Online marketplaces like Lazada, Shopee, and Carousell can help businesses enter eCommerce. Still, they tend to undermine the importance of building online stores.
If you want to build a brand and take your online business to the next level, then having an eCommerce website is necessary.
But don’t just take our word for it! Here’s evidence that explains why:
You Need A Shop, Not A Bazaar
Marketplaces like Lazada, Shopee, and Carousell are not website builders but listing platforms.
You don’t own anything except for your profile. Plus, you have to share customers with other sellers on the platform.
It’s like setting up a booth in a bazaar. Everything is just temporary.
Before we share with you the advantages of choosing an online store builder like Prosperna, here are some of the disadvantages of selling on online marketplaces:
- Lack of access and control to business processes.
- Highly competitive and lacking personalization tools.
- Customer information and loyalty belong to the platform.
- Buyers are prioritized over the sellers.
- Dealing with commission rates and transaction fees
While there’s nothing wrong with using these as added sales channels, they shouldn’t replace an online store because it’s apparent how they can limit your long-term growth.
Customer Loyalty Is Better Than Customer Acquisition
Retaining an existing customer can be up to 25x cheaper than it is to acquire a new one. It is because you don’t have to spend on advertisement and other marketing efforts continuously.
Here’s the thing…
Access to customer information is not usually available on online marketplaces because they serve as mediators between you and your customers.
Having an online store allows you to build a customer base and gives you the contact information you need to keep in touch with your customers and foster their loyalty.
With loyal customers, you can guarantee repeat business and an increase in profits by 95% compared to new customers.
Online marketplaces are useful for new customers to discover your business. But if you want to keep them in the long run, directing them to your online store secures that relationship.
Provide the Full Brand Experience
When you have your own online store, you have total control over what you want to do with it.
We’re talking about designs, features, and everything that represents your branding to your customers.
On the other hand, online marketplaces have little to no personalization features, making you look bland and generic to your target market.
Your eCommerce website empowers you to show your personality and directly transact with customers, creating the best shopping experience, service, and support.
Online store builders like Prosperna can even help you with all the technical stuff and any website customization you may have.
Have Business Freedom
Freedom is empowerment for businesses to make informed decisions.
Online marketplaces tend to have policy restrictions that may limit businesses with different principles. You can’t grow or branch out how you like because somebody else’s rules confine you.
By having your own eCommerce website, you can decide for your business without needing anyone else’s approval:
- Sell whatever you wish. (As long as it’s legal, of course.)
- Choose the type of customers you want to work with, whether consumers or other businesses.
- Add or remove as many products, payment options, and delivery methods as you please.
- Decide which sale promotions, discount codes, and loyalty rewards to gift your customers. (Encouraging repeat purchases!)
- Design the user flow and create a seamless experience for your customers, from browsing to post-purchase.
Stay Relevant and Engaged Everywhere
You’re probably tired of hearing this, but…
Content is – and always – will be king!
Selling on an online marketplace alone doesn’t give you the tools to create content with SEO.
If you don’t already know, SEO content is important in marketing to widen your reach, raise brand awareness, and engage with your customers.
While you can pay to boost and advertise your listings on different platforms — without shareable and relevant content, you’re relying on pure luck to make that sale.
That’s a gamble no business is willing to take, and no uninformed customers are eager to purchase.
By having your own website, you can provide valuable content to keep your audience engaged, build your authority, and make your brand top-of-mind.
Why Choose Prosperna Over Online Marketplaces FAQs
What is the difference between eCommerce websites and online marketplaces?
eCommerce websites give merchants complete control over design and functionality. Online marketplaces are third-party platforms wherein merchants can list their products.
Should I sell on marketplaces or on my own website?
The answer depends on your business goals, budget, and resources. That said, we recommend leveraging online marketplaces and connecting them to your website.
Final Word
Overall, there are many advantages to having an eCommerce website powered by Prosperna over selling on online marketplaces.
With your own Prosperna online store, you can control the branding, create a unique customer experience, and build customer loyalty. These are all essential factors in growing a successful business.
If you are serious about building a successful business, consider investing in your own Prosperna eCommerce website. (It’s free to start!)
Prosperna, Your Partner to eCommerce Success
Prosperna is an all-in-one eCommerce platform for Philippine businesses. We are on a mission to empower 100,000 Philippine MSMEs with simple and affordable eCommerce solutions.
In fact, we are super passionate about helping Philippine MSMEs we’re giving you a free account forever!
Want to start selling online? Create your free-forever Prosperna account now.
