Amazon Supply Chain Secrets with Ephraim Ausch

Ephraim Ausch, Chief Logistics Officer at Tactical Logistic Solutions. With years of hands-on experience helping brands navigate the complexities of Amazon FBA and global supply chains, Ephraim has been instrumental in guiding 7-figure sellers to scale with smarter, more reliable shipping and logistics strategies.

At Tactical Logistic Solutions, he oversees everything from freight forwarding and customs clearance to warehousing and FBA prep, ensuring sellers not only get their products where they need to be, but also protect their margins and scale with confidence.

Highlight Bullets

> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Challenges in e-commerce logistics for Amazon sellers scaling from seven to eight figures.
• Rising costs associated with Amazon's logistics services and AWS.
• Navigating tariffs and understanding shipping terms (DDP, FOB, EXW).
• Impact of increased competition from overseas sellers, particularly from China.
• Strategies for optimizing logistics to maintain profit margins.
• Importance of understanding Amazon's evolving inbound shipping policies.
• The role of third-party logistics (3PL) versus Amazon's own logistics services.
• The significance of brand storytelling in competing against price-focused overseas sellers.
• Recommendations for diversifying sales channels beyond Amazon.
• The necessity of consulting with logistics experts to improve supply chain management.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Ephraim Ausch, Chief Logistics Officer at Tactical Logistics Solutions. They discuss the evolving challenges Amazon sellers face, including rising logistics costs, tariff complexities, and intense competition from overseas sellers. Ephraim shares actionable strategies for optimizing supply chains, navigating shipping terms, and maintaining profit margins. The conversation also covers the importance of brand building, diversification across marketplaces, and leveraging expert consultants. Practical advice and industry insights make this episode essential listening for e-commerce entrepreneurs aiming to scale and stay competitive.

Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:

1. Audit Your DDP Strategy for Potential 10-15% Tariff Savings
   Work with a customs consultant to analyze if having your manufacturer ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) makes sense for your products. Break down your product components (e.g., plastic handle vs. steel blade) on commercial invoices to potentially reduce duty classifications. This only works if your supplier's margins allow for it and they're willing to be the official shipper.
2. Switch from Placement Fees to 5-Way Splits for Better Coverage
   Stop paying Amazon placement fees and instead do 5-way splits into multiple fulfillment centers. This distributes your inventory across 9-12 locations per split, improving delivery speed to customers nationwide and potentially increasing sales by 4-10%. Use a flat-rate freight service to avoid high trucking costs for partial loads.
3. Build a Supply Chain Buffer System
   Always maintain backup inventory outside of AWD/FBA - whether in your garage, basement, or a 3PL warehouse. This protects you from Amazon delays, lost shipments, or FC transfer bottlenecks. Running out of stock can permanently damage your listing's ranking, so having a contingency plan is essential for protecting your sales velocity.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.com
• Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
• EXW (Ex Works)
• AWB (Amazon Warehouse and Distribution)
• FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
• Seller Central
• Smart Scout
• Seller Board
• Helium 10
• Perplexity
• Traction by Gino Wickman
• Vistage

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Episode Sponsor

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.

Transcript Area

Ephraim Ausch 00:00:00  The main question. You start off right now. Should I use AWS or not? Is the main factor. Question is the cost right? AWS is actually increasing the rates as of January 1st for West Coast. Now obviously that's going to push more people to East Coast where it takes longer to get there, but they'll get congested there and then they'll raise the rate in East Coast. And then they raise the rates across the board. I believe that's their model.

MC 00:00:29  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business...