Half of the global online sales occur on marketplaces, such as Amazon, Shopify, or eBay. Customers prefer these eCommerce platforms because they offer good product selection for low prices and come across as reliable retailers.
Marketplaces have the necessary infrastructure to fulfill orders most effectively, which makes competition with them almost impossible for small eCommerce brands. Even market leaders enter these platforms to increase their market share and reach new audiences.
However, many entrepreneurs are reluctant to launch eCommerce businesses on Amazon and its analogs. Statista’s research found that business owners believe marketplaces cut off their revenue, provide inconsistent data about customer behavior, create additional competition, and more.
To get out of this dilemma, retailers can lean on a human connection, as it becomes a new luxury during the pandemic. Thus, consider providing top-notch customer service with a personal touch. Another strategy to stick to is offering unique products – they are the primary reason to shop at independent eCommerce businesses for 33% of buyers.