What if the key to e-commerce success lies not just in finding the right product, but in choosing the right partners?

In this episode we unlock the secrets to building a successful Amazon business in the competitive world of consumer electronics.

Zamir shares his hard-won wisdom by opening up about his initial missteps in relying too heavily on communication skills over product quality when sourcing suppliers through platforms like Alibaba and Global Sources. Reliving his experiences of the Canton Fair and Hong Kong Electronics Fair, he explains how crucial firsthand engagement with manufacturers can be. With these experiences providing him not only with reliable partnerships but also with priceless insights into avoiding costly mistakes.

Gain actionable insights into the systematic approach he took to develop strong supplier relationships. Explore the essential steps of shortlisting suppliers, the significance of factory visits, and the art of assessing production quality. Hear strategies for overcoming language barriers, ensuring consistency between samples and production output, and imposing penalties for quality failures. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to optimise their supplier selection process and lay a robust foundation for their Amazon business success.

Key Takeaways:

Avoid Prioritising Only English Proficiency: Focus on the supplier's product quality and reliability, not just their ability to communicate in English. Great communication doesn’t always mean great products.

Request and Assess Samples Carefully: Always review samples critically, and don’t settle for subpar quality. A good sample doesn’t always guarantee consistent quality in bulk.

Visit Suppliers in Person if Possible: Consider traveling to factories or trade shows to inspect products and verify the supplier's credibility. This small investment can save you significant trouble and money in the long run.

Explore Trade Shows for Better Options: Trade shows, like the Canton Fair and others, provide an excellent opportunity to meet multiple suppliers, see their products firsthand, and gauge their manufacturing capabilities.

Think Long-Term Investment: Factor in the cost of sourcing trips as part of your investment. Ensuring your product is being made correctly is critical when scaling up.

Expand Your Sourcing Locations: While China is a major hub, exploring suppliers from other regions or local trade shows could open up new possibilities and reduce dependency on one location.

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources

Is Advertising Cost of Sales (ACOS) truly the metric you should be losing sleep over, or is there a tastier option out there - TACOS (Total Advertising Cost of Sales)?

In this episode, Ali & Zamir unravel the complex world of advertising metrics by pitting ACOS against TACOS, challenging the conventional wisdom that lower ACOS is always better. Hear how TACOS offers a more comprehensive view of advertising effectiveness, and how these metrics can influence strategic decisions.

Through the lens of branded and competitor campaigns, we explore how ACOS expectations can differ dramatically, and why embracing TACOS could be a game-changer for your brand's growth.

We break down the key distinctions between ACOS and TACOS, asking why ACOS is often misunderstood and misapplied as a macro-metric. Learn how it should be used tactically, especially at the keyword level, to enhance your advertising strategy.

Whether you're poaching sales from competitors or optimising for high conversion rates in a branded campaign, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the nuanced landscape of advertising metrics.

Key Takeaways:

ACOS vs TACOS: ACOS measures advertising spend relative to attributed revenue, while TACOS measures advertising spend relative to total revenue (organic + paid).

ACOS is Tactical: Use ACOS for evaluating specific campaigns or keywords, not for broad strategic decisions.

TACOS is Strategic: TACOS gives a better overview of total business performance and efficiency by factoring in all revenue.

Different ACOS Targets: Low ACOS (e.g., 10%) suits branded campaigns, while higher ACOS (30-40%) is acceptable for competitor or growth-driven campaigns.

Higher ACOS Aids Growth:  High ACOS can be justified in competitive markets to drive growth, with the expectation of improvement over time.

Budget Balance Matters: ACOS depends on how the budget is allocated across branded, generic, and competitor campaigns—optimize this balance for profitability and growth.

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources

Unlock the secrets of Amazon's Prime Day and transform your sales strategy with insights that could redefine how you approach this retail juggernaut.

In this episode, Ali & Zamir discuss the significance of timing, why sales often dip right after the Prime Day announcement, and how to leverage these insights for optimising your organic rankings. Historical data suggests that Prime Day will likely fall in the third week of July, strategically sidestepping the 4th of July holiday. Hear about the potential impact of an extended Prime Day and how a four-day event could reshape both seller strategies and consumer experiences.

