Open Brands: A Chat with 7 Figure Seller Adam Jagot

In this episode of Seller Sessions, we have Adam Jagot, an experienced Amazon seller in the clothing category, sharing his journey and insights. 

Here are the key points discussed:

Starting out on eBay: Inspired by the success of big clothing brands like Boohoo, Adam began his selling journey on eBay, primarily focusing on women's clothing due to the availability from manufacturers.

* Learning the ropes: With limited knowledge about clothing styles, Adam had to learn from others in the industry and adapt to the demands of the market.

* Expanding to Amazon: Adam eventually expanded his clothing business to Amazon, alongside his existing shoe business. Sales quickly skyrocketed, leading to the need for recruiting more staff for efficient picking and packing.

* Dealing with challenges: Adam faced the issue of hijacked listings and price undercutting by other sellers. This prompted him to explore Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA), which resulted in significant revenue growth.

* European expansion: Seeing the potential for growth, Adam expanded his business to different European countries, translating listings for each market and experiencing unprecedented sales numbers.

* Discovering new opportunities: Attending the Retail Without Borders trade event in early 2020, Adam stumbled upon new opportunities and learned about selling on multiple platforms. He successfully transitioned between inventory management systems.

* Positive impact of COVID-19: The pandemic had a positive impact on Adam's sales as online shopping surged. He adapted to the changing landscape and benefited from increased customer demand.

* Brand diversification: Adam ventured into the kids' clothing market, introducing additional brands to his portfolio.

* Focus on staple garments: Adam's strategy revolves around offering staple and neutral garments that appeal to a wide range of customers, ensuring consistent sales.

* Seasonal inventory management: Adam orders inventory in advance based on seasons and data, anticipating demand and preparing accordingly.

* Managing returns: To mitigate returns, Adam implements careful inspection processes and donates unsellable items.

* Manufacturing considerations: Adam shifted manufacturing primarily to Turkey for faster delivery times compared to China, given the importance of timely supply in the fashion industry. * Key sellers: Leggings and cardigans are standout sellers for Adam's brand, capturing customer interest and driving revenue.

* Seasonal spikes: Adam's brand experiences spikes in sales during specific seasons, notably in February, summer, and October (Halloween), while Christmas and January sales are not significant for their brand.

* Challenges of website sales: Despite having their own online store, Adam notes that revenue from websites is only about 10% compared to Amazon. Building and maintaining websites requires significant effort and driving traffic can be costly.

* Influencer marketing impact: Influencer marketing can generate sudden sales spikes, but the window of opportunity is short. Collaborating with major influencers can attract attention from other influencers and retailers.

* Brand partnership challenges: Adam shares an experience with a potential brand partnership with Debenhams, where a large stock investment was required. Ultimately, the partnership did not materialise.

* Current challenges: The present year has proven to be the toughest for Adam's business, with various market challenges and obstacles to overcome.

* Future plans: Adam is planning to pivot and explore other product categories while entering the US marketplace for further growth opportunities.

Tune in to the full episode to gain more valuable insights from Adam Jagot’s journey as an Amazon seller in the clothing category.

Sourcing Mishaps: A Tale of Caution for Amazon FBA Sellers

In this episode of Seller Sessions, Sharon Even shares a personal and humbling tale of sourcing mishaps that led to unexpected costs and delays. Sharon, known for her expertise in the industry, shares how even seasoned professionals can make avoidable mistakes when driven by passion.

The story revolves around two separate products sourced from different suppliers. Due to a lack of thorough communication and assuming certain aspects, Sharon faced issues with consolidation and packaging. In this episode you will learn the importance of requesting photos, being explicit in instructions, and not underestimating attention to detail when sourcing products.

This cautionary tale, narrated by Sharon herself, serves as a reminder that entrepreneurs are not immune to mistakes and highlights the significance of learning from others' experiences.

