Afleveringen
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Many brands struggle with agencies because the common "one-size-fits-all" model often prioritizes internal scalability over true strategic growth. To avoid this, it is crucial to find an external partner whose incentives align with your specific business goals, rather than just acting as a churn-heavy service provider. When evaluating a potential partner, look for transparency, proactive communication, and an ability to demonstrate how their work directly impacts your profitability.
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In this episode, we dive into the harsh reality of running an Amazon brand in today's shifting economy. As rising tariffs, fee updates, and supply chain shifts squeeze cash flow, the traditional "growth at all costs" playbook is officially broken. We discuss why prioritizing profit over raw revenue is the ultimate survival strategy, how to avoid the dangerous cash traps built into the platform, and why relying on external funding might actually ruin your business. Tune in to learn how to keep your brand lean, resilient, and highly profitable.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode, we explore why relying solely on standard dashboards can lead to costly strategic errors. Using the famous WWII "survivorship bias" bomber story, they explain that metrics often show an incomplete truth. To find real growth opportunities, brands must look beyond the raw numbers and factor in external context. Such as regional weather, competitor promotions, shipping deadlines, and seasonal market declines. Ultimately, they argue that since everyone has access to the same basic data, the true competitive edge lies in combining these metrics with human judgment and expertise.
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In this episode of Upside, we sit down with public speaking coach and storytelling expert Rob D. Willis. Rob explains why most founders fail by pitching dry data instead of building real tension, breaking down why your customer must always be the true hero of the narrative. He shares his journey from running Berlin walking tours to coaching executives, his mindset shift for shipping high-performing social media content, and his advanced AI workflow connecting Claude and Obsidian. Tune in to learn how to turn abstract business ideas into powerful stories that actually move people.
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In this episode, we explore the growing tension between Amazon and direct-to-consumer brands, why many businesses struggle to make D2C profitable, and what brands should be focusing on in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're an Amazon seller, brand owner, or eCommerce operator, this conversation will help you understand where the biggest opportunities and risks are today.
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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kishan Rees and Cormac Willer to explore one of the most valuable assets in business today: trust. From healthcare and patient education to AI, misinformation, and digital content, we discuss how organizations can build credibility in an increasingly noisy online world. The conversation also dives into personal experiences, leadership lessons, and why trust remains the foundation of meaningful relationships between brands and people.
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Shivali Patel from Helium10 joins the pod to break down exactly how to start and scale an Amazon FBA business in 2026. From failed first products and KDP publishing to advanced keyword strategy, Prime Day prep, and the most powerful Helium 10 tools, this episode is packed with actionable Amazon seller insights for beginners and advanced brands alike.
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Amazon officially killed Rufus… and we called it months ago. We break down why Amazon’s AI shopping assistant failed, what’s replacing it, and what sellers should really focus on instead of AI hype.
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In this news episode, we break down the latest Amazon updates affecting sellers right now. We cover rising Amazon fees, the removal of Amazon prep services, Q1 profitability numbers, and what Amazon’s growing ad business means for brands and sellers moving forward.
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In this episode, we come up with 4 business ideas you can start in a single weekend. From simple product ideas to fun, unconventional concepts, we break down low-cost ways to make money. Including AI-generated books, rental experiences, and creative twists on existing products.
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In this episode, we break down what it really takes to expand into the US market, especially on Amazon. From advertising costs and inventory planning to cash flow and scaling challenges, this is a realistic, no-fluff conversation about why entering the US isn’t as simple as it seems. If you're thinking about launching or expanding your business into the US, this episode will help you understand the true costs, risks, and strategies involved.
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Welcome back to The Amazon Clinic — where we take real seller questions and give you straight answers that actually move the needle.
In this episode, we cover:
Why your packaging could be killing your productThe 3 things you should prioritise every week on AmazonWhat a “good” profit margin actually looks like (and why most people get this wrong)If you're selling on Amazon (or planning to), this one’s packed with practical advice you can apply straight away.
Key TakeawaysDesign your product AND packaging for e-commerce, not retail shelvesFocus on revenue, ads, and inventory — everything else is secondaryA 15–20% margin is solid for most Amazon businessesGrowth often means short-term margin sacrifice
Chapters00:00 – Question 1: Best Packaging for Amazon
Should you avoid glass? How to design packaging that actually survives the e-commerce journey.
