Rock Your Brand Podcast

Have you been waiting for Scott and Chris to get down to brass tacks and tackle a scenario like the one you are facing? Well look no further, it’s time for the Hot Seat! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott and Chris will break down a question from a TAS follower like you. They will cover product variations, keyword optimization, how to move your product quickly to recoup your costs, and so much more! This episode might have just right the tips, insights, and lessons you need to up your game and take action. Don’t wait. Grab your pen and paper tune and into this content rich episode.

Use caution when adding color variations to your product listings.

The last thing you want is to spend money that you didn’t need to. A critical step in the product research phase is to make sure you aren’t adding options that your potential customers are not expecting. For example, some products don’t need color variations, at least not right away. Listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller as Chris and Scott discuss the reasons to be cautious about which variations you add at to your product listing. If you are just getting started, make sure that you catch this helpful episode!

Optimize the keywords in the title of your Amazon product listing

Sometimes the best solution for a problem you’ve been having is the simplest one. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Chris gives some great advice on how to optimize the title of your Amazon product listing. Don’t forget that quick glances at your product and titles MAKE a huge impression. Consider restructuring your title if you aren’t getting the results you are looking for. Don’t include unnecessary words. An example is using the words silver or chrome when describing stainless steel, those colors automatically come to mind for the consumer. If you are wondering how you can optimize your title, make sure to listen to this episode!

Tips on how to move your product quickly.

If you have some products that you’ve used in a testing phase or you just can’t seem to move them, what are your options? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott gives some great tips on how to move product quickly and recoup some of your costs.

  • Lower your price. See if that makes a difference. Lower the price for a few weeks.
  • Go to a place like Snagshout or Slickdeals and list it there. Do a close out sale.
  • Reach out to a blogger or Instagram page to see if they would do a contest with your product.

To get more great tips and insights from Scott, make sure to listen to this episode!

Approach your listing with fresh eyes

An old maxim says that “Familiarity breeds complacency.” You’ve seen this truth play out in your own life. You get used to the weird sound your car makes and you don’t notice it until someone who never rides in your car gets in. Well, the same can be said of your Amazon product listing. You’ve spent so much time building it and crafting it to be “Just right” that you may have become blind to it limitations. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Chris encourages sellers like to you to take a look at a competitor's listing and pick it apart. Then he wants you to take that same critical eye and turn it on your listing to see what you might be missing. This simple step could help you spot that one thing that you’ve been missing.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:10] The situation that’s on the hot seat today!
  • [9:50] Caution for adding color variations.
  • [15:30] Optimizing keywords in the listing’s title.
  • [23:40] Scott and Chris break down the numbers for this product.
  • [26:30] Some ideas on how to move your product quickly to recoup cost.
  • [30:00] Chris talks about the best PPC (Pay Per Click) strategy.
  • [36:00] Some parting advice from Chris.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

  • Listen to the episode Scott mentioned about depth and demand - HERE
  • Find all the Hotseat episodes - HERE
  • Watch the live events sizzle reels - HERE
  • Slickdeals
  • Snagshout
Direct download: TAS326.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Are you fired up and ready to go? Do you have what you need to succeed as a business owner? If you are looking for that shot in the arm and some answers to questions you’ve been wondering about, then you came to the right place! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott starts by jumping right in with a “Thought of the week.” He then tackles questions about operating as an Amazon seller outside of the US, protecting your customer, and steps to protect your listing from getting hijacked. Before you head into the weekend, make this last stop to get the insight you need to equip you on your journey toward success.

Don’t get comfortable in your business!

Everything in our culture screams at us to get comfortable as quickly as possible and for as long as possible. Discomfort and difficulty are two words that our society trains us to run away from. Should you listen to that message? Is that good advice for life and business? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott tells a personal story about how getting comfortable led to a scary situation in his home one night. Listen to this episode and learn the lesson that Scott discovered that night and how you should avoid getting comfortable.

What options do you have an Amazon seller outside the US?

If you want to catch the wave with private labeling and selling on Amazon but you live overseas, what are your options? Is it worth the effort? Scott tackles the best options for business owners who are trying to get started with Amazon selling from overseas. One method is understanding that during the product research phase, this is going to be costly and not generate much of a profit, the point is the research on the product. Another option is having the supplier ship the product to Amazon with a PDF that you send to them. A lot of people are nervous about this option but it’s not likely to become an issue. If you want more details on these options, take the time to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller.

Serve your customers with excellence.

Making money and getting success is a key ambition for many business owners. Another concern should be serving your customer well. What do you do when you have a valuable product but it also has some elements of danger to it? Do you provide numerous warnings? What about including safety items to protect the consumer? Scott walks through a couple of options you have as a seller to protect your own liability and ensure that you are doing right by the customer. If consumer safety with your product is a concern, make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller.

