Episode Summary:

Are you an Amazon seller or e-commerce brand owner grappling with the ever-changing landscape of tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs? In this can't-miss episode of The Seller's Edge, host Jonathan teams up with global logistics expert Akbar Jessani to equip you with actionable strategies to not only survive but thrive in today's tumultuous market.

Discover the common pitfalls that Amazon sellers are falling into, and learn how to avoid them with proactive, creative solutions. From renegotiating contracts to exploring alternative sourcing strategies, this episode delivers the insights you need to protect your brand and bottom line.

Why You Should Listen:

Navigating the complexities of global sourcing and logistics can feel like a constant battle. In this episode, you'll gain a competitive edge with:

• Proven Tactics: Learn how to renegotiate rates with suppliers, warehouses, and 3PLs to cut costs.

• Sourcing Secrets: Explore alternative sourcing destinations like Vietnam, India, and Mexico, and discover the benefits of nearshoring and bonded warehouses.

• Market Share Protection: Understand why maintaining market share is crucial, and how to weather short-term losses for long-term gains.

• Compliance Strategies: Navigate customs compliance, HS codes, and invoice audits with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Don't rush into switching suppliers without conducting thorough due diligence.

• Prioritize market share even if it means absorbing some increased costs.

• Explore alternative sourcing and assembly options to reduce tariff impact.

• Renegotiate contracts with suppliers, warehouses, and fulfillment partners.

• Audit your invoices and HS codes to avoid overpaying on duties and prevent delays.

• Leverage expert partners for customs, logistics, and fulfillment.

*🔥 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:*

Viral Launch has just released a free tariff calculator specifically designed for Amazon sellers. Calculate the exact impact of tariff increases on your products at https://viral-launch.com/tariffs

🕒 TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Introduction to Recent Tariff Increases

• [01:17] Common Mistakes Sellers Are Making

• [03:32] The Response to Tariffs

• [05:42] Moving Stock to Avoid Price Hikes

• [07:44] Brands Battling for Market Share

• [08:59] Innovative Approaches to Streamline Inventory

• [11:28] How Universal Shipping Supports Sellers

• [14:55] Understanding Access Codes for Shipments

• [16:28] Mistakes Related to Customs & Import Regulations

• [18:56] How Sellers Can Prepare for Trade Uncertainties

• [24:26] Ways That AI Can Revolutionize Inventory

• [25:17] Advice for Overwhelmed Sellers

• [28:52] The 3 Things Sellers Should Focus On

• [32:05] Sourcing Materials for Products

• [36:47] Recap and Closing Remarks

👤 ABOUT AKBAR JESSANI:

Akbar Jessani is a highly-experienced supply chain and logistics expert with over 20 years of experience in global sourcing and distribution. As the founder of Universal Shipping, Akbar has helped thousands of e-commerce brands optimize their international supply chains, working previously with corporate giants like Unilever before focusing his expertise on supporting D2C sellers.

Visit Universal Shipping website: https://www.usiship.com/about-us/

Is your Amazon inventory a profit-draining headache? Get ready to transform your inventory strategy with expert Chelsea Cohen on The Seller's Edge! In this episode, Chelsea pulls back the curtain on the ever-changing world of Amazon inventory management, giving you the actionable insights you need to optimize your stock, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your sales during peak seasons like Prime Day.

Chelsea breaks down the critical elements of "inventory-minded marketing," revealing how to align your marketing and inventory teams for seamless success. Learn how to accurately forecast demand for new products, balance the risks of understocking and overstocking, and leverage Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD) as a strategic backup plan.

We'll also tackle the often-misunderstood Inventory Performance Index (IPI), separating fact from fiction and revealing the key metrics that truly impact your storage capacity and profitability. Plus, discover effective strategies for liquidating slow-moving inventory, freeing up cash and storage space before the Prime Day rush.

Whether you're a seasoned Amazon FBA seller or just starting your e-commerce journey, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice that you can implement today. Stop guessing and start optimizing – your Amazon inventory success starts here!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to navigate the latest changes in Amazon's inventory policies

• The dangers of overstocking and how to avoid them

• Why "inventory-minded marketing" is essential for success

• Effective demand forecasting techniques for new products

• Strategies for balancing understocking and overstocking

• The truth about the Inventory Performance Index (IPI) and how to improve it

• Proven methods for liquidating slow-moving inventory

About Our Guest:

Chelsea Cohen is an Amazon inventory and FBA fees expert who co-founded SoStocked.com. With a proven track record helping hundreds of 7 and 8-figure sellers increase profitability through stockout avoidance and fee prevention, Chelsea is a recognized industry leader who has been featured at prestigious events including the Billion Dollar Sellers Summit, 7-Figure Sellers Summit, and Prosper Show.

