Ecommerce Monetization Models

Shoppertainment, selling today means entertainment. +80% Gen Z & Millennials in Europe would change their shopping habits for more experiential retail. The fusion of shopping and entertainment, shoppertainment, is no longer optional. It's becoming a transformative force in beauty retail, driven by a digital-native, experience-hungry generation. The most agile brands are already going for this shift. Are you in? >>ENGAGEMENT today means ENTERTAIMENT: When shopping feels like an adventure, it drives loyalty, social sharing, and impulse buys. Fun isn’t just memorable, it’s profitable. Redesign spaces, Retail is no longer just a point of sale, it's a stage. This generation wants more than products, they want moments. Gen Z’s fully digital upbringing has shaped a strong preference for interactive, emotionally resonant experiences, changing how retail must show up. +85% higher sales for brands that emotionally engage their customers. +81% consumers are willing to pay more for experiences that enhance their shopping journey. >>DISCOVERY through SOCIAL They find new brands via TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, making entertainment-driven content vital in both online and offline strategies. And remember to be, were your customer hangs. >>HYBRID is the FUTUE. Blending physical and digital, from AR product try-ons and interactive kiosks to mobile integrations, creates a seamless, personalized journey. +30% sales boost in flagship stores offering immersive experiences. +70% beauty shoppers prefer in-store experiences over online alone. >>DESIGN experiential FORMATS: Think: interactive mirrors, gamified rewards, live product demos, mini beauty labs, all turning the store visit into an entertainment-driven journey. +Flagship stores as brand playgrounds. +Pop-up shops for exclusivity and buzz. +In-store events that surprise and delight. +Retail activations that turn shopping into shareable moments. Final Take Gen Z is rewriting the rules of retail. To stay relevant, beauty brands must blend entertainment with commerce, delivering experiences that engage emotionally and digitally. Shoppertainment isn't a trend, it's the next evolution in retail. FInd my curated search of examples and get inspired for success. Featured Brands: CeraVe Chanel Jimmy Choo Musinsa Beauty Lanolips Louis Vuitton Opi Rare Beauty Rem Beauty Too Faced #beautybusiness #beautyprofessionals #beautyretail #shoppertainment #luxuryprofessionals #luxurybusiness

Instead of Justifying Your Prices, Try This Approach. "That's too expensive!" Every one of us has heard this line, hasn’t it? Justifying your prices is a losing game. Instead, try this smart approach: 1. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬. ⏭️ Customers are comfortable when they understand benefits. ⏭️ As one of my ex-bosses used to say, even a Rolex buyer thinks he is getting value! 2. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. ⏭️ Personal care brands and luxury food brands (think wine, cheese, and chocolates) do this very well. ⏭️ The sampling of body lotions done with a gentle massage on the back of your hand leaves a pleasing sensorial effect, inducing purchase. ⏭️ Or sampling exotic cheeses and chocolates leaves you wanting more. 3. 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬. ⏭️ Privileges that are for a select few are also a big draw. 4. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲. ⏭️ A great salesperson can convert resisting customers into appreciative ones. 5. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞. ⏭️ Ambience plays a big role in enhancing the brand story. 6. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬. ⏭️ Value is about price at a base level. ⏭️ Start with that and build the aura with other hooks. 7. 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟. ⏭️ What others approve of is always appealing to the rest. ⏭️ Humans are conditioned to go with people like them; it lowers the risk associated with purchasing new brands. 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: You're not just selling products. You're fulfilling needs and desires. The customers who get this are your gold mine. What's your go-to strategy for price objections? Share in the comments below! #retailstrategy #pricingpsychology #customerexperience

