Jon Derkits, a former Amazon marketplace leader and now independent brand owner, shares his expert insights for Amazon entrepreneurs.

He draws from his experience creating the "Best at Amazon" newsletter and his finance background to discuss Amazon Selling Strategies, Collaboration on Amazon, Impact of U.S.-China Tariffs, Essential Amazon Seller Tools, Balancing Content and Engagement, and Financial Acumen in E-commerce.

Ready to level up your Amazon game? Tune in and gain the insights you need to thrive in this competitive Amazon marketplace!

Episode Notes:

00:17 - Jon Derkits Introduction

02:06 - Jon Derkits Background

05:02 - Role of Finance in Amazon Business Strategy

06:14 - The Newsletter: Best at Amazon

11:27 - Navigating the Amazon News Cycle

13:05 - Tariffs and Their Impact on Amazon Sellers

17:33 - Anker Price Increase

19:46 - The Concept of One-Way Doors in Business Decisions

22:12 - Decision-making Frameworks

22:56 - Tech Stack and Tools for Amazon Sellers

25:05 - Combining SmartScout with Keepa

29:10 - The Simplicity and Power of SmartScout Data

32:38 - Jon Derkits’ Favorite SmartScout Features

39:35 - Two Best Tips From Jon

Related Posts: Why Amazon Vendors Feel Ignored and What They Can Do About It

How to Reach Jon:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jon-derkits

Websites: auxoecommerce.com | tidycal.com/jonderkits/quick-chat

BEST@AMAZON NEWSLETTER: https://bestatamazon.ck.page/

AMAZON COACHING & ADVISORY: https://tidycal.com/jonderkits/amazon-coaching-and-advisory

Scott’s Links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

The e-commerce landscape is experiencing seismic shifts as new tariffs against China send shockwaves through Amazon's marketplace.

Scott explores how these economic tremors are disrupting the delicate balance of global online retail—potentially the most significant supply chain disruption since COVID. Through exclusive insights from a conversation with one of the largest Chinese sellers in the world, Scott uncovers why businesses importing from China are facing unexpected cash crunches and how these tariffs might reshape the competitive landscape for sellers worldwide.

But tariffs are only half the story. Scott pulls back the curtain on the controversial tactics Chinese sellers use to dominate Amazon, controlling approximately 50% of third-party revenue on the platform. You'll discover the inner workings of tools like the Ziniao browser—software specifically designed to help sellers create multiple Amazon accounts against platform policies—and why some sellers can operate "10 stores selling one product" while others face immediate suspension for similar behavior. This rule-breaking reality explains why 75% of Amazon sellers believe the marketplace isn't fair.

As billionaires like Mark Cuban and Chamath share data showing Chinese sellers capturing up to 60% market share in certain Amazon categories, Scott examines what this new e-commerce reality means for businesses, consumers, and the global economy.

Episode Notes:

00:23 - Dinner with a Top Chinese Seller & Introduction to China Topic

01:13 - China’s Amazon Seller Landscape & Entrepreneurial Drive

02:30 - Energy & Business Culture in China

04:47 - Chinese Sellers' Approach to Amazon’s Rules

05:40 - The Ziniao Browser Tool

09:00 - Widespread Multi-Account Strategy & Aggressive Tactics

10:17 - Amazon’s Evolving Policies & Fairness Concerns

11:52 - New Tariffs on Chinese Goods & Impacts on Sellers

13:39 - Preparing for a Cash Crunch

15:05 - The Role of Chinese Sellers and the Political Spotlight

15:30 - Building Influence Through Data

17:58 - Immediate Reactions from Brands

18:48 -Bias and Hopes for U.S.-Based Sellers

Related Post: Break the Profit Squeeze: How Leading Amazon Sellers Use Growth Capital To Beat Their Competition

Links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: @smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Scott brings you the latest from Prosper 2025, revealing the innovations that will empower you to succeed on Amazon.

Discover cutting-edge tech for listing optimization, TikTok marketing, and private label repricing, and how other AI and emerging tools are reshaping e-commerce.

