In this episode, Chris Davey discusses his journey in e-commerce, the growth of his networking event at the Canton Fair, and insights into navigating the complexities of sourcing from China. We share our experiences about the safety concerns in China, travel challenges, and the importance of thorough research when attending trade shows.    We also talk about the networking opportunities going to China provides for Amazon sellers. We delve into the intricacies of product sourcing and development in the e-commerce space, particularly focusing on the advantages of Chinese manufacturing. We discuss strategies for identifying niche markets, the importance of building strong relationships with suppliers, and the rapid product development process that allows sellers to capitalize on emerging trends. The conversation also highlights the significance of differentiation in a competitive market and the benefits of being a first mover. The Big Takeaway

• Chris's product sourcing strategy involves developing accessories for popular products.
• The Canton Fair is divided into three phases, each focusing on different product categories.
• Networking is a key benefit of attending the Canton Fair.
• Post-COVID, there are fewer American attendees at the Canton Fair.
• Visa regulations for entering China can be complex and vary by nationality.
• Chris emphasizes how important of visiting suppliers' factories in China.
• Attendees should plan for at least 10 days to fully experience the Canton Fair.
• Designing accessories around popular products is effective.
• Predictive keyword popularity can lead to successful products.
• Niche markets can provide significant opportunities.
• Building relationships with factories is crucial for success.
• Rapid product development is key to staying competitive.
• Differentiation is essential in a crowded market.
• First-mover advantage can lead to increased sales.
• Networking events like FBA for You foster community among sellers.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction to FBA4U and Chris Davey
• 01:57 - Chris's Journey to E-commerce and Canton Fair
• 06:02 - Growth of FBA4U and Networking Opportunities
• 09:56 - Safety and Visa Concerns in China
• 15:54 - Canton Fair Insights and Supplier Strategies
• 23:32 - The Speed of Chinese Manufacturing
• 24:15 - Innovative Product Sourcing Strategies
• 27:15 - Niche Markets and Competitive Advantages
• 30:02 - Building Relationships with Factories
• 32:10 - Rapid Product Development Process
• 35:13 - The Importance of CAD in Product Design
• 39:11 - Differentiation in a Competitive Market
• 43:24 - Leveraging First-Mover Advantage
• 44:55 - Managing Minimum Order Quantities
• 46:51 - Building Strong Supplier Relationships
• 50:18 - FBA for You: Networking and Community

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, happy selling!

In this episode, Dave interviews Steve Chou, who shares his journey of growing his YouTube channel from virtually nothing to over 400,000 subscribers in just a 2 to 3 years. We discuss the biggest ways you can make creating video content for e-commerce easier, the importance of SEO, and the differences between short-form and long-form video content. 

In this episode, Steve emphasizes the significance of watch time in video ranking and shares his strategies to engage audiences effectively. Finally, Steve shares what's in store for the upcoming Seller Summit, happening on May 6th.

Need funding for your Canadian Amazon business? Not sure if you should use a Canadian corporation or U.S. LLC to form your company? We'll cover these questions and more in our new course, Start and Grow Your FBA Business as a Canadian. Get early access now! 

Want to learn more about video from experts, or learn about new strategies for Amazon? Seller Summit covers everything content creation and e-commerce at Fort Lauderdale, Florida this May 6th. Check out Seller Summit here! 

The Big Takeaways

• Starting with reading blog posts out can help ease into video.
• Joining a YouTube mastermind group was a turning point for Steve.
• A "hook" in the first 30 seconds are crucial for engagement.
• Watch time is a key factor in YouTube SEO.
• Short form videos can attract a wider audience quickly, which could be useful for brand awareness.
• Your video content should align with audience interests to avoid confusion from the algorithm.
• "Social selling" is becoming increasingly important for e-commerce.
• Faceless content creation is possible but requires a personal touch to get a "human" element in your content.
• Building a subscriber base through contests or giveaways can be effective.
• Video content takes time to gain traction.
• Short-form videos can be chopped up from long video content, which contributes to a broader content strategy.
• Consistency in content creation is key to success.
• Investing in good audio equipment is the bare minimum for good videos.
• Thumbnails with very exaggerated facial expressions can increase click-through rates.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:07 - Steve's Journey to YouTube Success
• 10:01 - Content Creation Strategies
• 14:58 - Short Form vs Long Form Video
• 19:52 - Building a YouTube Channel for E-commerce
• 20:45 - Creating Stories with AI
• 24:20 - Faceless Content Creation in E-commerce
• 28:10 - Launching a YouTube Channel for E-commerce
• 30:57 - The Power of Video in E-commerce
• 32:23 - Essential Equipment for Video Creation
• 35:20 - Thumbnail Tips for Higher Click-Through Rates
• 37:09 - Overview of Seller Summit 2025

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, happy selling!

Tanya Huang shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her experience on Dragon's Den to running a successful ring business.

