7 Benefits Of Multi-Channel Selling

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From reaching new customer segments to taking advantage of different marketing opportunities, listing and selling on multiple e-commerce marketplaces can be a boon for your business. The major upside to multi-channel selling is that it can skyrocket your sales — especially if you find that you’ve hit a plateau.

In fact, listing on at least 3 marketplaces could bring in a whopping 156% more sales than if you’re listing on only one marketplace. Ready to learn more? Read on!

7 benefits of cross listing your inventory across multiple channels

There are many reasons to list and sell your products on several online marketplaces as opposed to a single sales channel. Perhaps the most obvious reason is to reach a larger audience and increase sales. In fact, 74% of sellers who use more than one sales channel see a definite increase in sales.

But there are several other advantages to multi-channel selling as well, which we cover in detail below.

Note: We use the terms “cross listing” and “multi-channel selling” interchangeably.

1. Testing out new markets

Cross listing can be a great way to test out new markets and see which ones are the best fit for your business. You can experiment with different e-commerce pricing strategies and product descriptions to see what works best in each marketplace.

This can help you fine-tune your selling strategy and find the platform that gives you the most success.

Have any new products that you’ve been wanting to add to your product line, but are unsure about how well they would sell? Multi-channel selling is a great way to experiment with this! Start by introducing your new item to a single marketplace to see how well it performs.

2. Increased visibility

When you list on multiple marketplaces, your products become more visible to potential customers. This can lead to increased traffic to your listings and, ultimately, more sales.

In fact, most shoppers need to see an item multiple times before converting and buying from you. 46.7% of sales begin with searches on online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy as opposed to Google.

Say you sell bespoke scented candles on Shopify and a potential customer sees your ad on Instagram. They may not click through to your Shopify store and browse further based on that one ad.

However, perhaps they also come across your products on Amazon, Etsy and Poshmark during their search. Seeing your product multiple times across more than one platform makes your product visible and increases the odds of you making the sale.

3. Access to new customer segments

Today’s online shoppers are savvier than ever before. They know what they want and they have preferred platforms to shop these products on. If you want to reach them, you need to be visible on the platforms they’re engaging with.

Each marketplace has its own unique customer base so by listing on multiple online platforms, you can reach new customers who might not otherwise find your products.

Consider social media platforms like Instagram, too. No longer reserved just for being social, they are also becoming popular sales channels.

If you have any niche items that you’ve been sitting on as well, expanding the platforms you sell on can help you sell them! Why? Because, certain products might not sell well on some platforms, but might have a very high demand on others.

4. Increased credibility

Having your products listed on multiple marketplaces can give you a boost in credibility. Potential customers may view you as more established and trustworthy if they see that you’re selling on multiple platforms and are backed by reputable online marketplaces. 

A study by DigitalCommerce found that 65% of shoppers are willing to buy from an unknown brand if they are selling via an online marketplace as opposed to their own online store.

5. Diversify your risk

When you list your products on multiple marketplaces, you safeguard your business against unforeseen issues such as marketplace bans, account suspensions, payment issues, a major update affecting your traffic or business model, or platforms collapsing entirely.

If one marketplace experiences a downturn, you can rely on the others to keep your business afloat.

Let’s say you only sell on Etsy and someone unfairly reports a listing. Your account could be suspended or even terminated, which could spell the end of your business.

If you were selling on Etsy, eBay and Amazon, however, you would feel the financial pinch far less than if you had all your eggs in one basket. This diversification protects you from fluctuations in any one market.

6. The ability to target niche markets

When you start looking at all the online marketplaces out there for you to sell on, you’ll notice many serve specific niche markets. Here are the niches the most popular online marketplaces tend to cater for:

Etsy

Etsy is a marketplace that focuses on unique, handmade, and vintage items. The site has been particularly popular with artists and crafters who sell handmade goods, vintage finds, and craft supplies.

Etsy has also become a popular platform for selling wedding items and decor, as well as children’s toys and clothing. So, if you’re a creative entrepreneur, tap into the Etsy market!

Amazon

Amazon is a massive online retailer that sells a wide variety of items, from books and electronics to clothing and home goods. While Amazon does cater to many different niche markets, there are some it is particularly well-known for.

One of the most popular things to sell on Amazon is books. Books are one of the original items that Amazon sold when it first started out as an online bookstore back in 1995.

Today, you can still find a huge selection of both new and used books on Amazon, making it a great place for book lovers to shop.

Another big market that Amazon caters to is the world of electronic consumer goods. You can find everything from laptops and tablets to TVs and digital cameras on Amazon, often at very competitive prices.

Sellers on Amazon also sell a lot of small electronic items like phone cases and batteries, which makes them a go-to destination for many people looking to buy these kinds of products.

eBay

eBay is a marketplace that enables people to buy and sell goods and services worldwide. eBay has something for everyone, be it new or used items, rare or common items, or anything in between. So, no matter what niche your products fall under, you can count on eBay to get you some sales.

Some of the niche markets that eBay caters to include:

• Collectibles: eBay is a great place to sell collectibles, including items like coins, stamps, comics and more.
• Sneakers: eBay is particularly famous for sneaker reselling. People flock here to get their hands on designer and limited-edition sneakers.
• Fashion: You can sell new and used clothing, shoes, accessories and more on eBay. There’s also a huge market for vintage and designer fashion.
• Electronics: Whether a buyer is looking for the latest gadgets or trying to find a good deal on used electronics, eBay has them covered with its vast array of gadget resellers. You can also sell parts and components for electronic projects.
• Home & Garden: From furniture to appliances to home décor, you can sell just about anything home-related. And if you’re looking to sell garden supplies, the platform caters to those as well.
• Toys & Games: Kids (and adults!) love toys and games! You can sell everything from dolls and action figures to board games and video games on eBay.

