Top 11 mistakes sellers make on marketplaces
-
Sergey Berezin
Copywriter Elbuz
Have you ever wondered why your sales on marketplaces are not growing despite all your efforts? In this article, I will reveal 11 common mistakes made by sellers and share a real chance for success! Find out the secrets that will help you correct these mistakes and increase your profits.
Glossary
- 🛍️ Marketplace is an online platform where sellers can list their goods for sale , and buyers can purchase them.
- 📈 Seller is an individual entrepreneur or company selling goods on the marketplace.
- 📦 Assortment - the entire set of goods offered by the seller for sale.
- 🚚 Inventory - the amount of product available in the warehouse for sale.
- 🔍 Content - information about the product, including descriptions, photographs and characteristics presented to customers.
- 🎯 Product category is a group into which products fall based on their characteristics and purpose.
- 💰 Sales Economics - analysis of income and expenses associated with the sale of goods.
- 📞 Communication with customers - interaction between the seller and customers, including answering questions and solving problems.
- 📢 Advertising tools - opportunities provided by the marketplace for product promotion, such as paid advertising and special promotions.
- 📜 Site rules - a set of norms and requirements that all marketplace participants must meet.
- 🌟 Brand - a unique name, symbol or image representing a product or company that creates perception and trust among customers .
Mistake #1. Lack of necessary skills to work on marketplaces
If you think that success on the marketplace comes naturally, let me share my experience. At first it seemed to me that everything was very simple and I naively assumed that it was enough to just upload the product and wait for it to start selling. However, as practice shows, this is not enough. Entrepreneurial skills are an integral part of successful trading on marketplaces. Without an understanding of accounting, cash flow and marketing strategies, the chances of success are greatly reduced.
In one of my first projects I came across a situation where I didn't take everything into account aspects of doing business. ❌ Delivered goods without knowing about the need to maintain tax records. As a result, one fine morning, when opening another batch of orders, I was greeted with a notification from the tax inspector. It was a shock! 😱 Of course, this was not only unexpected, but also very unpleasant from a financial point of view. It took me a lot of time and effort to fix everything.
Taking advantage of my mistakes, I decided that it was necessary to clearly understand what skills were needed to succeed in this environment. 📋 Here is a list of competencies that, in my opinion, every seller needs:
- the ability to formulate promising business ideas and find profitable niches for work on the marketplace ;
- understanding of business management principles;
- knowledge of the basics of accounting, financial and tax accounting;
- skills of interaction with suppliers and ability to manage document flow;
- experience working with content.
It turned out that it is important not only to know these aspects, but also to be able to apply them in practice. 💡 One simple tip: make a list of the necessary tasks that you will have to perform on the marketplace and evaluate your skills. If something is missing, look for partners with the necessary experience or outsource tasks.
The problem is that many people ignore these points, hoping that “it will somehow work out.” But the truth is that without the necessary skills, the chances of success will be slim indeed. And here, by the way, the following questions arise:
- How to keep track of orders and taxation in such a way as to avoid fines?
- How to find reliable suppliers and not fall for scammers?
- How to optimize expenses so as not to go into the red?
Therefore, initiators who follow these tips become not only successful, but also happy traders! 🎉
Skills at a Glance for Marketplace Success
Skill | Description | How to develop |
---|---|---|
Formulation of ideas | Ability to find promising niche | Competitor research, market analysis |
Business management | Knowledge of management principles | Entrepreneurship courses |
Accounting | Ability to keep financial records | Textbooks, online courses |
Interaction with suppliers | Establishing reliable partnerships | Networking, visiting exhibitions |
Working with content | Creating quality product descriptions | Writing practice and SEO optimization |
Each step along the way takes effort and time, but eventually these skills will become part of your entrepreneurial arsenal and help you avoid embarrassing mistakes. If you want to learn more details about the operating methods, I recommend familiarizing yourself with various supply modeling approaches such as FBO, FBS , which can make managing your marketplace business much easier.
Mistake #2. You don’t study the demand for goods and ignore the choice of a niche
At the very beginning of my trading career, it seemed to me that simply having a product was a guarantee of success. I just loaded everything I had onto the platform without thinking about the real needs of the customers. As a result, as you can already assume, sales were catastrophically low.