07:46 – Question 2: What Should You Prioritise Each Week?
The 3 key areas every Amazon seller should focus on (and where to spend your time).
13:51 – Question 3: What Is a Good Profit Margin on Amazon?
Is ~18% good? What margins actually look like across categories.
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It’s that time of year again…
Andy Jassy has dropped his annual shareholder letter.
But this one is different.
Amazon is making a $200 BILLION bet on AI…
And it could completely reshape the future of the platform.
In this episode, we break down:
Why Amazon’s free cash flow is collapsingWhat this AI investment really meansThe risks the market is worried aboutAnd most importantly… how this affects YOU as a sellerBecause here’s the reality:
If you sell on Amazon, you’re part of this bet whether you like it or not.
We also dive into:
Payment delays and cash flow pressureRising fees and ad spendThe shift towards AI-driven operationsWhy sellers weren’t even mentioned in the letterThis isn’t just Amazon news.
This is where the platform is heading next.
00:00 Intro
01:00 What the shareholder letter actually says
03:00 Amazon’s free cash flow collapse explained
06:30 The $200B AI investment
10:00 Why the market is worried
13:30 What this means for sellers
16:30 Ads, fees and cash flow changes
18:00 Final thoughts
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This week we’re trying something a bit different.
We break down the good, the bad and the ugly of modern advertising — from founder-led brands that are doing it right, to lazy campaigns that completely miss the mark, to the growing use of AI in big brand ads.
We get into:
Why founder-led content is driving so much engagement right nowWhy big brands struggle to replicate itThe problem with modern “story-first” ads that forget the productWhy some campaigns feel completely disconnected from realityThe rise of AI-generated ads and the backlash that comes with itWhether AI is actually improving advertising or removing what makes it workIf you’re building a brand or working in marketing, this is a real look at what’s working right now — and what isn’t.
00:00 – Trying something new
01:30 – The GOOD: founder-led brands
06:30 – Why big brands can’t replicate it
10:00 – The BAD: ads that don’t sell anything
15:00 – Why storytelling can go wrong
18:30 – The UGLY: AI in advertising
24:00 – Coca-Cola AI ad breakdown
28:00 – AI vs real creative work
32:00 – Final thoughts
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In this episode of the E-commerce Clinic, we’re reviewing real Amazon listings and breaking down exactly what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve performance.
From click-through rate issues to visibility, relevance, and conversion blockers — we go listing by listing and give practical, no-fluff advice you can actually implement.
If you’ve ever wondered why your ads are getting impressions but no clicks, or how to compete against stronger listings, this one’s for you.
Drop your own listings in the comments (or via the link below) and we might review them in the next episode.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:15 Listing 1
06:40 Listing 2
11:05 Listing 3
16:20 Listing 4
21:10 Listing 5
26:00 Listing 6
30:30 Final Thoughts
Got a question or problem you want solving in the clinic?Submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeN7rpkudA_T0IALgGdc5Kw91OceonqYwjnLueNj3fE9miGug/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116429926230531111521
One love.
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This week’s episode is a bit different.
AI is everywhere right now. Everyone’s talking about it. Everyone’s telling you to optimise for it.
But are we overthinking it?
We break down what AI actually is (and isn’t), why most of the conversation is being overhyped, and what that means for Amazon sellers right now.
We get into:
Why AI isn’t “intelligent” (and why that matters)The real role of LLMs and what they’re actually doingWhether AI is actually replacing jobs — or just making teams more efficientThe truth about Amazon’s Rufus and whether you should care yetWhy most sellers are focusing on the wrong thingsWhat actually drives performance on Amazon (and why that hasn’t changed)If you’re feeling like you need to “figure out AI” — this episode should bring you back to what actually matters.
If you’ve got thoughts on AI, Rufus, or where this is all heading - drop them in the comments. We’d love to hear your take.
00:00 – AI isn’t as smart as you think
02:30 – What AI actually is (and isn’t)
05:00 – Are we overhyping AI?
08:30 – Jobs, layoffs & the “AI excuse”
11:00 – Amazon Rufus: should you care?
