Q&A from EBOers:  Amazon, Brands, Insurance, Dropshipping, and Research Tools [Episode 7]

Q&A from EBOers: Amazon, Brands, Insurance, Dropshipping, and Research Tools [Episode 7]

Author: Fred McKinnon February 1, 2017 Duration: 28:18

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to Episode 7 of the E-BusinessOnline Podcast

Host & Speaker:  Fred McKinnon
Topic:   Fred answers questions from fellow EBO’ers on Facebook, Messenger, and Reddit
Summary:   Fellow EBO’ers (that’s code for folks in our E-BusinessOnline community!) ask questions and have them answered here on the podcast.

Question #1 from the Facebook Group from Martin Mendez:
Commercial General Liability Insurance. when do you need it?

Thanks, Martin!   According to Amazon, you have to have this when you become enrolled in their Professional Selling Plan:

Sellers with professional selling plans on Amazon.com must provide proof of Commercial General Liability insurance. This insurance, obtained at the seller’s expense, shall cover up to $1,000,000 per occurrence and in the aggregate and must include products liability, bodily injury, or personal injury, property damage, and other requirements as stated in the Participation Agreement. The insurance must indicate that “Amazon.com, Inc., and its affiliates and assignees” are added as additional insureds.

Fred tells a story of how his Liability Insurance rescued him from a case where a cash register possibly caused the fire in a saloon.

Question #2 from the Facebook Group from Jerry Mills:
Recommended tools/metrics for researching potential products?

Great question, Jerry.   There are so many awesome tools, but a few that I really use frequently include:

Question #3 from Reddit user kcolabear:
How do you stay on top of quality and shipping times when you dropship? I’ve never understood that business model. I’m so extremely anxious about quality assurance that I touch every single item that I sell! I’d love to reduce my workload?

Thanks, K – this question is addressed in Episode 4 but I can tell you a few important things would be:

  1. Be sure that you keep with accurate inventory in using inventory buffers
  2. Be sure you understand shipping cutoff times, shipping methods, and set your “lead time to ship” or “fulfillment latency” accordingly.

Question #4 from Reddit user DavidECom:

  1. How will small business compete with amazons 1 hr delivery / drones?
    I believe the best way is to exceed expectations with superb customer service and personalization.  More details in the podcast.
  2. What are the top 3 selling channels? How’s the landscape changed over the last 5 years?
    For us, it’s Amazon, Walmart, and Jet.   eBay is also a top-contender.  Many are crushing it on Etsy.
  3. Do you think Amazon is destroying brands?
    Tough question.  Long answer on the show, but my short answer is yes and no.  Some brands feel the low pricing on Amazon has destroyed their brand and eroded their product’s value.  Others have been able to use Amazon to launch their own brand and see great success.

Links

Facebook Page:  we share e-business related news and resources from time to time here
Facebook Group:  this is the place to network with other sellers and get your questions answered
Podcast Subscriptions:  follow links beneath player

Download the show notes.

If you’re listening on our website, please consider clicking the subscribe links underneath the player to subscribe in iTunes or in Android apps.  We’d be honored to hear your comments about this podcast below and your reviews on iTunes.

The post Q&A from EBOers: Amazon, Brands, Insurance, Dropshipping, and Research Tools [Episode 7] first appeared on eComCatalyst - Amazon, e-Commerce Growth Agency.


Navigating the world of online sales can feel like deciphering a constantly shifting map. eComCatalyst-Selling on Amazon FBA and e-Commerce is here to be your guide, offering a grounded perspective straight from the trenches. Hosted by Fred McKinnon, this podcast draws on the direct experience of running a full-service agency built by brand owners and founders. You'll hear practical discussions that cut through the noise, focusing on actionable strategies rather than just theory. Each episode tackles the real questions sellers face, from foundational setup on platforms like Amazon FBA and Shopify to adapting to emerging channels such as TikTok Shop. The conversations delve into operational management, marketing tactics, and interpreting the latest industry news that actually impacts your bottom line. It’s a resource for entrepreneurs at any stage who prefer lessons learned from hands-on experience over generic advice. By tuning in, you gain access to a mindset focused on building a resilient and adaptable business, not just chasing quick wins. This podcast serves as a regular dose of insight for anyone committed to the long-term work of growing a sustainable e-commerce venture.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 37

eComCatalyst - Selling on Amazon FBA and e-Commerce
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