The Boring Ecom Podcast

This season is sponsored by Lifetimely by AMP—my preferred analytics platform for DTC brands to use for understanding their true customer lifetime value and making better marketing decisions. Welcome back to the Boring Ecom Podcast. This week, I’m sitting down with Jason Prowd, Head of Product at Lifetimely by AMP—the analytics tool trusted by top e-commerce brands to unlock real growth. Jason’s journey is all about data obsession. From a background in software and financial services to leading product at Lifetimely, he’s worked closely with the best brands in the space, helping them move from “vibe-based” decisions to data-driven wins. In this episode, we break down how the smartest operators use cohort analysis, retention tactics, and product-level insights to drive profitable growth in 2025. What makes Jason’s perspective unique is his access to thousands of brands’ data and his hands-on approach to product development. He shares real case studies—like how brands discovered unexpected high-value customer segments, why copying competitors rarely works, and how small tweaks (like free samples or merch) can dramatically boost LTV. We dive deep into: Why averages are dangerous—and how digging into cohort data reveals hidden opportunities The mindset shifts that separate top-performing brands from the rest How to automate reporting and free up time for real experimentation Real-world examples of brands using Lifetimely to uncover new customer segments and retention wins The power of product-level LTV and how it should guide your acquisition strategy Why focusing on your own data beats chasing competitors’ tactics Actionable ways to move from guessing to confident, data-led decision making If you want to understand how the best DTC brands are using data to win in 2025—and hear Jason’s take on what actually works—this episode is for you. Find Jason: Lifetimely by AMP LinkedIn Follow Joseph Siegel on social: X (Twitter) LinkedIn Like and subscribe if this was helpful—it seriously helps us keep bringing you these behind-the-scenes founder stories.

This season is sponsored by Lifetimely by AMP—my preferred analytics platform for DTC brands to use for understanding their true customer lifetime value and making better marketing decisions. Welcome back to the Boring Ecom Podcast. This week, I’m sitting down with Troy Osinoff, a serial entrepreneur, agency founder, and the brains behind 8MB, the clipping agency that’s quietly disrupting e-commerce marketing. Troy’s story is wild. He’s been building internet businesses since age nine, dropped out of college to launch Makeagif.com, ran marketing for BuzzFeed, and now owns Juice and Peechee—agencies spending hundreds of millions a year for top brands. But his latest obsession? “Clipping”, the strategy of turning long-form podcasts and branded videos into short-form viral content, posted at scale across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. What makes Troy’s approach different is that his team actually owns the channels and accounts, so brands get authentic, targeted views (not fake numbers). They’ve driven massive results—like 20% lifts in Shopify sales and huge spikes in Amazon search, all while charging a fraction of Meta CPMs. We dive deep into: What “clipping” is and why it’s the cheapest way to get millions of views How Troy built a 1,000+ person team to create and distribute content at scale Real results for e-commerce and app brands (including viral TikTok campaigns and measurable sales lifts) Why owning your distribution channels beats relying on creator platforms How AI is changing content creation (and why generic AI voices actually work) The future of organic awareness and why most brands still aren’t doing this If you want to understand the next wave of organic marketing—and hear Troy’s take on why this is “the alpha” for e-comm—this episode is for you. Find Troy: 8MB X Instagram Follow Joseph Siegel on social: X LinkedIn Like and subscribe if this was helpful—it seriously helps us keep bringing you these behind-the-scenes founder stories.

Special offer for Boring Ecom listeners: Try Bold Bar for 25% off using code BORING25 at eatboldbar.com This season is sponsored by Lifetimely by AMP - my preferred analytics platform for DTC brands to use for understanding their true customer lifetime value and make better marketing decisions. Welcome back to the Boring Ecom Podcast. This week I'm sitting down with Sean Jagermann, the 25-year-old founder behind Bold Bar - the protein bar that's been absolutely everywhere on my Twitter feed lately. Sean's story is incredible. Dude works full-time in VC, analyzing deals and investments all day, then comes home and grinds on his protein bar company until midnight. We're talking about a guy who spent 2 years doing R&D in his kitchen, went through 9 different recipe iterations, and just sold through 80% of his first 10,000 unit inventory run in 2 months. But here's what makes Bold Bar different - it's the only bar on the market with 20g of protein, 100mg of caffeine, AND it's honey-sweetened. No artificial sweeteners, no weird chemicals. Sean basically looked at the entire protein bar industry and said "this is all broken" and built something completely different. We dive deep into his journey - from dealing with eating disorders in college to working with co-manufacturers who told him his idea was impossible. The dude literally fired his co-man and brought R&D back in-house because he refused to compromise on his vision. What really caught my attention is how Sean's approaching this differently than the David protein bars of the world. While everyone's chasing the macro-obsessed crowd with aggressive marketing, Sean's building something anti-diet culture that actually makes you feel good. Plus, Sean's been documenting his entire journey on Twitter in real-time. No fluff, no filtered success stories - just the raw, authentic grind of building a CPG brand from scratch while working a demanding full-time job. If you're thinking about launching a physical product or just want to see what it actually takes to break into a "saturated" market, this episode is for you. Special offer for Boring Ecom listeners: Try Bold Bar for 25% off using code BORING25 at eatboldbar.com This episode is sponsored by Lifetimely by Amp - the analytics platform that helps DTC brands understand their true customer lifetime value and make better marketing decisions. What we cover: How Sean validated his protein bar idea while working in VC The 2-year R&D process and why he went through 9 recipe iterations Why he fired his co-manufacturer and brought production in-house His strategy for competing against $75M funded David protein bars How he's sold 8,000+ units with zero ad spend Balancing a demanding VC job while building a CPG brand The real challenges of launching a physical product business Like and subscribe if this was helpful - it seriously helps us keep bringing you these behind-the-scenes founder stories.

