

Ecommerce Coffee Break – The Ecom Marketing & Sales Podcast
Claus Lauter
If you sell online, run a DTC brand, or plan to launch an online store — we break down the sales and marketing strategies top ecommerce brands use to grow fast.If you’re asking yourself, “What do top online stores know that I don’t?” then this show is for you. You'll learn how successful ecommerce operators and marketers think, test, and scale — and get insider marketing and sales tactics to grow revenue faster. You'll discover what’s working in 2026 to sell on Amazon, Shopify, and beyond, with insights on apps, MarTech, DTC, B2B, social media, paid ads, AI, dropshipping, and more. We focus on the tools and techniques that actually move the needle. With 500+ free episodes, the Ecommerce Coffee Break is your practical, no-fluff podcast for staying ahead in e-commerce.🎧 Short episodes, ideal for listening on the go. New episodes every week. Trusted by 35,000+ online sellers and ecommerce operators. Subscribe now and become a smarter online seller today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 21, 2025 • 8min
Too Busy To Read 50 Newsletters? I Got You — Claus Lauter | How And Why We Curate Business News, How To Improve Your Ecommerce Strategy, How To Stay Informed In 3-5 Minutes, Why Community Creates Connection and Success (#400)
Discover the value-packed E-Commerce Coffee Break newsletter in this milestone 400th episode! Host Claus Lauter shares how his twice-weekly newsletter helps busy online sellers stay informed in just 3-5 minutes of reading time. The newsletter includes curated e-commerce news, podcast episode highlights, and educational tips to improve your online business. Sign up for free at https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/Topics discussed in this episode: What makes this newsletter unique: Curated from 50+ sources in 3–5 mins. How the newsletter is structured: News, podcast picks, education. Why twice-weekly works: Frequent, not overwhelming. What value it provides: Time-saving insights for busy sellers. How it complements the podcast: Direct links to episodes. What premium subscribers get. How the community helps: Connect with fellow merchants. What the readership looks like: 8,100+ and growing. Why feedback matters: Claus replies to every email. Links & Resources Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/Website: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommerce-coffee-break-podcast/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ecomcoffeebreakInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecommercecoffeebreak/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/jvkjpfxmSUPPORT OUR SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text.______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

May 19, 2025 • 23min
How Ecommerce Businesses Can Thrive In Today's Economy — Olivier Grinda | How Tariffs Eat Into Your Profits, How Passing Costs Hurts Loyalty, How Shipyard Taxes Disrupt Shipping, How To Split Tariff Costs, Why “Wait And See” Is A Risky Decision (#399)
In this episode, we dive into the impact of tariffs on e-commerce brands.Olivier Grinda, Chief Operating Officer at Clearco, shares insights on how these extra costs can hurt profit margins and offers practical strategies for handling the situation. He explains what tariffs are, how they affect brand profits, and why waiting for market conditions to stabilize might be riskier than taking immediate action. Olivier provides valuable advice on financing options that can help businesses weather these challenging times.Topics discussed in this episode: How tariffs cut into your e-commerce profits. Why grasping protectionism’s past is key to judging tariffs. How passing costs to customers can hurt demand and loyalty. How to share tariff costs with manufacturers. Why shifting production to Vietnam or Cambodia is so hard. How new shipyard taxes on Chinese vessels will disrupt shipping. What dangers come from “waiting and seeing” during trade shifts. How Clearco’s revenue financing can stabilize your cash flow. Why underwriters use margins, reserves, and trends to set rates. What it means to be “mindfully aggressive” in a tariff crisis. Links & Resources Website: https://clear.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getclearco/X/Twitter: https://x.com/getclearcoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/getclearcoGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/usakn83jSUPPORT OUR SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text.______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

May 14, 2025 • 28min
Maximize Your Productivity And Scale Your Success With Outsourcing — Siva Balakrishnan | Why Brands Evolve In Three Stages, How Outsourcing As Teamwork Drives Results, Why Patience Builds Outsourcing Success, How Partners Help Navigate Marketplaces (#398)
Discover how to navigate e-commerce outsourcing to streamline operations and scale your business. Siva Balakrishnan, founder and CEO of Vserve with over 20 years of e-commerce outsourcing experience in the US market, shares strategies for brands at different growth stages. Learn how the right partner can help optimize supply chain management, expand to multichannel selling, and improve profitability while navigating today's complex omnichannel marketplace.Topics discussed in this episode: How to boost EBITDA and ad returns as your brand grows. What smart outsourcing looks like at each business stage. How to build a strong supply chain with tech and people. What shifts when moving from single-channel to omnichannel. Why knowing marketplace quirks fuels multichannel growth. How to stay clear and open when working with outsourcers. What makes a mid-market ecom brand ideal for outsourcing. How to pick between retainer and project pricing. What steps to take to start outsourcing with lasting results. Links & Resources Website: https://vservesolution.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vservesolution/posts/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siva-balakrishnan-38216b1/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vservesolution1Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/2satzjt7SUPPORT OUR SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text. ______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