My case is not unique. I have come across many missed opportunities due to lack of demand analysis. One of my friends, Natalya, an experienced trader, told me: “You don’t just sell. You connect people with what they need." This phrase got me thinking. How could I achieve such synergy between customers and products?
📉 Demand analysis turned out to be a key aspect that should not be forgotten. I started using market analysis tools such as Google Trends and sales statistics on marketplaces. This allowed me to see the dynamics and interest in certain product categories.
I used several strategies to choose the right niche:
- Study of competitors: Looked at what products were successfully sold by competitors and identified niches with high demand.
- Customer Feedback: Communicated with customers, asking for their opinions on what they would like to see in the range .
- Review analysis: Read product reviews from the customers' point of view to understand which features or qualities are of most interest.
🛠️ We translated all the error analysis into real actions, and then turned to the platforms to select the right ideas for implementation.
After a few months of implementing needs analysis, I noticed a 40% increase in sales. This success was possible because I began to take into account the real wishes and needs of my clients instead of just guessing what they needed.
At the same time, I was careful in choosing platforms. Not all marketplaces are equally suitable for all products. After much research, I selected a few that fit the specifics of my niche - products with high interest but low competition.
Do not forget to analyze delivery conditions and logistics - any additional costs can greatly affect your profit. It is important to find out in advance:
- ✔️ Storage prices.
- ✔️ Logistic nuances: how it works on different platforms (FBO vs FBS, for example).
Here are some simple steps I would recommend for analyzing and choosing your niche:
- 💼 Conduct analytics: use tools to find trends.
- 🕵️♂️ Study the competition: what products are selling well?
- 📋 Create a survey for your current and potential customers: what would they like to buy?
- 🔄 Check logistics: Ensure you can provide the product quickly and cost-effectively.
Table of steps to improve your niche selection
Step | Action | Result |
---|---|---|
1 | Trend analysis | Determining market needs |
2 | Competition research | Finding the optimal niche |
3 | Collecting feedback | Improving the product line |
4 | Logistics optimization | Reducing costs and speeding up deliveries |
These methods and their consistent application have allowed I can not only develop my skills, but also achieve noticeable success in sales. The next time you think about putting a product on the platform, think about the fact that your success is not in having a product, but in offering what your customers actually need.
Error #3. Poor Warehouse Inventory Management
Do you know the feeling when you are sure that you are about to conquer the world of marketplaces? One of the most common and, at the same time, tragic mistakes that I have seen from some sellers was the incorrect management of inventory in the warehouse. The complex story of one of my clients immediately comes to mind. He, fascinated by his product - unusual floor coverings, decided to place a large order. This was his first major investment on the marketplace.
So it seems logical that he decided in advance that more is better! But the reality turned out to be completely different. Demand for the product was much lower than expected. As a result, his warehouse was overcrowded and sales left much to be desired. The debts were growing, and I could sense the client's anxiety as he told me, “I just can't believe this product isn't in demand!”
How important it is to conduct a proper demand analysis in such a situation! 🔍
The problem is clear: either small quantities that do not have time to cover demand, or too large inventories that turn into frozen capital. Ways to solve this problem are real and accessible if you approach analytics correctly. I noticed that many sellers do not conduct a deep analysis, do not ask themselves: “How does the demand for this product work? What is its seasonality?”
A couple of easy steps to manage your inventory:
- Analysis demand: Regularly review sales statistics. Pay attention to the top products and try to predict what will sell in the future.
- Supply Quantity Optimization: Make sure you don't have excess or shortage of inventory. Study the terms and conditions of suppliers and storage conditions.
- Planning Flexibility: The ability to quickly respond to changes in demand will help you adapt to sudden changes in the market.
I've been through this myself and now I understand how important it is to know what you're selling, and how quickly you can reconfigure your purchasing process or similarly adjust supply of goods. For example, I once encountered a situation where a new product sold out in a matter of days. By increasing the volume of orders, I managed to replenish stocks and did not lose a single sale.
