🎙 Robyn Johnson & Abe Chomali break down where AI enhances agency work and where it falls short. They share real-world examples across images, copywriting, advertising, and brand ideation, emphasizing how AI supports — but does not replace — human expertise and strategy.

🔑 Key Takeaways

🖼️ AI in Images: Helpful, but Risky
• Great for quick lifestyle images and background enhancements for small brands.
• Not reliable for strict brand guidelines, proportions, or avoiding copyright risks.

📝 Copywriting with AI: A Strong Start
• AI drafts titles, bullets, and callouts well — but humans must edit for accuracy and compliance.
• Prompt engineering and tools like Character.AI and custom GPTs improve results.

📈 AI & Advertising: Only Half the Job
• AI ad tools help with data summarization but don’t outperform human ad managers.
• Rule-based PPC tools (like Optimizer or PPC Profit) are still preferred for control and consistency.

💡 AI for Ideation and Strategy
• AI shines in generating brand names, new ideas, and article drafts.
• Use AI for brainstorming and summarizing, not final decisions or strategy setting.

⚙️ Best Tools and Approaches Mentioned
• ChatGPT (especially with custom GPTs) – For content, prompts, and communications
• Claude – Better for technical writing, programming support, and detailed analysis
• Canva Pro – Easy creative tools with layered AI assistance
• Character.AI – Customer avatar creation and ideation training
• Rule-based PPC software – For safer ad management (vs. "auto AI" ad tools)

⚖️ AI + Agency Expertise: Hybrid is Best
• AI saves time on tedious tasks, but human review is essential.
• Agencies provide deeper customer understanding, legal compliance, and strategic decision-making that AI alone can't match.

🧩 Final Advice for AI Beginners
• Start by using AI to draft, not finalize — especially for copy and ideation.
• Learn basic prompt engineering or ask AI to create the best prompts for you.
• Treat AI like a team assistant, not a team replacement.

🔗 Useful Links Mentioned

• Character.AI – Build customer avatars and ideate with AI characters
• ChatGPT Explore GPTs – Browse and create custom GPTs
• Claude by Anthropic – Advanced AI for programming, writing, and analysis
• Canva Pro – AI-assisted creative tools for image generation
• Make.com – Workflow automation platform
• Otter.ai – Record and transcribe outlines for article writing
• Google Workspace – Built-in AI tools for documents and spreadsheets
• Optmyzr - Rule-based PPC management tool

🎙 Robyn Johnson & Abe Chomali chat with Ritu Java (PPC Ninja) about how AI is transforming workflows, from hiring automation to creative asset generation. Ritu shares real use cases, tool recommendations, and insights on prompt engineering.

🔑 Key Takeaways

🧠 AI Isn’t Magic — It’s Layered
• AI works best when problems are broken into parts.
• Think in layers—use AI for what it does well, then add human input.

💬 Prompt Engineering Still Matters
• Prompting is a skill. You can start simple but refine as needed.
• Tools like Sora often rewrite prompts internally; learning from those is valuable.

🛠️ Build Smart Workflows with AI + Automation
• Example: Ritu automated job applications using Google Forms → Sheets → Make.com → ChatGPT API → Gmail.
• AI handled candidate evaluation; Google Apps Script emailed the top candidates daily.

📊 Best Tools to Invest In
• ChatGPT Plus – General LLM & custom GPTs
• Perplexity AI – In-depth research
• Claude – Excellent for code and long-form reasoning
• Canva Pro – 200+ AI creative tools
• Kling AI – Virtual try-on for apparel
• Vidu – Combines images into cinematic video clips
• Make.com – Workflow automations
• Google Workspace – Built-in Gemini AI for documents, spreadsheets, and email

📚 Custom GPTs as Daily Tools
• Start by exploring the ChatGPT Explore GPTs section.
• Search terms like “AMZ” reveal tools for seller support, listings, and keyword research.
• Anyone can create one—no coding required.

⚖️ AI + Amazon: Finding the Balance

• Ritu still manages Amazon accounts herself to stay hands-on.
• Her agency uses AI for anomaly detection, keyword insights, and more to save hundreds of hours.
• A balance between deep AI work and Amazon expertise ensures scalable growth.

🧩 Final Advice for AI Beginners

• Start by using existing custom GPTs to solve small tasks.
• Follow creators in the AI space to stay updated.
• Don’t give up too soon—AI is already powerful, it just requires better direction.

🔗 Helpful Links from the Episode

• PPC Ninja Newsletter (Free, Weekly)
• Ritu Java on LinkedIn
• Make.com – Workflow Automation
• ChatGPT Explore GPTs
• Perplexity AI
• Claude by Anthropic
• Kling AI
• Canva Pro

Episode Summary: Brandon Young on Tariffs & Survival Strategies for Amazon Sellers

Due to the changing nature of this topic, we feel it is important to note that the recording date of this episode was April 16th, 2025

🎙️ Brandon is a seasoned 8-figure Amazon private label seller, founder of Seller Systems, and co-creator of Data Dive software. He joined Robyn and Abe to break down the recent spike in tariffs and what sellers can do to stay competitive and legal.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Tariffs Are Here and They're Brutal

• Tariffs as high as 154% are being added to imported goods, massively impacting landed costs and margins.
• Sellers used to bake in development and tooling costs into unit prices, but now those embedded costs increase tariff exposure.

2. The “First Sale Doctrine” Strategy

• By structuring purchases through an intermediary and separating non-dutyable costs (like tooling, packaging design, branding), you can lower your declared COGS and reduce tariff exposure.
• Must have two arm ’s-length transactions, proper dual invoicing, and a clear declaration to customs.
• Keep detailed records for at least 5 years to survive audits.

Docs Required:

• Original manufacturer invoice to intermediary
• An intermediary invoice to your company
• Declaration to customs of First Sale usage

3. Use of Bonded Warehouses

• Delays the tariff payment until goods are released into the U.S. market.
• Offers flexibility—goods can be redirected to other countries (e.g., Canada or Mexico) if tariffs worsen.
• Downsides: Tariffs could increase by the time goods are released.

4. Drip-Feeding & Holding Inventory

• Use strategies like SKUDrop to store goods in China and ship gradually.
• Or ask your factory to hold inventory and release it in small batches to maintain price advantage and flexibility.
• Be cautious about substantial transformation rules—just moving goods to Vietnam or Mexico isn’t enough; they must be significantly altered to change the country of origin.

5. Monitor the Market

• Track competitor pricing closely to avoid losing the Buy Box.
• Don’t raise prices drastically; instead, use small increments or coupons to test elasticity.
• Discount strategically to maintain rankings while preserving profitable inventory.

6. Be Realistic About Relocating Production

• Moving out of China is a long-term strategy—can take 6 to 12 months or more.
• Factories in countries like Vietnam are often booked out until 2026.
• Consider diversifying but don’t expect a quick fix.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

• Brandon's Tariff Workshop
• 🔧 Seller Systems
• 📊 Data Dive
• 🌴 Camp Ecom (Amazon seller retreat in Cancun)
• 📦 SKUDrop – China-based inventory drip shipping service

Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice. Please consult with your legal department before making any business decisions.

🎙 Robyn Johnson & Abe Chomali discuss when and how to expand beyond Amazon, covering international marketplaces, Walmart, eBay, Mercado Libre, and more. They break down the risks, benefits, and key considerations before making the move.

🔑 Key Takeaways

📈 Maximize Amazon First

• Before expanding, ensure Amazon sales are near peak efficiency.
• Expanding too soon can waste time, money, and inventory.
• Diversification is important but should be strategic, not rushed.

🌍 Choosing the Right Marketplace

• Walmart – A top alternative, but WFS (Walmart Fulfillment Services) is often required for success.
• eBay – Great for clearing old inventory, niche categories, and used goods.
• Mercado Libre – The largest Latin American marketplace, useful for selling in Mexico, Argentina, and beyond.
• Etsy – Ideal for handmade, vintage, and craft supplies.
• Target, Home Depot, Chewy – More selective marketplaces but valuable for niche brands.

🌎 International Expansion: Challenges & Opportunities

• Amazon International can work well, but each country has unique regulations and logistics.
• Language and localization matter—Google Translate isn’t enough.
• VAT, customs, and returns add complexity to global sales.

⚠️ Key Risks to Consider

• Expanding can tie up inventory, making it harder to restock on Amazon US.
• Regulations, compliance, and fees vary by platform and country.
• Poor planning can lead to stockouts or excess inventory in the wrong market.

🔗 Helpful Links from the Episode

• Amazon Global Selling
• Walmart Marketplace
• Mercado Libre

🚀 Final Thoughts

• Max out Amazon before expanding—jumping too soon can hurt your business.
• Choose the right marketplace based on where your audience shops.
• Plan for success—expansion takes more time and money than expected.

If done right, multi-channel selling can be a game changer.

🎙 Robyn Johnson & Abe Chomali sit down with Elizabeth Greene to discuss Amazon match types, ad strategy, and campaign optimization. They dive into the evolution of Amazon advertising, common mistakes, and best practices to maximize ad performance.

🔑 Key Takeaways

📢 The Evolution of Amazon Advertising

• Amazon ads were once simple and low-cost, but competition and rising CPCs have made advertising more complex.
• Auto campaigns and broad targeting no longer work as they once did—sellers must actively manage and optimize campaigns.
• New ad types and targeting options provide more control but also introduce more complexity.

🎯 Match Types & Bidding Strategies

• Broad, phrase, and exact match types each serve different purposes—understanding when to use them is key.
• The old strategy of moving from broad to exact match doesn’t always work on Amazon.
• Negative keyword strategies can be effective but must be used carefully to avoid limiting performance.
• Bidding just above the minimum (e.g., $0.07 instead of $0.05) can significantly increase visibility.

📊 Scaling & Optimizing Campaigns

• Amazon’s increasing CPCs require tighter ad management—bad ad spend can quickly eat into margins.
• Franken campaigns (messy structures with mixed match types) can sometimes work but require careful oversight.
• Segmenting campaigns by match type and product grouping allows for better control and optimization.

🚀 When to Expand & When to Hold Back

• Not every campaign needs constant tweaking—if it’s working, don’t change it unnecessarily.
• Expanding to new match types or campaign structures should be done when performance is stable.
• Prioritization matters—focus on high-impact optimizations first before making broad changes.

🔗 Helpful Links from the Episode

• Junglr.com
• Amazon Advertising
• LinkedIn – Elizabeth Greene

🎯 Final Thoughts

• Amazon advertising is more complex than ever, and success requires constant learning and strategic adjustments.
• Match types should be tested and optimized but forcing a rigid structure can backfire.
• Managing CPCs and ad spend effectively is critical to maintaining profitability.

If done right, a well-structured ad strategy can be a game-changer for scaling your Amazon business!

🎙Robyn Johnson & Abe Chomali sit down with Matt Snyder to discuss Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP), Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM), and how brands can optimize their fulfillment strategies beyond Amazon FBA. They explore the challenges, benefits, and best practices for implementing SFP and FBM effectively.

🔑 Key Takeaways

🚀 Maximizing Amazon Fulfillment Options

• While FBA is ideal for most brands, SFP and FBM can offer cost savings and flexibility in certain cases.
• SFP works well for high-value, bulky, seasonal, and slow-moving products.
• Amazon’s strict performance metrics for SFP require careful execution.

📦 When to Consider Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) or FBM

• Inventory Gaps: If stockouts frequently impact sales, FBM can serve as a backup to maintain listings.
• High-Value & Large Products: Jewelry, furniture, and oversized goods can save on fees with FBM or SFP.
• Seasonal & Limited Inventory: FBM prevents overstocking FBA during seasonal peaks.
• Control Over Shipping: SFP allows sellers to manage customer experience better than FBA.

📊 Cost Considerations & Choosing a 3PL

• If fulfillment fees exceed 38% of the total sale price, SFP or FBM might be more cost-effective.
• Brands must evaluate carrier rates, storage costs, and shipping speed when selecting a third-party logistics (3PL) partner.
• Recommended 3PLs:
  • DaVinci Micro Fulfillment – Nationwide locations & strong carrier relationships.
  • Ware2Go (owned by UPS) – Scalable fulfillment with UPS benefits.

⚠️ Common Challenges & Risks

• SFP Approval Process: Requires a 100-order prequalification and a 30-day trial period with strict shipping metrics.
• Maintaining SFP Status: Amazon enforces a three-strike policy, so brands must proactively manage shipping delays.
• Weekend Deliveries: Amazon requires one weekend day for SFP shipments—brands must plan accordingly.