We talk about how customization is another barrier from the competition and how she decided to move on to customized products. We also compare Amazon vs Etsy, and how the two shape up for customized and handmade products. 

Need funding for your Canadian Amazon business? Not sure if you should use a Canadian corporation or U.S. LLC to form your company? We'll cover these questions and more in our new course, Start and Grow Your FBA Business as a Canadian. Get early access now! 

The Big Takeaways

• Customization is a really big consideration to customers and helps your products stand out in e-commerce platforms.
• Understanding customer needs drives product innovation. Etsy provides valuable insights into market research for customized products.
• Amazon's interface may not be ideal for customization.
• Etsy's sales have declined but are still higher than pre-COVID levels.
• New competitors like Temu are changing the e-commerce landscape, bringing Etsy's market share down.
• Etsy shoppers seek unique, personalized items over mass-produced products.
• Customization on Amazon is possible but comes with certain challenges.
• Etsy's decline may be due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences.
• Sales dynamics differ significantly between Etsy and Amazon. Etsy requires more attention to customer service and product uniqueness, while Amazon requires quick deliveries and cheaper products. 

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction to Tanya Huang and Her Business
• 02:45 - Experience on Dragon's Den
• 06:01 - Transitioning to Silicone Rings
• 07:47 - Customization and Manufacturing in Canada
• 11:16 - Engraving Process and Challenges
• 18:10 - Investing in Engraving Technology
• 21:34 - Market Research for Customization Ideas
• 24:01 - Exploring Amazon Custom and Handmade
• 25:42 - Etsy's Decline: Analyzing the Trends
• 29:09 - The Impact of New Competitors
• 32:34 - Etsy vs. Amazon: Sales Dynamics
• 36:30 - Philosophical Insights on Selling Strategies

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, happy selling!

Dave breaks down the huge fee increases for the Amazon Warehousing and Distribution program that takes effect on April 1st, 2025. He talks about the changes in warehousing and distribution fees, specifically on how much the fees have increased from previous iterations. 

Need funding for your Canadian Amazon business? Not sure if you should use a Canadian corporation or U.S. LLC to form your company? We'll cover these questions and more in our Start and Grow Your FBA Business as a Canadian Webinar on March 12th, 10am PST!

Today's episode is sponsored by Autron. Maximize your ROI with Autron’s real-time algorithmic bidding, optimizing every ad dollar for smarter spending and higher returns. Start optimizing today and get 30% off for 3 months!   Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) was one of the biggest programs that Amazon introduced in 2022, and pushed a lot of sellers into using AWD by increasing prices on the FBA side of inventory.    Back then, it seemed like an attractive alternative because of the low prices despite the shove to get everyone into the program.    That is until today where Amazon announced a fee increase to the AWD program in the most confusing way possible.    Luckily, Dave is here to break it all down for us and how these fees impact your e-commerce business.  Big Takeaways

• Amazon is increasing fees starting April 1st, 2025.
• The fee increase is not like previous fee announcements; they've given sellers only three weeks notice.
• AWD storage fees will increase by 20%.
• Amazon has changed the name of their "integrated rate" to "smart storage rate".
• To qualify for the smart storage rate, 70 days of inventory is required.
• Processing fees will increase from $2.50 to $2.70 per box.
• Transportation fees will rise from $1.00 to $1.15 per cubic foot.
• Overall, expect a 15-20% increase in fees.
• Amazon's tactics make it hard to plan for these increases.
• Sellers need to increase prices to maintain margins.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction to Amazon Fee Increases
• 03:12 - Understanding the New AWD Fees
• 05:51 - Impact of Storage Fee Changes
• 09:10 - Processing and Transportation Fee Adjustments
• 11:03 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, happy selling!

In this episode, Dave interviews John LeBaron, the Chief Revenue Officer of Pattern.com, the biggest third party seller on Amazon. They discuss Pattern's unique business model and how they help brands grow their presence on e-commerce platforms. The episode covers the importance of unit economics, advertising strategies, and how you can use AI to analyse your competition. 

Today's episode is sponsored by Autron. Maximize your ROI with Autron’s real-time algorithmic bidding, optimizing every ad dollar for smarter spending and higher returns. Start optimizing today and get 30% off for 3 months! The Big Takeaways

• Pattern operates as an accelerator, not a traditional DTC brand, helping brands manage their inventory and online presence.
• Unit economics are crucial for brands looking to partner with Pattern.
• Advertising strategies significantly influence organic ranking on Amazon.
• Pattern leverages patented AI technology to improve conversion rates and predict organic ranking.
• The company manages over 300 brands, focusing on their growth.
• Off-Amazon marketing strategies are essential for brand success.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introducing Pattern: The Biggest Amazon Seller
• 03:02 - Understanding Pattern's Unique Business Model
• 06:01 - The Role of Accelerators vs. Aggregators
• 08:59 - Expanding Brand Presence Across Marketplaces
• 11:50 - Target Demographics: Brands Seeking Help
• 15:09 - Unit Economics: What Matters for Brands?
• 18:06 - Advertising Strategies and Organic Ranking
• 21:01 - Off-Amazon Marketing Strategies
• 24:04 - Leveraging AI for E-commerce Success
• 26:59 - Improving Conversion Rates Through Data
• 29:52 - Future Innovations and Conclusion

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, happy selling!

