Online shop or marketplace – Part 1

The decision between your own online shop and a marketplace:
We show you the pros and cons for B2B companies – Part 1

Right now, in the digital age, B2B companies are faced with the important decision of how to sell their products most effectively.

The decision between running your own online shop and selling through established online marketplaces is like a rollercoaster ride full of exciting possibilities! Two powerful ways to get started in retail – both with a whole jumble of pros and cons that should be carefully weighed up. In this blog post, we’ll look at the most essential aspects.

Brand control and visibility:

➢ Advantages of having your own online shop

Brand building: By creating a customised online shop, B2B companies can strengthen their brand presence and establish a distinctive brand identity.

Control over appearance: Companies retain complete control over the design, user experience and presentation of their products.

➢ Disadvantages of having your own online shop

Time and resources: A considerable investment of time and financial resources is required to develop, operate and, above all, publicise an online shop.

➢ Marketplace advantages

Immediate visibility: Participation in a marketplace enables the company to directly access an existing user group.
Trust through an established platform: Established marketplaces often enjoy the trust of customers, which can have a positive impact on sales.

➢ Marketplace disadvantages

Limited brand control: Although they can be seen quickly, control over the brand presence is limited as the products are often presented directly next to competitor products. In addition, design regulations of the marketplace may also have to be taken into account in your own product presentation.

Costs and fees:

➢ Advantages of having your own online shop

More cost-effective in the long term: Despite potentially higher initial investments, operating costs could be lower in the long term, especially with increasing sales figures.

Own pricing strategy: Companies have the opportunity to set their own pricing independently of the marketplace’s fees.

➢ Disadvantages of having your own online shop

Initial investment: Considerable initial financial outlay is required to develop and launch your own online shop. Not to mention the marketing investment to achieve awareness and presence.

➢ Marketplace advantages

Fast ROI: Due to the immediate visibility and the low initial investment, investments can be amortised more quickly.

➢ Marketplace disadvantages

Fees: Marketplaces often charge fees for transactions, which can affect profit margins.

Price competition: Intense price competition can prevail on marketplaces.

Whether a company chooses its own online shop or a marketplace depends on what goals it is pursuing and what resources it has at its disposal. We have even more interesting and, above all, important aspects for you and your upcoming decision up our sleeves. You’ll find out everything else in the next blog post, so be sure to stay tuned!