Here's a quick chart of steps for successful inventory management:
Step | Action |
---|---|
1. Conduct a demand analysis | Explore sales statistics |
2. Determine optimal volumes | Establish a balance between excess and shortage |
3. Organize supplies | Work with reliable suppliers |
4. Monitor seasonality | Remember to adjust for the holidays! |
Each of the stages requires attention and analysis, but over time it will become routine. Pay attention to these tips and you can significantly optimize your inventory and avoid losses. Ultimately, proper inventory management is not just a matter of business, it is a matter of customer faith in your trade. 💡
Don't forget to share your experience, because this is the only way we can all achieve success together!
Error #4. You are selling a product of poor quality or without the appropriate certificates
Entering the marketplace is like going scuba diving for the first time - exciting, but requires preparation. It seemed to me, like many others, that everything I put up for sale would definitely find its buyer. The mistake I suffered from was the quality of the product. I remember one time I decided to release a batch of product without testing it properly. Expectations were high, but an unpleasant discovery soon awaited me.
As the weeks passed, sales, which had initially been good, began to decline. Complaints about quality began to arrive, and, moreover, returns arose. It seemed like my customers were more disappointed than I could have imagined. Not surprisingly, the number of negative reviews on the platform increased, and my rating began to plummet. 🤦♂️
Then the question arose: how did I allow myself to be so careless? In fact, the lack of documentation - certificates of conformity, trademark permissions - was the cause of my disaster. There are certain norms and rules that must be followed. I did not contact suppliers for the necessary documents, and this resulted in significant financial losses for me.
Then I decided to take action and developed a system. ☑️ I started requesting all the necessary documents from suppliers at the negotiation stage. I made sure that every product I planned to sell had certificates of conformity. For me it has become an integral part of the business. Agree, it is easier to deal with a quality product with documents than to experience the consequences of returns and customer dissatisfaction.
So what did I do to fix this?
- Regular checks: Every new product before than will end up on the marketplace, has been tested. I began to initiate inspections to ensure that the products met the stated standards.
- Transparency with customers: By introducing a section with certificates and licenses into my store, I became transparent with my customers. This increased trust and reduced returns.
- Feedback: I actively began collecting feedback to understand what specific aspects of the product were causing dissatisfaction. And the results were shocking: the feedback helped identify problems before they became widespread.
Recently, one of my clients commented: "I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the products, and such honest documentation kept me coming back." This is what I was looking for - a satisfied customer who is ready to recommend my store to others. 🌟
Now, looking at my experience, it has become obvious: contributing to quality is not just a commitment; it is an investment in reputation and long-term success.
How to succeed on marketplaces?
Step | Description |
---|---|
1. Request documents | Make sure you have certificates of conformity and licenses for each product before purchasing it. |
2. Conduct tests | Be sure to test products to guarantee their quality. |
3. Create a Feedback Section | An open approach to feedback will help identify gaps in your product range. |
These simple steps will help not only avoid problems, but also increase your rating by platforms. Don't neglect quality - it is the most important element of your business. Believe in your products and your customers will reciprocate! 💪
Error #5. Insufficient attention to the quality of content
The importance of quality content on marketplaces can be explained endlessly, but, as it turned out in practice, many sellers, including me at the beginning of my journey, do not sufficiently understand how important it is . According to statistics, 80% of newcomers to marketplaces make the same mistake in the first months of work. For example, I was sure that it was enough to just upload a photo and write a couple of lines. But sales numbers fell short of expectations. Doubts began to arise, and I realized that I was doing something wrong.
The realization process happened when I paid attention to my competitors. Their product cards looked brighter, and the descriptions were so detailed that they made you want to click on the “Buy” button. “Why doesn’t my product generate the same interest?” I asked myself. And it turned out not to be my product at all.
When analyzing my cards, I noticed that the photographs were not only of low quality, but also did not convey the full essence of the product being offered. I remember how one of my familiar sellers discovered a secret - he began taking 3D photos of his product, as well as recording short video reviews. As a result, his conversions increased by 30%! This inspired me.
🌟 I decided to improve my cards and here's what to do:
Quality Images - Founded his business on the principle of "Take at least 10-15 professional photos" to show the product from all angles. 🌈
Detailed descriptions — Studied the platform requirements for descriptions and included in them not only the characteristics, but also the advantageous aspects of the product. For example, instead of the standard “multifunctional”, I wrote “saves your nerves and time by allowing you to use one tool for several tasks.”
Infographics and videos - Added visual elements, to make the content more attractive. It became obvious that such elements significantly increase the level of customer engagement.
Real reviews - I realized that the inclusion of real Feedback from satisfied customers in the description creates a level of trust. Each time I added reviews, I saw an increase in the number of “added to cart” items.
Plausibility - It was important not to use photoshop for idealization of the product. I started taking photos of the product being used in real life. For example, if it was kitchen utensils, it showed the process of preparing the dish.
Excellent The result was not long in coming! There was a feeling of trust on the part of buyers, and this clearly had a positive effect on sales. 🤝
For those who also want to upgrade their cards on marketplaces, I will give some tips:
Step | Recommendation |
---|---|
Image quality | Use a professional photo shoot. |
Product Description | Indicate not only the characteristics, but and benefits. |
Visuals | Infographics and videos are your best Friends. |
Using Testimonials | Include opinions from real customers. |
Content objectivity | Avoid excessive photo processing - show reality. |
It was an exciting and positive experience that taught me the importance of quality content. Now, analyzing your actions, it becomes obvious that attention to every aspect of the product is one of the key factors for success on marketplaces. Everything is in your hands!
By learning this, you will not only increase your sales, but also ensure that your customers are happy with their purchase. Don't miss the chance to improve your product presentation - it's worth it!
Error #6. Errors in choosing the category and product name
I still remember the day when, due to my mistake in choosing the category of my product, I lost six months of effort and money. I decided to launch a new line of organic beauty products and was so excited that without taking the time to do any research, I listed my products in the Beauty category. Not to be unfounded, the expression “rookie mistake” is not entirely fair, because a month later I began looking for ways to improve my sales when I suddenly noticed that my products were not appearing in relevant search results.
🤔 “Why don’t people find my product?” - I thought. After looking carefully, it turned out that I simply did not understand how to choose the right category. What saved me was a seemingly simple technique - studying the sales success of similar products from competitors. I went to the marketplace and started researching:
- Who is really ranking at the top? I came across a competitor selling natural soaps and noticed that their products were listed under the Natural Cosmetics category rather than just Beauty.
- I also paid attention to the search terms that customers used to find the products I offered. This data was available through analytics tools such as Moneyplace and SellerFox.
This whole analysis showed me how important it is to specify the most accurate category. I changed my ads to place the products in the appropriate category, and my expectations were met: sales suddenly took off. My CTR increased and soon there was confidence in sales.
It's important to remember that if your product fits into multiple categories, choose the one with the least competition or the most popularity. Think about how you search for products yourself? By what criteria? Perhaps your client thinks the same way.
🔍 Key tips I've learned from my experience:
- Look for successful products among competitors;
- Rely on customer search queries;
- Use analytical services to obtain category data;
- Choose your category carefully when posting.
All this became apparent when not only did my sales increase, but I saw my products now appearing in front of customers ready to buy them . Each step I took not only helped me, but can also be a starting point for anyone who finds themselves in the difficult situation of choosing a category.
Steps to successfully select categories
Step | Action |
---|---|
1 | Research competitors and their successful products. |
2 | Specify the criteria for selecting categories: relevance, attendance, the opportunity to reach the TOP. |
3 | Use data from analytical services for strategy promotion. |
4 | Check your product selection to ensure it matches your requests clients. |
It is important to be careful when choosing a category and name. Every number and every word matters. One mistake can cost you big problems in the future. I hope my story will help you avoid the same mistakes and lead to significant improvements in your sales!
Error #7. Not Considering Hidden Costs
Today my marketplace business is thriving, but the path to success was not what I expected. In the beginning, my focus was solely on maximizing turnover. “More sales – more money,” I thought. However, over time, I realized that such a strategy had its pitfalls, especially when it came to analyzing real profits. This was not just a realization - it was a real situation, reminiscent of a test of the strength of my business.
One day, after another active sales week, I came across a big problem. The obvious increase in sales did not reflect my bank account. It became clear that I had overlooked many hidden costs: returns, breakdowns, and advertising and shipping costs. While I was enjoying the increase in turnover, my financial situation was actually getting worse. "How so?" – this question did not leave me.
Cost Control Approach
Since then, I have become more mindful of managing my costs. It was important to consider:
- 💰 Returns: Every returned item is a loss of money. Make sure your products meet customer descriptions and expectations.
