If you’re an e-commerce seller tired of seeing your ideas and hard work ripped off by knockoffs, this conversation is your playbook for real brand protection and growth.

Our guest, Shannon Roddy, is the VP of Sales & Marketing at Avenue7Media—a powerhouse agency with over 450 years of combined Amazon and Walmart experience. Avenue7Media helps brands win with everything from advanced Amazon advertising (DSP & CTV) to catalog health, customer engagement, and competitive strategy. Shannon has worked with over 250 companies and empowers entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and defend their brands online.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “dupe culture” is exploding and how to fight back as an Amazon seller

• The difference between protecting your product and protecting your brand—and why the latter matters more

• How to trademark your brand, secure patents, and use intellectual property as a strategic defense

• Actionable steps for creating a memorable brand name and logo that stand out in any category

• How to build emotional connection and loyalty through storytelling and customer experience

• Proven strategies to go premium, add value, and make your brand impossible to ignore—even in crowded markets

Whether you’re just starting out or running an established Amazon storefront, Shannon’s insights will help you outsmart imitators, safeguard your brand, and build a business that lasts.

Key topics covered:

• Amazon brand protection

• E-commerce strategy and growth

• Trademarks, patents, and IP for sellers

• How to stop copycats and hijackers

• Building brand equity and emotional connection

• Avenue7Media’s 7Avenues™ framework

• Real-world tips for Amazon and Walmart sellers

👤 ABOUT SHANNON RODDY & AVENUE7MEDIA:

Vanessa is a true thought-leader in the Amazon community with years of hands-on experience working with brands of all shapes and size. In addition to lending her voice to ecommerce discourse, Vanessa is also the founder of Online Seller Solutions.

Whether you’re a new seller needing ad hoc support or a Fortune 100 brand seeking custom solutions, Avenue7Media’s comprehensive approach and proven track record make them the trusted choice for over 10,000 brands.

Visit the Avenue7Media website: https://avenue7media.com

🕒 TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Build An Unbeatable Amazon Brand

• [01:04] The Rise of the Dupe Culture

• [04:39] Brand Protection Vs Brand Identity

• [06:44] Brand Trademarks

• [10:45] What Prospective Sellers Should Consider

• [15:28] Defending Against Knockoffs

• [17:51] A Moat of Defensibility

• [21:38] New-To-Brand Customers

• [22:51] Amazon Brand-Tailored Promotion

• [24:01] Converting Bad Customer Experiences

• [29:00] The Right Way to Engage Customers

• [30:45] Product Assortment

• [35:15] Customer Preferences Are Always Changing

• [37:07] How Can Legacy Brands Compete with Knockoffs?

• [41:06] Customer Loyalty Is At An All-Time Low

• [46:44] Recap and Closing Remarks

In this episode of The Seller’s Edge podcast, we look at the top mistakes that can derail even the most promising Amazon businesses, and reveal how savvy sellers use market intelligence to stay ahead. Our expert guest, Erika Van Rampelbergh, a seasoned e-commerce strategist, shares real-world insights on why so many Amazon sellers go broke and how you can fix it with advanced market research and data-driven decision-making.

Learn how to spot and capitalize on emerging Amazon trends before your competitors even notice, avoid product launch disasters, and prevent costly overstocking mistakes. We discuss the market intelligence formula top sellers use to achieve consistent profits, and why launching another product without this knowledge could put your brand at risk. You’ll also discover how to use market intelligence to outperform competitors and unlock massive growth on Amazon.

We spotlight DataHawk, a leading analytics and optimization platform trusted by top brands and agencies. DataHawk empowers Amazon sellers to automate data collection, track trends, and make smarter, more profitable decisions across Amazon, Walmart, and other major marketplaces. Recently acquired by Worldeye Technologies, DataHawk continues to set the industry standard for tools that drive visibility, profitability, and operational excellence.

Whether you’re a new seller or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable strategies, practical tips, and expert advice to help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve long-term success on Amazon.

👤 ABOUT ERIKA VAN RAMPELBERGH:

Erika is an expert when it comes to e-commerce selling and how analytical data stacks can optimize brand performance. She has over a decade of hands-on experience selling on various platforms, including Amazon, but also helping grow small businesses and enterprise brands.

