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 making heavy investments in technology. For the retailer who already has a physical store and wants to test digital with what they have on hand, there are simple, accessible, and scalable ways.
The most common mistake of those trying to enter this market is believing that they need to master multiple e-commerce platforms before taking the first step, as explained by Zoltan Schwab, the executive director ofvhsys. "Many people give up before they start because they think selling online requires complex infrastructure, an online store, technical staff. 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 that have good traffic and consolidated logistics
Large marketplaces, such as Shopee, Magalu, Amazon, or Renner, already attract millions of monthly visits and offer ready-made payment, shipping, and security infrastructure for the customer. This means that, even without an online store, small retailers can start selling with greater visibility and leverage the reputation of these platforms 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 registration on a single screen. This prevents 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 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 updates
Avoid the risk of selling a product that is already out of stock. With integrated systems, the stock is automatically updated with each new sale, across any channel. This ensures more control, prevents rework, and protects your reputation with clients.
5. Use marketplaces as a laboratory to grow
Entering marketplaces can be the first step to test the potential of your products in the digital space. It is possible to validate what sells best, try promotions, and reach new audiences. After that, the retailer can decide more confidently whether it's worth investing in their own online store or expanding to other channels.
