The Smartest Amazon Seller

By SmartScoutTechnology

The Smartest Amazon Seller episodes

June 10, 2025 Episode 308 – The Death of Arbitrage? Jasim Eisa Explores Big Shifts in the Market
Jasim Eisa, Founder and CEO of Voadera, built an $80 million e-commerce business from the ground up, and here, he shares what’s working now—and what’s not.
Scott and Jasim explore big shifts in the marketplace, such as Nike coming back to Amazon and what that means for resellers. Jasim also breaks down how major brands such as Adidas and Michael Kors are changing the way they sell on the platform and what sellers need to know about the growing “diversion economy.”
With Amazon tightening its supply chain rules, Voadera is moving away from traditional arbitrage and focusing on direct brand deals and smart acquisitions. You'll also hear practical tips on adapting to Amazon’s policy changes, rising FBA fees, and optimizing your logistics to stay profitable.

Episode Notes:
00:18 - Jasim Eisa Introduction
00:26 - The Big Brands’ Approach to Amazon
07:12 - Reseller Economy and Marketplace Double-Dipping
08:45 - 1P vs 3P Strategy and Policy Cycles
12:18 - Diversion and the Gray Market
14:45 - Moving Beyond Arbitrage: Brand Direct and Acquisitions
16:03 - Adapting to Amazon’s Fee and Policy Changes
18:18 - Arbitrage’s Diminishing Role and Supply Chain Optimization
19:52 - Warehousing, Fulfillment, and Grade B Marketplaces
21:28 - Future Investments: Supply Chain, AI, and Creative Tools
23:19 - Building a Top Brand Direct Business
24:29 - Favorite Tools & Technology Stack

Related Post: The Best Nielsen IQ and Data Impact Alternatives for Amazon Market Intelligence — Starting with the One Built for Visibility, Not Vanity

How to Reach Jasim:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasim-eisa-425735145
Website: voadera.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JasimEisa

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
28 min
June 03, 2025 Episode 307 - How CPG Brands Win on TikTok with Rob Principe
Scott welcomes industry veteran Rob Principe to explore the explosive growth potential in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).
Drawing from his extensive experience at Jungle Scout and Netrush, Rob shares insights on how emerging brands can leverage strategic positioning and TikTok's unparalleled reach to transform from unknown startups to market leaders. Learn why TikTok has become the essential platform for modern CPG marketing as Rob breaks down the critical differences between micro and macro-influencer strategies and their impact on consumer trust.
This is a masterclass in social media marketing for e-commerce brands, revealing how the right digital presence can dramatically accelerate brand growth and establish lasting customer relationships.

Episode Notes:
00:13 - Robert Principe Introduction
01:23 - Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
03:07 - CPGs and Top 10 Lists
05:50 - Challenger Brands: Growth and Positioning
08:51 - GLP-1s, Protein Trends, and Product Positioning
12:10 - The Evolution of Protein Bars & Consumer Tastes
14:44 - Identifying PE-Backed Versus Bootstrapped Brands
15:37 - Multi-Channel Launch Strategies for Brands
17:17 - Matching Brands with the Right Service Providers
20:43 - The Critical Role of TikTok for Modern Brands
24:12 - Navigating TikTok Agencies and Service Providers
28:47 - Brick and Mortar: Still Relevant for CPG?
31:54 - Influencer vs. Affiliate Strategies on TikTok
37:45 - The Value of Human Touch and Relationship Building

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

How to Reach Robert:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/etailfounder
Website: etail-advisors.com

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
43 min
May 27, 2025 Episode 306 - What Every Brand Needs to Know About AI, Influencers, and Social Video
Justin Willhite, Senior Influencer Marketing Manager at Twitch and Owner and Principal Talent at CommQuest, shares invaluable insights from his journey from YouTube creator to running a successful video production studio.

Discover why "dark social media" is transforming marketing strategies, how brands can create genuinely shareable content, and the delicate balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining authentic connections with audiences.