🔗 Helpful Links from the Episode

• Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime
• Amazon Buy Shipping Services
• DaVinci Micro Fulfillment
• Ware2Go (UPS)

🎯 Final Thoughts

• Brands should analyze their fulfillment costs and consider SFP or FBM for better inventory control and cost savings.
• FBA remains the best option for most products, but alternative fulfillment strategies can reduce risk and increase flexibility.
• Partnering with the right 3PL is key to maintaining fast, reliable shipping outside of Amazon FBA.

If done correctly, Seller Fulfilled Prime and FBM can be game-changers for brands looking to optimize fulfillment beyond Amazon!

🎙 Robyn Johnson & Abe Chomali dive deep into Amazon match types and advertising fundamentals, covering how different match types impact ad performance, bidding strategies, and campaign optimization.

🔑 Key Takeaways

📢 Understanding Match Types is Essential

· Amazon offers multiple match types: Exact, Phrase, Broad, Broad Match Modifier, and Automatic campaigns.

· Exact Match targets precise keywords, while Phrase Match allows variations before or after the keyword.

· Broad Match provides the widest reach but can be less precise.

· Automatic Campaigns rely on Amazon’s algorithm to find relevant placements.

💡 Negative Matching & Bid Adjustments

· Negative Match prevents wasted ad spend on irrelevant search terms.

· Bid Adjustments help fine-tune performance without over-relying on negative matching.

· Brands should test all match types to find the most profitable structure.

🚀 Campaign Segmentation & Strategy

· Multiple campaigns per product allow better control over bids and performance.

· Avoid "set it and forget it"—ad campaigns require regular optimization.

· Event-based advertising (e.g., Shark Tank, Oprah’s Favorite Things) needs strategic scaling of budgets and placements.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

· Over-reliance on one match type limits ad performance.

· Lack of negative matching leads to unnecessary spend.

· Not monitoring ad spend can cause budget waste, especially during peak events.

🎯 Final Thoughts
Amazon advertising requires ongoing management, testing, and adjustments to stay profitable. Understanding match types, bidding strategies, and segmentation can maximize ad efficiency and ROI.

📢 Stay informed, test regularly, and never assume a one-size-fits-all strategy! 🚀

🎙 In This Episode of Top of Search, Robyn Johnson & Abe Chomali dive into GS1, UPCs, and GTINs—what they are, why they matter, and how Amazon's policies are evolving 📦. They discuss Amazon’s strict crackdown on barcodes, why GS1 UPCs are now required, and how to avoid common listing mistakes.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1️. Understanding UPCs & GTINs

• UPC (Universal Product Code): Used for barcode identification worldwide.
• GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number): The broader category that includes UPCs, EANs, and ISBNs.
• GS1: The official provider of UPC barcodes required by Amazon.

2️. Why Amazon Requires GS1 UPCs

• Amazon used to allow third-party resold UPCs, but this led to catalog chaos 🛑.
• Now, only GS1-issued UPCs tied directly to your brand are accepted.
• Recycled UPCs can cause major issues—always verify before printing packaging.

3️. Checking UPC Validity Before Use

• Enter the UPC in Seller Central to confirm it’s not already assigned.
• Create a shell listing with a future launch date to hold the UPC.
• If errors arise, new listings may be needed, causing delays and reprints.

4️. Amazon’s Crackdown on Bundling & UPCs

• Food & Grocery Bundles: Now require manufacturer-issued UPCs or written permission.
• Random Bundles (e.g., garlic powder + bracelet) are being restricted 🚫.
• Brand Registry & UPC Matching: Amazon is enforcing strict name consistency (spacing, capitalization, etc.).

5️. Best Practices for UPCs on Amazon

✅ Always buy GS1 UPCs to avoid future listing issues.
✅ Verify UPCs in Seller Central before printing packaging.
✅ Don’t recycle old UPCs—Amazon may flag changes as violations.
✅ Brand Registry first, then purchase UPCs to ensure a name match.
✅ For bulk UPCs, consider GS1 rental options ($10/year per UPC).

🛠 Helpful Links from the Episode

• GS1 Official Site
• Amazon Brand Registry
• US Trademark Registration

🚀 Final Thoughts

Using GS1 UPCs is no longer optional—Amazon is strictly enforcing compliance. Avoid costly listing removals by following Amazon’s policies, verifying UPCs before use, and ensuring Brand Registry name consistency.