Steve Churchill has a lot on his plate. 

After being in the Air Force, he decided to start a simple blog on the side, in addition to her demanding day job. His blog, Urban Worm Company, has always been a passion project, and over time he’s been able to grow it to become a healthy lifestyle business.

Steve talks about how he built his blog, while being a full time airline pilot. 

He talks about his business model, the types of goals he has for the business, his approach to SEO, and why he's okay with owning a small business.

Today's episode is sponsored by Autron. Maximize your ROI with Autron’s real-time algorithmic bidding, optimizing every ad dollar for smarter spending and higher returns. Start optimizing today and get 30% off for 3 months! The Big Takeaway

• Running a lifestyle business allows for a better work-life balance and prioritizes quality of life over rapid growth.
• Using e-commerce principles in B2B environments can lead to stress-free growth and better customer experiences.
• Finding a niche market and educating customers can help build a loyal customer base and differentiate your business.
• Cash flow management is crucial for sustainable growth and reducing stress in the business.
• Prioritizing personal interests and happiness in business decisions can lead to long-term satisfaction and success.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction and Background
• 07:00 - Steve's Business Journey: From Air Force to Vermicomposting
• 14:00 - Building a Lifestyle Business: Prioritizing Quality of Life
• 21:12 - Using E-commerce Principles in B2B Environments
• 25:15 - The Power of Niche Markets and Customer Education
• 28:19 - Cash Flow Management for Sustainable Growth
• 31:17 - Prioritizing Personal Happiness in Business Decisions
• 33:37 - Conclusion

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, happy selling!

Jeff Oxford is on the podcast today to talk about how you can get free Google Shopping listings as an e-commerce seller. Jeff explains what Google Shopping is, why they're not just paid ads,  and how you can achieve better rankings on Google Shopping. We also touch on why diversification away from Amazon is important and the things we have observed in SEO for e-commerce businesses.

Today's episode is sponsored by Autron. Maximize your ROI with Autron’s real-time algorithmic bidding, optimizing every ad dollar for smarter spending and higher returns. Start optimizing today and get 30% off for 3 months!

The Big Takeaway

• Google Shopping is not just about ads; it's a separate search ranking.
• Amazon dominates Google Shopping listings, holding 50% of the top spots.
• Domain authority is one of the biggest factors for ranking in Google Shopping.
• Building backlinks to specific product pages is more effective than general domain authority.
• Product reviews significantly impact rankings in Google Shopping.
• Diversifying sales channels beyond Amazon is something worth considering.
• Recent SEO updates have favored e-commerce sites over content sites, so if you are new to SEO, don't be afraid! 
• E-commerce has seen significant growth, with a 50% increase over five years.
• Main image and title optimization are critical for product listings.
• Having keywords in product titles helps with rankings, but correlation is minimal.
• Lower-priced products tend to rank better in Google Shopping.
• Premium brands may struggle with SEO due to higher bounce rates.
• Core updates from Google adjust ranking factors periodically.
• A good mobile experience is absolutely essential for website ranking.
• User experience significantly impacts SEO performance.
• Content on collection pages can enhance SEO effectiveness.
• Link building remains a key strategy for improving search rankings.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction to Google Shopping Listings
• 03:03 - Understanding Google Shopping and Its Importance
• 06:07 - Getting Started with Google Shopping Listings
• 09:03 - The Role of Domain Authority in Google Shopping
• 11:58 - Optimizing Product Pages for Google Shopping
• 15:05 - The Impact of Product Reviews on Rankings
• 17:51 - Diversifying Beyond Amazon
• 21:08 - The Future of E-commerce and SEO Trends
• 21:33 - E-commerce Growth and Optimization Strategies
• 30:04 - Understanding Core Updates and Their Impact
• 35:52 - SEO Best Practices for E-commerce in 2025

As always, if you have any questions or anything that you need help with, reach out to us at [email protected] if you're interested. 

Don’t forget to leave us a review on iTunes if you enjoy our content. If you have any questions, send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to help you in any way we can. 

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, happy selling!

Dave dives into Amazon's Q4 2024 earnings report and how it will impact sellers. He dives into  Amazon's online store revenue growth, FBA fee growth, and the huge growth in advertising revenue, which is one of the major sources of income for the e-commerce giant. 