Remember - preparation is the key to maximising success. Anticipating both forecasted activities and unexpected opportunities can make all the difference to your sales performance this Prime Day (and beyond!).

Key Takeaways:

Amazon strategically delays announcing Prime Day dates, as early announcements negatively impact consumer buying behavior in the 8-10 days leading up to the event.

July is a critical sales month, showing higher units sold and revenue compared to other months, with a large concentration of activity centered around Prime Day.

Historical data suggests Prime Day typically occurs mid-month, starting on a Tuesday, and lasting two days. However, a shift to a four-day event is anticipated this year.

Achieving a high organic ranking before Amazon's Prime Day announcement is crucial, as there's limited time to boost rankings once the announcement is made.

Post-announcement sales dip has been observed, showcasing how buyer anticipation affects shopping trends right before Prime Day.

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources

What sets Amazon Canada apart from its southern neighbour? In this episode, Ali & Zamir are joined by Runda Shahar of Seller Interactive, Canada’s award winning Amazon marketing agency.

Hear how stricter regulations and bilingual packaging requirements can surprisingly play to your advantage, creating a golden opportunity with less competition. With Runda sharing valuable insights on navigating the Canadian market where Amazon boasts 40% of the e-commerce share and is steadily growing.

From shipping logistics to marketing nuances, hear about the benefits of lower competition, efficient distribution, and adapting your marketing strategy to cater to Canadian tastes and preferences.

This episode also has a playful twist, with a game of Real Versus Fictional Teams - stories are swapped about the NHL and spoiler alert: the Houston Comets aren't in the NHL! 

Key Takeaways:

The Canadian marketplace offers significant growth opportunities due to less competition compared to the US. There are fewer sellers, which makes it easier to rank and become a category leader.

In Canada, although only 60% of the population speaks English, all packaging and product instructions must be in both English and French. However, product listings on Amazon Canada do not need to be in both languages since Amazon provides automatic translation for French searches.

Entering the Canadian market comes with stricter regulations compared to the US. Products, especially those in categories like toys and children's items, must comply with Canada's regulatory bodies such as Health Canada and CSA.

Amazon holds approximately 40% of the e-commerce market in Canada, double the market share of Walmart. This indicates Amazon's strong presence and opportunity for sellers in the Canadian e-commerce space.

The Canadian e-commerce market has experienced significant growth, with an 11% year-over-year increase over the last few years, indicating a robust and expanding marketplace for potential businesses.

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources

Amazon has dropped another bombshell: slashing FBA storage capacity in the US by up to 75%. This staggering cut has sellers scrambling, leaving us questioning whether there's more to the story. 

In this episode, Ali & Zamir explore whether Amazon is covering up a deeper issue or simply recalibrating its operations post-pandemic. As peak shopping events like Prime Day approach, inventory management becomes a formidable challenge, especially faced with the prospect of tariffs. 

We’ll dive deep into community theories, potential missteps, and the ripple effects of these changes on sellers.

We explore the possible motives behind this controversial decision and weigh whether Amazon is merely recalibrating its infrastructure post-pandemic or if a deeper issue is lurking beneath the surface.

Hear why Ali & Zamir think Amazon Haul bears resemblance to political strategies - is there a secret connection with the Trump administration? With products under $20 aiming to undermine competitors, we unpack speculative connections and peculiar coincidences with tariffs and de minimis rules.

Key Takeaways:

Amazon's Storage Policy Changes: Amazon has significantly reduced the Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) storage capacity, with reductions ranging from 60% to 75% for many sellers. This has caused concern and frustration among sellers, especially those well-prepared for peak times like Prime Day.

Impact on Sellers: This reduction in storage capacity affects sellers' ability to maintain adequate stock levels, particularly during crucial sales periods. Even those who manage their inventory effectively are finding it difficult to adapt to these changes.

Speculation on Amazon's Motives: There is uncertainty about whether this move by Amazon is based on a specific internal issue yet to be disclosed or a strategic miscalculation. The lack of clarity is unsettling for sellers trying to plan their logistics and inventory.

Community Reactions: The changes have prompted sellers to turn to online communities, like r/FulfillmentByAmazon on Reddit, to discuss theories and share strategies for coping with the new limitations. This reflects the communal aspect of industry challenges and the search for collective understanding.