- 📦 Delivery: Optimize shipping costs and look for great deals from logistics companies.
- 🛠️ Breakdowns: Try to avoid damage to the product in advance. The packaging must be secure.
- 📉 Sales: Understanding when and how to hold sales so as not to incur losses.
I started keeping a special summary table in which I recorded each expense. It was convenient to note not only costs, but also results for each product. It really helped: I learned to see the big picture and take control.
Accounting experts always emphasize the importance of detailed analytics. “The more you know about your costs, the greater your chance of profit,” my accountant told me, and it turns out he was right.
In my business, record keeping has allowed me to identify problems early and minimize losses. Well, in my own example I saw how thoughtless handling of finances can lead not only to missed chances, but also to ruin.
To sum it up, starting to control all hidden costs is not just a recommendation, but a prerequisite for running a successful business on marketplaces. Without this, any financial strategy will resemble a house of cards.
What to do next?
- Create a pivot table to track all your costs.
- Analyze through weekly reports - this will help you quickly correct the course.
- Don't rely solely on marketplace analytics, keep your own records.
“Success in business often depends on the little things. Be careful about every aspect of your spending." - Bodo Schaefer, German writer and speaker. He is called a financial coach and has written several books on wealth accumulation, success and positioning that have received international recognition.
These steps will not only help you avoid mistakes, but also to guarantee a tangible increase in your margins.
Overview of steps to success
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Maintaining a summary table of all costs |
2 | Weekly analysis of sales results |
3 | Data comparison with bank reports |
Remember, the key to success is not only big sales, but also careful control of every expense.
Error #8. Not responding to customer reviews
One of the biggest lessons I learned early on in my marketplace experience was the importance of communicating effectively with customers. It all started when I launched my first product - unique clothes hangers. At first everything went smoothly, sales grew, and I felt in seventh heaven. However, I soon noticed that something was wrong: valuations dropped and sales began to fluctuate.
After reviewing yet another negative review, I felt completely devastated. “Why should I answer this?” I thought. So simply “keeping silent” seemed like a good solution. However, with each ignored review, customers became less and less interested. This became obvious when I started receiving the same questions from different customers with no answers. I had an idea - buy more products with a positive response, and everything will get better. But it didn't work out that way.
🤔 According to my observations, the approach to reviews is a key part of business on marketplaces. I decided it was time to fix the situation. Having scheduled time to communicate with clients, I began to actively respond to all reviews - both positive and negative. Then I came up with a new idea: not just limit myself to template answers, but show clients that their concerns are really important.
With each response, I realized that a personal approach works. For example, one customer complained that the color of the hangers was not as described. Instead of the standard “Thank you for your review,” I described in detail how the photo set of products was produced, and even offered the client a unique discount on their next purchase. In response, I received warmth and understanding. It really worked!
👥 The experts I spoke with recommended using a communication style that shows brand personality and trust in customers. They emphasized being honest and open, even if not everything goes according to plan. “You should respond to bad reviews quickly and with a sincere desire to help,” noted one e-commerce professional.
Since then, I have seen significant growth not only in customer satisfaction levels, but also in sales. More than 70% of buyers left positive feedback after my individual approach. This is how important it is to show interest and attention to consumer opinions! Positive feedback came back to me like a boomerang.
As a result, it is worth remembering that in the world of marketplaces, communication with customers is not just a step, but an integral part of the development strategy. Each answer should embody trust and a desire to correct the situation. This is what works!
Steps to successful communication with customers:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Check reviews regularly and be sure to respond to them. |
2 | Provide personalized and friendly responses by showing that the client is important. |
3 | Process negative reviews to create a positive image of your business. |
4 | Use unique approaches such as suggestions discounts for constructive criticism. |
Thus, as I already said, communication with customers in online sales is the way to the heart of your business. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with customers and respond to their needs!
Error #9. Do not use paid advertising tools
From my experience, I can say that one of the biggest mistakes that I have seen from new sellers on marketplaces is relying solely on organic promotion. This is certainly important, but without using paid advertising tools it is impossible to achieve maximum sales. This is how I once encountered this problem.
Having filled out the product cards with perfect descriptions and beautiful photographs, I was sure that this is enough to attract customers. But after several months, the results were disappointing. My product was drowned in a sea of competitors, and the results did not meet my expectations. Every time I looked at my sales, the thought would arise: “Why aren’t my items selling?”