The most important competence for building a sustainable DTC strategy: Data-Driven Customer Insights. Over the last decade direct-to-consumer marketers have suffered a 15% CAGR in CPM inflation for digital #advertising, according to research by Frederic Fernandez & Associates, dramatically increasing cost per acquisition. #DTC companies hence need to much better understand their target consumers, their path-to-purchase metrics, barriers/ drivers/ triggers & 4Ps preferences, and design a new omnichannel acquisition strategy. In my view, its time for DTC companies to build truly immersive and personalized customer acquisition strategies based on data driven customer insights. Data-driven customer insights are essential in the following 5 marketing areas: 🙋 Understanding Customer Behavior: To create personalized experiences, brands need to understand their customers' behaviors, preferences, and pain points. #Data analytics enables companies to track and analyze customer interactions across all touchpoints, providing deep insights into their journey and decision-making processes. 🎯 Personalization at Scale: Leveraging customer data allows brands to segment their audience and deliver tailored content, offers, and recommendations. This level of #personalization can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, as consumers are more likely to engage with content that is relevant to their needs and interests. 📢 Optimizing Marketing Efforts: Data insights help brands to optimize their #marketing strategies and campaigns. By analyzing which tactics are most effective, companies can allocate resources more efficiently and improve their return on investment. ❤️ Enhancing Customer Engagement: Real-time data analysis enables brands to engage with customers at the right moment with the right message. This timely #engagement can drive higher conversion rates and foster a stronger emotional connection with the brand. 📈 Continuous Improvement: Data-driven #insights provide a feedback loop that allows brands to continuously refine their products, services, and customer interactions. This iterative process helps in adapting to changing customer expectations and market trends. By investing in data collection, advanced analytics, and skilled personnel, #DTC companies can create truly immersive and personalized customer experiences that drive engagement and loyalty.

shifting how we viewed digital took chubbies from an 8-figure, negative-profit ecommerce store to a 9-figure, profitable omnichannel brand as a digital-first brand believing DTC was the future, this was a tectonic shift we wish we realized it sooner...would have saved many a sleepless night so you don’t make the same mistakes we did, here’s 1) the mistakes 2) 3 lessons 3) 3 actions you can take today let's do it *the mistakes* at chubbies we built our ecommerce business to 8 figures of revenue before we really understood the role of digital for consumer brands for the first few years, we were fully bought into the ecommerce revolution we thought the role of digital was to offer a convenient place to purchase items you love without the hassle of going to a retail store we thought online retailers were competitors we wanted to own the transaction for brand control and support our ability to measure LTV: CAC since DR, discounts, ROAS and revenue mattered most at the time then we almost went out of business *3 lessons* 1) digital is not for transactions, it's for connections as we deconstructed our business to find scalable profitable growth, we realized the internet’s true value to brands it was not just a vehicle for transactions the value of the internet to consumer brands was that the internet had become the house of brand the internet became where consumers connect with brands across social networks, mailing lists, websites, etc the internet was the place consumers share their thoughts and emotions towards brands freely and openly in a way that billions of people could consume the internet was where consumers learned about their favorite brands, diving into the story and purpose our realization was that this basket of digital behaviors towards our brand was our brand 2) the best way to see the impact of brand was by being omnichannel truth be told, we couldn't make brand work the way we needed it to when DTC only only later did we learn that the measurable impact of "brand marketing" was far higher when we started to be available more broadly in retail compared to being DTC only ...but we had to get into retail (and show up the way we wanted) to make this possible 3) leaning into number 1 ALSO generated the retail demand that made number 2 possible (something we didn't fully realize the value of at the time) *3 actions you can take today* 1) take a hard look at the assumptions driving your view of digital DTC are they still correct? do they need to be reassessed? given where you are as a brand, what's the right strategic view for YOU 2) if the connection vs transaction view resonates, vet your internal capabilities to see if they match what's needed to build those connections put simply, do you have an internal content machine? 3) broaden the definition of 'customer' add the retail buyer into your filter when thinking about how to maximize desire for your brand hope this helps 

DTC in 2025 is about so much more than Shopify & Meta ads. Even prior to 2025, the landscape of DTC businesses has evolved far beyond the basics of launching a Shopify store and running Meta ads. While these platforms can serve as valuable tools to kickstart your business, they are no longer enough on their own to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success. Starting with Shopify and Meta ads is often an essential entry point for testing the market and finding product-market fit. These channels are cost-effective for gathering initial data, building brand awareness, and refining your offering based on real-time consumer feedback. But, in today’s competitive market, relying solely on these tools is a risky strategy. 💡 To truly win in DTC, you need a comprehensive, multi-channel approach to distribution. This means investing in building a robust digital infrastructure, optimising your website for conversion, and leveraging additional platforms like search engine marketing (SEM), email marketing, and influencer partnerships and this is just the start... It’s also crucial to expand your reach through marketplaces and even consider a bricks & mortar strategy. Further, customer experience plays an integral role. Offering a seamless, personalised shopping journey and post-purchase experience is paramount. Consumers today expect more than just a product; they want connection, value, and a brand that understands their needs. You’ll need to leverage data to personalise offers, optimise customer touchpoints, and drive loyalty. To afford all of this, you need to start with good unit economics on day 1!

As a DTC brand, have you considered the risks of relying solely on Amazon as your growth engine, especially as its dominance in the e-commerce landscape continues to surge? Amazon’s share of US e-commerce sales is projected reach an impressive 40.9% by 2025, a clear signal of Amazon’s tightening grip on the retail market. I see this trend as a wake-up call. While Amazon offers unparalleled reach, its growing dominance amplifies the risks of over-dependence. Policy shifts, escalating fees, and fierce competition can destabilize your profitability and erode your control over your brand. The solution? Diversify your sales channels to build a more resilient business. Here are 2 actionable strategies for diversification every Amazon brand should pursue today: 1. Embrace Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Sales: Invest in your DTC infrastructure. This is the time to focus on building a real brand that stands independently to the vast search intent that Amazon offers. Use Shopify, Klaviyo, Meta, and Google as your "core four" to begin generating and converting demand to your DTC business. Selling directly to your customers lets you bypass Amazon’s fees and regain control over your brand's narrative. By forging stronger relationships with your audience, you not only mitigate the impact of Amazon’s rule changes but also unlock opportunities for higher margins and customer loyalty. 2. Tap into TikTok Shops: With now over a million creators thriving on TikTok Shops and search volumes surpassing Google in certain product categories, it’s a vibrant marketplace waiting to be explored. Partner with influencers and leverage TikTok’s powerful discovery tools to connect with new audiences and drive sustainable growth. You'll also find the discovery on TikTok drives new customers to both your Amazon and DTC business as a bonus. Why act now? Relying solely on Amazon leaves you vulnerable to unexpected disruptions, whether it’s a policy change or intensified competition. But by branching out to platforms like TikTok Shops, building a DTC presence, and exploring multiple revenue streams, you can safeguard your business and seize untapped opportunities. The data is undeniable: Amazon’s meteoric rise is both an opportunity and a risk. Don’t wait for the next policy shift to catch you off guard. Take action today—diversify your strategy, harness innovative platforms, and position your e-commerce brand for long-term success.