Importance of Adaptability: The situation underscores the need for businesses to stay adaptable and responsive to abrupt changes in major platform policies, emphasising agility as a crucial skill in the e-commerce landscape.

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources

In this special episode recorded at a team retreat, Ali & Zamir are joined by Leon, a talented digital marketing specialist, and James, the dynamic head of Amazon marketplaces at This Way Up.

Discover their unique career paths, with Leon sharing his journey from university straight into the team, while James shares his decision to pursue an apprenticeship with This Way Up instead of a degree. Their contrasting stories highlight the diverse career paths into the industry, and the value of getting hands-on experience in the business world. Hear how they overcame initial challenges and achieved significant sales growth, transitioning from Amazon to B2B and B2C operations with major retail partnerships. 

With the upcoming Amazon Prime Day on the horizon, we turn our attention to preparations, including the importance of inventory planning, promotional strategies, and competitor insights.

Key Takeaways:

People are Key: Building and nurturing strong relationships with people is essential for achieving growth and success in any endeavor. 

Diverse Paths to Success: There are multiple ways to reach a fulfilling career or goal, and non-traditional routes can be just as effective as conventional ones.

Big Goals Require Big Efforts: Transforming an idea into reality often requires strategic planning, hard work, and perseverance.

Global Exposure Matters: Experiencing different environments and cultures broadens perspectives and helps in both personal and professional growth.

Adaptability Leads to Opportunities: Being flexible and embracing change can open up unique prospects and drive progress in challenging environments.

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources

What if Amazon could redefine the very notion of delivery speed? In this episode, Ali & Zamir explore the groundbreaking ambitions unveiled in Andy Jassy's annual letter to shareholders, including Amazon's audacious goal to shrink delivery windows to under two hours.

Take a closer look at Amazon’s unwavering customer obsession, constant innovation, and long-term strategies. In particular, the introduction of "YQ," a culture shift that encourages questioning existing norms to unearth new possibilities. Inspired by "SAS Rogue Heroes," this initiative aims to push Amazon beyond operational prowess to a deeper understanding of their mission and purpose.

Hear about Amazon's strategic leap into in-house AI chip production with the inception of Trainium 2, a move set to shake up the AI landscape and reduce dependency on industry giants like Nvidia. This bold initiative is part of Amazon's broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and embrace a more action-oriented culture. 

If you’re looking for the inside scoop of how Amazon is changing in 2025 and beyond, this episode is for you. 

Key Takeaways:

Amazon is raising the bar for deliveries, aiming for under two-hour windows in certain areas. They’re redefining what fast means and resetting customer expectations.

At Amazon, failure isn’t feared - it’s part of the formula. They constantly test new ideas, knowing innovation is impossible without taking big risks.

Amazon plays the long game. They’re not just chasing today’s profits - they’re building systems, technology, and customer loyalty that will pay off for years to come.

Amazon’s "frugality" value isn’t about cutting corners - it’s about forcing creativity. They stretch resources to innovate and challenge the status quo.

Amazon’s internal culture - centered on curiosity, questioning the status quo, and constant reinvention - sets the foundation for all its success. It’s why they thrive, even in tough markets.

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources

"I quit my 40-hour a week job so I could work 150 hours for myself” - it definitely isn’t for everyone but for those who find a side hustle like selling on Amazon, it could become a reality that opens up a new way of living and working. 

In this episode, Ali & Zamir shine a spotlight on their personal and professional lives and how being successful founders has unlocked the ability to live and work wherever they decide (even if it doesn’t permit shopping on Amazon!).

Hear how the challenges and rewards of being entrepreneurs are allowing them the freedom, flexibility and geographic mobility to live a life by design. 

Key Takeaways:

Being adaptable, resilient, and open to new opportunities is essential for innovation and personal growth, no matter what field you're in.

Gaining international experience can broaden your perspective and provide unique insights, enhancing both personal and professional development.

Building a brand or career that reflects your authentic values can lead to a more fulfilling and successful professional journey.

Embrace challenges as learning experiences and use them as stepping stones toward achieving your goals.

Engage with supportive communities and networks to access valuable resources, advice, and collaborative opportunities that can aid in growth and success.

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources

In this special episode, Ali & Zamir discuss cross-border trade and the current tariff war between the US and China.

