Am/pm Podcast: How To Sell Private Label Products On Amazon Fba With Manny Coats

Vietnam is becoming the go-to sourcing hub for e-commerce sellers. Today's guest shares insights on tariffs, factory clusters, supplier vetting, and scaling beyond China.   Curious about global sourcing dynamics amid trade wars and tariffs? We have Jim Kennemer from Cosmos Sourcing on board to unpack these complexities. Discover how businesses have been navigating the trade landscape since the Trump administration, with Vietnam emerging as a strategic alternative to China. Jim shares his expert insights on why having a backup plan is crucial in this unpredictable environment and how companies have effectively dealt with unexpected tariff changes. Dive into the fascinating shifts in manufacturing, where Chinese companies are setting up shop in Vietnam, preserving factory setups to ensure business continuity.   Join us as we explore the vibrant landscapes of Vietnam and China from a cultural and economic perspective. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the incredible garment industry in Hoi An, Jim

From retail arbitrage to private label success, this episode dives into brand building, niche strategies, AI tools, and the truth about standing out in a crowded Amazon marketplace. Can you imagine turning a schoolyard hustle into an 8-figure Amazon empire? Charles Chakkalo did just that, and his journey from selling Coke cans to becoming a private label giant offers invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial path, including a hilarious tale of juggling business opportunities with personal commitments. Charles also shares insights into building a brand in today's competitive e-commerce landscape, all while emphasizing the power of networking at industry hotspots.   For those with a knack for nostalgia, you'll love the stories of entrepreneurial beginnings, featuring school days filled with selling Billboard Top 40 albums and the many trials of early retail arbitrage. These experiences didn't just pad their pockets; they laid the groundwork fo

Two bold founders share how they're revolutionizing period wear for active women. From startup struggles to wearable innovation, this is a story of purpose, power, and persistence. Join us as we sit down with two extraordinary entrepreneurs, Alayne and Angie, who are on the verge of launching an innovative product that merges functionality with empowerment in customized clothing. Alayne shares her remarkable journey from being a ballroom dancer to overcoming severe scoliosis, defying medical odds, and returning triumphantly to the dance floor. Angie's story is equally inspiring, as she talks about founding Pulse Body, a company aimed at providing practical period solutions for young dancers, inspired by her own daughter's experiences. Together, they are addressing a significant gap in the market, and their passion for empowering women is palpable throughout their journey. Our conversation also explores the strategic aspects of building a new brand in the e-commerce space, focusing on the integration of period

Global competition is killing Western sellers. This episode’s guest shares how to survive tariffs, copycats, and shifting supply chains in this must-hear e-commerce deep dive.   E-commerce enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, you're in for a treat as we sit down with Bernie Thompson, a pioneering eight-figure Amazon seller and former software engineer with industry giants like IBM and Microsoft. Bernie charts a thrilling journey from his tech roots to establishing a successful electronics company in the early days of Amazon's marketplace. Our conversation unveils the seismic shifts in the e-commerce landscape, where timing, innovation, and an adaptable mindset are key to thriving amid intense global competition.   We're not shying away from the hard-hitting challenges Western sellers face, particularly in the electronics sector. Bernie opens up about navigating the choppy waters of tariffs and fierce competition from aggressive Chinese brands. Misleading product claims and the difficulty of enforcing regulations in

Learn how to defend your Amazon brand from overseas knockoffs. Today’s guest shares real IP battles, counterfeiting tactics, and strategies for protecting your e-commerce success.   Can your Amazon brand survive the onslaught of 153 knockoffs? Hear from Chris Keef, our expert guest, as he unravels the harrowing tale of an Amazon seller who faced this exact nightmare and navigated the turbulent waters of account suspension despite a fortress of patents and trademarks. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge from his dual experiences in the corporate and e-commerce worlds, offering listeners a roadmap for maintaining a competitive edge through robust intellectual property strategies and unique product offerings."   In a world where unauthorized sellers and 'hijackers' lurk around every corner of online marketplaces, protecting your Amazon listing becomes a high-stakes game. We dive into the systemic issues within online marketplaces, shedding light on the stark contrast between e-commerce and traditional retail envi

Social commerce is booming. Learn how brands use TikTok Shop, influencer campaigns, and spark ads to drive engagement and how it boosts your Amazon sales.   Can TikTok Shop really be the ultimate game-changer for brands aiming to make millions together with Amazon? Join us as we welcome Sohun Sanka, who brings firsthand experience from TikTok Shop's inception in the US, to uncover the secrets behind this booming social commerce platform. From algorithms to government scrutiny, we dissect what makes TikTok a revolutionary tool for brand success and how it stands apart from traditional platforms like Amazon and Shopify.   Discover how TikTok Shop's seamless in-app purchasing is setting new standards in e-commerce, offering brands lower CPMs and remarkable attribution capabilities. We take you through the maze of TikTok's advertising landscape, highlighting innovative ad types like Spark ads and live shopping ads that are transforming consumer engagement. Learn the strategic differences between organic content a

One of the fastest ways to boost your Amazon sales? Fix your damn listings. Our guest today drops $100K image hacks, avatar secrets, and AI tips you can use today.   What if you could optimize your Amazon listings to boost sales without spending more on PPC or launching new products? Join us as we explore this possibility with Kamaljit Singh from AMZ One Step. Kamal, a seasoned expert in Amazon listing optimization, shares his wealth of knowledge on enhancing your listings, improving click-through rates, and the critical role of quality product imagery. Gain insights into the future of Amazon listings and discover how sellers can adapt to the ever-changing e-commerce landscape.   Kamal's journey from India to Canada is a tale of evolution, from selling streaming boxes to South Asian communities to establishing a thriving Amazon agency. We unravel his transition from telecommunications to e-commerce, highlighting the strategic pivot to private labeling and teaching the art of Amazon selling. The conversation f

Sourcing expert Isaac Hetzroni, aka @thesourcingguy, shares tips on China, AI, factory tours, and finding top suppliers. Essential insights for smarter e-commerce strategies.   Join us as we explore the dynamic world of sourcing with Isaac Hetzroni, aka @thesourcingguy, a rising influencer known for his insightful content on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Isaac, though lesser-known in the Amazon space, shares his extensive experience in manufacturing, having grown up in the industry with his family's apparel and electronics factories. He provides valuable insights on whether businesses should look beyond China for sourcing, and shares practical tips on understanding product costs and minimizing risks. Isaac's engaging social media presence brings these topics to life, making sourcing strategies both informative and entertaining.   We'll also examine the complexities and misconceptions surrounding sourcing from China, where advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce have cemented its status as a manufact

From launching rockets to scaling 8-figure brands, our guest shares AI hacks, PPC wins, & the secret tactic he learned in Helium 10 Elite that made him millions on Amazon. Join us for an exciting conversation with Jerry Vida, an 8-figure Amazon seller with 17 years of e-commerce experience and a rocket-building hobby on the side. He shares his remarkable journey of navigating the Amazon landscape and achieving substantial sales success. Jerry opens up about his transition from struggling with PPC agencies to founding his own successful PPC agency. He recounts a pivotal moment from a Helium 10 Elite hack that helped him optimize lightning deals scheduling and significantly boost sales. Together, we reflect on the power of actionable insights, the role of AI in business, and the value of staying informed through curated content like newsletters. As we explore the future of e-commerce, we discuss the transformative impact of AI technology on the industry. From reducing the need for large teams to enabling da

Learn the global expansion blueprint from an 8-figure Amazon seller! Overcome tariffs, streamline logistics, earn miles, and boost Amazon listings with AI insights and smart strategies. Antonio Bindi, an accomplished eight-figure Amazon seller from Brazil, joins us to share his remarkable journey from dentistry to the e-commerce world. Antonio has become a success story by expanding his business in the US and Europe, leveraging the exciting and sometimes challenging opportunities that come with global expansion. His insights reveal how navigating tariffs, managing logistics, and optimizing inventory can open doors to new horizons and even world travel, painting a captivating picture of what it means to thrive in the e-commerce industry. Our conversation takes a closer look at the complexities of international e-commerce, with Brazil playing a central role. We discuss the challenges sellers face, such as the intricate Brazilian tax system and high tariffs, and how these hurdles impact foreign companies trying

