Marketplace Mavericks

Abe started selling on Amazon at 16, flipping used books from Goodwill and library sales with his mom. By 19 he did $550K in a single month. But the story most sellers need to hear is what happened in between: a $190K December that netted him about $9K in profit because he had no VAs, no prep center, and no one watching the leaks.In this episode Abe breaks down the exact systems that fixed it, why the vetting process is 90% of a good VA hire, how to structure incentives so your VA is actually motivated, and why "oversaturated" is the worst word in this business. He's also personally hired and trained over 500 VAs for around 300 Amazon sellers — so if you've ever had a VA "not work out," this one will sting a little.CONNECT WITH ABE Book a free VA/business audit call: https://calendly.com/abe-ecgwholesale/va-sales-call VA hiring service: https://www.ecgwholesale.com/va-hiring?preview=true

👉 Join the Brand Direct Challenge (Aug 10–14): https://buyboxmaverick--entreresource.thrivecart.com/brand-direct-challenge/## Episode SummaryJon sits down with Cajua Robinson (Ecom Unlimited Podcast) to talk about the new Brand Direct Challenge — a free 5-day live training, Aug 10–14 with Chris Grant, covering finding/negotiating with brands, onboarding, brand registry, and using AI for listings and PPC. They also dig into how they each use AI (Claude, Google Pomelli) to run their Amazon businesses, why brand direct moves slow enough that you have time to learn, and why real brand partnerships (not just cold calling) make this model fun.Also: the podcast has a new name — Marketplace Mavericks is now The Buy Box Maverick Podcast*.*## What We Cover- 0:00 – New podcast- 1:01 – Intro to Cajua and the Brand Direct Challenge- 3:07 – What's covered in the 5-day training + bonuses (AI Ops course, extended Smart Scout trial)- 4:35 – Why Smart Scout is a must once you go brand direct- 5:21 – The #1 key to success: taking action, not over-preparing- 7:56 – How AI fits in: listing copy, PPC, images, brand presentations- 11:46 – Underrated tool: Google Pomelli for on-brand AI images- 12:36 – More resources: listingoptimization.com and scalable.so- 16:54 – You don't have to quit OA to start brand direct- 18:03 – Why real brand partnerships beat nonstop cold calling- 22:02 – The Operators Podcast: why "Head of Amazon" is so hard to hire for- 24:31 – The pitch reframe: "I'm your distribution partner for Amazon"- 27:05 – Never fully cross a brand off your list — timing matters- 29:28 – Final thoughts + how to join the Challenge## About Cajua RobinsonCajua co-hosts the Ecom Unlimited Podcast and runs "the wholesale network," a wholesale/brand direct education community. He started in private label, moved into wholesale and brand direct, and now uses AI for listing optimization, PPC, and brand presentations. He's partnering with Chris Grant on the first-ever Brand Direct Challenge, a free 5-day live training Aug 10–14.Connect with Cajua:- YouTube (Ecom Unlimited): https://www.youtube.com/@ecom.unlimited.podcast- YouTube (personal): https://www.youtube.com/@cajuarobinson- Instagram: [@cajuarobinson](https://www.instagram.com/cajuarobinson)- X: [@CajuaRobinson](https://x.com/CajuaRobinson)## Tools & Resources MentionedBrand Direct Challenge · Smart Scout · Keepa · Google Pomelli · listingoptimization.com · scalable.so · The Operators Podcast---Follow The Buy Box Maverick Podcast: Instagram [@BuyBoxMaverick](https://www.instagram.com/buyboxmaverick)

He was studying to be an astrophysicist. Now he's doing $250,000 a month across Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and his own local distribution business — and he did it by literally buying an ownership stake in the supply chain.In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, host @BuyBoxMaverick sits down with Chris Shelby, a 22-year-old wholesale and brand-direct seller who started with online arbitrage as a college side hobby, moved into buying from distributors, and eventually skipped the middleman entirely to open direct accounts with brands — including 3M. The most surprising part of his playbook: buying into a business office co-op, which made him a literal part-owner with shares, gave him direct relationships with every brand rep in it, and solved his Amazon ungating problems in one move because the letterhead on his invoices is the co-op's own.Jon and Chris dig into how relationship-building (not email blasts) is what actually turns a distributor account into an exclusive brand-direct one, why owning a warehouse and a 3-person prep team changed his unit economics enough to profitably sell $6 items, how a warehouse opened up local B2B leads worth $70,000 in a single deal, and why Chris and a developer friend built their own internal AI-powered business tool — handling restocking, repricing, and shipment workflows off one shared database — instead of paying for five different SaaS subscriptions. They also compare notes on Amazon's brand registry requirements, why account age might be quietly triggering stricter gating, and what it actually takes (capital-wise and mindset-wise) to run wholesale as a real full-time business instead of a side hustle.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:- How Chris went from astrophysics student to online arbitrage to brand-direct wholesale in four years- The buying co-op strategy: how becoming a part-owner unlocked direct 3M inventory and simplified Amazon gating- Why relationships — not email — are what actually convert a distributor account into an exclusive- The real math behind owning a warehouse: prep costs under $1/unit vs. what a prep center would charge- How warehouse ownership generated an unexpected $70,000 local furniture deal that never touched Amazon- Inside Chris's custom internal software: automated restocking, repricing, and shipment workflows on one shared database- Why he still pays for Keepa and Smart Scout but replaced every other SaaS tool with something built in-house- Jon and Chris's theories on why Amazon keeps asking for brand registry even when a brand isn't enrolled- What it actually costs (in real capital) to scale wholesale beyond a side hustle

He got $110,000 in business credit in a single day — and used it to scale his Amazon business from $25K a month to $200K a month in under a year.In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, host @BuyBoxMaverick continues his series spotlighting entrepreneurs under 25 with Sadeq Wahab, a 22-year-old who's been finding ways to make money online since eighth grade — eBay dropshipping, candy reselling, and a sneaker reselling business that netted him $100,000 in profit between the ages of 16 and 18. When sneaker reselling started slowing down, Sadeq pivoted to Amazon online arbitrage (OA) in August 2022 and scaled it toward $400,000 a month in revenue, doubling his profit every year along the way.But the real story here is what Sadeq built after Amazon took off: a business credit funding company that helps other sellers unlock six-figure credit lines the way he did, and a custom AI agency — built with two developer cousins — that creates done-for-you dashboards, reconciliation software, and speed-to-lead systems for e-commerce operators. Jon and Sadeq dig into why packing your own inventory is the fastest way to cap your growth, why chasing high average selling price (ASP) products makes an entire operation easier to run, and why word of mouth is still the thing that closes every deal.If you're building a business under 25, thinking about funding your next move, or just curious what real year-over-year scaling looks like, this is a tactical blueprint from someone living it in real time.CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro — Continuing the Under-25 Entrepreneur Series 03:14 Sadeq's Origin Story: eBay Dropshipping in 8th Grade 05:49 $100K Net Profit From Sneaker Reselling (Age 16–18) 06:05 The Pivot to Amazon Online Arbitrage (August 2022) 08:15 Why Outsourcing Prep Was the First Real Unlock 17:51 Time to Open the Tunnel Vision: Building Beyond Amazon 20:38 Business #1: The Credit Funding Company 21:29 Business #2: The Custom AI Agency 40:00 Build Once, Deploy Many: How the AI Agency Scales 43:24 Why High ASP Changes Everything 56:09 Doubling Revenue Every Year: $500K to $6M+ 58:18 Why Word of Mouth Still Wins in E-Commerce 1:04:37 Inside the $110K Same-Day Business Credit Story 1:06:20 The Day Everything Got Serious 1:11:03 The #1 Funding Mistake New Sellers Make 1:16:36 Wrap-Up & Next Week's GuestWHAT YOU'LL LEARNHow a 16-year-old turned $15K in seed money into $100K net profit reselling sneakersWhy he pivoted from sneaker reselling to Amazon OA in August 2022 — and what changed once he took it seriouslyThe exact day $110,000 in same-day business credit changed the trajectory of his businessWhy "packing inventory doesn't make you any money" — the case for outsourcing prep immediatelyHow doubling revenue every year (from $500K to a projected $6M+) actually worksWhy he built a business credit funding company instead of an Amazon coaching programInside his custom AI agency: build-once, deploy-many software for reconciliation, AIP dashboards, and speed-to-leadWhy chasing high ASP products simplifies an entire OA operationWhy word of mouth and networking — not paid ads — built every business he's touchedCONNECT WITH SADEQ Instagram @sadeqwahabb