Worried about getting your Amazon Listing Hijacked?

So you are just starting out with selling on Amazon and you a little cautious. You aren’t sure if you want to spend the time and energy moving toward one product only to get it hijacked by someone else down the line. How do you prevent this from happening? Scott emphasizes that the product research phase is key here. You need to do as much of the work that you can and possibly even consult an attorney. Scott also touches on the value of bundling products to help keep others from hijacking your listing. To hear Scott expand on these ideas and more, make sure to catch this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [1:20] Thought of the Week - you should not become comfortable.
  • [8:50] Question #1: Is there a way to buy stuff from AliExpress and then sell it onto Amazon without private labeling it?
  • [14:15] Question #2: I want to include a safety item with my product, what is the best way to do that?
  • [19:50] Question #3: How can I prevent hijackers in my niche market?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS325.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Complexity can be simplified if you have the right tools. Scott has your back. He looks for every bit of advice, tips, scenarios, and insights that will help you excel in your business. Because of his diligence and networking abilities, Scott came across a helpful blog post from Jeff Cohen and his team. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott and Jeff go over the tools you need to leverage your marketing list, how to garner reviews for your product, and how to go from good to great levels of success. You don’t want to miss this powerful and practical episode!

Imagine, you have some products that have been slow or nearly impossible to move and Amazon is letting you know that you have an increase in storage fees coming. Should you pay it? Can you liquidate it? What do you do? Jeff Cohen came across a similar scenario when he heard from one of his clients. That client proceeded to utilize “Snagshout” and successfully liquidated his product, made money, and sold additional products in the process. If you are facing a similar situation or you just want the peace of mind by having the tools necessary to tackle it if it comes up, you came to the right place!

On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott sits down with business leader Jeff Cohen. Part of their conversation touched on garnering reviews for Amazon products. Jeff gives some helpful tips to keep in mind when trying to accumulate a good number of reviews.

  • Don’t ask for a review if the product was purchased at a very heavy discount.
  • You cannot ask the buyer for a positive review.
  • You cannot tell the buyer what to write in the review. No examples of a perfect review.

Listen to this episode to get more useful tips and insights from Jeff!

Sometimes the easiest solution to a lot of problems is sitting right in front of you. Why not use the tools you have and the resources at your fingertips to solve issues you run into? Jeff Cohen points out that one of the greatest advantages to building a marketing list and cultivating a brand following is leveraging that when the time comes to liquidate products. He suggests that if you need to liquidate products quickly, offer them at a great discount to your brand following. It makes them feel special and it solves your problem. It’s a win, win! To hear Jeff expand on this thought further, make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

It has been said that the enemy of doing something great isn’t doing something poorly, it’s settling for good. Where are you settling for good rather than pushing for great in your business? One area to be aware of according to Jeff Cohen is your storage fees through Amazon. He says that a lot of people focus their research and time trying to figure out how much it will cost to get their product to Amazon but less focus around how to manage their storage fees once it gets there. He is convinced that this one issue is holding a lot of business leaders back from seeing significant sales and profits. Don’t settle for good, shoot for great! Learn more from Jeff on this episode of The Amazing Seller.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [2:45] Scott welcome Jeff Cohen to the show.
  • [4:00] Jeff talks about liquidating products quickly.
  • [7:00] What’s the news around the big review change?
  • [10:30] Jeff’s tips about reviews.
  • [15:50] What is the average return on getting reviews from giveaways with and without solicitation?
  • [21:20] A strategy for liquidating products.
  • [26:40] An update on “Snagshout”
  • [31:00] Jeff talks about list building.
  • [34:20] A special deal for TAS followers.
  • [36:45] Scott stumps Jeff.
  • [39:00] Jeff and Scott talk about Seller Summit.
  • [44:00] One last piece of wisdom from Jeff.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS324.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott interviews Steve Chou, a successful business leader, and entrepreneur. After years of building a thriving eCommerce business, Steve decided to take his insights and knowledge to help others get started in this booming industry. The primary way Steve is imparting his knowledge is by organizing high-quality and high-value conferences. Don’t check out at the thought of attending a conference. You might think it’s not worth your time, but you don’t know what you are missing! Listen has Steve and Scott make the case for leveraging the networking and collaborative opportunities available at eCommerce conferences.

