Ecommerce Conversations, By Practical Ecommerce

We've all heard the buzz surrounding agentic AI agents. What's missing for many of us is how they can help our business. What is an AI agent? Can it really perform tasks and get things done?In this episode, host Eric Bandholz asks those questions and more to Anthony DelPizzo. He is the head of product marketing with Triple Whale, the Shopify-backed ecommerce analytics platform that has launched its own AI agent called Moby. It responds to ChatGPT-like prompts, suggests marketing channels, and even composes emails.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/triple-whales-moby-ai-gets-things-doneFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their bu

Throughout 2025, host Eric Bandholz has occasionally shared his experiences owning and operating Beardbrand, the direct-to-consumer brand he launched in 2014. He has addressed hiring, branding, profit-building, priority-setting, exiting, and overcoming a million-dollar loss.In this episode, he shares what he believes is the best bootstrapped ecommerce model and why others should consider it.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/the-best-ecommerce-business-modelFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated

Customer acquisition costs can ruin a business. Some merchants limit acquisition spend to the gross margin of the first sale. Others look to customers' lifetime value.Yet Taylor Holiday, CEO of the agency Common Thread Collective, profits from acquisition marketing. He calls it "negative CAC."Taylor first appeared on the podcast in 2020. In this episode, he explains his acquisition strategy, experiences with employee ownership, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/how-to-achieve-negative-cacFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com 

John Melizanis believes third-party logistics fees often produce surprise charges. Per-item pricing for picks, packs, and receiving can turn an anticipated $1 per order fee into $2.50 or more, he says.John is the co-founder of ShipDudes, a New Jersey-based 3PL launched in 2020. His company uses flat-rate pricing for pick-and-pack and warehousing, and no markup for shipping. "Brands appreciate knowing their exact costs," he told me.In this episode, John addressed the origins of ShipDudes, in-store retail, warehouse automation, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/the-no-surprise-3pl-pricing-modelFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants

Nate Lagos is vice president of marketing for Original Grain, a direct-to-consumer seller of luxury watches. He relies on Facebook advertising, but not for immediate customer acquisition.“Platforms such as Facebook are megaphones, not salespeople,” he says.In this episode, Nate shares his marketing origins, advertising tactics, influencer management, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/facebook-megaphone-powers-d2c-watch-brandFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce plat

Ray Reddy is a two-time mobile commerce entrepreneur, a Google veteran, and, now, the head of Shopify POS, the company's in-store platform. He says the future of retail is location-agnostic, where shoppers can easily move from online to brick-and-mortar without losing account details, order history, and shipping info.That, he says, is the path of Shopify POS.In this episode, he addresses Shopify's physical-store penetration, the needs of modern shoppers, backend complexities, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/shopify-pos-exec-on-future-of-retailFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations enhance visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with exper

This year host Eric Bandholz has sprinkled occasional episodes with real-life master classes from Beardbrand, his company. To date he's addressed hiring, branding, profit-building, priority-setting, and exiting.For this installment, he shares Beardbrand’s experience of losing nearly $1 million across 2023 and 2024. It got bad. Cash levels dropped to where they were in year one, 2014. The business was hemorrhaging money.But it survived. It made it through without outside funding. Eric and his company are now growing and building, eager for the future.He recaps the journey in this incredible, transparent episode.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/how-to-survive-a-million-dollar-lossFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independe

Next-gen health and wellness is an apt description of MNLY. Luke Hartelust launched the platform in 2021, pronouncing it “Manly,” and then pivoted twice while remaining focused on modern care for men.The current version combines AI with home-based testing, diagnoses, and nutrition. Customers pay an upfront fee and a monthly subscription afterward.In this episode, Luke shared the company’s origins, growth, mistakes, and more. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/mnlys-at-home-ai-powers-mens-healthFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations enhance visibility and help others learn from the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing com

Shakil Prasla once owned 12 ecommerce consumer brands generating $50 million in combined annual revenue with 50 employees. But he grew wary of the fluctuating revenue and non-stop marketing, so he pivoted during Covid to wholesale personal protective equipment.That's when he and I last spoke. The PPE business, Gloves.com, had misgauged demand and lost, initially, a whopping $6 million. He has since recovered and pivoted again, this time to real estate and convenience-store gas stations.He's an inspiring example of resilience, priorities, and seizing opportunities. He shared those lessons and more in this episode.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/ecommerce-to-real-estate-an-owners-storyFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review o

Michael Simpson is a New Mexico-based father of seven and a National Guard veteran. Returning from a 2021 deployment, he sought a business to acquire, hoping to avoid his previous job. A listing from a brokerage caught his attention.Discount Catholic Products had launched in 2003 and was for sale. The company's mission appealed to Michael. Plus it was not reliant on Amazon or a single product or imports from China — all key requirements. He purchased the business.Fast forward to 2025, and the retailer perseveres. Michael's role has evolved to part-time oversight. A single employee, his sister-in-law, runs daily operations with help from his kids.In this conversation, he shares financing the acquisition, cash flow challenges, marketing tactics, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/faith-family-and-ecommerceFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce C

