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 heavy investment in technology. For retailers who already have a physical store and want to test the digital waters with what they have on hand, there are simple, accessible, and scalable paths.
The most common mistake for those trying to enter this market is believing they need to master multiple e-commerce platforms before taking the first step, as explained by Zoltan Schwab, executive director of vhsys. ‘Many people give up before starting because they think selling online requires a complex structure, an online store, and a technical team. But there are ways to access marketplaces directly from the management system the retailer already uses, without complicating operations,’ he explains.
Considering the most common challenges faced by small business owners, the expert has compiled five practical tips for those who want to start selling on marketplaces safely and with low investment:
1. Start with marketplaces with high traffic and established logistics
Major marketplaces like Shopee, Magalu, Amazon, or Renner already attract millions of monthly visits and offer ready-made structures for payments, shipping, and customer security. This means that even without an online store, small retailers can start selling with more visibility and leverage these platforms’ reputations to gain trust.
2. Use a system that centralizes everything
Managing sales across 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 prevents operational errors and saves time, without needing to learn how to navigate each platform separately.
3. Pay attention to pricing on marketplaces
Each platform charges fees on sales, and ignoring this can hurt profits. It’s essential to calculate prices considering commissions, shipping costs, and possible discounts. A good practice is to use price simulators and review values whenever there are changes on the marketplace.
4. Automate inventory and order updates
Avoid the risk of selling out-of-stock products. With integrated systems, inventory is automatically updated with each new sale on any channel. This ensures better control, prevents rework, and protects your reputation with customers.
5. Use marketplaces as a lab to grow
Entering marketplaces can be the first step to testing your products’ digital potential. You can validate what sells best, experiment with promotions, and reach new audiences. After that, retailers can decide more confidently whether to invest in their own online store or expand to other channels.