Visit the DataHawk website: https://datahawk.co

Connect with Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikavanrampelbergh

🕒 TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Erika Van Rampelbergh from DataHawk

• [01:09] The Importance of Market Intelligence

• [02:36] Improving Business Decisions

• [06:48] Impact of Product Variations

• [10:24] Complementing Intuition & Experience

• [12:45] Ensuring Successful Product Launches

• [15:29] Tracking Product Category Health

• [19:36] Benchmarking Competitors

• [22:29] Assessing Investments & Acquisitions

• [27:25] Predicting Broader Market Impacts

• [28:04] Monitoring Positive Trends

• [30:49] Maintaining the Highest Data Accuracy

• [35:29] Recap and Closing Remarks

Key Topics Covered:

• Why Market Intelligence Is Critical for Amazon Sellers

• How to Avoid Product Launch Disasters with Smart Market Research

• Spotting and Capitalizing on Profitable Amazon Trends

• Overcoming Overstocking Nightmares and Inventory Management Mistakes

• Outperforming Competitors with Data-Driven Strategies

• How DataHawk and AI-Powered Analytics Transform Amazon Businesses

Who Should Listen:
Amazon FBA sellers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, Amazon brand owners, and anyone looking to grow their business on Amazon with data-driven insights.

Keywords for SEO:
Amazon seller, market intelligence, FBA seller, Amazon brand, market research, product launch, profitable trends, overstocking, data-driven, competitor analysis, DataHawk, AI analytics, Amazon trends, inventory management

Guest Bio:
Our guest is a respected e-commerce strategist with extensive experience helping brands succeed on Amazon. With a passion for data-driven growth and a track record of building profitable online businesses, they bring actionable insights and real-world examples to every discussion.

In this essential episode of The Seller’s Edge, host Jonathan welcomes Kiri Masters—Amazon strategy expert, author, and digital retail innovator—to unpack the future of Amazon search and what it means for e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers.

Are you ready for the next big shift in Amazon’s marketplace? Amazon’s new AI shopping assistant, Rufus, is transforming the way customers find products, moving beyond keyword-based search to a more conversational, personalized, and intuitive experience. But what does this mean for your product listings, advertising strategies, and overall success as an Amazon seller?

👤 ABOUT KIRI MASTERS:

Kiri Masters is a leading authority in Amazon strategy and digital retail, with over a decade of experience helping brands succeed on Amazon. She’s the founder of Bobsled Marketing (acquired by Acadia), a published author, and a frequent contributor to industry publications. Kiri brings a wealth of knowledge on Amazon algorithms, e-commerce trends, and the practical steps sellers need to stay competitive.

Visit her website: https://kirimasters.com

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What Rufus AI is and how it’s different from Amazon’s traditional search algorithm

• Why keyword stuffing is becoming obsolete—and what to do instead

• How click training data and real shopper behavior are shaping which products get seen and purchased

• The growing importance of accurate product attributes, compelling imagery, and authentic customer reviews

• How AI-driven personalization is changing product rankings and making old rank-checking tools less reliable

• What the future holds for Amazon advertising, retail media, and the evolving relationship between brands, consumers, and AI agents

🕒 TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Rufus Is Changing Everything

• [01:05] How Does Rufus AI Work?

• [03:56] Are Keywords Obsolete?

• [07:36] What Will Replace Keyword Ranking?

• [09:47] What Impact Will Rufus Have On Ads?

• [12:44] Does Rufus Prioritize Specific Listing Elements?

• [14:45] The Science Behind Click-Training Data

• [15:26] Visual Label Tagging

• [16:33] Keywords In The Image Stack

• [18:20] Leveraging Fringe Use Cases in Customer Reviews

• [21:00] Which Product Categories Will Rufus Impact Most?

• [23:46] How Will Rufus AI Evolve In 6-12 Months?

• [25:04] Open AI Operator’s Retail Capability

• [26:06] The Way Loyalty Programs May Change

• [29:25] Has This Altered Your Approach To Retail Media?

• [32:34] What Does This All Mean For The Future?

• [37:42] Recap and Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on clear, accurate, and detailed product information

• Optimize listings for engagement and conversion, not just keywords

• Leverage customer reviews and real-world use cases to enhance your product’s appeal

• Prepare for a future where AI and personalization dominate Amazon search

• Stay agile and keep learning as the e-commerce landscape evolves

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

The e-commerce world is being transformed by artificial intelligence, and Amazon is at the forefront with its new AI shopping assistant, RUFUS. In this episode of The Seller's Edge, host Jonathan sits down with Vanessa Hung, a leading Amazon expert, to explore the profound effect of AI on your Amazon business and consumer behavior.

