Honest Ecommerce

Mackie is the CEO of WOO More Play, a direct-to-consumer sexual wellness brand with a focus on natural, organic ingredients and female-forward products to spark a better intimate life. 

WOO More Play's purpose is to empower women to have better sex, by delivering high-quality intimacy products that put her first. 

Have the best sex of your life with WOO More Play: woomoreplay.com

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:47] Intro
• [02:01] Gaining passion and purpose for your work
• [03:12] Solving personal problems by exploring opportunities
• [04:34] Successful products come from a personal need
• [05:15] Building the brand with its first product
• [06:29] Leveraging Ecom to communicate with the audience
• [06:44] Facing the technicalities and issues as a startup
• [07:17] Maintaining optimism when starting a business
• [07:52] Where professionalism and passion meets
• [09:24] Navigating growth channels to find out what works
• [10:16] Starting a podcast to engage with the audience
• [11:14] The power of word-of-mouth in driving sales
• [11:42] Episode sponsors
• [16:49] Additional complexity in the “vice industry”
• [17:55] Dealing with shadow banning in the space 
• [18:41] The underlying stigma on women and sex
• [19:34] The challenge of acquiring payment processors
• [21:19] Obedience and resilience over ever-changing rules 
• [22:11] Challenges present opportunities to de-stigmatize
• [22:50] Business is about things you believe is for good 
• [23:32] Building community & loyalty for recommendations
• [24:15] How earned media do wonders for a business
• [25:14] Consider context in every product innovation 
• [27:27] The secret to business success is: keep going
• [28:10] Where to check out WOO More Play

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Organic and female-forward sexual wellness brand https://woomoreplay.com/
• Follow Mackie Swan https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackie-swan/
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts https://electriceye.io/connect
• Take your retail business to the next level today https://shopify.com/honest
  Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period
• Schedule your free consultation with a Sendlane expert https://sendlane.com/honest

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Suzie Cyrenne co-founded two successful businesses, an e-commerce store in 2013 and a software company in 2018, where she currently serves as COO in both companies. 

Suzie is also passionate about empowering women in business, evidenced by her podcast, Women Powering Ecommerce. 

Suzie's drive and dedication to excellence make her an excellent recommendation for her expertise in entrepreneurship and commitment to empowering others.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:46] Intro
• [01:17] Homeopathy remedies for pet parents
• [01:51] Optimizing shipping costs for businesses
• [03:20] Building a business you can vouch for
• [04:50] Switching gears to know what works
• [05:32] Taking risks once the potential is in sight
• [06:42] The journey from ideation to actual product making
• [07:20] Mistakes and tryouts along the way
• [07:53] Learning the hard way means learning more things
• [09:31] Interviewing people to build backlinks
• [10:20] Investing on paid ads
• [10:55] Accepting mediocrity and going up from there
• [12:30] Doing outsourcing with the right mindset
• [12:54] Podcast sponsors
• [18:03] Seeing gradual but effective SEO results
• [18:27] Leveraging email marketing to gain more revenue
• [19:32] Challenges arise from expensive shipping costs
• [20:35] Solving shipping issues with proactive tracking
• [21:57] Assigning employees for efficient invoice checks
• [22:54] Save shipping costs by working with your carriers
• [24:11] Delegating tasks to manage both businesses
• [25:15] Evaluate what important tasks only you can do
• [25:58] Organize and stick to your calendar
• [26:54] Running EOS and learning from experts
• [28:06] Decide when to automate or delete tasks
• [28:33] Suzie’s podcast aims to empower entrepreneurs
• [30:01] Where to check out Zumalka and Buster Fetcher

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Natural and homeopathic remedies for pets zumalka.com/
• Providing optimized solutions for shipping costs busterfetcher.com/en/
• Follow Suzie Cyrenne linkedin.com/in/suzie-cyrenne/
• Listen to Women Powering Ecommerce podcast youtube.com/channel/UC0usS1mUnpBZH5hApECG9Bg
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect
• Take your retail business to the next level today shopify.com/honest
  Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period
• Schedule your free consultation with a Sendlane expert sendlane.com/honest

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

John-David Klausner is SVP of Business Development & Strategic Alliances at Loop Returns. JD has led & scaled commercial teams in high-growth companies across different continents.

He loves building partner ecosystems, channel sales programs (via agencies, consultants and technology partners) that drive revenue impact across all GTM functions and solving corporate challenges with strategic partnerships that unlock new revenue streams. 

JD’s mantra is to lead with energy, creativity, clarity, and empathy. When he’s not hard at work with Loop, you can find JD spending quality time with his three kids in Miami.