Andrew Foxwell has been in the trenches longer than almost anyone—from running Facebook ads for 120 members of Congress to scaling Beats by Dre pre-Apple acquisition. He's seen every boom, bust, and algorithm change since the platform's early days. In this episode, Andrew pulls back the curtain on what's really happening with Meta ads in 2025. Spoiler: it's not just you—performance is down across the board, and he explains exactly why. From signal loss to economic uncertainty to Meta's AI overreach, he breaks down the macro and micro factors crushing advertiser performance. But this isn't just doom and gloom. Andrew reveals what separates the brands still scaling from those getting crushed: inventory strategy, creative innovation, and the ability to find new customer segments when everyone else is stuck in the same playbook. We also dive deep into agency building—how Andrew and his wife Gracie built Foxwell Digital into a 12-year operation with multiple revenue streams, why most agencies fail at differentiation, and his controversial take on hiring (hint: it involves paying women more and asking better questions). Plus: why Andrew thinks 2025 could be the year things turn around, the real story behind his move from politics to e-comm, and how the Foxwell Founders Community became the "Bentley" of marketing communities. Key Topics: (01:00) From Congressional Press Secretary to Facebook Ad Pioneer (07:15) Building a 12-Year Agency: Lessons in Diversification (18:22) The Brutal Truth About Starting an Agency Today (25:10) Hiring Strategies That Actually Work (And Why Most Don't) (40:27) The Real State of Meta Ads in 2025 (47:44) What Separates Winning Brands from the Rest (51:51) Testing Frameworks: Creative, Offers & Landing Pages (56:08) Inside the Foxwell Founders Community Thank you to our sponsors Lifetimely By AMP Follow Joe (X) and Alex (X) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

From MySpace Influencer to $10M+ SaaS Exit—How Dennis Hegstad Built LiveRecover Dennis Hegstad's path from teenage Counter-Strike pro to serial entrepreneur reads like a blueprint for platform-agnostic business building. With exits including LiveRecover's multi-million dollar acquisition by Voyage and a track record spanning meme pages, Fashion Nova's paid acquisition, and multiple Shopify apps, Dennis has mastered the art of spotting opportunities before they become obvious. In this episode, he reveals the real story behind LiveRecover's human-powered SMS strategy that revolutionized abandoned cart recovery, why he was spending $100k daily on Meta ads with 800% ROI during the "golden age," and the brutal reality of platform risk that just killed two of his businesses in back-to-back Shopify updates. From building 13 million Twitter followers through viral meme accounts to running Fashion Nova's paid acquisition at scale, Dennis shares the frameworks that helped him navigate multiple business cycles—and why his next bet is on American-made CPG products in an uncertain tariff landscape. Key Topics: (01:25) From Gaming Clan Sponsorships to $1,500/Month at Age 14 (06:17) Building 13 Million Twitter Followers with Viral Meme Pages (12:45) The Fashion Nova Years: $100k Daily Ad Spend with 800% ROI (18:30) Why LiveRecover Beat Attentive with Human-Powered SMS (24:20) The Shopify Checkout Revolution That Killed Two Apps (29:15) Platform Risk Lessons: When Your $10M Business Dies Overnight (35:40) AI Content Flooding vs. Authentic Brand Building (42:50) Meta Ads Evolution: From 15% Fees to ASC Automation (48:35) Watch Collecting & Micro-Brand Success Stories (52:10) What's Next: American CPG in the Tariff Era Follow Dennis on X (@DennisHegstad) for real-time insights on e-commerce tools, platform risk, and his latest product ideas. Follow Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Get a 45-Day Free Trial with Alia: The Best Pop Ups In Ecommerce. Let them know the Boring Ecom Podcast sent you to claim this deal. Drew Arciuolo transformed his family's footwear business into a social media phenomenon by focusing on one simple thing: genuine reactions. From struggling through COVID to 3.5x growth in a single year, Drew reveals how VKTRY Gear found its perfect audience in basketball players trying to increase their vertical. In this episode, Drew breaks down his content strategy: documenting real athletes' reactions instead of scripting ads, spending 115 days on the road capturing authentic moments, and building a 20-terabyte content library that drives both organic growth and paid acquisition. He shares how pivoting from a broad athletic audience of 65 million people to a hyper-focused niche of 900,000 basketball players unlocked explosive growth. What makes Drew different? He's not just a marketer—he's a former athlete with a competitive drive that won't quit, waking up at 4AM with ideas and texting them to himself. Whether you're struggling to find your audience or looking to scale through authentic content, Drew's journey offers a masterclass in patience, focus, and community-building. We also talk athlete mindset, viral hooks that actually convert, and why showing up in person creates an unbeatable moat for your brand. Plus, the Mac McClung partnership that crashed their site and became their most-searched week ever. Key Topics: (01:32) From College Athlete to VP of Marketing at His Family's Business (04:18) The 7-Year Journey from Struggling Startup to Social Media Powerhouse (08:00) How COVID Nearly Killed the Business and Forced a Pivot (10:00) Finding Product-Market Fit by Going Smaller, Not Bigger (13:50) The Viral Video That Changed Everything (18:20) Building a Brand Through Authentic In-Person Connections (21:12) The Emotion-Driven Content Formula That Sells (27:40) Athlete Mindset vs. Entrepreneur Mindset (34:00) Partnering