After 6 months of online arbitrage, I went all-in on Amazon wholesale and brand direct sourcing. One year later, here's everything I got right, everything I got wrong, and the one brand relationship that ended up carrying my entire business.In this solo update episode I break down:Why I ignored the "ramp up for Q4" advice and built toward brand direct insteadThe $10K mistake I made launching brands on Amazon that weren't readyWhy patience — not goals — is the real KPI in wholesaleHow to actually win an exclusive with a brand (hint: fix their problem first)Why grocery/hot sauce listings look easy but eat your margin in prep and shippingWhy I stopped being scared of $100+ price point items, and how one high-ticket brand became the foundation of my whole businessThe prep math mistake that took my margin to 0%Why "networking," even for guys in their 40s who hate social media, is non-negotiableIf you're thinking about getting into Amazon wholesale or brand direct sourcing, this is the no-fluff, one-year-in version of what it actually looks like.Timestamps: 0:00 Intro — one year into wholesale 2:27 Ignoring Q4 hype to build toward brand direct 4:51 Mistake #1: chasing goals instead of activity 7:13 Don't launch outside brands on Amazon (the $10K lesson) 9:39 Staying organized with a CRM + call transcripts 12:03 How to actually win a brand exclusive 14:18 The "add value" trap (and my sticky note fix) 16:22 Do network — even if you're "not a social media person" 18:49 How to pick a category when sourcing 21:03 Buy box wars — watch out for whale sellers 23:24 Don't be afraid of high-priced

Most Amazon sellers source the same way everyone else does — and then wonder why every brand they email already has ten resellers. Diana Gershman doesn't have that problem. She's been doing brand-direct wholesale since 2003, and she sources where almost no one else is looking: the trade show floor.In this special part-podcast, part-webinar edition of Marketplace Mavericks, host @BuyBoxMaverick sits down with Diana Gershman — founder of Sellers United, the annual convention coming up in August — for a free-form, high-value breakdown of how she finds, networks, and closes brand accounts at trade shows. With 25 years in the space, Diana is a rare OG who has watched Amazon change over and over and kept mastering her craft the whole way through.This one is tactical and unscripted. Diana sits down with the host and students from their online class to walk through exactly how she builds her sourcing spreadsheets, how she preps for and attacks a trade show, how she networks a room without being salesy, and how she wins accounts by quietly adding value and solving brands' problems before she ever asks for anything. It's a masterclass in the relationship side of wholesale that spreadsheets alone can't teach.Whether you're brand new to Amazon or years into wholesale and looking for a sourcing edge nobody else is using, this is your roadmap to the trade show channel.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why trade shows are an underused sourcing channel for Amazon wholesale and brand-directHow a 25-year veteran preps before walking the floorThe spreadsheet system Diana uses to organize and prioritize brandsHow to network a trade show room without sounding like a salespersonThe "add value first" approach: fixing a brand's problems before asking for the accountHow to turn a single conversation on the floor into a long-term brand partnershipWhat's changed — and what hasn't — in Amazon sourcing over 25 yearsHow mastering one craft over time compounds into a real competitive advantageCONNECT WITH DIANA: Sellers United: [LINK] Sellers United Convention (August): [LINK] Instagram / LinkedIn: [LINK]FOLLOW MARKETPLACE MAVERICKS: Subscribe & turn on notifications: [LINK] Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: [LINK] Join Operation Amazon: [LINK]New episodes weekly. Like, subscribe, and share this with a seller who needs a better way to source.KEYWORDS: Amazon FBA, Amazon wholesale, brand direct, trade show sourcing, wholesale sourcing, Amazon selling, ecommerce business, brand partnerships, Amazon seller tips, scaling on Amazon, sourcing spreadsheet, networking, Sellers United, Diana Gershman, ungating, ecommerce entrepreneur#AmazonFBA #AmazonWholesale #BrandDirect #TradeShowSourcing #WholesaleSourcing #AmazonSeller #Ecommerce #AmazonBusiness #FBAWholesale #SourcingStrategy #SellersUnited #Entrepreneur #SellingOnAmazon #AmazonSourcing #MarketplaceMavericks

In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, host John sits down with Jonah Hodges (@jonahhodges_) — a 15-year Amazon veteran who turned a high school side hustle into a full-blown brand direct wholesale operation. Jonah pulls back the curtain on how he went from reselling textbooks and used Apple products in 2010, to running a mini-agency with 12+ VAs, scaling exclusive brand partnerships, and coaching sellers inside The Wholesale Network.If you're a wholesale or brand direct seller — or you're stuck in OA/RA and wondering what's next — this conversation is loaded with practical gold.🔑 What we cover:Why Jonah ditched pure reselling after one too many listing cutoffsHow "fixing listings for free" became his secret door-opener with brandsThe myth-busting conversation every Amazon seller needs to have with brands (you're NOT an agency)Structuring deals: exclusives, contracts, buyout clauses & launch protectionWhy phone calls and trade shows crush cold emails every single timeBrand launches that flop vs. brand launches that print — the difference is in the dataHow Jonah uses AI without falling down the rabbit hole (rules: make money, save time, improve client journey)Building VAs and a team that actually scale your businessThe transactional vs. relationship mindset shift that separates wholesale from arbitrageDistributors as gate-openers — and why you should be talking to them tooWhat's ahead for The Wholesale Network: more exclusives, AI tooling, and faster brand launchesWhether you're doing $5K a month or $250K a month, Jonah's perspective on partnership, patience, and playing the long game will change how you approach your next pitch.🔗 Follow Jonah:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jonahhodges_/X / Twitter → https://x.com/jonahhodges_YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@jonahhodges_🎙 Next week on Marketplace Mavericks: Diana Gershman joins to break down how she sources and dominates trade shows — a must-watch on YouTube.If you got value from this episode, smash that like button, subscribe, and share it with someone who's tired of getting cut off listings.#AmazonFBA #BrandDirect #Wholesale #AmazonSellers #Ecommerce #MarketplaceMavericks #JonahHodges #TheWholesaleNetwork #AmazonBusiness #BrandPartnerships