May 12, 2025 • 27min
What To Do With Open Box Returns On Shopify — Brad Sorock | How Drip Pricing Drives Sales, Why Returns Vary By Industry, Why Open Box Returns Boost Efficiency, Why Customer Service Is A Top Priority, How Eco-consciousness Drives App Development (#397)
Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this episode, we dive into a genius solution for handling open box returns. Brad Sorock, e-commerce veteran and creator of the Shopify app "Returns for Sale," shares how his app helps merchants easily sell returned items at discounted prices. Learn how his unique tool transforms a common e-commerce headache into a revenue opportunity while supporting sustainability by keeping returned products out of landfills.Topics discussed in this episode: Why efficient open box returns matter.How drip pricing optimizes product sales.Why different industries struggle with returns.How seamless Shopify integration simplifies processes.Why customer service is a top priority.How location independence shapes business strategy.Why eco-consciousness drives app development.What challenges exist in marketing the app.Links & Resources Website: https://returnsforsale.com/Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/returnsforsaleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-sorock-7054a02/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/27n38ef9SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text. ______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

May 9, 2025 • 17min
The Post-Purchase Page That Generated $30,000 IMMEDIATELY — Varun Kundra | Why Cross-Selling Boosts AOV, What Makes Post-Purchase Upsells Work Best, How To Find The Right Cross-Sell Offer, How To Monetize Your Shopify Thank-You Page (#396)
Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this episode, we dive into how to create an effective cross-selling strategy to boost your online store's average order value. Our guest Varun Kundra, co-founder of AfterSell, shares practical insights on the psychology behind successful upselling and cross-selling. He explains different ways to implement these strategies - in cart, at checkout, and post-purchase. Varun also introduces an innovative "network offers" feature that lets merchants earn passive income by displaying relevant third-party offers on their confirmation pages. Learn how personalization, timing, and presentation can significantly impact your cross-selling success.Topics discussed in this episode: How to get the right cross sell offer. What are the types of cross sell offers. Why cross selling will boost your AOV. How to implement cross-selling post-purchase. Why post-purchase timing creates the perfect upsell opportunity. How to monetize your thank-you page with other brands' products. Why smart merchants are becoming mini retail media networks. The most effective post-purchase upsell implementation revealed. How to earn passive income displaying 3rd party offers on Shopify. Links & Resources Website: https://www.aftersell.com/Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/aftersellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vk1/X/Twitter: https://x.com/varkundraGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/hha27ypzSUPPORT OUR SPONSORTry Brevo for free or use code ECB for 50% off Starter & Business Plans (first 3 months, annual plan). 👉 https://www.brevo.com/ I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text.______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

May 7, 2025 • 30min
How To Optimize Your Ecommerce Store With A/B Testing — Yi Hung Lin | What A/B Tests To Run In Shopify, Why A/B Testing Is A Proven Growth Method, What Test Length Works Best, Why Most Tests Won’t Beat The Control, Why Code Cleanup Matters (#395)
Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this episode, Yi Hung Lin (Jeffrey), founder of AB Convert, breaks down how A/B testing helps you grow a Shopify store the smart way. Jeffrey explains how smart testing can significantly boost your profits. Learn how to make data-driven decisions about pricing, shipping thresholds, and other key factors that can increase conversion rates by 10-15% without spending more on advertising. Topics discussed in this episode: What makes A/B testing a scientific growth tool. How simple tests like banner copy swaps yield conversion data. Why starting with a clear hypothesis and the Store Growth formula matters. What native Shopify experiments AB Convert enables. Why only about 7% of tests are expected to win. What test duration to aim for—10K sessions or 200 orders. Why pre-test prep like theme cleanup and code audits is important. How real case studies—like 5% price hikes or AOV boosts—prove ROI. Links & Resources Website: https://www.abconvert.io/ Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/a-b-convert-price-a-b-test LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yi-hung-lin-040889138/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/billionxdev Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/5ajsjnpn SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you’re doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions. 👉 Explore what Ahrefs can do at https://ahrefs.com/web-analytics I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text. ______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

