As a small business, especially if you are a start-up, building up your presence online and selling enough stock to turn over a profit can be difficult. Ultimately the goal is to sell your inventory or services through your own eCommerce website, but there are other considerations you should make at the beginning to help give you the kick start you’ll need.
For example, Amazon and eBay offer quick access to millions upon millions of potential customers and, with their low fees, offer useful additional revenue streams for your business. You’ll have access to a much larger market and both sites give you the chance to establish your own company and drive sales while working on your own website in the background.
What are the pros of eBay?
With eBay reaching over a staggering 183 million active buyers in the third quarter of 2019, the potential to reach a huge audience is definitely apparent. The platform also allows you to create a brand presence by personalising your stores look and feel. You can add your company logo, printed thank you cards and packaging, giving you the freedom to create your brand’s persona online.
Through eBay, you’re also exposed to seller and buyer protections under their terms of service, as well as feedback features and great ease of use for your customers and yourself!
What are the cons of eBay?
Although eBay comes with an array of pros, there are some negatives to that you’ll need to consider. The seller fees, if you have low-value products, may eat into your margins, so spend time working this out before you commit. With the fact the site is so easy to use, also comes with many people potentially selling the same product as you, thus driving down prices so you can remain competitive.
What are the pros of Amazon?
One of the biggest pros of listing your products on Amazon is that you’ll be exposed to the world’s biggest customer base! It’s a huge marketplace and lets be honest, it’s where the majority of people start when they’re looking to buy something.
You also have a great deal of credibility and trust which is already established, as well as one of the best eCommerce user experiences on the web. Not only that, but Amazon deliver your products for you too, so no stressing about picking and packaging items yourself.
What are the cons of Amazon?
As with anything in business, selling on Amazon comes at a cost. It’s approximately from 75p per sale up to 24% depending on your products and level of marketplace access. You’ll need to weigh up your costs before you list!
Unlike eBay, there aren’t really any branding opportunities for you on the platform, the only elements you’re able to edit are the images and descriptions. Plus, although it’s a huge marketplace that will expose you to millions of buyers, that doesn’t come without competition! You’ll be competing against thousands of other sellers from across the globe.
No matter where you end up selling your products, it is worth looking into setting up shops with Amazon and eBay while you build up your customer base. Although both have cons, the two have strong positives, and each will offer your business the chance to have a good head start.
