Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon and Etsy are some of the many online marketplaces where you may want your products to appear. Industry marketplaces like Home Depot and Lowe’s are able to access a wide variety of buyers, including construction companies and contractors. Meanwhile, sites like Etsy and Amazon are ideal if you’re trying to reach DIYers and other consumer buyers.
Each marketplace has its own process for setting up your store. Home Depot requires you to submit an application, whereas Amazon makes it as easy as registering for an account and submitting documents to confirm your company’s status before you can make a listing.
If you’re considering an online marketplace instead of or in addition to an ecommerce store, take the time to understand the marketplace’s demographics, fees and return policies.
The bulkier and heavier your products, the more you will pay for warehouse storage, packaging and shipping fees. If you intend to store your inventory at your own warehouse and ship directly to the buyer, consider the logistical and technical complications, along with aspects like processing time.