In This Conversation We Discuss: 

• [00:43] Intro
• [01:20] JD’s journey towards Loop
• [03:12] Always prepare big for the peak season 
• [04:32] Look for opportunities to decrease expenses
• [05:02] Build cost-effective returns flows
• [06:00] Be on the lookout even after success
• [06:46] Diversify carrier strategy to save shipping costs
• [08:14] Use automated rate shopping
• [08:45] Get pre-negotiated rates with carriers
• [09:10] Leverage return vendors for discounted rates
• [10:00] Communicate with 3PLs and warehouses
• [11:07] Optimize supply chain and logistics operation
• [11:48] It's all about the customer experience
• [12:43] Improve customer satisfaction & its lifetime value
• [13:13] Balancing shipping costs and inventory
• [13:55] In-person return bars vs at-home pickups 
• [15:13] Eliminate the cost of the reverse logistics flow
• [16:23] Approach business, sales and returns strategically
• [17:28] Deliver convenience & flexibility for the customer
• [19:10] Reduce returns and abuse with integrated RMS
• [21:40] Be wise with return products and their costs
• [22:47] Item grading and dispositioning with Loop
• [24:01] Make shopping easy & seamless for customers
• [24:27] Helping brands solve returns and limit impact
• [24:47] Sustainability with resellers/recommerce partners
• [25:16] Check out resources from JD and Loop

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Return management platform that grows with brands loopreturns.com/
• Seamless returns management solution, book a demo at loopreturns.com/book-a-demo-today/
• How to Optimize Your Reverse Logistics During Peak Season loopreturns.com/how-to-optimize-your-reverse-logistics-during-peak-season/
• Peak season content on Loop website loopreturns.com/peak-season/
• Follow John-David Klausner linkedin.com/in/johndavidklausner/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Jeremy Shepherd is a leader, innovator, and a disruptor. From an early age, he struck out on his own to satisfy his fierce independence, need for adventure, and a more satisfying way of life.

In a sector dominated by generations-old family businesses, Jeremy endeavored to become a first generation, self-taught pearl importer, dealer, and Internet seller.

Over the past 20 years, he has traveled to pearl-producing areas all over the world, creating relationships with pearl producers, exporters, and people dedicated to supporting the pearl industry.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:45] Intro
• [01:23] Discovering a business idea that’s fit to your job
• [03:31] Learning the highs and lows of the pearl industry
• [04:18] Creating effective platforms from the get-go
• [05:21] Utilizing resources to move things forward
• [06:27] Maintaining things at satisfying levels
• [07:56] Doing auctions to reach more people
• [08:55] Putting up a website in the year 2000
• [11:47] Shifting from auctions to Ecommerce
• [12:20] Keeping up with the technology and the times
• [13:29] PR articles gives businesses exposure
• [14:44] Creating educational websites for target audiences
• [16:22] Fixing issues quickly to not hinder incoming sales
• [17:21] Clearing things up with credit card processors
• [18:08] Episode sponsors
• [21:34] Remaining fully involved in your business
• [23:37] How business is built on relationships
• [24:49] Bringing immeasurably valuable pearls to customers
• [26:02] It all comes down to the way pearls are sourced
• [27:21] Integrating different marketing efforts to succeed
• [28:01] Adjusting business operations due to the pandemic
• [30:11] Using virtual platforms to connect with customers
• [31:44] Enhancing online meetings to mimic f2f experience
• [32:39] The biggest business secret: Help A Reporter
• [34:14] Practice your elevator pitch to make it to the list
• [35:00] Backlinks are the backbone of SEO
• [35:33] Where to reach Pearl Paradise

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• One of the largest pearl brands in the world pearlparadise.com/
• Follow Jeremy Shepherd linkedin.com/in/jeremypshepherd/
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect
• Take your retail business to the next level today shopify.com/honest
  Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period
• Schedule your free consultation with a Sendlane expert sendlane.com/honest

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Austin Duvall is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Duvin Design Co, a lifestyle brand known for its vibrant and retro inspired leisure apparel. 

You can find the brand at DuvinDesign.com and find him at @duvallnightlong on Instagram and Twitter.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:45] Intro
• [01:42] How Duvin Design started
• [02:42] Talking to customers to find out what works
• [03:09] Building things up from little experience
• [04:01] Factoring and establishing an online presence
• [04:46] Finding customers in person and online
• [05:52] How to appeal to influencers and affiliates
• [06:49] Combining different approaches to marketing 
• [07:27] Pick the middle ground for effective pricing
• [08:54] Capitalizing on organic growth
• [09:23] Monitoring things on a regular basis
• [10:15] Creating valuable content on all platforms
• [11:02] Episode sponsors
• [16:37] Learning from past mistakes 
• [17:21] Scaling manufacturing up in different locations
• [18:18] Focusing on the business after years of results
• [19:23] Where to check out Duvin Design

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Go-to beach brand for breezy leisure garments duvindesign.com/
• Follow Austin Duvall linkedin.com/in/austin-duvall-211621b7/
• Follow Austin Duvall twitter.com/duvallnightlong
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect
• Take your retail business to the next level today shopify.com/honest
  Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period
• Schedule your free consultation with a Sendlane expert sendlane.com/honest

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Ray Nolan is founder and CEO of eDesk, an innovative customer support platform for eCommerce sellers. 