with NBA Dunk Champion Mac McClung Thank you to our sponsors Alia Pop Ups⁠ Follow Joe (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Richie (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Today, we’re joined by AI engineer and viral Twitter phenom Jacob Posel for a deep dive into what he calls vibe marketing—the art of using multimodal AI to generate brand-ready images, ads, and creative direction… without a design team. Jacob breaks down why the future of ad creation will be prompted, not Photoshopped—and how the brands who learn to speak AI will outpace those still stuck in Figma. He shares his firsthand lessons from prompting thousands of ads, explains how to manipulate reference images for better output, and reveals why iterating in the same chat is a fatal mistake most people make. We also get into the bigger picture—the business models this tech unlocks, how creators can sell their likeness as training data, and why the next AI gold rush might be in evaluation layers, not generation tools. If you’ve been overwhelmed by AI or unsure where to start, this episode will flip the switch—and give you the practical tools to use AI every day like a superpower. Key Topics: (02:11) Why Most People Still Suck at Using AI (06:53) What “Vibe Marketing” Actually Means (11:07) Image Prompting Best Practices & Pitfalls (16:22) Why Your Edits Should Always Start a New Chat (21:31) The Role of AI Intuition in the Modern Workforce (33:44) Recreating a High-Converting AG1 Ad with AI (43:10) The Future of Ads, AI Models, and Business Models (50:01) Why Selling Likeness Might Be the New UGC (55:02) Jacob’s #1 Piece of Advice for Mastering AI Thank you to our sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠AfterSell⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Parker⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rivo⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Postscript⁠⁠⁠ Follow Joe (⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Jacob for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Get a 45-Day Free Trial with Alia: The Best Pop Ups In Ecommerce. Let them know the Boring Ecom Podcast sent you to claim this deal. Luca Washenko’s story reads like a case study in chaotic brilliance. From reselling sneakers at 14 to facing lawsuits, debt, and nearly going bankrupt—he’s been through every extreme. But after losing everything, he didn’t just bounce back—he built a $72 million brand powered by TikTok Shop. In this episode, Luca breaks down exactly how he did it: the affiliate hacks, the creator flywheel, and the product testing system that took him from his mom’s basement to 8-figure months. He also pulls back the curtain on TikTok Shop—the hype, the hidden pitfalls, and why most brands shouldn’t touch it. What makes Luca different? He’s not optimizing buttons on a landing page—he’s obsessively studying the psychology behind virality, outmaneuvering giants with speed, and building creator ecosystems from scratch. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling past 7-figures, Luca’s insights hit hard. We also talk info products, short-term wins vs. long-term leverage, and why most partnerships fail. Spoiler: it’s not about contracts—it’s about trust. Key Topics: (01:45) From Selling Caffeine Vapes in College to TikTok Virality (07:51) Scaling with 75 Creators and 150 TikTok Accounts (10:55) The Harsh Reality of TikTok Shop (and Its Ceiling) (13:13) Product Testing, Affiliate Arbitrage & Viral Angles (22:00) Why You Must Stay Ahead of the Curve (31:45) The Info Product Trap vs. Building a Real Brand (38:10) How Luca’s Structuring His Path to a $100M Exit (43:15) The Most Dangerous—and Most Powerful—Lever in Business Thank you to our sponsors Alia Pop Ups⁠ Follow Joe (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Richie (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Matt Epstein’s story is a crash course in modern entrepreneurship. At just 23, he's been through the wringer—he launched a custom product business, lost money despite massive sales, and ended up in debt. But rather than tapping out, he regrouped. Dropshipping helped him regain confidence, and now he's building an agency and new e-commerce ventures. Matt keeps it real about the agency game: most ideas suck until they don’t. What separates winners is how fast you can test, adapt, and pivot. He’s spent millions on paid ads, learning firsthand what works and what doesn’t. One of his big takeaways? Positioning is everything. Take Mary Ruth’s vitamins—same basic ingredients as hair serums, but packaged differently, and suddenly it’s a hit. It’s less about reinventing the wheel and more about how you sell it. He also emphasizes cutting through the brand fluff. Early-stage companies obsess over logos and color palettes when they should be focused on getting results. Speed beats perfection. Brand guidelines shouldn't hold back progress—especially when nobody really knows or cares about your brand yet. Matt is a big believer in the power of the right angle. You’re not selling filtered water—you’re selling better skin. He’s also bullish on AI-powered SEO, seeing platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity as new search engines in disguise. If you're not thinking about how to rank in AI, you're already behind. Bottom line: move fast, test everything, tell a great story, and don’t get precious about your brand. Key Topics: (03:38) Matt Epstein’s Entrepreneurial Journey (08:06) Creating Winning Products with Unique Positioning (16:38) “Ideas Are Just Ideas” (25:30) The Pitfalls of Over-Indexing on Brand (33:38) Why Founders Need to Tell Their Story (35:32) Ranking on ChatGPT and Other AI Platforms (40:51) Training AI Models to Put the Spotlight on Your Brand (42:42) Who Will AI Replace? Thank you to our sponsors ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AfterSell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Parker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rivo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Postscript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Richie (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Joe (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