The Dynamic Duo On Their Way To 8 Figures On Amazon From Domestically Sourced Products

Welcome to Seller Sessions, where we delve into the inspiring journey of Amanda and John, accomplished Amazon sellers on their way to 8-figure success. Since their fortuitous meeting in 2008, Amanda and John have built a thriving partnership by harnessing their individual strengths and division of roles. In this episode, they share their experiences, insights, and aspirations, shedding light on their journey from flipping books online to conquering the world of private labels. Join us as they discuss work-life balance, market strategy, expansion, and the importance of a harmonious partnership.

Episode Highlights:

*         Leveraging Strengths: A Recipe for Success * Amanda and John attribute their successful partnership to identifying their individual strengths and weaknesses. * John's prowess lies in execution and operations, while Amanda excels in logistics and identifying deficits. * The couple emphasises the importance of clearly defined roles as they aim to build a robust team. *         Private Labels and Seven-Figure Milestones * Amanda discusses their transition from their previous business model to private labels, highlighting the remarkable difference in margins. * They recount hitting the coveted seven-figure milestone within two years of venturing into private labels. * The couple recalls their journey, from humble beginnings flipping books to focusing solely on their thriving private label business. *         Building a Powerhouse Product Line and Market Presence * Amanda shares their strategic decision to phase out income-providing businesses and focus on developing their brand. * Maintaining a reliable supply chain and optimising inventory levels to avoid stock shortages become key priorities. * The couple reveals their current four-product line, with two main focuses, and the significance of capturing a substantial market share in each vertical. *         Solidifying Market Position and Future Opportunities * John highlights the high barriers to entry in their business space, which insulate them from potential competitors. * They discuss the potential impact of market changes and innovation on their business model. * Amanda emphasises the importance of staying abreast of market trends, expanding market share, and exploring opportunities beyond the Amazon platform. *         Balancing Amazon and Off-Platform Expansion * Amanda shares their cautious approach to expanding beyond Amazon, prioritising the establishment of a solid Amazon operation. * They discuss the potential allure of a robust Amazon presence for potential buyers eyeing off-Amazon opportunities. * The couple reflects on their experiences with aggregators interested in acquiring their business and their decision to wait until their desired selling price is achieved. *         Scaling Up, Hiring, and Future Goals * Amanda unveils their target numbers for the current year, aiming to reach eight figures in 2024/25. * They discuss the process of hiring additional staff and transitioning John's focus from the warehouse to business growth. * John emphasises the significance of finding products that allow for streamlined shipping to scale at a rapid pace with solid systems and processes in place. *         Navigating Supply Chain Dynamics and Domestic Suppliers * Amanda underscores the role of a supply chain manager as a vital component of their operations. * They emphasise the importance of maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and negotiating mutually beneficial terms. * The couple expresses their commitment to U.S. manufacturing, aligning with their brand's patriotic values, and highlights the value of repeat customers in the consumer space. *         Overcoming Challenges and Strengthening the Partnership * Amanda recalls a daunting moment when their Amazon account was suspended for six weeks, highlighting the importance of swift conflict resolution. * John and Amanda share their strategies for diffusing heated arguments, emphasising the significance of taking breaks to cool down and seeking spiritual guidance during challenging times.

Conclusion: Join us on this captivating episode of Seller Sessions as Amanda and John, accomplished Amazon sellers on their way to 8-figure success, share their invaluable experiences and insights. From recognising their individual strengths to conquering the private label space, they provide inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and couples aiming to build thriving businesses while maintaining a harmonious personal and professional life. Discover the secrets behind their remarkable growth and future aspirations as they continue their journey.

In this episode, Sharon explains the five stages of a product's life cycle in the context of selling on Amazon FBA. She emphasises the importance of understanding the product life cycle and provides tips on how to extend the life cycle of a product.

Sharon starts by comparing the life cycle of a product to the life cycle of humans or animals. She explains that every product goes through a journey from its launch to its eventual decline or discontinuation. On Amazon FBA, the product life cycle typically consists of five stages: development, introduction, growth, maturity, and decline.

During the development stage, the product is being sourced, manufactured, and prepared for sale on Amazon. The introduction stage is when the product is launched in the marketplace, and Sharon advises focusing on differentiation and branding during this stage to ensure acceptance by the market.

The growth stage indicates that the product is gaining acceptance and experiencing faster sales growth. Sharon mentions the importance of organic ranking, profitability, and positive cash flow during this stage.

