This episode challenges the common entrepreneurial fear of risk, particularly for new Amazon sellers. It highlights how overthinking and waiting for perfect conditions can hinder progress, emphasizing that many viable products are overlooked due to rigid filtering and a focus on immediate profit margins rather than testing potential. The core message is that taking calculated risks, even for seemingly small returns, provides invaluable data and builds momentum.
Key takeaways
New sellers often seek to eliminate 100% of risk, but successful entrepreneurship involves calculated risk-taking; focus on stacking the deck in your favor, not eliminating all risk.
Many sellers disqualify products based on current listed prices and narrow profit margins, failing to consider regional pricing variations, historical pricing data, and the potential for higher prices under different market conditions.
Adopt a 'test, don't guess' mentality: Instead of meticulously analyzing every potential ASIN for immediate high profit, focus on testing products that meet criteria for movement and capital protection, even if the initial projected profit is small.
Don't get stuck on the current buy box price. Look for evidence of past higher prices or potential for future price increases. Testing at break-even or small profit allows you to gather data and build sales velocity, which can open up more profitable opportunities.
Shift your product research filter from looking for immediate high-profit ASINs to identifying ASINs that are test-worthy. This means checking if it's moving, if capital is protected (worst-case break-even), and if there's any evidence of past profitability.
A $0.50 profit per unit can be significant if multiplied by high sales volume. Don't dismiss products with seemingly small margins; focus on ROI and sales velocity to build capital and gain choices as a new seller.
A coaching client this week was grinding four hours a night, sitting on six ASINs he'd already vetted, and still couldn't pull the trigger. His words: "There's gotta be something I'm missing here." He wasn't missing a tool. He was missing permission to act. In this episode, Brian and Robin Joy take you inside an actual coaching call where Robin turned three "pass on it" ASINs into two she'd test in real time. The fix wasn't a new filter or a secret tactic. It was learning to read the right number instead of the one every calculator shoves to the front page. Why the current buy box, the price you can buy it at right now, never once entered Robin's decision. Why a $1.79 product that nets 50 cents isn't too small, it's 28% ROI and the cheapest belief-builder you'll ever buy. Why you should start your price at the highest evidence you have and let the test, not the other sellers, tell you what it's worth. And what Robin hunts for on every red ASIN that most people close the tab on. The client said it himself: "I have to get out of my own head." Teddy Roosevelt said it better. In any moment of decision, the worst thing you can do is nothing. You didn't fail to find five ASINs. You just kept disqualifying products for failing a test you never ran. Let's go test more ASINs. Special guest at the conclusion of today's show, Jeff Schick of JeffSchick.com answers the question: "Can Jeff help me with trademarks and LLC eastablishment?" Use coupon code "MISTAKE" to get your first month of services for only $1 with Jeff and his team! Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/VsTzelW6Gos Show note LINKS: <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href= "https://3pme
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
New sellers often seek to eliminate 100% of risk, but successful entrepreneurship involves calculated risk-taking; focus on stacking the deck in your favor, not eliminating all risk.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Many sellers disqualify products based on current listed prices and narrow profit margins, failing to consider regional pricing variations, historical pricing data, and the potential for higher prices under different market conditions.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Adopt a 'test, don't guess' mentality: Instead of meticulously analyzing every potential ASIN for immediate high profit, focus on testing products that meet criteria for movement and capital protection, even if the initial projected profit is small.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Don't get stuck on the current buy box price. Look for evidence of past higher prices or potential for future price increases. Testing at break-even or small profit allows you to gather data and build sales velocity, which can open up more profitable opportunities.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Shift your product research filter from looking for immediate high-profit ASINs to identifying ASINs that are test-worthy. This means checking if it's moving, if capital is protected (worst-case break-even), and if there's any evidence of past profitability.
