#605 - 8-Figure Amazon Seller To ZERO?!
Serious Sellers Podcast: Learn How To Sell On Amazon FBA & Walmart
Deep Dive
Why did Brian Creager decide to transition from electrical engineering to international sales?
He realized that there were few engineers running companies and wanted to eventually run a company himself, so he made the transition to international sales to gain business experience.
What pivotal moment led Brian to start his own seven-figure Amazon business?
After being told to shut down two businesses he had spent 12 years growing and having to fire three people over the phone, Brian vowed to build his next seven-figure business for himself.
What was Brian's first successful Amazon product launch?
His first successful launch was in the men's hair care category, specifically a line of shampoo, conditioner, and styling products under the brand Elfin Beauty.
How much revenue did Brian's men's hair care brand generate at its peak?
The men's hair care brand peaked at $1.6 million in revenue.
Why was Brian banned from selling a medical device on Amazon?
The ASIN for the medical device, a baby heartbeat monitor, was shut down as a medical device, even though other sellers were offering similar products. Brian fought the ban for a year and a half before giving up.
What were the key factors that led to Brian's Amazon sales dropping to zero?
The primary factors were pandemic-related production issues with paper bags, leading to customer complaints and a loss of sales rank, combined with over-leveraging through Amazon lending and other debts.
How did the production issues with paper bags impact Brian's business?
The production line for paper bags had too much glue applied due to pandemic restrictions, causing the bags to stick together. This led to customer complaints, a stop sale, and a significant loss of sales rank, ultimately crippling the business.
What lessons did Brian learn from his business collapse?
He learned the importance of knowing your numbers, having the right people and systems in place, and avoiding over-leveraging through debt. He also emphasized the need to fail quickly when issues arise.
How has the Amazon marketplace evolved since Brian started selling?
The marketplace has become more competitive, with a greater need for unique products and stronger moats to protect against copycats. Additionally, advertising costs have increased, and AI is playing a larger role in product discovery.
What role does Brian see AI playing in the future of Amazon product discovery?
AI could revolutionize product discovery by helping consumers identify products they didn't know they needed, similar to how Google search works. However, traditional search methods may still dominate for known products.
- Transitioned from electrical engineering to international sales and then e-commerce
- Launched a successful men's hair care brand, achieving $1.6 million in revenue and 42% gross margin
- Early success involved shipping products from the garage and later graduating to a larger warehouse
Shownotes Transcript