Most Amazon sellers walk away from a brand after one "no." That instinct is exactly why they never land the accounts that change everything.In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, host @BuyBoxMaverick sits down with wholesale operator Justin Taliaferro (@jett.llc) to unpack the real mechanics of going brand-direct on Amazon — including the story of a seller who hadn't spoken to a brand in over a year, got a surprise call out of nowhere, and walked straight into an $80,000-a-month exclusive deal.This is a tactical, no-fluff conversation about making the jump from online arbitrage (OA) and retail arbitrage (RA) into Amazon wholesale and brand-direct selling — the model where you stop chasing the next product flip and start building an actual business. Justin and the host get into what scaling really takes: when to hire your first VA, why building systems too early will burn you, how to run 100–150 outreach calls a week, and how to structure deals that make brands want to work with you instead of around you.Whether you're three weeks into Amazon or a year into wholesale and grinding to scale, this one is a roadmap for turning a side hustle into a sustainable, partnership-driven business.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why wholesale and brand-direct beat retail/online arbitrage for building a repeatable businessThe "Buy Back Your Time" mindset shift every solo seller needsWhen to hire a VA and an ad agency — and why hiring slightly early unlocks scaleThe #1 mistake new founders make: building systems and SOPs before the revenue exists to support themWhy outreach is a volume game — and why you should call, not email"Follow up till they die": how timing turns dead leads into six-figure accountsHow transparent fee breakdowns (FBA, referral fees, advertising) build trust and close better dealsWhy Amazon should be a premium sales channel — never your discount channelHow to evolve from "reseller" to a true brand partner who tells the brand's story#AmazonFBA #AmazonWholesale #BrandDirect #OnlineArbitrage #RetailArbitrage #AmazonSeller #Ecommerce #AmazonBusiness #FBAWholesale #SideHustle #Entrepreneur #AmazonTips #SellingOnAmazon #WholesaleSourcing #MarketplaceMavericks

The Miami Sellers Conference kicks off this Thursday and it's the party of the year for the Amazon space. Last year was Omar's first MSC. This year is mine. So we got on and broke down the whole thing — the schedule, the speakers, the panels, the after parties, the yacht, and the tips you actually need to make this trip worth what you're paying for it.Whether you're doing OA, RA, brand direct, wholesale, TikTok Shop, or you haven't sold your first product yet — there is something in that building for you. The lineup this year is stacked. We're talking Reezy Resell, Carter Maxwell, Joy Williams on Section 3, Bill Martlank (top eBay seller and top 10 on Amazon), Levy crushing Whatnot, Jonah on brand direct, the FBA boys, Stephen Does Business with $1.7M in OA in Q4, gift card legends Taylor Thomas and Friend, Emily Baker, Avery, Carter Maxwell on VAs, and a whole lot more.Omar and I are also on the Rookie of the Year panel — "$100K a Month in Your First Year" — hosted by Miles and Warner. So if you're new and want to know how guys like Bruce and Rich went from zero to $100K/month in their first three months, come find us.We get into Omar's tips that actually worked for him last year — walk in with goals, treat the lunch break like a workday, hunt the speakers down AFTER their session, and don't be shy. Most people in that building don't know anybody either. Walk up. Say hi. Start the momentum. We also talk about treating the trip like a real working week — sourcing, podding, even running Whatnot lives while you're down there. Brian Noll's idea about bringing one of each item and selling on Whatnot the whole trip is genius.If you're on the fence about going — go. If the yacht and VIP fits in your budget without putting you in a bad spot, get it. If not, the general ticket alone is worth every dollar. The networking is the ROI. The relationships you build at this thing pay you back six months, twelve months, two years later.WHAT WE COVER:Why MSC has a different vibe than Sellers UnitedOmar's #1 tip: walk in with goals (any goals — just have them)How to actually network if you're introverted (start with a "nobody" like us)The yacht experience — is it worth it? Who should pay up for VIPFull schedule walkthrough — Day 1, Day 2, both panel roundsSpeakers we're most fired up to see (Jonah, Reezy, Carter, Joy Williams, the FBA boys)Why short 20-minute talks force speakers to drop the actual nuggetsTreat lunch as a workday — don't hide in your hotel roomHow to maximize the trip: sourcing, podding, Whatnot lives in MiamiThe Rookie of the Year panel — Jon, Omar, Bruce, Rich, Ashley with Miles & WarnerWhy investing in conferences is one of the cheapest ways to invest in yourselfThe gift card market crash story (17-20% down to 0.5%)DISCOUNT CODES:3+ tickets bought together = 30% offUse code OMAR50 for an extra $50 offCONNECT WITH OMAR (The Gap King): Instagram: @TheGapKingOmar YouTube: search "The Gap King"CONNECT WITH JON: Instagram: @BuyBoxMaverickIf you're heading to Miami — come find us. Walk up, say what's up, and we'll introduce you to the room. That's how this works.New episodes every week. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you're getting value out of the show — it helps other Amazon sellers find us.#AmazonFBA #AmazonSeller #WholesaleAmazon #AmazonBusiness #FBATips #Ecommerce #OnlineArbitrage #BrandDirectWholesale #SellerCentral #AmazonPPC #MiamiSellersConference #MSC2026 #AmazonConference #AmazonNetworking #TheGapKing #BuyBoxMaverick #MarketplaceMavericks #WhatnotSeller #TikTokShop #EcommerceEntrepreneur

Corey Ganim was the first person I ever watched on YouTube when I started researching brand direct wholesale — so having him on the show is a full circle moment. Corey did over $10M in Amazon FBA wholesale before walking away from a $16M e-commerce business to build Return My Time, a company helping non-technical entrepreneurs use AI to get real leverage without writing a single line of code.In this episode, we dig into how AI fits inside a brand direct wholesale business — where the whole game is relationships, showing value, and winning exclusives. AI won't replace the phone call. But it will make everything you do to show value dramatically better and more impressive. And right now, nobody else in the brand direct space is doing this.We cover GPT Image 2 and why it's now the gold standard for Amazon product images and A+ content. We get into connecting Seller Central to Claude via MCP to pull your own sales data without touching a spreadsheet. We talk Claude projects for your exclusive brands, automated monthly brand reports that give you a reason to call your contact every single month, and using AI to build pitch decks and case studies that actually stand out.Corey also breaks down his four-level AI framework, we get into browser automation as the big prediction for the rest of 2026, and we cover what Open Claw did to the Mac Mini supply chain.If you're doing Amazon FBA wholesale or brand direct, this is the AI episode you've been waiting for.WHAT WE COVER:Corey's 4-level AI framework: prompting, automation, vibe coding, AI agentsGPT Image 2 and what it means for Amazon listings and A+ contentConnecting Seller Central to Claude via MCP for real-time dataThe automated monthly brand report nobody else is sendingAI pitch decks, case studies, and interactive brand presentationsHow Jon won a brand doing close to $200K/month by showing value consistentlyClaude projects as a knowledge base for each of your exclusive accountsWhy great VAs are MORE valuable in the age of AIWhere AI is headed for the rest of 2026CONNECT WITH COREY: Website: https://returnmytime.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@coreyganim Instagram: https://instagram.com/coreyganim X: https://x.com/coreyganim LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/coreyganimCONNECT WITH JON: Instagram: @BuyBoxMaverickNew episodes every week. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you're getting value — it helps other Amazon FBA sellers find the show.#AmazonFBA #AmazonSeller #WholesaleAmazon #BrandDirectWholesale #AmazonBusiness #FBATips #Ecommerce #SellerCentral #AmazonPPC #AIforAmazon #MarketplaceMavericks