The maturity stage can vary in duration and is characterised by market saturation and the presence of copycats. Sharon highlights the need to focus on branding and differentiation to extend the product life cycle during this stage.

Sharon concludes by emphasising the significance of branding and building a brand around a specific niche or buyer avatar. She suggests dominating within a niche and using branding to extend both the product and brand life cycle.

Open Brands: From Pools to New Markets. Exploring Entrepreneurship and Growth Strategies With Michael Kaufman

• The conversation is a part of the "Open Brands" series, where brands openly discuss their experiences.
• The guest is Michael Kaufman, the founder of Pro Tuff Products, which started in 2014.
• Michael initially sold organic fertilisers and synthetic lubricants through a multilevel marketing company.
• In 2012, he started looking for online opportunities for income diversification and discovered Amazon.
• Michael began with retail arbitrage and later ventured into private labelling after attending a webinar by Amazing Selling Machines.
• They discuss the difference between the broader Amazon seller community and the Amazon FBA community.
• Michael didn't fully realise the potential of Amazon until a few years into selling on the platform.
• The conversation highlights the changing landscape of Amazon and the challenges faced as the market matured.
• Michael didn't set specific revenue goals but aimed to continuously grow sales and expand his business.
• They faced challenges in expanding their team and dealing with competition from low-cost Chinese sellers.
• They played catch up in a saturated category but managed to increase sales.
• They are looking for an exit strategy for their current brand and planning to launch a new brand.
• The new brand will focus on a telescoping pole with a patented locking mechanism.
• They launched their first product, a pool rake, and gradually added variations.
• They introduced a lifetime warranty, which was a differentiator in their category.
• They developed a good review profile and received positive feedback.
• They partnered with a pool pro who invented a new locking mechanism, which became their most profitable product.
• They used their subscriber list for product launches, including pre-orders and beta testing.
• They created a groundswell of engagement and feedback from their subscribers.
• They launched new products, including a flat skimmer and a pool brush, using their organic launch approach.

Open Brands - Amazon Seller Rich Hawkins - Gravity Fitness

Introduction:

In this episode of Seller Sessions, host Danny McMillan is joined by e-commerce expert Rich Hawkins.

This is the first part in a new series where we chat with Amazon Sellers that show their brand, which means we are able to discuss context to the business with the line of questioning.

Rich shares his insights on leveraging influencers as affiliates and the challenges of quantifying their impact. He also highlights the significance of brand recognition and the highest converting phrase for his business. Additionally, Rich talks about the role of Facebook ads, working with larger affiliates, and the development of their fitness app.

Key Points Covered:

The pivotal role of influencers in their business success, although quantifying their impact is challenging.

Utilising influencers as affiliates, incorporating discount codes, and other strategies.

The significance of brand recognition and its impact on customer conversion.

Exploring the effectiveness of Facebook ads as a marketing channel.

Partnering with larger affiliates and the benefits of collaborating with publications for sales and SEO.

The development of a fitness app and the extensive effort involved in creating high-quality content.

Overcoming challenges in the European market due to Brexit and establishing a separate European company.

The advantage of Estonia's tax rule that allows reinvestment back into the business.

The future focus on expanding into the US market and the logistical challenges of shipping larger products.

The shift towards seller fulfilled orders and the decreased reliance on FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon).

Rich Hawkins' contact information: Instagram - @rich_hawkins

Conclusion:

In this episode, Rich Hawkins provides valuable insights into leveraging influencers, expanding into new markets, and overcoming challenges in the e-commerce industry. Listeners gain practical knowledge on utilising influencers as affiliates, optimising Facebook ads, and the benefits of collaboration with larger affiliates and publications. Rich's experiences and expertise offer valuable lessons for e-commerce sellers seeking to enhance their marketing strategies and expand their business reach.

Are you a 7 figure brand selling on Amazon?

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Join Sharon Even in this captivating episode as she explores the ins and outs of NNN agreements for sourcing from China. Discover when and why to use them, the role of a Chinese lawyer, and how to handle supplier resistance. Sharon also shares an example of a complicated NNN agreement she had made with her Lawyer! Get ready for valuable insights and practical tips to protect your business interests. Don't miss this essential episode for successful China sourcing!

