Can you sell online without a virtual store? See 5 tips

Contrary to what many entrepreneurs think, starting to sell in marketplaces like Shopee, Amazon, Magalu or C&A does not necessarily require having a virtual store of their own or investing heavily in technology. For the shopkeeper who already has a physical store and wants to test the digital with what he has in hand, there are simple, accessible and scalable ways.

The most common mistake of those trying to enter this market is to believe that they need to master several e-commerce platforms before taking the first step, as explained Zoltan Schwab, executive director of vhsys.“Many people give up before starting because they think that selling online requires complex structure, virtual store, technical team. But there are ways to access marketplaces directly from the management system that the shopkeeper already uses, without complicating the” operation, he explains.

Thinking about the most common challenges faced by small entrepreneurs, the expert has gathered five practical tips for those who want to start selling in marketplaces with security and low investment:

1. Start by marketplaces with good traffic and consolidated logistics

Large marketplaces, such as Shopee, Magalu, Amazon or Renner, already concentrate millions of monthly accesses and offer ready structure of payment, freight and security for the customer.This means that even without an online store, the small shopkeeper can start selling with more visibility and take advantage of the reputation of these platforms to gain confidence.

2. Use a system that centralizes everything

Managing sales across multiple platforms can be confusing. The recommendation is to use a management system that concentrates orders, inventory and product registration on a single screen. This avoids operational errors and saves time, without having to learn to move on each platform separately.

3. Stay tuned for pricing in marketplaces

Each platform charges fees on sales, and ignoring this can compromise profit.It is essential to calculate the price considering commissions, shipping costs and possible discounts. A good practice is to use price simulators and review the values whenever there are changes in the marketplace.

4. Automate stock and order update

Avoid the risk of selling a product that has already sold out. With integrated systems, the stock is automatically updated with each new sale, in any channel. This ensures more control, avoids rework and protects your reputation with customers.

5. Use marketplaces as a lab to grow

Entering marketplaces can be the first step to test the potential of your products in digital. It is possible to validate what sells better, try promotions and reach new audiences. After that, the shopkeeper can decide more safely whether to invest in his own virtual store or expand into other channels.