That is why it is crucial to adopt strategies that allow exploiting different distribution and sales channels, capable of stimulating access to new and profitable markets. An example of this is the integration of e-commerce with marketplaces, a strategy that maximizes visibility and sales through consolidated and authoritative platforms.
Integrating your e-commerce business with marketplaces is not just a move potentially capable of increasing sales, but a true corporate strategy that can redefine the sustainability and growth of a company in the medium and long term. The most established platforms, such as Amazon, eBay, Shopify, PrestaShop, and WooCommerce, to name a few, offer unparalleled global visibility and represent not only a consolidated point of reference for millions of users, but also a valuable opportunity for companies wishing to expand their development prospects beyond national borders and sell products abroad.
The total cross-border e-commerce market in Europe, for example, according to a study by CB Commerce, reached a turnover of 265 billion euros in 2022: of this, 167 billion euros, or 63% of the total, was generated by marketplaces. Global data is even more encouraging: according to Mirakl, in recent years marketplaces have grown at double the rate of general e-commerce, while over the last two years, consumers choosing to purchase on major generalist platforms have increased by 35%. Therefore, being present on these platforms means not only having access to a vast customer base, but also benefiting from advanced technologies and efficient logistics networks.
The process of integrating an e-commerce business with marketplaces is an operation that consists of connecting your online store with larger platforms through sales and shipping automation processes, which can also include warehouse and stock management. Adopting this strategy can prove particularly profitable and transform the way a company positions itself and operates in the online market. Here are the main advantages.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Greater Exposure | Sites like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, PrestaShop, and WooCommerce attract millions of visitors a day, offering a global showcase that can be used to expose your products to a much wider audience than a single e-commerce site could normally reach. |
| Consumer Loyalty | Being present on an established marketplace can increase brand trust. Consumers tend to feel safer buying on known and reliable platforms, with intuitive journeys and clear, well-tested payment and product return methods. According to data provided by Amazon, users purchasing on the platform complete 28% of purchases in just 3 minutes and 50% in under 15 minutes. |
| Logistics Efficiency | Many marketplaces offer fulfillment options, which can relieve the logistical burden on selling companies—from warehouse management to returns management—allowing businesses to focus on their core business. |
| Access to New Markets | Integrating e-commerce with international marketplaces opens the doors to foreign markets without the need to establish a physical presence, thereby reducing entry barriers to new geographic areas. |
| Analytics and Data | Marketplaces, thanks to integrated management systems, provide access to a wide range of data that can help companies better understand customer preferences and behavior, allowing them to optimize offers and marketing strategies more effectively. |
Despite the obvious benefits, quite a few SMEs and artisanal businesses hesitate to take this step, often out of fear of losing brand identity or facing technical and management complexities without the necessary knowledge and resources. However, with the right tools and the support of specialized partners, integrating your e-commerce catalog with marketplaces can be managed effectively and help optimize not only sales processes, but also logistics operations. Let's examine the main steps to follow.
MBE eShip is the service dedicated to SMEs, startups, and artisans wishing to expand their business with multichannel strategies. Developed in both web and plug-in versions, it allows managing shipments from Amazon or eBay directly through a selected MBE Center. Compatible with major online sales platforms, easy to install, and monitor through a single dashboard, MBE eShip is the perfect solution for companies wishing to grow while keeping every stage of the process under control.