 

Today's episode is sponsored by Autron. Maximize your ROI with Autron’s real-time algorithmic bidding, optimizing every ad dollar for smarter spending and higher returns. Start optimizing today and get 30% off for 3 months!

 

Takeaways

• Amazon's Q4 2024 earnings report shows a 7% growth in online store revenue.
• FBA fees collected from sellers increased by 9% year-over-year.
• Advertising revenue for Amazon reached $17.2 billion, up by 18%.
• The growth in advertising revenue is outpacing that of FBA fees.
• Stock analysts focus on AWS and advertising revenue for Amazon's performance.
• Sellers are feeling the pressure from rising advertising costs.
• Amazon's overall retail growth appears to be stabilizing around 7-9%.
• The podcast encourages sellers to adapt to the changing landscape of fees and advertising.
• Amazon's claims of faster delivery speeds may not reflect overall sales performance.
• The launch of Amazon Haul aims to attract more Chinese sellers.

 

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Amazon's Q4 2024 Earnings Overview
• 07:59 - Revenue Growth Insights for Sellers
• 16:34 - Advertising Revenue Trends and Implications

 

As always, if you have any questions or anything that you need help with, reach out to us at [email protected] if you're interested. 

 

Don’t forget to leave us a review on iTunes if you enjoy our content. If you have any questions, send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to help you in any way we can. 

 

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, happy selling!

It’s that time of the year again!

In this episode, Dave will be revealing the winners (a couple of which you might not have expected) of last year’s survey to find out the Best Amazon Seller Software across five categories:

• Product and Keyword Research
• PPC Management
• Reimbursement Services
• Repricing Tool
• Product Launch and Marketing

On top of that, he'll be talking about why some categories have lost market share overall, the significant shifts in software usage among sellers, and what he's surprised to see in the results. Let’s get right into it:

Timestamps: 

• 00:00 - Introduction to the 2024 Software Poll Results
• 02:09 - Repricing Software Insights
• 05:59 - Reimbursement Software Trends
• 06:28 - PPC and Advertising Software Overview
• 09:48 - Product Launch and Marketing Software Changes
• 12:39 - Keyword Tracking and Research Software Dynamics
• 17:21 - Conclusion and Future Predictions

To check out the full breakdown of our results, head over to our blog post of the Best Amazon Software of 2022. 

Don’t forget to leave us a review over on iTunes if you enjoy content like this. Happy selling and we’ll talk to you soon!

Chinese New Year is coming up in a few days and if you're relatively new to the e-commerce game, there's a few things you should know about the big holiday. Dave is back on the podcast to cover the impact Chinese New Year has on e-commerce sellers and manufacturers, the significance of the Zodiacs, and the common equivalent for those who aren't aware. 

Let’s be real – email marketing isn’t flashy, but that’s what makes it great. Who needs chaos when you can have steady, reliable results? That’s where Omnisend email and SMS comes in. Check it out today and use code ECOMCREW.

Ever wonder why all of China basically closes down every January for Chinese New Year? You're not alone. 

Chinese New Year seems like the one time each year that China (and by extension, a lot of the neighbouring asian countries) goes on holiday for a few weeks. 

As an e-commerce seller, you probably know by now to place your orders well in advance to prepare for the holiday. But there's a few extra things you should know about that could maintain and keep you in the good graces of your factory. 

Luckily, Dave is on the podcast today to break down what exactly you need to know and how the holiday impacts you specifically.

The Big Takeaway

• Chinese New Year is comparable to Christmas in significance.
• Chinese New Year happens on the second New Moon in the lunar calendar after the Winter's Solstice (December 20th). 
• Zodiac symbols can influence business decisions in China.
• Quality control tends to take a dip if orders are shipped before Chinese New Year.
• Suppliers may have varying deadlines for orders before they close for the holiday.
• Expect delays in shipping and logistics post-New Year as every company that's importing from China will also be placing orders in advance of the holiday.
• Be considerate to suppliers during the holiday period.
• Freight prices tend to dip after the New Year rush, as demand declines.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:43 - Omnisend Ad 
• 2:17 - What is Chinese New Year? How big is the holiday? 
• 3:28 - The traditions around Chinese New Year
• 4:28 - When exactly is Chinese New Year?
• 6:07 - Zodiac symbols and how they can affect business
• 8:40 - Why is it called the Spring Festival? 
• 9:41 - Tip #1: Deadlines for Chinese New Year orders 
• 11:06 - Tip #2: Days off during Chinese New Years 
• 13:19 - Tip #3: Quality control during Chinese New Year
• 15:08 - Tip #4: Delays 
• 17:05 - Tip #5: Being considerate

As always, if you have any questions or anything that you need help with, reach out to us at [email protected] if you're interested. 

Don’t forget to leave us a review on iTunes if you enjoy our content. If you have any questions, send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to help you in any way we can. 

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, happy selling!