Podcast Summary
In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider podcast by MetricsCart, host Shreshta sits down with Irina Zagradskaya, the e-commerce team lead at Accel Club. With over a decade of experience in e-commerce, Irina shares her journey from managing products on eBay to leading a team that excels in risk mitigation, compliance, and marketplace infrastructure building.
Key Highlights
Irina’s Background and Expertise
- Started in e-commerce as a full-cycle product manager.
- Gained experience across 250 niches and 20 product categories.
- Works on risk mitigation, compliance, and building scalable marketplace infrastructure at Accel Club.
Differences Between U.S. and European Markets
U.S. Market
Easier setup and verification process; reactive enforcement of regulations.
European Market
Stricter compliance requirements; proactive regulatory enforcement.
- Legal entities, VAT, and WEEE numbers are prerequisites.
- Language-specific and regional regulations add complexity.
Common Pitfall
Sellers often fail to prepare for compliance, leading to stranded inventory and delays.
Selling on Amazon vs. Walmart
Amazon
- Dominates online traffic with 2.5 billion daily visitors.
- It is easier for sellers with existing online presence to start selling.
Walmart
- A physical-first model with over 5,000 pickup locations.
- Requires rigorous compliance and a strong brand presence to onboard.
- Often evaluates sellers based on their Amazon presence during verification.
Keeping Up with E-Commerce Changes
Key Strategies
- Build a helicopter view to maintain focus and strategy amidst operational chaos.
- Monitor updates directly from marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.
- Use reliable industry resources to stay informed.
- Implement processes and procedures to handle ad-hoc issues efficiently.
Example
Amazon announced new General Product Safety requirements a year in advance, but many sellers delayed compliance preparation, causing last-minute rushes.
Importance of Customer Reviews
- Reviews impact product visibility, differentiation, and trustworthiness.
- Valuable insights for product development and competitor analysis.
- Negative or unsafe reviews can lead to listing suspensions.
- Sellers should build processes around monitoring and addressing reviews.
Setting Realistic Goals for 2025
- Focus on unique value propositions and organic growth.
- Avoid overextending into multiple marketplaces or strategies simultaneously.
- Build a compliant and scalable foundation before expanding.
- Have a team member dedicated to maintaining a “helicopter view” for strategic oversight.
Takeaways
Compliance is Key
Proactive preparation for regulatory requirements, especially in Europe, is essential for long-term success.
Market Differences
Choose your starting marketplace (Amazon vs. Walmart) based on your strengths, brand presence, and product readiness.
Customer Reviews
Treat reviews as a goldmine for insights into product performance, customer preferences, and potential issues.
Planning Ahead
Strategic foresight and focus on core strengths ensure sustainable growth without operational overwhelm.
Staying Updated
Regularly check marketplace updates, industry news, and feedback mechanisms to stay ahead of changes.
Conclusion
Irina Zagradskaya emphasizes the importance of compliance, adaptability, and customer-centric strategies in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. Sellers must focus on building scalable systems, leveraging customer feedback, and setting realistic goals to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
