The Amazon Strategist Show

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Episodes

153

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Amazon Strategist Show is a podcast that examines strategies for success as a seller on Amazon. Hosted by John Cavendish, an experienced Amazon seller, and agency owner, the show covers the ins and outs of building a successful Amazon business examined from multiple angles by our expert guests. Unlike other podcasts that focus on tips and hacks, The Amazon Strategist Show provides real strategies for real sellers looking to grow sustainable businesses on Amazon. Whether you're just starting out or have been selling for years, this show has something valuable to offer you. So if you're ready to take your business to the next level, then sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the world of Amazon!

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October 16, 2026Episode 2415 min

Amazon Sellers: Is It Time to Stop Relying on Amazon?

Amazon can be an incredible sales channel, but what happens when rising costs, shrinking margins, and platform dependency start putting your business at risk? In this episode, we sit down with Seth Hurd, CEO of Brand Expand, to discuss the changing realities of selling on Amazon and why more sellers are thinking beyond the marketplace. From Amazon's customer-first policies to the challenges of protecting profitability, this conversation explores what it takes to build a more resilient ecommerce business without relying on a single platform for growth. In This Episode: 💡 How Amazon's marketplace dynamics can put pressure on seller margins 📉 Why some sellers are exploring sales channels beyond Amazon 🛒 How building your own brand website can help create more independence 📊 Why diversifying your sales channels matters for long-term growth 🚀 What sellers should consider as they plan the next stage of their business If you're feeling the pressure of selling on Amazon, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on protecting your margins, building brand independence, and planning for sustainable growth Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...

October 9, 2026Episode 2326 min

Amazon Compliance in 2026: Insurance, Safety & Seller Risks

Amazon sellers spend plenty of time optimizing ads, improving rankings, and driving sales. But what happens when compliance issues or product liability risks threaten the business? In Part 2 of this conversation, John Cavendish sits down with Rohit Nair, Founder & CEO of Assureful, to explore why ecommerce sellers need to pay closer attention to product safety, insurance, and regulatory requirements. They discuss how Amazon's compliance expectations are changing, the unexpected situations that can lead to product liability claims, and why sellers may be carrying the wrong insurance coverage. The conversation also covers switching insurance providers mid-policy and finding coverage that works across multiple sales channels. In This Episode: ✅ Why ecommerce sellers need to take compliance and product safety seriously ✅ How changing compliance requirements can affect Amazon sellers ✅ Unexpected product liability claims and the risks behind them ✅ How compliance issues can put Amazon listings and accounts at risk ✅ What sellers should know about switching insurance providers mid-policy ✅ Insurance coverage for Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, TikTok Shop, and other channels ✅ Ways to manage insurance costs without sacrificing necessary protection ✅ What ecommerce businesses should consider when reviewing their liability coverage Featured Guest: Rohit Nair Founder & CEO, Assureful Rohit is a former ecommerce operator who built and exited multiple brands before launching Assureful, an insurance platform designed specifically for ecommerce businesses. Connect with Assureful: https://www.assureful.com If you're building an ecommerce brand in 2026, this episode is a reminder that protecting your business goes beyond sales and marketing. Understanding your compliance obligations and insurance coverage is part of running a resilient business. Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...

October 2, 2026Episode 2213 min

Amazon Seller Insurance: Avoid These Costly Mistakes

Insurance isn't just another box to check when you're running an ecommerce business. The right policy can protect your brand, while the wrong one can cost you more than it should. In this episode, John Cavendish speaks with Rohit Nair, Founder & CEO of Assureful, about the insurance challenges ecommerce sellers face and why traditional coverage models don't always fit the way online businesses operate. From understanding product liability to avoiding unnecessary premiums, this conversation explores what sellers need to know to make smarter insurance decisions. What You'll Learn - Why Amazon sellers may need product liability insurance - How product liability and general liability coverage differ - Where ecommerce brands can overspend on insurance - How brokers and underwriters determine coverage - Why monthly insurance financing can add hidden costs - How revenue estimates affect insurance premiums - Whether usage-based pricing could offer a better alternative - Which coverage mistakes can leave sellers exposed Key Takeaways ✔ Insurance designed for traditional businesses may not fit every ecommerce brand. ✔ Revenue projections can influence how much sellers pay for coverage. ✔ Understanding your product liability exposure is essential to protecting your business. ✔ Insurance costs and coverage should reflect your actual business needs. Featured Guest: Rohit Nair Founder & CEO, Assureful After scaling multiple ecommerce brands himself, Rohit launched an AI-native insurance company focused on the needs of ecommerce businesses. Selling on Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop, Shopify, or other marketplaces? Watch the full episode to learn what to consider before choosing your next insurance policy. Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...