SoStocked, developed with an emphasis on inventory-minded marketing, offers customizable forecasting, tracking, and management solutions that make inventory control both easier and more realistic for Amazon sellers.

Visit SoStocked website

FOR A FREE-PROFIT AUDIT VISIT

TIME STAMPS:

[00:00] Introduction to Prime Day Inventory Prep

[00:54] Current State of Inventory Management

[02:47] Common Mistakes Sellers Make

[05:30] Inventory-Minded Marketing

[07:23] How Soon Should Sellers Plan Their Inventory

[08:31] Demand Forecasting without Data

[09:35] Overstocked vs. Understocked

[10:46] Leveraging Buffer Stock

[11:56] Inventory Performance Index Score

[14:58] Liquidating Slow-Moving Inventory

[16:10] Inventory Removals

[18:54] Working Capital for Inventory Purchases

[20:58] Planning for Supply Chain Disruptions

[22:28] Managing Inventory After Prime Day

[25:56] Best Inventory Management Tools

[27:20] The Future of Inventory Management

[30:18] Profit Forecasting

[33:17] Recap and Closing Remarks

#AmazonFBA #AmazonSeller #InventoryManagement #PrimeDay #Ecommerce #OnlineBusiness #FBA #OnlineRetail

Consumer behavior is changing at lightning speed, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for survival. Join us as we sit down with Rose Hamilton, the founder of Compass Rose Ventures, a leading expert in helping brands scale and thrive by understanding the hearts and minds of today's consumers.

Rose pulls back the curtain on her latest consumer research, uncovering surprising trends around how people discover, evaluate, and purchase products online. Forget what you think you know about e-commerce – Rose reveals the new rules of the game:

• TikTok & ChatGPT are the New Search Engines: Discover how consumers are turning to these platforms for product discovery and recommendations. Is your brand optimized to be found?

• Brand Loyalty is Officially Dead: Learn why discounts, samples, and subscriptions are key to winning over fickle customers in 2025.

• Micro-Influencers Reign Supreme: Find out why authenticity is more important than ever, and how micro-influencers can drive real engagement and conversions.

• Generational Divides: From Gen Z to Boomers, understand the unique shopping behaviors of each generation and tailor your marketing accordingly.

• Post-Pandemic Priorities: How increased awareness of mental health is shifting consumer preferences and purchasing decisions.

• Omnichannel is Essential: Why you need a presence on Amazon, your own website, and even Walmart to maximize visibility.

• The Supply Chain Imperative: Don't let operational bottlenecks derail your growth. Learn how to optimize your supply chain to meet increasing demand.

Whether you're a seasoned Amazon seller, a budding e-commerce entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of online shopping, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the ever-changing world of consumer behavior. Tune in and discover the strategies you need to thrive in 2025 and beyond!

[00:00] Introduction to Rose Hamilton

[00:49] Customer Listening Labs

[02:37] Surprising Consumer Trends

[06:27] Shifting Demographics

[09:36] The Impact of the Pandemic

[11:44] How Are Consumer Expectations Changing?

[13:04] Alignment of Marketing & Supply Chain

[15:19] Potential Challenges for Brands

[18:57] Customer Loyalty Considerations

[26:30] Consumer Values vs. Buying Habits

[28:54] Smart Influencer Collaborations

[31:33] Unpredictable Demographics

[34:52] Development of 2-Way Content

[38:21] What Should Sellers Prioritize?

[41:43] Reactions to Artificial Intelligence

[45:46] Recap and Closing Remarks

About Rose Hamilton:

Rose has decades of experience optimizing high-profile brands and is a recognizable contributor in the CPG industry. She is the founder of Compass Rose Ventures, where she and her team use a mix of qualitative 'listening labs' to help brands scale, turn around, and launch products that resonate with today's consumers.

Visit Compass Rose Ventures website: https://compassroseventures.com