The 80/20 of Ecommerce - 12/22/23

I can’t believe we are approaching the last week of the year!??

This year has had its share of ups and downs for me personally?

• My family realized our dream to officially live in Japan as we moved to Tokyo
• Endured our first real winter since 2019
• Enrolled our son in a Japanese PreK
• I organized my first large scale in person conference
• Traveled to China for a family holiday for the first time in 4 years,?
• Went through a series of volatile changes with my company team structure?
• Finally was able to see my mom and give her a chance to play with her grandson after 4.5 years

I have faith 2024 will be an even better and more exciting year for everyone!??

Here’s this week’s 80/20 of Ecommerce:

Red Sea Attacks Pose Another Threat to Ecom Sellers shipping from Asia

Got products coming in from Asia or the Middle East??

Recently there’s been a series of MISSLE attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea that might rock your boat.? Ships are swerving away from their usual path through the Suez Canal because of some risky business involving attacks on vessels.?

The culprits? A group called the Houthis, using drones and missiles, causing a real headache for some big shipping names like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.

What this means is a longer, more expensive journey for goods heading from Asia or the Middle East to places like Europe and the U.S. East Coast. Instead of the usual direct route via the Suez Canal, ships are taking a massive detour around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope.?

Think of it like taking the scenic route, but with extra fuel costs and time added. This isn't just a slight change – we're talking about tacking on a whopping 3,300 miles to the trip. So, if you're used to getting inventory on a certain timeline, you might need to buckle up for some delays.

Takeaway: If your stock comes in from Asia or the Middle East and heads to Europe or the U.S. East Coast, keep an eye on those delivery dates – they might get pushed back. And, be ready for possible price hikes on shipping. It's a good time to check your inventory and maybe think about alternative routes or suppliers, especially if quick turnarounds are your thing.

Exciting Announcement: 7 Figure Seller Japan Mastermind 2 in Okinawa!

I’m super excited to announce that we will host the 7 Figure Seller Amazon Japan Mastermind 2, LIVE in Okinawa, Japan from April 8-10, 2024.?

We're unlocking the door to the 4th largest Amazon marketplace in the world, and guess what? It's a territory that's still fresh and ripe for the taking!

Why Amazon Japan?

• Less competition and less sophisticated sellers
• Lower PPC costs
• No need for VAT or GST registration initially
• Easier to grow sales and make more money than in the UK and Germany
• Easier to build an audience and dominate the market

Get ready to learn and grow at this exclusive 3-day conference, limited to 100 motivated sellers.?

Here's what you’ll learn:

• The UPDATED 2024 Roadmap to Selling into Amazon Japan
• Secret Launch strategies unique to Japan
• External marketing strategies native to Japan (beyond PPC)
• Connections you need to sell into Amazon Japan - importer of record, warehousing, accountants, trademark agencies, translators, and more
• The A to Z of How to sell into Amazon Japan, even if you don't speak Japanese
• Exact product compliance requirements for importing into Japan
• NEW: Strategies to sell on Rakuten Japan and
• NEW: How to get into offline Japan retail stores
• NEW: AI strategies to grow your Japan business quickly
• Common mistakes to avoid when selling into Japan

And it's not just about business! Experience the beauty of Okinawa, the “Hawaii of Japan”, with activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and authentic Okinawa Izakaya dining.

Hurry, our Early bird pricing ends on Dec 31st, 2023. Don’t miss this chance to explore new horizons, network with like minded sellers, and skyrocket your business in 2024.

?? Secure your spot and learn more at 7 Figure Seller Japan Mastermind

Introducing Camp Ecom in Orlando FL, Jan 14-16, 2024?

In January, CampEcom will hold their second annual conference, an actionable interactive event teaching you the tools and strategies to accelerate your business growth.?

Brought to you by my friend Brandon Young and his team, you'll walk away with a blueprint for success to implement in 2024.

Why is CampEcom different from other e-comm conferences?

You won't see the usual faces at CampEcom. They’re not inviting the usual suspects. You can meet Brandon's peers at other Amazon conferences. This conference introduces you to entrepreneurs and company owners, managers, and supervisors. Movers and shakers, who have failed at their businesses, picked themselves back up, and figured out the winning formula for success. At CampEcom, you'll learn from your peers. It's relatable, it's close to the heart, it's the success story that happens just next door.

Visit www.campecom.com for more info and use code 7FSS for $100 off the ticket price.

Happy Holidays!

Gary