Ray has founded, mentored and invested in many digital commerce startups over a period of 20 years; including Hostelworld, Skyscanner and Ding.com. 

Ray founded eDesk after seeing friends running a high margin eCommerce business and struggling with operational efficiencies and profitable scaling. 

Today eDesk powers thousands of merchants around the world, using AI to help them provide faster and more personalized support to their customers.

In This Conversation We Discuss: 

• [00:44] Intro
• [02:36] Knowing what your competitors are up to
• [03:27] Building key differentiators from competitors
• [04:10] Using AI to simplify customer support processes
• [05:33] Learning to refine your interactions with AI tools
• [06:19] How AI helps in ideating and outlining
• [07:20] Incorporating AI in your workflow
• [08:19] Maximizing AI for things you’re not adept with
• [08:56] Experimenting with the add-ons
• [09:09] ChatGPT and the convenience it brings
• [11:25] Synopsizing ticket history using AI tools
• [12:41] AI giving a more streamlined customer support
• [14:23] The importance of continuity in customer support
• [15:37] Chatbots and SLAs in the Ecommerce space
• [16:22] Leveraging ChatGPT to categorize tickets
• [18:01] Advantages of hands-free replies
• [18:23] Proof that AI still needs human assistance
• [19:55] Outsourcing mundane elements to AI-assisted houses
• [20:50] Customers expecting faster response times
• [21:16] Delivering expected support fast is the key
• [22:01] What eDesk offers

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Faster, smarter customer support for Ecommerce https://www.edesk.com/
• Follow Ray Nolan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranolan/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Nicole Jenney, a passionate animal lover, transformed her life and her business by welcoming two rescue guinea pigs into her home. 

Her genuine affection for these furry companions, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, has propelled her to incredible success. 

With over 7 figures in sales and the prestigious title of 'best pet subscription' at the 2022 cube awards, Nicole is eagerly anticipating the exciting opportunities that lie ahead this year!

In This Conversation We Discuss: 

• [00:44] Intro
• [01:44] A business idea during the pandemic
• [02:29] Launching a novel idea to see where it goes
• [03:05] Planning things and creating a timeline
• [04:15] Investing in education and logistics
• [05:21] Building a website and Shopify account
• [06:00] Start somewhere and adapt accordingly
• [07:39] Nurturing your social media audience
• [08:12] Investing in paid advertising
• [09:11] Getting exposure from Instagram Reels
• [15:09] Investing right away to see conversions right away
• [15:55] Upping the budget as sales come in
• [16:25] The power of organic reach and referrals
• [17:16] Realizing your business has it going
• [18:54] Getting support from relevant people
• [20:13] Always have a Plan B with suppliers
• [21:21] Expect more challenges and adapt to change
• [21:49] Challenges in launching another niche business
• [22:33] Relaunching after learning things
• [23:15] Doing what you love as your business
• [23:45] People are drawn to passion and dedication
• [24:10] Support GPigBox and Bunny Box

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Safe and healthy treats and toys for your guinea pigs gpigbox.com/
• Subscription box with healthy rabbit food, fun toys and nutritious treats getbunnybox.com/
• Follow Nicole Jenney linkedin.com/in/nicolejenney/
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect
• Take your retail business to the next level today shopify.com/honest
  Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period
• Schedule your free consultation with a Sendlane expert sendlane.com/honest

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Albert Matheny is the CEO of Promix Nutrition. Albert has a Master’s degree in Human Performance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology & Food Science. He is a Registered Dietitian Track and Field Athlete, and an alum at the University of Florida (2004-2009).

