Jon is a former Amazon marketplace executive, current 8-figure Amazon seller, and Partner at Color More Lines, where he provides full-funnel digital marketing solutions for high growth brands. In addition, Jon authors the widely popular Best@Amazon newsletter, a weekly newsletter for the Top 1% of Amazon Sellers. Jon started his career in M&A advisory with KPMG, spending 9 years serving Fortune 1000 companies, before joining Amazon, where he served as Head of 3P Marketplace for Consumer Electronics on Amazon Canada and worked directly with the top 1% of third-party Consumer Electronics sellers.

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> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Strategies for improving cash conversion cycles and growth hacks for scaling brands to eight figures and beyond
• Challenges and future outlook for Amazon sellers
• Importance of financial literacy and financial management skills in e-commerce
• Options for funding and capital advisory for Amazon-based brands
• Financial challenges faced by Amazon sellers and the impact of working capital on cash flow
• Various funding options for Amazon sellers, including revenue-based loans, merchant cash advances, and asset-based lending
• Leveraging a line of credit to fund inventory and allocate capital elsewhere in the business
• Managing working capital, negotiating with suppliers, and leveraging credit card ad spend limits
• Strategy for running Google and Amazon ads for private label businesses
• Fractional CFO services, Prism software tool, influential books, favorite software tools, and respected figures in the e-commerce space

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Jon Derkits, an experienced Amazon seller and partner at Color More Lines. They delve into the intricacies of managing working capital, optimizing cash flow, and scaling Amazon brands. Dershowitz shares insights on negotiating with suppliers, leveraging credit for ad spend, and the benefits of a diverse traffic strategy. He also discusses the use of Google and Amazon ads, the halo effect on Amazon, and the significance of financial literacy. Additionally, Derkits introduces Prism, a tool for Amazon analytics, and offers access at a discounted rate. The episode wraps up with personal recommendations and resources for listeners interested in e-commerce success.

Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:

Action Item #1: Master Financial Literacy: Understanding the cash conversion cycle and the role of working capital is crucial for Amazon sellers. Take the time to educate yourself on these financial concepts to effectively manage cash flow and operational efficiency in your business.

Action Item #2: Negotiate with Suppliers: Actively engage in negotiations with your suppliers to improve your working capital position. Request price reductions, extended payment terms, and damage allowances to free up cash that can be reinvested into growing your Amazon business.

Action Item #3: Explore Funding Options: Investigate alternative funding options beyond traditional lenders, such as asset-based lending. Assess whether leveraging debt through a line of credit aligns with your business goals and financial strategy, but proceed with caution and strategic planning to ensure sustainable growth.

Resources & Links Section

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• Sellerboard
• Carbon6: PixelMe
• Prism
• Charlie Munger
• Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Episode Sponsor

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started my business in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then email me at [email protected] and in your subject line say “strategy audit” for the chance to win a $10,000 comprehensive business strategy audit at no cost!

Transcript Area

Josh (00:00:00) - Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Michael Gerber, author of The E-myth, and Stephen Pope from My Amazon Guide. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jon Dershowitz, a former Amazon Marketplace executive and a current eight figure seller. And today, we're going to be talking about some clever strategies for improving your cash conversion cycle, as well as some interesting growth hacks in order to scale your brand to ei...