“E-Commerce is a much harder business than is purported in marketing.” Today, we’re joined by DTC legend Fan Bi all the way from Australia! With over 15 years of e-commerce experience under his belt, Fan’s peeling back the industry's glossy exterior to expose why the majority of today’s business owners stay poor. Fan dives deep into the operational challenges that frequently lead to financial strain for e-com businesses of all sorts. He offers a ton of practical advice aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate the harsh realities of our field while maintaining profitability for the long-term! As we shift the focus to the low-bid market, Fan demystifies misconceptions surrounding enterprise value and business exits. Many small business owners erroneously chase revenue multiples, not realizing that true value lies in cash flow and sustainable models, often determined by a multiple of EBIT. Finally, Fan discusses the dangers of personal guaranteed debt and the importance of aligning ambition with a realistic outlook on the day-to-day when running a business! Key Topics: (03:58) Buying DTC Brands in “Special Situations” (06:31) Why Most E-Commerce Business Owners Stay Poor (11:36) The Value of Operators in Leadership Roles (16:51) Striking the Right Balance Between Operations and Marketing (22:36) Fan’s M&A Predictions for Q1 2025 (26:52) Treating E-Commerce Like a Small Business (31:37) The Superpower That All Successful E-Commerce Operators Possess Thank you to our sponsors ⁠⁠⁠⁠AfterSell⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Parker⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rivo⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Postscript⁠⁠⁠ Follow Richie (⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Joe (⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Sign up for ⁠⁠⁠⁠our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get access to our template for AI prompts and our payback model template. If you want to succeed in the e-commerce world in 2025, you have to be ready to defy some “tried-and-true” industry best practices. Today we’re joined by growth marketing extraordinaire Alex Greifeld. She shares what led her to launch her blog and newsletter, "No Best Practices", which offers a fresh perspective on understanding a brand's DNA and traditional marketing strategies. “There’s a lot of mythbusting to be done in the ecommerce and online marketing world.” We’re dissecting the unique hurdles and opportunities in fashion, infomercials, and products requiring patience to see results. Alex offers practical advice for e-commerce newcomers looking to see results from Facebook ads, direct response campaigns, and even dropshipping. We’re also spilling the secrets to customer retention, with Alex emphasizing that genuine retention improvements often stem from product quality, not just clever marketing. Finally, we’re talking about why most DTC brands are either bankrupt or destined to remain penny stocks, as well as the art of creating compelling messaging to take your brand awareness to a whole new level! Key Topics: (07:36) The Three Product Categories in E-Commerce (19:55) Product Category Categorization and Fusion (28:55) Leveraging Customer Retention for Success (36:28) Why LTV Becomes Less Predictable the Harder You Scale Acquisition (45:43) Stages of Brand Growth Strategies Thank you to our sponsors ⁠⁠⁠⁠AfterSell⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Parker⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rivo⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Postscript⁠⁠⁠ Follow Richie (⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Joe (⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Sign up for ⁠⁠⁠our newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to get access to our template for AI prompts and the payback model template from last weeks episode. In this packed episode, Richie and Joe interview subscription expert Matt Holman about what's actually working in subscription ecommerce right now. Matt breaks down why the standard "subscribe and save 10%" model is the "bane of his existence" and reveals the strategies top brands are using instead. You'll learn why bulk options (30/60/90 day supplies) are driving higher AOVs AND better retention, why free gifts convert better than deeper discounts, and how smarter product page design can dramatically increase subscription take rates. Matt shares real examples from brands like Pretty Boy skincare and Jolie, explaining exactly how they've optimized their offers. Plus, get tactical insights on measuring subscription cohorts, analyzing LTV by offer type, and making smart decisions even with imperfect data. Whether you're just starting with subscriptions or looking to optimize your existing program, this episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement today. TIMESTAMPS (02:46) Introduction and Guest Welcome (05:32) Subscription Offers: The Basics (08:11) Optimizing Subscription Offers (12:45) Case Study: Pretty Boy Skincare (17:56) Incentivizing with Gifts (23:20) First-Order Profitability vs Long-Term LTV (26:30) Exploring Subscription Offers (28:29) Try Before You Buy (31:10) Designing Subscription Components (34:49) Data-Driven Decisions (40:26) Conclusion and Next Steps Thank you to our sponsors ⁠⁠⁠AfterSell⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Parker⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Rivo⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Postscript⁠⁠ Follow Richie (⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠) and Joe (⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Sign up for ⁠our newsletter⁠ to get access to our template for prompts and to download the payback model template from last weeks episode. Love 'em or hate 'em, pop-ups are the workhorses of ecommerce list building—but most brands are doing them dead wrong. In this no-BS conversation, Shaan Arora (founder of Alia) reveals why your mystery discount probably sucks, when to reveal your offer, and how to stop pissing off customers who already gave you their email. Richie and Joe dig into the numbers that actually matter, the perfect timing to display your pop-up, and why smart brands are building personalized pop-up experiences for different traffic sources. This episode is packed with actionable tactics that could easily double your list growth overnight. TIMESTAMPS (01:28) Introduction: Shaan & Alia (03:45) Pop Up Hacks (05:51) Email and SMS Strategies (07:44) Conversion Rates and Offers (10:26) Testing and Metrics (13:07) Pop Up Best Practices (18:58) Concerns About Pop-Ups (21:17) Influencer-Specific Pop-Ups (23:50) Opt in Rate Expectations (29:19) How to Filter Pop-Ups (31:02) Data and Testing Insights (32:31) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Shaan https://x.com/iamshaanarora Special thanks to our mini-series sponsor Alia. Follow Richie (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) and Joe (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Sign up for ⁠our newsletter⁠ to get access to our template for prompts and to download the payback model template from the last episode. Is AI really going to transform e-commerce, or is it just another overhyped tech trend? DTC Jacob joins Richie and Joe to share why he believes we're on the cusp of an 'e-commerce renaissance' powered by AI. Drawing from his experience as Director of AI at Common Thread Collective, Jacob delivers practical advice on how to start implementing AI in your business today. You'll discover which AI models work best for different tasks, how to craft effective prompts that deliver consistent results, and the three most impactful AI workflows Jacob has seen transform e-commerce operations. Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, this episode provides the strategic roadmap you need to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. TIMESTAMPS (02:48) Introduction (04:00) Jacob's Journey into AI and E-commerce (06:30) How AI changes inventory management (15:45) Exploring Different AI Models (21:05) Practical Uses of AI for E-commerce Operators (32:42) Future Organizational Structures with AI (34:42) Personalized AI Models for Employees (39:00) Practical AI Applications and Work Flows in Business (44:36) Advanced AI Copywriting Techniques (47:00) Effective Prompt Engineering (56:09) Conclusion and Contact Information Follow Jacob ⁠https://x.com/dtcjacob⁠ Thank you to our sponsors ⁠⁠AfterSell⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Parker⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Rivo⁠ ⁠⁠Postscript⁠ Follow Richie (⁠⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠) and Joe (⁠⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Sign up for our newsletter to download the payback model template. Ever wonder why some e-commerce brands crush it while others bleed money? In this kickoff to their miniseries with Alia, Richie and Joe break down the exact financial model they use to evaluate business health. No fancy MBA required - just real talk about unit economics, customer retention, and how to know if your business actually makes money. Plus, they share the spreadsheet template they use with their own brands. Timestamps (01:24) Welcome & Introducing Alia (03:56) Key Metrics: MER and CAC to LTV (05:46) Model Walkthrough: Inputs and Assumptions (13:34) Retention Curves and Payback Periods (25:50) Advanced Strategies & Applications (29:08) Conclusion and Contact Information Special thanks to our mini-series sponsor Alia. Follow Richie (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) and Joe (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

The M&A market is heating the f*ck up, and Drew Fallon is here to tell you exactly what it means for your brand. After a 3-4 year "desert" in e-commerce acquisitions, big deals are dropping again - but who's going to win? Drew explains why high AOV products are crushing it (hint: getting $200 every 8 months beats $50 monthly subscriptions), why most brands should aim for $10-40M in revenue with 10-20% profit, and the psychology behind why founders ruin good businesses by trying to grow too fast. If you want practical advice on building a sellable brand without the startup fairytale BS, this episode delivers. Timestamps (02:44) Intro: Drew Fallon (03:50) Celsius Acquisition of Alani Nu (05:13) M&A Trends and Market Analysis (08:05) Private Equity and Venture Capital Insights (13:12) Debt Markets and Lending Trends (16:25) Brand Performance and Customer Acquisition (18:44) Retention Strategy Deep Dive (22:55) Customer Insights and Expectations (29:00) High AOV Products and Market Trends (30:36) Building a Successful Brand (34:39) Advice for Bootstrapped Brands (38:20) Networking and Market Awareness (40:35) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Drew https://x.com/drewfallon12 Thank you to our sponsors ⁠AfterSell⁠ ⁠Parker⁠ ⁠Rivo ⁠Postscript Follow Richie (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) and Joe (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Your chart of accounts is the foundation of your e-commerce business - but most brands get it