Let’s face it, conferences can feel like a HUGE waste of time. If you have a family, it’s super inconvenient to take off for a few days and leave your spouse and kids behind. Is it really worth it? Steve Chou use to think that conferences were a waste of time too. Now he attends five to six conferences a year and he’s become a conference organizer. What made him change? What value did he find? He found that collaboration and networking were a wonderful byproduct of attending these gatherings. Hear more about how Steve has leveraged attending conferences to expand his business and success on this episode of The Amazing Seller.

What goes into crafting the most memorable and impactful conference events? What makes a conference stand out from all the rest? Avid conference attendee and business leader Steve Chou has learned over the years what makes a great conference. In recent years, he has turned to organizing conferences that stay small and intimate. Steve is convinced that the most value a person can get out of a conference lies in WHO they interact with. Information is wonderful and it’s an important feature but getting to know someone and bouncing ideas off of them is one of the most valuable yet underrated keys to a successful conference experience.

Everyone has been there, you went to a conference to get a jumpstart to your business and yet days or weeks later you still haven’t taken any action on what you learned. How do you apply the information you receive from eCommerce conferences? Conference organizer and business leader Steve Chou suggests finding someone who will hold you accountable. Maybe this is someone you meet at the conference, maybe it's a family member or business associate. The key point here is, you need someone who will check in and hold you to implementing the information you gathered at a conference.

There are many people curious about and trying to get started in eCommerce. Is eCommerce still a viable industry to start a business in? Is it worth taking the time to explore and invest in? Entrepreneur Steve Chou is convinced that the best is yet to come regarding eCommerce. He says that eCommerce is still just a small fraction of overall sales. Patterns show that it will continue to get increasingly difficult and competitive as more and more people pour into the marketplace. Steve highlights the necessity of finding the unique value proposition of what you are selling. To here Steve expand on this idea and more, make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:30] Scott welcomes Steve Chou to the show.
  • [4:30] Steve tells a little about himself.
  • [6:50] Why does Steve go to so many conferences?
  • [13:30] Big things can happen from attending one event.
  • [21:30] What advice would Steve give to people who attend events?
  • [23:00] How do you organize events that appeal to the most people?
  • [27:30] What has Steve learned from past events to improve upon?
  • [30:00] How do you apply the info you gather from conferences?
  • [36:30] Who will be speaking at Steve’s next conference?
  • [46:20] Is e-commerce still a viable industry?
  • [51:00] A face to the brand or business.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS323.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Have you just started taking steps to build your business? Or have you been at it for some time now? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott has some wisdom to share and questions to answer that will be helpful no matter where you are in the process. Listen as Scott shares a vital truth that has inspired him on his journey to success. Also, he addresses questions from TAS followers like you! Don’t miss out on Scott’s helpful insight and contagious enthusiasm!

Small Wins add up to fuel success in life and business

Everyone is focused on the big wins and the splashy success stories. That’s what gets the clicks on web articles and even newspaper sales. What you won’t see celebrated in the headlines are the small wins. So why should you care about the small wins? When you stack up small wins over time, that leads to a story of success. Big gains and overnight success stories are the exceptions, not the rule. Most people live their lives and experience growth both personally and professionally just a little bit at a time. To hear Scott expand on this idea more, listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

1K Fast Track

What is holding you back from getting started with your own business today? Is it fear of failure that is holding you back? Or is it a lack of capital? Whatever it is that is keeping you from taking action - Scott has a plan to help you get started! Scott has successfully launched his passion project, The 1K Fast Track. He has already helped many TAS followers get started on the road to success and he wants YOU to be involved in the next group. Find out how you can get started with the next group by following the link included in the resources section at the end of this post.

Chinese Sourcing Sites for your products

Is Alibaba the best option for sourcing your product? What about another Chinese sourcing site called “1688” that is cheaper but is only in Chinese? With an ever changing economy and dealing with partners in a different country, uncertainty is a common feeling for a lot of business owners in this market. Scott has been through a lot of these same scenarios and he has a vast network of colleagues whose wisdom he can draw upon. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott goes through the benefits of using a site like “1688.” He also addresses some possible advantages that Mandarin-speaking business leaders and entrepreneurs can leverage for additional income. If you’ve been wondering whether the sourcing site you use is the best option out there, you have to listen to this episode!