In this episode, our guest explores AI’s impact on e-commerce, from voice search to prompt engineering, revealing strategies to future-proof your Amazon and online retail success. Andrew Bell, a thought leader in AI and e-commerce, takes us on his remarkable journey from studying ancient Greek and preaching to becoming a leading voice in the intersection of AI and online retail. He shares personal stories, including the influence of his late grandfather, a top contract negotiator, and his wife's inspiring story of being adopted from Ethiopia and launching a business that supports her orphanage. Andrew's insights into the e-commerce world reveal his strategic role in the growth of brands like Touch of Class on Amazon and his tenure as the Amazon lead for the National Fire Protection Association, where he champions the representation of vital safety standards. Explore the evolving landscape of AI in e-commerce, where image generation and large language models redefine user experience. Andrew shares success stor

Ex-Amazon insider Kara Babb shares how to use social media, branding, and AI to build unforgettable brands and drive real emotional connections with customers. Kara Babb, a former Amazon vendor manager, joins us to unravel the complexities of branding in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. Drawing from her rich experience, Kara emphasizes the necessity of an omnichannel strategy, highlighting how sustainable brand success relies heavily on building a presence both on and off Amazon. She shares her insights on the significance of external traffic and creative brand awareness campaigns, with compelling examples like Poppy and BirdBuddy, to show how they can create sales surges and foster growth in the competitive market. Our exploration takes a fascinating turn as we examine BirdBuddy's innovative use of TikTok to capture the millennial and Gen Z audience, uncovering how creative content strategies can lead to explosive viral success. We discuss the hurdles platforms like Amazon face in the realm of soci

Amazon thought leader Danny McMillan joins us to dive into the latest on AI, Cosmo & Rufus, Amazon patents, seller conferences, and what’s happening in the agency space! Importance of adapting event formats to meet evolving participant expectations. By sharing our experiences, we uncover the power of creating engaging, impactful environments that foster meaningful learning and networking opportunities. Lastly, we touch on the evolving trends within the agency business, the impact of AI and automation on e-commerce, and the critical role of understanding customer objections for conversion optimization. As agencies navigate the challenges of a competitive landscape, differentiation and genuine value become key to success. Meanwhile, the rapid advancements in AI technologies are reshaping industries, underscoring the necessity for sellers and companies to stay informed and adaptable. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the e-commerce landscape, event management strategies, and future trends, maki

Discover how this Amazon seller scaled her business from $1.5M to $5M in just 5 months! Learn her top strategies, brand tips, and growth secrets in this episode.   Discover the riveting journey of Palak Raniwala, a remarkable entrepreneur who catapulted her Amazon sales from $1.5 million to a staggering $5 million in just five months. We trace Palak's path from her early e-commerce missteps to her current success, all while exploring the pivotal role of storytelling in marketing. Her move from London to Austin and her immediate dive into the Market Masters event showcase her relentless commitment to her craft. Palak's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of resilience and learning from past mistakes, with insights that any aspiring entrepreneur would find invaluable.   In this episode, we explore the art of brand storytelling, drawing inspiration from historical diamond marketing strategies to enrich a home linen business. By forging authentic connections through influencer marketing, Pal

Learn how to master Amazon flat files, optimize listings, protect your catalog, and avoid common backend pitfalls in this deep dive into the fundamentals of selling on Amazon. Vanessa Hung, a powerhouse in the Amazon-selling sphere, joins us to share her transformative journey from Venezuela to becoming a key figure in the Amazon-selling space. Our conversation kicks off with the serendipitous connections made through Clubhouse, a platform that became a lifeline for Amazon sellers during the pandemic. Vanessa's story is not just about her ascension in the Amazon community but also a testament to the power of collaboration and the unexpected friendships that have shaped her career. Her expertise in Amazon flat files and backend processes gives sellers essential tools to optimize their listings and master the platform's intricacies.   We dive into the often-overlooked world of Amazon flat files, exploring their pivotal role in catalog management and listing optimization. Vanessa sheds light on how flat files, w

