Picture this: Two pharmacists trading their lab coats for entrepreneurial hats, diving headfirst into the world of Amazon FBA. Janine and Brian's journey from selling closeout tanning lotion and books on eBay to becoming successful Amazon sellers is nothing short of inspiring. This episode captures their transition, highlighting how their complementary skills—Brian’s keen analytical mind and Janine’s marketing flair—propelled them to success. You'll hear about their experiences at a brainstorming event with Perry Belcher in Las Vegas, where open and honest discussions led to breakthrough business insights.

We also explore their story as Amazon entrepreneurs who scaled their business to an impressive $5 million in annual revenue through strategy and grit. The path wasn’t always smooth; from facing major safety complaints and grueling IP disputes to navigating a nightmare Amazon business exit, every challenge presented a learning opportunity. This journey emphasizes the importance of resilience and problem-solving in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.

Beyond Amazon, we dive into the diverse world of entrepreneurship. Janine and Brian share their adventures in turning around a struggling Amazon brand that they acquired after their exit and managing multiple Airbnb properties. They reveal their plans to leverage their pharmacy backgrounds by starting IV hydration clinics, illustrating their knack for balancing multiple ventures while maintaining steady income streams. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivational stories, underscoring the power of partnership, resilience, and the human connections that drive business success. Don't miss out on this episode full of entrepreneurial wisdom!

In episode 414 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin, Brian, and Janine discuss:

• 00:00 - Brian and Janine's Amazon FBA Business Success
• 03:24 - Amazon Sellers Share Insights at Event
• 06:01 - From Pharmacists to Amazon Entrepreneurs
• 10:33 - Success Story of Taking Action
• 14:20 - Immediate Business Success Stories
• 15:25 - Navigating Amazon Growth and Selling Journey
• 20:14 - Advice to Sell Brand and Grow
• 22:31 - Amazon Brand Suspension and Patent Dispute
• 31:02 - Negotiation for Brand Acquisition
• 32:20 - Resolving IP Dispute With Faithful Conversation
• 35:58 - Business Dispute Resolution Conversations
• 40:42 - Turning Around a Nightmare Amazon Business Exit
• 40:46 - A New Brand Acquisition for $40,000
• 45:53 - Airbnb, Amazon, and New Entrepreneurial Ventures
• 49:37 - Damage Control Strategies
• 52:07 - Business Networking and Persistence in Amazon
• 53:11 - Maximizing Amazon-Selling Success
• 53:40 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

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