Issues with Brand Registry

Are you getting ready to launch a product? Are you still in the research phase? There are some important things you need to know regarding brand registry. Scott breaks down how vital it is to have your business’ brand or logo on your product and also on your website. This is how Amazon verifies that you are the owner of that brand. Navigating these questions regarding brand registry and be very confusing and maybe even frustrating. Make sure you listen to this episode and search through previous The Amazing Seller episodes to cover all your bases.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [2:00] Small Wins.
  • [3:50] A little win from a TAS member.
  • [6:00] 1K Fast Track Update.
  • [8:00] Question #1: Do you have any experience with the sourcing site “1688?” How can a mandarin speaker leverage their skill in the marketplace?
  • [12:30] Question #2: The product I’m selling doesn’t have my company name printed on it. Is that going to be an issue with brand registry?
  • [19:40] Question #3: Is it a good idea to put together a kit and enter a fairly competitive market and then possibly sell individual components in this market once I’ve established myself with the kit?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS322.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Are you ready to get started with selling online? How great would it be to hear from someone who has recently found the success you are looking for? You might be wondering what does selling online look like, how can you get started? You’ve come to the right place! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott sits down with Gary and Kim Rey who went from zero to one million dollars in sales all through Retail Arbitrage and Online Arbitrage via Fulfillment By Amazon. You will hear how they got started, how they divide the labor and some of their best practices and tips that you can implement today! Don’t let any more excuses keep you from pursuing success, take action!

Retail Arbitrage and Online Arbitrage - what is the difference?

Lingo and insider verbiage can be very confusing. You might be afraid to ask or maybe you forgot so here is a quick recap of what Retail and Online Arbitrage are. Retail Arbitrage is surveying retail stores to find products that there is a demand for on Amazon. Online Arbitrage is the same thing but it’s all done online, no physical shopping in the retail stores. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you will hear from a husband and wife team. Gary enjoys OA and his wife Kim enjoys RA. Don’t miss the lessons you can learn from their recent success!

Retail Arbitrage is a great way to get started with selling online.

You know you want to get started with selling online but you aren’t sure what route to take. Should you start with Retail Arbitrage (RA) or Online Arbitrage (OA) or something else? Kim Rey found that starting off with RA was really helpful for her. Kim started by buying just a few extra items here and there when she was out shopping. She would look at the profit that she would be able to make on each item and decide from there. Her strategy has changed over time but she found this to be a great way to get started. Find out what you can learn from Kim and her husband Gary’s experience on this episode of The Amazing Seller!

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Selling on Amazon using existing listings.

Selling online can be very intimidating. There is a lot of different strategies and lingo to wrap your mind around and you are nervous about losing your money and failing. This is one of the reasons Scott invited Gary and Kim Rey on the show today. Gary and Kim have successfully learned and streamlined an approach to Retail Arbitrage (RA) and Online Arbitrage (OA) that works for them. They don’t even get involved with creating their own listings on Amazon. Gary and Kim simply find products that are performing well and that they can get at a low price and then post those products to existing listings on Amazon. This may not work for everyone but it does simplify the process. To hear more about Gary and Kim’s story, make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

Don’t let your personal preferences influence what you buy and sell.

You’ve heard it said that “You are your own worst enemy.” Gary and Kim Rey would agree with that statement. They have been highly successful engaging in Retail Arbitrage (RA) and Online Arbitrage (OA) over the last couple of years. One of their biggest tips when getting started with RA and OA is to avoid personal bias. Even if you cringe at the thought of black nail polish, don’t let that keep you from researching the price and possibly making a big profit. They’ve learned over the years that there are many different and niche interests in the marketplace and if they can learn and adapt to these interests, they will be more successful for it. Learn more lessons from Gary and Kim on this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [2:00] How the 1K Fast Track can help you.
  • [5:40] Scott welcomes Gary and Kim Rey to the show.
  • [6:50] Gary and Kim share their story.
  • [9:50] Gary breaks down Retail Arbitrage (RA) and Online Arbitrage (OA).
  • [15:50] Kim talks about RA.
  • [27:15] How can you get started in RA?
  • [34:15] Is everything Gary and Kim sell via Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)?
  • [39:50] Is it more competitive with OA or RA?
  • [50:20] Kim talks about the products they buy and their Return on Investment (ROI).
  • [53:10] Gary and Kim do not create any new listings.
  • [54:50] Don’t let your personal preferences influence what you buy.
  • [59:10] Gary shares some parting thoughts.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS321.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Everyone needs inspiration. We’d be nowhere if leaders and passionate individuals didn’t share what fired them up. Scott’s guest, John Lee Dumas will get you fired up and ready to go with his powerful lessons and insights. On this episode, John shares about the power of a proven framework, how to master productivity, get a jump on your day, get out of a funk, and so much more! If you’ve been looking for the right encouragement and motivation to take you to the next level in your pursuit of success, look no further. John and Scott discuss the tools and tips you need to implement change in your life and business today. Get ready to take action!