They explore the unpredictable and volatile nature of tariffs and how they significantly affect business planning and stock management. As businesses grapple with uncertainty, hear about the importance of adjusting pricing strategies or accepting lower margins to continue operating in a challenging environment.

The unique challenges faced by Amazon sellers, especially when managing price increases due to tariffs and duties, can dramatically alter costs, so the rule of thumb is careful balance of stock without overcommitting.

The episode also explores the struggles of China-based sellers with duty payments and the lack of Amazon-specific relief programs for customs duties - and asks whether adopting Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms could simplify the customs process.

Key Takeaways:

Tariffs create volatility and unpredictability in international trade, particularly affecting businesses that trade across borders. Key considerations include the point of origin of goods and the target market for sales.

Businesses need to be cautious about stock levels under fluctuating tariff regimes. Large stock commitments can pose risks if tariff costs change, impacting profitability.

Sellers facing increased costs due to tariffs should carefully plan price adjustments to avoid losing competitive advantage, such as the Amazon "buy box." 

The impact of price changes on demand varies based on product type. Understanding consumer prioritization of needs versus wants helps businesses plan pricing strategies effectively.

Excess supply originally meant for the US market due to tariff impacts could lead to increased competition and deflationary pressures in other regions like Europe. 

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources

In this special episode recorded whilst grabbing wings, Ali & Zamir share their love for the food, and their appreciation of “Hot Ones” alongside their personal origin stories leading them to come together as This Way Up.

Starting with Zamir, the web development expert who, in the wake of Google's Penguin and Panda updates, found a side hustle in Amazon selling. Hear how creative experimentation of products bought from Costco laid the foundation for a competitive presence in the Amazon marketplace.

From bootstrapping with a credit card to growing into a million pound business, Zamir travelled to trade shows in Hong Kong and China, where the art of distinguishing between trading companies and manufacturers became crucial. Through factory visits and relationship-building, he launched a product line of chargers and headphones, navigating competitive markets and scaling operations with limited resources. The hustle highlighting the power of perseverance, rapid product turnover, and strategic connections to achieving significant business growth.

Ali undertook a fascinating career shift from being a lawyer in New Zealand to take up a passion-driven role in communications at the United Nations, before moving to the UK to complete his masters. After experimenting with GHD’s + Ralph Lauren shirts, Ali launched a coconut product business, aligning his passion for ethical business practices by implementing fair trade practices to help farmers.

They came together to launch This Way Up after first meeting at an Amazon event 9 years ago. Founded out of a shared desire to improve consumer insights, they combined their skills in economics and consumer psychology, driven by data to better understand consumer behaviour and market trends.

Zamir explains how leveraging global data insights helped capitalise on market trends in January 2020 at the start of the Covid pandemic to serve the global need for non medical face masks.

This episode is a celebration of the value of hustle sincerity and adaptability in the face of challenges that both Ali & Zamir have shown throughout their careers, highlighting how minor decisions can lead to major opportunities. 

Watch their Amazon FBA origin stories -

Zamir - https://youtu.be/Nc8K91m2cz8?si=ysNC6h_HD-VHL0cH

Ali - https://youtu.be/FxR0CwX10_A?si=LBkJxiz2w77pRtSm 

Key Takeaways:

In business, being adaptable is crucial. When faced with changes, such as updates to Google's search algorithms affecting web traffic, it's important to pivot and explore new avenues. This adaptability helps businesses stay relevant and seize new opportunities.

Success often requires relentless hustle and the willingness to experiment. Entrepreneurs might bootstrap their ventures using credit cards, try various business models, or take bold risks to test what works best for them. The key is to be proactive and persistent.

Cultivating strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers is vital. By visiting factories or engaging directly with manufacturers, entrepreneurs can negotiate better deals, ensure product quality, and foster trust, all of which contribute to business growth.

Aligning business goals with social and ethical values can enhance brand reputation and customer trust. For example, ensuring fair trade practices and fair wages in sourcing helps create a positive impact and can differentiate a brand from its competitors.

Data analysis plays a crucial role in identifying trends and making informed business decisions. By examining market demands or consumer behaviors, businesses can anticipate needs, respond effectively, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

To access more insights on boosting sales, minimising costs, and maximising profitability across online marketplaces, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources