Scott's agency operates in the Pacific Northwest, he talks with us about Amazon and offers some strategies and actionable tactics independent retailers can employ and improve their game. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Scott's agency operates in the Pacific Northwest, he talks with us about Amazon and offers some strategies and actionable tactics independent retailers can employ compete with and against them. First Exposure to the Outdoors My first real exposure, again having a father grew up in the city in New York and my mother grew up in Denver I didn't have a lot of outdoor exposure other than parents friends who took me out fishing in Minnesota. Growing up in Cedar Rapids Iowa I also did the Boy Scout and got as far as Weblos. My father was at the Hyatt in Chicago so that's the kind of father-son stuff we did. Honestly I had different experiences depending on what you call outdoor. My mom took us on trips and we got to go horseback riding and that kind of thing. So I was exposed in different ways but not the traditional backpacking type activities. Things we talked about JanSport Sportscasting TSPN Amazon Consumer driving "path to purchase"; consumer is setting the price/value, Amazon has set up consumer expectation of a "friction less" transaction. in 2016 over 55% of US consumers started their "path to purchase" on Amazon Kelty Acorn Zappos Razorfish (Jason Goldberg) Channel Advisor (Scott Wingo) Advice, tips "everything goes through that phone, so figure out some way somehow to be on that phone" -Scott Ohsman make sure you're near the top of the "path to purchase" set up your business up so your margins allow you to take all forms of payment set up your business to meet consumer expectation of a "friction less" transaction use reviews as POP info add technology, for example consider iPads and other screen options as POP displays (used/refurbished iPads available on e-bay for $100-160) implement a loyalty program for your customers (Amazon has approximately 85 million prime members. That is about 35 percent more than last year) More households subscribe to Amazon Prime than have a cable subscription Consider a "dynamic" pricing program Consider a "private label" program Implement one thing a week or two things a month and by the end of the year you have a whole new business Favorite Books Contagious by John Berger Hardcover Audible Be Unstoppable by Alden Mills Hardcover Audible Best Gear Purchase under $100 Luci solar lanterns Mountainsmith mountain back slingback chair Apps, Tools, Podcasts Jason and Scot Show e-commerce podcast Sales Calc iPhone iPad Genius Scan iPhone iPad Connect with Scott Twitter: @scottohsman ‏ Facebook: Scott Ohsman The Cairn Co Instagram Website: TheCairnCo.com Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.