Behind The Scenes of Seller Sessions Live with Adam Heist and Danny McMillan

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Seller Sessions, Adam Heist and Danny McMillan take a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes aspects of organising the Seller Sessions Live conference in London. They discuss the challenges, successes, and unique experiences that make Seller Sessions a must-attend event for Amazon sellers. From the origins of the conference to creating a safe and inclusive environment, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of organising and hosting live events.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Origins and Challenges of Seller Sessions Conference:
   • The discussion delves into the origins of the Seller Sessions conference and the challenges Danny faced in starting and organising the event.
2. Finding Passion and Energy for Long-Term Engagement:
   • Danny emphasises the importance of finding one's passion and energy to sustain long-term engagement in a particular field.
3. Creating a Vibrant and Unique Event Experience:
   • Danny discusses his vision for the Seller Sessions conference, focusing on creating a vibrant atmosphere that encourages self-expression and differs from traditional events.
4. Balancing Sponsorship and Attendee Experience:
   • The conversation covers the significance of affordable pricing made possible by sponsorship, which facilitates the inclusion of diverse speakers and perspectives while maintaining a quality attendee experience.
5. Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment for Women:
   • Danny highlights the significance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for women in the industry, and how the Seller Sessions podcast and events contribute to this goal.
6. Event Economics and Maintaining Reasonable Pricing:
   • Danny explains his pricing strategy and how he balances sponsorships with maintaining reasonable pricing to avoid sponsor influence.
7. Challenges, Recovery, and Reflections:
   • The guests discuss the challenges of recovering from a half-empty event, organising events during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of human connection during events.
8. Embracing Authenticity and Continuous Improvement:
   • The importance of authenticity, embracing flaws, and continuous improvement is emphasised, along with anecdotes and stories from past events.
9. The Intense Pressure of Organising an Event and Overcoming Challenges:
   • The guests discuss the intense pressure of  resolving logistical issues, and maintaining great relationships with sponsors. Strategies employed to overcome challenges are shared.
10. Reflecting on Successful Event Execution:
    • The Danny shares a personal experience of organising an event, including last-minute room rearrangements, maintaining the schedule, and engaging the audience during presentations.
11. Lessons Learned and Planning for the Future:
    • The guys reflects on the event experience, plans for improvements in the coming year, and expresses gratitude to attendees for their support.

Join Adam Heist and Danny McMillan as they provide an inside look into the world of organising Seller Sessions Live, revealing the dedication, challenges, and rewards behind the scenes.

Are you a 7 figure brand selling on Amazon?

Want to work with an Agency that knows both PPC and the A9 algorithm?

Click here to request a free PPC Audit https://www.databrill.com/

In-Depth With Amazon Seller Ben Webber

 In today's episode, we sit down with Ben Webber, an entrepreneur with multiple successful Amazon businesses. Ben shares his journey, from his early influences to his experiences building a thriving e-commerce empire. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and key takeaways from Ben's remarkable entrepreneurial journey.

1. Early Influences and Ambitions

• Ben grew up in West Virginia with a strong entrepreneurial influence from his aunt and uncle, who were successful entrepreneurs and lawyers.
• Initially, Ben aspired to become a marine biologist but later developed a passion for ancient history in college due to his interest in the subject and the quality of his teachers.

1. Customer-First Approach in Business

• After graduating college, Ben started a tennis lesson business, where he prioritised customer satisfaction and relied on word-of-mouth referrals instead of traditional advertising.
• His approach focused on keeping customers happy, leading to increased positive referrals and business growth.

1. Transition to Entrepreneurship

• Following his experience with the tennis lesson business, Ben worked with a telecom company, but left in 2015 to pursue entrepreneurship full-time after changes to his bonus structure.
• Ben embarked on his Amazon business journey in 2014/2015, teaming up with three friends, including a lawyer and a friend looking to transition out of their family business.

