In recent years, there has been an unprecedented surge in online shopping by Indian consumers. Both B2C and B2B verticals have witnessed the growth of online selling platforms where sellers find suitable buyers for their products and services. An increasing number of entrepreneurs are vying for the opportunity to make big money from this e-commerce boom.Â
But the key to successful online selling is choosing the right website from India. Registering on the right platform will help you expedite sales, reach a wider audience, and grow your business. A comprehensive understanding of your target audience, products/services, operational requirements, marketing priorities, and budget will aid your quest for an apt e-commerce platform.
Steps to Choose the Best Online Selling Platform from India
Choosing the right online marketplace from India can be complicated for new or existing sellers who want to switch from their traditional format to online selling. To ensure you don’t falter on this monumental decision, proceed sequentially with the following steps:
- Define your Online Selling Needs and Goals- What kind of goods or services do you wish to sell? Who is your target audience? What is your targeted sales volume and profit margin? What are your immediate and long-term goals associated with online selling? What is your competitive edge? List down all your business goals before starting to compare platform options.
- Assess the Reputation and User Base of Leading Online Marketplaces– Ideally, the best online selling platform from India should be the one with the largest customer base. But the average user’s profile on the platform should be in sync with your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP). Furthermore, online sellers should avoid being listed on e-commerce sites with dubious reputations.Â
- Find out about the Onboarding Fees and Commission Structure– Once you have drawn up your budget, look for affordable online platforms that provide value for money. Ideally, opt for an e-commerce marketplace that doesn’t control seller prices and charges them only when their products sell.Â
- Understand the Digital Marketing and Promotional Capabilities of Shortlisted Platforms– Given the cutthroat competition in Indian e-commerce today, hundreds of sellers are already selling the products and services you intend to sell online. Every online marketplace provides marketing resources and promotional tools to its sellers. Identify the already successful sellers in your niche and map their digital marketing practices to strategise better.
- Adjudge the Service Standards– The level of customer support is a significant consideration for any e-commerce service provider. Customer support can make or break the reputation of your business. Review online service reviews and ratings across various digital forums and channels to get a clear picture.
- Enquire about the Platform’s Payment and Shipping Options– Both payment security and payment mode diversification are essential considerations for online sellers. The best e-commerce platforms ensure that all payments are securely credited to the merchant account within two working days. Moreover, hassle-free shipping is a must if you wish to build a loyal customer base. Always opt for reliable and cost-effective shipping service providers.
- Go through the Analytics and Reporting Tools– Data analytics is helping businesses become faster, leaner, and far more productive than ever before. Most leading online marketplaces equip sellers with insightful data and various analytics and reporting plugins. Adjudge their productivity to choose the right platform.
Conclusion
Building an e-commerce site from scratch requires immense technical expertise and experience. Most online startups and regional sellers lack the resources, expertise, or manpower to do so. Online selling platforms like eBay India eCommerce, Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, and Etsy India are pre-equipped with all the necessary resources for sellers to reach customers and start selling online. But choosing the wrong platform can adversely affect sales, deteriorate brand reputation, and even cause operational hassles. Careful consideration of the above points can help Indian sellers identify and join the best online marketplace for exponential growth and profitability.
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