Sourcing expert Isaac Hetzroni, aka @thesourcingguy, shares tips on China, AI, factory tours, and finding top suppliers. Essential insights for smarter e-commerce strategies.

Join us as we explore the dynamic world of sourcing with Isaac Hetzroni, aka @thesourcingguy, a rising influencer known for his insightful content on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Isaac, though lesser-known in the Amazon space, shares his extensive experience in manufacturing, having grown up in the industry with his family's apparel and electronics factories. He provides valuable insights on whether businesses should look beyond China for sourcing, and shares practical tips on understanding product costs and minimizing risks. Isaac's engaging social media presence brings these topics to life, making sourcing strategies both informative and entertaining.

We'll also examine the complexities and misconceptions surrounding sourcing from China, where advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce have cemented its status as a manufacturing powerhouse. Despite pushes for diversification, replicating China's efficiency in other countries presents significant challenges. Apparel manufacturing emerges as a more adaptable sector for relocation, yet the transition is fraught with logistical hurdles. The discussion extends to global manufacturing trends and China's impact on the U.S. market, including the rise of Factory to Consumer strategies and the role of AI in overcoming language barriers, all of which are reshaping global trade relationships.

In this episode, we emphasize the importance of building strong business relationships, especially when dealing with Chinese suppliers. Personal connections often intertwine with professional dealings, and trade shows play a crucial role in maintaining these relationships. We explore strategies for finding the best suppliers beyond platforms like Alibaba, using tools such as Import Yeti and trade shows to discover high-quality factories. Additionally, we highlight the importance of quality control and the advantages of diversifying supply chains to new regions. Tune in to gain insights into effective sourcing strategies, quality control, and the evolving landscape of global manufacturing.

In episode 451 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Isaac discuss:

• 00:00 - Expert Sourcing Strategies With Isaac Hetzroni
• 03:31 - Factory Tours & Sourcing Tips
• 08:14 - Misconceptions About Sourcing in China
• 17:42 - Global Manufacturing and Brain Drain
• 09:03 - The Challenges of Sourcing in China
• 17:42 - Global Manufacturing Trends and China Sourcing
• 22:02 - Sourcing Tips for Manufacturers
• 28:08 - Purchasing in China
• 28:38 - Building Strong Business Relationships in China
• 33:41 - Sourcing the Best Suppliers Without Alibaba
• 34:34 - Strategies for Finding the Best Suppliers
• 37:49 - Creative Freedom in Factory Filming
• 39:25 - Effective Overseas Manufacturing Quality Control
• 43:45 - Lean QC Solutions in Production
• 46:23 - Advantages of Diversifying Supply Chains
• 51:32 - Negotiating Production Priorities With Factories
• 54:13 - Advanced AI for Factory Sourcing
• 58:00 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

From launching rockets to scaling 8-figure brands, our guest shares AI hacks, PPC wins, & the secret tactic he learned in Helium 10 Elite that made him millions on Amazon.

Join us for an exciting conversation with Jerry Vida, an 8-figure Amazon seller with 17 years of e-commerce experience and a rocket-building hobby on the side. He shares his remarkable journey of navigating the Amazon landscape and achieving substantial sales success. Jerry opens up about his transition from struggling with PPC agencies to founding his own successful PPC agency. He recounts a pivotal moment from a Helium 10 Elite hack that helped him optimize lightning deals scheduling and significantly boost sales. Together, we reflect on the power of actionable insights, the role of AI in business, and the value of staying informed through curated content like newsletters.

As we explore the future of e-commerce, we discuss the transformative impact of AI technology on the industry. From reducing the need for large teams to enabling data-driven decision-making, AI is reshaping the way we analyze products, develop customer profiles, and create targeted marketing content. Listen in as we examine the shift from traditional keyword-based systems to intent-based models that better understand customer behavior and preferences. By leveraging AI and real-time data, we can craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse buyer personas and ultimately enhance branding and marketing strategies.

Finally, we tackle the intricacies of maximizing profitability on Amazon, emphasizing a holistic approach that considers all aspects of the Amazon ecosystem. We touch on the debate between flat fees and profit-sharing models in agency partnerships and the importance of selecting high-quality clients. Additionally, we discuss strategies for leveraging Amazon as a powerful tool for customer acquisition, using product inserts and targeted marketing sequences to build a loyal customer base. Throughout this episode, Jerry and Kevin share insights from their own experiences and highlight opportunities for elevating e-commerce ventures to new heights.

In episode 450 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Jerry discuss:

• 00:00 - E-Commerce Expert Discusses Amazon Success
• 02:06 - Lightning Deal Hack Success Story
• 04:21 - Benefits of Industry-Focused Newsletters
• 09:08 - AI Technology in E-Commerce Growth
• 10:41 - Engineers Excel in E-Commerce Sales
• 17:52 - Maximizing Profitability Through AI Technology
• 20:52 - Switching From Agencies to Internal PPC
• 25:15 - Maximizing Profitability With Amazon Strategies
• 28:13 - Maximizing Profitability Through Amazon Optimization
• 31:54 - Future of E-Commerce
• 37:38 - Optimizing Product Listings for Multiple Avatars
• 44:02 - Leveraging Amazon for Customer Acquisition
• 47:39 - Rocket Science and E-Commerce Integration
• 48:12 - Description of Visuals on YouTube
• 53:14 - Rocket Launch Safety and Precautions
• 55:33 - Unlocking Success in E-Commerce

Learn the global expansion blueprint from an 8-figure Amazon seller! Overcome tariffs, streamline logistics, earn miles, and boost Amazon listings with AI insights and smart strategies.

Antonio Bindi, an accomplished eight-figure Amazon seller from Brazil, joins us to share his remarkable journey from dentistry to the e-commerce world. Antonio has become a success story by expanding his business in the US and Europe, leveraging the exciting and sometimes challenging opportunities that come with global expansion. His insights reveal how navigating tariffs, managing logistics, and optimizing inventory can open doors to new horizons and even world travel, painting a captivating picture of what it means to thrive in the e-commerce industry.

Our conversation takes a closer look at the complexities of international e-commerce, with Brazil playing a central role. We discuss the challenges sellers face, such as the intricate Brazilian tax system and high tariffs, and how these hurdles impact foreign companies trying to enter the market. We also compare Amazon's efforts with MercadoLibre's dominance in Latin America, shedding light on the unique e-commerce landscape in the region. Antonio's experiences bring to life the dynamic nature of the market and the strategic moves necessary for success, regardless of location.

The episode further explores the transformative power of AI in enhancing product listings on Amazon. By shifting from traditional keyword-driven strategies to intent-based searches, AI is revolutionizing how products are ranked and seen by customers. We discuss the importance of optimizing product imagery and tailoring listings to specific contexts, such as beach gear in its natural setting. These insights into product visibility and conversion strategies provide valuable takeaways for sellers looking to enhance their e-commerce toolkit. Antonio’s story and expertise offer a wealth of knowledge for seasoned sellers and those just embarking on this exciting journey.

In episode 449 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Antonio discuss:

• 00:00 - Exploring Global E-Commerce Opportunities With Antonio Bindi
• 02:41 - Theft in Rio Carnival Excitement
• 14:49 - Innovative Event Planning and AI Exploration
• 16:17 - Maximizing Miles With American Express
• 23:11 - Maximizing Travel Rewards and Mile Transfers
• 26:45 - Navigating Tariff Impacts in Canada
• 27:22 - Reviewing Global Inventory Strategy and Operations
• 31:09 - International Market Expansion Strategy
• 35:20 - E-Commerce Trends and Strategies Discussion
• 36:35 - E-Commerce Competition in Brazil
• 46:45 - Optimizing Product Listings for Amazon with AI
• 47:27 - Shifting Towards Intent-Based Analysis
• 53:13 - Exploring Business Pricing Strategy for Resellers
• 1:00:01 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom