Episode Number:

50

November 10, 2025

In this episode 50th of The eCom Growth Show, host Danan Coleman sits down with Eric Weisser, founder of Weisser Distributing and Marketplace Pros, to uncover how a former schoolteacher turned a family tool business into a top 100 Amazon operation and thriving 3PL. From leveraging vendor terms to mastering inventory systems, Eric shares the blueprint for scaling ecommerce logistics from garage to global.

Meet Eric: From Tool Truck to Top 100 Seller

Eric Weisser’s journey started with a tool truck and a problem, too much inventory and no idea how to move it.

  • Former teacher turned entrepreneur during the 2008 recession
  • Transformed his father’s pen-and-paper operation into a digital powerhouse
  • Scaled from one employee a month to over 100 employees and nearly $100M in annual revenue
  • Now operates more than 175,000 square feet of warehouse space across South Dakota

Eric’s companies, Weisser Distributing and Marketplace Pros, now serve as both a top Amazon seller and a 3PL for emerging brands, offering full-scale fulfillment, logistics, and even brand management.

Product Access Is the Real Competitive Edge

Eric’s philosophy is simple: you can’t sell what you can’t get your hands on.

  • Success starts with vendor relationships and product access, not marketing hacks.
  • He used inventory as equity to leverage bank financing, enabling growth without overextending cashflow.
  • Negotiating long-term vendor terms (net 90–12 months) became his growth engine.
Takeaway: For new sellers, strong relationships with manufacturers are more valuable than any PPC campaign.

How to Grow Without Drowning in Debt

Weisser’s approach to cashflow is textbook smart scaling:

  • Use inventory as collateral to secure funding from banks.
  • Keep flawless books — it’s the only way to get credit lines that matter.
  • Hire a fractional CFO early, even if it feels premature.
  • Remember: banks want to lend if they understand your business and see real assets.
Smart Move: Banks don’t want to liquidate your inventory — they want you to succeed. Keep impeccable books and maintain strong relationships to become a lender’s favorite client.

Warehouse Wisdom: Efficiency Is a Money Multiplier

From forklifts to floor space, Eric learned that warehouse efficiency drives profitability.

  • Keep at least 20% open space to prevent costly shuffling and bottlenecks.
  • Midwest logistics allow 2-day shipping to both coasts while maintaining fair labor costs.
  • RFSmart and NetSuite integrations ensure every dollar of inventory is trackable.
  • Real-time inventory mapping prevents product loss and makes banks happy.l.
Insight: Treat every shelf like a balance sheet — those aren’t boxes, they’re dollar bills. Know where every one is at all times.

From Seller to Service: Becoming a 3PL That Sellers Actually Trust

As Weisser Distributing grew, Eric realized his fulfillment engine could serve others. Enter Marketplace Pros — a 3PL built by sellers, for sellers.

  • Manages inbound containers, relabeling, packaging, and outbound logistics.
  • Specializes in cross-docking, shipping directly from dock to customer without costly storage.
  • Works with brands like GameDay Social to handle fulfillment so they can focus on design and sales.
  • Runs on Midwestern values: transparency, handshake deals, and scalable efficiency.
Lesson Learned: The best 3PLs don’t just store your products — they move them faster, cheaper, and smarter.

Channel Diversification: Amazon Isn’t the Only Game

For Weisser’s team sells on Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and even Michaels.

  • Uses ChannelAdvisor to manage listings across marketplaces.
  • Believes in “money solves problems” — investing in systems that sync and scale.
  • Encourages brands to add value through great content, photography, and customer experience.
Big Idea: Be everywhere your customers shop — not just where it’s easiest to list.

Lessons from a Billion-Dollar Seller

Eric’s playbook combines practicality with long-term vision:

  • Hire slow, scale steady: one employee a month for eight years.
  • Automate inventory, not relationships: software can’t replace trust.
  • Add value to vendors: better data, listings, and fulfillment open doors.
  • Pick up the nickels: shipping optimizations and label efficiencies add up fast..
Key Insight: Never ignore the small wins — pennies and nickels compound into profit when you’re disciplined.

Connect with Eric Weisser

Final Thoughts

Eric’s story proves that eCommerce success isn’t just about marketing brilliance — it’s about systems, relationships, and relentless optimization. From tool truck to top 100 Amazon seller, his journey embodies what’s possible when operational excellence meets entrepreneurial grit.

Stay tuned for more episodes of The eCom Growth Show, where top ecommerce minds break down real-world strategies that fuel growth, efficiency, and long-term success.