Why trading on marketplaces can be unprofitable for the seller

Look at the total of the order, not just the back

The marketplace provides access to an audience and infrastructure, for the use of which the seller pays according to the terms of the platform. For example, the official section “Tariffs” Wildberries describes the commission, cost of storage, delivery and return. The specific set of charges depends on the chosen work model.

Therefore, evaluating a channel based on one percent commission is not enough. The seller needs to compare actual revenue with cost, all site services and own costs. Current rates should be taken from your account and current conditions: there is no universal percentage of expenses for all goods.

When sales start to eat into margins

The risk is higher for goods with a small difference between the purchase and sale prices. If additional discounts or paid promotion are required to receive orders, the margin of profitability is reduced. At the same time, sales volume may increase, creating the impression of successful work.

Cancellations and returns require special attention. They change the result of an already attracted order and can add processing and transportation operations. Compare completed sales over a long enough period so that associated costs and adjustments are included in the calculation.

The cost of depending on someone else's storefront

In the general search results, the buyer can easily compare similar offers. If the store's difference lies in consultation, personal selection, or special packaging, demonstrating this value can be more difficult than simply lowering the price. Your own brand needs a channel where you can explain the benefits in detail.

Another management risk is the concentration of sales at one point. Changing the conditions or effectiveness of promotion requires recalculating the economy. Your own storefront creates an additional way to accept orders and allows you to test different scenarios for working with your audience.

How OzSauda.kz helps you sell directly

On onstore you can launch a website on your domain and applications under the store brand. Orders, customers, payment and delivery are combined in one system. Promotional codes, audience segments and purchase history help build repeat sales around your offer.

The platform does not take a commission from orders, but the seller pays for the chosen tariff and the operation of his channel: attracting customers, payment services, logistics and maintenance. Benefits arise when the total cost of a direct order is lower, and the quality of service allows you to retain the buyer. Compare tariffs onstore with actual business expenses.

How to make a decision without abruptly abandoning sales

The marketplace can remain a useful channel if its economics are positive. To test an alternative, select part of the assortment, set up your own showcase and compare the results on identical products. Evaluate not only the first order, but also repeat purchases.

• Calculate your revenue after all expenses for each channel.
• Separately consider attracting a new client and returns.
• Check the sensitivity of the result to discounts and cost increases.
• Develop direct sales where they support the benefits with numbers.