She quit restaurant management, taught herself Amazon selling from free YouTube videos, and now runs her e-commerce business full time. In this episode, I sit down with Christina Chiu (@ecomwhisperer) to talk about her journey into Amazon OA, why she thinks the Amazon Influencer Program is one of the best side hustles out there, how she's building out her UGC brand, and what it's like being a woman in a space dominated by dudes (shoutout to my daughters for calling me out on that).We get into the real talk — patience vs. instant gratification, why orange bars mean nothing, how to find your niche naturally, hiring your first VA, and why you should never have all your eggs in one basket on someone else's platform.TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & Meet Christina Chiu 1:49 - Christina's Journey: From Restaurant Management to Amazon 4:10 - Going Full Time & Building Structure 5:08 - Why Full-Time Sellers Scale Faster 6:57 - What Christina Sells: Amazon OA, AIP & UGC 8:12 - Why OA is Harder to Start Today 9:41 - Amazon Influencer Program as a Side Hustle 10:35 - What Do You Do With All the Free Products? 12:57 - AIP is Evergreen: The Snowball Effect 14:04 - OA vs. AIP: Where to Start 15:10 - Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket 16:11 - When to Focus vs. When to Expand (Taxi Business Lesson) 17:05 - It's Not a Race — Move at Your Own Pace 17:44 - Orange Bars Mean Nothing 20:05 - Finding Your Niche Naturally 21:36 - Christina's Niche: Vitamins & Sports Nutrition 25:15 - Riches Are in the Niches 28:41 - Women in the Amazon Space 30:53 - More Women Sellers Exist Than You Think 32:32 - Learning From Social Media 34:22 - Christina's 2026 Goals: From Operator to CEO 36:34 - Building Real Brand Partnerships 38:23 - The Power of a Great VA 43:04 - Final Thoughts: Patience, Consistency & Start at the Gym 43:32 - Where to Find ChristinaCONNECT WITH CHRISTINA: Instagram: @ecomwhisperer X/Twitter: @_ecomwhispererCONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @BuyBoxMaverickIf you enjoyed this episode, smash that like button and subscribe for new episodes every week. Drop a comment below and let me know — have you tried the Amazon Influencer Program?#AmazonFBA #AmazonSeller #WholesaleAmazon #AmazonBusiness #FBATips #Ecommerce #OnlineArbitrage #AmazonInfluencerProgram #UGC #SellerCentral #AmazonPPC #SideHustle #WomenInEcommerce #MarketplaceMavericks

📝 EPISODE DESCRIPTION(Paste this into Riverside at publish)What does it take to walk away from a steady union paycheck and build a real Amazon wholesale business from scratch — as a single dad?In this episode, Jon sits down with Phil, aka Amazon Trapstar, a former union drywall taper from Missouri who scaled from retail arbitrage to $50K+ months in wholesale — and now coaches others to do the same.They get into the real talk behind the switch from RA/OA to wholesale, why patience is the #1 skill no one talks about, how to build supplier relationships that actually last, and why your business systems need to be in place before you're ready to scale.If you've been thinking about making the jump to wholesale — or you're already in it and wondering why the phone calls feel so hard — this one's for you.Topics covered:Why RA/OA hit a ceiling (and how Phil knew it was time to switch)The patience mindset that separates wholesalers who make it from those who don'tHow to get past the "we don't sell to Amazon sellers" objectionBuilding supplier and brand relationships that grow your orders over timeNet terms, trade shows, and the long game of wholesaleWhy systems need to come before scalingPhil's free weekly wholesale training and how to find himConnect with Phil: Instagram: @Amazon.Trapstar1 YouTube: Amazon Trapstar TikTok: Amazon TrapstarConnect with Jon: Instagram/X/LinkedIn: @BuyBoxMaverick Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4O25TdyNYmsH3xVfGWo21L

What does a 24-year-old college student running track and pursuing his MBA have in common with a guy who used to own a taxi company? They're both building Amazon brand direct businesses — and this episode is proof that the entrepreneurial playbook doesn't care about your ageIn this episode, host Jon sits down with Jared Russo, a Gen Z entrepreneur who started selling on eBay during COVID and has since evolved into the Amazon brand direct wholesale model. Jared shares how he went from minimum wage jobs and online arbitrage trial-and-error to landing his first exclusive brand partnership — signed just the day before recording.Jon and Jared also get candid about the realities of scaling a wholesale business: cash flow challenges, when to invest in coaching, the power of follow-up, and why brand direct is the closest thing to passive income in the e-commerce world.Whether you're a brand owner, an aspiring Amazon seller, or just curious what Gen Z entrepreneurs are actually doing — this one is for you

The conversation revolves around the themes of community building, networking, and learning from peers. It delves into the importance of creating relationships, adding value, and sharing experiences within a community. The discussion also highlights the significance of a roadmap for beginners and the exposure gained through networking and community engagement. The conversation delves into the significance of networking and community in the e-commerce industry, highlighting the power of connections and the support system needed for success. It also explores the challenges of scaling a business and the loneliness experienced by entrepreneurs. Additionally, it discusses the branding and direction of 'The Marketplace Mavericks Show' as a platform for knowledge sharing and community building.TakeawaysCommunity BuildingNetworkingLearning from Peers Networking is crucial for success in e-commerceBuilding a community and support system is important for e-commerce entrepreneursChapters00:00 Community Building and Networking10:30 Creating Relationships and Adding Value16:52 Roadmap for Beginners and Exposure25:23 The Power of Networking36:04 The Loneliness of Entrepreneurship42:35 The Marketplace Mavericks Show

Pete and Blake are out — it’s just one Maverick left. In this episode, I break down the pivot to a fully brand-direct focus and what the first seven months have really looked like — the mistakes, the math, the capital requirements, and the patience it actually takes to build something realjons-studio-95uqe_buyboxmaveric….If you think you can quit your 9–5 without serious capital, you’re lying to yourself. If you think wholesale is instant gratification, you’re going to get humbled. I talk about why your first 60 days matter, why follow-ups are where the money is made, how CRM notes can make or break relationships, and what changes when you go from a $4K order to a $55K order with a brand.I’m currently sitting around $70K/month in wholesale — but I also explain why that’s still fragile and how layering accounts is the real long-term strategyjons-studio-95uqe_buyboxmaveric….This is not theory. It’s not guru fluff. It’s what’s actually happening in real time — the phone calls, the test orders, the reinvestment, the push toward exclusives, and the shift from “getting approved” to building real brand partnerships.One Maverick left.Still building.Still scaling.Still making money.

The conversation covers the evolution of business and the adaptation to change, highlighting the experience in e-commerce, business evolution, transition to OA, team and operations, entrepreneurial journey, hiring and business growth, marketing and brand direct, social media and networking, and the power of social media. The conversation delves into the importance of building relationships with brands and the role of persistence and follow-ups in achieving success in the e-commerce space.TakeawaysEvolution of BusinessAdaptation to Change Building relationships with brands is keyPersistence and follow-ups are crucial for successChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcasting06:08 Team and Operations11:09 Hiring and Business Growth16:28 Social Media and Networking23:38 Building Relationships with Brands