May 5, 2025 • 35min
Beyond The Basics: 3 Unique Email Marketing Tactics That Work — Gavin Hewitson | How Small Tweaks Grow Revenue, How Popups And Flyouts Grow Signups And Sales, Why Showing Discounts On-site Converts Better, What KPI's To Set When Hiring An Agency (#394)
Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this episode, email marketing expert Gavin Hewitson reveals how to boost conversions by treating customers and non-customers differently in your email campaigns. Learn why reiterating offers to non-customers is crucial for getting that difficult first purchase, and why most brands miss this simple yet powerful segmentation strategy. Gavin shares his expertise on creating effective welcome flows, optimizing popup forms, and building email strategies that drive real results through personalized customer journeys. Get Access to 70 Fully Editable Email Templates for FREE: https://in-box.co.nz/newsletter/Topics discussed in this episode: Why treating all subscribers the same hurts conversionsWhat customer vs. non-customer segments reveal about revenueHow repeating signup offers speeds up first purchasesWhat a high-performing welcome series looks likeHow popups and flyouts boost both signups and salesWhy showing the discount code on-site works betterWhat zero-party data unlocks for personalizationHow storytelling + segmentation drive deeper engagementKey KPIs to set when hiring an agency (and revenue-share red flags)How small flow tweaks lead to long-term revenue growthLinks & Resources Website: https://in-box.co.nz/70 Fully Editable Email Templates for FREE: https://in-box.co.nz/newsletter/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-hewitson-bb561685/X/Twitter: https://x.com/KlaviyodeepdiveYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GavinhewitsonsemailGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/2s5d677dSUPPORT OUR SPONSORTry Brevo for free or use code ECB for 50% off Starter & Business Plans (first 3 months, annual plan). 👉 https://www.brevo.com/ I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text. ______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Apr 30, 2025 • 18min
How I Turned My Podcast Into A Profitable Business — Claus Lauter | Why Podcasting Builds Strong Connections, What Consistency Means In Content Creation, Why Content Brings Better Profit Margins Than Products, How Podcasting Drives Engagement (#393)
Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this solo episode, Claus Lauter takes you through his e-commerce and podcasting journey. With 20 years of experience in digital marketing, he discusses founding a SaaS startup and running a seven-figure Shopify store. Claus dives into the origins and evolution of his podcast, its current success, and explains why podcasting is a powerful tool for businesses—despite the long-term commitment it demands.Topics discussed in this episode: Why podcasting helps DTC brands build stronger customer ties. How low eCommerce margins risk your business without income diversity. Why podcasting beats social media for lasting engagement. Why even top eCommerce brands face cash-flow issues. How content creation yields better margins than online stores. Why merchants should prioritize profit over revenue. What true consistency means in building a content brand. Links & Resources Website: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommerce-coffee-break-podcast/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ecomcoffeebreak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecommercecoffeebreak/ Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/2sh92ykhSUPPORT OUR SPONSORTry Brevo for free or use code ECB for 50% off Starter & Business Plans (first 3 months, annual plan). 👉 https://www.brevo.com/ I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text.______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Apr 28, 2025 • 25min
Expanding Globally: Mistakes To Avoid And Keys To Success — Sharoon Thomas | How To Start Global Sales Easily, Why DTC Brands Struggle To Scale, Why You Need Local Entities, Why Market Testing Saves You Money, How A Phased Rollout Avoids Failure (#392)
Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---Expanding into international markets can jumpstart growth for e-commerce brands, but proper systems are crucial for managing the increased complexity. In this episode, Sharoon Thomas, founder and CEO of Fulfil, explains what it takes to successfully scale globally. He shares insights on when to transition from simple systems to more robust solutions, how to manage multi-entity operations, and the importance of balancing business complexity with effective technology infrastructure. Topics discussed in this episode: Why scaling internationally is harder. How returns management becomes critical. What determines if a market is worth it. Why multiple legal entities become necessary. How to recognize when spreadsheets limit growth. Why multi-warehouse inventory creates visibility issues. What makes multi-channel selling complex. How open APIs outperform traditional ERPs. Why real-time financial visibility matters. What implementation approach prevents ERP failure. Links & Resources Website: https://www.fulfil.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulfil-io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharoonthomas/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/Sharoonthomas Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/46ur2mejSUPPORT OUR SPONSORTry Brevo for free or use code ECB for 50% off Starter & Business Plans (first 3 months, annual plan). 👉 https://www.brevo.com/ I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text. ______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Apr 23, 2025 • 25min
The Future Of Ecommerce Shipping — Erez Sages | Why Sellers Must Adapt To Trade Laws, How AI Avoids Delivery Issues, How Automation Speeds Up Shipping Tasks, What Complicates Returns And How To Fix It, How Automation Saves Shipping Time (#391)
Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this episode, we dive into the changing world of global e-commerce shipping as trade policies shift. Our guest, Erez Sages—founder and CEO of iBundle—shares insights on adapting to new international shipping rules, including the effects of recent U.S. trade changes. He explains how AI-driven logistics are cutting delivery failures, streamlining cross-border routes, and lowering costs for online sellers. Erez also breaks down smart strategies for managing multi-platform sales, simplifying returns, and being upfront with customers about shipping costs. Topics discussed in this episode: Why eCommerce sellers must adapt to new trade laws. How AI prevents failed deliveries and shipping issues. What makes returns hard and how to simplify them. Why duties at checkout hurt sales and how to fix it. How to manage shipping across multiple platforms. Why postal shipping no longer works for eCommerce. How automation saves time on shipping decisions. Links & Resources Website: https://www.ibundle.net/ Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/ibundle?st_source=autocomplete LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erez-sages-358642b7/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077930402227 Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/35xj2tvhSUPPORT OUR SPONSORTry Brevo for free or use code ECB for 50% off Starter & Business Plans (first 3 months, annual plan). 👉 https://www.brevo.com/ I'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text. ______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/