Episode Notes:

00:23- New Tech for Selling on Amazon in 2025

01:35 - Autopilot Brand

03:00 - Automato AI

05:12 - The TikTok Influence

08:06 - Tools and Agencies Aiding TikTok Marketing Efforts

10:05 - Pricing Innovations

11:15 - Variations and Optimization

14:27 - Prosper Show Reflections

16:25 - Conferences Comparison

Related Post: The Ultimate Amazon Repricing Strategies: AI-Powered Price Optimization

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Ever wondered what it's like to sell on Amazon? Here’s the best damn industry report for you.

The Voice of the Amazon Seller unveils insights from over 300 Amazon sellers, revealing the challenges and triumphs of navigating this vast marketplace.

Scott discusses everything from competition pressures and fee structures to the impact of international sellers and the fairness of Amazon's platform.

Episode Notes:

02:05 - Survey Overview

02:25 - Seller Demographics

02:55 - Amazon as Main Business

03:14 - Income statistics

03:46 - Challenges of Selling on Amazon

04:54 - Seller Suspension Concerns

07:36 - Perceptions of Fairness in Amazon Marketplace

10:05 - Impact of Amazon's AI Efforts

11:46 - Recommendation to Others

13:59 - Seller Support Satisfaction

16:31 - Business Growth and Profitability

Voice of the Amazon Seller Survey

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Is Amazon neglecting its sellers?

Scott tackles this question head-on, brings you exclusive insights from Amazon employees and industry experts, and delves into the challenges sellers face, from navigating 1P and 3P complexities to dealing with account suspensions.

Learn the truth behind the trend urging brands to switch selling models and how nuanced decisions based on product categories can make all the difference.

Scott also unveils Amazon's new reseller support initiatives and strategic account services designed to empower your business.

Episode Notes:

00:09 - Amazon's commitment to sellers

01:05 - Understanding 1P vs 3P

02:30 - Nuances of 1P and 3P models

05:35 - Strategic Account Services at Amazon

06:55 - New Initiatives for Resellers at Amazon

07:50 - Importance of Compliance and Advocacy

09:11 - Amazon’s Internal Complexity

Related Post: The Top 10 Amazon Sellers in the U.S. Marketplace

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Join Scott as he unpacks the remarkable growth of Tiege Hanley with founder Kelly Thornton.

From initial struggles to becoming a powerhouse in men's skincare, Kelly shares invaluable insights into building a consumer brand on Amazon.

Learn how Tiege Hanley leveraged YouTube for content-driven growth, simplified its product offerings, and mastered omnichannel expansion, including significant penetration into European markets.

They delve into the challenges of scaling internationally, navigating digital marketing shifts, and maintaining brand integrity across platforms. Kelly also shares his perspective on the future of brand building, emphasizing long-term vision over short-term gains.

Episode Notes:

00:15 - Kelley Thornton Introduction

01:44 - Building a Scalable Brand

04:00 - The Genesis of Tiege Hanley

05:14 - Overcoming Early Challenges

07:23 - Content-Led Approach

11:00 - Content Creation Strategy

12:25 - Navigating Digital Marketing Challenges

14:10 - Amazon as a Sales Channel

18:27 - Overcoming Business Plateaus

21:57 - International Market Expansion

23:01 - Surviving the Aggregator Wave

27:00 - The Importance of Early Amazon Presence

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelleythornton-ceo-tiege-hanley

Website: www.tiege.com

Related Post: How To Find Amazon Sellers as an Agency Using SmartScout

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Are you unintentionally sabotaging your Amazon profits?

Dive into this week's episode and learn about the hidden "dead zones" in Amazon pricing, particularly within high-volume categories such as Grocery, Beauty, and Clothing.

Scott reveals why pricing products between $10-$12 is a critical mistake due to Amazon's intricate FBA fee structures. Learn how these "dead zones" can significantly impact your bottom line and discover strategic pricing adjustments to maximize your margins.

Beyond pricing, Scott also breaks down the latest annual changes to Amazon's Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees, a crucial factor for any seller looking to maintain profitability. Understand how these fee adjustments directly affect your operational costs and how to adapt your business strategy accordingly.

Plus, Scot analyzes new data on Buy Box wins, revealing that nearly 40% of products now see multiple sellers sharing this coveted spot. Discover the key factors, including shipping speed and price competitiveness, that influence Buy Box rotation.

Finally, get exclusive insights into Amazon's global revenue breakdown, with a deep dive into the US market's dominance, offering strategic opportunities for expansion.

Episode Notes:

00:10 - Overview of dead zones in Amazon pricing

01:36 - Impact of Amazon FBA Fees

02:30 - Dead Zone Pricing Insights

04:38 - Importance of FBA Fee Structures

06:38 - Multi-Seller Buy Box Dynamics

08:41 - International Amazon Market Insights

Related Post: Amazon FBA Fees Have Increased 50-200%—Here’s How It’s Changed Over the Years

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

E-commerce & Channel Strategy Expert Kara Babb from High Tide Commerce joins Scott to dissect the e-commerce landscape.

From navigating Amazon's vendor system to building brand strategies and launching her consultancy, Kara shares unique perspectives.

Learn how viral events impact sales, how to manage brand media, and the challenges of implementing e-commerce strategies in large corporations.

She also shares her framework to unlock growth, emphasizing cross-functional collaboration and the importance of focusing on business outcomes.

Discover how Amazon influences broader business strategies and gain actionable insights for navigating the complexities of multi-channel sales in today's digital age.

Episode Notes:

00:30 - Kara Babb Introduction

01:55 - Kara’s Journey in E-Commerce

03:00 - The Vendor Experience at Amazon

04:28 - Transition to Brand Side

06:55 - Brand Media Management

07:32 - The Role of Viral Events

10:10 - Working with Agencies

10:37 - Organizational Dynamics in Large Corporations

14:28 - Key Insights for Unlocking Growth

18:05 - Streamlining Brand Strategy

19:04 - Importance of Cross-Functional Collaboration

20:25 - Navigating Multiple Channels

23:20 - The Dual Nature of Amazon

25:50 - Why Amazon is Not the Solution for Everything

27:00 - Biggest Barriers and Impacts to Conversion

28:43 - Strategizing and Prioritizing

Website: www.hightidecommerce.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karababb

Related Post: Amazon Marketplace Sellers: A Look at Seller Counts and Revenue Performance

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

From Amazon's explosive growth to its evolving policies, this episode covers everything you need to know about the Buy Box.

Scott explores how shipping speeds and location impact Buy Box ownership, introduces a groundbreaking new tool for regional analysis, and offers strategic recommendations for large brands and resellers.

Scott also touches on Amazon vs. TikTok Shop/Shopify and the latest reimbursement policy changes.

Don't miss out on these crucial insights! Listen now and start dominating the Amazon Buy Box.

Episode Notes:

00:09 - Winning the Amazon Buy Box

01:51 - Insights on Amazon's Growth

05:05 - Amazon's Policy Changes

09:10 - Buy Box Dynamics

10:20 - New Tool Introduction

13:22 - Implications for Large Brands and Resellers

13:41 - Strategic Recommendations

16:00 - SmartScout iPhone App

Related Post: Stop Losing Sales: Introducing the Buy Box Map for Amazon Sellers

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog

Revolutionize your Amazon strategy with SmartScout’s Buy Box Map!

Discover who's winning the buy box in each state, at what price, and how fast they're shipping.

Learn how FBA, FBM sellers, 1P Vendors, and resellers can leverage this data to optimize shipping, improve conversions, and uncover hidden arbitrage opportunities.

See how wildly products can vary across states and leverage this data for explosive growth.

Plus, get an exclusive discount code!

Episode Notes:

00:20 - New Mapping Feature Developed for SmartScout

01:43 - The Buy Box Map and Its Unique Capabilities

02:24 - Practical Application of the Buy Box Map

04:25 - Impact on Selling Strategy

06:11 - Conversion Rate Dynamics

07:28 - Logistics and Fulfillment Insights

08:15 - How to Leverage The Buy Box Map for Analysis and Decision-Making

09:58 - Future Enhancements and Use Cases

10:24 - Reflections on the launch of an innovative tool

Coupon Code: BuyBoxMap

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813

X: @itsScottNeedham

Instagram: @smartestseller

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371

Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up

Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog