Welcome to the AM/PM Podcast hosted by Kevin King! Where we explore opportunities in E-commerce, we dream big, and we discover what’s working right now. This is...
#435 - Revolutionizing E-Commerce Financing: Innovative Solutions for Amazon Sellers
Amazon fees, tariffs, and rising costs are squeezing cash flow. In this episode, we dive into funding options and smart financial strategies to keep your Amazon business growing strong.
What if there were a way to finance your Amazon business without falling into the traps of traditional loans and predatory cash advances? Our latest episode of the AM/PM podcast promises just that, with insights from our special guest, Nadav Gorlicki of CapEc, who has charted an incredible journey from IT to Amazon entrepreneurship. Nadav shares his firsthand experiences in navigating the financial challenges that Amazon sellers face today, especially as rising fees and costs make sustaining a business more difficult than ever. He reveals the strategic financial solutions that CapEc provides, which are designed to align perfectly with sellers' ROI and cash flow, offering a viable path for sustainable growth.
Starting an Amazon business is no small feat, especially if you're working with a limited budget. Managing cash flow effectively can mean the difference between success and failure. We discuss various strategies to overcome the long lead times before sales begin to pay off, and the critical decisions around funding options like loans versus equity investments. Nadav introduces alternative financing solutions that allow sellers to maintain inventory without the burden of personal guarantees or credit checks, thus preserving their ownership stakes. His insights are a game-changer for anyone looking to build a resilient and profitable e-commerce business.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture—while financial success is important, it shouldn’t overshadow life’s simple pleasures. In a thought-provoking segment, we reflect on the importance of balancing work with experiences that truly enrich our lives. From spending time with family to enjoying the moment, we encourage you to remember what truly matters beyond the balance sheets. Tune in to this enlightening episode with Nadav Gorlicki and uncover strategies that could transform your e-commerce journey while keeping life’s joys in perspective.
In episode 435 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Nadav discuss:
00:00 - The Challenge of E-Commerce Financing
07:42 - Rise of Specialized Companies in Selling
13:38 - Navigating Amazon Startup Financing
18:08 - Benefits of Partnership With Amazon Seller
19:00 - Sustainable Amazon Seller Financing Options
27:22 - Analyzing Product ROI for Business Success
32:26 - Effective E-Commerce Financing Strategies
36:08 - Financing New Product Launches
44:06 - Revolutionizing E-Commerce Financing Solutions
44:53 - Changing Amazon Industry Success Rates
50:34 - Understanding Payment Terms and ROI
53:04 - Finance Your Growth With CapEc
54:42 - Remembering Life Beyond Money
54:49 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom
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55:33
#434 - The Creative PPC Revolution: Rethinking Amazon Ads with Chris Rawlings
In this episode, get ready to unlock Amazon PPC insights with our expert guest. Discover creative ad strategies, advanced tactics, and future trends shaping e-commerce success.
Want to unleash the power of Amazon PPC while keeping your entrepreneurial spirit alive? Join us in an engaging conversation with Chris Rawlings, the mastermind behind Sophie Society. Chris shares his journey from a curious kid in a solar-powered home to a leading figure in e-commerce, blending fun with business success. Learn how the aggregator boom shifted the landscape, and explore Chris's unique strategies for navigating Amazon's complex advertising world with both expertise and humor.
Kevin and Chris also reflect on their unconventional paths to success, sharing anecdotes like the time Chris inadvertently carried a full-size sword at an industry event, breaking local laws. These stories highlight the value of independent thinking and creative problem-solving in entrepreneurship. From the challenges of scaling Juno Launch amidst changing review practices to the lessons learned from misaligned investor expectations, his experiences underscore the importance of resilience and adapting to adversity.
Finally, we unpack the exciting evolution of Amazon marketing, including the rise of AI and creative content. Chris discusses his dynamic five-day PPC event that transforms sellers into experts. They also venture into the future of Amazon search, predicting shifts towards intent-based, AI-driven strategies. Whether you're a seasoned seller or new to the game, gain insights on aligning products with market demand and leveraging creative ads to capture attention. This episode promises a wealth of knowledge for anyone navigating the ever-evolving world of e-commerce.