September 25, 2026Episode 2112 min

AI Found 29,000+ Retail Opportunities Amazon Sellers Are Missing

What if there were 29,000+ retail opportunities waiting for your Amazon brand? In this episode, John Cavendish sits down with Talor Ofer, Founder of Retail Empire, to explore how AI is changing the way ecommerce brands discover and enter retail markets across the United States. Instead of relying on traditional retail research, AI powered tools can help sellers uncover thousands of potential retail channels, from major chains like Costco and Walmart to niche distributors and lesser known opportunities. Talor has been helping brands expand into retail since 2005 and shares how Amazon sellers can use AI to identify opportunities that may otherwise go unnoticed. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How AI can uncover thousands of retail opportunities • Why Amazon sellers are exploring physical retail • How AI is changing retail research and discovery • What brands need before approaching major retailers • Why smaller brands may have more retail opportunities than they realize • How AI can uncover overlooked distribution channels Talor also shares a surprising example of a government retail channel serving more than 4 million customers that many ecommerce brands have never considered. Guest: Talor Ofer Founder, Retail Empire Talor has been helping ecommerce brands enter retail stores since 2005 and works with companies expanding into major retailers across the United States. Connect with Talor and Retail Empire: Website: https://retail-empire.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRetailEmpire Linkedin: http://bit.ly/TalorLinkedIn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retail.empire.official Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...

September 18, 2026Episode 2010 min

Want to Sell in Costco, CVS & Walmart? Here's What It Really Takes

Getting your product into Costco, CVS, Walmart, or other major retailers doesn't happen overnight. In this conversation, John Cavendish talks with Talor Ofer, Founder of Retail Empire, about the real process behind taking an ecommerce brand into physical retail. Talor breaks down the outreach process, retailer conversion rates, timelines, buyer expectations, and what Amazon sellers need to have in place before pitching retail. You'll discover why contacting 100 retailers isn't unusual, why some deals can take months or even over a year, and why building a strong branded website can make a major difference when approaching retail buyers. If you're an Amazon seller thinking about expanding beyond Amazon, this episode is worth watching. Retail Empire helps ecommerce brands expand into retail chains across the United States and works with hundreds of retailers. Connect with Talor and Retail Empire: Website: https://retail-empire.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRetailEmpire Linkedin: http://bit.ly/TalorLinkedIn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retail.empire.official Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...

September 11, 2026Episode 1915 min

Amazon Listing Problems? How to Fix Brand & Catalog Issues

Amazon listing problems can be frustrating, especially when you have the right to edit your own product but Amazon won't let you make the changes. In this podcast, we break down some of the most common Amazon catalog and listing issues sellers face, including suppressed listings, incorrect brand names, missing contribution rights, brand ownership problems, and policy-related listing issues. You'll learn: Why Amazon listings can become suppressed Common mistakes that can trigger listing issues What to do when Amazon won't let you update your brand name How brand ownership and Brand Registry can affect your listing When a full update or flat file may help What documentation Amazon may ask for How to approach Seller Support when a listing issue needs escalation Why repeatedly following up on an escalated case may not always help When to give Amazon time to review a case and when to escalate further If you're dealing with a suppressed Amazon listing, catalog error, brand name issue, or Seller Central listing problem, this episode offers a practical look at the troubleshooting process. #amazonseller #amazonfba #amazonsellercentral #amazonlisting #ecommerce Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...

September 4, 2026Episode 1811 min

Amazon FBA Returns: The Settings Most Sellers Don't Know About

Most Amazon sellers know they have to deal with returns. Far fewer know how many options they actually have for managing them. In Part 2 of the Amazon Strategist Show , John Cavendish continues his conversation with JD Sass, Co-Founder & CEO of Axiom Return Solutions , about the overlooked strategies that can help Amazon sellers recover revenue, reduce unnecessary costs, and take more control over their returned inventory. JD breaks down some of the lesser-known options available to sellers, including Manager Source Cost, FBA Evaluation and Ownership settings, manual removal orders, and different ways to handle returned inventory . In This Episode How updating your Amazon Source Cost can increase reimbursement amounts Why Amazon's estimated inventory cost may be lower than your actual cost How to identify and file claims for damaged, missing, or incorrect returns Why sellers shouldn't automatically choose disposal How FBA Evaluation and Ownership settings can change what happens to returned inventory When to use removal orders instead of letting Amazon dispose of inventory Why returns data can reveal opportunities to recover revenue and cut costs JD's perspective on whether Amazon gets a bad rap for its returns process JD also explains Axiom's free returns trial , where sellers can send in a batch of returns for processing and receive data through a dedicated dashboard before committing to a long-term solution. If you're managing significant Amazon FBA return volume, this episode is a reminder that small operational decisions can have a meaningful impact on your bottom line. 🎙️ Guest: JD Sass, Co-Founder & CEO, Axiom Return Solutions Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...