wrong. Jeremy Allen from EcomCPA breaks down the fundamentals of e-commerce accounting, including how to set up your books properly, handle inventory management, and track the metrics that actually matter. No boring accounting jargon, just straight talk about making your numbers work. Timestamps (02:43) Intro & Why Your Chart of Accounts Matters (07:00) Setting Up Your Books (17:35) Inventory Management: How to Track It Without an ERP (22:17) Software Tools and Bookkeeping (32:40) Tax Strategy: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (36:30) Cash vs. Accrual (40:24) Finding the Right E-commerce Accountant (43:38) Key Metrics Every Brand Should Track (47:00) Working With Your Accountant: Best Practices Follow Jeremy https://x.com/jallencpa Thank you to our sponsors ⁠AfterSell⁠ ⁠Parker⁠ ⁠Rivo ⁠Postscript Follow Richie (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) and Joe (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Ever wonder why everyone seems to hate their 3PL? In this episode, Richie and Joe sit down with Alex Pessala from Outerspace Logistics to break down the good, bad, and ugly of 3PL relationships. From pricing traps to tech capabilities that actually matter, Alex keeps it real about what brands should demand from their logistics partners. Whether you're shipping out of your garage or doing eight figures, this conversation will change how you think about fulfillment. Timestamps (02:42) Show Intro & Guest Background (06:50) Understanding 3PL Business Models (11:16) 4PL vs 3PL: Key Differences (14:15) How to Evaluate Potential 3PL Partners (21:40) Breaking Down 3PL Pricing & Hidden Costs (26:00) Managing the 3PL Transition Process (30:59) The Truth About Technology in 3PLs (35:53) Key Performance Metrics & Red Flags (39:26) What to Do When Stuck in a Bad 3PL Relationship (42:57) Tools for Auditing Your 3PL Bills (47:14) Early Warning Signs Your 3PL Isn't Working Out (50:11) How to Be a Better Brand Partner to Your 3PL (53:08) Closing Thoughts & Contact Info Follow Alex ⁠https://x.com/pessala⁠ Thank you to our sponsors ⁠AfterSell⁠ ⁠Parker⁠ ⁠Rivo.io⁠ ⁠postscript.io⁠ Follow Richie (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) and Joe (⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Ready to simplify your customer acquisition strategy? In this episode, Emma Shanahan from Shopify breaks down everything you need to know about Shop Campaigns - from 2-minute setup to conversion-only pricing. Learn how brands like Caraway drove $1M in sales using this new tool, why you don't need fancy creative or complex pixel integrations, and how to leverage Shop's 150M+ user base. Perfect for busy founders and marketing teams who want better acquisition results with less hassle. Read the Boring Edition from Shopify. TIMESTAMPS (00:19) Welcome and Introduction (00:59) Emma's Background and Evolution of Shop App (06:00) What Makes Shop Campaigns Different from Other Ad Platforms (09:48) Breaking Down the Customer Experience (14:30) Campaign Performance and Success Stories (16:24) Customizing Your Brand Presence in Shop (18:48) How to Get Started with Shop Campaigns (20:30) Wrap-up and Contact Info Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Want to expand beyond just online sales but worried about the tech nightmare? Patrick Joyce, VP of Engineering at Shopify, breaks down how their unified POS system lets you sell anywhere without the typical headaches of managing multiple channels. From pop-ups to permanent retail, learn how brands are driving higher customer lifetime value by connecting their online and offline presence through one seamless platform. Read the Boring Edition from Shopify. TIMESTAMPS (00:37) Intro & Patrick's Background at Shopify (01:48) What is Shopify POS? (04:00) Unique Use Cases (06:24) New Features in "Boring Edition" POS Release (07:45) Turning Anonymous Sales into Relationships (09:25) Email Marketing Integration and Return Management (10:28) Channel Expansion Strategy (14:28) Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

In this episode, Shopify's Patrick Millegan breaks down how the new customer accounts can drive real revenue - not just manage orders. Learn tactical tips for using this often-overlooked tool to boost retention, increase AOV, and create personalized experiences that actually convert. Plus, hear the inside story of how Shopify is making customer accounts a genuine growth lever for merchants. Read the Boring Edition from Shopify. Timestamps (00:40) Episode intro and Patrick's background (03:48) What are customer accounts and why do they matter (06:00) Using customer accounts as a marketing lever (10:01) Examples from brands using customer accounts (17:41) How to edit customer accounts (20:43) Data insights on logged-in customers (22:30) Closing thoughts and getting in touch Patrick's Notes Connect on LinkedIn, X, or Bluesky Patrick's Business: Keap Athletics Merchant Example: Homage Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Ever wonder why the 'boring' stuff matters most? Emma from Shopify's product marketing team joins Richie and Joe to break down why Shopify's latest update is all about making the mundane magnificent. From unverified returns to offline payments, discover how Shopify is fixing those annoying little problems that keep you up at night. Plus, get the inside scoop on how merchant feedback shapes everything Shopify does. Read the Boring Edition from Shopify. Timestamps (0:38) Emma's Journey: From Brains to Brands (03:48) Introduction to Shopify Editions (05:58) The Boring Edition Explained (7:15) Merchant Feedback & Feature Breakdown (12:12) How to Provide Feedback to Shopify (14:55) Behind the Scenes at Shopify (16:32) Where to Find Emma Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation. Connect with Emma on LinkedIn.

