect of In-House Prep with SamFBA – Scaling to $2M in 13 Months!
Scott interviews SamFBA, a rapidly successful Amazon seller who has achieved nearly $2 million in revenue in just 13 months. Sam discusses the significant benefits of handling prep work in-house rather than relying on third-party logistics, which has helped her boost profit margins and better understand her inventory. She emphasizes the importance of small savings compounding over time to create substantial monthly gains as sales increase.
Sam also shares her strategies for scaling her business sustainably, avoiding substantial loans, and effectively using cashback credit cards to optimize profit margins. Despite challenges like account health issues, Sam's focus on proper sourcing practices has been key to her success.
Tune in for valuable insights on Amazon FBA, and follow @Sam_FBA on X for more tips and strategies.
Episode Notes:
00:15 - SamFBA Introduction and Amazon Journey
02:55 - The Advantages of Self-Prep and Margin Improvement
05:17 - Building Sustainable Profit Margins
09:30 - Account Health and Legitimacy in Sourcing
12:39 - Growth Strategies and Long-Term Vision
13:58 - Resourcefulness and Learning from Failure
15:02- Conclusion and Reflections
X: https://x.com/Sam_FBA
Related Post: Elevating Your Amazon FBA Business: A Comprehensive Guide to the Top Chrome Extensions

Jul 2, 2024 • 38min
Episode 264 - Transitioning Business Models on Amazon with Jacob Albor
Utah-based Amazon seller Jacob Albor shares his inspiring journey of transitioning business models on Amazon from selling books to high-demand items. He discusses clearing significant debt, shifting from retail arbitrage to wholesale, building relationships with suppliers, and lessons learned from facing scams.


