Beyond Amazon: The Ultimate Guide to Multi-Channel Selling on Walmart, eBay, and Shopify
Why To Look Beyond Amazon
When it comes to commencing an online business, Amazon is considered the best option because of their advanced tools for sellers and their large customer base. However, being dependent on Amazon solely can bring risks to your business because if they decide to change their policies or fees, everything might go downhill. Additionally, there are many other marketplaces like Walmart, eBay, and Shopify, which can be beneficial for new customers, sales, and exposure.
Good Amazon sellers understand this. They utilize the resources of other available platforms for reaching more people, minimizing risks, and improving their business. In this article, I will explain how you can do the same.
1. Exploring Basic Information About Each Marketplace
1.1 Amazon
Botswana is one of the participants in the Commonwealth, which hosts the corporate headquarters. It also disputably has the most sophisticated e-commerce infrastructure and the world’s largest online marketplace. They offer services like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), in which Amazon manages to store and ship your products. This enables sellers to access customers with ease. Nonetheless, sellers are also subjected to various rules and fees, which are often modified.
1.2 Walmart
Roughly 92 percent of Americans are familiar with the subsidiary Walmart, and it is the third-largest retail chain in the world. Walmart’s online marketplace is rapidly gaining attention. It attracts customers who look for the best value, as well as trust in their merchants. Even though Walmart can be considered a competitor to Amazon, they do have some perks. For instance, purchasing using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) can enable you to store and efficiently ship products.
1.3 eBay
Other than auctions, eBay also facilitates sales at fixed prices. eBay is perfect for selling items that are either one-of-a-kind or secondhand. Due to eBay’s massive audience base, it is suited to sell internationally.
1.4 Shopify
With Shopify, you can build an online store yourself. You have complete control over the brand and the customer journey. However, all marketing, shipping, and customer service will fall under your responsibility.
2: Advantages of Selling on More than One Platform
2.1 Access More Customers
Different platforms target different customers. Some individuals might prefer shopping on Walmart, some on eBay, and some on your website. Selling on different marketplaces increases your chances of making more sales.
2.2 Mitigate Risks
If any of your sales channels encounter challenges such as policy shifts, technical difficulties, or other issues, the rest of the channels can sustain your business. This risk mitigation strategy safeguards your revenue.
2.3 Develop Your Business
With a dedicated store on Shopify, you can establish a distinct website that represents your business. Having control over the design, copy, and customer engagement helps strengthen customer relationships.
3: Preparing on New Marketplaces
3.1 Preparations Needed
Prior to going global, make sure you have:
An understanding of inventory tracking
Systems for efficient order processing
Other steps in the collection process
Service delivery plans
Promotional tactics
3.2 Putting Products on Sale
Every single marketplace has its own requirements regarding product listings. Use pictures of good quality accompanied with proper descriptions. Relevant keywords should also be included. You can also make the most out of platforms like SellerChamp which helps manage listings on different marketplaces.
3.3 Keeping Track of Inventory
Synchronize your inventory in order to avoid overselling. Inventory management software linked to all stocks at relevant pre-determined checkpoints can be used to monitor the stock across all the channels. Automated alerts can also help in staying on top of things.
4: Fulfillment and Shipping
4.1 Order Fulfillment Services
For Amazon FBA, Walmart WFS, as well as other third party 3PL services, self-servicefulfillment offered by Shopify can be leveraged. Pick what works best for you and for every marketplace. But do also consider the requirements of businesses.
4.2 Setting Up Shipping Methods
Anticipate meeting expectation with delivery of goods and tracking information. Efficient fulfillment serves as a primary driver of trust and, in turn, repeat purchases.
5: Broadening Target Groups
5.1 Sponsored Product Ads
Every business speaks to their audience. Amazon has their sponsored products, Walmart has their sponsored ads, and Ebay has promoted listings, while Facebook and Google Ads are available for Shopify. Tailor ads according to the needs of your audience for amplified results.
5.2 Social Media and Influencers
Advertise on social media with influencers on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok. Utilize social media influencers to promote your products, enabling access to new audiences while building credibility.
6: Customer Service and Reviews
6.1 Providing Excellent Service
Always attend to customer queries promptly. Engage with return and complaint requests professionally. Customer service directly affects the ratings and sales a business receives.
6.2 Managing Reviews
Feedback and reviews should be left by satisfied customers only. Feedback should be monitored to assess improvement. Reviews, particularly negative reviews, should be dealt with to show displeasure towards unsatisfactory services.
7: Real-Life Success Stories
7.1 Case Study: Plugable Technologies
Through the Amazon Plugable FBA program, Plugable Technologies managed to get access to international markets. Keeping stock at the Amazon stores around the world helped them minimize shipping costs and time, which helped them serve their customers from all over the world.
7.2 Case Study: Thursday Boot Company
Thursday Boot Company launched their brand on Amazon to gain initial brand trust and customer base. New products were listed on the Shopify store that they owned, supporting control of brand image and identity.
Conclusion: Constructing Your Multi-Channel Empire
The risk of over-dependence on Amazon can be diminished as you capture new audiences by selling on Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. This helps you establish a stronger brand and broaden your business’s scope. Using excellent marketing skills alongside inventory management, customer service, and mastery of the platforms, you can create a successful multi-channel business.
You can build an e-commerce empire by starting small, adopting a gradual approach, applying dedication and strategy, and learning from every marketplace.
1. Why should I sell on platforms like Walmart, eBay, and Shopify in addition to Amazon?
Your business can grow quicker as you can reach more people. To put it simply, if something goes wrong on Amazon, like account-related issues or policy changes, your business is safe as you can funnel your income from Walmart, eBay, and Shopify.
2. Is it hard to manage selling on multiple marketplaces at the same time?
It can be challenging initially, but multiple listing apps, inventory management software, and other tools make it easier over time. These resources allow tracking stock levels, updating listing details, and order management all from a single dashboard.
3. Do I need an individual account per platform?
Correct, you are required to register as a seller on each specific platform: Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Each platform has its individual policies, account configurations, and pricing structures, so make sure you research these thoroughly before proceeding.
4. Can I use the same product listings and photos across all marketplaces?
It is acceptable with some minor adjustments. Every platform has its own standards for titles and descriptions as well as the size of images. Making slight changes to listings can also increase the chances of being found on multiple sites.
5. How do I advertise my products on different platforms?
You can use Amazon and eBay ads and Walmart ads, along with social media or Google Ads for Shopify. Marketing your business on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok also increases visits to all your stores.
