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[MEGA THREAD] How To Build A Successful E-commerce Brand During A Global Pandemic. Step By Step Guide...

Boychamp

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2 - Move the checkout over to Checkout-X. It's 10 x better vs Shopify's native checkout.

What kind of CR bump do you typically see/have you experienced significant drops in loading time? Been poking around on post purchase up-sells + customizable cart solutions for Shopify.
 
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Santi M

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Interesting thread. I have a question, I've found a product on Aliexpress that I'd like to buy and re-sell. I read your thread a few times but I couldn't find this out.. How did you figure out who the manufacturer from China was to contact them directly and skipping the middle man?

Find the product on Alibaba.com (wholesaler), not in Aliexpress (retail -middlemen-). Better price sand direct contact with the manufacturer (if you find the right seller instead of a trading company).
 

Santi M

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Spend: $1,113.88
Revenue: $783.00
ROAS: 0.70 (+0.91) from yesterday

Hi Sanj, great thread!

Do you think that it is necessary to spend this much on ads in order to test a new product in a new ad account? Or it is simply quicker but not essential?

I'm asking this because I cannot afford to spend a thousand dollars with a negative ROAS just to test a product...
 

Sanj Modha

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Interesting thread. I have a question, I've found a product on Aliexpress that I'd like to buy and re-sell. I read your thread a few times but I couldn't find this out.. How did you figure out who the manufacturer from China was to contact them directly and skipping the middle man?

I use Alibaba to talk to factories directly.

Remember, there will be minimum order quantities (MOQs) should you go down this route.
 
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Sanj Modha

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Hi Sanj, great thread!

Do you think that it is necessary to spend this much on ads in order to test a new product in a new ad account? Or it is simply quicker but not essential?

I'm asking this because I cannot afford to spend a thousand dollars with a negative ROAS just to test a product...

I'm not testing this per se. We know it will sell because I've have a lot of e-commerce experience and I've done my homework on the product.

We're at 0.74 avg (since June 15th) but active campaigns are converting at 1.36 which means there's a positive uptrend. It's going in the right direction.

You can see from my screenshot that there are some promising ads with high ROAS. If that sticks - we'll scale this into profitability in no time.

We're actually ahead of schedule here because we forecasted profitability in month 3. We'll do it much faster at the current rate.
 
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Sanj Modha

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Hi Sanj, great thread!

Do you think that it is necessary to spend this much on ads in order to test a new product in a new ad account? Or it is simply quicker but not essential?

I'm asking this because I cannot afford to spend a thousand dollars with a negative ROAS just to test a product...

If you're just starting out - you can go down the general store route and test 3-5 different products:

1 - Launch campaigns at $10/day and kill after 3 days if there's no sale. The key is to test multiple creatives.

2 - Rinse and repeat until you find a winner.

I don't recommend this because this thread is all about building a solid brand off 1 product. If you do the research outlined in my videos - its not hard.

That being said, the above recommendations do work.
 
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Sanj Modha

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What kind of CR bump do you typically see/have you experienced significant drops in loading time? Been poking around on post purchase up-sells + customizable cart solutions for Shopify.

A good question that's hard to answer because load times vary depending on where you are vs the device you're using. I've only just moved over to CX so Ill keep you posted in the thread.

Upsell apps are notoriously shitty and I've had problems with OCU, Carthook etc. I am also testing the upsells in CX.
 
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Boychamp

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A good question that's hard to answer because load times vary depending on where you are vs the device you're using. I've only just moved over to CX so Ill keep you posted in the thread.

Upsell apps are notoriously shitty and I've had problems with OCU, Carthook etc. I am also testing the upsells in CX.

Got it, look forward to hearing your results.
Exactly.. I wonder if since it's their own cart, it'll be executed better. I'll continue lurking to hear your updates
 

Sanj Modha

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Got it, look forward to hearing your results.
Exactly.. I wonder if since it's their own cart, it'll be executed better. I'll continue lurking to hear your updates

@Boychamp I logged into the account today and saw a nice surprise...

33752

Store CR = 2.34% (solid for a Shopify site)
Upsell CR = 6.45%


In conclusion - Checkout-X is looking very promising.
 

Sanj Modha

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Update #8 - Our biggest sales day and profit!

Things are really starting to pick up now. ROAS is getting better and were selling more units + upsells.