In Episode 34 of Marketplace Mavericks, John welcomes back Paulo for a deep, practical conversation about one of the biggest bottlenecks Amazon sellers face as they grow: funding. Paulo originally joined us to talk about his Amazon wholesale business, but this time the focus is squarely on credit, capital, and how sellers actually get the money they need to scale. This episode hits especially close to home because John is now a client of Paulo’s, navigating funding firsthand as his business moves beyond bootstrapping and credit card flipping. We cover: - Why Amazon scaling always hits a capital wall - The difference between having “good credit” and being fundable - Common mistakes sellers make applying for credit on their own - Why hard inquiries quietly kill your funding options - How younger sellers struggle with credit access (even when profitable) - When $20K–$30K is just a band-aid and why $50K+ changes the game - How Paulo’s done-for-you funding process actually works - Why cash flow is the hardest part of Amazon at every level Connect with Paulo: Credit Repair : https://bizsparksolutions.com/credit-repair?utm_source=JonMavs Business Funding: https://bizsparksolutions.com/funding-application?utm_source=JonMavs Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/paulo.azevedos.profit/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Paulo_Profit_Corner Website: www.bizsparksolutions.com If you’re approaching the $50K–$70K range and feeling stuck, this episode explains why and what to do next before you miss real opportunities. 📧 Contact the Mavericks: [email protected] Interested in joining Miles’ program? Put “MM” in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

In Episode 33 of Marketplace Mavericks, we’re calling it what it is, a farewell episode for Blake (for now). Blake is stepping away from Amazon and the podcast, not because Amazon doesn’t work, but because real life is loud. Between building a home (and being the GC), driving back and forth to Missouri, Amazon Flex, a full-time job, and other commitments, something had to give. He’s still keeping a foot in the game, and the door is wide open for a comeback whenever the timing makes sense. We also talk about the bigger truth behind this whole podcast: we’ve always been transparent about the journey. Most Amazon podcasts start after someone “made it.” We started at the bottom, figuring out printers, ungating, Keepa, SellerAmp, and learning as we went. This episode is a reminder that Amazon success looks different for everyone, and sometimes the best move is to pause, regroup, and come back stronger. Next week, we bring on Paulo to talk about funding and business credit, because when you hit the $60K–$70K monthly sales range and you’re ready to scale, you need a real capital plan to keep the engine fed. Reach us: [email protected] Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

Happy New Year, Mavericks. In Episode 32, all three hosts are back together to kick off 2026 with a real talk recap of 2025: what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned after our first full Q4. We dig into: - FBM vs FBA in Q4, and why our sales bumps did (or didn’t) show up - Setting realistic expectations vs. “lofty goals” - PPC: agency vs DIY, and how to choose partners without getting sold a dream - The hidden costs of scaling (VAs, software, bonds, ads) and how to think about them - Our 2025 numbers and what we’re aiming for in 2026, including exclusive brand goals and seasonal product plays -- Plot twist: Blake reveals something really interesting and has pics to prove it! - We’re locking in goals for 2026 and coming back in 12 months to see who hit what. Buckle up, the Marketplace Mavericks are here for the full year. Reach us: marketplacemavericks.gmail.com

In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon sits down with Brandon and Brad from Operation Amazon to break down what brand direct wholesale really looks like when you run it like a business. They share how they met (yes, scanning at Marshall’s), how they scaled into brand direct relationships, what “Amazon-proofing” your business actually means, and why Amazon keeps pushing sellers toward authorized inventory and brand partnerships. They also talk seasonality, running lean with a warehouse team, and why most sellers quit right before the snowball finally rolls downhill. If you’re transitioning from OA/RA to wholesale, this is the roadmap talk you want in your ears. Connect with Brandon & Brad at Operation Amazon: IG:  ⁨@operationamz⁩  X:  ⁨@operationamz⁩  Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

In Episode 30 of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon sits down with Kaj and Josh from Ecom Unlimited for a deep dive into building a real Amazon business through partnerships, systems, and long-term thinking. These guys started in private label, pivoted into RA and OA, and eventually found their stride in brand-direct wholesale. Now they’re running a multimillion-dollar operation with a tiny team and a whole lot of strategy. They break down what it takes to grow with a partner, how to divide strengths, when to hire VAs, how to avoid burnout, and why focusing on systems early unlocks everything else. They also talk coaching, community, prep workflows, building luck through consistency, and the weird way social media opens unexpected doors. Plus, a fun detour into the World Cup, Messi’s last run, and why every entrepreneur needs to experience a global soccer crowd at least once. Connect with today’s guest: Instagram / X: @CajuaRobinson If you’re transitioning from OA to wholesale, building a team, or trying to level up your ops, this one delivers. Interested in joining Miles’ program? Put “MM” in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment about where you are in your Amazon journey.

In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, the guys sit down and unpack their very first Q4 as Amazon sellers, from the hype to the actual numbers on the screen. John breaks down how he quietly doubled his business over Black Friday, what actually moved, and why Q4 for wholesale is a completely different animal than Q4 for OA. He talks about running coupons, squeezing margins for higher velocity, and how some wholesalers are locking in seasonal inventory as early as August and September for massive holiday runs. Pete shares how he and his wife went full road warrior in Central Texas, running a 250–mile RA loop through Walmart to scoop up Advent calendars, FBM them, and sell through all 40 units by Black Friday. They dig into why seasonal timing matters, how to read demand in tools like SellerAmp, and why some SKUs only have a 4–6 week window to shine. Blake talks Cyber Monday, seeing more random but giftable items selling, and what a “small bump” looks like when you are still in the early stages of building your catalog. The guys get honest about expectations: coming into Amazon in January, hearing the legends of Q4, and then experiencing the more nuanced reality. From there, they pivot into systems and scaling: - Why John ditched SellerBoard and moved to ConnectBooks + QuickBooks Online - Tracking true SKU level profitability, fees, returns, and cash flow - Using POs, invoices, and shipment linking to get accurate P&Ls - Setting up financial systems now to be ready for serious volume in 2025 and 2026 - Trimming unused software and “cutting the fat” from the tech stack If you are in your first or second Q4, this episode gives a grounded look at what actually happens, how to think about seasonal inventory, and why building systems matters just as much as sourcing. 📧 Have questions or want us to cover a topic on the show? Email us at: [email protected] Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 If you enjoy the episode, hit like, subscribe, and drop a comment with how your Q4 is going so far.

In Episode 28 of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon and Blake sit down for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the emotional and strategic side of building an Amazon business. No guests this week, just two sellers talking openly about burnout, building your brand, fighting doubt, finding momentum, navigating social media, and trying to create something bigger than yourself. This one hits different. If you’re grinding through RA, OA, wholesale, brand-direct, or you’re stuck somewhere in between, this episode will feel like a mirror. It's the side of entrepreneurship nobody sees on Instagram. We cover: • Why burnout sneaks up on every seller • Letting go of perfection so you can actually win • Dealing with the messy middle of building a brand • What creating content really feels like • Why consistency beats motivation • The identity crisis of moving from OA to wholesale • How to keep going when nothing feels like it’s working • Support systems, relationships, and the people who keep us grounded • What’s next for Marketplace Mavericks Whether you're brand new or deep in the game, this is one of the most relatable episodes we’ve ever recorded. 👇 Drop a comment with where you're at in your journey. We read everything. Interested in joining Miles’ program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

How does a couple go from a Tinder date to running a full-scale Amazon prep center with 20+ seller clients? Andrew and Amanda Thompson from New Hampshire join the Marketplace Mavericks to share their story and it’s packed with hustle, heart, and heavy boxes. What started as casual RA runs after work turned into: 🛍️ Road trips to Delaware for Carhartt and Columbia flips 📦 Packing orders in a spare bedroom until mom kicked them out 🏢 Scaling into a 2,000 sq ft warehouse and launching a prep center—by accident In this episode, the Mavericks dig into: In this episode, the Mavericks dig into: - The realities of building a 2-person prep center from scratch - Balancing a warehouse, a family, and full-time jobs (for years) - Why communication is their #1 differentiator in the prep space - The types of clients they serve (hint: mostly OA, not wholesale) - Managing Q4 staffing, burnout, and Buffalo Wild Wings dinners - How networking at a single event led to 20+ clients without advertising 📈 If you’re a seller thinking about outsourcing prep or dreaming of building your own 3PL one day, this is a masterclass in real-world hustle and relationship-driven growth. 💬 Connect with Andrew & Amanda on IG: @allouttompsons 🎧 Like what you hear? Smash that subscribe button and never miss an episode! Interested in joining Miles' coaching program? Put “MM” in your application so he knows we sent you: 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 📩 Contact the Mavericks: [email protected]

