The rise of omni-channel selling has meant that more eCommerce businesses are incorporating eBay into their selling model. More channels mean more exposure, which is a good thing for getting your product to the masses, however, is it good for your business as a whole?
The pros of embracing other stores to sell your wares
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More sales
Using other marketplaces is a great way to increase your sales. eBay is a mammoth in the online world, with millions of visitors browsing and buying every day. This can mean more people looking at your products and improved conversion. For users, visiting eBay is like heading to the shopping mall. It is an audience of engaged buyers in an environment that has been refined into the perfect sales site.
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More customers
If used correctly, an eBay store design can be a great way to acquire customers. Customers who discover your products, and like them, will be interested in what else you have to offer, which will drive traffic to your site.
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A great set-up
Ideal for new businesses, eBay offers a readymade infrastructure that makes it simple to start selling immediately. This is a great way to build your company and get your products noticed, without a huge investment in marketing and website building.
The cons of eBay and other marketplaces
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Fees
eBay is a business like any other and it wants to make a profit. It takes a cut of your sales in return for exposure to its enormous audience. You need to make sure there is enough room in your margins to accommodate the fees and ensure you research the costs you will incur for every sale before starting.
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Inventory synchronisation
Selling through multiple channels requires keeping your stock levels monitored. It requires manually configuring your numbers to ensure you aren’t selling products you don’t have or using an eCommerce platform with advanced inventory features.
Be prepared
Selling via eBay can be a lucrative way of expanding your brand’s reach and getting your products to more people. Ensure you understand all the pitfalls and you can’t go too far wrong. Marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon are too large to be ignored, and unless your website is incredibly busy, can provide an income stream that will rival your online store.
