Ecommerce Finance Podcast

<p><strong>Summary: </strong>In this episode, Stephen Brown and Preston Alder discuss their predictions for the e-commerce landscape in 2026. They cover a range of topics including tariffs, interest rates, inflation, the rise of AI, the value economy, and the implications of a K-shaped economy. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities that e-commerce businesses will face, emphasizing the importance of execution excellence and inventory optimization. They also explore the potential risks associated with private equity in the current economic climate. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong> </p><ul><li>Tariffs are likely at peak levels but will stay elevated long term. </li></ul><ul><li>Sellers should budget assuming current tariff rates do not improve. </li></ul><ul><li>Falling interest rates may not reduce ecommerce lending costs. </li></ul><ul><li>Inflation pressure still threatens consumer spending power. </li></ul><ul><li>Consumers continue spending, even under economic stress. </li></ul><ul><li>AI tools are already reducing labor and service costs for operators. </li></ul><ul><li>AI-driven commerce may reshape how customers discover products. </li></ul><ul><li>Ad costs may rise, but better targeting can lower acquisition costs. </li></ul><ul><li>Execution and operational discipline will matter more than size. </li></ul><ul><li>Brands that fail to adapt may not survive the next cycle. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Chapters</strong> </p><p> </p><p>00:00 Predicting the Future of E-commerce </p><p>02:13 Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact </p><p>04:59 Interest Rates and Their Implications </p><p>08:48 Inflation: The Consumer's Perspective </p><p>11:48 The Rise of AI in E-commerce </p><p>24:22 Navigating the Value Economy </p><p>30:08 The Importance of Brand Communication </p><p>32:24 AI and Employment Concerns </p><p>34:14 Emerging Channels in E-Commerce </p><p>37:14T he Future of Advertising </p><p>42:10 Winners and Losers in E-Commerce </p><p>46:05 The State of the US Economy </p><p>56:20 The Private Equity Bubble </p><p></p><p>If economic pressure is making your numbers harder to trust, our ecommerce accounting team helps you see what’s really happening so you can plan with confidence.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e23">https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e23</a> </p>

<p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>Stephen Brown, Founder of LedgerGurus, and Kelley Birrell, Marketing Manager at LedgerGurus, look back at the ecommerce predictions they made at the start of 2025. They review what actually happened across ecommerce growth, marketing costs, interest rates, inflation, and AI adoption. Each prediction is graded with real data and real-world operator context.</p><p>They also unpack the biggest curveballs of the year, including tariffs, de minimis rule changes, TikTok Shop growth, and the limits of new ad channels. Stephen shares where he underestimated risk, what surprised him about consumer spending, and why 2025 felt harder than expected for many brands. The episode helps sellers think more clearly about planning for 2026.</p><p></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>Ecommerce returned to peak levels as a share of total retail sales.</li></ul><ul><li>Marketing efficiency mattered more than chasing cheaper ads.</li></ul><ul><li>Interest rate cuts did not meaningfully lower ecommerce lending costs.</li></ul><ul><li>Inflation eased but continued to pressure consumer spending.</li></ul><ul><li>Tariffs became the most disruptive force for ecommerce in 2025.</li></ul><ul><li>De minimis rule changes reshaped dropshipping economics fast.</li></ul><ul><li>TikTok Shop showed real growth but limited broad adoption.</li></ul><ul><li>AI meaningfully reduced time and costs across teams.</li></ul><ul><li>Supply chain risks faded compared to late 2024 fears.</li></ul><ul><li>New sales channels added options but not replacements.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Ecommerce Trends and Predictions for 2025</p><p>03:27 Marketing Costs and Brand Strategies</p><p>06:16 Interest Rates, Inflation, and Economic Impact</p><p>07:15 Business Regulations and Tariffs</p><p>09:15 The Rise of TikTok Shop</p><p>11:18 AI's Role in Ecommerce</p><p>13:46 Supply Chain Complexities</p><p>14:31 De Minimis Rule Changes</p><p>16:00 Emerging Sales and Marketing Avenues</p><p></p><p><strong>Guest Info</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="Hyperlink SCXW125514367 BCX0" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelley-birrell/">Kelley Birrell on LinkedIn</a></p><p><strong>Bio</strong></p><p>Kelley Birrell is the Marketing Manager at LedgerGurus, an ecommerce accounting firm serving growing online businesses. She built and runs LedgerGurus’ marketing engine, focusing on making complicated ecommerce accounting topics easier to understand so business owners can make better decisions with their numbers.</p><p><strong>If 2025 exposed weaknesses in your cash flow, inventory, or margins, LedgerGurus can help you fix the numbers behind your growth.</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e22">https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e22</a></p>

