Contrary to what many entrepreneurs think, starting to sell on marketplaces like Shopee, Amazon, Magalu, or C&A does not necessarily require having your own online store or investing heavily in technology. For the retailer who already has a physical store and wants to test the digital with what they have on hand, there are simple, accessible, and scalable paths.
The most common mistake of those trying to enter this market is believing they need to master several e-commerce platforms before taking the first step, as Zoltan Schwab, CEO of vhsys explains. “Many people give up before they start because they think selling online requires a complex structure, online store, technical team. But there are ways to access marketplaces directly from the management system that the retailer already uses, without complicating the operation,” he explains.
Considering the most common challenges faced by small business owners, the expert has gathered five practical tips for those who want to start selling on marketplaces safely and with low investment:
1. Start with marketplaces with good traffic and consolidated logistics
Large marketplaces like Shopee, Magalu, Amazon, or Renner already concentrate millions of monthly visits and offer ready-made payment, shipping, and security structures for the customer. This means that even without an online store, the small retailer can start selling with more visibility and take advantage of the reputation of these platforms to gain trust.
2. Use a system that centralizes everything
Managing sales on multiple platforms can be confusing. The recommendation is to use a management system that consolidates orders, inventory, and product listings on a single screen. This avoids operational errors and saves time, without needing to learn how to operate each platform separately.
3. Pay attention to pricing on marketplaces
Each platform charges fees on sales, and ignoring this can compromise profits. It is essential to calculate the price considering commissions, shipping costs, and possible discounts. A good practice is to use pricing simulators and review the values whenever there are changes on the marketplace.
4. Automate stock and order updates
Avoid the risk of selling a product that has already sold out. With integrated systems, inventory is automatically updated with each new sale, on any channel. This ensures more control, avoids rework, and protects your reputation with customers.
5. Use marketplaces as a laboratory to grow
Entering marketplaces can be the first step to testing the potential of your products in the digital realm. It is possible to validate what sells best, experiment with promotions, and reach new audiences. After that, the retailer can decide with more certainty whether it is worth investing in their own online store or expanding to other channels.