13:30 – What actually works on Amazon
16:00 – The real takeaway: don’t chase hype
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In this episode of Upside, we take you behind the scenes of what it actually looks like to run a global e-commerce business.Over four weeks, we travelled across Scotland, South Africa, Dubai, and Germany working with our teams, meeting brands, and seeing first-hand how different markets operate.From climbing Table Mountain at sunrise to navigating trade shows, distributors, and even a bit of food poisoning along the way… this is the reality of building and scaling across multiple regions.We break down:What Amazon looks like in emerging markets like South AfricaWhy the Middle East is a huge opportunity (if you get it right)The hidden complexity of selling across EuropeThe real differences between scaling in the US vs EuropeWhy being on the ground with your team and clients changes everythingAnd one big takeaway:Building a business is a lot like climbing a mountain… easy at the start, brutal in the middle, worth it at the top.00:00 Intro – 4 Countries in 4 Weeks00:45 Back in London & Trip Overview01:30 South Africa – Team, Table Mountain & Market Insights16:30 Dubai – Growth, Opportunity & Distribution Models22:30 Germany – E-Commerce Expo & European Challenges27:30 Final Thoughts – Running a Global Business
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https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeN7rpkudA_T0IALgGdc5Kw91OceonqYwjnLueNj3fE9miGug/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116429926230531111521
Episode SummaryIn this episode of Upside, Ali and Zamir address the renewed pressure on global supply chains caused by escalating tensions in the Gulf. While the conversation acknowledges the human and regional impact of the situation, the focus remains on what businesses can practically do to protect themselves from disruption.
The discussion explores how geopolitical events can expose weaknesses in supply chains, particularly for companies manufacturing in Asia and shipping goods into Europe. Ali reflects on lessons learned during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how easy it is to underestimate early warning signs of disruption. The key takeaway is that businesses should always be asking one simple question: how could this affect my supply chain, and what can I do now to mitigate the risk?
The hosts also examine how similar events have affected global trade in the past, from the Ever Given blockage in the Suez Canal to piracy concerns off the coast of East Africa. These events demonstrate how quickly shipping routes, transit times, and costs can change. If tensions persist, businesses may face rising oil prices and longer shipping times as vessels are forced to take alternative routes.
Rather than reacting impulsively, the conversation emphasises the importance of measured, strategic responses. Short-term fixes are often limited, but these disruptions provide valuable signals that businesses should use to strengthen their operations. This could include building more resilient supply chains, diversifying product ranges, or selling across multiple markets to reduce exposure to regional disruptions.
The episode also discusses the challenge of diversifying manufacturing locations. While sourcing outside China has become a common strategy in recent years, Ali notes that China’s manufacturing infrastructure remains difficult to replicate in many sectors. As a result, businesses may find it easier to diversify product categories or supplier relationships rather than completely relocating production.
Ultimately, the key message of the episode is that disruptions are inevitable. Businesses that survive and grow are those that treat these events as signals to build resilience rather than reacting with panic.
Key TakeawaysGeopolitical events can expose hidden vulnerabilities in global supply chains.Disruptions affecting shipping routes may lead to increased costs and longer delivery times.Businesses should avoid knee-jerk reactions and instead focus on measured, strategic responses.Diversifying suppliers, product ranges, or markets can help hedge against regional disruptions.China remains difficult to replace as a manufacturing hub, so diversification strategies may need to focus elsewhere.Long-term resilience comes from building redundancy into supply chains and business operations.
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In this episode of Upside, Ali and Zamir open the E-commerce Clinic to tackle real questions from sellers facing everyday Amazon challenges. From account access issues to advertising performance and disappearing listings, the team works through practical problems submitted by listeners and breaks down how to diagnose and fix them.
What’s Covered in This EpisodeThe episode kicks off with a common but frustrating problem: getting locked out of Seller Central after changing the phone number linked to two-factor authentication. Ali and Zamir explain why this can happen and share a workaround many sellers overlook. Instead of relying solely on Seller Support, they suggest contacting Amazon through the customer account side, which often has more responsive support and can help restore access faster. They also highlight the importance of using an authenticator app rather than SMS codes as your primary two-factor authentication method.
The discussion then moves into advertising performance and click-through rates. A listener asks why their campaigns are generating impressions and top-of-search placements but still producing a very low CTR. The team breaks the issue down into three areas: what customers see on the search results page, keyword relevance, and advertising settings. They emphasise that CTR is influenced by multiple factors including price, reviews, delivery promise, images, promotions, and status badges like Amazon’s Choice or Best Seller. They also discuss how bid adjustments can help increase top-of-search visibility, which ultimately improves the likelihood of getting clicks.