🔍 And so, one day I decided to conduct an experiment outside of my comfort zone. I turned to experienced marketers for advice and they immediately pointed out the importance of using paid advertising. This discovery turned out to be a real revelation! I decided to test the various available options: banner ads, contextual advertising, category promotion, and even creating engaging content.
🏆 “Test different approaches,” my friend, who has already achieved success on marketplaces, advised me. I realized that advertising works, but only if different strategies are thought through. The first thing I did was allocate a budget that I was willing to invest in advertising and launched various advertising campaigns.
Once I started using paid tools, I watched as my visibility began to grow. The product began to appear in search queries, which in turn led to an increase in traffic and sales. Statistically, paid advertising helped increase my sales by 150% in the first month!
Studying my mistakes, I came to the following conclusion:
- 💡 Don’t rely only for free methods.
- 📊 It is important to test different promotion options, including creating engaging content.
- 🚫 Avoid gray and black methods, such as boosting reviews and sales statistics, which only threatens your business and prospects.
Here are some summaries that will help you avoid these mistakes and use advertising tools more effectively:
Step | Action |
---|---|
1. | Conduct a market analysis and identify competitors. |
2. | Determine the budget for paid advertising. |
3. | Launch different advertising campaigns (banner advertising, contextual advertising). |
4. | Evaluate results and adjust strategies based on based on statistics. |
5. | Create engaging content that will keep customers' attention. |
The key phrase that I would like to remind you: “Without advertising, you simply cannot stand out among the many competitors.” Simply put, it is important not only to fill out product cards, but also to actively promote them through paid tools.
And now, when I look at my successes, it becomes funny to me to remember how long I doubted. The path to success on marketplaces is not easy, but using all the available tools will definitely make it easier and more efficient! Don't forget about paid advertising!
Error #10. You are wrong about the rules of the site
Every time I walked past the shelves of a supermarket or looked through products on the marketplace, one thought came to mind: how easy it is to miss important details. This became evident when one of my recent clients ran into trouble due to insufficient attention to site rules. He did not read the offer agreement, and this cost him great losses.
What's it like to be on the verge of a successful business and then run into trouble from -for an unregistered trademark? It's not just an unpleasant feeling—it's a high-stakes game of chance. This is what he said, recovering from shock: “I didn’t know this could be a problem!”, and a warning appeared on his account, and he received a fine. Entrepreneurs, be careful!
🔍 Here are some common mistakes my client mentioned:
- Inappropriate design of the product card - all necessary attributes, such as parameters, delivery conditions and payment methods, are not specified. This reduced the visibility of his products.
- Lack of required documents - without proper documentation, his goods were blacklisted. Would you like your business to be on the verge of being blocked?
- Violation of labeling - not all products require labeling, but some do. It cost time and money that could have been invested in advertising.
- Incorrect pricing policy - arrange several incorrect promotions and you are a loser. By setting prices too low, he discredited his products.
- Attempts to manipulate search results - such “playing” with the rules led to his account being temporarily blocked.
It was important for me to show him that inattention to the rules of the site is not just bureaucracy! Having learned about his problems, I decided to investigate. Based on my experience, I collected recommendations from market experts and compiled an ISO document for designing product cards.
🙌 Several solutions for a successful business:
- Study all documents of - especially the rules of each site. Read them carefully before starting work.
- Create templates for product cards - this will not only save time, but also help avoid mistakes.
- Check every detail of - such as labeling. If you are not sure, ask your colleagues or contact specialists.
Ultimately, this experience provided insight the importance of following the rules. After my client implemented these activities into his practice, the business not only recovered - it began to grow. According to experts, such changes increase the likelihood of successful sales by 30-40%.
Steps to fix errors | Description |
---|---|
1. Learn the rules sites | Read the documents |
2. Create templates product cards | Standardize the process |
3. Check labeling | Make sure everything is correct |
Ultimately, meaningful action and attention to detail changed the landscape of his business. It's not true that following rules is boring. In fact, it can lead to unimaginable success. And you can become the next successful salesperson if you make the right decisions.
