Amazon Supply Chain Secrets with Ephraim Ausch

Описание: We examine the current landscape of amazon awd services, focusing on how rising costs impact small business shipping decisions. This video discusses the potential shift in demand from West Coast to East Coast due to increased rates, affecting overall warehouse logistics. Understanding these changes is crucial for optimizing your supply chain in 2025.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Ephraim Ausch, Chief Logistics Officer at Tactical Logistics Solutions. They discuss the evolving challenges Amazon sellers face, including rising logistics costs, tariff complexities, and intense competition from overseas sellers. Ephraim shares actionable strategies for optimizing supply chains, navigating shipping terms, and maintaining profit margins. The conversation also covers the importance of brand building, diversification across marketplaces, and leveraging expert consultants. Practical advice and industry insights make this episode essential listening for e-commerce entrepreneurs aiming to scale and stay competitive.

00:00:00 AWS and Amazon Logistics Costs Rising
Discussion on increasing AWS rates, shifting shipping patterns, and Amazon’s pricing model for logistics services.

00:00:29 Podcast Introduction & Guest Background
Host introduces the podcast, guest Ephraim Ausch, and his expertise in e-commerce logistics and Amazon FBA.

00:02:14 Ephraim’s Experience & Seller Perspective
Ephraim shares his background as a former seller and how it informs his logistics consulting.

00:04:10 Current Supply Chain Challenges for Sellers
Key issues: tariff uncertainty, Amazon pushing costs to sellers, and increased competition from Chinese sellers.

00:05:23 Declining Profit Margins & Market Complexity
How profit margins have shrunk, making e-commerce more complex and less viable as a side hustle.

00:08:23 Tariffs: Strategies and Compliance
Exploring DDP, FOB, EXW shipping terms, and legal/gray-area strategies to minimize tariff costs.

00:09:30 DDP Strategies: Risks and Savings
Differences between gray-area and compliant DDP, and how breaking down product components can reduce duties.

00:13:38 When to Use DDP and Supplier Considerations
Factors influencing DDP’s effectiveness, supplier willingness, and potential risks of losing shipment control.

00:17:00 Consulting and Expert Advice for Sellers
Importance of consulting experts for supply chain, tariffs, and customs compliance to avoid costly mistakes.

00:20:42 Amazon FBA Inbounding & Storage Changes
How Amazon’s inbounding, storage limits, and new fees have changed, and strategies to avoid inefficiencies.

00:21:55 AWD vs. 3PL: Cost, Speed, and Buffer Stock
Comparing Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD) with 3PLs, and the importance of maintaining buffer inventory.

00:25:20 Placement Fees, Five-Way Splits, and Sales Impact
How placement fees and shipping splits affect costs, sales velocity, and regional product availability.

00:29:26 Optimizing FBA Deliveries and Avoiding Stockouts
Strategies to improve FBA check-in speed, avoid stockouts, and balance cost versus speed.

00:37:11 Inventory Management, Forecasting, and Coverage
The importance of long-term planning, forecasting, and ensuring nationwide product coverage in Amazon FCs.

00:39:00 Analyzing Regional Coverage and Competitor Footprints
How to assess and influence where your inventory is stored and sold, and tools for competitive analysis.

00:43:26 Overseas Competition: Tactics and Impact
How overseas (especially Chinese) sellers cut costs, cheat on tariffs, and affect US-based sellers.

00:44:43 Quality, Reviews, and Consumer Behavior
Differences in product quality, review manipulation, and the trend of US buyers seeking domestic brands.

00:50:15 Brand Building and Diversification Strategies
Why US brands must focus on storytelling, brand building, and multi-channel diversification to compete.

00:52:14 TikTok Shop, Social Proof, and Brand Storytelling
Leveraging TikTok and authentic content to drive Amazon sales and build a loyal customer base.

00:53:21 Three Actionable Takeaways for Sellers
Host summarizes key action items: strengthen supply chain, consult experts, and focus on brand and diversification.

00:57:51 Book, AI Tool, and Influencer Recommendations
Ephraim shares his favorite business book, AI tools, and influential people in the e-commerce space.

01:02:16 Contact Information and Episode Wrap-Up
How to connect with Ephraim and closing remarks for the episode.