.svg.webp)
Marketplaces dominate the online business. Amazon, Etsy, Rakuten, Alibaba... These platforms attract millions of buyers every day.
They have transformed the way we Sells, buys and develops a business.
But faced with the multitude of options, one question often comes up:
Which marketplace to chooseR for maximize your sales or purchases?
Don't panic. This guide is here to help you make the right choice, whether you are independent seller, venture, or simple curious user.
We are going to compare marketplaces according to:
Not all marketplaces are created equal. Choosing the right one is maximizing your chances of success, without wasting time or budget.
General marketplaces Bring together all types of products :
Amazon, eBay, Cdiscount, Fnac, etc.
Benefits :
Disadvantages :
Specialized marketplaces, they, target a very specific sector :
ManoMano (DIY),
Vestiaire Collective (luxury fashion),
Etsy (creators, handmade);
Benefits :
Key Takeaway: If you're selling a niche or creative product, It's better to use a specialized platform.
Understand the economic model of a marketplace is key. It determines:
B2B — Business to Business
Examples: Alibaba, Ankorstore, Mirakl platforms
To sell wholesale to professionals
Negotiation, volume, complex logistics
B2C — Business to Consumer
Examples: Amazon, Fnac, Rue du Commerce
Direct sale to individuals
Fast delivery, crucial customer service
C2C — Consumer to Consumer
Examples: Vinted, Leboncoin, Facebook Marketplace
Transactions between individuals
Low commissions, simplicity
But: fewer guarantees and less control
International marketplaces offer a global exposure :
Amazon Global, eBay, Etsy, Alibaba
Ideal for exporting, aiming for a global market
But be careful: logistics, translation, taxation to manage
Local marketplaces are more accessible:
🇫🇷 Rakuten France, Darty Marketplace, Back Market
Fewer shipping costs
Fewer language barriers
Best localized customer service
Perfect for TPE/SME who want to start without complicating their lives
Choosing the right marketplace is not easy.
It depends on several key factors. Here are the things you need to consider in order not to make a mistake.
Les frisk vary considerably from platform to platform.
It is crucial to Calculate your margins to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Here are some examples of practical commissions:
Advice: Check carefully all fees, including ancillary costs for promoting your products, before you commit. Don't overlook the transaction fees, which can quickly impact your profitability.
A marketplace Unfrequented won't generate enough sales, even if your products are good.
Visibility is therefore crucial.
Use tools like SimilarWeb to analyze the monthly traffic of a platform.
The more visitors a marketplace attracts, the more likely you are to make sales.
Les big platforms (like amazon, ebay) benefit from a Massive traffic.
On the other hand, a niche marketplace can offer a more targeted traffic, but with often lower competition.
Tip: Don't rely solely on global numbers. Also analyze the type of visitors : are they really interested in your products?
Managing storage and delivery can become a real headache.
Some marketplaces offer turnkey solutions to simplify management of your products.
Examples of platforms that manage logistics for you:
This allows you to focus on your sales while benefiting from the expert logistics of a large marketplace.
To remember: If you sell on a large scale, opt for a marketplace that integrates logistics. This can make all the difference in managing your inventory.
Once you have chosen your marketplace, the next step is to optimize your presence to stand out and boost your sales. Here are the key actions to take.
Les product sheets are your virtual storefront. They must be Precise, Attractive and well referenced. Start with clear titles and detailed, for example: “Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 Running Shoes.” An accurate title helps buyers find what they're looking for quickly, while also being optimized for SEO of the platform.
Les high quality photos are a must. Show at least five images of your products from different angles. This allows the buyer to clearly visualize what they are buying, thus increasing the trust and the chances of conversion.
Les relevant keywords are also essential. Use the terms that your potential customers type in the search bar. This allows your products to stand out among the first results, thus increasing their visibility And your Sales.
For attract more customers, you have to know how to use the tools of promotion of each marketplace. For example, the sponsored ads suchlike Amazon Ads or eBay Promoted Listings allow you to place your products at the top of the search results, which boosts their visibility And their vending. These options are particularly effective in setting yourself apart from competing products.
Les Bundles (promotional lots) and the seasonal sales are also powerful ways to attract buyers. Offer a lot at a reduced price or participate in events like the Black Friday can allow you to Multiply sales by drawing attention to your products at a key moment.
La concurrency is omnipresent on marketplaces. To remain competitive, it is crucial toanalyze regularly what your rivals do. Tools like Jungle Scout or Keepa allow you to study the prices, trends and strategies of competitors, giving you a strategic advantage.
Finally, Respond to customer reviews. Whether it's to thank a satisfied customer or solve a problem, the reviews play a major role in repute of your business. Responsive customer service and good returns management allow you to strengthen your credibility and to improve your repute to future buyers.
Optimizing your presence on a marketplace is not a one-time process, but a constant effort to improve your visibility, adapt your prizes and meet expectations of your customers. By implementing these strategies, you maximize your chances of succeed in online commerce.
If the Existing marketplaces do not meet your specific needs, it may be a good idea to launch your own platform. This approach offers you a total control about your business model and user experience, but it also requires careful thought about the options available to you. We are going to talk to you about the generalities, but you can also find all the details on The phases of creating a marketplace if you want to.
If you are a rookie or if you want a project that is quick to set up, opt for a solution turnkey in SaaS mode can be an excellent alternative. Platforms like Sharetribe allow you to create a marketplace No-code, that is, without having to touch a line of code. This allows you to Launch quickly your project while focusing on the part strategy and marketing.
If you are a B2B company, a more robust solution like Mirakl may be more suitable. This platform allows personalize your marketplace according to your specific needs and to manage larger volumes of transactions. Businesses can thus Scaler easily their activities and integrate advanced solutions such as supplier management, the secure payments And the stock tracking.
If your needs exceed the limits of SaaS solutions, you can choose to develop a tailor-made marketplace. This option gives you a total flexibility that allows you to create a platform exactly the way you want it. However, this involves a budget significant. The cost of custom development can vary between €20,000 and €100,000, depending on the complexity of the platform and the functionalities requested.
Technologies that are commonly used for this type of project include React for the user interface, Node.js for the back-end, and Payment API to manage transactions securely. This solution may be ideal if you have specific requirements or if you are planning a rapid evolution of your marketplace in the future.
Creating your own marketplace is a strategic decision which should be thought out according to your short and long term goals. Whether you choose a turnkey solution or custom development, it may be a good idea to appeal to a specialized development agency to support you in the design and optimization of your platform. With their technical expertise, you can save time and ensure that your marketplace meets your needs perfectly. The important thing is to fully understand the costs and The efforts needed to succeed in this field. With a clear vision and the right tools, your marketplace can become a reference in its sector.
Choosing the right marketplace is a strategic decision based on several key criteria: your products, your budget and your target audience. Before making your decision, compare frisk, the logistic options And the visibility that each platform offers. Take the time to carefully assess what best fits your needs.
Next step: Do not hesitate to test several platforms with a small stock to assess their performance in real conditions before fully engaging. This will allow you to better understand the potential of each solution and to refine your online sales strategy.
.svg){kind=small}
.svg)