Here are 8 hospitality revenue strategies that actually work. Too many brands are still recycling lazy upsells and pretending it is innovation. Charging for Wi-Fi, bottled water, or early check-in is not strategy, it is desperation. The properties that will own the next decade are the ones that flip the script and turn ancillary revenue into experiences worth paying for. 1. Room selection as revenue. Guests want transparency. Show them the exact view, the layout, and the differences in real time. The more you let them see, the more they will spend. Hidden room maps are leaving money on the table. 2. Cancellation freedom. Stop punishing guests for life happening. Clear credit or voucher systems transform resentment into loyalty. Flexible policies drive more bookings and increase long-term revenue. 3. Loyalty on autopilot. Loyalty should be built into every booking, not treated like a side program. Auto-enroll, deliver instant benefits, and make guests feel valued the moment they confirm. This is how you build lifetime customers. 4. Empty space monetization. Lounges, rooftops, and ballrooms sit idle for most of the day. Turn dead space into revenue with co-working options, private dining, pop-up events, or micro-weddings. It is low-cost, high-return, and adds vibrancy to the property. 5. Wellness on demand. Stop limiting wellness to the spa. In-room yoga mats, meditation kits, and recovery tech should be easy upsells. Guests want to feel good everywhere, not just in a treatment room. 6. Personalization paywall. Control is the ultimate luxury. Let guests choose the scent of their room, pre-stock their minibar with what they love, or have their playlists waiting when they walk in. People will pay for experiences that feel like theirs. 7. F&B as content. A restaurant should not just be a dining room, it should be a stage. Offer chef’s tables, cocktail labs, kitchen tours, or immersive tasting menus. Guests spend more when they feel like insiders. 8. Sustainability as value add. Guests are willing to pay to be part of something bigger. Give them the option to fund local initiatives, support carbon offsets, or contribute to visible green upgrades. When done authentically, this builds both revenue and reputation. And let me be clear. The one thing that needs to end immediately is charging for Wi-Fi. It is insulting and outdated. The first hotel brand to step up and say “We have the fastest free Wi-Fi in the world” will not only win guests, they will own the global conversation. That single decision would be worth more than any upsell you are currently clinging to. Hospitality is not broken. It is uninspired. The future belongs to the brands that stop nickel-and-diming and start designing upsells that guests actually celebrate. So the real question is this. Are you building revenue strategies that create loyalty, or fees that create resentment? --- If you like the way I look at the world of hospitality, let’s chat: scott@mrscotteddy.com

I've seen it happen countless times. A brand with 35.6% profit margins and 153.7% year-over-year growth suddenly finds itself cash-strapped. How is this possible? After managing $200M+ for top eCom brands, I've identified the core issue: Inventory payment cycles are completely misaligned with Amazon's payment schedule. Here's the brutal math: → You pay for inventory 2.5 months before it sells (1 month production + 1.5 months shipping) → Amazon pays you every 14 days after sales → Each reorder grows larger to support increasing sales This creates a fundamental cash flow challenge that most sellers don't anticipate. In one case study, a brand generated $1.96M in total profit over 2 years but ended with a negative cash balance of -$15,446. The faster you grow, the worse it gets. When I bought Walkize (now a multi-million dollar brand), I immediately implemented these cash flow strategies: 1. Map your cash cycle Document every step from inventory purchase to payment receipt 2. Create rolling cash flow forecasts Project 6-12 months with weekly detail 3. Calculate capital requirements Add 20-30% buffer to projections 4. Secure financing before needed    Explore inventory financing, lines of credit, or Amazon Lending 5. Establish contingency triggers    Define minimum cash thresholds Remember: Profit doesn't equal cash. The critical metric is the ratio between your growth rate and your cash conversion cycle. For every 100% annual growth, plan for 50-100% more working capital. What's your cash flow strategy for scaling your Amazon business?

The future of DTC ecommerce is here, and it's all about education and authenticity. My prediction for 2025: Traditional ads are out. Educational content is in. Here's why this shift matters for your brand: 1. Consumer sophistication is rising Gen Z and Millennials are tuning out the flashy ads and are craving value-driven content 2. Trust is the new currency According to some studies, more than 80% of consumers prefer brands offering educational content. Establish authentic, value-driven creator partnerships to build deeper connections between your product and the end consumer. 3. Content completion rates are telling Did you know that educational videos on TikTok have 54% higher completion rates? That means that people are more likely to finish videos that teach instead of tell. 4. The mechanics of online advertising are exposed Consumers recognize when they're being sold to - They're more likely to ignore traditional promotional content 5. Platforms are constantly evolving New algorithms, video formats, display styles, etc. You can stay ahead of it and keep posting. What does this mean for your strategy? 1. Prioritize value over promotion 2. Partner with creators who can educate authentically 3. Focus on building trust through content 4. Adapt to social media platform changes 5. Measure engagement beyond just sales. look at impressions, duration, thumb stop The brands that embrace this shift will thrive in 2025 and beyond. Join the conversation. Share your thoughts on how you're adapting to this new landscape of DTC ecommerce.