Ever wonder how top Amazon sellers use discounted gift cards to supercharge profits? This episode is for you. Jon, Blake, and Pete are joined by Taylor Thomas, founder of ArbitrageCard.com, the only discounted gift card platform designed specifically for online arbitrage (OA) sellers. We dive into: 🎯 How Taylor evolved from sneaker flipping & manufactured spending into launching ArbitrageCard 💳 Why retailers offer gift cards below face value (hint: breakage & customer acquisition) 🔥 Game-changing features like a Chrome extension, custom-amount gift cards, and automated balance checker 🧠 Why gift cards sometimes get canceled (and how to avoid it) 🔐 Taylor’s fraud protection system and why some platforms sell compromised cards 📱 Future roadmap: building an RA-friendly mobile app for in-store gift card use 💬 Real talk on team building, seller trust, and scaling profitably in low-margin environments This is the episode for anyone who’s ever asked: “Can I trust these gift card companies?” Or… “How do I actually make gift cards work in my OA system?” 🎙️ Guest Bio – Taylor Thomas Taylor Thomas is the founder of ArbitrageCard, the only discounted gift card platform built specifically for online arbitrage sellers. Through innovative tools like a Chrome extension, automated balance checker, and custom-amount gift cards, his company helps sellers streamline operations and boost profit margins. 📧 Contact Taylor: [email protected] Instagram: @arbitragecard_ 📬 Want to work with the Mavericks? Email us: [email protected] 🚀 Interested in joining Miles’ coaching program? Put “MM” in your application so he knows we sent you: 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

Recorded live at the Sellers United Conference, this special episode of Marketplace Mavericks features returning guest Omar, now a 3x guest, diving deep into one of Amazon’s most talked-about programs: the Amazon Influencer Program. 🎯 Omar shares how he evolved from RA/OA selling into building multiple income streams by reviewing everyday products, earning affiliate commissions, stacking bonuses through Amazon’s Creator Connections, and landing free gear. 💡 Whether you're an Amazon seller, side hustler, or content creator, this episode breaks down: - How the Amazon Influencer Program actually works (onsite vs offsite videos) - How to get accepted, what gear to review, and why velocity still matters - Secret sauce: Airbnb product reviews, dad-centric branding, and bundled product links - Scaling strategies: 500 videos, strategic outreach, and maximizing commissions - Real talk about free stuff, product selection, and optimizing for long-term passive income - Omar and Jon also talk mindset, content efficiency, and why this gig isn’t just for “influencers”—it’s for hustlers with a camera, a voice, and a strategy. 🎁 Bonus: Omar even does a live unboxing of some Amazon review products on the episode—don't miss the beverage blaster moment 🤣 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon returns from the Sellers United Conference with a suitcase full of takeaways, connections, and momentum. We dive into: 🧠 Big insights from top Amazon sellers & tool creators (SmartScout, Aura, Arbitrage Card, SellerAmp) 🔥 How Jon’s new LinkedIn strategy brought inbound leads from brand owners 💼 What made the conference so valuable, even for smaller sellers 🎤 How in-person networking opens new doors (and future podcast guests!) 🛠️ A behind-the-scenes look at the Amazon tools we all use and who really runs them 🏁 Plus: Jon’s next exclusive brand deal might just come from a tattoo aftercare product line If you've ever wondered if going to Amazon seller conferences is worth it, this episode gives you a real look at what happens when you show up, ask questions, and start building. 📬 Got a question or want to share your experience? Email us at: [email protected] 🚀 Interested in joining Miles’ program? Put "MM" in your application so he knows we sent you: https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 🎧 Upcoming guests include Taylor from Arbitrage Card and more sellers Jon met at Sellers United. You won’t want to miss what’s coming.

This week on Marketplace Mavericks, the guys toss the script and hit record. No agenda. No outline. Just Jon, Blake, and Pete catching up, talking shop, and keeping it real. Inside this off-the-cuff convo: 🎥 Tease for next week's guest: Omar returns to talk Amazon Influencer Program 🎟️ Jon’s heading to his first-ever Sellers United Conference 🧠 Why content creation might be the side hustle Amazon sellers need 🤝 Building community in the most unexpected Amazon spaces 🚕 BONUS: Jon’s epic taxi cab confession (you won’t believe his brother’s response to a fare runner) Whether you're driving, prepping, or just burnt out from sourcing - this one is meant to be a breath of fresh air. Sometimes the best episodes are the ones that just happen. 📬 Have a question or want to share your own wild story? Email us: [email protected] 👉 And don’t forget - if you're applying to Miles’ program, enter ‘MM’ in the referral field: https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 🎙️ Coming next week: Omar joins us to go deep on making money with the Amazon Influencer Program, product review videos, and repurposing your content into passive income streams. Stay tuned.

The Mavericks are back in full force! Jon, Blake, and Pete reunite to break down their current Amazon moves as Q4 kicks into high gear. Whether you're launching a private label, stocking up for FBM chaos, or building brand-direct relationships, this episode has something for every seller trying to win big this holiday season. We cover: 🚀 Jon’s plan to launch 2 exclusive brands by Black Friday 🛠️ Building a VA-powered team (graphic design, PPC, outreach) 🧠 Blake’s leap into his first brand-direct exclusive 🕯️ Pete’s wife's launch of Positive Llama Co. and navigating handmade/private label on Amazon 🧾 PPC strategy: why you must understand your ad spend even when outsourcing 📞 Cold call hacks, brand registry access, and how Jon uses LinkedIn as a sourcing secret weapon 🏗️ Why Amazon sellers are really just project managers in disguise This is your Q4 momentum check-in. Don’t miss the real talk, tactical gems, and signature Maverick laughs as the guys gear up for their first full holiday season in the trenches. 💥 Want to join the coaching program we recommend? Put 'MM' in your application so Miles knows we sent you! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 📬 Got questions? Feedback? Wanna join us? Email us: [email protected]

Ever wondered what it really takes to start and run a successful Amazon prep center? In Episode 21 of Marketplace Mavericks, we sit down with Joel and Laura Smith of Zero Tax Prep Center (Delaware) for a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at their journey from full-time logistics professionals to prep center entrepreneurs. We cover: 💰 How much it costs to start a prep center (startup vs monthly overhead) 🛠️ Managing staffing, forecasting, and fluctuating clients 📦 The difference between seller-prepped vs. brand-prepped inventory 🧾 What kind of insurance coverage prep centers need 🧑‍👩‍👧‍👦 Running a family-run business (employee #1 is Dad!) 🗨️ Why communication is the #1 reason prep centers succeed or fail Plus, Jon shares how Joel’s team helped him catch a sketchy OA shipment before it went to Amazon, and Pete digs into the pros and cons of FBM support from a prep center during Q4. Whether you're thinking of starting your own prep center, or just want a better partner for your Amazon business, this episode is a must-watch. 💼📦 📍 Connect with Zero Tax Prep Center Website: zerotaxprepcenter.com X: @zerotaxprep2 📬 Got questions? Drop a comment below or email us at: [email protected] Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

