Course 6
Online marketplaces
Dropship without creating an e-commerce store. Many successful dropshippers choose to be third-party sellers on online marketplaces. Examples include Amazon, eBay, Allegro, Bol, and Carrefour.
What is an online marketplace?
An online marketplace, sometimes known as an electronic marketplace, is an ecommerce site. It is defined by two criteria:
- A wide variety of products available to purchase
- There are third-party sellers
This type of website allows consumers to browse a large number of products from many different sellers.
Why do consumers like online marketplaces?
Digital shoppers enjoy using online marketplaces for these reasons:
- It's easy to compare products
- It saves times searching for the best deal
- Products have to pass quality standards and delivery times
- A larger choice of products
- The option to buy from overseas sellers
- Bigger online marketplaces can offer better discounts
Why sell via online marketplaces?
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Dropshipping with Amazon
As of 2023, Amazon has more than 185 warehouses globally and operates in over 23 countries across five continents. In 2022, Amazon reported in their blog that it had 300 million active users. The American retailer hit USD 514 billion in 2022 in net sales worldwide, according to Statista.
New dropshipping rules
Recent changes in Amazon's terms and conditions in 2023 state specific rules for Fulfilment By Merchant (FBM) sellers. These are:
- You must be the seller of records that appear on packing slips, invoices, and external packaging. It is strictly prohibited for any other name or company branding to be used that isn't listed as the seller of record.
- Remove any packing slips, invoices, or external packaging that identifies a third-party dropshipper prior to shipping the customer order.
- You must be responsible for accepting and processing customer returns.
- Comply with Amazon's seller agreement policies (check for your specific country).
Further reading:
Steps for setting up an Amazon store in the UAE
Amazon Prime Day: What it means for your dropshipping store and how to take advantage of it
Dropshipping with ManoMano
ManoMano is a French online marketplace with a presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). It specialises in DIY, hardware, furniture, garden, sports equipment, and pet products.
According to their website, ManoMano has 50 million online visits each month and 7.3 million active DIY, home and garden customers (as of 2023).
To start dropshipping with ManoMano you need to create a selling account. These are the requirements for becoming a seller:
- You must sell DIY, home and garden goods
- Respond to customer messages within 24 hours
- Send tracking identifiers to customers
- A customer refund rate of less than 3%
- Offer competitive prices
- Submit 3 photos per product and description for the catalogue
- Non-EU sellers need a European tax code and sell from European or ManoMano warehouses
- UK sellers must have a UK tax code and sell from the UK or the EU
The ManoMano selling terms are dependent on the country:
- Payment of a monthly seller subscription
- Agree to the ManoMano commission rate (12-20%)
- Taxes are not included (price of the product plus shipping costs)
Create a seller account on the ManoMano website according to the country where you want to sell.
Further reading:
How to sell on ManoMano: An online marketplace guide
Dropshipping with Bol.com
Bol.com is a Dutch online marketplace with a presence in the Netherlands and Belgium. It sells books, music, toys, sports equipment, furniture, garden, baby, pet, and beauty products. According to their website, Bol.com has 13 million active customers, 35 million items online, and 52,000 sellers (as of 2023).
To start dropshipping with Bol.com you need to create a selling account. These are the requirements for becoming a seller:
- Be based in the EU
- Minimum sales potential of €500k in the first year
- Excellent record of sales in the international marketplace
- Offer customer service in Dutch
- Agree to use the Bol.com API to integrate products
Create a Bol.com seller account here.
Explore other online marketplaces
Besides Amazon, there are many popular online marketplaces, varying in each country. See which marketplaces to consider with our guides below. They compare the most-visited online marketplaces in Europe, Australia, and the UAE.
Top 7 Online Marketplaces in Italy (2023)
Unlock the potential of the Italian market with our guide to the top 7 online marketplaces in 2023. Discover the key platforms to start your dropshipping business in Italy.
Top 8 Online Marketplaces in Portugal (2023)
Tap into Portugal's thriving e-commerce scene with our guide to the top 8 online marketplaces in 2023. From pet furniture to home decor, we help to position your dropshipping business for success.
Top 9 Online Marketplaces in Spain (2023)
Navigate the dynamic Spanish e-commerce landscape with our guide to the top 9 online marketplaces in 2023. These platforms offer ideal opportunities for dropshippers.
Top 11 Online Marketplaces in the Netherlands (2023)
Maximize your presence in the Netherlands with our guide to the top 11 online marketplaces in 2023. From furniture to outdoor gear, these platforms are meant for your dropshipping venture.
Top 10 Online Marketplaces in France (2023)
Capture the French market with our guide to the top 10 online marketplaces in 2023. Tweak your dropshipping strategy to the French consumer on these influential platforms.
Top 4 Online Marketplaces in Austria (2023)
Seize opportunities in Austria with our guide to the top 4 online marketplaces in 2023. Whether selling home goods or niche products, these platforms cater to the Austrian consumer.
Top 8 Online Marketplaces in Germany (2023)
Thrive in Germany's e-commerce market with our guide to the top 8 online marketplaces in 2023. Strategically position your dropshipping business for success.
Top 7 Online Marketplaces in the UK (2023)
Gear up for dropshipping in the UK with our guide to the top 7 marketplaces in 2023. Gain insights into consumer trends and preferences to elevate your dropshipping game.
Top 7 Online Marketplaces in Australia (2023)
Explore the Australian market with our guide to the top 7 online marketplaces in 2023. Whether your niche is home decor or outdoor equipment, these platforms cater to all.
Top 16 Online Marketplaces in the UAE (2023)
Enter the UAE market with our guide to the top 16 e-commerce stores in 2023. Strategically market your products on platforms that resonate with luxury-oriented UAE consumer.
