Section 5: Sell Your Product

Ecommerce Fundamentals | LinkedIn Courses

Create Your Own Store

Operating your own online store offers significant advantages over selling solely on third-party marketplaces. Key benefits include:

  • Higher Profit Margins: Retain more revenue by avoiding third-party fees (typically 3–15%).
  • Full Brand Control: Manage discounts, shipping, returns, and customer experience directly.
  • Customer Relationship Ownership: Collect emails, provide personalized service, and access purchasing data for upselling opportunities.
  • Business Stability: Avoid dependence on external platforms that may change policies, fees, or remove products.

To get started, explore platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. LinkedIn Learning offers full courses on each.

Sell on Marketplaces

Online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy offer visibility and streamlined operations. Benefits include:

  • Massive Reach: Over 50% of product searches start on Amazon.
  • Fulfillment & Support Services: Outsource shipping and customer service with programs like Amazon FBA.
  • Sales Tax Automation: In some regions, marketplaces manage tax collection and remittance.

Downsides include limited access to customer data and higher fees. Merchants are advised to build retention through warranty registrations, loyalty programs, or affiliate offers. Evaluate costs thoroughly—advertising, fulfillment, and platform fees can reduce margins. Marketplaces should be used strategically to complement your own site.


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