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:59] Intro
• [01:35] Starting a business from scratch
• [03:01] Finding people that’s interested in your product
• [04:15] Reaching out to relevant people for insights
• [04:44] Building things up based on learnings
• [05:36] Placing products where target audience can see it
• [06:35] Finding the right niche for your business
• [07:37] Building presence on Amazon
• [08:11] Leveraging Unique Selling Points to draw people in
• [09:02] Slowly investing on things that help grow your business
• [09:36] Partnering with someone that gets you
• [10:12] The importance of awareness in the marketing funnel
• [14:22] Taking control of your business’ growth
• [15:06] Establishing your brand image outside of Amazon
• [15:58] Delegating tasks to people that fits the role
• [17:12] Balancing different sets of skills vital to a business 
• [18:18] Recognizing trivial but equally crucial parts
• [20:04] Where to check out Promix Nutrition
• [20:22] Sticking to and doing more of what works
• [22:10] Tuning in to reality checks from time to time
• [22:57] Knowing when & where to pour out maximum efforts
• [23:59] Monitoring risks and doing necessary adjustments
• [24:29] Listening to good advisors for clear guidelines

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Science-driven and performance-driven products for athletes promixnutrition.com/
• Follow Albert Matheny linkedin.com/in/albertmatheny/
• Follow Promix Nutrition instagram.com/promix/?hl=en
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect
• Take your retail business to the next level today shopify.com/honest
  Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period
• Schedule your free consultation with a Sendlane expert sendlane.com/honest

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you 

left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts

. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Browze, specializing in home and kitchen products, successfully delivered over 2.5 million packages worldwide. 

After opening his own China-based fulfillment center to improve customer experience, Izzy recognized an opportunity to assist other DTC brands with direct shipping to their customers, leading to the birth of Portless. 

With Portless, Izzy aims to revolutionize the industry by massively improving DTC's cash flow and profit margins through direct fulfillment. 

In This Conversation We Discuss: 

• [00:52] Intro
• [01:15] How Portless helps DTC brands with shipping
• [02:26] Building a business based on personal pain points 
• [03:09] The evolving space of cross border logistics
• [03:53] Seizing better opportunities on and for DTC brands
• [04:59] How shipping containers disrupted manufacturing
• [06:01] Grabbing unexpected business opportunities 
• [07:08] Balancing existing and new businesses
• [08:24] How industries can save more with Portless
• [10:15] Section 321, the de minimis
• [11:16] Using FBA injections for faster transactions 
• [11:44] Generating profits from strategic shipping options
• [13:13] Streamlining supply chains and local experiences
• [13:47] Going international on your business
• [14:32] Creating specific experiences internationally
• [15:32] How integration works at Portless
• [16:51] Ways to reach out to Izzy and Portless

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• A go-to Ecommerce shipping platform trusted by top companies www.portless.com/
• Affordable home decor and kitchen accessories browze.com/
• Follow Izzy Rosenzweig linkedin.com/in/izzy-rosenzweig-13653846/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you 

left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts

. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Bani Bahari is co-founder and CEO of OffCourt. She has spent the last 10 years in retail and beauty - in her past life she was a strategy consultant at Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Glossier. 

She comes from a family business in beauty. At OffCourt, she does all product development and operations. 

Jonathan is a co-founder of OffCourt - he comes from management consulting background and real estate development and finance. 

At OffCourt, he is in charge of finance, strategy and branding. 

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [01:11] Intro
• [01:53] The idea behind OffCourt
• [02:22] Testing the waters and taking risks
• [04:11] Establishing OffCourt’s branding
• [04:33] Prioritizing product development
• [05:19] Finding people to work with
• [06:03] Social media presence for a new business
• [06:28] Tying in with manufacturers early on 
• [06:53] Venturing the market of fragrances
• [07:27] Importance of communication as a team
• [08:08] Launching products and managing expectations
• [08:34] The power of PR for a new business
• [09:46] The pressure of being new to the business
• [11:10] Success takes time and consistent efforts
• [12:54] Raising money and self-funding as a start
• [18:55] Testing out different PR strategies
• [19:48] Knowing when and how much to invest in marketing
• [20:43] Using customer’s touch points to sell your products
• [22:36] Finalizing things and reaching out to retailers
• [23:45] Pushing through to land a breakthrough
• [24:32] Facing the ambiguity of retailer’s conditions
• [26:50] Business don’t always go as planned
• [27:32] Having different mindsets in different situations
• [28:51] Keeping an open mind after every rejection
• [29:20] The importance of finding a good rep firm
• [30:40] Having the conviction to change plans when needed
• [30:53] Where to check out OffCourt
• [31:09] Discount code: honestcommerce15

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Functional, personal care company for active people offcourt.com/
• Follow Bani Bahari linkedin.com/in/bani-bahari/
• Follow Jonathan Lawrence linkedin.com/in/jonathan-lawrence-177ab133/
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect
• Take your retail business to the next level today shopify.com/honest
• Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period
• Schedule your free consultation with a Sendlane expert sendlane.com/honest

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you 

left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts

. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!