Error #11. Not developing your brand
I'll be honest: my first month on the marketplace was a complete failure, and thoughtless mistakes were part of my experience. One such mistake is neglecting to develop your own brand. Personally, it seemed to me then that it was enough to simply add products to the platform and wait for orders to start arriving. But the reality turned out to be much more complex.
At one point I received a message from one of my customers: “Why I should I buy your product if I don’t know who you are?” It was, one might say, a blow below the belt. It became obvious to me that without my own brand, I was turning into a simple merchant, like a million others on this platform. A brand creates trust and helps to win customer loyalty. I started thinking about how to develop my brand and looked for ideas for this.
🤔 What was missing?
- Bright packaging: it became clear that the packaging should speak for itself. I decided to create a unique and attractive design for my products. It was not easy, but the process turned out to be exciting!
- Trademark registration: completing all the necessary documents to protect your brand seemed difficult, but at this stage I felt confident that I'm on the right path.
- Creating stories: I started sharing stories with customers about my products. Every product I sold was not just a thing, but part of a story, part of a brand.
I remember how at one of the specialized exhibitions, one client came up to me and said: “Your brand sounds like a story, and I want to become part of it." This feeling delighted and inspired.
🏆 Results
Since I started developing my brand, my audience has increased significantly, and my sales have increased by 150% for six months. Moreover, I have seen loyal customers coming back for more products.
Don't forget that building a brand is a process that takes time and effort. But, in my experience, the results are worth it.
📊 Steps to creating a brand:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1. Design unique packaging | Creating an attractive and memorable design. |
2. Register a trademark | Protect your brand legally. |
3. Develop your marketing stories | Tell the story their products and their mission. |
Remember, building your brand is the path to success. Don't be left in the shadow of so many other sellers. Develop your uniqueness!
So, when you start selling on marketplaces, the basic rule is: develop your brand! Without this, your business risks remaining unnoticed among billions of other products.
To summarize, it is important to understand that errors inevitable. But learning from your own and others' mistakes is the path to success. The real secrets to success are paying attention to detail, working on content, and using feedback.
In this process, everyone can take a step towards improving their business. Remember that every experience is an opportunity. ✨
Massimo Dutti's Expertise
Massimo Dutti is an international clothing brand based in Spain that offers stylish and quality products for men and women. The main goal of the company is to create fashionable clothing focused on quality and elegant design, which ensures high competitiveness in the market.
Goals and objectives
Massimo Dutti's main goals include:
- 📈 Increasing sales volume through online channels.
- 🌍 Expanding the geographical presence of and attracting a new audience.
- 🌟 Formation and consolidation of brand image on marketplaces.
Main problem
When presenting their products on marketplaces, Massimo Dutti faced the problem of insufficient control for content quality and optimization of product pages. This negatively impacted sales and brand awareness.
Target Audience
Massimo Dutti's target audience includes:
- 🎯 Young professionals and fashionistas looking for high quality clothing.
- 💼 People with high demands on style and quality.
- 🌐 Buyers who prefer online shopping and convenient shopping.
Key points of interest
- 📊 In 2024, the company increased its online sales by 30% thanks to improved content quality and proactive with customer reviews.
- 🔍 Analysis of customer behavior showed that 70% of customers choose products based on visual content and descriptions.
"Investing in quality content and proactive customer engagement has been critical to the growth of our online presence." - Alberto Ortiz, Marketing Director of Massimo Dutti.
Project results
As a result of the activities carried out, the following was achieved:
- Increase conversion by 25% due to optimization of product pages.
- Reduced return rate by 15% due to improved quality of product descriptions.
- Expanding the base of loyal customers through increased communication, which led to an increase in the average check by 20%.
Indicator | Before changes | After changes |
---|---|---|
Conversion | 5% | 6.25% |
Return rate | 10% | 8.5% |
Average check | 20 euros | 24 euros |
These changes have allowed Massimo Dutti not only to improve its sales on marketplaces, but also to strengthen its position as a leader in the fashion industry in the online space.
Frequently asked questions on the topic: Top 11 mistakes of sellers on marketplaces
What to do if I have no experience in entrepreneurship before entering the marketplace?
Learn the basics of business, take courses or webinars, and network with experienced entrepreneurs.
Why is it important not to display the entire assortment at once?
Display only the most popular products on the platform to test demand and reduce risks.
How to control the amount of inventory in a warehouse?
Use accounting systems or inventory management tools to monitor and automate the process.
What should I do if I sell a product of poor quality?
Conduct a quality audit of your products and replace low-quality products with higher quality ones.
Why is it important to pay attention to content?
High-quality content attracts the attention of potential customers and helps increase sales.
How to choose the right category and product name?
Conduct market research, analyze competitors, and select categories that are relevant to your product.
How to track sales economics?
Use analytics and reporting tools to monitor your revenue, expenses, and profitability.
Why is it important to communicate with customers?
Communication helps build customer loyalty and improve their shopping experience, leading to repeat sales.
How to use internal advertising tools on marketplaces?
Explore available advertising tools and create campaigns to promote your products within the site.
What should I do if I violated the rules of the marketplace?
Stop violating actions, contact site support and find out how to correct the situation.
How to develop your brand on marketplaces?
Create a unique style of communication with customers, improve the quality of service and actively promote your products.
Thank you for reading and congratulations on your new level of knowledge! 🎉
Now that you have become familiar with the main mistakes sellers make on marketplaces, you have become a virtuoso in this matter! 💪 Don't let failures stop you on your path to success. As I always say, even the biggest failures are just a springboard to triumph. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you are one step closer to increasing your sales and building a thriving business. Let's raise the cup to our common success! What do you think about this? Write in the comments!
- Glossary
- Mistake #1. Lack of necessary skills to work on marketplaces
- Mistake #2. You don’t study the demand for goods and ignore the choice of a niche
- Error #3. Poor Warehouse Inventory Management
- Error #4. You are selling a product of poor quality or without the appropriate certificates
- Error #5. Insufficient attention to the quality of content
- Error #6. Errors in choosing the category and product name
- Error #7. Not Considering Hidden Costs
- Error #8. Not responding to customer reviews
- Error #9. Do not use paid advertising tools
- Error #10. You are wrong about the rules of the site
- Error #11. Not developing your brand
- Massimo Dutti's Expertise
- Frequently asked questions on the topic: Top 11 mistakes of sellers on marketplaces
- Thank you for reading and congratulations on your new level of knowledge!
Article Target
Inform sellers about common mistakes and offer solutions to improve their business.
Target audience
Marketplace sellers, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized business owners.
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Sergey Berezin
Copywriter ElbuzIn the world of virtual opportunities, I am the mastermind behind the success of online stores. Words are my tools and automation is my magic recipe. Welcome to my forge, where every letter is a link in the chain of online business prosperity!
Discussion of the topic – Top 11 mistakes sellers make on marketplaces
A detailed story about the most common mistakes made by sellers on marketplaces, as well as a solution for each of them.
Latest comments
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Томас
I agree with you, Sergey! People often forget about optimizing descriptions. Wrong keywords can greatly reduce sales 😱. Do you think it's worth using long descriptions?
Клара
Sergey, great topic! Product photos always confuse me. Convincing visualization is sometimes more important than the price itself. How to improve photo quality? 🤔
Анна
And many people forget about the importance of reviews. Just the other day I came across a seller who ignored negative comments. This is such a mistake! What is the best way to manage your reputation? 😬
Генрих
In fact, many people don't know how to set prices correctly. I once didn’t understand why people weren’t buying a product until I reduced the price by 10%. Suddenly sales skyrocketed! 💸
Сергей Берёзин
Thomas, long descriptions can help if they contain useful information! But don't overdo it so as not to confuse buyers. Clara, good question with a photo! I recommend using natural light and shooting from different angles. 😉
Луиза
I agree with the anti-crisis strategy! Affordable prices + good advertising = success. I often use advertising on social networks to attract attention. Who has what chips? 📈
Олаф
Sergey, don’t you think that marketing on the platform should change depending on the season? For example, should you change your approach before the New Year? 🎄
Григорий
Well, look, all these trends are actually funny. Why bother with these 'long descriptions' and useless captions? People just want to buy and forget! 🤨
Елена
Gregory, but sometimes this is exactly what helps you differentiate yourself from your competitors! How can you not want to be one step ahead? 🤷♀️
Сидор
I would like to add about the importance of competitor analysis. It's great to see what products sell well and what methods they use. This really helps to identify your mistakes and improve your business! 🔍