While Blake’s off adventuring in Alaska, Jon and Pete hold down the fort with a focused two-man update and this one’s packed with practical gems. 💎 With Q4 just around the corner, Pete shares how he and his wife are stockpiling inventory using GAP cash and seasonal discounts. Meanwhile, Jon goes deep on why he’s ditched OA for good and is going all in on brand-direct wholesale exclusives. In this episode, we cover: 📦 The shift from OA to wholesale (and why Jon’s not looking back) 🔐 Locking in exclusive Amazon contracts that guarantee margin & reduce risk 🔁 Using contracts to eliminate returns, ungating, and price tanking 🧱 How to build a foundation for six-figure months 🛒 Q4 sourcing strategies and planning inventory flow 🔍 What to expect from next week's guest: a military vet–turned–prep center owner If you're still on the OA hamster wheel or stressing over returns and ungating, this one is your wake-up call. Jon breaks down the numbers, the pitch, the contracts and how this shift has changed everything for his Amazon business. 👀 Next Week's Episode Teaser: We sit down with the owner of Zero Tax Prep Center, a military logistics vet who opened a prep center in Delaware and he’s giving us the full behind-the-scenes tour of what it takes to run one. 📬 Want to reach us? Drop a comment, it's easier for us than email. You can also find our social handles in the channel bio! Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

It’s a Marketplace Mavericks first — this episode brings the women behind the hustle front and center! 💥 Pete is joined by his wife Rachel, along with new guests Lynn and Steve, two husband-and-wife teams crushing Amazon as a side hustle in midlife. Together, we dive into: 👩‍❤️‍👨 How couples split Amazon tasks (listing, sourcing, shipping, billing) 🛒 Why they’re shifting from RA to OA — and the exact moment it clicked 🚨 A terrifying early Section 3 account freeze — and how they recovered 📦 When and why wholesale makes more sense than arbitrage 🤝 The power of brand exclusives, VAs, and selling the agency alternative 📞 Cold-calling for wholesale accounts — Jon’s raw take on doing it scared Whether you're working with your spouse, building your Amazon biz while holding down a job, or just tired of hamster-wheeling your way through RA... this episode is real, funny, and ridiculously relatable. 🎯 Spoiler: Wholesale might just be the ultimate side hustle for couples over 40. 📬 Contact us: [email protected] 👕 Want a free Marketplace Mavericks T-shirt? We’re doing a giveaway! Leave a YouTube comment about your funniest RA moment or biggest OA fail, and we’ll pick one winner this month. Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

In Episode 18 of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon, Blake, and Pete get real about the overwhelm of Amazon opportunities and the ups and downs of running an FBA business. Pete opens up about feeling stuck juggling wholesale, RA, OA, web scraping, and even the Amazon Influencer program and the struggle of deciding which path to go all in on. Blake shares updates on his RA road trips, private label progress, and life balance, while Jon takes us on a rollercoaster ride of wholesale wins, costly mistakes, and finally finding a VA who’s a game-changer. 💡 Inside this episode: - Pete’s “paralysis by opportunity” moment and exploring influencer marketing - Blake’s $10K RA month, brand partnership updates, and family-life balance - Jon’s seasonal wholesale misstep, prep center struggles, and a $2,800 day - Why hiring the right VA can transform your Amazon business - The truth about patience, brand partnerships, and surviving the ups and downs This is one of our most relatable episodes yet for any Amazon seller who has ever felt stuck, stretched, or overwhelmed but still pushing forward. 📢 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 📩 Got a question or want to share your story? Email us at: [email protected]

The Marketplace Mavericks are back with their very first returning guest — The Gap King! Six months into his Amazon arbitrage journey, he’s built a reputation by crushing it with Gap clothing and is now expanding into new categories like grocery. In this episode, Jon digs into The Gap King's first-hand experiences, wins, and challenges as a reseller. From clothing flips to the early moves into groceries, this conversation is full of insights for both new and seasoned Amazon sellers. We also dive into: - Why Gap products became his bread and butter - How he evaluates products for ROI and velocity - The transition into grocery arbitrage - Lessons learned in his first 6 months of reselling - What he’s focusing on for the next stage of growth Reach out to The Gap King via his social platforms! - https://youtube.com/@thegapking - https://www.instagram.com/thegapking - https://x.com/thegapking If you’re curious about how niche arbitrage strategies can evolve into broader Amazon businesses, this is the episode for you! 👉 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

In Episode 16 of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon, Blake, and Pete dive deep into how they’re using ChatGPT to work smarter, not harder, in their Amazon businesses. From streamlining product research to writing killer product descriptions, ChatGPT is quickly becoming a must-have tool in every seller’s toolkit — and we’re showing you exactly how. 🎙️ Inside this episode: ✅ How ChatGPT can help Amazon sellers brainstorm keywords, titles, and bullet points ✅ Using AI to write emails, SOPs, and product descriptions faster ✅ Real examples of how it’s helped us speed up sourcing and decision-making ✅ The balance between automation and your own seller intuition ✅ Why AI is a supplement, not a substitute, for seller experience If you’ve been curious about ChatGPT or want to level up your Amazon business without adding more hours to your workday — this episode is for you. 📢 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 📩 Got a question or want to share your story? Email us at: [email protected]

In Episode 15 of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon, Blake, and Pete dig into the real ROI of coaching and mentorship as Amazon sellers — and whether it’s worth the investment when you're facing mental blocks, capital churn, and frustration with wholesale sourcing. If you’ve ever wondered when it’s time to go all-in, bring in outside help, or step back to rebuild your mindset… this one’s for you. 🎙️ Inside this episode: ✅ Jon gets vulnerable about the pressure to deliver results fast ✅ Pete talks through the capital churn and the importance of disciplined purchases ✅ Blake breaks down his mindset on coaching, accountability, and keeping momentum ✅ Discussion on when to pause sourcing, how to self-assess, and why ROI isn’t always dollars ✅ Wholesale wins vs. false positives — and how to define your own success This is the episode that brings the emotional and tactical together — for the Amazon seller playing the long game. 📢 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 📩 Want to share your story or ask a question? Email us at: [email protected]

In Episode 14 of Marketplace Mavericks, we sit down with Amazon reseller-turned-wholesaler Paulo Sathler, who’s not only running a growing FBA business — he’s doing it while working a 9-to-5 job. From VA delegation to building out systems that now run his backend operations, Paulo shares how he transitioned from hustle-mode to a streamlined wholesale machine. 🎙️ In this episode: ✅ How Paulo built scalable systems for sourcing, prep, and inventory ✅ His experience transitioning from OA to wholesale while holding down a full-time job ✅ What’s working for him with repricers, VAs, and backend ops ✅ His thoughts on coaching, team culture, and when to start outsourcing ✅ Pete, Blake, and Jon reflect on what they would’ve done differently earlier This episode is packed with insight for every Amazon seller balancing real life, real work, and real ambition. 📢 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 📩 Want to share your story or ask a question? Email us at: [email protected]