Master productivity, discipline, and focus with the “Pomodoro Technique”

Do you find yourself limited on time? Are you constantly squeezing in just a tiny bit of time here and there for your dream project when you can? There is a better way. You can master your time management with a powerful tool. It’s called the “Pomodoro Technique.” Innovator John Lee Dumas has benefited greatly from this method of focus and discipline. He wants every driven individual to discover this tool and maximized their ability to pursue their dreams. To hear John expand on this idea and more tips to help you succeed, listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

Win Tomorrow Today!

How do you stay on top of the untamable beast called life? What can you do to remain focused and dedicated to the goals and objectives you want to accomplish throughout the day? Business leader John Lee Dumas coined a strategy that can help you stay on top of the things that matter. He’s called it “Win Tomorrow Today.” John’s plan helps you shape a focused morning routine that you can implement as soon as you wake up in the morning. He wants every business leader to experience the success he’s found and get a hold of the day before it gets a chance to take it away from you!

Do you see a problem in the world? Be the solution!

You’d think after several successful product launches and a fruitful career as an entrepreneur and innovator, John Lee Dumas would rest on his laurels. You would be wrong. In fact, even as his latest product, “The Mastery Journal” is in full swing, John has his eye on the next endeavor. What is it that makes guys like John keep going? Simply put, John has an ability to see “holes” or problems in the world and he isn’t content with hoping someone else will solve it. He takes that old adage “Be the change you want to see in the world” to heart! John’s passion and drive are infectious, you won’t want to miss him on this episode of The Amazing Seller!

How to get out of the “Funk”

Sometimes you get stuck in a “Funk.” Even with all of the powerful and helpful tools at your disposal, sometimes the path forward seems clouded. Business leader and innovator John Lee Dumas has one key piece of advice to get out of your funk. John’s advice is going to sound really familiar to the TAS crowd - take action! If you want to be, you have to do. Don’t just dream of writing a book, you have to start writing. Get engaged with the things you dream about accomplishing. Just take a step, that is where success is made. To hear John unpack this idea further, make sure to catch this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03 ] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:20] John Lee Dumas joins the show today.
  • [6:20] The power of a proven framework.
  • [9:20] John’s journey toward productivity and success.
  • [12:30] John’s three personal strengths.
  • [14:00] Struggles in switching from digital to physical product sales.
  • [18:00] John talks about his donation efforts tied to the Freedom Journal sales.
  • [21:15] How to master productivity, discipline, and focus. The Pomodoro Technique.
  • [25:40] Win Tomorrow Today!
  • [29:40] How to self-evaluate.
  • [34:30] What’s next? What else does John see out there that need to be addressed?
  • [39:00] How to connect with John’s content.
  • [40:00] John’s advice on how to get out of the “Funk.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS320.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Are you ready to take the next step on your journey to success? What piece of wisdom or encouragement could help you as you venture out into the unknown? Scott is pumped to bring this week’s episode of The Amazing Seller where he tackles audience questions and shares his experience and insight to help entrepreneurs like you succeed. On this episode, Scott give an update on the 1K Fast Track Launch, whether to take out a loan for startup funds, the risks involved in selling an ingestible or topical product, and so much more!

Update on the Successful 1K Fast Track Launch

Scott and his close friend Dom Sugar have successfully launched and filled their first 1K Fast Track group. Scott is fired up and passionate about the potential this experiment has to impact the lives of men and women who need a push in the right direction to get their business started. Although the first group is filled, Scott and Dom are highly encouraged by the huge demand that has stemmed from this project. If you want to learn more and get your name on the list for the next round, make sure to sign up! The link is located under the “Resources” section of this post. Don’t miss out on this powerful opportunity to TAKE ACTION!

Is it wise to take out a loan to get your FBA business started?

What do you do when you’ve followed Scott’s advice from episode 312 to put together some cash to start your business but it’s still not enough? What other options are available? Should you take out a loan to get started? If these questions resonate with you, you aren’t alone. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott tackles the topic of taking out a loan for startup capital. Scott’s cautious and hard earned wisdom is extremely helpful here. Don’t miss his thoughts on borrowing money and some possible alternative options so you can get started today.

Ingestible and topical products, worth the risk?

So you have a great product that you are certain will produce value to your customers and impressive profits. Sounds like a dream come true, right? If the product involves either ingestion or topical application for the customer, Scott urges caution. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott walks through the risks and potential hazards to selling products that people will ingest or apply to their skin. Don’t be discouraged if this sounds like your product, Scott doesn't rule it out. He provides helpful wisdom that will enable you to succeed. Make sure to catch Scott’s input on this topic and so much more!