Vanessa Hung brings years of experience in helping brands navigate the complexities of the Amazon marketplace, offering keen insights on how sellers can adapt and prosper in the age of AI. She goes in-depth on how audience targeting is becoming MORE important than traditional keywords and how to optimize your backend data to win the AI game.

Will RUFUS change the way people shop, or will it create new difficulties for small businesses? Vanessa and Jonathan dissect the potential hurdles for new sellers and the significant opportunities arising from personalized, AI-driven recommendations. Learn how to secure your Amazon business for the future, optimize your product listings for AI, and target the RIGHT customers using Amazon's powerful AI insights.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Rise of AI in E-commerce: Understand how AI is reshaping product discovery and consumer behavior on Amazon.

• Amazon RUFUS Deep Dive: Explore the features and potential effect of Amazon's new AI shopping assistant.

• Audience Targeting vs. Keywords: Learn why audience-centric strategies are essential for success in the AI era.

• Backend Optimization Secrets: Discover how to unlock hidden SEO potential and improve your product rankings.

• Adapting to the Future: Get actionable strategies to adapt your marketing and sales approaches to the changing e-commerce world.

• Social Media and Content: How is the rise of social media platforms impacting e-commerce sales?

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to optimize your Amazon product listings for AI-powered search.

• Strategies for targeting specific customer segments with personalized product recommendations.

• The importance of backend optimization and how to leverage it for maximum visibility.

• How to compete with established brands and new sellers in an AI-driven marketplace.

• How AI is affecting Amazon advertising.

Whether you're a seasoned Amazon FBA seller or just starting your e-commerce journey, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement to stay ahead of the curve. Learn from Vanessa's expertise and gain a competitive advantage in online retail.

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] Opening and Introduction

[00:57] What Impact Will AI Have on Sellers?

[06:21] RufusS’s Consideration of New Sellers

[12:21] AI Shopping Assistants

[17:16] Importance of Backend Optimizations

[24:58] Attributes that Rufus is Looking At

[29:40] Sellers Need to Zoom In on Demographics

[33:15] How to Optimize for Rufus

[39:43] Having Answers for Customers is Essential

[44:12] Prioritize Creating a Comprehensive Strategy

[46:56] Recap and Closing Remarks

Are you an e-commerce or CPG business owner overwhelmed by dashboards but still struggling to make data-driven decisions? You're not alone! In this episode of the Seller's Edge Podcast, Jonathan sits down with Matt Putra, a fractional CFO specializing in helping e-commerce and CPG businesses scale, to challenge the obsession with complex dashboards and reveal the power of simple, effective scorecards.

Key Takeaways:

• The Dashboard Dilemma: Discover why traditional dashboards often fail to translate data into actionable steps and can lead to confusion and inaction.

• The Scorecard Solution: Learn how scorecards simplify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and drive accountability across your entire organization.

• Real-World Results: Hear compelling case studies of how scorecards have outperformed dashboards, leading to faster problem-solving and significant revenue gains for e-commerce and CPG businesses.

• Alignment is Everything: Understand why organizational alignment is crucial for sustainable growth and how scorecards can foster collaboration and shared understanding across departments.

• Multiple Sources of Truth: Learn how to manage having multiple sources of truth within your data.

In this episode, Matt and Jonathan discuss:

• Why companies are over-investing in dashboards and neglecting the power of scorecards.

• How scorecards empower teams at all levels to make informed decisions.

• Specific examples of KPIs (like Customer Acquisition Cost and Rate of Sale) that translate perfectly to scorecards.

• The "crisis of confidence" that can arise from conflicting data sources and how to avoid it.

• A real-life example of how the lack of a scorecard led to a $300,000 revenue loss for one e-commerce business due to a fulfillment center issue.

• Tactics and methods to create a scorecard inside your organization.

Featured Guest:

Matt Putra is a fractional CFO who helps e-commerce and CPG businesses optimize their financial strategies and achieve sustainable growth. Learn more about Matt's work and access valuable resources on his website: https://eightx.co