Stitch Labs found that retailers who sell on two online marketplaces see a 190% increase in revenue over those who sell on only one*. That makes sense: the more sales channels you have, the more likely you are to sell your products. But… what are the best marketplaces to sell online in 2022? Be careful, the answer is in this article!

What is a marketplace?

Online marketplaces are virtual sales points that have acquired, over time, the trust of Internet users.

There are two types of online marketplaces: vertical and horizontal. Before revealing the best marketplaces in 2022, let’s take a look at these two types of marketplaces.

Vertical marketplaces

Vertical marketplaces specialize in a single product category. Let’s take the example of ManoMano: since 2013, this online sales platform focuses on the DIY and gardening categories.

Horizontal marketplaces

Horizontal marketplaces sell a wide variety of products belonging to various categories, sometimes quite disparate. They are called generalist. Amazon and Cdiscount are the most obvious examples.

Beware: each online marketplace imposes its own rules, registration fees and product categories.

What are the most profitable marketplaces in 2022?

Let’s get straight to the point: in this list, you will find the most influent marketplaces in today’s market. We will specify the type of marketplace for each one listed!

1. Alibaba (China)

Amazon’s first competitor is Alibaba. Here are some numbers to prove it:

• 647 million annual active users;
• 755 million mobile users;
• And $56 billion in revenue in 2019.

On this site, merchants, manufacturers and suppliers from around the world link to and sell their products. As a professional, you will find all the product categories you want (sports, machines, garden, beauty, electronics…).

Type of marketplace : horizontal

2. Aliexpress (China)

Subsidiary of the Alibaba group, Aliexpress is also one of the strongest players in the sector. Aliexpress allows sellers to put their products online, to customize their store and to choose their shipping methods. Regarding prices, the creation of an online store is free on this Chinese site but fees are applied on each sale (between 5 and 8% depending on the products).

Type of marketplace : horizontal

3. Amazon (US)

Who has never ordered on the giant Amazon? With $470 billion turnover in 2021, Amazon is without a doubt one of the best marketplaces in 2022. As a seller, you will have the choice of two sales plans:

1. An individual plan at €0.99 per item sold (ideal if you sell less than 40 items per month);
2. A business plan at €39 per month (ideal if you sell more than 40 items per month and want to advertise your products).

Type of marketplace : horizontal

4. Cdiscount (Europe – France)

The French marketplace named Cdiscount is the first merchant site established in France. At the beginning, Cdiscount was a vertical marketplace that sold mainly second-hand CDs and DVDs in Bordeaux. Then, its range of products expanded (household appliances, wine, furniture, mobile services, food) to become plethoric!

Type of marketplace : horizontal

5. Decathlon (Europe – France)

Decathlon references more than 77,000 products in 116 sports universes and 1,647 stores located in 57 countries. It is one of the best marketplaces for selling products related to any sport activity. Mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing: the brand offers a wide range of products focused on "moving better", "living better" and "living sustainably".

Type of marketplace : vertical (sports field)

6. eBay (US)

The eBay marketplace relies exclusively on the unique inventory offered by its sellers. Becoming one of its partners will give your storefront an unparalleled global reach. Note that you can put up to 150 items on sale per month for free. Then, the platform will deduct :

• 10% of the total amount paid by the buyer (including shipping and handling) ;
• A fixed amount of 0,35 € per sale.

Type of marketplace : horizontal

7. Etsy (US)

Exclusive, handmade or vintage products: Etsy is an American marketplace for artists, designers and craftspeople. Like the other marketplaces mentioned here, it allows you to sell and promote your creations online. Currently, Etsy has 5.30 million active users worldwide.

Type of marketplace : vertical (handmade and vintage products)

8. Google Express (US)

Introduced as a competitor to Amazon Prime, Google Express aims to simplify the shopping experience for users. For sellers, this horizontal marketplace is a real boon because not many retailers are already registered!

Type of marketplace : horizontal

9. Fnac.com (Europe – France)

Leader in the fields of high-tech, household appliances and home, Fnac allows its partner sellers to list their products on their site since 2009. This marketplace aims to increase the brand’s global turnover by connecting sellers and buyers.

Type of marketplace : horizontal

10. Zalando (Europe – Germany)

To put an end to our list of the best marketplaces in 2022, let’s zoom in on Zalando: a German marketplace that has everything to please. Specialized in the fashion and lifestyle sectors, Zalando offers shoppers an assortment of more than 2500 brands!

This is its biggest strength along with its innovative approach to customer service. Indeed, Zalando allows customers to pay on receipt (after fitting) and return their products for free in their mailboxes.

Type of marketplace : vertical (fashion & lifestyle)

Other solutions to sell your products online

Now that you know the best marketplaces in 2022, you just have to choose a solution to sell your products online. Here are the three options available.

Option 1: the best marketplaces in 2022

First option: you can list your products on the best marketplaces in your industry.

In this case, you will not need to create your own e-commerce site. You will be able to put your products online and start selling quickly! Also, you will benefit from a strong visibility thanks to the SEO referencing of the platforms on which you will publish your products.

The only drawback is that the marketplaces bring together all your competitors in one place. Thus, you will have to redouble your efforts to stand out in a competitive market. It is therefore difficult to create a strong brand image through marketplaces. Moreover, commissions on sales are applied.

Option 2: E-commerce platforms accessible to all

Second option to sell your products online: create a store on one of the e-commerce platforms available to everyone.

Many platforms allow you to launch an online store in a few clicks such as Wix or Shopify. You will not need any technical knowledge. These software are known to be intuitive and easy to use.

That said, the disadvantages of the e-commerce platforms available to everyone are as follows:

• The user has to pay a monthly fee to have access to certain features;
• SEO and blogging are not optimal;
• It is sometimes perilous to translate product sheets into several languages.

Option 3: CMS with built-in plugin

If you don’t want to pay commission on your sales, choose a CMS with an integrated plugin like Woocommerce, Magento or Prestashop.

Content management systems (CMS) are modular according to your desires (design, layout, features). In addition, you will be totally independent. You will not have to comply with the rules and general conditions of sale of a third party.

Other advantages of the CMS with integrated plugin:

• SEO-friendly ;
• Free (for a simple site) ;
• Customizable and scalable;
• Secure.

Need help to create your e-commerce site on a CMS?

Of course, you can combine options 1 and 2 or 1 and 3 to boost your sales to the maximum.

And if you need a little help to design your online store with a CMS, you can trust us. At Maras IT, we are specialized in the creation and hosting of e-commerce websites. We would be happy to help you increase your sales online.

So, if you have any questions or a project in mind, write us a message!

* https://empireflippers.com/multichannel-ecommerce-selling/