In an article that appears in our latest e-info magazine for online sellers, Will Bowes of Linnworks looks at some lesser known online marketplaces to explore in 2016.
With so many countries to sell in and online marketplaces to sell on, where to start? Here are a few marketplaces you may never have heard of.
Originating from France, but operating across most of Europe, FNAC is a massive opportunity for anyone already selling overseas in the Eurozone. Initially an electronics retailer, they have recently opened up categories in fashion, sports and home goods.
Highlights
• Operating across Europe
• Well established retail brand in France
• Massive customer base in France
Located in Poland, Allegro has grown to become a very popular online marketplace in Eastern Europe. With over 12 million registered users, it has a massive hold over many of the key eCommerce sectors in Poland.
Highlights
• Great for fashion brands with their separate Brand Zone channel
• Particular focus on ecommerce, which is growing by 22% year on year
• Poland has one of the fastest growing eCommerce industries in the world at the moment
Perfect for online fashion sellers, especially shoe retailers, Spartoo, originated in France and has expanded to operate in 30 European countries. Spartoo started as a retailer which has developed its own marketplace which now claims over 14 million visits a month to its website.
Highlights
• Recognised and trusted seller of fashion and shoe brands
• Operating in over 30+ countries
• Also have a UK based marketplace, Spartoo.co.uk
Founded in 1991 and primarily selling to the New Zealand and Australian markets, TradeMe has grown to become an integral part of the established eCommerce industries of both these countries. Mostly selling general goods, electronics and antiques & collectables, TradeMe has grown to become a lifestyle site by offering jobs, flatmate searches, motor vehicles and property.
Highlights
• TradeMe has become a major player in both New Zealand and Australia as these countries have grown to adopt eCommerce
• Around since 1999 so is already established and reliable
• TradeMe is 5th most visited site in New Zealand
South American Mercado Livre services Argentina, Brazil and the wider South American market. Part owned by eBay and now expanding into the Portuguese market, Mercado Livre offers a massive marketplace that is relatively untapped by European sellers.
Highlights
• By far the biggest online marketplace in the fast growing South American markets
• The main shareholder is eBay so format will be familiar to existing eBay sellers
• Low uptake by European sellers, meaning big opportunities for those that do
Will Bowes is the Marketing Manager at Linnworks, a UK based Order Management/Inventory Control system
Twitter: @Linnworks
Facebook: /Linnsystems