In episode 434 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Chris discuss:
00:00 - Amazon PPC and Business Fun
02:21 - E-Commerce Industry Success and Failure
07:07 - Unconventional Upbringing Shapes Entrepreneurial Journey
10:09 - Impact of Isolation on Mindset
14:50 - Lessons Learned From Entrepreneurial Failure
21:28 - Authenticity in Teaching and Testing
26:01 - Navigating the Amazon Sales Market
27:07 - Advanced Amazon PPC Five-Day Challenge
32:01 - Leverage Creative for Amazon Success
32:23 - Effectiveness of TV Ads for Brands
36:00 - Effective Marketing Strategy for Long-Term Success
36:58 - Future of Amazon Search and AI
44:29 - PPC Challenge Sophie Society
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46:42
#433 - The Money Game: How to Secure Financing Without Sinking Your Amazon Business with Russell Walraven
In this episode, we’re going to talk about everything financing, some of the pros and cons of taking actual lending or advances for your business, and everything in between.
What if securing financing for your e-commerce business didn't mean sacrificing control or facing exorbitant interest rates? Russell Walraven from 8Fig joins us to unpack financing solutions that respect your business's autonomy and potential. We explore the tailored working capital options 8Fig offers to online sellers on major platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Walmart. Russell also shares 8Fig's leap into SaaS, crafted to fuel seller growth and success, while addressing the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.
Navigating the murky waters of Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) can be daunting, but we're here to shed light on this alternative financing avenue. Through personal anecdotes, we unravel the differences between MCAs and traditional loans, highlighting the risks and aggressive collection tactics that can ensue in cases of default. Discover the flexibility of new MCA products designed specifically for Amazon and e-commerce sellers, alongside insights on securing subsequent funding without fully paying down existing amounts.
Choosing between lending and equity financing is a pivotal decision for any entrepreneur, and we dissect this complex dynamic to help you make informed choices. Learn about the advantages of retaining full business ownership through loans with companies like 8Fig, versus the prolonged involvement of equity investors. We also delve into the process of pre-qualifying for loans without impacting your credit score and the importance of building a financial partnership founded on trust and understanding of e-commerce dynamics. Whether you're in the throes of financial challenges or planning ahead, this episode equips you with practical advice to secure fair and effective funding for your online business.
In episode 433 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Russell discuss:
00:00 - Financing Options for E-Commerce Sellers
07:24 - Flexible E-Commerce Supply Chain Solutions
10:16 - Alternative Financing Options for E-Commerce
16:11 - Marketplace Payment Enforcement Strategies
20:57 - Lending vs. Equity in Business Ownership
22:31 - Lenders and Stacking Loans Discussion
25:51 - E-Commerce Seller Funding Process
28:38 - Managing Seller Sizes and Deal Sizes
34:08 - No Origination Fees for Financing
35:34 - Navigating E-Commerce Financing Options
39:57 - E-Commerce Focus in Business Research
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46:02
#432 - Amazon Traffic Hacks: How Influencers & Big Blogs Drive Millions with Richie Carreon
Unlock massive traffic with affiliate marketing! In this episode, our guest reveals how to connect with influencers, land top blog features & drive millions in sales for your Amazon business.
Richie Carreon from Levanta graces our latest episode to unpack the fast-paced world of affiliate marketing, sharing his extensive expertise in ad tech and marketing technology. As we weave through this insightful conversation, Richie lays out how platforms like Levanta are bridging the gap between e-commerce sellers and influencers, creators, and major publications. Discover the transformative power of automating these connections to supercharge traffic and revenue, particularly during high-stakes sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
We also dive into the magic of Amazon's affiliate traffic, revealing tricks to boost your product's organic search rankings and maximize your return on ad spend (ROAS). Uncover the untapped potential of passing along Amazon's brand referral bonus to entice creators and elevate your offers in a crowded marketplace. Whether you’re a seller aiming to streamline administrative burdens or a creator seeking the perfect product fit, Richie shares how to effectively navigate this dual-sided marketplace of 7,000+ vetted influencers.
