Episode 226 | Going Beyond Etsy: Scaling Your Business with Amazon and the Amazon Handmade Program with David Schomer

In this episode, Dylan sits down with guest David Schomer, an Amazon expert, about his journey from corporate America to building a successful e-commerce business on Amazon. 

He discusses the Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) and Amazon Handmade, highlighting the potential opportunities for Etsy sellers. David elaborates on his background, starting from his farm experiences to his consulting career before launching a pet supply brand that led him to e-commerce success. 

The conversation covers research methods, product launches, and scaling strategies, emphasizing the importance of having a calculated approach to launching and growing a business. 

David also provides insights on Amazon’s advertising strategies and shares the significance of preparing financially before transitioning full-time into e-commerce. He also discusses the Amazon Handmade program, offering Etsy sellers practical advice on expanding to Amazon with hero products. 

The discussion includes the pros and cons of selling on Amazon, the potential for marketplace expansion, and tips for managing PPC effectively. 

In this episode, we discuss:

[01:36] Meet David Schomer: From Corporate America to Amazon Success

[05:20] David’s First Product and Lessons Learned

[07:27] Navigating Amazon FBA, FBM, and Handmade

[10:37] The Importance of Research and Strategy on Amazon 

[20:30] Advertising and PPC Strategies

[23:17] Expanding Your Business: International Markets and Handmade

[28:18] Advice for Etsy Sellers Considering Amazon

Connect with David:

Website: https://firingtheman.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firingtheman/ 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/firing-the-man/id1493680004 

About David Schomer: 

David Schomer grew up in Iowa on a small acreage where his four brothers and he had a small sweet corn and pumpkin roadside stand along a state highway. They grew that operation into a sizable enterprise and David has been hooked on building businesses ever since. 

David attended St. Louis University and earned his undergraduate degree, double majoring in Accounting and Finance. He went on to earn a Master’s degree from St. Louis University in Accounting. Following graduation, David worked for a business-consulting firm in St. Louis.  

In March 2017, David learned about Amazon FBA and was intrigued. He launched his first private label product in July 2017 and currently has just over 400 SKUs for sale on Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, Groupon, Walmart, and EBay.