Ecommerce Finance Podcast
Ecommerce Finance Podcast

Ecommerce Finance Podcast

Stephen Brown | LedgerGurus

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Episodes

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Hosted by Stephen Brown, COO of LedgerGurus and co-owner of DTC brand Sole Toscana, this podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the financial side of ecommerce.

Stephen and his team have worked with hundreds of brands through LedgerGurus which specializes in ecommerce accounting. Add to that his hands-on experience with Sole Toscana, gives him unique insights into the challenges and opportunities ecommerce businesses face.

On The eCommerce Finance Podcast, we dive deep into the financial side of ecommerce. Any topic is open for discussion as everything you do in business has a financial impact. Be prepared to go deep with experts and brand leaders on a variety of topics with an understanding of their financial impacts.

Join us as we bring you practical tips, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you thrive with ecommerce.

Tune in and transform your ecommerce business today!

Recent Episodes

E21: VAT vs Sales Tax Explained for US Sellers
DEC 10, 2025
E21: VAT vs Sales Tax Explained for US Sellers
<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>
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39 MIN
E20: How to Spot (and Stop) Fraudulent Ad Traffic Before It Drains Your Budget
NOV 25, 2025
E20: How to Spot (and Stop) Fraudulent Ad Traffic Before It Drains Your Budget
<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>
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34 MIN
E19: Why Most Founders Operate Blind (and How to Fix It with Strategic Finance)
OCT 29, 2025
E19: Why Most Founders Operate Blind (and How to Fix It with Strategic Finance)
<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>
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53 MIN
E18 : Financial Lessons from a Decade of Building Ecommerce Software
OCT 15, 2025
E18 : Financial Lessons from a Decade of Building Ecommerce Software
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>In this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Chris Hondl from Finale Inventory discuss insights gained from a decade of building ecommerce software, focusing on inventory management, the evolution of ecommerce, and the challenges faced by businesses today. They explore the importance of establishing standard operating procedures, the differences between ERP systems and federated systems, and the benefits of bootstrapping a tech company versus seeking venture capital.</p><p>The conversation also touches on the future of ecommerce, the impact of AI, and the necessity for businesses to adapt and evolve in a competitive landscape.</p><p></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>The ecommerce landscape has become increasingly competitive and complex over the years.</li></ul><ul><li>Inventory management has shifted from basic operations to a more rigorous and strategic approach.</li></ul><ul><li>Establishing standard operating procedures is crucial for effective inventory management.</li></ul><ul><li>Businesses must evolve to maintain profitability in a changing market.</li></ul><ul><li>Bootstrapping a company can lead to better financial outcomes compared to taking venture capital.</li></ul><ul><li>AI is transforming consumer behavior and marketing strategies in ecommerce.</li></ul><ul><li>The future of ecommerce is promising, with continued growth expected.</li></ul><ul><li>Companies need to focus on creating unique value propositions to stand out.</li></ul><ul><li>Effective inventory management requires discipline and consistency in processes.</li></ul><ul><li>Understanding financial metrics like EBITDA is essential for business success.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 The Journey of Finale Inventory</p><p>01:48 Evolving Inventory Management Practices</p><p>05:27 Top Tips for Effective Inventory Management</p><p>09:59 Common Pitfalls in Inventory Management</p><p>13:43 ERPs vs. Federated Systems</p><p>18:41 Bootstrapping Finale Inventory</p><p>19:37 Bootstrapping Success: The Journey of Finale Inventory</p><p>26:21 Understanding Financial Outcomes: Venture Capital vs. Bootstrapping</p><p>30:20 The Future of Ecommerce: Trends and Predictions</p><p>36:35 AI in Ecommerce: Opportunities and Challenges</p><p></p><p><strong>Guest Info</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.finaleinventory.com/"><strong>https://www.finaleinventory.com/</strong></a></p><p>Email - <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="Hyperlink SCXW51458763 BCX0" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chondl/"><strong>Chris Hondl on LinkedIn</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bio</strong></p><p>Chris Hondl leads the engineering team at Finale. With over 30 years of industry experience, Chris was previously the VP of Engineering for Core Mobility where he had responsibility for systems serving hundreds of thousands of mobile phone customers. Chris earned his BS in Mathematics and MS in Computer Science from Stanford University.</p><p></p><p>If you need help with your ecommerce accounting, reach out to us: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e18">https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e18</a></p>
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40 MIN
E17: Real-Time Inventory, Real Results: Katana's Take on Smarter Supply Chains
OCT 1, 2025
E17: Real-Time Inventory, Real Results: Katana's Take on Smarter Supply Chains
<p><strong>Summary </strong></p><p>In this episode of The Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown interviews Ben Hussey, co-CEO of Katana, discussing the complexities of manufacturing and inventory management in the current ecommerce landscape. They explore the challenges posed by rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and the importance of real-time data for effective decision-making. </p><p>Ben shares insights from his extensive experience in ecommerce, highlighting the shift towards hybrid business models and the necessity for brands to adapt to changing market conditions. The conversation emphasizes the need for strategic planning and the value of technology in navigating the evolving ecommerce environment. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Takeaways </strong></p><ul><li>Cost of goods sold increased dramatically due to future buying. </li><li>Real-time data is crucial for effective inventory management. </li><li>Businesses need to diversify their supplier base to mitigate risks. </li><li>Planning and forecasting demand accurately is essential. </li><li>The shift to hybrid business models is becoming more common. </li><li>Companies that adapt quickly to changes are more likely to succeed. </li><li>Inventory management requires active engagement and oversight. </li><li>Technology has made it easier for small businesses to thrive. </li><li>Understanding true landed costs is vital for pricing strategies. </li><li>The e-commerce landscape is evolving, requiring new skills and strategies. </li></ul><p><strong>Chapters </strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Ecommerce and Manufacturing Challenges </p><p>02:51 Ben Hussey's Journey in Ecommerce </p><p>05:29 State of Manufacturing and Inventory Management </p><p>08:37 Navigating Cost Drivers in Manufacturing </p><p>11:09 Trends in Supply Chain and Manufacturing Decisions </p><p>13:58 Global Disruptions and Market Responses </p><p>16:53 Shifts in Manufacturing Strategies and Business Models </p><p>20:23 Impact of Regulatory Changes on Ecommerce </p><p>22:57 Common Mistakes in Inventory Management </p><p>24:55 Ecommerce Evolution: Skills vs. Arbitrage </p><p>27:11 Key Differentiators for Business Success </p><p>29:45 The Importance of Active Management </p><p>32:17 Navigating Challenges in Consumer Products </p><p>36:52 Opportunities in a Changing Market </p><p>39:58 Recommendations for Future Success </p><p> </p><p><strong>Guest Info </strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Katanamrp.com">Katanamrp.com</a> </li></ul><p><strong>Contact</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> </li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="Hyperlink SCXW148673188 BCX0" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhussey/">Ben Hussey on LinkedIn</a> </li></ul><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=e17"><strong>https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e17</strong></a> </p>
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38 MIN