1. Early Ventures in Amazon FBA

• The team discovered a price disparity for Swiffer liquid and decided to venture into Amazon FBA, establishing a company under the holding name JLS (Johnny's Lawn Service) as a nod to their friend's first entrepreneurial venture.
• Initially focused on retail arbitrage, they eventually shifted to private label, capitalising on gaps in the market and achieving significant revenue growth.

1. Expansion and Success

• By sourcing from Chinese manufacturers, the team improved margins and introduced multiple brands across various categories on Amazon.
• Their revenue reached $30 million by 2021, thanks to systemisation, team training, and proprietary software development.

1. Challenges and Growth

• Maintaining a moral compass in the competitive marketplace was a significant challenge.
• The team attempted to diversify by investing in an in-house printing setup but eventually sold the equipment due to low production rates.
• They pivoted their strategy to patent acquisition and purchasing existing products, leading to better margins and substantial success.

In this episode, we delved into the entrepreneurial journey of Ben Webber, a successful Amazon entrepreneur. Ben's story teaches us the importance of a customer-first approach, adapting to market trends, and maintaining a moral compass in highly competitive environments. We explored their transition from a tennis lesson business to building a thriving e-commerce empire, their early ventures in Amazon FBA, and the challenges they encountered along the way. Ben's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, team success, and personal growth. 

Are you a 7 figure brand selling on Amazon?

Want to work with an Agency that knows both PPC and the A9 algorithm?

Click here to request a free PPC Audit https://www.databrill.com/

Introduction:

In this episode of the Seller Sessions Podcast, host Danny McMillan welcomes Mihkel Moosel from Estonia to delve into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship. Mihkel shares his inspiring journey, from his childhood aspirations to his experiences as a successful Amazon seller. They also explore the challenges he faced along the way and how he found motivation and inspiration.

1. Childhood Dreams and Role Models:
2. Mihkel reflects on his childhood and how he looked up to his father for inspiration. He shares his early aspirations, ranging from wanting to be a veterinarian to a car mechanic, highlighting the diverse range of interests that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.
3. Academic Journey and Discovering Sales:
4. Mihkel excelled in high school but found university to be lacking excitement. He then stumbled upon an opportunity that would change his life - selling books door-to-door in the United States during his university years. This experience marked his entry into the world of sales.
5. Building Sales Teams and Venturing into Amazon:
6. Mihkel explains how his sales acumen led him to become a sales manager, where he recruited and managed teams for a company. Eventually, in 2016, he made the pivotal decision to start selling on Amazon. He launched two brands, one focused on water and air quality testing, and the other revolving around RFID wallets.
7. The Journey of Selling Brands:
8. Mihkel shares the process of selling his brands, from receiving offers to negotiating the deal. He reflects on the emotional aspects of this decision, as well as how he celebrated the successful sale. This marked a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.
9. Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Mistakes:
10. Mihkel opens up about facing challenges with a previous brand, which resulted in financial losses and the departure of valuable team members. He discusses how personal and business-related difficulties, including depression and a severe shoulder injury, took a toll on his well-being and team motivation.
11. The Road to Recovery and Personal Growth:
12. Taking a break and seeking solace in Madera for five weeks became a turning point for Mihkel. He shares how this rejuvenating vacation helped him regain his strength and mental well-being. Gradually returning to work, he focused on a healthier work-life balance, personal growth, and travel experiences.
13. Supporting a New Brand and Overcoming Initial Setbacks:
14. Mihkel's business partner and a talented team member started a new brand, with Mihkel providing financial and strategic support. They encountered challenges with defective products during the initial launches but persisted, resolved the issues, and ultimately achieved profitability.
15. Aspirations and Inspiration:
16. Looking ahead, Mihkel aspires to build a successful eight-figure business on Amazon. However, he remains open to exploring new opportunities if needed. He finds inspiration through various channels, including walking, exercise, conversations with others, and exposure to new experiences and information.

Conclusion:

Mihkel Moosel's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome challenges. From childhood dreams to facing setbacks, he demonstrates the importance of learning from mistakes and maintaining team motivation. Tune in to this captivating episode as Mihkel shares his experiences and insights that can inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking to find their own path to success.