August 28, 2026Episode 178 min

Your Amazon Returns Could Be Worth More Than You Think

Your Amazon returns could be more than just a loss. They could be an opportunity to recover revenue. In this episode of the Amazon Strategist Show , John Cavendish sits down with JD Sass, Co-Founder and CEO of Axiom Return Solutions , to break down what Amazon sellers can actually do with returned, removed, and unsellable inventory. From inspecting and grading returns to sending inventory back into FBA, filing reimbursement claims, liquidating products, and more, JD explains why simply writing off returned inventory could mean leaving money on the table. In this episode, you'll learn: What happens to Amazon FBA returns after they leave Amazon Why unsellable inventory isn't always actually unsellable How sellers can recover value from returned products When inventory can be reintegrated back into FBA How reimbursement claims can recover lost revenue The difference between disposal, removal, liquidation, and resale Why return data can help sellers make better business decisions How Axiom Return Solutions handles returns at scale If you're an Amazon seller dealing with returns, removals, or inventory write-offs, this episode will help you look at your post-purchase operations differently and identify opportunities to recover more value from the inventory you already own. 🎙️ Guest: JD Sass, Co-Founder & CEO of Axiom Return Solutions Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...

August 21, 2026Episode 1624 min

If Your Amazon Business Needs You, It Isn’t Scalable

What happens to your Amazon business if you suddenly can't work for a month? If everything falls apart without you, you may not actually own a scalable business. You own a job. In Part 2 of the Amazon Strategist Show, John Cavendish sits down with Will Christensen, founder of Entrepreneur's Apprentice and DataAutomation, to unpack how Amazon sellers can stop being the bottleneck and build businesses that run without them. Will explains why simply hiring another VA or COO isn't always the answer. Instead, he shares his framework for finding systems-minded apprentices, delegating the right work, and creating processes that actually give founders their time back. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Amazon founders stay stuck in the weeds for too long Apprentices vs. VAs: which one is right for your business? What makes a great systems creator How to hire someone who can actually think like a founder Why documentation and delegation are critical for scaling How blind tests can help you identify better hires Will's "Serve First" approach to lead generation How podcasts and roundtables can create relationships without cold spam Why buying back your time is one of the most important moves you can make as a founder The goal isn't to build a bigger team just for the sake of having one. It's to build a business where you aren't required to touch every part of it. 🎙️ Guest: Will Christensen, Founder of Entrepreneur's Apprentice & DataAutomation ------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Will (Seller Labs, Entrepreneur's Apprentice, Data Automation) Website: www.equityhammer.com EntrepreneursApprentice.com DataAutomation.com X: https://x.com/DataAutomation1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-christensen Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...

August 14, 2026Episode 1517 min

Amazon Sellers: Stop Doing Everything Yourself. Automate, Delegate, or Ditch It

Most Amazon sellers don't have a time problem. They have a systems problem. In this episode of the Amazon Strategist Show, John Cavendish sits down with Will Christensen, founder of Seller Labs, Entrepreneur's Apprentice, and DataAutomation, to break down how Amazon sellers can stop getting buried in repetitive work and start building a business that actually scales. Will shares his 15.1.1.5 Rule, a practical framework for deciding what you should automate, delegate, document, or eliminate. In this episode, you'll learn: How the 15.1.1.5 Rule helps you decide what to automate or delegate When automation actually makes financial sense Why hiring a VA too early can create more problems Why apprentices can be a better first step than hiring a VA The difference between systems creators and systems followers Why documentation is critical before handing work to someone else How to identify repetitive tasks that are draining your time The productivity mistake that can burn out your team How smarter delegation can help you scale without doing everything yourself 🎙️ Guest: Will Christensen, Founder of Seller Labs, Entrepreneur's Apprentice & DataAutomation Connect with Will (Seller Labs, Entrepreneur's Apprentice, Data Automation) Website: www.equityhammer.com X: https://x.com/DataAutomation1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-christensen Connect with John Cavendish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgcuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncavendish LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/thejohncavendish Know More About Seller Candy Website: https://www.sellercandy.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SellerCandyPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellercandyamz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sellercandy/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never Talk to Seller Support Again. Seller Candy is the expert operations arm of your Amazon business. We provide outcome-driven support for time-consuming and challenging Seller Central issues so you Never Have to Talk to Seller Support Again! With Agency-Level security practices and an experienced team who’s been through the thick of it, we give sellers bandwidth on demand without the hassle of hiring, training, or managing. #amazonsellercentral #amazonsupport #ecommerce #amazonbusiness #amazonseller #amazontips #amazonbusiness #AmazonStrategis...