Global competition is killing Western sellers. This episode’s guest shares how to survive tariffs, copycats, and shifting supply chains in this must-hear e-commerce deep dive.

E-commerce enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, you're in for a treat as we sit down with Bernie Thompson, a pioneering eight-figure Amazon seller and former software engineer with industry giants like IBM and Microsoft. Bernie charts a thrilling journey from his tech roots to establishing a successful electronics company in the early days of Amazon's marketplace. Our conversation unveils the seismic shifts in the e-commerce landscape, where timing, innovation, and an adaptable mindset are key to thriving amid intense global competition.

We're not shying away from the hard-hitting challenges Western sellers face, particularly in the electronics sector. Bernie opens up about navigating the choppy waters of tariffs and fierce competition from aggressive Chinese brands. Misleading product claims and the difficulty of enforcing regulations in this digital age add another layer of complexity. Through it all, Bernie underscores the vital role of strategic planning and intellectual property protection as pillars for sustaining growth and innovation.

As we wrap up, we cast an eye on the future, spotlighting the transformative power of AI in product development and global business competitiveness. From scaling operations with AI-driven tools to the need for systemic changes in American manufacturing, our discussion highlights the strategic moves necessary to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving global market. Join us for an episode brimming with insights, whether you're an industry veteran or a curious newcomer eager to understand the forces reshaping e-commerce and manufacturing today.

In episode 455 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Bernie discuss:

• 00:00 - E-Commerce Innovations With Bernie Thompson
• 03:06 - Fortunate Timing for Amazon Seller
• 08:59 - Navigating Tariff Challenges in the Electronics Category
• 11:35 - Rise of Chinese Brands in Electronics
• 20:32 - Challenges of Western Electronics Industry
• 25:31 - Challenges in Opening Chip Plant
• 26:57 - Strategies for American Manufacturing Competitiveness
• 31:08 - Navigating Global Electronics Manufacturing
• 32:04 - Technological Innovations and Global Competition
• 36:29 - Intellectual Property and Sourcing Strategy
• 43:56 - Manufacturing Support Discrepancy Between Countries
• 47:01 - Labor and Automation in China
• 52:20 - Impact of AI on Product Development
• 53:20 - Cultural and Mental Shifts in Business
• 58:00 - The Power of AI in Business
• 1:02:26 - Strategic Implementation of AI in Business

Learn how to defend your Amazon brand from overseas knockoffs. Today’s guest shares real IP battles, counterfeiting tactics, and strategies for protecting your e-commerce success.

Can your Amazon brand survive the onslaught of 153 knockoffs? Hear from Chris Keef, our expert guest, as he unravels the harrowing tale of an Amazon seller who faced this exact nightmare and navigated the turbulent waters of account suspension despite a fortress of patents and trademarks. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge from his dual experiences in the corporate and e-commerce worlds, offering listeners a roadmap for maintaining a competitive edge through robust intellectual property strategies and unique product offerings."

In a world where unauthorized sellers and 'hijackers' lurk around every corner of online marketplaces, protecting your Amazon listing becomes a high-stakes game. We dive into the systemic issues within online marketplaces, shedding light on the stark contrast between e-commerce and traditional retail environments. Through gripping case studies, Chris and Kevin expose how low barriers to entry often lead to shortcuts and unethical practices, and how sellers can strategically plan and fortify their defenses with tools like Amazon's brand registry and the Apex program.

Discover strategic approaches for combating false advertising and counterfeit threats while learning how to leverage brand protection services like AMZ Watchdog. Not only do we emphasize the importance of resilience and assertiveness in safeguarding your brand, but we also explore innovative strategies for thriving in the e-commerce landscape. From creating a digital moat around your products to utilizing emerging platforms like TikTok for brand growth, this episode is packed with insights to empower you against unfair practices and position your brand for success.

In episode 454 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Chris discuss:

• 00:00 - Protecting Your Amazon Listing Strategies
• 00:04 - Rising Competition in Online Sales
• 06:42 - Concerns About Data Security
• 13:32 - Navigating IP Protection in Global E-Commerce
• 16:54 - Intellectual Property Rights Across Borders
• 18:55 - Combatting False Advertising in E-Commerce
• 20:11 - Retail vs E-Commerce Growth Differences
• 30:12 - Strategic Approaches to IP Protection
• 40:32 - Negotiating for Release of Product
• 41:33 - Navigating Brand Protection in E-Commerce
• 45:11 - Navigating E-Commerce Challenges and Innovations
• 47:15 - Competitive Strategies in Global Business
• 52:48 - Utilizing TikTok for Brand Success
• 53:59 - Protecting Brands in E-Commerce
• 59:13 - Supporting Amazon Sellers Through AMZ Watchdog
• 1:00:40 - Kevin's Words of Wisdom

Social commerce is booming. Learn how brands use TikTok Shop, influencer campaigns, and spark ads to drive engagement and how it boosts your Amazon sales.

Can TikTok Shop really be the ultimate game-changer for brands aiming to make millions together with Amazon? Join us as we welcome Sohun Sanka, who brings firsthand experience from TikTok Shop's inception in the US, to uncover the secrets behind this booming social commerce platform. From algorithms to government scrutiny, we dissect what makes TikTok a revolutionary tool for brand success and how it stands apart from traditional platforms like Amazon and Shopify.

Discover how TikTok Shop's seamless in-app purchasing is setting new standards in e-commerce, offering brands lower CPMs and remarkable attribution capabilities. We take you through the maze of TikTok's advertising landscape, highlighting innovative ad types like Spark ads and live shopping ads that are transforming consumer engagement. Learn the strategic differences between organic content and paid ads, and why TikTok's approach to integrating shopping links directly into videos can potentially skyrocket your brand's conversions and awareness.

Engaging influencers effectively on TikTok is more than just a trend; it's a necessity. We explore the evolving landscape of influencer marketing with a focus on performance-based agreements and gamification. Hear about the transition from flat fee models to dynamic commission structures, and how brands are fostering communities of brand ambassadors to drive unmatched success. Dive into the intricacies of TikTok's strict content guidelines and discover how clear content blueprints can elevate your affiliate program. With Sohun's insights, unlock the potential to optimize your brand's impact on TikTok Shop like never before.

In episode 453 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Sohun discuss:

• 00:00 - TikTok Shop Strategy and Success
• 02:32 - Early Days of TikTok Shop
• 10:46 - The Power of Social Commerce
• 13:38 - TikTok Shop Advertising Strategy Insights
• 18:54 - Boosting Amazon Sales Through TikTok
• 19:32 - Effective Influencer Acquisition Strategies
• 24:45 - Creator Acquisition Lever Through Contests
• 27:22 - Influencer Retainer Strategies & Success
• 29:06 - Influencer Ambassador Program Success Strategies
• 34:28 - Strategic Approach to TikTok Marketing
• 36:41 - TikTok Shop Rules and Strategies
• 40:10 - Impact of Brand Affiliate Programs