33753

33754

FB spend = $198.00
FB revenue = $390.95 (total revenue is $507.94. That's coming from abandoned cart follow ups with email and SMS apps)
ROAS = 2.12
Units sold since June 16th = 57


Next steps - scaling winning adsets (the highest ROAS) with CBO campaigns. This will be covered on the next Loom video.
 
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Hey Sanj,

Again, really appreciate the information you are putting out!

Quick question for you: In your most recent video, when you set up your fb ads for that, are you targeting people who are interested in all of the interests you listed? Or just single interests chosen from that list?

For example, would you be targeting people who who match "barkbox" AND "I love my dog" AND "Petco", thus being very specific in the type of person you reach? Or are you simply setting up 3 seperate adsets, one targeting "barkbox", one "i love my dog" and one "petco"?

Just trying to get a feel for how specific I should be getting with my targeting
 

Sanj Modha

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Hey Sanj,

Again, really appreciate the information you are putting out!

Quick question for you: In your most recent video, when you set up your fb ads for that, are you targeting people who are interested in all of the interests you listed? Or just single interests chosen from that list?

For example, would you be targeting people who who match "barkbox" AND "I love my dog" AND "Petco", thus being very specific in the type of person you reach? Or are you simply setting up 3 seperate adsets, one targeting "barkbox", one "i love my dog" and one "petco"?

Just trying to get a feel for how specific I should be getting with my targeting

That's a great question and thanks for paying attention to the content!

I normally categorize my interests into similar groups. For example, Barkbox/Petco/Petsmart would go into Adset 1, Doggington Post, Old Dusty Thing into Adset 2 and so on.

I know people who target all broad interests in one giant adset but that's not something I do since I want more control at the beginning.
 

Sanj Modha

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Update #8 - Our biggest sales day and profit!

Things are really starting to pick up now. ROAS is getting better and were selling more units + upsells.

View attachment 33753

View attachment 33754

FB spend = $198.00
FB revenue = $390.95 (total revenue is $507.94. That's coming from abandoned cart follow ups with email and SMS apps)
ROAS = 2.12
Units sold since June 16th = 57


Next steps - scaling winning adsets (the highest ROAS) with CBO campaigns. This will be covered on the next Loom video.

FYI - the total revenue (excluding FB ads revenue) includes sales from upsells too. We use Checkout-X for this.
 
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Visionary96

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Hey Sanj, quick question for ya.
I saw your last comment about how you categorize your interests together, for example, barkbox & pet co together. Now when actually creating each adset, do you use more than 1 interest in the actual adset, or do you keep them separate have lots of individual adsets? I have heard people say it is best to stick with just one interest per adset and test the same one using multiple creatives. Hope that makes sense.
 

Sanj Modha

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Hey Sanj, quick question for ya.
I saw your last comment about how you categorize your interests together, for example, barkbox & pet co together. Now when actually creating each adset, do you use more than 1 interest in the actual adset, or do you keep them separate have lots of individual adsets? I have heard people say it is best to stick with just one interest per adset and test the same one using multiple creatives. Hope that makes sense.

I group them by similar categories. For example:

Ad set 1 = Petco, Barkbox, Chewy.com...
Ad set 2 = Dusty Old Thing, Doggington Post (magazines)...
Ad set 3 = American Dog Shelter & Rescue Center

Its how I've always done it and it works for me.
 

Sanj Modha

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Update #9 - June 2020

Revenue = $2,811.90
Spend = $3,225.54
ROAS = 0.87
CPA = $37.95

On the surface, we're losing money and most people would turn the ads off. But...they're missing the bigger picture.

We're still at top of funnel (TOP) optimization here because this is a new business running off a fresh account. FB doesn't have much data (yet) and we only started running the ads on June 15/16 so its still early days.

That being said - I'm seeing the ROAS go up weekly and as soon as we have enough add to carts events (I like to see 1000), I'll create a lookalike audience (LAA) and move onto middle of funnel (MOF) optimization. This is when things get very interesting and the curve goes up with higher ROAS, lower CPA and more revenue after we scale ads.

Positives - the conversion rate is solid at 2.51% and I'm very impressed with Checkout-X. We're also getting sales from upsells.

33910

33911
 
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Sanj Modha

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What kind of funnel do you use?
Do you create your own or subscribe to one of the services?
Are funnels a key differentiator?
Are they a money making machine as someone selling them said?