Confronting the risks and costs of starting an FBA business

Starting something new can be extremely intimidating. Let’s face it, a HUGE part of that trepidation is around the risks and unknown factors involved. Many entrepreneurs face this challenge, especially the ones starting out with launching an FBA business. So how do you handle the unknowns? What is your strategy? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott breaks the process down and gives helpful tips and tools that can start you on the road to success. Don’t miss the valuable lessons right at your fingertips!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [1:25] 1K Fast Track - You need to check this out!
  • [6:40] Question #1: Should I take out a loan to start a FBA business?
  • [15:20] Question #2: Is there any way to get certification for edible products? What are the risks involved?
  • [22:40] Question #3: What are the true costs involved in starting a new FBA business?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS319.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

What comes to mind when you think of marketing? Do you think of flashy advertisements on TV, in the mail, or maybe even popups? It seems that “Marketing” is a dirty word in today’s business climate. But there is NOTHING dirty about it. It’s simply storytelling. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott interviews email marketing rockstar Ryan Lee. They discuss the usefulness of email marketing, dealing with haters, and telling a compelling story. Most importantly they talk about building a relationship with your clients and how to avoid coming off as a JERK! Both Scott and Ryan are fired up and ready to GO! Are you?

Is email DEAD?

The trend right now in internet marketing is to gather an audience on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Email is dead, or at least that is what some might have you believe. Ryan Lee is convinced that this isn’t true. He explains that people are still drawn to the email inbox for business communication, file sharing, and more! Ryan has witnessed and continues to see the power behind email marketing. Don’t buy the hype and put all your eggs into the social media basket! Learn how to use email marketing effectively from Ryan on this episode of The Amazing Seller!

Email Marketing, Strategy trumps Tactics

When it comes time to start building your email marketing list, where do you start? How do you begin the relationship with your clients? Ryan Lee is an expert in creating compelling email marketing content. His advice is to stay away from gimmicks and “Tactics.” Ryan says that a relational approach is the key to success when it comes to email marketing. If you can get people interested in not only your product but in YOU by telling interesting and relatable stories, clients will keep coming back for more. Listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller to hear more about how you can optimize your email marketing strategy for success!

Dealing with the naysayers and haters

How do you deal with hostile feedback? Most professionals in the business world understand the value of listening to and learning from reasonable critical feedback. But what do you do with the aggressive and persistent negative responses to your business? Ryan Lee has learned that the approach that works best for him is simply ignoring it. That sounds simple but Ryan has had to be intentional about this. He doesn’t even let the negative feedback come across his desk. He has an assistant who keeps that sort of feedback away from him. You might not have the resources for an assistant at this point on your journey - so find what will work for you. Don’t get bogged down with negative and unhelpful feedback.

Marketing as Storytelling

Don’t you love it when you get to hear a good story? The best is when you hear it in person from someone close to you. How can leaders in the business world capture this sense of interest and intimacy in their storytelling? After all, that’s what marketing is; storytelling. Ryan Lee has built great success around his ability to communicate to strangers via email marketing in a way that resonates with them. He says that the key lesson he has learned in his success is being true to who he is. He has found that being honest and authentic is attractive to his client base. To hear Ryan expand on this concept and much more - don’t miss this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [1:10] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [5:50] Ryan Lee joins the show today.
  • [7:30] Ryan’s background.
  • [16:15] Diversify, diversify, diversify.
  • [17:30] Email Marketing
  • [18:40] Who is the “Face” of the company? Who is sending the email?
  • [21:00] Scott and Ryan breakdown a product example.
  • [33:45] Is email dead?
  • [38:00] How do you utilize an email list?
  • [45:00] How do you deal with the haters?
  • [53:00] Play to your strengths. Don’t try to be something you aren’t.
  • [54:20] Who does Ryan market to?
  • [56:40] How do you tell a story without boring people?
  • [1:06:00] How to connect with Ryan.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS318.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

What do you do if you have all the passion, dedication, vision, and organization to start your own business but technical nuances can sometimes overwhelm you? Don’t give up! You need experienced and thorough experts that can help you navigate complicated waters. Scott and his team at The Amazing Seller have gone through all the tough and “in the weeds” details so don’t have to! Let Scott and Chris guide you on this episode as they break down the UPC code debate, where to get UPCs, and other great business advice! Rest assured, you came to the right place.

What are your options when obtaining a UPC for your product?

If you are just getting started with selling on Amazon, a lot of the recent talk about UPCs can get really confusing. What you need to know is that UPCs are essential to selling your product on Amazon and with other retailers. You might be wondering, “Where do I get a UPC for my product?” You can get a UPC from GS1 or other Third party providers such as Snap. The big difference between these two options is that GS1 gives you ownership of your UPC. They create the unique UPC and hand it to you for a cost. Most third party providers like Snap obtain the first few digits of the UPC from GS1 and then generate the rest. You can verify via GS1 the UPCs that you obtain from Third parties to make sure you are compliant with Amazon’s standards. This might all sound very confusing but Scott and Chris take the time on this episode of The Amazing Seller to break down what this all means and how it directly impacts business owners like you.