Rounding off our episode, we highlight the human element in affiliate marketing and podcasting — building relationships that go beyond mere transactions. By nurturing genuine connections with podcast hosts and influencers, you can foster trust and drive organic promotion. Richie emphasizes the critical role of appreciation in these partnerships amid rising competition and skepticism toward traditional advertising. Join us for a transformative discussion that underscores the strategic use of affiliates and the immense power of relationships in today's marketing landscape.
In episode 432 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Richie discuss:
00:00 - Affiliate Marketing Strategies With Richie Carreon
03:52 - Affiliate Marketing Success Stories
08:24 - Leveraging Amazon Affiliate Benefits
15:07 - Innovative Affiliate Marketing Strategies
18:51 - Affiliate Marketing and Advertising Strategies
20:45 - Newsletter Advertising With Beehive Platform
22:53 - Maximizing Ad Inventory Sales
26:24 - The Power of Affiliate Marketing
30:48 - Building Relationships for Affiliate Success
32:16 - Building Business Relationships Through Sponsorship
35:03 - Amazon Sellers Membership Pricing and Expansion
39:02 - Competition for High Base Rate
42:38 - Exploring Diversification in E-Commerce
47:33 - Kevin King’s Words of Wisdom
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48:03
#431 - Navigating the Future of E-commerce Advertising with Navah Hopkins: Uniting SEO, PPC, and AI
In this episode, we explore cutting-edge e-commerce advertising. Learn strategies to maximize reach on multiple platforms like Amazon ads, Google ads, and more.
Unlock the secrets of the digital advertising realm with us as we explore the journey of Navah Hopkins, a seasoned e-commerce advertising expert. Discover how Navah transitioned from teaching dreams to shaping the future of SEO and PPC marketing. With her experience in navigating the ever-changing digital landscape since 2008, you'll gain insights into the ethical dilemmas and strategic shifts that led her to embrace PPC. This episode promises a deep dive into the integration of PPC with SEO and the transformative role of AI in this burgeoning $91 billion industry.
Our conversation spans the evolution of advertising platforms, likening modern problem-solving to the once-dominant yellow pages. Navah shares how being present in the digital marketing space can secure a brand's status as a default consumer choice, similar to Amazon's rise to prominence. We also highlight the complexities of combining PPC and SEO strategies, the hidden challenges in automatic platform settings, and the value of accurate data interpretation on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Amazon. Nava sheds light on common advertising mistakes and offers practical advice on avoiding pitfalls that can mislead decision-making.
As we look towards the future, Navah shares her vision for the untapped potential of video advertising, particularly on platforms like Amazon where low competition offers a cost-effective edge. From influencer marketing to TikTok's global reach, we explore innovative strategies that maximize ad performance and attribution. Join us in uncovering how Navah Hopkins is leading the charge in ethical and innovative digital marketing, paving the way for what lies ahead in this dynamic industry.
In episode 431 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Navah discuss:
00:00 - AI Impact on SEO and Advertising
11:18 - AI's Impact on Branding and Consumers
14:11 - Navigating Different Online Advertising Platforms
14:59 - Evolution From Unknown to Default
22:01 - Google Ads Reporting Trustworthiness
23:00 - Avoiding Common Advertising Pitfalls
25:40 - Data Analysis for Marketing Decisions
31:23 - Discussion on Automated Tools and AI
32:34 - Vendor Selection for E-Commerce Sellers
35:10 - Payment Models in Marketing Strategies
38:22 - The Future of Video Advertising
42:58 - Amazon Prime's Transactional Ad Advantage
45:25 - Maximizing Google Ads Performance and Attribution
48:21 - Call Tracking and Attribution in Marketing
53:39 - Connecting With Nava Hopkins on Optimization
55:16 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom
Welcome to the AM/PM Podcast hosted by Kevin King! Where we explore opportunities in E-commerce, we dream big, and we discover what’s working right now. This is the podcast where money never sleeps! Join Kevin as he sits down with top experts and sellers to talk about all things E-commerce and entrepreneurship. The things discussed in this ‘must listen’ podcast you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes are released every Thursday. Subscribe today.