<p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>In this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown speaks with Oliver Blackmore from Elver Ecommerce Accountants about the complexities of VAT (Value Added Tax) for ecommerce businesses, particularly those looking to expand into the UK and EU markets. They discuss the differences between VAT and sales tax, the registration process for American sellers, common mistakes in VAT compliance, and the tools available for calculating and filing VAT.</p><p>The conversation also covers the implications of selling on platforms like Amazon versus direct sales, the importance of understanding filing frequencies, and the challenges of navigating GST in English-speaking countries. Oliver shares insights on best practices for managing VAT refunds and offers recommendations for businesses looking to expand internationally.</p><p></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><p></p><ul><li>VAT is a tax added at the point of sale, similar to GST.</li><li>American ecommerce businesses must register for VAT to sell in the UK.</li><li>The VAT registration process for overseas businesses is more complex.</li><li>Amazon collects and remits VAT for sellers using their platform.</li><li>It's crucial to keep sales from different platforms separate for VAT accounting.</li><li>Businesses can reclaim VAT on their costs, improving cash flow.</li><li>Late filing of VAT returns can result in significant penalties.</li><li>Drop shipping has become more challenging due to VAT regulations in the UK.</li><li>Understanding GST in countries like Canada and Australia is essential for international sellers.</li><li>Businesses should consider their registration and filing requirements when expanding internationally.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to VAT and Ecommerce</p><p>01:34 Understanding VAT: Basics and Comparisons</p><p>04:25 Selling in the UK: Registration Requirements</p><p>06:10 VAT Registration Process for International Sellers</p><p>10:09 Penalties and Compliance for VAT</p><p>14:13 Common Mistakes by International Sellers</p><p>16:28 Tools for VAT Calculation and Filing Frequency</p><p>19:22 Expanding Beyond the UK: Global Marketplaces</p><p>24:28 Navigating GST in English-Speaking Countries</p><p>27:20 Common Pitfalls in VAT for International Sellers</p><p>30:40 Understanding VAT Returns and Refunds</p><p>32:54 The Impact of Brexit on International Trade</p><p>38:00 Final Thoughts on Global Expansion Strategies</p><p></p><p><strong>Work with Us</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/sales-tax/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e21">https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/sales-tax/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e21</a></p>

