Episode 301 - Jon Derkits on Building an Amazon Brand That Lasts
Jon Derkits, a former Amazon marketplace leader and now independent brand owner, shares his expert insights for Amazon entrepreneurs.
He draws from his experience creating the "Best at Amazon" newsletter and his finance background to discuss Amazon Selling Strategies, Collaboration on Amazon, Impact of U.S.-China Tariffs, Essential Amazon Seller Tools, Balancing Content and Engagement, and Financial Acumen in E-commerce.
Ready to level up your Amazon game? Tune in and gain the insights you need to thrive in this competitive Amazon marketplace!
Episode Notes:
00:17 - Jon Derkits Introduction
02:06 - Jon Derkits Background
05:02 - Role of Finance in Amazon Business Strategy
06:14 - The Newsletter: Best at Amazon
11:27 - Navigating the Amazon News Cycle
13:05 - Tariffs and Their Impact on Amazon Sellers
17:33 - Anker Price Increase
19:46 - The Concept of One-Way Doors in Business Decisions
22:12 - Decision-making Frameworks
22:56 - Tech Stack and Tools for Amazon Sellers
25:05 - Combining SmartScout with Keepa
29:10 - The Simplicity and Power of SmartScout Data
32:38 - Jon Derkits’ Favorite SmartScout Features
39:35 - Two Best Tips From Jon
Related Posts: Why Amazon Vendors Feel Ignored and What They Can Do About It
How to Reach Jon:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jon-derkits
Websites: auxoecommerce.com | tidycal.com/jonderkits/quick-chat
BEST@AMAZON NEWSLETTER: https://bestatamazon.ck.page/
AMAZON COACHING & ADVISORY: https://tidycal.com/jonderkits/amazon-coaching-and-advisory
Scott’s Links:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813
X: @itsScottNeedham
Instagram: @smartestseller
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371
Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up
Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog
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48:01
Episode 300 - Tariff Tremors: Chinese Sellers, Rule-Breaking, and the New E-commerce Reality
The e-commerce landscape is experiencing seismic shifts as new tariffs against China send shockwaves through Amazon's marketplace.
Scott explores how these economic tremors are disrupting the delicate balance of global online retail—potentially the most significant supply chain disruption since COVID. Through exclusive insights from a conversation with one of the largest Chinese sellers in the world, Scott uncovers why businesses importing from China are facing unexpected cash crunches and how these tariffs might reshape the competitive landscape for sellers worldwide.
But tariffs are only half the story. Scott pulls back the curtain on the controversial tactics Chinese sellers use to dominate Amazon, controlling approximately 50% of third-party revenue on the platform. You'll discover the inner workings of tools like the Ziniao browser—software specifically designed to help sellers create multiple Amazon accounts against platform policies—and why some sellers can operate "10 stores selling one product" while others face immediate suspension for similar behavior. This rule-breaking reality explains why 75% of Amazon sellers believe the marketplace isn't fair.
As billionaires like Mark Cuban and Chamath share data showing Chinese sellers capturing up to 60% market share in certain Amazon categories, Scott examines what this new e-commerce reality means for businesses, consumers, and the global economy.
Episode Notes:
00:23 - Dinner with a Top Chinese Seller & Introduction to China Topic
01:13 - China’s Amazon Seller Landscape & Entrepreneurial Drive
02:30 - Energy & Business Culture in China
04:47 - Chinese Sellers' Approach to Amazon’s Rules
05:40 - The Ziniao Browser Tool
09:00 - Widespread Multi-Account Strategy & Aggressive Tactics
10:17 - Amazon’s Evolving Policies & Fairness Concerns
11:52 - New Tariffs on Chinese Goods & Impacts on Sellers
13:39 - Preparing for a Cash Crunch
15:05 - The Role of Chinese Sellers and the Political Spotlight
15:30 - Building Influence Through Data
17:58 - Immediate Reactions from Brands
18:48 -Bias and Hopes for U.S.-Based Sellers
Related Post: Break the Profit Squeeze: How Leading Amazon Sellers Use Growth Capital To Beat Their Competition
Links:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813
X: @itsScottNeedham
Instagram: @smartestseller
YouTube: @smartestamazonseller2371
Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up
Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog
Scott brings you the latest from Prosper 2025, revealing the innovations that will empower you to succeed on Amazon.
Discover cutting-edge tech for listing optimization, TikTok marketing, and private label repricing, and how other AI and emerging tools are reshaping e-commerce.
Episode Notes:
00:23- New Tech for Selling on Amazon in 2025
01:35 - Autopilot Brand
03:00 - Automato AI
05:12 - The TikTok Influence
08:06 - Tools and Agencies Aiding TikTok Marketing Efforts
10:05 - Pricing Innovations
11:15 - Variations and Optimization
14:27 - Prosper Show Reflections
16:25 - Conferences Comparison
Related Post: The Ultimate Amazon Repricing Strategies: AI-Powered Price Optimization
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813
X: @itsScottNeedham
Instagram: @smartestseller
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371
Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up
Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog
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20:30
Episode 298 - Voice of the Amazon Seller - Insights from 300+ Sellers
Ever wondered what it's like to sell on Amazon? Here’s the best damn industry report for you.
The Voice of the Amazon Seller unveils insights from over 300 Amazon sellers, revealing the challenges and triumphs of navigating this vast marketplace.
Scott discusses everything from competition pressures and fee structures to the impact of international sellers and the fairness of Amazon's platform.
Episode Notes:
02:05 - Survey Overview
02:25 - Seller Demographics
02:55 - Amazon as Main Business
03:14 - Income statistics
03:46 - Challenges of Selling on Amazon
04:54 - Seller Suspension Concerns
07:36 - Perceptions of Fairness in Amazon Marketplace
10:05 - Impact of Amazon's AI Efforts
11:46 - Recommendation to Others
13:59 - Seller Support Satisfaction
16:31 - Business Growth and Profitability
Voice of the Amazon Seller Survey
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813
X: @itsScottNeedham
Instagram: @smartestseller
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371
Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up
Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog
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19:14
Episode 297 - Amazon Reseller Support and Strategic Planning
Is Amazon neglecting its sellers?
Scott tackles this question head-on, brings you exclusive insights from Amazon employees and industry experts, and delves into the challenges sellers face, from navigating 1P and 3P complexities to dealing with account suspensions.
Learn the truth behind the trend urging brands to switch selling models and how nuanced decisions based on product categories can make all the difference.
Scott also unveils Amazon's new reseller support initiatives and strategic account services designed to empower your business.
Episode Notes:
00:09 - Amazon's commitment to sellers
01:05 - Understanding 1P vs 3P
02:30 - Nuances of 1P and 3P models
05:35 - Strategic Account Services at Amazon
06:55 - New Initiatives for Resellers at Amazon
07:50 - Importance of Compliance and Advocacy
09:11 - Amazon’s Internal Complexity
Related Post: The Top 10 Amazon Sellers in the U.S. Marketplace
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813
X: @itsScottNeedham
Instagram: @smartestseller
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371
Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up
Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog
Scott Needham is the Founder of SmartScout. An Amazon software developer for 10 years his company BuyBoxer has done over $300m in sales on Amazon. Scott has accumulated a deep knowledge about selling product online, and in the podcast he shares his knowledge with you to help you become a better Amazon seller.
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