The world of digital commerce is a complex and vast field. Especially since we generally use English terms in this sector, instead of French. We can cite for example Growth Marketing, local content marketing, Search Engine Optimization, or SEO… So, to better help you, we will explain in detail another anglicism of the digital marketing sector: the marketplace. Translated as "marketplace", this sector is booming now, and more and more companies are interested in selling on a marketplace.
The marketplace: a connection between supply and demand
By definition, a market is a place where the buyer and the seller come to exchange. It is on this same principle that e-commerce and marketplaces have been developed. However, unlike the physical marketplace, a marketplace is a virtual place, ie a website, where sellers offer several products that any consumer can order online.
In physical stores, if the seller wants to sell a product, they will have to pay rent. On the other hand, in a marketplace, the registration of the product on the sales platform is generally free, but a service fee - in the form of commissions - will be charged when a sale has been made. Among the marketplace leaders, we can mention Amazon, Cdiscount, and eBay.
In the beginning, the fact of selling on the marketplace concerned only professional transactions (BtoB), in other words, the putting in the relationship between one or more buyers and professional suppliers. However, in recent years, the definition of the marketplace has changed slightly, extending in particular to the sale of professionals to individuals (BtoC) and also between individuals (CtoC).
How are transactions carried out on a marketplace?
 
To easily understand the mechanism of the online market, we will take you step by step through how to sell on a marketplace .
For example, if you want to list a $ 10 product on the marketplace, ask for a 20% profit margin and the marketplace charges you a 10% service fee. As a result, the listing price for your product will be € 13.2, including € 10 for the cost, € 2 for profit and € 1.2 for the marketplace commission.

When you register your product on a marketplace, you will therefore offer it at € 13.2;
After that, the buyer will look for your product and when he finds it, he places the order on the marketplace;
If the purchase is concluded, the buyer makes the payment of € 13.2 (this amount is paid directly to the marketplace);
When you have accepted the order, it must be prepared for delivery;
After that, the logistics partner of the marketplace will collect the product from you and deliver it to the buyer;
Once the buyer receives the product, the marketplace transfers the € 12 to you and retains € 1.2 as a fee.

In all, the principle is therefore very simple, but you should know that the percentage of commissions may vary depending on the product.
What are the advantages of selling on a marketplace?
 
Currently, more and more companies are moving towards marketplaces. This is because buyers prefer this type of market to find what they need on a daily basis, but also because it makes it easier to promote a business. To better explain you, here are the main advantages of selling on a marketplace  for your business:

It is an additional source of income;
It allows you to quickly promote your brand or business, while reducing marketing costs;
It allows better management of stocks and prices;
It allows your business to be profitable 24/7;
It generates trust with your customers;
It allows you to easily develop your business internationally.

In short, selling on marketplaces is the best alternative if you want to develop your business quickly and sustainably. On the other hand, be aware that it also has drawbacks. So, if you want to get into this market, we advise you to use a specialized web agency. For this, you can contact the C2Corner team  ! We offer you personalized web solutions to boost your sales in a secure way, on a marketplace.