What you need to know regarding Amazon’s policy with UPCs

Let’s cut through all the jargon and get to the clear cut information that you need to make sure you are compliant with Amazon’s standards. The last thing you want is to go into selling with Amazon or continuing to sell with them and go off of the wrong information. So here is what Amazon wants you to know regarding their recent change in UPC policy:

“We verify the authenticity of product UPCs by checking the GS1 database. UPCs that do not match the information provided by GS1 will be considered invalid. We recommend obtaining you UPCs directly from GS1 and not from other 3rd parties selling UPC licenses to ensure that the appropriate information is reflected in the GS1 database.”

This means that you CAN continue to get UPCs from 3rd parties but they MUST be verified via GS1. Anyone can verify a UPC through GS1. Don’t panic if your UPC is provided by a party like Snap. Just double check to make sure it is valid via GS1. If it’s not, there are steps you can take to address this. To hear Scott and Chris expand on this topic, listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller.

Key advice when you are just beginning your business.

Lots of people come out of the woodwork when you start a business to share in your excitement and give you their advice. How do you determine which voices to listen to? It’s kind of like parenting in a lot of ways. When you first find out that you and your spouse are expecting, everyone wants to chime in on how you should start off as new parents. But at the end of the day, the best advice is what Chris mentions on this episode of The Amazing Seller. You can take all these opinions in and consider them but ultimately, you have to do what’s best for you. When all is said and done, you are the one that has to live with the decisions that are made. Don’t allow yourself to get pressured or convinced to take advice that doesn’t sit right with you.

Don’t miss this simple step when starting your business!

When you first decide that you are going to start your own business, emotions are flying. There’s joy, excitement, anxiety, nervousness, and so much more! In the rush of emotions, sometimes you forget the little details that are vital to success. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott talks about one of the early mistakes he made with his photography business that cost time and money him right when things were taking off. Don’t miss out on this great advice. Learn from Scott’s mistake and find out how you can start your business off with your best foot forward!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [1:20] Let’s talk UPCs
  • [3:30] Where you can get UPCs
  • [9:00] Chris and Scott discuss Pat’s post about UPCs
  • [14:00] Renewal fees
  • [14:30] Amazon’s policy regarding UPCs
  • [21:30] If you are just starting out, here’s what you should do.
  • [29:00] Chris’ advice - Do what’s best for you.
  • [30:20] What to do when you are coming up with a business name.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS317.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Most people slow down as they approach Friday but not Scott! He is fired up and ready to go. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott addresses some important questions regarding Facebook Ads, selling on different channels, suppressed listings, and so much more! Scott also gives an update on the status of his “Flow” and the temptations he’s overcome this past week. Make sure to listen as Scott challenges The Amazing Seller tribe to pay attention to what “Noise” you are letting into your mind. This Friday’s episode is a great way to kick off the weekend, don’t miss it!

Removing the “Noise”

Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Where did that thought come from?” Do you find yourself easily sidetracked by all the distractions around you? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott takes a moment to address what might be causing these common issues. He is convinced that the main reason you face distractions or “Random thoughts” is because you aren’t paying close enough attention to the substance you let into your mind. This might sound weird, but it’s true! What you consume intellectually has a direct effect on what goes on inside your mind. This isn’t a debated issue when it comes to diet and nutrition - why should it be a surprise when the same principles are applied to thought life as well? Listen to this episode to hear how Scott has found success silencing the “Noise” and how you can too!

Looking forward to philanthropic opportunities

For many people part of The Amazing Seller tribe, the goal is financial independence. While that is a wonderful goal, there are others who have their sights set even higher. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you will hear from an enthusiastic member of the tribe who hopes to help others with his success. Scott then launches into a dream he has to participate in linking a successful product to a worthwhile cause. This is what success and financial freedom can bring you - the opportunity to dream big and get a vision for helping others!

Effective product advertising on Social Media and beyond

Every seller wants their product to catch fire and bring success. In addition to the standard process and methods Scott and Chris tackle, down the line there are ways to engage a Social Media audience for your product. Where do you start? When do you start? These are great questions and it’s important to remember that timing and strategy are key as your product gains success and takes off. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott address these questions and how to begin Social Media engagement. Don’t miss out on Scott’s valuable insight!

Dealing with Amazon Suppressing your listing

Imagine you are chugging along and your product is taking off, busting all your expectations. Sounds great, doesn’t it? What if, right in the middle of all that excitement and success, you find out that Amazon has suppressed your listing? Panic sets in. Then you find out that other listings that sell almost the exact same product that you were selling are still up and making money! What do you do? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott addresses this very scenario. His wisdom and helpful insight are on full display as he tackles this obstacle with all the experience he has gained. There are many reasons something like this might happen, it’s good to have resources like this one - just in case!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [1:20] Removing the noise.
  • [5:00] Getting into your flow - Update
  • [7:00] A success story from an audience member.
  • [7:30] Tieing the sale of a product to a great cause.
  • [11:00] Question #1: How do you utilize Facebook for advertising your product?
  • [17:15] Question #2: How do you choose which venue to promote your product through?
  • [23:50] Question #3: What do I do when Amazon suppresses my page? Should I move on?
  • [32:30] Remember, choose wisely about what you let into your brain!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS316.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Does the recent news from Amazon regarding increased inventory storage fees have you worried? Are you scrambling to figure out what you are going to do about your shrinking profit margins? Don’t panic! Let Scott and Chris guide you through the information and give you some tips to understanding and dealing with storage costs. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott and Chris will discuss tools that can help with inventory projection, how to plan ahead, and even take some questions from the Facebook Live session! Make sure to catch their helpful solutions.

Understanding the storage rate changes from Amazon

Whenever there is a sudden change or a change you didn't see coming, you’ll experience a bit of shell shock. It can leave you reeling and trying to make sense of what is going on. Many Amazon sellers are facing this situation with the current change to the Amazon inventory fees. Scott and Chris have the experience to walk through what all of this change means for you. Don’t let panic and fear set in. Take a deep breath and listen. The changes are simply Amazon’s way of expediting their sellers. They need to keep product moving so they are increasing long term storage rates. What this forces you as an Amazon seller to do is to think carefully about how much inventory you really need for the next three to four months at the Amazon storage location. If you think about it, this change can spur you on to be a more shrewd business owner. Listen to Scott and Chris break it all down on this episode of The Amazing Seller!

A helpful tool to project inventory needs

Information can be a helpful tool if you know how to use it. The wisdom to decipher and understand raw data comes often to those who have studied it and have spent a lot of time interacting with it. For most people, this seems completely out of reach and intimidating. Having one part to a two part solution isn’t only intimidating, it's frustrating. So when a tool, a tip, or person comes along to show you the way, you jump at the opportunity. That’s exactly what Scott did when he started using the online tool “Fetcher.” Scott knows a successful idea when he sees one and he has learned the value of using Fetcher. It’s tool that helps you makes sense of all the inventory data you have at your fingertips. To get ahead of the competition, Scott recommends checking out Fetcher.

A lesson with inventory learned the hard way

Some people have to learn the hard way. Scott has had his fair share of easy and hard lessons in life. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott shares a lesson he learned from having some troublesome inventory that wasn’t selling quickly enough in Amazon’s storage. He took a great opportunity that Amazon was promoting which allowed him to pull most of this troublesome product at no cost. From that experience, Scott has learned some valuable lessons regarding packaging, inventory costs, and much more. To hear Scott expand on this lesson, make sure to catch this episode!

How should newcomers approach inventory costs and volume?

When you are just getting started on a new venture like selling on Amazon, unknown variables can be terrifying. That is a huge reason why Scott and Chris started their efforts toward coaching and helping people get the hang of this exciting industry! They are here to help break down the process and make it easier for entrepreneurial minded individuals to find success and financial independence. So when a new challenge like the rising costs of Amazon storage fees presents itself, Scott and Chris want to remove the fear and intimidation that might bring. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Chris has some great advice he wants to share with sellers just starting out. If that’s you, make sure to listen in and find out how you can be smart with your inventory projections!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [1:25] Scott welcome Chris to the show.
  • [2:00] Chris and Scott jump into talking about storage fees.
  • [5:15] Understanding how Amazon is setting its storage fee rates.
  • [6:50] Scott talks about a tool he’s been using called “Fetcher.”
  • [9:20] How billing for storage fees works with Amazon.
  • [10:45] Scott and Chris start taking questions from Facebook Live.
  • [10:55] Have you used the inventory age report or any of the inventory reports that are available inside of Amazon?
  • [11:50] What Fetcher can do over Amazon’s inventory dashboard tool?
  • [15:55] Scott talks about a time when he had to pull inventory from Amazon storage.
  • [21:10] How to project how much inventory you should have stored with Amazon.
  • [27:35] How long can you store inventory at Amazon before the costs start rising?
  • [32:20] For someone just starting out, how should they think about these storage issues?
  • [38:00] Know your numbers!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS315.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

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