<p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>In this conversation, Kurt Bell from Dash.fi discusses the innovative corporate credit card solutions offered by the company, focusing on their unique value propositions such as cash back incentives and ad pay protection services.</p><p>The discussion highlights how these offerings can significantly benefit businesses engaged in digital advertising and shipping, ultimately leading to substantial savings and enhanced financial management.</p><p></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>Dash.fi specializes in corporate credit cards for digital advertising.</li><li>The main value proposition is cash back and high limits.</li><li>Ad pay protection is a complementary service to the credit cards.</li><li>Businesses can save significantly on ad spend with Dash.fi.</li><li>Incremental savings can reach 30-40K through ad pay protection.</li><li>Cash back on ad spend enhances overall value for clients.</li><li>Dash.fi targets companies with substantial digital advertising budgets.</li><li>The combination of services provides a competitive edge.</li><li>Understanding client needs is crucial for tailored financial solutions.</li><li>Dash.fi aims to simplify financial management for businesses.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Ad Refunds in Ecommerce</p><p>02:41 Understanding the Impact of Fraudulent Traffic</p><p>05:31 Navigating Refund Requests with Meta and Google</p><p>08:08 Identifying Bad Actors in Ad Traffic</p><p>10:55 Trends in Ad Spend and Diversification</p><p>13:21 The Evolution of Payment Methods in Advertising</p><p>16:15 Emerging Advertising Channels and Strategies</p><p>18:59 The Future of AI in Advertising</p><p>21:37 Leveraging Cash Flow for Ecommerce Success</p><p>24:31 The Changing Landscape of Ecommerce</p><p>27:06 Dash.fi's Innovative Solutions for Brands</p><p>34:06 General podcast <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://ad.mp">ad.mp</a>4</p><p></p><p><strong>Guest Info</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Dash.fi"><strong>Dash.fi</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="Hyperlink SCXW95641692 BCX0" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-bell/"><strong>Kurt Bell on LinkedIn</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bio</strong></p><p>Kurt Bell is the Director of Enterprise Sales at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Dash.Fi">Dash.fi</a>, where he helps businesses access innovative financial solutions to drive growth. With a strong foundation in business and leadership from Weber State University and experience mentoring teams in the Dominican Republic, Kurt is passionate about building lasting client relationships and delivering impactful results.</p><p></p><p><strong>Work with Us</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e20">https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e20</a></p>

<p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>In this episode of The Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Mark Lupton discuss the intricacies of strategic finance in the eCommerce sector. They explore the importance of understanding exit strategies, aligning founder goals with business strategies, and the significance of long-term and medium-term planning.</p><p></p><p>The conversation delves into the common pitfalls in strategic finance, the role of intuition in decision-making, and the necessity of financial planning and budgeting. Mark emphasizes the importance of identifying blind spots and bottlenecks in business operations and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in financial strategies.</p><p></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>Understanding what you want from your business is crucial.</li><li>Aligning personal goals with business strategy prevents tension.</li><li>Long-term vision should consider life stages and personal fulfillment.</li><li>Medium-term planning focuses on enterprise value drivers.</li><li>Prioritization is key in strategic planning for growth.</li><li>Intuition plays a significant role in decision-making.</li><li>Identifying blind spots can prevent costly mistakes.</li><li>Financial planning should extend beyond the P&amp;L to the balance sheet.</li><li>Learning from budgeting helps improve future decisions.</li><li>Smaller businesses can benefit from strategic finance practices.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Strategic Finance</p><p>02:51 Understanding Exit Strategies</p><p>05:23 Aligning Business Goals with Personal Vision</p><p>08:02 Long-Term Planning and Vision</p><p>10:40 Medium-Term Planning and Strategic Finance</p><p>13:27 Prioritizing Business Growth</p><p>16:17 The Importance of Strategic Thinking</p><p>18:45 Avoiding Common Thinking Pitfalls</p><p>21:38 Navigating Growth and Leadership Challenges</p><p>26:37 Understanding Founders' Strengths and Weaknesses</p><p>28:44 The Importance of Measuring Progress</p><p>30:27 Bottlenecks and Strategic Planning</p><p>32:17 Annual Planning and Budgeting Essentials</p><p>35:46 Strategic Finance Beyond the P&amp;L</p><p>38:27 Debt Strategies and Cash Flow Management</p><p>41:13 Learning from Budgeting and Forecasting</p><p>43:50 Applying Strategic Finance to Smaller Businesses</p><p>46:23 Common Pitfalls in Strategic Finance</p><p></p><p><strong>Guest Info</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="Hyperlink SCXW159298776 BCX0" href="https://www.greenhouse.business/">Greenhouse Business Advisors</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="Hyperlink SCXW159298776 BCX0" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/markluptonjr/">Mark Lupton on LinkedIn</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Work with Us</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/inventory-consulting-for-ecommerce/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e19">https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/inventory-consulting-for-ecommerce/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e19</a></p>