I'm referring to a funnel optimization strategy not running ads to funnels.

TOF = running optimized traffic to the biggest audiences i.e. page views, all website visitors, view content etc.
 

eliquid

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I've read where you say you use multiple Stripe and Paypal accounts.

How are you getting multiple Paypal accounts? Everything I read from Paypal says you can only have max 2.

1 Personal and 1 Business.

How are you doing this, as I would like to get additional ones.
 
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Sanj Modha

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I've read where you say you use multiple Stripe and Paypal accounts.

How are you getting multiple Paypal accounts? Everything I read from Paypal says you can only have max 2.

1 Personal and 1 Business.

How are you doing this, as I would like to get additional ones.

We have 2 business accounts (Stripe and Paypal) for each Shopify store. Use the hello@mystorename.com email when you register.
 
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Odysseus M Jones

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I'm referring to a funnel optimization strategy not running ads to funnels.

TOF = running optimized traffic to the biggest audiences i.e. page views, all website visitors, view content etc.
But you are going to show us how to make some sexy funnels though?
 

Walter Hay

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I have been watching this interesting thread and have noticed a common factor that always seems to appear when eCommerce business is being discussed.

That factor has two parts: 1. Some confusion about the difference between Alibaba and Aliexpress. Sanj Modha obviously knows the difference, but in this thread and others it is clear that many do not. 2. General lack of understanding about how to safely use Alibaba as a product source.

With this in mind I have commented on posts quoted below. I don't want to hijack this excellent thread, but it saddens me to see people blunder into sourcing without knowing how to do it safely.

Aliexpress suppliers seem to offer limited options to putting logos on items and the boxes but maybe I've just not looked hard enough for someone that would.

My supplier from Alibaba was more accommodating with my logo preferences even though I have to pay a fee.
You are lucky to find any supplier on Aliexpress willing to put your logo on their products. Aliexpress is a retail site, where genuine manufacturers are rarely found.

I don't talk to Aliexpress merchants or sellers. I go straight to the factories and cut out the middlemen.
Absolutely right. Middlemen buy from manufacturers, add their margin and sell to people who don't know any better. Delays are common also, due to the fact that most often they get your order first then try to find a manufacturer to supply their small order.

Find the product on Alibaba.com (wholesaler), not in Aliexpress (retail -middlemen-). Better price sand direct contact with the manufacturer (if you find the right seller instead of a trading company).
How do you find the manufacturer? Most people believe what they see on Alibaba and if the listing states that the supplier is a manufacturer they believe it, but in most cases they are not.

I use Alibaba to talk to factories directly.

Remember, there will be minimum order quantities (MOQs) should you go down this route.
Yes you must deal direct if you want the best service and the best prices. Unfortunately most who are new to importing have no idea how to tell for sure if they are dealing with genuine factories.

Newbies are bluffed by suppliers demanding MOQs, not knowing how to negotiate smaller orders.

I suggest that all new importers should read through my AMA
GOLD! Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.

If you don't find enough help there, and you are not sure if the supplier you want to use is a manufacturer, you can send me a PM with the supplier's name and I will check them out for you. I have done this for many Fastlane members and your confidentiality is assured.

If anyone has a question that is not confidential, they can post it in my AMA.

Meanwhile I recommend everyone should continue reading @Sanj Modha's excellent thread.

Walter
 
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Sanj Modha

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But you are going to show us how to make some sexy funnels though?

Maybe on another thread as this one's about building a Shopify brand from start to finish.
 

Santi M

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How do you find the manufacturer? Most people believe what they see on Alibaba and if the listing states that the supplier is a manufacturer they believe it, but in most cases they are not.

Thank you very much for taking your time to help, I usually relly on the information I see at Alibaba, what do you think that are the most important things that we should not believe and find out for ourselves?

I mean, what's usually not true at this site?
 

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Thank you very much for taking your time to help, I usually relly on the information I see at Alibaba, what do you think that are the most important things that we should not believe and find out for ourselves?

I mean, what's usually not true at this site?

It goes back to due diligence: I've found great suppliers on Alibaba, eBay etc. The biggest factors for me are:

1 - Do they speak English (my native language)? Comms is hugely important in this business and if they don't - invest in a translator.

2 - Are they willing to use Whatsapp? Whatsapp is banned in China so if they do use it - it shows a rebellious, 'willing to break the rules' mindset which I like.