Learn everything you need to know about how to sell on eBay with our comprehensive guide for sellers.

Poshmark

Poshmark is a fashion marketplace that connects buyers and sellers who are looking to buy and sell new and used clothing, shoes, and accessories. The company offers a variety of niche markets, including plus-size fashion, petite fashion, vintage clothing and designer brands.

Plus-size fashion is one of the fastest growing segments of the retail market, and Poshmark provides an easy way for plus-size women to find stylish clothing in their size range.

The petite market is another growing segment, as more women are searching for clothes that fit their smaller frame.

Poshmark also has a large selection of vintage clothing and designer brands, which appeal to customers who are looking for unique or hard-to-find items.

Learn the ins and outs of how to sell on Poshmark with our ultimate guide for sellers.

Next to Poshmark, there is also Depop which caters to Gen Z’ers looking for vintage clothing. See how they stack up: Depop vs Poshmark: Which Is The Best Resale Platform?

Vinted

Vinted is a marketplace for second-hand fashion, where people can buy and sell clothing, shoes and accessories. There are several different types of buyers on Vinted, which can be broadly categorized into three main niches:

1. Vintage/thrift shoppers: These are people who enjoy buying second-hand items, often for the lower price point or for the unique style that vintage clothing can offer. Vintage shoppers may also be interested in supporting sustainable fashion practices by buying pre-owned items instead of new ones.
2. Fashionistas on a budget: These users are looking for designer or high-end brands at a fraction of the retail price. They might be students, young professionals, or anyone else who wants to look stylish without breaking the bank.
3. Pregnancy/new motherhood: Many users join Vinted during pregnancy or after having a baby, when their bodies have changed and they need a new wardrobe that better fits their new shape. This group is also interested in saving money on maternity clothes that will only be worn for a few months (or less!).

Thinking about selling on Vinted? Then check out our Vinted review to figure out whether it’s the right platform for you.

Mercari

Mercari is a mobile commerce platform that connects buyers and sellers interested in new and used goods. The company offers a convenient and easy-to-use solution for people who want to declutter their homes or earn extra money by selling unwanted items.

Mercari primarily caters to two types of niche markets: (1) those who want to declutter their homes every once in a while, and (2) those who want to consistently earn extra money by selling unwanted items.

The first group includes people who are looking to get rid of unused or unwanted items taking up space in their homes. Mercari offers an easy way for these individuals to sell their belongings and clear out some clutter.

The company also provides free shipping labels, so sellers don’t have to worry about the hassle or cost of shipping their items.

The second group of customers Mercari targets are people who want to create an online business selling new and used items. This could include clothes, shoes, electronics, toys, sports equipment and home decor.

Mercari provides an easy platform for these individuals to list and sell their items without having to deal with the hassle of setting up a garage sale or meeting strangers in person.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a platform that allows users to buy and sell items within their local community. There are a variety of different niche markets that Facebook Marketplace caters to, including:

• Art & Collectibles: Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find unique art and collectibles from around the world.
• Electronics: From phones and tablets to laptops and cameras, you can find just about any type of electronic device on Facebook Marketplace.
• Furniture & Home Goods: If you’re in the market for new furniture or home goods, then be sure to check out Facebook Marketplace. You’ll find everything from couches and coffee tables to appliances and decor.

Further reading: How To Sell On Facebook Marketplace: The Ultimate Guide

7. Piggybacking off the platform’s marketing efforts

Most online marketplaces put a lot of money towards their marketing efforts. You can use this to your advantage by leveraging their credibility to boost your odds of making sales.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when trying to latch onto an online marketplace’s marketing efforts:

First and foremost, it is important to understand the platform on which the marketplace operates. What kind of users does it attract? What do they care about? What kinds of content perform well on the platform?

Answering these questions will give you a good foundation for creating your own marketing strategy that is tailored to the specific marketplace.

Secondly, take some time to study the marketplace’s existing marketing efforts. What do they do well? What could be improved?

Identifying both the strong and weak points of their marketing will help you create a more effective strategy of your own.

By learning from the online marketplaces you are listing on, you can create strong, focused marketing messages to attract the right buyer to your store. Here is a brief overview of some of the benefits to multi-channel selling:

Automate multi-channel selling with Crosslist

Now that you understand the many benefits of cross listing on multiple sales channels, you’re probably wondering just how to go about selling on more than one marketplace without spending all your time and energy on the process. That’s a completely valid question. 

Luckily, there’s a solution that will make it super easy for you: automating the process using a cross listing app like Crosslist. 

Cross listing is the process of using a software to post your listings on multiple platforms for you. This greatly reduces your time and effort while simultaneously increasing your sales.

Let’s say you’re using Crosslist because you want to expand your presence to 2 more marketplaces. All you’ll need to do is create a new listing on Crosslist, fill out the form, and select all the 3 marketplaces you want to sell on. That’s it! Our software will automatically post your listings on all platforms. 

This way, you don’t need to manually post your listings to each site, nor do you need to spend thrice the amount of time and effort into expanding, saving you a TON of time. 

Moreover, Crosslist also helps you import your existing inventory in bulk, lets you access and manage your inventory from a single dashboard, and even helps you generate entire product descriptions through its AI add-on. It’s basically a virtual assistant in software form.

Bottom line: Cross listing through a tool like Crosslist helps you expand your presence and increase your revenue without having to increase the amount of time you spend reselling. 

Key takeaway

Selling on multiple channels provides you with a number of advantages and benefits, including increased reach, efficient marketing strategies, brand equity and tapping into niche markets.

This strategy is essential to success in today’s competitive marketplace. You can maximize your sales and profits by taking advantage of all the selling channels available to you.

And when you decide to expand your sales channels, don’t forget to get the help of Crosslist!