Get ready for something different - The Boring Ecom Podcast is teaming up with Shopify for a 4-episode mini-series diving deep into their latest Boring Edition update. Join Richie and Joe as they sit down with the Shopify team to break down the most impactful (but less talked about) features that could transform your store. No fluff, no hype - just actionable insights from the people who built it.

Ever wondered how brands like Feastables turn first-time buyers into superfans? Join Richie Mashiko (She's Birdie) and Joe Siegel (Feastables) as they spill the tea on retention marketing - from building killer email flows to creating Discord communities that actually work. No fluff, just actionable strategies that have helped scale multiple 8-figure brands. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your retention game, this episode packs everything you need to know about keeping customers coming back for more. Plus, hear the embarrassing story of how Feastables accidentally gave away 99% discounts on Black Friday (and lived to tell the tale). Thank You To Our Sponsors For a demo of Rivo, visit rivo.io and let them know we sent you. For 90 days of free AfterSell, visit aftersell.com/boring-podcast. Timestamps (02:54) Show Intro & Host Backgrounds (06:24) Retention Marketing Fundamentals (8:53) Retention Checklist: Tools and Software (13:55) Email Marketing Strategy (25:07) SMS Marketing & Cost Considerations (29:00) Advanced Tactics (37:38) Building a Retention Team (43:51) Beyond Email & SMS (45:50) Customer Research Deep Dive (53:33) Episode Wrap-up Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Ever wondered if your CRO agency is actually full of sh*t? Shane Rostad, the self-proclaimed 'anti-CRO CRO God,' drops truth bombs about what really moves the needle in conversion rate optimization. From why performance guarantees are red flags to the actual impact of post-purchase revenue, Shane keeps it real about what works and what's just fancy data storytelling. Plus, find out why your ad creative probably matters more than your website changes, and why most brands don't actually need a CRO expert (even though Shane is one). Thank You To Our Sponsors For a demo of Rivo, visit rivo.io and let them know we sent you. For 90 days of free AfterSell, visit aftersell.com/boring-podcast. Timestamps (02:55) Shane's Background and Expertise (04:38) CRO Testing Insights (11:45) Auditing and Improving Brand CRO (16:28) Running Effective Experiments (23:20) The Truth About CRO Agency Performance Guarantees (32:58) The Misleading Nature of ROI Calculations (40:25) The Impact of Creative and Ad Accounts on Conversion Rates (44:20) The Role of Offer Testing in CRO (51:00) Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Want to know how to actually build a profitable e-commerce brand without raising VC money? Richie breaks down exactly how Birdie grew from zero to 8-figures with just three full-time employees. Learn why most brands overcomplicate their marketing channels, how to negotiate better vendor terms instead of taking expensive loans, and why that fancy marketing hire might be hurting your bottom line. With candid stories (including a $60K podcast ad fail) and practical frameworks, this episode is your playbook for scaling smart. Thank You To Our Sponsors For a demo of Rivo, visit rivo.io and let them know we sent you. For 90 days of free AfterSell, visit aftersell.com/boring-podcast. Timestamps (02:57) Birthday celebrations and introductions (04:34) Birdie's origin story and early days (06:38) Transitioning from marketing to finance (13:34) Key rules for building profitable businesses (18:52) Channel strategy and marketing focus (28:41) Smart financing strategies for growth (31:40) Team structure and hiring philosophy (35:36) International hiring and resource optimization (37:24) Final thoughts and key takeaways Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Ever wonder how the biggest DTC brands stay out of legal trouble? Former big law litigator Robert Freund pulls back the curtain on the most common legal pitfalls that can bankrupt e-commerce businesses. From deceptive pricing lawsuits to subscription nightmares, Freund shares real stories of brands that got hit with multi-million dollar settlements and practical tips to protect your business. Whether you're running flash sales, working with influencers, or managing customer reviews, this episode is packed with actionable advice to keep your brand legally compliant. Follow Rob on X. Thank You To Our Sponsors For a demo of Rivo, visit rivo.io and let them know we sent you. For 90 days of free AfterSell, visit aftersell.com/boring-podcast. Timestamps (03:08) Rob's Journey from Big Law to E-commerce (07:49) Common Legal Issues in Advertising (16:05) Why Your Subscription Model Could Get You Sued (29:15) Influencer Marketing (38:30) The Right (and Wrong) Way to Handle Reviews (42:33) Essential Legal Protection for Your Brand (46:32) How to Work with Rob Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