3 - Are they willing to do a Skype video call? Even better, will they show you around their factory or warehouse?

Generally, I have found AB to be legit because there's no middlemen involved.
 
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It goes back to due diligence: I've found great suppliers on Alibaba, eBay etc. The biggest factors for me are:

1 - Do they speak English (my native language)? Comms is hugely important in this business and if they don't - invest in a translator.

2 - Are they willing to use Whatsapp? Whatsapp is banned in China so if they do use it - it shows a rebellious, 'willing to break the rules' mindset which I like.

3 - Are they willing to do a Skype video call? Even better, will they show you around their factory or warehouse?

Generally, I have found AB to be legit because there's no middlemen involved.
There is a middleman involved if you’re dealing with a trading company.
 

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There is a middleman involved if you’re dealing with a trading company.

Yep, that's why you dig out the factories and go straight to the source.
 
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Sanj Modha

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Update #10 - The first 30 days...

Ad spend - $5,374.72
Revenue - $4,959.40
ROAS - 0.92
Shopify revenue = $5,441.14 (includes upsells, welcome email and abandoned cart follow up sales).

We've sold 183 units and the next 30 days focus is on getting more data so we can optimize the ads further and increase ROAS so its profitable.

We're at 655 add to carts (ATC) and 1000 add to carts is the next big milestone because that's the point when we start to optimize for ATCs and the needle really starts moving (the audience is hungrier for our product).

In the next video, I'll show you how to setup a winning campaign with FB/IG ads. Not to be missed!
 
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Hey Sanj,

Love the progress thread. I spent the last couple hours reading all your pages, and watching your videos.

Questions for you if you don’t mind:

1. If you just contact suppliers from Alibaba directly, can’t someone else find the same suppliers (since they’re readily available) and copy your store? Kind of the same thing that happens to a lot of dropshipping business based from Aliexpress.

Also, as Walter mentioned, a lot are agents pretending to be the manufacturers. Aside from the tour, do you ask for certifications or anything else? Least related…WhatsApp is banned in China?! Since when? This was how I talked to my supplier from China about 3-4 years back. Haven’t kept up since.

3. Your budget of $10k set, was that the number you set from the start or you started without an actual budget since you’re not ‘bootstrapping’?

4. For your FB ads, you’re only optimized to sell? How often are you switching your audience demographic, and running A/B testing? Do you also have a Facebook page for the product? I read you’re a pro at this so you may have just jumped in, but wanted to ask nonetheless.
 

Sanj Modha

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Hey Sanj,

Love the progress thread. I spent the last couple hours reading all your pages, and watching your videos.

Questions for you if you don’t mind:

1. If you just contact suppliers from Alibaba directly, can’t someone else find the same suppliers (since they’re readily available) and copy your store? Kind of the same thing that happens to a lot of dropshipping business based from Aliexpress.

Also, as Walter mentioned, a lot are agents pretending to be the manufacturers. Aside from the tour, do you ask for certifications or anything else? Least related…WhatsApp is banned in China?! Since when? This was how I talked to my supplier from China about 3-4 years back. Haven’t kept up since.

3. Your budget of $10k set, was that the number you set from the start or you started without an actual budget since you’re not ‘bootstrapping’?

4. For your FB ads, you’re only optimized to sell? How often are you switching your audience demographic, and running A/B testing? Do you also have a Facebook page for the product? I read you’re a pro at this so you may have just jumped in, but wanted to ask nonetheless.

1 - They can but that's why you build brand loyalty which is what this OP is all about. If you dropship the business - its just another commodity with no barriers to entry.

WhatsApp has been banned for years AFAIK (I haven't been to China myself but that's what my suppliers told me). If you do your due diligence, you can find the best suppliers. Ask for a tour of the factory, get samples, get biz documentation etc.

2 - That's my budget from the outset but most of that $10,000 is inventory. Building a theme on Shopify takes $200-$300 max if you hire a developer or $150 if you buy a theme off the shelf. We developed our own since I wanted to stand out from the crowd.

3 - Yes, we are split-testing several audiences at the same time and some convert better than others. Interests do convert but historically - we've seen better results with custom audiences off add to carts, initiate checkouts and so on.

Yes, to running it off a dedicated page. This makes the most sense and its congruent with the brand. We're also posting content from our customers which helps build credibility and the brand.
 

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