Listen to this insightful episode as we chat with Steve Yates, the founder of Prime Guidance, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Dick's Sporting Goods, Amazon, and Woot. Steve shares valuable strategies for liquidating inventory, controlling the buy box, and optimizing brand presence on major platforms like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. We explore the benefits of using Woot for your inventory liquidations and discuss effective methods for brands to establish and enhance their e-commerce footprint.

In our discussion, we cover the intricacies of e-commerce consultancy and growth strategies, highlighting the options available for liquidating or donating excess inventory and the benefits of each approach. Steve explains how Prime Guidance supports sellers in optimizing their marketplace presence by providing tailored consultancy services, training internal teams, and offering strategic advice. We also touch on the challenges brands face when transitioning to Amazon and the importance of channel control policies and managing their own sales to improve profitability.

Finally, we talk about the complexities of inventory and pricing strategy, discussing the importance of channel control, product serialization, and the Amazon Transparency program. Steve shares insights on maintaining good relationships with retail giants and the significance of product differentiation in retail success. We also explore the emerging e-commerce opportunities on platforms like Walmart.com and TikTok, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt their strategies to each platform's unique algorithms and consumer expectations. Tune in to learn how to navigate the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape and accelerate your brand's growth.

In episode 413 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Steve discuss:

• 00:00 - Opportunities in E-Commerce for Big Brands
• 01:38 - Amazon's Acquisition of Woot.com
• 06:16 - Retail Strategy of Daily Deal Website
• 08:26 - E-Commerce Consultancy and Growth Strategy
• 14:40 - Revenue-Based vs. Fixed Fee Agency Services
• 17:21 - Navigating Resistance to Amazon Marketplace
• 20:25 - Strategies for Brand Channel Control
• 26:11 - Controlling Inventory and Pricing Strategy
• 28:50 - Dealing With Amazon Resellers
• 32:54 - Channel Strategy and Marketplace Differentiation
• 33:59 - Business Strategies for Retail Success
• 37:35 - Key Price Points for Product Placement
• 40:40 - Brand Strategy in E-Commerce Marketplaces
• 45:21 - Branding Strategies for Amazon Success
• 47:27 - Emerging E-Commerce Opportunities
• 50:59 - Optimizing Walmart Listings for Success
• 54:20 - Unscripted Conversations on AM/PM Podcast

Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation with Melanie Shabangu-Katsaris, co-founder of Avask, as we explore the vast opportunities in expanding global e-commerce. Melanie shares her expertise on why sellers should consider expanding their operations beyond their current markets, whether moving from the U.S. to Europe or vice versa. She provides an overview of how Avask supports sellers with critical aspects such as taxes, shipping, and compliance. We also reminisce about the close-knit nature of the Amazon-seller community, highlighted by memorable industry events like an unforgettable evening at a Beyoncé concert.

Listen in as we navigate the complex landscape of global e-commerce regulations, focusing on the differences between selling on Amazon in the U.S. versus Europe. Melanie sheds light on the regulatory challenges sellers face, including VAT registration and customs documentation, and explains why the maturity of the U.S. market often leads American and Chinese sellers to prioritize it over Europe. Despite these challenges, Melanie emphasizes the significant opportunities available in Europe and offers valuable insights to encourage more sellers to expand internationally.

Finally, we discuss the comprehensive services Avask offers to help sellers achieve international compliance, particularly in the UK and Europe. From VAT compliance to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) eco-contribution, Melanie explains how Avask simplifies these complexities for sellers. We also touch on recent changes in European regulations, such as Amazon's new VAT on Amazon initiative, and how Avask collaborates with Amazon to ensure seamless compliance for sellers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to broaden their e-commerce horizons with expert guidance from Avask.

In episode 412 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Melanie discuss:

• 00:00 - Expanding Global E-Commerce With Avask
• 02:42 - VIP Experience at Beyonce Concert
• 08:01 - Leveraging Technology for Business Growth
• 13:59 - Navigating Global E-Commerce Regulations
• 18:37 - Marketplace Regulations
• 20:24 - Navigating European E-Commerce Tax Regulations
• 23:29 - Amazon's Market Expansion in Europe
• 27:16 - EU VAT Compliance Regulations Impact Sellers
• 32:11 - International Tax Compliance and Reporting
• 34:23 - Navigating International Tax and E-Commerce
• 36:48 - Declaring Taxes and Customs
• 42:33 - Expanding International E-Commerce Compliance
• 43:21 - Global Shipping and Customs Impact
• 47:39 - Amazon's VAT Program Conclusion
• 49:23 - Amazon Sellers Facing Compliance Changes
• 56:13 - Kevin King’s Words of Wisdom

Join us as we welcome Josh Coleman, a Helium 10 Elite member, who shares his inspiring journey of launching and growing his brand on TikTok. After attending a Helium 10 Elite workshop in late 2023, Josh and his wife decided to experiment with TikTok, drawing from their unique blend of design and data-driven strategies. Listen in as Josh discusses how his passion for analytics helped him understand their audience better and the collaborative dynamic with his wife that propelled their brand to success.

We also explore the experiences of a couple who transitioned to full-time e-commerce with Amazon in late 2022, achieving seven-figure revenue within a year despite having no prior experience. Their story highlights the importance of focusing on building a brand and audience, navigating supply chain challenges, and understanding the difference between revenue and profit. Additionally, we discuss the misleading promises of easy success in e-commerce and the evolving complexities of the industry.

Finally, the episode touches on maximizing sales across multiple platforms, emphasizing the value of learning from those with practical experience. We discuss the impact of TikTok Shop, the strategic alliance between Amazon and TikTok, and the growing influence of influencer-driven sales. For those looking to transition from Amazon to TikTok Shop, we offer practical steps and highlight the importance of having a hero product and effective inventory management. Join us for a comprehensive look at the future of e-commerce and influencer marketing, and discover how you can stay ahead in this dynamic landscape.

In episode 411 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Josh discuss:

• 00:00 - TikTok Sales Boost E-commerce Business
• 03:51 - Helium 10 Elite Workshop To TikTok Success
• 08:09 - Building a Successful Amazon Business
• 13:57 - Long-Term Strategy for Amazon Business
• 15:58 - Maximizing Sales Across Multiple Platforms
• 20:50 - Comparing TikTok and Amazon Sales
• 32:48 - TikTok Influencers Boost Amazon Sales
• 35:43 - Maximizing TikTok Shop With Creators
• 42:24 - TikTok Creators and Agency Partnerships
• 45:01 - Leveraging Influencer Agencies Strategically
• 47:47 - Optimizing Hero Products for TikTok
• 51:27 - Future of E-Commerce and Influencer Marketing
• 56:18 - How To Get In Touch With Josh Coleman
• 58:36 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom