MerchantSpring Marketplace Masters

Agency Best Practice | The AWD vs 3PL Debate: A Decision Framework for Amazon Brands and Agencies

In this episode of Marketplace Masters, Paul Sonneveld [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsonneveld/] sits down with Ephraim Ausch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ephraim-ausch/], Chief Logistics Officer at Tactical Logistics Solutions, to unpack one of the biggest fulfillment debates facing Amazon sellers in 2026: Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD) vs. third-party logistics providers (3PLs). With Amazon introducing new logistics surcharges, rising transportation costs, and changing regional pricing structures, brands are being forced to re-evaluate their fulfillment strategy. Ephraim shares practical insights on when AWD makes financial sense, when a 3PL remains the better option, and why many eight- and nine-figure sellers are adopting hybrid fulfillment models instead of going all-in on Amazon.

Amazon Vendor | B2B Sales on Amazon: Why Mid-Market Manufacturers Can’t Afford to Ignore the Channel

Amazon Business is now generating more than $80 billion in annual B2B revenue — and yet many manufacturers still don’t have a clear Amazon B2B strategy. In this episode of Marketplace Masters, Paul Sonneveld [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsonneveld/] speaks with Brian Beck [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecommerceexpertbeck/], one of the world’s leading B2B eCommerce experts and author of Billion Dollar B2B eCommerce, about how Amazon Business is reshaping B2B distribution and what mid-market manufacturers need to understand before entering the channel. They explore why B2B buyers are increasingly turning to Amazon, how Amazon Business differs from traditional Amazon selling, and the operational, pricing, and channel strategy considerations manufacturers must address to succeed. Key topics include: *  What Amazon Business is and how it works  *  Amazon's B2B strategy for manufacturers  *  1P vs 3P selling models for B2B brands  *  Managing channel conflict with distributors and sales teams  *  Amazon Business pricing, RFQs, and bulk buying tools  *  B2B product content and catalogue strategy on Amazon  *  Why Amazon is becoming a critical B2B procurement platform  *  Common mistakes manufacturers make when entering Amazon Business  If you’re a manufacturer, B2B brand, distributor, or Amazon agency looking to understand the future of B2B commerce on Amazon, this episode provides practical insights into one of the fastest-growing segments in eCommerce.

Agency Best Practice | South Africa Marketplace Playbook: Amazon Growth, Takealot Reality, and Enterprise Execution

Is South Africa the next major eCommerce growth market for Amazon brands? In this episode of Marketplace Masters, Paul Sonneveld [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsonneveld/] speaks with Maon Seidel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maonseidel/], Founder & CEO of eCommerce Counsel, about the rapid evolution of South Africa’s eCommerce landscape and what enterprise brands need to know to succeed on Amazon South Africa and Takealot. They explore the strategic differences between Amazon and Takealot, operational challenges facing large brands, and why inventory management, marketplace infrastructure, and execution discipline are critical for long-term growth. Key topics include: *  Amazon South Africa vs Takealot marketplace strategy  *  Enterprise eCommerce growth opportunities in South Africa  *  Common operational mistakes brands make on marketplaces  *  Inventory forecasting and supply chain management for Amazon  *  How global brands can expand into South Africa  *  Marketplace advertising, content, and Amazon Vendor strategy  *  The future of eCommerce growth in Africa  If you're an Amazon brand, marketplace agency, or global manufacturer exploring emerging eCommerce markets, this episode provides practical insights into one of the fastest-growing digital retail opportunities globally.

Agency Best Practice | How to Build and Scale an Amazon Agency for the Long Term

What does it really take to build a successful Amazon agency over 10 years? In this episode of Marketplace Masters, Paul Sonneveld [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsonneveld/]sits down with Hamish Conway [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamishconway/], Founder of Sell Global, to break down the real journey of scaling an Amazon agency—from early-stage growth to working with major brands across Amazon Seller and Vendor Central. Learn how to grow an Amazon agency, avoid costly mistakes, and build a scalable service model in today’s competitive eCommerce landscape. Key topics include: *  How to build and scale an Amazon agency business  *  Transitioning from Amazon seller services to enterprise clients  *  Hiring strategies and building high-performing remote teams  *  Expanding into Amazon Vendor Central services  *  Common agency mistakes and how to avoid them  *  The future of Amazon agencies, AI, and data-driven growth  If you're an agency owner, Amazon consultant, or eCommerce operator looking to scale your business, this episode delivers practical, real-world insights from a decade in the industry.

Amazon Vendor | Amazon vs Traditional Retail: Understanding the Amazon Mindset for Vendor Success

Struggling to grow on Amazon Vendor Central? You might be using the wrong playbook. In this episode of Marketplace Masters, Paul Sonneveld speaks with former Amazon AVS brand specialist Benjamin Bolshinsky [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-bolshinsky/] (Founder of Vendor Launch) about how to succeed as an Amazon vendor—and why traditional retail strategies don’t work on Amazon. Discover how Amazon’s data-driven model impacts vendor relationships, product launches, and profitability, and what brands must do to drive sell-through, improve conversion rates, and scale revenue on Amazon. You’ll learn: *  How Amazon Vendor Central actually works  *  Why Amazon prioritizes data, demand, and profitability over relationships  *  The biggest mistakes brands make when launching products on Amazon  *  How to improve Amazon SEO, content, and advertising performance *  What Amazon Vendor Services (AVS) does—and how to get ROI from it  If you’re an Amazon vendor, brand owner, or eCommerce leader looking to improve Amazon sales, margins, and growth, this episode is a must-listen.