Why combining Online Marketplaces with your own shop is the smartest move for Aussie Small Businesses.
If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably heard how online marketplaces – like eBay, Amazon, and Catch – are helping Aussie brands reach customers nationwide. But you might be wondering: Should I focus on marketplaces, or is my own store still important? The latest Australia Post eCommerce Report offers great insight into this question. The answer is: you don’t have to choose, using both is a winning strategy!
Australia Post eCommerce Report 2025 – Category insights
What are online marketplaces and why are they so popular?
Online marketplaces are big websites where many sellers list products for shoppers to browse and buy. Aussies love these sites because they’re convenient and full of options. In fact, nearly one-third of all online spending in Australia now happens through a marketplace, according to Australia Post.
Popular online marketplaces in Australia include:
Why should small businesses use marketplaces?
Reach more customers
Marketplaces put your products in front of thousands of shoppers, even if they’ve never heard of your business before!
Easy start
No need to build your own store to test demand. Just set up an account, upload photos, and you’re ready to sell.
Making buying easy
Shoppers trust familiar marketplaces for payment security and delivery support.
Want to learn more about getting your business online? Check out our step-by-step guide: Starting an online store: where to begin.
But don’t give up on your own shop!
Marketplaces are a great way to grow, but having your own eCommerce store (built with Little Big Shop, of course!) still gives you lots of advantages:
- Complete control: Set your own rules, pricing, and look – plus, you don’t risk having your listings hidden or removed.
- Better profits: Avoid high commissions or unexpected fees that marketplaces may take from every sale. Read about selling for profit for more tips!
- Brand building: Customers remember your brand and story, not just the big marketplace’s name.
- Customer relationships: Connect directly, offer loyalty rewards, and create your own special deals with customers.
- Repeat business: Bring happy marketplace shoppers to your own site for exclusive items or better deals.
The best of both worlds: be “multi-channel”
The most successful small businesses use a “multi-channel” approach:
- Use marketplaces to reach new customers and test new products;
- Direct customers to your own Little Big Shop store for a unique brand experience and special deals;
- Keep your marketing and communication under your control.
Simple steps to succeed
- Start with bestsellers: Pick your highest – rated or fastest – selling products for marketplaces.
- Use consistent branding: Great photos and clear descriptions across both your marketplace and your shop.
- Encourage repeat visits: Add flyers or thank-you notes to marketplace orders inviting customers to shop direct.
- Test, learn, adjust: Use marketplace sales trends to find new products or refine your shop’s offering.
- Keep stock in sync: Make sure you keep an eye on stock levels across both your own shop and marketplaces. Our inventory tips make this easier!
Online marketplaces are busier than ever in Australia, according to Australia Post’s report. But the best way to grow your business is to use both a marketplace and your very own online store – built with Little Big Shop – so your brand and profits are truly yours.
Need more help going multi-channel? Browse the Little Blog of Big Ideas for ongoing eCommerce tips, or contact us to chat!