Also, don't miss Justin's predictions on where video marketing is headed and how to stay ahead of the curve!

Episode Notes:
00:22 - Justin Willhite Introduction
01:52 - Justin Willhite Background and Industry Experience
05:18 - What is dark social media?
07:30 - Starting a Video Production Company & Working with Brands
10:18 - The Social Media Content Playbook for Brands
13:52 - Creating Viral and Engaging Product Content
19:35 - The AI Revolution in Video Marketing
21:10 - Implications of AI for Content Creators and Marketers
27:45 - Favorite AI Tools and Practical Tips
29:50 - UGC Strategies: In-House vs. Outsourced Creator Content

Related Post: How To Be a Trusted Seller on Amazon

How to Reach Justin:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justinwillhite | linkedin.com/company/commquestofficial/

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
34 min
May 20, 2025 Episode 305 - Amazon Ads Are Evolving — Here’s What You Need to Know
Neha Bhuchar, co-founder of Atom11 and former Amazon Advertising insider, shares Amazon Advertising secrets—revealing the game-changing concept of "retail-aware advertising" that integrates inventory, pricing, and search rank signals with advertising automation to maximize ROI.

Discover how Amazon's algorithms work, from the critical difference between click-through and conversion rates to strategic approaches for the newly democratized Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC). Neha breaks down complex concepts into actionable strategies for sellers at every level, from optimizing audience targeting to balancing conversion improvements with cost efficiency.

The conversation explores 2024's pivotal changes to AMC access, practical thresholds for implementation, and bold predictions for the future of e-commerce advertising. Whether you're managing campaigns in-house or evaluating automation tools, this episode delivers a rare insider perspective on Amazon's advertising ecosystem and Atom11's transparent approach to helping sellers thrive in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace.

This is for Amazon sellers, e-commerce marketers, advertising strategists, and anyone looking to understand the future of retail advertising technology.

Episode Notes:

00:26 - Neha Bhuchar Introduction
00:20 - Neha’s Background and Atom11
06:00 - Retail Aware Advertising
07:25 - Dynamic Bidding & Audience Creation
10:39 - Amazon Marketing Cloud
13:36 - Audience Targeting Challenges
14:01 - Look-alike Audience
15:50 - Mainstream Adoption of AMC
26:45- Tariff and Amazon Ads
31:05 - Impact of AI on Ads

Related Post: Amazon PPC Services: A Guide to Boosting Sales and Choosing the Right Partner

How to Reach Neha:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nehabhuchar
Website: https://www.atom11.co/

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
37 min
May 13, 2025 Episode 304 - Why Carrier Central Demands Your Attention with Tyler Allgaier
Discover the underutilized potential of Amazon Carrier Central for enhanced shipment trackability, effective management, and avoiding costly delays, especially during peak times such as Prime Day. Tyler Allgaier, Founder & CEO of Pitted Labs, breaks down how live loads directly at fulfillment facilities can be a game-changer for your operations.

But that's not all – Scott and Tyler dive deep into Amazon bundling strategies, exploring how recent policy updates impact consumable categories and how creating unique offers can give you a competitive edge. Learn how smart bundling can significantly increase your AOV, thereby reducing the percentage impact of FBA fees, much like Costco’s successful model.

Tyler also shares insights on using virtual bundles as a low-risk way to test market demand. Plus, get tips on navigating D2C shipping and direct carrier negotiations in light of changing postal service rates.

Episode Notes:
00:22 - Tyler Allgaier Introduction
02:20 - Background and Origins of the Carrier Central
03:32 - The Importance of Carrier Central: Practical Advice
09:07 - Amazon’s Bundle Policy Updates
13:19 - The Benefits and Strategy of Bundling on Amazon
14:29 - Types of Bundles and Customer Behavior Insights
16:00 - Bundling Tactics: Operational Considerations and Virtual Bundles
20:11 - Catalog Expansion vs. Profit Optimization Through Bundling
21:31 - Innovative Bundling: Cross-Brand Collaborations
23:47 - Trends in Logistics and the Role of Direct Carrier Relationships
26:52 - Tyler Allgaier Future Plans and Final Thoughts