Host Eric Bandholz, a seasoned entrepreneur, evaluates good and bad reasons to sell a business. He says that ideally, founders build a business they love, one that enhances their lives. To Eric, business is one of life's greatest gifts, offering freedom, wealth, connection, and the ability to serve, create, and leave a lasting mark on the world.He reminds us that our possessions — the headphones we use, the tools we carry, the art on our wall — exist because someone built them. Entrepreneurs shape society. That's the power of business.This is Eric's fifth master class on entrepreneurship, following installments on hiring, branding, profit-building, and priority-setting. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/dont-exit-for-the-wrong-reasonsFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of

For years Jack Oswald was a touring tennis professional. He aimed for top worldwide rankings, the key to serious earnings. The rankings never came, but constant travel exposed a nagging problem: his tennis bags kept breaking.Thus began his passion for designing a better bag for athletes on the go. And that led to Cancha, a direct-to-consumer seller of sport and travel bags, which he launched in 2019 from his base in the U.K.In this episode, Jack discusses his transition from tennis to entrepreneurship, including early struggles, raising capital, and more. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/pro-tennis-player-pivots-to-ecommerceFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help o

Sally Wilson is a lawyer turned craft entrepreneur. She's also an involved mother who shares her business and passions with two kids. She says being a great mom doesn't mean sacrificing who you are.Sally launched Caterpillar Cross Stitch a decade ago from her home in England. Fast forward to 2025, and her company has 12 employees, selling cross-stitch supplies, courses, and events to customers worldwide.In this episode, she addresses early struggles, leadership lessons, global selling, and, yes, raising kids. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/great-mom-builds-global-craft-bizFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses.

As a kid, Brett Curry was fascinated by TV commercials. Now the owner of OMG Commerce, a leading ecommerce marketing agency, he says YouTube ads are similar. "A good TV ad often makes a good YouTube ad," he stated.Host Eric Bandholz asked for details. What's a good YouTube ad strategy for ecommerce? How much should an advertiser spend? Which products work the best?Brett addressed those questions and more in this episode. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com youtube-ad-secrets-for-ecommerceFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com 

To host Eric Bandholz, the best companies have a purpose, and the happiest owners set priorities for business and life.  In this episode, Eric offers another master class on entrepreneurship. It’s his fourth this year, following installments on hiring, branding, and profit-building.He aims to help existing and future entrepreneurs based on operating Beardbrand, his direct-to-consumer company, for a decade now. He says this master class is the most important to date. He addresses the "North Star" essentials for his company, family, health, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/build-a-business-you-loveFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merc

Raphael Schneider launched Gentleman's Gazette in 2010 as a blog for men's style and apparel. He added his own product line in 2013, selling menswear and accessories.He emphasizes quality in apparel and content. His YouTube channel, launched in 2015, remains essential for traffic and conversions, owing, he says, to the quality of the videos. "Ten years from now, someone can still benefit from a video we produce today," he statedRaphael first appeared on the podcast in 2018. In this episode, he addresses the company's origins, Google search, and, yes, his focus on YouTube.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/gentlemans-gazette-thrives-on-youtubeFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mi

For $60, Bob DeMars’s company, Blind Barrel, will ship a package of four craft-distilled whiskey samples, unmarked, with a tasting glass. Recipients can then try them and guess the whiskey type, age, and proof.It’s a game using Blind Barrel’s app, preferably with friends. Participants can purchase entire bottles at discounted prices.Bob launched the business in 2021 from his base in California. In this conversation, he addresses the company’s growth, marketing tactics, legalities, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/craft-whiskeys-home-deliveredFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com 

Weston Jon Bouchér is a California-based menswear brand and the name of its founder. He launched the company in 2019 after a decade as a full-time apparel and lifestyle model.He initially sought a white-label supplier with like-minded quality standards. Unsuccessful, he opted instead for “cut-and-sew manufacturing.” The result is a network of global manufacturers, all producing apparel to Jon’s designs and specifications, and sold entirely from his Shopify site.He joins host Eric Bandholz in this episode, addressing the brand’s launch, production challenges, marketing tactics, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/from-model-to-menswear-founderFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 200

Mehtab Bhogal is the co-founder of Karta Ventures, a Canada-based acquirer of troubled ecommerce businesses. The firm seeks companies with "issues," such as unpaid taxes, regulatory problems, and founder disputes.He says buying distressed companies is like salvaging a crashed car. "What are the parts worth?" he asks.In this episode, he addresses identifying hidden value, turnaround tactics, seller concerns, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/ecommerce-investor-on-turnaround-tacticsFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independen

Josh Durham launched Aligned Growth Management, an influencer marketing agency, in 2020. He says the influencer industry has evolved from the halcyon days a decade ago when affiliate-based creators could generate 5x returns.Influencer marketing circa 2025, according to Josh, is a long-term play. Success depends on quality products, engaged creator audiences, and content that supports multiple channels.In this episode (his second on the podcast), Josh shares the essentials for scalable, high-performing influencer programs. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/a-playbook-for-influencer-marketingFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider.