As a former auto industry executive and digital pioneer who ran an internet sales business in the 90s, Bob Lundin knew the magic of ecommerce. He didn’t need to leave South Dakota, to make sales; he could sell anywhere online with the right product. And by using Amazon’s tools, he learned he could sell when and how it worked for him—giving him the ultimate work-life balance. “The town of Tea, located near Sioux Falls, is a great place to live and raise a family,” said Lundin, “With Amazon, I have been able to start another business, serve customers everywhere and stay in our smaller community.”
Lundin combined his passion for technology and sales by launching 605 Products. The company offers luxury room sprays, pet sprays and shampoo options that contain a blend of proprietary fragrance oils. “I specifically wanted to do business with Amazon because of the powerful seller tools,” said Lundin. He admits he enjoys the tech side of ecommerce and really likes the seller dashboard. “All the data I need to grow my business, including sales, inventory and updates on paid advertising, are easily accessible to me,” he added.
According to Lundin, the two biggest advantages of selling in Amazon’s store are its trust factor and robust tools. “Customers are already comfortable with buying from Amazon, so there’s no need for me to go out and reinvent the wheel and build everything on my own,” said Lundin. And, if there’s a customer issue, Amazon manages it, giving Lundin his time back. “If there’s a problem with packages in transit or a return needs to be processed or a refund, Amazon handles all of that for me.”
The scale of Lundin’s business is small, which is just how he likes it. “I have a 2,500-square-foot warehouse and one full-time fulfillment person. My wife and two boys, Cael and Blake, help out when needed,” said Lundin. His efficient operation is built around an assembly line that has mixing machines, bottling machines and packaging stations.
And for Lundin, the best thing about having a small-scale business and partnering with Amazon is that he has more time to do what’s important to him.
“I’m a big work-life balance guy, and family is the most important thing to me,” said Lundin. The entrepreneur never misses any of his sons’ events—Cael is 20 and Blake, 14. “With Amazon, I never have to miss anything. I can attend my sons’ events and fit 605 Products into my schedule, when it works for me.”
Thanks to Amazon, Lundin is able to meet his customers’ needs and achieve the work-life balance that’s right for him, while enjoying small-town life in South Dakota.