Related Post: How to Leverage Amazon A+ Content for Brand Building

How to Reach Tyler:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tylerallgaier
Website: pittedlabs.com | pittedlogistics.com

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

30 min
May 06, 2025 Episode 303 - Tariffs, HTS Codes, and Supply Chain Wisdom with Burak Yolga
Learn legal strategies to minimize tariffs with Burak Yolga, CEO and co-founder of Forceget.
Discover the importance of understanding HTS codes and how they impact global shipping costs. Burak shares creative, legal methods like product disassembly and reassembly that businesses use to mitigate the financial burden of import tariffs. Drawing from his recent visit to China, Burak provides firsthand observations on the evolution of China's manufacturing and export strategies, offering a fresh perspective on global sourcing.

Explore the shifting landscape of global sourcing as businesses look beyond China to countries like Vietnam, India, and Turkey, and understand the inherent risks and challenges in international supply chains, including the crucial need for verifying suppliers' country of origin claims.

Burak delves into the current impact of tariffs on shipping container volumes from China, the strategic use of bonded warehouses, and makes predictions on how persistent tariffs will affect product pricing and consumer markets.

Learn how Forceget is assisting businesses with global shipping and marketplace entries, and gain actionable advice on navigating these turbulent times without panic.

Episode Notes:
00:30 - Burak Yolga Introduction
01:30 - Background and Global Trade Insights
03:28 - Understanding Tariffs and HTS Codes
05:15 - Strategies to Minimize Tariffs
07:29 - Risks and Challenges in International Supply Chain
09:10 - Shifts in Global Sourcing
12:33 - The Unfair Competition
14:15 - Balancing the Playing Field
18:35 - Impact on Shipping and Consumer Markets
23:00 - Market Responses and Predictions

Related Post: How to Leverage Amazon A+ Content for Brand Building

How to Reach Burak:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/burakyolga1 | linkedin.com/company/forceget/

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
28 min
April 29, 2025 Episode 302 - Aaron Conant on Building BWG Connect and Solving Amazon Challenges
Discover the challenges large brands face on the Amazon marketplace and how to navigate this complex landscape with Scott and Aaron Conant, Co-Founder & Chief Digital Strategist at BWG Connect.
Aaron shares his journey from corporate executive to building BWG Connect, a key platform for networking and sharing knowledge. Learn how peer-to-peer learning is crucial for overcoming operational hurdles, finding trusted service providers, and adapting traditional business models for Amazon.
This episode tackles critical issues affecting brand profitability on Amazon, including rising costs, tariffs, and the growing impact of retail media networks. Aaron also offers insights on how AI tools can boost profitability and explores the debate around Amazon's role as a sales channel versus a marketing powerhouse.

Episode Notes:
02:22 - Aaron Conant Introduction
01:10 - The Genesis of BWG Connect
03:09 - The Dynamics of Networking and Knowledge Sharing
05:43 - Challenges Faced by Large Brands on Amazon
08:51 - The Role of Retail Media and Advertising Technology
17:02 - Navigating Profitability and Unit Economics
21:39 - The Impact of PE and VC Money on Tech Industry
22:11 - BWG Connect as a Resource for Brands and Agencies

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

How to Reach Aaron:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aaronconant
Email: [email protected]

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
27 min
April 22, 2025 Episode 301 - Jon Derkits on Building an Amazon Brand That Lasts
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
49 min
April 15, 2025 Episode 300 - Tariff Tremors: Chinese Sellers, Rule-Breaking, and the New E-commerce Reality
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
21 min
April 01, 2025 Episode 299: Inside Prosper 2025: Innovations Changing Amazon Selling
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
21 min

About The Smartest Amazon Seller

From the publisher's feed

Scott Needham is the Founder of SmartScout. An Amazon software developer for 10 years his company BuyBoxer has done over $300m in sales on Amazon. Scott has accumulated a deep knowledge about selling…