Another listener asks about managing auto campaigns that generate strong revenue but relatively low CTR. The team explains how Amazon uses auto campaigns to distribute traffic across a wide range of search terms, often at lower CPCs. Rather than shutting them down, they recommend using auto campaigns as keyword discovery tools, while adding negatives to avoid overlap with manual campaigns. They also address the misconception around “good” CTR benchmarks, encouraging sellers to compare their performance against competitors using tools like Amazon Brand Analytics to understand market averages.
Finally, the episode tackles a tricky situation where a product appears live and in stock in Vendor Central but does not show up in search results. Ali and Zamir walk through several potential causes including stock levels, delivery location settings, listing suppression, miscategorisation, missing images, or new listings that have not yet fully indexed. They recommend checking inventory availability, verifying postcode delivery settings, reviewing images and category placement, and consulting account health notifications before escalating to Vendor or Seller Support.
Key TakeawaysTwo-factor authentication issues: Use Amazon customer support routes if Seller Support cannot resolve login problems.Use authenticator apps: SMS authentication can fail, especially when travelling.CTR depends on many factors: Price, reviews, images, delivery promises, and badges all influence clicks.Focus on relevance first: Broad keywords may generate impressions but not meaningful engagement.Auto campaigns are discovery tools: Use them to find keywords, then move strong performers into manual campaigns.Benchmark against your category: Market CTR averages vary widely by product type.Search visibility issues: Check stock levels, delivery location, category placement, images, and indexing delays.To submit your own question for a future E-commerce Clinic, check the link in the description and the team may tackle it in a future episode.
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In this episode of Upside, Ali and Zamir sit down with Umar to explore an extraordinary journey from engineering and telecommunications to building the foundations of Pakistan’s e-commerce ecosystem and now turning his focus towards human optimisation.
From solving national-scale infrastructure problems to biohacking sleep and recovery, this conversation bridges technology, entrepreneurship, and performance in a way few episodes have.
What’s Covered in This EpisodeThe episode opens with Umar’s origin story. Initially pushed into computer science despite a passion for psychology and biology, he eventually built a career spanning networking, telecommunications, SaaS, IoT museums, retail business intelligence systems, and foundational Shopify integrations in Pakistan.
After early failures including an education ERP platform that collapsed due to market misalignment, Umar learned a critical lesson: build with the customer, not just for the solution. That pivot led to solving real merchant problems in payments, logistics, and infrastructure, effectively enabling Shopify to function locally. By 2019, his company had become the largest e-commerce technology service provider in the country.
From there, the discussion moves into building:
Ginko Omni Channel, launched just before COVID, which scaled rapidly as retailers were forced onlineUnum Pay, a unified payment system integrating multiple banks and BNPL into one platformThe philosophy of solving hard problems so well that marketing becomes unnecessaryBut the episode takes a deeper turn.
Despite two decades in technology, Umar reveals his true passion has always been human potential. From being a national Wushu champion at 17 to coaching bodybuilding, his long-term fascination has been optimisation of the body and mind.
Now, he is building a health optimisation platform combining:
Wearable dataBlood biomarkersNutrition trackingMovement metricsAI-driven insightsThe goal is a unified system that helps people optimise recovery, performance, and longevity without needing constant clinical oversight.
The final section becomes a masterclass in practical health optimisation, particularly for high-stress e-commerce operators.
Key TakeawaysEntrepreneurship & GrowthSolve real problems: Focus on pain points, not product ideas.Test incrementally: Build in modules and validate early.Infrastructure wins long-term: Foundational systems create ecosystems.Marketing becomes easier when the problem is painful enough.
Health & PerformanceSleep is the foundation: 9pm to 1am is peak recovery time.Carbohydrate reduction improves metabolic stability.Movement is essential, but walking is not exercise.Stress should peak in the morning, not the evening.Avoid screens and high cognitive load before sleep.Breathing techniques improve HRV and recovery.You do not need an alarm clock if your circadian rhythm is aligned.A powerful underlying message runs throughout the episode:
We obsess over optimising ads, funnels, and conversions. But how often do we optimise ourselves?
To access more insights on building sustainable online businesses and avoiding common pitfalls in the reselling world, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources.
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