From nuclear science to running subscriptions at one of America's fastest-growing smart home companies - Matt Van Swol's journey is anything but boring. In this episode, he breaks down the exact strategies Wyze uses to convert hardware buyers into loyal subscribers (including the app features that drive 75% of subscription sales). Plus, Joe and Richie dig into how these tactics can work for DTC brands. Whether you're struggling with churn or just starting with subscriptions, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement today. Follow Matt on X. Thank You To Our Sponsors For a demo of Rivo, visit rivo.io and let them know we sent you. For 90 days of free AfterSell, visit aftersell.com/boring-podcast. Timestamps (02:40) Intro & Matt's Wild Journey from Nuclear Science to Ecom (09:05) The Subscription Problem: Why People Hate Recurring Payments (09:58) Inside Wyze's Subscription Strategy (14:15) The App-First Approach: Converting Users to Subscribers (24:07) TikTok Shop and Subscription Conversions (26:43) Tackling the Biggest Challenge: Customer Churn (38:40) Tech Stack Deep Dive (42:54) The Great Debate: Subscription vs One-Time Purchase (49:03) Customer Communication Strategies (53:45) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Think Amazon will kill your DTC sales? Think again. In this episode, we're breaking down the actual playbook that took She's Birdie from $1M to 8-figures on Amazon. Our guest Mark Lathrum shares the boring-but-effective strategies he's used to scale multiple brands past $100M on Amazon - from inventory planning and pricing strategy to protecting your brand from international sellers. No fluff, just practical tactics you can implement today. Thank You To Our Sponsors For a demo of Rivo, visit rivo.io and let them know we sent you. For 90 days of free AfterSell, visit aftersell.com/boring-podcast. Timestamps (02:45) Intro and Mark's Background (07:33) What Products Work Best on Amazon (11:48) DTC vs Amazon Strategy (17:57) Dealing with Counterfeiters and Resellers (25:00) Marketing Tools and Advertising Options (29:07) Amazon DSP and Advanced Marketing (32:48) Product Page Optimization (36:47) Conclusion and Final Thoughts (40:13) Prime Day Analysis and Performance (45:49) Future Outlook and Q4 Planning Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Looking to finance your ecom brand but drowning in options? Drew Fallon cuts through the noise with straight talk about what actually works. After taking Mad Rabbit from zero to $60M and reviewing 60+ brands at Iris, Drew exposes common financing myths and shares what smart founders do differently. Get actionable insights on merchant cash advances, asset-backed loans, and why the 'best' financing option might surprise you. Essential listening for any brand thinking about raising capital. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction (03:00) Drew's Journey: From Dropshipping to Investment Banking (05:36) Why Traditional Growth Models Stopped Working (06:30) Transition to Iris and Market Insights (11:12) Debt vs Equity: The Complete Breakdown (18:03) Merchant Cash Advances: The Misunderstood Option (22:57) Asset-Backed Loans: What No One Tells You (31:07) Bank Lines of Credit: When They Make Sense (34:38) The Truth About SBA Loans (35:52) Three Things to Never Do When Financing (40:06) Credit Card Products: Myths vs Reality (43:12) Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation. You can also follow Drew on X.

Want to know how the big dogs run growth at 9-figure brands? Connor Rolain, Head of Growth at HexClad, spills the tea on everything from sweepstakes campaigns to Black Friday strategy. No bs, just real tactical advice on scaling e-commerce brands, managing growth teams, and finding your next big win. Whether you're doing $1M or $100M, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can steal for your brand. Thank You To Our Sponsors For a demo of Rivo, visit rivo.io and let them know we sent you. For 90 days of free AfterSell, visit aftersell.com/boring-podcast. Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (03:49) Connor's background (09:25) What makes a good Head of Growth (14:50) Deep dive: HexClad's sweepstakes campaign (21:18) How to choose which growth tactics to pursue (28:10) Strategic frameworks for different business stages (35:22) Taco Bell's innovative pricing strategy (41:00) Black Friday and holiday sales strategies (45:34) Final words of wisdom for founders Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Ready to turn Black Friday into your biggest revenue day ever? Joe breaks down the exact framework that generated millions for Feastables - from crafted offers that actually convert to preventing those dreaded stockouts. No fluff, just actionable strategies on inventory planning, SMS campaigns that print money, and how to keep your sanity when shit hits the fan. Whether you're doing $10k or $10M in sales, this episode is your blueprint for Black Friday dominance. Timestamps (02:35) Why Most Black Friday Strategies Fail (05:48) The Feastables Case Study (08:41) The "Keep It Simple" Framework for Offers (13:58) Never Run Out of Stock Again: Inventory Mastery (19:04) The Perfect Sale Duration (It's Not What You Think) (30:09) The Email & SMS Gameplan (36:49) Paid Media: When to Scale, When to Pull Back (40:44) The Cash Flow Strategy Nobody Talks About (44:52) Keeping Your Sanity During Black Friday (40:05) Post-Game Analysis: Learning From Wins & Losses Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.

Welcome to The Boring Ecom Podcast! In this introductory episode, meet your hosts Richie Mashiko (Head of Growth at She's Birdie) and Joe Siegel (Head of E-commerce at Feastables) as they explain why they're diving into the 'boring' side of e-commerce. Fed up with the endless content about ads and marketing, Richie and Joe are here to unpack the critical but less-discussed aspects of running successful e-commerce brands. From finance and operations to supply chain and hiring, they're tackling the unglamorous work that happens beneath the surface - the parts of the iceberg you don't see on Twitter. Whether you're just starting in e-commerce or looking to scale your brand, this podcast aims to be your resource for understanding the nuts and bolts of building sustainable e-commerce businesses. Join these industry veterans (and best friends) as they break down complex topics with practical insights and a healthy dose of humor. Follow Richie (X | LinkedIn) and Joe (X | LinkedIn) for more e-commerce insights and to join the conversation.