In this episode, Oana Padurariu joins us to geek out on Amazon’s AI tools, PPC, and SEO—breaking down 7+ Amazon programs and how to optimize your strategy using each one.   What can Amazon's AI technologies teach us about optimizing e-commerce strategies for the future? Join us as we unravel this intriguing question with our guest, Oana Padurariu, a dynamic PPC and SEO strategist. Oana takes us on her personal voyage from Romania to Italy, shedding light on her passionate shift from Google AdWords to Amazon's advertising ecosystem. Her unique insights into shopper psychology and indexation reveal the synergy between PPC and SEO, while her enthusiasm for Amazon's scientific advancements showcases her dedication to staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce.   Accountability emerges as a key theme as we discuss building long-term professional relationships in the world of Amazon PPC. We compare the merits of hiring seasoned professionals versus nurturing fresh talent, driven by the urgency of sp

Amazon’s top global seller reveals 3 keys to success, how brands can scale without giving up control, and game-changing AI and logistics strategies.   Imagine unlocking the secret to skyrocketing your brand's e-commerce growth without sacrificing ownership. In our conversation with Rob Hahn, the Chief Operating Officer of Pattern, we promise you'll uncover strategies that could transform your approach to selling on Amazon. With Pattern's model, which focuses on acceleration rather than aggregation, you’ll learn how brands can maintain control while scaling their market presence. Rob provides a unique perspective on how Pattern's advanced technology, coupled with their expertise in fulfillment and logistics, empowers brands to flourish both domestically and globally.   Our discussion also takes you behind the scenes of Amazon's logistics revolution. Join us as Rob shares stories from his time as a former Amazon executive, highlighting the company's remarkable journey from relying on third-party logistics to de

E-commerce seller Kate Bray shares how she turned a personal problem into a likely 8-figure Amazon product. Learn her unique launch strategy in this inspiring episode! Discover the fascinating journey of Kate Bray, an inspiring entrepreneur who pivoted from nursing to e-commerce, making a remarkable impact in the Amazon marketplace. Our conversation with Kate reveals her strategic shift in 2021 when she harnessed the potential of Amazon to launch a unique product for women, driven by her personal experiences. With a background in advertising at NetRush and Incrementum Digital, Kate's expertise in PPC marketing and Amazon selling has propelled her product towards an impressive eight-figure revenue potential. Kate’s story is a testament to transforming personal needs into entrepreneurial triumphs.   In another segment, we explore the lively world of company culture, focusing on the challenges of creating connections within a new city and a marketing team. As VP of Marketing at Incrementum Digital, Kate shares i

Pat O’Neill shares his journey from retail arbitrage to managing a 9-figure pet brand on Amazon. Learn AI strategies, branding hacks, and e-commerce growth secrets! E-commerce veteran Pat O’Neill joins us, offering a wealth of knowledge from his extensive experience managing Amazon accounts for major brands like Zesty Paws. Pat's journey from retail arbitrage to spearheading successful brand strategies highlights the importance of building brands rather than merely selling products. He candidly shares entrepreneurial lessons learned, especially around the intricacies of financial management and the transition from a retail arbitrage beginner to becoming a pivotal figure in the pet supplement industry. His passion for offering genuine support is evident as he discusses his commitment to providing small sellers with boutique agency services that don't break the bank. The conversation shifts to the vibrant pet supplement market, where we explore the nuances of branding and marketing dog supplements on Amazon. Pa

Learn how to scale your Amazon business with systemization! Michal Specian shares insights on hiring, building processes, and growing beyond the $1M mark. Don’t miss this episode! Join us as we explore the Amazon seller journey of Michal Specian, who transformed his initial $5,000 investment into a thriving eight-figure brand. Michal shares his experiences of overcoming language barriers while attending university in Prague, launching his first Amazon product in the US sports category, and partnering with Miles to create a successful kitchen and dining brand. Discover how their Czech-inspired glassware brand expanded into European markets, utilizing Amazon's Pan-EU program, and learn about the strategies Michal employed for systemization, team building, and scaling his business effectively. As we shift focus, Michal reflects on his post-exit experiences and future strategies, highlighting the lessons learned from finalizing a business deal in the Canary Islands. Hear about his transition from the Amazon busin