After a short summer break, the Marketplace Mavericks are back in Episode 13 with one of the most informative and inspiring episodes yet! 💥 Pete dives into his first steps with web scraping to streamline product sourcing, while Blake updates us on a private label project that’s moving forward despite some real-world challenges. Meanwhile, Jon shares wholesale strategies that cut prep time, increase ROI, and strengthen brand-direct relationships. We also go deep on using ChatGPT to build systems, SOPs, and even Slack workspaces — and yes, we have fun with our new AI assistants (Veronica and Echo). Whether you're an introvert looking to automate or a hustler scaling through outreach, this episode is loaded with insight. And don't miss our talk about merch, systems, and what's coming next for the Mavericks! 📧 Contact us: [email protected] 👕 Want a free Marketplace Mavericks T-shirt? We’re running a giveaway for the most creative email or social post — winner gets free merch! 🎧 Listen. Learn. Laugh. Sell. We’re 3 guys on the Amazon journey, and we’re here to help you win yours. Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

📄 Episode Description: In Episode 12 of Marketplace Mavericks, we sit down with Miles "Flips4Miles", the social media GOAT of Amazon reselling. From selling Legos and sneakers as a teenager to becoming a top Amazon wholesale coach and content creator, Miles shares how he built a thriving business and community from scratch. We dig deep into: The origins of his reselling journey Why social media is a must for Amazon sellers How online connections fuel long-term success Mistakes new sellers should avoid Building lasting wealth through arbitrage and wholesale Why community beats competition every time Whether you're a seasoned seller or just getting started, this episode delivers actionable advice and powerful mindset shifts from one of the industry's most respected voices. 🟢 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 📧 Email us your questions: [email protected] 📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe and join the ride!

In Episode 11 of Marketplace Mavericks, Jon, Blake, and Pete return with a raw, honest update on their Amazon reselling journeys. From road trips to Ollie’s with their spouses to hitting sourcing walls, the guys open up about their struggles with staying motivated, balancing family life, and trying to scale their businesses with limited time and capital. Jon shares his full-time commitment to wholesale and how he’s managing 12–14 hour days. Pete opens up about nearly quitting and how a sourcing trip reignited his passion. Blake discusses the ups and downs of part-time selling and the importance of velocity when choosing products. Whether you’re just starting or trying to break through to the next level, this episode is full of real-world insights and relatable challenges. 👉 Got a question or want to be featured? Email us: [email protected] 📌 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 🔗 Flips4Miles Coaching

Most Amazon sellers quit too soon — not because they lack opportunity, but because they lack the right mindset and realistic expectations. In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, Ian MacIntyre joins us to share how he battled through injuries, fear, debt, and massive self-doubt to build a thriving Amazon business. Ian drops real talk on why patience, community, and resilience matter more than flashy "orange bar" screenshots on social media. If you’re struggling to stay motivated, doubting your buys, or wondering whether you should keep going — this episode is for you. In this episode: ✅ How Ian overcame physical setbacks & financial struggles to grow a 6-figure/month OA business ✅ Why your first 90 days (and first Q4) are the hardest — and how to push through ✅ How to set the right goals so you don’t quit too early ✅ The trap of “comparisonitis” and why orange bars can lie ✅ Why building community & sharing knowledge matters ✅ Mindset hacks for overcoming fear, doubt & burnout …and so much more! This is an episode every seller should bookmark & re-listen to when motivation gets low. 📩 Have a question for the Mavericks? Email us: [email protected] Interested in joining Miles' program? Put 'MM' in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

🧠 Key Moments:00:00 – Intro: What We’re Up To03:00 – Pete’s Update: Weekly OA/RA & SellerBoard Insights07:00 – Blake’s Update: Back in Action & Private Label Plans10:00 – Jon’s Wholesale Journey: VAs, Prep Centers, Test Orders18:00 – Real VA Costs & How to Bonus Them21:00 – Sales Tax: What You Really Owe24:00 – What’s Coming Next Week 📬 Have a question for the Mavericks?Email us at: [email protected]📢 Interested in joining Miles' program?Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there!👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s interview with Ian, who’s bringing next-level cash flow tips!

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This week on Marketplace Mavericks, Jon, Blake, and Pete take a raw and honest look at the biggest hurdle in Amazon reselling: capital. From credit card strategies to balancing full-time jobs and life’s curveballs, the guys pull back the curtain on what it really takes to grow an Amazon business. 💳 Topics include: • Why capital is the fuel behind every Amazon hustle • Credit cards as tools—not traps • How life (and moves) can derail your momentum • Transitioning from Online Arbitrage to Wholesale • Why community and ChatGPT are secret weapons for every seller 🔥 Plus, hear how the “Gap King” inspired a mindset shift that still resonates. 👀 NEXT WEEK: Don’t miss Episode 8 with special guest Tony Cruz, aka the “Credit Card Guru,” as he breaks down real-world capital strategies, SOPs, and how to responsibly float your growth! 📧 Have questions for us? Email them in advance to: [email protected] 💬 Interested in joining Miles' program? Put “MM” in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! 👉 https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 🎧 Subscribe & follow us to hear every honest moment and helpful tactic from the trenches of Amazon reselling.

🔥 Highlights:Why Omar says community > coursesThe accidental birth of “The Gap King” nicknameHis tips for overcoming fear and rejection in resellingFBM vs. FBA and how he's flipping inventory fastCapital, scaling, and what’s next on his journeyIf you're new to arbitrage, stuck scaling, or just need a spark of inspiration — this one’s for you. Tune in and get fired up.👉 Interested in joining Miles' program?Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there!https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056

In this episode of Marketplace Mavericks, we get real about the Amazon coaching world. How did three guys in their 40s and 50s end up learning from a 25-year-old? We dive deep into how we met through Miles’ coaching group (Flips4Miles), what we learned, and how the Skool platform completely changed our Amazon reselling journey. We also break down why SellerAmp is essential for beginners, how it organizes our sourcing game, and why it’s worth every penny. If you’ve been debating getting a coach, using tools like Keepa and SellerAmp, or joining a support network — this is the episode you need. 🔧 Topics Covered: Is coaching worth it in 2025? How Flips4Miles helped us shortcut success Why older sellers should embrace mentorship Tools that changed our business: SellerAmp, Keepa, Google Sheets The truth about the Skool community Listener Q&A: Should you avoid Amazon listings if Amazon owns the Buy Box? Interested in joining Miles' program? Put "MM" in your application where it asks how you heard about it so he knows we sent you there! https://www.flips4milescoaching.com/private-inner-circle1709691968056 💬 Got questions? Email us at [email protected] 📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe & drop your comments below!

Blake just got back from the Amazon Sellers Conference in Miami—and he’s bringing the heat! In this episode, we break down what he learned, who he met, and what surprised us most about the state of the seller community. Plus, we give you our no-BS review of two major seller tools: Boxem for logistics and Aura for repricing. 🎯 If you're serious about selling smarter, not harder, don’t miss this one.

Which is better: Online Arbitrage or Retail Arbitrage? Should you use FBA or FBM? In this episode, we go deep into both sourcing strategies and fulfillment methods based on real experience—not theory. If you're trying to figure out what fits your budget, lifestyle, and goals, this is the episode for you. 📦 We share tools, time commitments, and ROI comparisons.

We’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most frustrating (and confusing) parts of Amazon arbitrage: the ungating process. From the good to the downright ugly, we share our personal experiences, tips for getting ungated faster, and common pitfalls every seller should know. 💡 Perfect for new and struggling Amazon sellers dealing with restricted categories.

In our very first episode of Marketplace Mavericks, we share how three everyday, over-the-hill guys stumbled into the world of Amazon arbitrage—and why it changed our lives. Discover what arbitrage really means, why we chose this business model, and how we got our start with little experience. Whether you're new to reselling or just Amazon-curious, this episode breaks it down in plain English. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly real-talk about Amazon selling.